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.
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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
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Ballarat's state-first early childhood programs that are filling the gap
BADAC has become Victoria's first Aboriginal Community-led Early Years Management authority. Picture by Lachlan Bence and supplied
Ballarat is making history as the city hosting the first Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) to operate as an Early Years Management (EYM) authority in Victoria.
This landmark decision is a major win for Aboriginal self-determination, with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) leading a shift in the way local children access culturally safe learning.
Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn, announced the change, saying the Victorian government will support ACCOs, like BADAC, with more funding to deliver kindergartens "their way".
"BADAC is deeply respected in Ballarat for supporting families and children, and this new role will mean even more local families can benefit from their culturally safe kinder programs," she said.
The difference with ACCO-led early education services is its roots in holistic and cultural care, says BADAC's early childhood general manager, Casey Brown.
"We're leading the way in providing culturally safe early years learning services and employment opportunities," Brown said.
To Brown, ACCOs help cut through the bureaucracy that disadvantages communities.
"Enrollment process can be extremely, ridiculously lengthy, and so technology-driven and wearing on some families," she said.
"Walking into an ACCO service, it's how you're greeted; It's what you can see with your eyes, whether it's the environment, the furnishings, the feel, the sounds.
"Early intervention and engagement are key in ensuring the pathway to formal education is smooth and successful, that's what we're here for."
You can read the full story by Nick Powell at: Ballarat's Aboriginal-led early childhood program is state-first | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC