Aboriginal Women’s Centre must be funded by Victorian election winner - Djirra

Dechlan Brennan
Dechlan Brennan Published September 30, 2026 at 2.00pm (AWST)

A Victorian women's family violence organisation is calling on all major political parties to commit to funding an Aboriginal Women's Centre ahead of the state's November election.

Launching its Strong, Safe, Together campaign, Djirra highlighted data which shows Aboriginal women in Victoria are 45 times more likely to experience family violence.

Furthermore, family violence is often a central factor in the removal of Aboriginal children, homelessness, criminalisation and poor health outcomes, including suicide.

CEO Antoinette Braybrook said the proposed centre would provide a self-determined response to the crisis, drawing on 24 years of evidence and experience.

"As Aboriginal women, we have the knowledge, the leadership and the vision for what it takes to keep ourselves, our children and future generations Strong, Safe and Together," she said.

"Our solutions save lives and save money."

The centre will provide access to culturally-safe legal assistance, Djirra says, alongside case management, counselling, prevention, early intervention, healing and connection, alongside opportunities for Aboriginal women to develop economic security and financial independence.

It will be more than just a building, Ms Braybrook says. Rather, it is about "creating new possibilities for Aboriginal women's personal safety and economic security".

"Aboriginal women will lead and gain financial independence, children will thrive in culture and identity while families will be strengthened through a unique combination of healing, safety, justice and community coming together," she added.

Djirra is also calling for investment in equitable regional access to its full suite of services and the establishment of a child protection notification and referral system.

The proposed system would provide Aboriginal women with early access to a legal advocate as soon as Child Protection becomes involved.

"Aboriginal women at risk of family violence know what we need — a dedicated safe and self-determined place of our own," Ms Braybrook said, noting Yoorrook recommended the centre's establishment.

"Now is the time to make it a reality."

The organisation says the Aboriginal Women's Centre would form part of broader investment needed to keep Aboriginal women and children Strong, Safe and Together.

"Djirra invites all Victorians to be part of our vision by supporting us to make change," Ms Braybrook says. "By investing and walking alongside us as we create a future where all Aboriginal women and children are Strong, Safe and Together."

   Related   

   Dechlan Brennan   

Download our App

@natindigtimes
Article Audio

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.

National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.