Shepparton’s Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative is recognised as a leader among Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), maintaining a high profile in the public and private sectors across research, consultancy, policy development, and partnerships.
To ensure continued exceptional work, Rumbalara is set to receive a share of the Victorian Government’s $14 million in grants for ACCOs which will support the continued delivery of the Local Justice Worker Program over four years.
Further, the State Government will also invest $400,000 to ensure the continued delivery of the Koori Night Patrol Program in Shepparton, which provides a safer after-hours travel option for the local Aboriginal community.
Rumbalara has been running the Koori Night Patrol Program for 18 years on Friday and Saturday nights, helping to reduce contact with the criminal justice system and to prevent people becoming victims of crime.
Attorney-General, Jill Hennessy announced the grants during a recent visit to Rumbalara.
“We want to empower Aboriginal-led organisations to provide culturally appropriate programs that will lead to better outcomes for the community,” she said.
“I commend the staff and volunteers at Rumbalara for their continued commitment to the local Aboriginal community – because their work is making a real difference to Aboriginal people in Shepparton.”
