Aboriginal health services

Health services

Aboriginal Community Elders Services

The Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES) is located in East Brunswick and provides access to residential aged care facilities and aged care programs for the community.

Services

• Residential Care Services Tel. (03) 9383 4244
• Koori Community Aged Care Program Tel. (03) 9383 4244
• HACC Planned Activity Group (PAG) Tel. (03) 9383 4244

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service is a non-profit organisation that caters for the primary health care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families. They can be contacted via phone at (02) 6058 4444 (Albury) or (03) 6051 7111 (Wodonga).

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) delivers a range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to the Ballarat and District Aboriginal community.

Services

• BADAC Medical Clinic Tel. (03) 5331 5344 (ext. #2)
• Ballarat Base Hospital (Emergency Department) Tel. (03) 5320 4000
• Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Tel. (03) 5331 5344 (ext. #3)
• Cultural Therapeutic Support Tel. (03) 5331 5344
• Community Home Support Services HACC-PYP & NDIS Tel. (03) 5331 5344
• Early Years Learning & Development:
  • Perridak Burron Tel. (03) 5334 4727
  • Yirram Burron Tel. (03) 5335 6231
• Koorie Family Services Tel. (03) 5331 5344 (ext. #9)
• Gobata Burron Tel. (03) 5331 5344
• Children and Youth Services Tel. (03) 5331 5344
• Stolen Generations Tel. (03) 5331 5344
• Family Violence Services Tel. (03) 5331 5344

Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative

The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) provides a range of health and wellbeing services to the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Community. For all services contact (03) 5442 4947.

Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative

The Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative (BBAC) provides a range of cultural, medical, health and wellbeing services and is located in Halls Gap.

Services

• Clinical Services:
  • For GPs, Diabetes Educator, Clinical Psychologist, AOD and SEWB Staff Services and Maternal Child Health Nurse Tel. (03) 5356 4751
  • Podiatrist Tel. (03) 5358 8531
  • Dietitian Tel. (03) 5358 8507
• After Hours Medical Services:
  • Stawell Medical Advice Centre and Duty Doctor Tel. (03) 5358 1410
  • Stawell Hospital Tel. (03) 5358 8500
  • GP helpline Tel. 1800 022 222
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 606 024
  • Cooperative Services Tel. 03 5356 4751

Cummeragunja Housing and Development Aboriginal Corporation

Cummeragunja Housing and Development Aboriginal Corporation (or Viney Morgan Aboriginal Medical Service) is an Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation providing healthcare around the Moama area of the Murray River. They can be contacted via phone at (03) 5869 3343.

Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited

The Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited (DDACL) provides primary healthcare services to Aboriginal community in greater Dandenong and surrounding areas.

Services

• Bunurong Health Service Tel. (03) 8902 9700
  • Youth group
  • Family services
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • Justice work
  • Community nurse
  • Housing officer
• Sisters Yarning Community Programs Tel. (03) 9794 5933
• Tartu-ngnanyin Bopop Best Start Program Tel. (03) 9794 5933

Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service

The Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (DWECHS) provides comprehensive general and allied health care while also offering a wide range of support programs to the Portland Aboriginal community.

Services

• General enquiries Tel. (03) 5521 7535
• Medical clinic Tel. (03) 5521 7535

First Peoples Health and Wellbeing

First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing is a dynamic Aboriginal community controlled health service aiming to improve access to affordable primary health care in Thomastown and Frankston. They offer primary care services. They can be contacted via email at info@fphw.org.au or by phone:

• Thomastown Tel. (03) 9070 8181
• Frankston Tel. (03) 9070 8181

Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative

The Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative (GEGAC) provides a range of health, wellbeing, social, cultural and welfare services.

Services

• Bairnsdale Medical Services Tel. (03) 5150 0760
• Brayakooloong Community Wellbeing Centre (Morwell) Tel. (03) 5134 3816
  • Counselling, education, referrals and linkages
  • Alcohol and other drug counselling and support,
  • Gambling awareness programs
  • Kinship support
  • Local justice
  • Intensive case co-ordination

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative

The Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative delivers health and community services in the Wimmera and Western Grampians regions of Victoria to Aboriginal community.

Services

• General enquiries Tel. (03) 5381 6333
• Medical clinic Tel. (03) 5381 6330

Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

The Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd provides culturally safe health and wellbeing services to the Aboriginal community of Warrnambool and the Western District of Victoria.

