The Victorian government has announced more support for Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner groups who suffered in the October 2022 floods.
Flooding across the state displaced thousands of residents and destroyed hundreds of homes, with damage estimated at over $400 million.
On Wednesday, the state government announced ten Aboriginal organisations had been granted up to $160,000 under the second round of the Aboriginal Culture and Healing Flood Recovery Grant Program.
In partnership between Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (Federation), the projects will support psychological and wellbeing needs for people impacted by the floods, mapping and restoring damaged Country, and workshops and cultural storytelling to help people reconnect with Country.
The program seeks to recognise the disproportionate impact natural disasters have on First Nations communities, as well as the vital role they play in leading recovery efforts.
"This program respects our knowledge, expertise and commitment to Country, and allows that important work to continue," Federation chief executive Paul Patton said.
Funded projects will include implementing the Flood Assessment Predictive Model, which received funding in round one to help identify which heritage sites may be impacted by future floods, whilst funding for other projects includes ongoing support for Elders and community members to ensure mental health support remains during the recovery process.
The Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation will use its $160,000 grant to study how local scar trees have recovered to inform the best ways to preserve them during risk periods.
Meanwhile, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service will receive more than $79,000 to ensure that mental health supports continue to be available, including having a dedicated psychologist on site.
The 15-hectare Lock Island on Latjilatji Country in Mildura will see a clean-up and regeneration to improve biodiversity and increase opportunities for cultural learning and storytelling.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said, "Supporting Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to lead flood recovery means that they will be able to deliver culturally safe recovery initiatives, and projects that respect their culture and Country."
Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward said, "When it comes to recovery after an emergency, it's important communities are supported to lead the way."
"We're continuing to support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to keep their recovery and healing."
