April 6th, 2022Regional recovery

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas has visited the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) to announce a $2.6 million grant, one of many projects funded through the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Round 2.
The cooperative plans to develop a culturally safe, independent living community for local Aboriginal elders.
The grant will support the construction of self-contained units, a large central hall for community meals as well as gardens and cultural spaces. Elders will be fully engaged in the design of the village, which will be able to house up to 16 residents.
This project builds on support provided by BADAC to Aboriginal Victorians across five local government areas in western Victoria.
The cooperative delivers health, social and community development programs to Aboriginal people – including more than 700 people aged 45 and over who need culturally sensitive support as they get older.
BADAC’s new village is just one of a range of new projects to be announced in coming weeks, as part of the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Round 2.
Ms Thomas said the cooperative’s new village would ensure local Aboriginal elders had the support they needed.