The Victorian government has announced the recipients of the seventh round of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
Announced by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins at a visit to the Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) in Brunswick East, 22 recipients will share in more than $11 million in grants.
The program aims to provide grants for Indigenous organisations to build, renovate, repair, refurbish, or expand their facilities, which by doing so, supports Aboriginal Victorians to lead self-determined and culturally rich lives.
Located on the banks of the Merri Creek, ACES is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation established in 1987 by the late Aunty Iris Lovett Gardiner and other Elders.
It will receive over $1.5 million to go towards upgrading their facilities and providing a comfortable gathering space for Elders.
"We look forward to beginning the fantastic upgrades to ACES' facilities. This funding means we will continue to deliver our vital services to the Elders who have done so much for the Aboriginal community," ACES chief executive James Atkinson said.
A wide range of other organisations across Victoria were also given funding as part of the program.
The Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative in Warrnambool received $1.4 million to expand its community hub to improve accessibility as well as creating spaces for the community to host events and exhibitions.
The Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative in Ararat received $1.6 million to expand its medical clinic. This will help support the delivery of culturally safe services and a delivery model that is both accessible and welcoming.
The Victorian government says the program, which has delivered almost $50 million since 2018 for a range of fit-to-purpose buildings, as well as culturally safe and responsive services to improve First Nations lives, is part of promoting self-determination.
"The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program means Aboriginal organisations can upgrade their facilities to better serve their communities," Minister Hutchins said.
"Aboriginal community-controlled services are best placed to deliver what Aboriginal communities need."
