VACCHO celebrates 20 years with landmark mural

VACCHO is proud to launch their 20th Anniversary building mural. The mural was developed to mark the milestone birthday of being the peak representative body for Aboriginal health in Victoria.

Since opening its doors on 16th April 1996, VACCHO has been striving to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Ensuring Aboriginal Victoria has a voice at the table where it concerns their lives at a local and national level.

VACCHO’s building provides Aboriginal people with a sense of permanency and identity as it is located in the historical meeting place for community in Victoria.

In partnership with world famous street artist Adnate, three Aboriginal artists, Ray Thomas, Kulan Barney and Ruby Kulla Kulla have produced a mural for the face of VACCHO’s building in Collinwood, Victoria.

The mural showcases 20 years of advancement and achievement in Victorian Aboriginal health.

It represents Aboriginal cultures, families, communities and our diversity and is a representation of the unique and comprehensive services delivered by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

VACCHO CEO, Jill Gallagher AO says VACCHO embodies 20 years’ of knowledge and history in the Aboriginal community controlled sector.
“I believe the mural and its imagery is a beautiful representation and demonstration of VACCHO’s road from our past and our directions going into the future.”

This vibrant and stand-out mural on VACCHO’s building provides a snapshot of Aboriginal Victoria and is another Aboriginal cultural footprint on the Collingwood landscape.

Kulan Barney, one of the three Aboriginal artists believes that it is important to have Aboriginal art present, especially in urban areas and the city.

“We want our mob, our families, and our children to feel connected, proud, inspired and empowered by this mural.”

“We know that when Aboriginal people are strong in their culture, when culture can be seen and experienced, our mob stay connected, strong, happy and healthy.”

FILM: FRANCISCO FISHER & JAYNAYA WILLIAMS
SOUND: DYLAN CLARKE & SUSAN FORRESTER