The Victorian Government has announced the establishment of the first Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) to operate as an Early Years Management (EYM) authority.

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) has been officially registered as the state's first ACCO EYM.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the organisation is deeply respected across the community for "supporting families and children, and this new role will mean even more local families can benefit from their culturally safe kinder programs".

"We're giving Aboriginal organisations more funding and more support to lead the way in early childhood education so First Nations children can learn on Country, in community and with culture," she said.

BADAC currently oversees kindergartens at Perridak Burron in Brown Hill, Yirram Burron in Sebastopol, and Yaluk Burron in Ballan, providing culturally inclusive early learning programs to local families.

"We are very proud of the Early Years centres that we have established and the growth within the community over the past five years," BADAC chief executive Karen Heap said.

"Becoming the first ACCO EYM enables us to guide, support and inspire other ACCOs across the state, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children are supported in Early Years Education."

Local MP Michaela Settle said families across the community "know how important it is for kids to feel safe, strong and connected at kinder".

"BADAC has a proud history of supporting local families, and this new role will mean even more children can thrive in culturally safe and welcoming kindergartens."

As an EYM organisation, BADAC will manage the business, compliance, and operational requirements of running kindergartens; allowing educators to focus on supporting children and families, while also providing staff with professional development and career opportunities.

The Victorian Government said in a statement that from 2026, ACCOs will receive funding to deliver kindergarten services as part of a $5.3 million investment supporting tailored, community-led early learning programs for around 350 children.

In 2024, more than 3,000 Indigenous children aged three and four were enrolled in kindergarten programs; the highest number on record.