Victorian Aboriginal Health Service -VAHS

01/04/2026

Our Adult Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs team have returned from the National Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Conference in Adelaide with fresh insight into other ACCHOs' knowledge in this space 🧠

The conference covered youth intervention and support, family and Community, building generational resilience, and Community-led approaches rooted in Cultural healing 🖤💛❤️

"Our Community has been severely impacted by su***de, trauma, mental health complexities, and the growing need for youth intervention programs," Family Counselling Services and Adult Mental Health Team Leader Kahli Luttrell said.

"This conference reminded us we are not alone in this work, and that collective strength is essential. There is so much value in learning from each other and finding new approaches to support Communities.

"Holding each other up is at the heart of our work."

31/03/2026

Our Preventative Health Unit The Koori Way have been hard at work researching new, innovative methods to protect you from the harms of second-hand smoke from ci******es and vapes 🌫️

We are delighted to announce the launch of our Second Hand Smoke Protection Device Koori Kap, fitted with a HEPA approved propellor that keeps harmful fumes and chemicals away from you and out of your lungs 🫁

These will only be handed out at exclusive The Koori Way events, so watch this space! 👀

We know you Mob have been LOVING our Koori Kaps, so we are excited to launch a brand new, more innovative model, the Second Hand Smoke Protection Device Koori Kap 🧢

Fitted with a HEPA approved propellor, these caps protect you from second-hand smoke from ci******es and vapes, so you can have peace of mind that wherever you go, you will be protected from harmful chemicals and fumes 🌫

These will only be available at VERY select events, so sign up to our mailing list via the link in the comments for more info!

31/03/2026

🐣 EASTER 2026 CLOSURE DETAILS 🐣

VAHS Fitzroy, Preston, South Morang and St Albans will be CLOSED from 5pm Thursday 2 April and re-open 9am Tuesday 7 April 🗓️

We know holidays aren't always fun for everyone. If you need a yarn, call the team at Yarning Safe N Strong on 1800 595 563 for free, confidential support 24/7 ☎️

If you're keeping it local this Easter, why not join us at the Fitzroy Stars Easter Day Out on Saturday 4 April? 🐇

There will be an Easter Egg hunt, barbecue lunch, kids' rides, face painting, and a raffle. Head to Sir Doug Nicholls Oval from 11am-3pm 🎠

30/03/2026

📢 NO WOMEN'S GROUP THIS WEEK 📢

Due to VAHS Preston being a polling booth for Treaty Elections, our Women's Group will not be going ahead this Wednesday, 1 April. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Our regular attendees and wider Community are invited to VAHS Preston to cast their votes in the Treaty elections, having your say for meaningful change for Aboriginal people 🗳️

To find out more about the candidates, or how and when to vote, visit www.treatyelections.org/🔗

We look forward to welcoming Women's Group back after the Easter break! 🐣

30/03/2026

No plans for Easter weekend? No worries! 🐇

VAHS, Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club, Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd and Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. have an eggcellent day out planned at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval on Easter Saturday (4 April) 🐣

Come down from 11am-3pm for a colour fun run, Easter Egg hunt, barbecue lunch, face painting, raffle, and kids' rides 🎠

25/03/2026

ATTN Elders 🖤💛❤️

Do you want an opportunity to attend a very special Debutante Ball? 🎀

We are proud to support in hosting an Elders’ Debutante Ball THIS FRIDAY at Melrose Events, Tullamarine 💃

Numbers are capped at strictly 16 lucky Elders, so if you’re keen, contact June Bamblett on 0488 701 713 asap to reserve your spot! 🎫

20/03/2026

📢 TREATY VOTING OPENS TODAY 📢

For the first time in Australia, Treaty is here and voting is open 🗳️

Enrol and have your say, voting at an in-person location or electronically before 12 April, on who will be representing your Community to continue our Elders' legacy and make a difference for Mob ✊🏾

VAHS will have voting booths the following days and locations:

🗳️ Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March, VAHS Fitzroy board room, 9am-5pm
🗳️ Wednesday 1 April, VAHS Preston training room, 9am-5pm

For information on enrolment, how, where, and when to vote, and about the candidates, visit www.treatyelections.org/ 🖤💛❤️

Voting for the Treaty Elections is now OPEN. It’s time to choose who will represent our communities in the Treaty Era.

You can vote online, or at a voting location near you. Go to treatyelections.org/where-to-vote to learn more.

Your Vote Matters. Vote Now!

19/03/2026

Kick your health goals in 2026 🏉

Get your annual health check at any VAHS clinic to receive your free Deadly Choices x Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club 2026 shirt, plus you'll be eligible for all kinds of exciting giveaways throughout the year! 👕

Call 9419 3000 to book in, or tag a mate you know is due for their health check ☎️

17/03/2026

🌺 The native hibiscus (or desert rose) is the official flower of the Stolen Generation, as it represents resilience, survival and an ability to thrive in harsh conditions and the colour purple represents compassion and spiritual healing 🌺

Starting tomorrow, Stolen Generation members are invited to VAHS' Stolen Generation lunch club from 12pm to 2pm on select Thursdays at Darebin RSL 🍽️

Join us for a feed, support, and yarns on the following dates:

💜 March 19th
💜 April 2nd, 16th, and 30th
💜 May 14th
💜 June 11th and 25th
💜 July 9th and 23rd
💜 August 6th and 20th
💜 September 3rd and 17th
💜 October 1st, 15th, and 29th
💜 November 12th and 26th

Contact: Aunty Daria Atkinson, 0423 859 525 or datkinson@vahs.org.au

17/03/2026

📢 WE'RE HIRING 📢

Want to join our team of incredible people making a real difference in Community? We're hiring the following roles:

👬 Caseworker, Family Engagement (St Albans based, dedicated role): https://bit.ly/4sPoQDI

💉Diabetes Educator (Fitzroy based): https://bit.ly/47A4iGU

To apply for a role, send your resume and cover letter to employment@vahs.org.au before 9pm on Sunday 29 March 📆

16/03/2026

How was your most recent appointment at VAHS? 🤔

Your feedback makes our services better, so we would love to hear your thoughts on our clinics, staff, and processes 🏥

Head to https://www.vahs.org.au/feedback/ to send your constructive feedback directly to our team for consideration 🙏

11/03/2026

📢 WE'RE HIRING 📢

VAHS are recruiting proactive and motivated individuals to join our growing team in the following roles:

🧮 Playgroup Facilitator, Preston and South Morang based: https://bit.ly/4cJjJ3a

☎️ Medical Receptionist, Fitzroy based: https://bit.ly/3PxnO0v

If you're interested in joining our team, send your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability to employment@vahs.org.au by 9pm on Sunday 22 March 📤