Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc VACCHO is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was established in 1996. VACCHO is the peak Aboriginal health body representing 32 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Victoria. This page may contain images of deceased Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people.

Contraception is for everyone! This World Contraception Day we want Mob to feel empowered and make informed choices toge...
26/09/2025

Contraception is for everyone!

This World Contraception Day we want Mob to feel empowered and make informed choices together.

Let's have safe, open and respectful conversations about our options.

VACCHO's new Our Bodies Our Choices resources is a brief guide on contraceptive methods, their effectiveness and things you should consider when yarning with your GP about contraception.

Have a yarn at your local ACCO Health Worker or GP about what contraceptive method may be right for you.

Check out the Our Bodies, Our Choices resource here > https://cdn.intelligencebank.com/au/share/NJA21J/dA42b/PkEA6/original/VACCHO_Our+Bodies+Our+Choices

Artwork by Sandra Kropinyeri

Sexy, safe and healthy.Three deadly tips to help you keep your s*xual health in check.Tip 1:  Visit an STI Roaming Testi...
25/09/2025

Sexy, safe and healthy.

Three deadly tips to help you keep your s*xual health in check.

Tip 1: Visit an STI Roaming Testing Vending Machine
STI Roaming Testing Vending Machines dispense free STI tests for everyone. This service is currently available at Ballarat Library.

How it works:
• The machine dispenses a specimen collection kit.
• The kit tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.
• Complete the self-test in a private setting, then post it to the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.
• If treatment is needed, you’ll be contacted.

Tip 2: Get rapid results with point of care testing.
Point of care testing offers prompt STI diagnosis and treatment. It’s available at Mallee District Aboriginal Services Mildura and Swan Hill, and Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service.

How it works:
• Point of Care testing screens for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas.
• Results are available in 90 minutes.
• Treatment is carried out on the day of testing.

Tip 3: If you find out you have an STI, use the Better to Know messaging tool to let your s*xual partner/s know
Talking about STIs can be tricky, but the Better to know messaging tool makes it easier.

How it works:
• Visit bettertoknow.org.au
• Send an anonymous SMS or email via the website to let your s*xual partner/s know that you have been diagnosed with an STI
• Letting them know means that they can get tested and treated, and tell anyone else they’ve had s*x with to do the same.

Book in for a s*xual health check at your local ACCO, GP, or s*xual health clinic today.

Booking in for a s*xual health check can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be.From how often to have a check, to...
23/09/2025

Booking in for a s*xual health check can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be.

From how often to have a check, to what to expect at your appointment, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the experience so you can show up feeling safe, supported and informed.

How often should I get a s*xual health check?
• At least every 12 months is recommended for most people
• Some people may need testing every 3-6 months*
*Men who have s*x with men, if you have a new partner, or if you have multiple partners.

What can I expect in a s*xual health check?
• Your Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP), doctor or nurse will ask you some questions
• You may need to have a physical examination
• You may be asked to provide a urine sample, blood sample, and/or throat/vaginal/anal swab*
*You may be able to take the swab yourself in the bathroom.

What will I be offered tests for?
As part of a routine s*xual health check, you may be tested for the following STIs:
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Some people will be offered tests for hepatitis B and C.

What questions may your Aboriginal Health Practitioner, doctor or nurse ask in your s*xual health check?
• How many s*xual partners do you have?
• Do you use condoms?
• Are your partners male, female, both, or other?
• When was the last time you had s*x?
• What kind of s*x are you having?

When will I receive my results? And what happens next?
• Your clinic will usually contact you with your results within 1 week
• You may need another appointment to have a yarn about your results and begin treatment if required.

Book in for a s*xual health check at your local ACCO, GP, or s*xual health clinic today.

As of August 2025, Syphilis has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) within Au...
17/09/2025

As of August 2025, Syphilis has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) within Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected, with rates being 7 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. Access to culturally safe services remains limited, and stigma, shame, education and other barriers are preventing people from seeking help.

Protecting yourself and your Mob starts with testing.
Syphilis is preventable and treatable.

The most important step is to get tested.

Get regular s*xual health checks, especially when starting new s*xual relationships, when planning for a baby, and during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, seek antenatal care throughout pregnancy.

Where to get tested in the first comment below.

Registrations are NOW OPEN – for the 2025 Victorian Aboriginal Aged Care Summit. The Summit will bring together Aborigin...
16/09/2025

Registrations are NOW OPEN – for the 2025 Victorian Aboriginal Aged Care Summit.