Services

• General enquiries Tel. (03) 5559 1234
• Medical clinic Tel. (03) 5364 3344

Kirrae Health Services Inc

The Kirrae Health Services Inc provides a range of clinical services and community programs to the Aboriginal Community of Purnim in Victoria. For all services, the organisation can be contacted on (03) 5567 1270.

Koori Maternity Services

Koori Maternity Services are offered at various Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

For a list of locations, visit the Koori Maternity Services page.

Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Service

The Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Service (LTH&CS) is located at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust in Gippsland Victoria and provides a range of holistic health services free of charge. The organisation can be contacted on (03) 5155 8500.

Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association

The Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA) is located in Lakes Entrance Victoria and provides a range of healthcare services to the Aboriginal community of East Gippsland and surrounding areas. For all enquiries the organisation can be contacted on (03) 5155 8465.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services

The Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) provides a range of health, family, early years and wellbeing services to Aboriginal communities across a range of locations.

Locations:

• Mildura Office Tel. (03) 5018 4100
• Swan Hill Office Tel. (03) 5032 8600
• Kerang Office Tel. (03) 5412 6004

Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc

The Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc is located in Orbost and offers a range of clinical services to the East Gippsland Aboriginal community. For all enquiries and services, the organisation can be contacted on (03) 5154 2133.

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation

The Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) is located in Wodonga and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in northeast Victoria who have or are at risk of developing a chronic illness. The organisation can be contacted on (02) 6024 7599.

Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative

The Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative (MVAC) is located in Robinvale and provides a wide range of services to the Aboriginal community of the Murray Valley region. Some of the services that are offered are health, social and emotional wellbeing, aged care, childcare, housing, employment and legal advice.

Services

• Medical clinic Tel. (03) 5026 4501
• Early Learning Centre Tel. (03) 5051 8950
• Commonwealth Home Support Program Tel. (03) 5026 3353
• Housing Tel. (03) 5026 3353

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with alcohol and drug issues. Based in St. Kilda, they offer a holistic approach to recognise the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. They offer community-based outreach services for those affected by addiction, family violence, and homelessness. They can be reached by phone on (03) 9510 3233 or via email at reception@ngwala.org.au.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Controlled Community organisation that provides holistic services and programs, which improve the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the Aboriginal Community of Echuca and surrounding areas. They provide many services, from medical care, childcare, to health and wellbeing services. All of Njernda’s services can be contacted via phone at (03) 5480 6252.

Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation

Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation (previously known as HICSA) aims to establish a welcoming and culturally affirming place in Healesville that provides a central point of contact for Community members, to access information, services and programs that are focused on building a healthy, strong and skilled Community. They offer health services, as well as community programs for children, men, women, and Elder’s. They can be contacted by phone at 03 5962 2940 or by email at admin@oonah.org.au.

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that exists to improve the social, health and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. They offer healthcare, family, and children’s services.

Services

• Medical clinic (Sale) Tel. (03) 5144 6511
• Medical clinic (Morwell) Tel. (03) 5136 5128
• Dental clinic Tel. (03) 5144 4869
• General enquiries Tel. (03) 5143 1644
• Gunai Lidj Childcare Centre Tel. (03) 5136 5148
• Koori Maternity Services Tel. (03) 5133 8273
• Wanjana Lidj Family Services Tel. (03) 5120 4300

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd are a Shepparton-based Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that provide services for mental health, chronic conditions, Elder and disability care, youth and family as well as homelessness and housing. They can be contacted via phone at (03) 5820 0035 or by email at contact@raclimited.com.au.

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria, with a membership of 32 community-controlled organisations.

• VACCHO Tel. (03) 9411 9411 Email. enquiries@vaccho.org.au

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS)

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS) provides a comprehensive range of medical, dental and social services for the community.

Locations

• VAHS Preston Tel. (03) 9403 3300
• VAHS Fitzroy Tel. (03) 9419 3000
• VAHS Bunjilwarra – Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service, in collaboration with Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) Tel. (03) 5979 2011
• VAHS Epping Tel. (03) 8592 3920

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative provides holistic and culturally secure service responses to meet the specific needs of the Aboriginal community in North Geelong. They offer community services: housing, justice, home help, cultural services. They also offer family and children’s services: in-home support, family violence, playgroup, Aboriginal-led family decision making. They can be contacted by phone at (03) 5277 0044, or by email at admin@wathaurong.org.au.

