* Cultural Warning
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent should be aware that the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service website may contain images and names of people who are deceased or images of places that could cause sorrow.
EVENTS CALENDAR
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VAHS AGM 2011
The VAHS annual general meeting will be held on March 28 2011.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Full-time positions are currently availabe for:
- Dental Assistant
- Home Visiting Nurse
- Family Partnership Worker
Please refer to the employment section of this site for more information.
HISTORY
VAHS COMMEMORATIVE POEM & VIDEO
Click Video Window to Play
(Video may take a minute to load)
***
While working towards our planned goals and dreams.
Five years have passed us by.
New water holes have been discovered some even created.
While others have been left to dry.
But unlike the honey ant, we will take time to rest.
Before traveling another mile.*
A time to reflect and remember those no longer with us.
But who have made the Journey worth while.
Our world will continue along with their memory.
For both are intricately tied.
As we look back on thirty long years of history.
We will continue forward with pride.
Many many years ago some elders decided that their people needed a
meeting place where they could come and be united.
So like animals are drawn to water holes the people began to come.
Gathering together like honey ants for there was much work to be done.
Their aim was community control to make decisions of their own.
But it was more than just a meeting place for many it was home.
Slowly as the years passed by it began to take on shape
Triumph and tribulation lying in its wake.
Changing camp a new beginning though many hearts have cried for the
dedicated and community people who have left the camp or died.
Good times are still celebrated hard times still take there toll but the people
have kept walking on to new-found water holes.
***
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
1973 || 1974 || 1975 || 1976 || 1977 || 1978 || 1979 || 1980 || 1981 || 1982 || 1983 || 1984 || 1985 || 1986 || 1987 || 1988 || 1989 || 1990 || 1991 || 1992 || 1993 || 1994 || 1995 || 1996 || 1997 || 1998 || 1999 || 2000 || 2001 || 2002 || 2003 || 2004 || 2005 || 2006 || 2007 || 2008 || 2009 ||
1973
JULY
- VAHS founders hold a special meeting at (aboriginal house) 99 King St Melbourne to discuss plans for the establishment of a VAHS building.
- VAHS begins to service the community from (229 Gertrude St Fitzroy)
AUGUST
- Opening ceremony for VAHS is held
SEPTEMBER
- Consideration is given to the set-up of a dental unit
1974
JUNE
- Dental surgery begins operation in adjoining building of the VAHS
JULY
- TV crew do a documentary of the BAHS becomes a corporation
JULY
- National VAHS workshop is held
- Vic. Netball and Football teams win National Carnival in Canberra
- VAHS endorse half way house now known as George Wright Hostel
1975
- First community based education program is established at Swinbourne University
1976
- Aboriginal Radio Program 3CR airs
- Koori club and diner commences at (108 Smith St Collingwood)
1977
- Fitzroy stars are founded as part of the VAHS on Gertrude St between George and Napier St above a milk bar premises
- Under 50's program begins one day per week at (108 Smith St Collingwood)
- 20th Anniversary of the Aborigines Advancement League
1978
- VAHS assisted the people of Port Augusta to set-up their own health service
- Under 5's clinic starts full-time based at the VAHS
1979
- The VAHS moves to a larger property at (136 Gertrude St Fitzroy)
- Due to lack of funding VAHS staff works with out pay for 4 months to ensure the continuation of the health service
- 2 Aboriginal reps from Vic lobby for Aboriginal issue and rights internationally (Europe)
1980
- Yappera Childcare centre starts at (105 Argyle St Fitzroy)
- Grant received for koori children's health projects
- A new dentists is appointed at the VAHS
- "Home Away from Home" is the first book published to look in depth at the VAHS
1981
- VAHS along with the Victorian Aboriginal legal service start providing funeral services, relying solely on donations and fundraising events
- VAHS faces closure
- Staff again works without pay
1982
FEBRUARY
- Koori Kollij receives funding from streagley foundation
- Koori Kollij health worker pilot program initiated (108 Smith Street, Collingwood)
