Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc VACCHO is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was established in 1996. VACCHO is the peak Aboriginal health body representing 32 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Victoria. This page may contain images of deceased Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people.

This year wasn’t just shaped by outcomes. It was shaped by stories.Here are just a few initiatives we undertook this yea...
28/12/2025

This year wasn’t just shaped by outcomes. It was shaped by stories.

Here are just a few initiatives we undertook this year.

These small experiences, inspired by Community and our partners, remind us why we do what we do.

Swipe to see what change felt like in 2025.

Discover more of our impact this year → https://www.vaccho.org.au/impact/

21/12/2025

Did you know that melanoma rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians are similar to those of non-Indigenous Victorians?

So, whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard, stay sun safe - because skin cancer doesn't discriminate. Whenever the UV is 3 or above, protect yourself by using all five forms of sun protection:

👚 Wearing covering clothing – like a shawl, long-sleeves and collared shirts
🧴 Applying SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen and reapplying every 2 hours
👒 Putting on a hat
🌳 Seeking shade wherever you can
😎 Remembering your sunglasses
⛅ Checking the UV rating, even when it is cloudy.

Download the SunSmart app to stay up to date on the UV forecasts for your local area: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app

Introducing BLKTRX! A new online service directory has launched to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi...
19/12/2025

Introducing BLKTRX!

A new online service directory has launched to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria to find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), and su***de prevention services.

BLKTRX is Victoria’s first Aboriginal online mental health service directory that is created by Mob for Mob. It brings trusted support services together in one place, recognising that help is not one-size-fits-all.

Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, Elders or someone you care about, BLKTRX makes it easier to find services that feel right.

Head to blktrx.org.au

Your 2025 VACCHO Wrapped is in.It’s been a year (financial year, that is) of making a real, measurable difference in the...
19/12/2025

Your 2025 VACCHO Wrapped is in.

It’s been a year (financial year, that is) of making a real, measurable difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. Just like we did last year. Just like we’ll do next year.

How did we do it? By supporting Members to stay strong. Because when ACCOs stay strong, Communities stay strong.

In 2026, we’ll be back, energised, and ready to support Members and Community with more deadly projects in January.

We can’t wait.

Discover our impact in 2025 → https://www.vaccho.org.au/impact/

18/12/2025

If this time of year feels tough, reach out, have a yarn. Someone cares. A friend, a loved one, or a support service. You deserve to be heard, supported and connected.

Connection is prevention.

Head to BLKTRX to find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and su***de prevention services in your area now > blktrx.org.au/

17/12/2025

Food sovereignty was front and centre at VACCHO’s inaugural Food Connections Gathering on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in late November.

Across two days, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, ACCOs, and thought leaders came together to honour cultural food practices, exchange wisdom and map out a future where Community-led food solutions shape Victoria’s food systems.

From thought-provoking keynotes and panel discussions to illuminating yarning circles, throughout the Gathering, a clear message emerged: Aboriginal-led food solutions and food sovereignty are central to the health and strength of Mob in Victoria and across the country.

The Gathering not only showcased the incredible work already happening within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food space, but also laid strong foundations for future collaboration, advocacy, and action.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all Community, ACCOs, presenters, and partners who shared their time, knowledge, and passion throughout the event.

17/12/2025

Hey Mob... it's getting hot out here! 🔥

A severe heatwave warning is forecast in Victoria from today through to Friday. To keep yourself and others safe and healthy during a heatwave, be sure to:

• stay hydrated
• keep cool
• watch for signs of heat related health problems
• check in on those at risk.

Northern Victoria and the Gippsland Districts will experience the most extreme heat throughout this period, so be sure to take extra care if you're in these areas.

For more tips, have a listen to how VACCHO Mob will be staying safe and cool during the heatwave.

☀️🖤💛❤️☀️

Calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives with a cervix!VACCHO is working with and to in...
16/12/2025

Calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives with a cervix!

VACCHO is working with and to increase the Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) workforce trained to provide cervical screening services through .

The initiative seeks to build an AHP workforce that can deliver culturally safe and accessible cervical screening services to Community across Victoria. We’re looking for expressions of interest from Mob who are women and/ or people with a cervix to create an artwork that visually represents the project’s vision.

The artwork will be featured across course materials, resources, marketing collateral, promotional items and merchandise for participating AHPs. It may also be used for public display in ‘s HQ.

Find out more and submit your interest via the Artist EOI page on our website: Careers > Artist expression of interest > Submit EOI.

EOIs close 6 January 2026. Final artwork due no later than 17 February 2026.

VACCHO and its Balit Durn Durn Centre are calling for urgent investment in Aboriginal-led health and wellbeing services ...
12/12/2025

VACCHO and its Balit Durn Durn Centre are calling for urgent investment in Aboriginal-led health and wellbeing services following the release of the 2025 Family Matters Report by SNAICC.

The Report shows what Community has long said: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people thrive when families are supported early through culturally safe and responsive, community-controlled services. Yet these programs remain critically underfunded, leaving families vulnerable to crisis and contact with child protection.

Read the full story: https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/12/13/vaccho-calls-for-urgent-action-as-2025-family-matters-report-exposes-ongoing-systemic-failures/

CONTENT WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article references those...
11/12/2025

CONTENT WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article references those who have returned to the Dreaming.

VACCHO is calling for immediate and meaningful action following the release of the Deaths in Custody in Australia 2024–25 report by the Australian Institute of Criminology, which reveals a devastating rise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody.

VACCHO’s 2026–27 State Budget Submission calls for an urgent investment of $1.7 million to continue the Aboriginal-led service design of a new ACCO-led custodial health model. This work will ensure Victoria meets key recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the Cultural Review, and numerous coronial inquests.

Enver Erdogan MP

Read VACCHO's story here: https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/12/11/vaccho-urges-urgent-investment-in-acco-led-custodial-health-model-as-deaths-in-custody-reach-highest-level-in-45-years/

Rainbow Mob are my Mob🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈 This week, VACCHO and Rainbow Health Australia launched Rainbow Mob Are My Mob: A Best...
11/12/2025

Rainbow Mob are my Mob

🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈

This week, VACCHO and Rainbow Health Australia launched Rainbow Mob Are My Mob: A Best Practice Model for Rainbow Mob Inclusion in ACCOs.

Community gathered at the Victoria Pride Centre rooftop, for a sunny afternoon, filled with pride and joy, celebrating Rainbow Mob and highlighting the need for them to be welcomed and supported within ACCOs and Community.

We were joined by Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball, and treated to two deadly performances by First Nations drag artists, Kitty Obsidian and Clepto Nymph.

This model was shaped by an Advisory Committee of diverse Rainbow Mob, Elders and ACCO staff from across Victoria, drawing on more than 72 hours of consultation discussions and more than a 100 survey responses.

This resource supports ACCOs to support and include Rainbow Mob in their services, in ways that meet the needs of this Community. This resource is also aligned with Rainbow Tick accreditation standards and will help ACCOs comply with those standards.

Australian Research Centre in S*x, Health and Society

https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/12/11/new-inclusion-model-launched-to-strengthen-safety-and-belonging-for-rainbow-mob/

We’re celebrating six years of culturally safe breast screening with the Beautiful Shawl Project.A collaborative, Commun...
11/12/2025

We’re celebrating six years of culturally safe breast screening with the Beautiful Shawl Project.

A collaborative, Community-led initiative developed by and VACCHO, the Project aims to reduce barriers and provide culturally safe screening experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.

Each year, we commend the ACCOs and other Aboriginal-led services who work tirelessly to ensure that their local Communities have access to culturally safe breast screening.

We also honour the staunch women who participate in breast screening, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Head to our website to learn more about the impact the Beautiful Shawl Project had on Community in the last financial year: https://bit.ly/3Mncpiz

Address

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood, Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61394119411

Website

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