Submission – Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) (Land, Sky and Waters)

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is the peak body for Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Victoria, with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 25,000 Aboriginal people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.

This submission focuses on the themes of:

1. Victorian Aboriginal peoples’ cultural identity, health and wellbeing is deeply rooted in enduring connection to Country
2. Dislocation from Country continues to significantly affect Aboriginal health and wellbeing
3. Access and connection to Country continues to be undermined and is not seen as a legitimate part of the health and social care system
4. VACCHO Members lack access to land and this inequity limits and undermines wealth creation and economic stability.