MARCH
- Temporary closure threatens the VAHS
- KIC (Koori Information Centre) opens in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
- Mobile dental caravan becomes operational, carrying portable equipment to service country areas
- Koori Health Workers are officially recognized and attend Commonwealth Games in Brisbane
1983
MARCH
- Official Opening of Koori Kollij at Cunningham Street, Northcote
- Nindeebiya Workshop becomes incorporated with the assistance of the VAHS
SEPTEMBER
- National Aboriginal Health Week
1984
- Koori Kollij Graduates are employed by the VAHS
- Lin Onus and Koori Kollij students paint the inside walls of the medical service
- Koori Kollij moves to better facilities at Cambridge Street, Collingwood
1985
JULY
- Change over of VAHS funding bodies from commonwealth Department of Health to Department of Aboriginal Affairs
- New mobile dental mini bus operates with existing caravan
1986
- HACC (Home & Community Care) project funded
- Metropolitan Aboriginal Achievement Award presented to the VAHS
1987
- Victorian Aboriginal Mental Health Network is set-up in conjunction with Mont Park and St Vincent's Psychiatric Units
1988
- Under 5's program becomes fully funded
- VAHS receives a grant feasibility study for the proposed new VAHS building
- Cervical cancer screening proposal approved
- Hepatitis B policy and program proposal
- Koori kids mental health network begin meeting
- Fitzroy stars youth club Gymnasium moves to corner of Gertrude St and George St Fitzroy
- Aids education program funded
- Bicentennial demonstration in Sydney
- Minister for health funds received and Aboriginal health care is delivered in Victoria
1989
JANUARY
- VAHS present a report to the Royal Commission into Black deaths and custody- VAHS staff receives standard reward wages.
- Agreement between VAHS and health federation
- VAHS in-service education weekend at Geelong
- Under 5's information Progress booklet is launched
- Protect our future learn about aids booklet is launched: Hepatitis B program receives government funding
- Koori kids mental health project begins
- VAHS provides out-reach services to Aboriginal people held in Pentridge prison.
- Koori kids Mental health project receives funding
1990
- The health standard manual is produced.
- Final year of Koori Kollij funding.
- Transition of funding from Dept. of Aboriginal Affairs to ATSIC
APRIL
- Trip to Alice Springs to compare health care services.
- Nutrition program begins at the VAHS in conjunction with the gym
- Shared antenatal care between the Mercy Hospital and VAHS
1991
FEBRUARY
- Old Exhibition High School is demolished and becomes the site for the new health service.
- Brotherhood of St Laurence a report on Aboriginal poverty in Fitzroy.
MAY
- VAHS in service takes place at the Grampians- Launch of breast feeding poster and pamphlets.
- Video called Pam smear for Koori women is launched Sounds of Survival concert
- VAHS official complaint to minister of Police and Aboriginal Affairs re: ongoing brutalization of Aboriginal people in the community.
1992
MARCH
- First national aids conference held in Alice Springs
- VAHS moves into (186 Nicholson St Fitzroy) new building specifically designed to provide better health care for the Koori community
- Funding allocated for koori burial grounds (WEEWONA) meaning Resting Place at Greenvale's, after 20 years of lobbying. Yappera moves to a new building on the grounds of the AAL. Specifically designed to the needs of Koori children. ACES
- Child health project funded promoting the harmful effects of passive smoking on children and the benefits of breast feeding.
JULY
- First physiotherapist employed by VAHS
- In house scripts introduced to reduce the cost of medicine to the community Ð Mortuary acquired at 664 Smith St Collingwood
OCTOBER
- Black Nations Tour, meeting held at AAL re: Aboriginal Provisional Government
1993
MARCH
- Official opening of the VAHS
- Black fire is formed four out of six members are health service staff.
- Audiologist program begins at the VAHS.
- Dilly bag "Train the trainer program at Camp Jungai
1994
- White administrator is appointed all directors cease to hold office.
- Black fire album- A time of Dream is released.
- Black Fire attends the "Music Marathon" in New York.
- Boori classes and alternative birthing classes began at VAHS with no funding
- Gneetung Tuked Breastfeeding and Booris and smoking don't mix are produced.
