Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)

As part of our member engagement process, EAAA undertakes both online and face-to-face conversations with our members to discuss current projects and how we can support or enhance their work. 

Following our Board meeting in February, Co-Chairs Diedre Timms and Sue Leitch, accompanied by Executive Officer Bev Lange, spoke to three of our members - Graeme Westaway from Better Place Australia, Charelle Jackson and Margaret Clark from VACCHO and Debra Nicholl from Elder Rights Advocacy.  

Here are the highlights from our discussions with Margaret Clark and Charelle Jackson from VACCHO.

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What is VACCHO’s role?

We’re the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of the over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in Victoria. We’re always looking at different ways to improve outcomes for our community and to make sure that their concerns are always on the agenda.

Is the abuse of older people something that’s openly discussed?

Unfortunately not – this can be a very difficult subject to raise and discuss. Plus many of our Elders wouldn’t think of what’s happening in this way. It’s very difficult for an older person to say no to family, for example when they’re asked for money. There are ways to get around this to ensure they still have money for themselves, for example banks could give older people smaller bank notes rather than $50s. That way they can give a little bit to family but still have some for themselves.

And there are other options too. We’ve heard that gallery owners in Alice Springs pay their artists monthly rather than giving them large amounts of money in one go. But it’s still difficult.

Are there any projects you’re working on at the moment?

VACCHO is developing the Quality of Life Elder support which will focus on creating culturally safe spaces. We have also held an Elders Summit which was a very valuable gathering and we’re looking forward to holding a second event.

We have people who are connectors or coordinators in the workforce who are working with Elders which means they’re comfortable having them come into their homes. These people are connected to community and the Elders which means they’re able to provide culturally safe support. This allows them to provide a wrap around and holistic support service that includes the whole family.

Sometimes older people won’t let ‘strangers’ into their homes, which means they may not know about the services or support that’s available to them. So we need to educate visitors and inform them about our cultural norms.

Plus the visitors need to think about the people they’re visiting. If you put a risk assessment form in front of an older person, do you think they’ll fill it out? Of course not! They won’t see the point and often won’t understand what the assessment is.

This is particularly the case with the generation of people who were raised in missions and are now in their 80s or 90s – their mindset is quite different. Those in their 70s may have been raised more in the mainstream so the mindset will be different for them. They may have more understanding and ability to deal with the systems and practices.

But all that requires training and understanding that visitors should leave their judgement and pre-conceptions at the door when going into people’s homes. Work on building connection and trust. And consider carefully when normal family caring crosses the line into abuse.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

VACCHO is now guiding the Victorian Committee for Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD). This is the reference group for staff in organisations that provide home and community care. The goal is to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access high quality and culturally fitting services, both in their homes and through support services. We’re very proud of this, it’s the only organisation of its kind in Australia. Plus our bi-monthly meetings include guest speakers so we’re able to get different perspectives.

For more information about VACCHO, visit their website https://www.vaccho.org.au/