Budget funds for Aboriginal-led programs

MINISTER for Children Lizzie Blandthorn visited Yirram Burron Kinder in Sebastopol on Tuesday to announce funding for Aboriginal-led programs and services as part of this week’s State Budget.

The budget includes nearly $25 million to strengthen Aboriginal-led child and family services including an expansion of Community Protecting Boorais program.

The program allows authorised Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to have legal responsibility for Aboriginal children placed on a Children’s Court protection order.

Funding will also support the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance.

“We know that Aboriginal children are best cared for by Aboriginal people,” Ms Blandthorn said.

“When it comes to looking after children who might not be able to stay at home, we again know Aboriginal people are best placed to make decisions about where Aboriginal children should live and be placed and be cared for.”

A further $5.3 million will support funding for kinder programs delivered by ACCOs.

Additional funding and a single funding stream commencing in 2026 will allow centres like Yirram Burron to have greater control over their funding.

“It will support us in what we need to be doing for the future of our families and children,” Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative CEO Karen Heap said.

“It’s fantastic to be able to make sure Aboriginal children are taken care of, we like to see them here for the long term.

“It’s really important to start early with education and it gets them ready for primary school.”

More than 3700 Aboriginal children enrolled in kinder in 2024 which is the highest number on record.