An alliance for Aboriginal young people and families' community-controlled organisations is encouraging people to pursue careers in their workforce, not just as jobs but as a chance to make a real difference.

Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People's Alliance (VACYPA) has launched their campaign 'Start Something Deadly', a state-wide campaign as an invitation for employment at ACCOs.

As a peak body for 15 member organisations around the state, YACYPA describes themselves as 'the collective voice of Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations - registered under the Children's, Youth and Families Act working together on empowering Aboriginal families, children, and young people'.

The needs of local communities directly shape their strategy, YACYPA's website reads.

'Start Something Deadly' is delivered in partnership with these members, including Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative in the state's south-east, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative in Warrnambool, Rumbalara in Shepparton and Malle District Aboriginal Service in the north-west.

"Start Something Deadly is our invitation to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, carers, and culture-keepers," VACYPA chief executive Jason Kanoa said.

"Working inside ACCOs isn't just a job — it's a commitment to community, culture, and sovereignty. We want people to see careers here as pathways to purpose and pride."

As part of the campaign, a video series has been released with reflections from individuals of their roles working for a community, pride, sense of making a difference and connection to culture.

It's part of an effort to shift perceptions about working in the sector,

Roles promoted by the campaign include those from the entry-level to senior leadership.

Non-Indigenous people 'who share a commitment to working in community' are included in the invitation.

Alongside the difference ACCO roles make, the opportunity for career-growth in 'purpose-driven work' is hailed by ''Start Something Deadly'

'Now hiring across child and family services, early years, parenting support, youth justice,

casework, case management, and leadership roles, the campaign shines a light on the breadth of opportunities available inside ACCOs and the critical role they play in strengthening Aboriginal children, families, and communities across the state,' YACYPA said with the campaign launch.

'Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations deliver culturally grounded, community-led services that place self-determination, culture, and connection at the centre of care. Through Start Something Deadly, VACYPA aims to shift perceptions of careers in the sector, positioning these roles not just as jobs, but as pathways to purpose, pride, and long-term impact.'

At ACCOs all around Victoria, from metro to regional and rural areas, 'delivering holistic support that safeguards the rights of Aboriginal children and young people while strengthening families and community wellbeing', the peak adds.

Online campaign resources include an interactive map with links to participation organisations and hiring roles.

"This work is not simply about systems or structures; it is about people, families, and communities," Mr Kanoa said.