The peak body for Victorian Indigenous community-controlled health organisations is celebrating 30 years of supporting communities across the state.

Established in 1996, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), based in Collingwood, has helped strengthen the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) sector, advocating to government and private providers to enable self-determination in Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

VACCHO's 34 member organisations deliver culturally safe care to communities across Victoria. Chief executive Jill Gallagher said the 30-year milestone recognised their work, resilience and leadership.

Over three decades, she said VACCHO has "stood alongside our Members and Community, championing a model of care that is led by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people".

"Our strength comes from our Member ACCOs delivering care on the ground and this milestone belongs to them and to the Communities they serve," Dr Gallagher said.

"We know that when Aboriginal health is in Aboriginal hands, outcomes are stronger. That's what we've seen over the past 30 years, and that's what will continue to guide us into the future."

In a statement, VACCHO said its strength and success had always been built on strong partnerships with community, government and the broader health sector.

This publication regularly reports on community health initiatives welcomed by the peak body, as well as their calls for greater support when needed.

VACCHO has also been unafraid to criticise government policies it says do not benefit Aboriginal communities, while championing self-determined initiatives — such as Treaty — when they do.

Last year, they slammed "race-baiting" comments about the treatment of Indigenous patients in a Victorian hospital, criticised the state opposition's stance on Treaty, and were highly critical of the government's "adult crime, adult time" plan.

Last month, it welcomed a $6 million government investment to strengthen Aboriginal health and wellbeing, which will see 15 Aboriginal organisations continue and expand locally led Culture + Kinship initiatives as part of the Victorian Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Agreement.

Dr Gallagher, who has led VACCHO since 2001, said that while there was more work to do, she was proud of the organisation and optimistic about the future.

"VACCHO remains committed to realising generational change and to embedding Community, Culture and Country in all healthcare and wellbeing settings throughout the state," she said.

"From Gunaikurnai Country in the east, through to Gunditjmara Country in the west - our vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people everywhere to have equitable health and wellbeing service access and outcomes, and to live strong and healthy lives."