The Summit will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and the Aboriginal Aged Care sector to explore the theme - Dreaming of our past to shape our future.

This gathering will honour the enduring wisdom, strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their role in shaping a self-determined future.

Across the two days there will be keynote speakers, panel discussions, cultural activities and moments of reflection – all focused on elevating the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders.

The Details:
🗓️ 28 – 29 October 2025
📍 Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre – Naarm
🎟️ Discounted tickets are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their carers, members of Community and ACCO staff.

Tickets are limited, book yours today > https://events.humanitix.com/victorian-aboriginal-elders-summit-2025

On the surface, the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program is being touted as progress in aged care reform. Bu...
15/09/2025

On the surface, the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program is being touted as progress in aged care reform. But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, it threatens to become yet another barrier that deepens inequality instead of Closing the Gap.

They not only undermine the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in delivering culturally safe care, but they also entrench systemic inequities, further disadvantaging Aboriginal Elders.

Our Elders deserve aged care systems that honour their dignity, history and sovereignty. They are the holders and keepers of the oldest living culture in the world.

Read here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/09/15/opinion-new-aged-care-support-at-home-program-will-punish-not-protect-our-elders/

12/09/2025

📢 The Inspector General of Aged Care, VACCHO, NATSIAAC, AHCSA and our supporters are calling on the Federal Government to:
- Exempt Elders from fees & co-contributions
- Deliver a separate aged care pathway for Aboriginal people - not mainstream aged care services
- Strengthen the ACCO aged care sector

👉 Add your voice. Sign the petition today: https://chng.it/HnwcxDF9kx

10/09/2025
10/09/2025

Connection is prevention.
This World Su***de Prevention Day we want to change the way we yarn about su***de.

We had a yarn with VACCHO Mob and our Garrka yap-u burrundyata Knowledge Holders Group about what keeps them feeling connected.

By connecting with Community, Culture, Country and just having a yarn, we are reminded that prevention begins with connection, listening and standing together.

Your social and emotional wellbeing is important. If this has brought up any concerns or issues for you, further support can be found through any of the following resources:
Brother to Brother call 1800 435 799
13YARN call 13 92 76
headspace.org
wellmob.org.au
QLife call 1800 184 527
The National Indigenous Postvention Service – Support 24/7 1800 805 801
Su***de Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
Lifeline Australia| 13 11 14
***dePreventionDay

VACCHO applauds the introduction of the landmark Treaty Bill in the Victorian Parliament today.VACCHO CEO DR Jill Gallag...
09/09/2025

VACCHO applauds the introduction of the landmark Treaty Bill in the Victorian Parliament today.

VACCHO CEO DR Jill Gallagher AO says that this step towards Treaty is a chance for all Victorians to create a better future together as equals.

“This historic moment honours the strength and resilience of our Communities and marks a decisive shift towards truth, justice and self-determination. Treaty will have the transformative power of sharing the great gift of 65,000 years of rich Aboriginal culture with all Victorians.”

Read the full news story here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/09/09/vaccho-celebrates-historic-step-in-victorias-first-treaty/

VACCHO has secured $300,000 to deliver a dedicated Aboriginal women’s health workforce development initiative.The initia...
09/09/2025

VACCHO has secured $300,000 to deliver a dedicated Aboriginal women’s health workforce development initiative.

The initiative was developed in consultation with the Victorian Government and aims to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls living in Victoria can access culturally safe women’s health care closer to home by strengthening the workforce providing this critical care.

The grants will support up to 50 clinicians across the ACCHO sector to build their knowledge and skills in women’s health, while also enhancing organisational capacity. They will also help clinicians and ACCHOs to better respond to the health needs of Aboriginal women and girls and address the identified gaps.

Read the full news story here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2025/09/09/vaccho-secures-funding-to-strengthen-aboriginal-womens-health-workforce/

07/09/2025

This Father’s Day, VACCHO and the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing asked Mob:
“What makes a Deadly Dad?"

The little ones spoke about the deep love they share with their dads, a love that goes both ways.

Older voices reflected on the importance of connection, being present, and having someone to turn to for strength, guidance, and advice.

This day is a time to reflect on the role fathers play in Community and to honour the contributions of caregivers and Community leaders.

Their presence leaves lasting impacts that strengthen families and Community.

🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈

VACCHO acknowledge that days and events like these can be hard for some.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to:
Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
Yarning Safe n Strong: 1800 959 563
Dardi Munwurro: (03) 8456 3044
Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367
QLife: 1800 184 527
Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Address

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood, Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61394119411

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