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
Platypus Tracks Autumn 2025
Read the Autumn Edition of Platypus Tracks
'Racist harm': In Ballarat, the Stolen Generations' effects are still felt
A smoking ceremony at BADAC on May 26, 2025, for National Sorry Day. Picture by Bryan Hoadley
Members of Ballarat's Indigenous community have highlighted pressing concerns such as racism, systemic disadvantage and intergenerational trauma while speaking at a National Sorry Day event.
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When delivering a speech about his mother's experience as a victim of the inhumane policy, Ballarat man Peter Kennedy Jnr described the long-reaching effects intergenerational trauma had on his family.
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He said his mother went on to be a "big" advocate for her people, and that throughout her life, she had taken on caring responsibilities for more than 25 children.
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"Over time, that had a big, significant impact on me, not having that time with your mum," he said.
He is now working at Ballarat Community Health in the mental health sector, but he said this journey hadn't been straightforward.
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"For me to unpack that and reflect on everything that I went through and understand the things my mum went through is a big, meaningful thing," he said.
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In 2018-19, it was estimated that there were more than 27,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 who were survivors of the Stolen Generations.
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At the event, BADAC chief executive Karen Heap also called on more to be done to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and said self-determination was the best way forward for Aboriginal people.
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"The concept of reconciliation is not working for Indigenous people in its current form," she said.
"In 2025, and even in Ballarat, racism is still rearing its ugly head.
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You can read the full story as written by Bryan Hoadley at:
Meet the 13-year-old designer of Learmonth's apparel for Indigenous Round
Morgan Pike takes great pride in having contributed her design to Learmonth's apparel. Picture supplied
In footballing terms, the Indigenous Round means many things.
First and foremost, a chance to promote reconciliatory efforts as well as acknowledge the incredible feats of a decades-long trail blazed by First Nations athletes on ovals across the country.
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The stories behind what clubs wear during the round can be even more meaningful to the people behind them.
Look no further than 13-year-old Morgan Pike of the Wamba-Wamba people.
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"It felt really good getting chosen over a bunch of adults," Morgan said.
"It was important, and the club was really welcoming and supportive.
"I've got family members out at Learmonth, so it was fun to see them wearing it.
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Lakes A-grade coach Jordan O'Keefe had forecasted the event in advance as one the club was deeply invested in, a week prior following the Waubra win.
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You can read the full story including the meaning behind Morgan's design written by Jesse Robertson-Torres at: