VACCA - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency

01/09/2026

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day and the perfect opportunity to honour the late Dolly Parton, a champion of children’s literacy, including that of many children enrolled in V***A’s Koorie Kids Supported Playgroups.

The ‘Imagination Library’ was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 and since then has delivered over 300 million books globally to more than 3 million children who receive a book by mail every month. In Australia, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is delivered by United Way Australia and since 2013, they have delivered over 2.4 million books to more than 155,000 children.

Books are chosen by a selection committee of early education and literary experts and, in Australia, includes Indigenous writers and publishing organisations.

The Imagination Library operates on a strong evidence-based model that shows reading and books as a critical factor for early language and literacy development.

Setting up our boorais with strong foundations of literacy gives them every chance for future success.

V***A operates our Koorie Kids Supported Playgroups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5 years and under across the Melbourne metro region and inner Gippsland. Sign up includes being part of the Imagination Library Program! For more information go to our website: https://www.vacca.org/page/our-services/education-and-early-years/koorie-kids-playgroup/

Thank you to the Brian M Davis Foundation which has supported V***A’s Imagination Library program in 2026, including supporting playgroup facilitators to receive their Certificate 4 in Early Language and Literacy.

01/09/2026

Do you know a young person with hoop dreams? 🏀 ⛹️

Join us for some deadly skills and drills sessions at the Western V***A's Koorie Kids Basketball program, held from 3:35pm-4:45pm every Monday during school terms at Westgrove Primary School.

Designed for primary school aged Aboriginal young people at any skill level, it's a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet friends in a space that’s safe and inclusive.

To learn more and register, please email [email protected]

30/08/2026

29/08/2026

Join us for a FREE Father's Day BBQ in Melbourne's west!

From 4pm at the Wunggwurrwil Dhurrung Centre on Friday, 4 September, we'll be hosting a BBQ to celebrate all of our deadly dads. Come down for a yarn, a free feed and to connect with community for a pre-father's day celebration.

If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to [email protected] with your attendance numbers and any dietary requirements.

28/08/2026

Who else is decked out in purple today?🌈💜

Yesterday, V***A held a few early Wear it Purple day celebrations, hosting afternoon teas across our offices in Victoria.

There were speeches, special video guest messages, prizes for best dressed and a ridiculous amount of purple. It was deadly seeing everyone get into the spirit, celebrate our Rainbow Mob, and look amazing while they did it!

27/08/2026

Happy Wear it Purple Day you mob! 💜 💜 💜

Here's a word from V***A's CEO, Aunty Muriel Bamblett (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung).

This year's Wear it Purple theme, "Colours of Courage", celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+ young people, communities and allies every day. We hope you all chose to wear purple with pride today - real courage is found in everyday choices to live proudly, show support for others, and invite people into shared understanding and acceptance.

27/08/2026

Yesterday, V***A hosted delegates from the 2026 ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) and Australian Childhood Foundation Congress at our Preston office!

Joining us from all over the world, the delegates spent the morning learning about V***A's service delivery, evidence building and culturally-informed practice from our Gamadji Balit, Research and Evidence Development, and Practice Leadership and Collaborative Outcomes teams.

After enjoying damper and johnnycakes from Uncle Don Callope, delegates shared with staff that they had an incredibly insightful time and loved learning about V***A's Cultural Therapeutic Ways framework and Nugel programs.

27/08/2026

Are you looking for a job where you can provide educational support for Aboriginal children and young people in care?

We're looking for a Tutor to join the team at our Morwell office. You'll provide one-on-one tutoring, advise schools on individual learning needs, and ensure a culturally safe environment to foster learning.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, join us! We offer the chance to grow your career, flexibility and a range of other great benefits.

Find out more and apply: https://careers.vacca.org/jobs/tutor-morwell-vic-australia-e48b0cda-8755-4743-8f26-4ec03908a017

Applications close 9 September.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

21/08/2026

Are you looking for a job where you can make a real-life difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and families involved in the child protection system?

We're looking for a Nugel Case Manager to join the team at our western offices. You'll be responsible for working with young people, government and sector partners to build the capacity of families, so that children can remain at home safely, or can be transitioned home.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, join us! We offer the chance to grow your career, flexibility and a range of other great benefits.

Find out more and apply: https://careers.vacca.org/jobs/case-manager-nugel-melton-vic-australia-werribee-72bd6ea2-ca5d-4018-a2dc-86c6783213d8

Applications close 6 September.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

20/08/2026

Congratulations to the finalists for the 2026 Protecting Children Awards!

We'd like to give a special shoutout to our V***A nominees, the Deadly and Strong Communities team, nominated for the Robin Clark Making a Difference Award; the North Pre-birth Response Program (ALCC & BUABAH teams), nominated for the Minister's Award for Excellence in Protecting Children; Cara Williams, nominated for the Kinship Carer Award; and Kylie Bell, nominated for the Walda Blow Aboriginal Children and Young People Award.

Join us in congratulating our deadly V***A nominees and wishing the best of luck to all of the amazing finalists!