Victorian Aboriginal communities will conduct important cultural healing projects in the aftermath of devastating floods with support from the Allan Labor Government.
Marking National Reconciliation Week, Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes announced the six recipients of the $800,000 Aboriginal Culture and Healing Flood Recovery Grant Program, for Traditional Owner-led recovery after the October 2022 floods.
Six Aboriginal organisations received funding under the grant program. This includes Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) which will receive $100,000 to build capability around resilience and flood recovery, with 10 EMAC members trained in flood recovery, waterway management and rehabilitation.
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation will receive $160,000 to investigate flood affected areas on Wurundjeri Country through remote sensing including flood mapping. Supported by the University of Melbourne, this project will lead to updates of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation will receive $160,000 for impact assessments of cultural heritage sites. This is essential for the management and healing of impacted sites.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council will receive $160,000 for infrastructure repairs at the Dalki Garringa Native Nursery.
Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc. will receive $160,000 for site rehabilitation including erosion control revegetation and repairs to structures to meet public safety requirements.
Dududora Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation will receive $55,500 to support future leaders on capability building and cultural knowledge, focusing on workshops and remediation works at Ryans Lagoon.
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) has partnered with the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (FVTOC) to deliver the grant program. More information can be found on the FVTOC website.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"We know that we achieve better recovery outcomes when we work together and let locals lead the way. This program recognises the unique challenges and opportunities recovery presents for Aboriginal Victorians."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Sheena Watt
"Building resilience, skills and the protection of sacred sites after disaster will help heal country as we continue our recovery efforts"
As stated by FVTOC CEO Paul Paton
"Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners know best what their Country needs to heal following disaster. This program draws on 65,000 years of Aboriginal knowledge and experience of caring for Country to ensure flood recovery efforts centre Aboriginal expertise, which benefits the whole community."