- Victorian Koori eye clinic receives funding grant
- Health Worker policy to screen all patients before they see a doctor is introduced.
- Women's health business seminar launching the VAHS Women's Poster held at Fitzroy Star's Youth Club Gym.
OCTOBER
- The JA Thompson Price for excellence in public health practice is awarded to the VAHS
- VAHS "Kanga Tale" play produced in conjunction with the Koori Health Unit & Handspan theatre.
1995
JANUARY
- Dardee Munwarro- Healing the Spirit & Strengthening the Community Day at Aboriginal Advancement League.
FEBRUARY
- Introduction of computerized reminder recall system (Ferrit System)
MARCH
- Nutrition project started.
MAY
- Launch of VAHS breast screen poster and leap let.
JUNE
- Gynecologist / obstetrics clinic commence 1 day per month.
JULY
- Art access project commenced in the VAHS children play area.
OCTOBER
- Mental Health Week open day.
NOVEMBER
- VAHS CEO elected chair of VACCHO.
- Dulap Binninang meeting place commenced Under Family Program Service.
1996
- Diabetes Club was established.
JANUARY
- Dardee Munwarro- Drug & Alcohol Community Day at Aboriginal Advancement League.
FEBRUARY
- Boorai classes commence (ONGOING)
- M.O.U with Darebin Community Health Centre.
- Launch of children's play area.
MARCH
- Adolescent Mental Health Unit includes the Koori Kids Mental Health Unit.
APRIL
- 1st year the Women & Children's Unit celebrated Koori Maternity Day.
MAY
- VAHS Security In-Service at Dare bin Art Centre.
JUNE
- Bruce McGuiness celebration recognition dinner.
JULY
- NAIDOC open day at Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.
AUGUST
- Full-Time pharmacist appointed.
SEPTEMBER
- VAHS Family Counseling Service located to 279 High Street, Northcote.
- VAHS staff attends "Healing Our Spirit" conference in USA.
OCTOBER
- Maternal Health Resources "Nurture your Future" poster and pamphlet launch.0-
- VAHS Women's camp at Nabethong, Victoria.
NOVEMBER
- World Aids Day at VAHS.
1997
JANUARY
- Invasion day at VAHS
FEBRUARY
- VAHS In-Service held in Marysville, Victoria.
MARCH
- National Pap-Screen Koori Women's Forum at VAHS.
- Black Memorial/ Sorry Day at VAHS Ð march to parliament.
- Family Counseling Service Family Day at the Aboriginal Advancement League.
APRIL
- Memorial Day at Weeroona Cemetery.
JUNE
- Sovereignty and Health Worker workshop.
- Fitzroy Stars Legends Night at Aboriginal Advancement League.
- Well Women's Day at Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.
- Indigenous Health Worker conference in Adelaide presentation of VAHS Maternity Program.
- Elizabeth Hoffman House Domestic Violence Camp.
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Open Day (NAIDOC)
AUGUST
- Edna Rose Brown Elders Memorial Healing Garden opened.
- 30th Anniversary Cabaret Ð Collingwood Town Hall.
SEPTEMBER
- KODE School Nutrition Day
- Dardee Munwarro Day at the Victorian Aboriginal Advancement League.
- Additional Funding for dental equipment received.
- VAHS Family Counseling Service official opening launch.
- Mural completed by Koori artist + Splash Arts.
NOVEMBER
- NACCHO AGM held in Melbourne
- 30th Anniversary Dinner Ð Melbourne Town Hall
- VAHS CEO elected chair person for NACCHO
1998
FEBRUARY
- 3rd Healing our Spirit Indigenous world wide conference held at Rotura (New Zealand)
- Black fire album Night Vision is released
- Black fire tours Asia
- NAIDOC Young Achievers award presented to staff members of the VAHS
JULY
- Koori Kids Mental Health Forum held at Darebin Arts and Entertainment center
- VAHS receive an award for community services (Health Promotion Unit)
DECEMBER
- Aboriginal Health worker forum held at Marysville Victoria.
