The number of Aboriginal organisation-owned properties released from state government-held mortgages in Victoria has grown beyond 70 per cent.
On Friday, Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalie Hutchins announced first mortgages on four properties had been removed.
These are; Rumbalara Football Netball Club's property in Shepparton, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service's property in Clifton Hill (currently operating as a mortuary and funeral support service), and two Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation properties in Wodonga.
It grows the total number of removals to 42 of the 59 properties subject to first mortgages held by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, under the First Mortgage and Community Infrastructure program.
Announced as a pilot in 2017, the program was described as the 'first step' towards providing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations 'full control of their assets' and 'the autonomy to grow and plan for the future' under self-determination policy.
30 ACCO's had properties with first mortgages held by the Department - initially introduced to purchase properties for aged care facilities, community centres, office spaces and medical centres, according to the Government.
By February 2020, 22 first mortgages had been removed. This grew to 38 by June 2023 in the latest removals - including a Rumbalara Aboriginal Corporation property in Mooroopna, a few kilometres south-east of Shepparton.
"The removal of first mortgages for Aboriginal organisations ensures control of their properties is led by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people, providing a pathway to greater self-determination by generating growth and allowing planning for the future," then Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams said in mid-2023.
"Aboriginal organisations do incredible work for their communities and the removal of first mortgages allows them to potentially further fund, enhance and expand their programs and facilities."
On Friday, Minister Hutchins said the latest removals and project "returns control to Aboriginal communities – where it belongs".
"By removing the first mortgages, we're handing control of these assets to the Aboriginal organisations and empowering them to decide their own financial future," she said.
"These Aboriginal organisations can now leverage their assets to do vital work for their communities, such as running sports clubs, and providing health and wellbeing services."
Millions have also been delivered towards organisations competing repairs, maintenance and feasibility studies under the program.
Applications remain open to organisations pursing first mortgage removals, with criteria including financial solvency and compliance with 'readiness checklist' points not limited to;
- Written response outlining foreseeable social, economic and cultural opportunities for the local Aboriginal community with first mortgage removal
- Feasibility study or alternative evidence of organisational sustainability and a feasible business model for the property or properties in line with the principle of self-determination.
- The previous five years of audited financial reports
- Previous five years of general meetings reports
- Current business plans or strategies
- An active conflict of interest register copy
- Organisational structure
- Photos of property
- Current membership numbers
In 2021, then chief executive of western Victoria's Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Jason Kanoa, said first mortgage removals for three organisation-owned properties "was the next step in our commitment to addressing community need, that will enable WMAC to plan for future stages of work on our sites".
