Geelong’s MacKillop Family Services to run Victorian-first program

GEELONG children and Aboriginal women who have been victims of family violence will be supported through a Victorian-first initiative.

Victorian Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos.

GEELONG children and Aboriginal women who have experienced family violence will be supported through new initiatives to be announced Wednesday.

Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos will announce $5.1 million for five new pilot programs to help vulnerable families keep their children out of child protection or out-of-home care — including a Victorian-first program from Geelong’s MacKillop Family Services.

The pilot programs were selected following a statewide submission process, with the MacKillop Centre’s Multisystemic Therapy intervention program one of the five picked.

“We know prevention and early intervention are the most effectives way of keeping kids safe which is why we’re investing in new trials that will help families provide a safe and stable home,” Ms Mikakos said.

“It’s vital we invest in services that have a strong body of evidence and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.”

Ms Mikakos will also launch a new support program for aboriginal women impacted by family violence run by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, called ‘Dalag Walert’, which translates to ‘possum skin’.

The program will allow indigenous woman impacted by family violence to come together and construct a communal possum skin cloak — signifying the strengthening of their connection to culture and community.

The State Government has provided $650,000 for 45 projects designed by Aboriginal communities to reduce, prevent and respond to family violence in Aboriginal communities — as part of a $1.9 billion package to address family violence.

“Unfortunately, there are no cultural, social and economic barriers to family violence — it’s a problem that affects us all,” Ms Mikakos said.

“We’re giving Aboriginal women the specialised support they need — with programs like Dalag Walert — to escape abuse, start their recovery and lead their best possible lives.”

Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative chief executive Rod Jackson said responding to the cultural needs of Aboriginal families was vital to providing effective support services.

“This project will help local Aboriginal women impacted by family violence to strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing and connection to community, culture and country,” he said.

Originally published as Geelong’s MacKillop Family Services to run Victorian-first program