Victoria backs 13 First Nations infrastructure projects

The Victorian government has announced new funding for 13 First Nations organisations to build and upgrade community infrastructure across the State, with a focus on education, culture, housing and community spaces.

Minister Ros Spence confirmed support for the organisations through the eighth round of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program. The program backs First Nations organisations to design, deliver and maintain facilities that they identify as priorities for their communities.

Key Points

“First Nations organisations deliver the strongest programs for First Nations communities – the Allan Labor Government is proud to back that important work,” Ms Spence said.

The funding is directed to both new infrastructure and upgrades to existing facilities. The program supports projects that are functional and accessible, and enables repairs, renovations or expansions to existing buildings where required.

The Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation in Central Victoria.

Projects and allocations

In Central Victoria, Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation will receive more than $1.4 million to build a co-designed Indigenous Education Place in Chewton. According to the government, the service is intended to deliver educational, employment and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations people.

The Taungurung Land and Waters Council will receive an investment of $1.5 million to build a multi-purpose community space at Nyagaroon. The facility is intended to support knowledge sharing and cultural celebration.

In Shepparton, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative has been allocated close to $300,000 for repairs and upgrades to 19 independent living units at the Rumbalara Elders Facility. The works target improvements to the living conditions and functionality of the Elders accommodation.

Rumbalara Football Netball Club will receive more than $287,000 to deliver essential cultural, safety and functional upgrades. The government described such facilities as important hubs where communities gather, practise culture and access support.

The government said this eighth round directs resources to organisations that have identified the specific spaces they need to serve their communities. The announcement emphasised that the supported projects are designed to strengthen cultural connection and provide practical supports across education, health, sport and community life.

Program background

The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program supports First Nations organisations to build new, functional and accessible infrastructure – or to repair, renovate or expand existing facilities. Since 2018, the program has delivered almost $50 million for 127 projects across Victoria, by 60 unique First Nations organisations.

According to the announcement, the program is transitioning to Gellung Warl – a commitment under Victoria’s first Treaty. Gellung Warl will establish and operate a new First Peoples’ Infrastructure Fund from 2027. This transition is intended to further embed First Peoples’ leadership in infrastructure decision-making and delivery.

“From education and health to sport and culture, this funding means communities have the spaces they need to come together and thrive,” Ms Spence said.

The announcement did not list all 13 organisations funded in this round but highlighted allocations in Chewton, Nyagaroon and Shepparton. The government said these projects reflect the program’s broad remit, from educational facilities to community gathering spaces and upgrades to Elders’ housing and sporting clubs.

Further information is available at: firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program.