Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc

09/01/2026

A simple yarn can save lives. The Balit Durn Durn Centre's new "Connection is Prevention" campaign reminds us to check in with our Mob, speak up early, and support one another through strong, meaningful connection.

At the heart of the campaign is a short, powerful film that demonstrates how a simple conversation can break stigma, isolation and save lives.

Launched alongside the campaign is BLKTRX, Victoria’s first Aboriginal-led online mental health and social and emotional wellbeing service directory. Making it easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find culturally safe support.

The Connection is Prevention campaign and the BLKTRX directory were made possible with the valuable guidance and contributions of the Garrka yap-u burrundyata Knowledge Holders Group. The group urges everyone to check in with their Mob, support those who may be doing it tough, and connect with trusted local services.

Read the full story > balitdurndurncentre.org.au/connection-is-prevention-new-campaign-encourages-conversations-to-prevent-su***de-in-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-communities/
Watch the video > youtu.be/Q0R2usNSMzg?si=TO2tctBw6w9To35Q
Explore BLKTRX > blktrx.org.au

07/01/2026

Happy new year! What are your ins and outs for 2026?

Sign the aged care petition > https://c.org/vzW5svxpjX
Check out BLKTRX online service directory > blktrx.org.au
#2026

06/01/2026

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 40ºC or higher 🔥

It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of heatstroke:
☀️ hot and dry skin, typically no longer sweating
☀️ rapid, strong pulse
☀️ rapid, noisy breathing
☀️ dizziness, headaches and nausea
☀️ unreasonable, confused or aggressive behaviour
☀️ loss of consciousness, fits/seizures

Call 000 immediately if someone is experiencing heatstroke.

And if you are caring for someone with heatstroke:
🌳 Move the person to a cool, shaded area,
👕 remove their outer layers of clothing
💦 and wet their skin with water.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat

06/01/2026

28/12/2025

This year wasn’t just shaped by outcomes. It was shaped by stories.

Here are just a few initiatives we undertook this year.

These small experiences, inspired by Community and our partners, remind us why we do what we do.

Swipe to see what change felt like in 2025.

Discover more of our impact this year → https://www.vaccho.org.au/impact/

21/12/2025

Did you know that melanoma rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians are similar to those of non-Indigenous Victorians?

So, whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard, stay sun safe - because skin cancer doesn't discriminate. Whenever the UV is 3 or above, protect yourself by using all five forms of sun protection:

👚 Wearing covering clothing – like a shawl, long-sleeves and collared shirts
🧴 Applying SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen and reapplying every 2 hours
👒 Putting on a hat
🌳 Seeking shade wherever you can
😎 Remembering your sunglasses
⛅ Checking the UV rating, even when it is cloudy.

Download the SunSmart app to stay up to date on the UV forecasts for your local area: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app

19/12/2025

Introducing BLKTRX!

A new online service directory has launched to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria to find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), and su***de prevention services.

BLKTRX is Victoria’s first Aboriginal online mental health service directory that is created by Mob for Mob. It brings trusted support services together in one place, recognising that help is not one-size-fits-all.

Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, Elders or someone you care about, BLKTRX makes it easier to find services that feel right.

Head to blktrx.org.au

19/12/2025

Your 2025 VACCHO Wrapped is in.

It’s been a year (financial year, that is) of making a real, measurable difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. Just like we did last year. Just like we’ll do next year.

How did we do it? By supporting Members to stay strong. Because when ACCOs stay strong, Communities stay strong.

In 2026, we’ll be back, energised, and ready to support Members and Community with more deadly projects in January.

We can’t wait.

Discover our impact in 2025 → https://www.vaccho.org.au/impact/

18/12/2025

If this time of year feels tough, reach out, have a yarn. Someone cares. A friend, a loved one, or a support service. You deserve to be heard, supported and connected.

Connection is prevention.

Head to BLKTRX to find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and su***de prevention services in your area now > blktrx.org.au/

17/12/2025

Food sovereignty was front and centre at VACCHO’s inaugural Food Connections Gathering on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in late November.

Across two days, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, ACCOs, and thought leaders came together to honour cultural food practices, exchange wisdom and map out a future where Community-led food solutions shape Victoria’s food systems.

From thought-provoking keynotes and panel discussions to illuminating yarning circles, throughout the Gathering, a clear message emerged: Aboriginal-led food solutions and food sovereignty are central to the health and strength of Mob in Victoria and across the country.

The Gathering not only showcased the incredible work already happening within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food space, but also laid strong foundations for future collaboration, advocacy, and action.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all Community, ACCOs, presenters, and partners who shared their time, knowledge, and passion throughout the event.

17/12/2025

Hey Mob... it's getting hot out here! 🔥

A severe heatwave warning is forecast in Victoria from today through to Friday. To keep yourself and others safe and healthy during a heatwave, be sure to:

• stay hydrated
• keep cool
• watch for signs of heat related health problems
• check in on those at risk.

Northern Victoria and the Gippsland Districts will experience the most extreme heat throughout this period, so be sure to take extra care if you're in these areas.

For more tips, have a listen to how VACCHO Mob will be staying safe and cool during the heatwave.

☀️🖤💛❤️☀️

16/12/2025

Calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives with a cervix!

VACCHO is working with and to increase the Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) workforce trained to provide cervical screening services through .

The initiative seeks to build an AHP workforce that can deliver culturally safe and accessible cervical screening services to Community across Victoria. We’re looking for expressions of interest from Mob who are women and/ or people with a cervix to create an artwork that visually represents the project’s vision.

The artwork will be featured across course materials, resources, marketing collateral, promotional items and merchandise for participating AHPs. It may also be used for public display in ‘s HQ.

Find out more and submit your interest via the Artist EOI page on our website: Careers > Artist expression of interest > Submit EOI.

EOIs close 6 January 2026. Final artwork due no later than 17 February 2026.