More support for Aboriginal-led disaster recovery

Ten Aboriginal organisations have been granted up to $160,000 under the second round of the $1.2 million Aboriginal Culture and Healing Flood Recovery Grant Program in Victoria.

Aboriginal communities were badly hit by the devastating October 2022 floods.

“Supporting Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to lead flood recovery means that they will be able to deliver culturally safe recovery initiatives, and projects that respect their culture and Country,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said.

The projects will support psychological and wellbeing needs, mapping and restoring damaged Country, reconnecting with Country through workshops and cultural storytelling and planning to mitigate future flood impacts.

Projects include the implementation of a Flood Assessment Predictive Model which received funding in round one to identify which heritage sites may be impacted by future floods. Other projects support Elders and community members to foster resilience and ensure mental health supports remain during the recovery process.

Mildura’s 15-hectare Lock Island will benefit through clean-up and regeneration to improve biodiversity and increase opportunities for cultural learning and storytelling.

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service is receiving more than $79,000 to ensure vital mental health supports continue to be available – this includes having a dedicated psychologist.

Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation will use their $160,000 grant to study how local scar trees have recovered to inform how we preserve them during risk periods.

“This program respects our knowledge, expertise and commitment to Country, and allows that important work to continue,” Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations CEO Paul Paton said.

The Aboriginal Culture and Healing Flood Recovery Grant Program was established to help Aboriginal communities to determine their recovery.

The grants program is a partnership between Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (Federation)

To find more information and a list of recipients, visit fvtoc.com.au.