BADAC’s VISION
The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative will be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat District, supporting and respecting our people, enhancing our community, growing our culture and honouring our heritage
ABOUT US
The Ballarat And District Aboriginal Co-operative
The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) was established by members of the Ballarat and district Aboriginal community in 1979. It became a co-operative to deliver health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.
​
Since 1979, the organisation has grown considerably and now delivers a wide range of services, underpinned by its adaption of the Social Inclusion principles.
BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCHO) for the Ballarat and district area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). Our services are open to all members of the public, with priority given to our members.
BADAC is focused on prevention and early intervention, always with a client-centred approach, to ensure that our clients are personally engaging in the development and nurturing of their own futures.
NEWS AND EVENTS
Platypus Tracks Autumn 2025
Read the Autumn Edition of Platypus Tracks
'Our voices need to be heard': NAIDOC Week's Next Generation theme
Dancers at BADACs NAIDOC Community Day at Ballarat High School on Wednesday. Picture by Kate Healy
Karen Heap, CEO of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) and a proud Yorta Yorta and Barkandji woman, said it was important to foster the next generation of leaders.
​
"The younger generation is where we need to be at," she said.
"We need to nurture them to take over from people like myself, but also recognise they'll bring a different future too."
​
BADAC's chief of culture, public relations and engagements, Shu Brown, said the focus needed to be on including youth voices more in programs.
​
"Because we are our own Aboriginal organisation, we've got more of a voice when it comes to working with mob here," he said.
"It's all about self-determination - how our community wants to be governed in this space.
​
Evie Clark, 15, is one of those voices.
​
"The future generation is, I think, one of the most important things in culture," Ms Clark said.
"We are the next leaders. We'll carry everything we've learned from our Elders, and we know what we want for our future - that's so important. Our voices need to be heard."
​
You can read the full story as written by Nick Powell at: https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/9012460/empowering-ballarats-aboriginal-youth-for-naidoc-2025/