Three Indigenous-led groups in the Grampians region were among 29 to receive State Government funding to implement projects that help stop family violence before it starts.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Melissa Horne last month announced the recipients of the 2025-26 Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund.

The fund delivers $1.4-million to be shared across the projects, with individual grants of up to $100,000.

Wimmera-based Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative received funding for two projects: ‘Our Community, Our Responsibility – Will you be the difference’ and ‘Hoops Against Violence’.

Federation University’s Aboriginal Education Centre also received funding for a junior university camp ‘Koling Wada-Ngal Karrung’, which means ‘let us walk together camp’. The camp builds on students’ life skills, knowledge and confidence through a respectful relationships program.

Ms Horne said the projects were in line with the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families agreement.

The Dhelk Dja agreement was developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities across Victoria and endorsed by the Koori Caucus and Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum.

“Every woman and child deserves to feel safe – that means investing in prevention before violence begins,” she said.

“If we want to drive down family violence, we must back Aboriginal-led programs to get the best results.”

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