BDAC Services and Information Booklet

BDAC has released its updated Services and Information Booklet.

You can click on the link below to download an electronic booklet:

BDAC Services and Information Booklet

BDAC's Programs and Services

BDAC announces Phil Brusch Scholarship

On behalf of BDAC Board and Employees, We would like to announce that as of 2019 we will recognise the valued contribution from our wonderful colleague, the late Phil Brusch. The “Phil Brusch” Scholarship will be awarded to an Aboriginal nominee in year 11 or 12 that has achieved a high level of attendance and excellent academic results. The winning nominee will receive a total of $2000 towards their future education. Phil was a valued employee and a friend to all of us who always went beyond his role to ensure the best success for BDAC and that is why we have made the decision to award the scholarship in his honor. We would also like to thank the Bendigo NAIDOC Commitee for putting an extra $1000 (to make total $2000) towards the Scholarship.

Pictured Below: The late Phil Brusch with his dog, Freddie

Pilot program benefits vulnerable children

BDAC’s involvement in the Section 18 Rural Pilot Program aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable Aboriginal children is another step along the road to self-determination...

Read more: Pilot program benefits vulnerable children

BDAC NAIDOC Dinner and Awards 2018

On Friday 29th June 2018, BDAC held its annual NAIDOC Dinner and Awards Night. The event was attended by 320 staff, community members and stakeholders.

We also had the Annual Awards and would like to congratulate the following winners:

Aboriginal Recognition Award- Patrick Fagan
Non-Aboriginal Recognition Award- Lisa Parkinson
Aboriginal Aspiring Leader- Sarah Weymouth
Aboriginal Employment Award- Gordon Hynes

Pictured above: (From Left to Right) Patrick Fagan, Sarah Weymouth, Bary Fary (BDAC Chairperson), Lisa Parkinson, Gordon Hynes and Dallas Widdicombe

Doctor returns to BDAC

Doctor Gary Bourke returns to the BDAC medical clinic after a period of extended leave.

Read more: Doctor returns to BDAC

Funding Announcement at BDAC

NEW EARLY YEARS CENTRE FOR ABORIGINAL FAMILIES IN BENDIGO

More Aboriginal children and their parents in Bendigo will get access to culturally responsive services and care thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost for a new Early Years Centre.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan MP and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP today announced the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative would receive $800,000 through the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The $200 million fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – will rebuild rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access the high quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.

The funding boost for Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative will go towards building the second stage of the service’s $1.7 million state-of-the-art Early Years Centre.

The centre will give the Co-Operative the modern and efficient facilities they need to expand services to local Aboriginal families, from pregnancy to school age.

This will include facilities to cater for 22 three-year-old kinder places and 66 four-year-old kinder places.

Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative provides holistic health and wellbeing services to support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living in the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional area, including its Aboriginal Early Years’ Service, youth programs, health promotion programs and supports for children in out-of-home care, or at risk of homelessness or family violence.

The new Early Years Centre will boost access to these holistic and integrated services that improve the health, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal children, focussing on prevention and early intervention.

Last year’s budget delivered $1.67 billion to support hospitals meet demand and provide high quality care Victorian patients deserve, including $428.5 million in new hospital upgrades.

The Labor Government has an ambitious new plan to revolutionise how Victoria’s health and human services work with Aboriginal communities. The Korin Korin Balit-Djak Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Plan for the next 10 years puts Aboriginal self-determination front and centre in all of Victoria’s health and human services.

To support Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations so they can thrive into the future, we are delivering a $7.1 million package for infrastructure improvements.

Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“Aboriginal people know what works best for Aboriginal people. The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative is leading the way in ensuring care and services are culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people.”

“We’re putting patients first and revamping our rural and regional health services so more patients rural Victoria can be treated sooner, closer to home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“The Labor Government has listened to Aboriginal voices and delivered a new way of supporting services that better meets the cultural needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities in the Bendigo region.”

“Our investment will make a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal children and families across our state, with better access to the high quality early years services they need, when they need it.”

Source: http://www.mareeedwards.com.au/Pages/News/2018-03/NEW_EARLY_YEARS_CENTRE_FOR_ABORIGINAL_FAMILIES_IN_BENDIGO.aspx

Teens head to NT on leadership trip

Four teenagers from Bendigo are about to head to the Northern Territory on the trip of a lifetime as part of a pilot scheme aimed at developing indigenous leaders of the future.

Read more: Teens head to NT on leadership trip

BDAC Christmas Closure

Please see notice below regarding BDAC Christmas Closure

Drink more water

Sports Focus is one of the sponsors of our 2016 Murrun Dhelk Football Netball Carnival, promoting the message that drinking water is the best choice for performance and recovery.

Carnival teams ready for action 

East Gippsland celebrates sporting talent

Family comes together for carnival

COnnections the key for Wimmera Eagles