Victoria invests $6.3 million in Aboriginal-led health through Culture + Kinship programs

The Victorian Government is investing $6.3 million to strengthen Aboriginal health and wellbeing through culturally grounded programs delivered by Aboriginal community organisations across the state.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced 15 Aboriginal organisations will share the funding to continue and expand locally led Culture + Kinship initiatives. The programs include an Elders Choir, a Cultural Memory and Return to Country Project, Youth Cultural and Diversionary Camps, Transferring Elders Knowledge, and Early Years Connection to Country.

“We’re working hard to close health gaps by strengthening culture, connection and community for Aboriginal Victorians.” Ms Thomas said (via media release).

If we want the best health outcomes, we must back Aboriginal-led care, our ACCHOs and VACCHO.” she said.

The investment forms part of the Victorian Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Agreement. A 2022 pilot demonstrated measurable improvements in social and emotional wellbeing – highlighting the effectiveness of Aboriginal-led solutions.

Strong culture, connection, and kinship are proven protective factors for mental health and long-term wellbeing. The initiatives are designed by Aboriginal Victorians for Aboriginal Victorians.

The announcement comes as governments across Australia grapple with persistent gaps in Indigenous health outcomes. National Closing the Gap data continues to show that targets in health and life expectancy remain off-track – with culturally safe and community-controlled care widely recognised as essential to closing those gaps.

Community-controlled Aboriginal health organisations have long argued that top-down approaches to Indigenous health fail because they do not account for the central role of culture and kinship in wellbeing.

The Victorian Government framed the investment as evidence that community-led programs deliver results – particularly when care reflects the culture and values of the people it serves.