Weenthunga Health Network Inc

Weenthunga Health Network Inc focus on health equity for First Nations people. It advocates for increasing the Aboriginal health workforce and ensuring better understanding and practice of health professionals to improve experiences, care and outcomes for First Nations people and communities. They provide cultural safety workshops for health professionals, Aunty’s voice, and advocacy for young Aboriginal people working in healthcare. They can be contacted via email at info@weenthunga.com.au.

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation located in Southwest Victoria, with offices in Heywood and Hamilton. They offer programs and services in health, land management, community services, and family and kinship support. They can be contacted by phone at (03) 5527 0000 (Heywood) or 03 5527 0090 (Hamilton).

Mental health services

Aboriginal mental health services available in Victoria include:

• Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers (KMHLOs) are offered in many Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services across Victoria, including in rural and regional areas. For more information, visit the website of your closest Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.
• Some available services include:
  • The Koori Mental Health Project, an initiative of The Royal Children’s Hospital, aims to improve access to child and adolescent mental health services for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
  • St Vincent’s Mental Health Acute Inpatient Service has up to 5 beds for Aboriginal Victorians.

Family violence services

Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service

Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service provides a range of services and programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of, experiencing or using family violence. They offer case management, family services, and counselling. They are based in Lilydale and can be contacted via phone at (03) 9212 0200.

Djirra

Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing practical support to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. Services include telephone and face-to-face legal and non-legal support.

Locations

All offices can be contacted via free call 1800 105 303.

• Melbourne metro (head office) Tel. 1800 105 303 (free call), Email. info@djirra.org.au
• Barwon Southwest region Tel. (03) 5562 5755
• Bendigo region Tel. (03) 4435 0500
• Echuca region Tel. (03) 4411 7200
• Gippsland region Tel. (03) 5153 2322
• Latrobe Valley Tel. (03) 5100 1700
• Mildura region Tel. (03) 5021 3200

Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service

Djirra's Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing or recovering from family violence or sexual assault, and works with families and communities affected by violence. Call 1800 105 303 or email the Legal Services team at info.afvls@djirra.org.au.

Children’s services

Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that seeks to underpin and strengthen children’s wellbeing and instil a strong sense of Aboriginal identity and personal self-esteem through education and providing courses to the community. They are based in Thomastown and can be contacted by phone at (03) 8459 4800.

Community services

Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation

Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation provides opportunities for the Aboriginal Community in Melton and surrounds to participate in cultural and social activities which promote social and emotional wellbeing. Kirrip’s programs engage Aboriginal Elders, men, women, youth, children and families. They can be contacted via phone at (03) 8088 0764.

Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sport and Recreation Co-operative

Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sport and Recreation Co-operative is a youth club gymnasium based in Fitzroy, which provides young Aboriginal people with a place to learn, train, and connect with peers. They can be contacted by phone at (03) 9416 4255.

Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place

Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place are based in Ringwood and provides a culturally safe and inclusive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to come together to feel connected and empowered.

MMIGP supports and facilitates a variety of cultural activities and programs which incorporate art, music, language, and storytelling. They also provide support in the form of yarning circles, men’s group, pantry, and Elder’s social support. They can be contacted via phone at (03) 9725 2166.

Nairm Marr Djambana

Nairm Marr Djambana are a gathering place for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Frankston. Nairm Marr Djambana are an active volunteer Committee of Management and runs a range of culturally strengthening programs and activities to meet the needs and aspirations of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Nairm Marr Djambana provide support in the form of a women’s group, men’s group, youth group, Kirrup play group among other community supports. They can be contacted via phone at (03) 9783 1521.

Yarning SafeNStrong (YSNS)

Yarning SafeNStrong (YSNS) is a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. YSNS is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing. They can be contacted by phone at 1800 959 563 (24 hours, 7 days).

Emergency services

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)

Need treatment today?

Need treatment today, but it’s not life-threatening and you can’t get a GP appointment, there are services available:

• Priority Primary Care Centres – provide care for conditions that require treatment today but not an emergency response (extended hours)
• Victorian Supercare Pharmacies – offer healthcare advice and support (after-hours, 7 days)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

Emergency care

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital

More information

More information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health can be found on the Victorian Government’s health.vic website.