1999
FEBRUARY
- Mental Health Review
APRIL
- Carer's and Consumers support program began.
- Naming of dental van- John H Mc Guinness memorial van.
- Tumbukka dental van off road due to staff shortages and training.
- Upgrade of clinical infection control procedures.
- Obtained services of financial counselor.
JUNE
- In house Health Worker Education program commenced.
- KODE School health information day.
OCTOBER
- Mental Health week open day and art exhibition.
AUGUST
- Youth day "Speak for yourself Express yourself"
SEPTEMBER
- Women's camp for grandmothers and granddaughters at common ground in Seymour.
- Victoria Indigenous section in Medicare established.
- D&A service commenced under the family program service.
OCTOBER
- VAHS Drug & Alcohol in service Eltham.
- Mental health week community open day.
- Partnership with Royal Children's Hospital mental health service and VAHS family program service.
- Injecting Drug use Program Participates in Yarra Drug and Health Forum.
- VAHS standard & Treatment resource Manual 1st edition. Launched
2000
JANUARY
- Dardee Munwarro healing the spirit and strengthening the community day at Aborigines Advancement League.
FEBRUARY
- Introduction of computerized reminder recall system (ferret says)
MARCH
- Nutrition project started
MAY
- Launch of VAHS breast screen poster and leaflet
JUNE
- Gynecologist/ obstetrics clinics commence 1 day per month
JULY
- VAHS has an open day (NAIDOC WEEK)
JULY
- Art access project commenced in the VAHS children's play area
OCTOBER
- Mental health week community open day
NOVEMBER
- VAHS Women's group at Narbethong Victoria
NOVEMBER
- VAHS CEO elected chair and VACCHO
- Dulap Binninary meeting place commenced under Family Program Service development and expansion of new positions and services in VAHS family program services. Community consultation re: Mental Health review began. Establishment of the family counseling service support program. SIDS international conference VAHS presentation) New Zealand).
2001
- DIABETES CLUB WAS ESTABLISHED
JANUARY
- Dardee Munwurra drug and alcohol community day at VAHS
FEBUARY
- Boori classes commenced
- M.O.U. Darebin community health centre
- Launch of children's play area
MARCH
- Adolescent mental health unit includes the koori kids mental health unit
APRIL
- 1st year the women and children's celebrated KOORI MATERNITY WEEK
MAY
- VAHS security in service at Darebin art centre
JUNE
- Bruce McGuiness celebration regintion dinner
JULY
- NAIDOC open day at VAHS
AUGUST
- Full time pharmacist appointed
SEPTEMBER
- VAHS family counseling service located to 279 High St Northcote
- VAHS staff attend " Healing our spirit" conference in USA
OCTOBER
- Maternal health resource "Nurture Your Future" posters and pamphlets launch
- VAHS Women's and Children's camp of Nabethong Victoria
NOVEMBER
- World Aids day at VAHS
2002
JANUARY
- Invasion day at VAHS
FEBRUARY
- VAHS in service Pap- screen koori women's forum at VAHS
MARCH
- Family counseling service family day at AAL
APRIL
- Memorial day at Weeroona cemetery
JUNE
- Sovereignty and health worker workshops
- Fitzroy stars e.g. ends night at AAL
- Aboriginal Health Worker conference in Adelaide presentation of VAHS Maternity program
JUNE
- EHH domestic violence camp
JULY
- Victorian Aboriginal health service open day NAIDOC
AUGUST
- Aunty Edna Brown elders memorial healing garden opened
- 30th Anniversary cabaret- Collingwood town hall
SEPTEMBER
- KODE school nutriton day
- Dardee Munwurro day at the AAL
- Additional funding for dental equipment received
- VAHS family counseling service official opening launch posters pamphlets family counseling service mural completed by koori artists and splash artists
NOVEMBER
- NACCHO AGM held in Melbourne
- 30th anniversary dinner Melbourne town hall
- VAHS CEO elected chair person of NACCHO
2003
- To be updated.
2004
- To be updated.
2005
- To be updated.
2006
- To be updated.
2007
- To be updated.
2008
- To be updated.
2009
- To be updated.