2 SEPT 2024
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is proud to announce its success on Friday 30 August at the Victorian Training Awards 2024, being awarded the Large Employer of the Year category.
The highly contested and prestigious award recognises a large organisation that has achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training for its employees.
VACCA triumphed against exceptional competitors and much larger corporations including V/Line Corporation and McDonalds Australia Ltd.
This accolade highlights VACCA's unwavering commitment to workforce development and capacity building through innovative internal training programs and wide-ranging VET and other nationally recognised training and qualifications for its staff.
The Victorian Training Awards celebrate excellence in training and workforce development, and VACCA’s achievement in the Large Employer category underscores its significant impact in providing exceptional career development opportunities within the organisation.
“Over 75% of VACCA staff who have gained a qualification through the recognised programs we offer in partnership with Education providers are Aboriginal. Out staff gain more than a qualification; they build self-confidence and belief in themselves that they can achieve great things,” said VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett.
“As Aboriginal people, history shows that we have not always been welcome in education spaces. VACCA has flipped that on its head, and by supporting staff to upskill based on their unique needs, progress their careers, they have become role models for their families and the Community.”
For VACCA it is essential to have qualified and culturally skilled staff that are the right skills to do the critical work of supporting Aboriginal children and families to achieve better outcomes and stay connected to culture.
VACCA, as the Peak Voice for Aboriginal children in Victoria and the leading organisation dedicated to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities, we have long been recognised for our high-quality work in the Aboriginal Community sector, dedication to cultural competence, professional growth, and nurturing talent.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the Large Employer of the Year award,” Muriel Bamblett said. “This recognition reflects the foresight, hard work and dedication of our teams and the organisation’s commitment to providing employees with the opportunities and support they need to excel. This award is validation that with a skilled workforce we are changing the trajectory of Aboriginal lives for the better and I am so proud to be a part of VACCA.”
The VACCA team also celebrated staff member, Taylor Hampton, receiving the Victorian Training Awards - Koorie Student of the Year. This award recognises the achievements of a Koorie student who demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.
Congratulations to Taylor Hampton who completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management at Kangan Institute and has achieved career progression and success as a direct result. A deserving winner.
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FOR RELEASE –
Beth Cesarin - Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
PH: 0439 117 408 E: bethc@vacca.org
Sarah Gafforini – Director, Office of the CEO VACCA
T: 0427 621 421/ E: sarahg@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is Victoria’s Peak Voice for Aboriginal children. We are the leading provider of Aboriginal child and family services, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people, and families in the community for over 47 years as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe, and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 80 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years, and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.