The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is a state-wide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) that has been serving children, young people, families, and community members in Victoria for over 45 years. As the largest of its kind in Australia, VACCA is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of Aboriginal children and families, emphasizing the importance of cultural connection and community support.
VACCA’s mission is to empower children and families to embrace their Aboriginal identity, culture, and community, fostering a sense of strength and resilience in their daily lives. Led by CEO Muriel Bamblett, a respected Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, VACCA has grown exponentially under her leadership. With a team of like-minded individuals, VACCA offers a range of services including support for Aboriginal families facing homelessness, foster care programs, and initiatives to keep children connected to their culture.
Rooted in the Aboriginal Civil Rights movement, VACCA was founded in the 1970s to address the disproportionate removal of Aboriginal children from their families and communities. Through advocacy and leadership, VACCA has played a pivotal role in policy and legislation reform, ensuring that Aboriginal people have the right to care for their own children within their cultural context. Committed to self-determination and community empowerment, VACCA continues to be a beacon of support and inspiration for Aboriginal communities across Victoria and beyond.
