Summary
Read the full fact sheet- The following services provide specialised healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
On this page
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 are 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:
- 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: (03) 9070 8181
- Frankston: (03) 8677 3338
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.
Locations
- Bairnsdale – Tel. (03) 5150 0700
- Morwell – Tel. (03) 5134 3816
Services
- Medical Services – Tel. (03) 5150 0760
- For general enquiries contact the reception of each location.
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. For all services the organisation can be contacted on (03) 5381 6333.
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. For all services and enquiries, the organisation can be contacted on (03) 5559 1234.
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) 55 671270.
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. For all enquiries and services, the organisation can be contacted on 03 5026 3353.
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, me, 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. Visit Ramahyuck's website for phone numbers for their specific services.
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– Koorie 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.
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).
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.
Mental health services
Aboriginal mental health services available in Victoria include:
- Koori mental health liaison officers (KMHLOs) are based in rural/regional area mental health services.
- 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 5 specialist Aboriginal beds.
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.
Drug and alcohol services
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.
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 Indigenous Gathering Place
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.
Yarning Safe and Strong
Yarning Safe and Strong is a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Yarning SafeNStrong (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).
More information
Aboriginal Health Information Line
The Aboriginal Health Information Line can be contacted for any COVID-related health and wellbeing questions – where and when to seek help, general health advice. They can be contacted 7 days a week between 9 am to 5 pm at 1800 312 911.
More information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health can be found on the Victorian Government’s health.vic website.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
