Department of Health

Aboriginal health

Find the right care, see Better Health Channel

If you need care today but it's not life-threatening, and you can't get a GP appointment, help is available.

Many Aboriginal people in Victoria enjoy good or excellent health. However, as a group, Aboriginal people are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes than non-Aboriginal people. Care that centres on the person, the family and community lies at the heart of good Aboriginal health service delivery, early intervention and prevention. It is locally developed, culturally informed and empowers Aboriginal people to make the best choices about their health.

Aboriginal people access both mainstream and Aboriginal community-controlled health services. All areas of the department have a role to play in ensuring that Aboriginal Victorians get the best quality healthcare, regardless of their location or where they seek care.

Strengthening lifelong Aboriginal health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians through access to early intervention and holistic care

Delivering culturally informed, prevention focused health care to help Aboriginal communities better access culturally safe and holistic primary care closer to home.

Access and continuing care

Health programs directed at improving Aboriginal health: improving patient care, health promotion, palliative care, eye heath and maternity services

Dhumba-nganjin: Sharing stories to promote reconciliation

Dhumba-nganjin is a collection of stories contributed by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff to celebrate reconciliation.

Prevention in Aboriginal health

There are Aboriginal health plans in place to address smoking rates and for better nutrition and cancer screening.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Creating an environment that is safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Bayi Dha-ang: Walk Strong artwork

To embed cultural safety and honour the deep connections between people, Country and healing, the department has commissioned an artwork that tells the story of our shared journey.
Publications

Victorian Aboriginal sexual and reproductive health plan 2022–30

Through a self-determination approach, the plan aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health of Aboriginal Victorians.
Publications

Balit Murrup: Aboriginal social emotional wellbeing framework 2017-2027

Supporting Victorian Aboriginal people, families and communities to achieve and sustain the highest attainable standard of social emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Publications

Aboriginal governance and accountability framework

A new way of working for Aboriginal communities and the department, towards self-determination in the health and human services sector.

Reviewed 25 June 2025

Health.vic

On this site

More information

Contact details

Aboriginal Health

aboriginalhealth@health.vic.gov.au
Was this page helpful?