Since its creation in 2009, National Close the Gap Day has called for greater action to bridge the gap in outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Due to the ongoing effects of colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are markedly worse off than their non-Indigenous counterparts with regards to health, education, employment, justice, safety and housing.
This Close the Gap Day, we’re calling attention to the incredible work being done by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). The government has failed to meet several key Closing the Gap targets for children and young people, including worsening over-representation in the out-of-home-care system and unchanged rates of young people entering detention. Despite this, ACCOs like VACCA work tirelessly to support children, young people and families in community to live happy, prosperous lives.
Despite targets being missed year after year, VACCA continues to provide our programs and services across Victoria to support thriving Aboriginal communities. Our care services programs ensure that children and young people will always have a safe place to stay if they are unable to live at home. These children are twice as likely to be reunified with their families after entering VACCA care compared to government child protection services.
Our educational programs, like our Koorie Kids Playgroups, connect children to culture and give them an educational head start, making sure they’re developmentally on track when they start school. They immerse pre-school aged children in a culturally safe, educational space, one where they are free to learn and grow while immersed in culture. Playgroups give Aboriginal children a jump start to their education and help them to thrive from the very first day of primary school.
Some of VACCA’s early years supports, like the BUABAH (Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home) program, start before the child is even born, guiding expectant mothers through their pregnancy. Supporting children from the very start means keeping them from ever entering out of home care, leaving them to grow up safe and loved at home.
We continue to urge the government to meet its obligations for shared decision-making in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This first step is valuing the expertise and listening to ACCOs like VACCA who have worked with Aboriginal families and children over 47 years.
We know that when Aboriginal decision making is in Aboriginal hands, it leads to more effective work and real change for community.