March 11th, 2026Backing Aboriginal Kinship To Close Health Gaps

The state government is building a stronger, more inclusive health system that works for all Victorians.

That means enabling more Aboriginal-led care because it delivers better health outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

The best healthcare is not a one size fits all – it’s care that suits people, reflects their culture and is shaped by their community.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has announced that 15 Aboriginal organisations will share funding to continue and expand locally led Culture + Kinship initiatives.

The Culture + Kinship initiatives include an Elders Choir, Cultural Memory and Return to Country Project, Youth Cultural and Diversionary Camps, Transferring Elders Knowledge and Early Years Connection to Country.

Strong culture, connection and kinship are proven protective factors for mental health, resilience and long-term wellbeing, and these initiatives are designed by Aboriginal Victorians for Aboriginal Victorians.

This investment is part of the ongoing delivery of the Victorian Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Agreement.

A successful 2022 pilot demonstrated measurable improvements in social and emotional wellbeing, highlighting the power of Aboriginal-led solutions.

The evidence is clear: when care is culturally safe and community-controlled, health outcomes improve and lives change.

This is another step towards closing health gaps by backing Aboriginal leadership and building a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.