The peak body for Indigenous community-controlled health organisations in Victoria has celebrated the success of 59 students, who graduated from their Education Training Unit at a ceremony in Naarm on Thursday.
More than 160 people attended the graduation ceremony on the picturesque shores of Albert Lake, with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) celebrating the graduates, as well as their families, and their exceptional accomplishments.
It represented a special and momentous occasion for the students, with some being the first in their family to achieve a qualification.
Chief executive Jill Gallagher commended the students on their hard work and dedication.
"Students that study and train with VACCHO experience wrap-around support, including support and guidance from an Aboriginal mentor throughout their journey, empowering them to achieve their goals and career aspirations," the Gunditjmara woman said.
Yagilaith Djerring, a Woi-Worrung term for "learning from each other," is VACCHO's Education Training Unit, the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) registered training organisation in Australia.
Now in its 25th year, it was established out of the need of Community to have culturally safe, Indigenous-led vocational education and training.
"I am so incredibly proud to see VACCHO's Education Training Unit grow from strength-to-strength to become the largest Aboriginal training provider in Australia," Dr Gallagher said.
VACCHO said their training programs helped address the required skills and knowledge needed by industry.
They offer courses across Aboriginal health, business and leadership, and social and emotional wellbeing.
"Aboriginal culture, and Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing are vital to the path forward for Communities," Dr Gallagher said.
"The knowledge gained by graduates combined with their determination and ability to put Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands will make a big difference in supporting thriving, healthy Communities."
