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
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Landmark Indigenous Elders' living village opens in Bakery Hill
Uncle Ted Laxton at the new BADAC Elders' Independent Living Village in Bakery Hill. Picture by Lachlan Bence
From an early age Gunditjmara man Ted Laxton was separated from his culture.
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The Ballarat-based artist remembers growing up in Framlingham, near Warrnambool, and only being able to visit its Indigenous reserve three times a year, due to the fact he was "half-caste".
"I had a lot of problems when I was going to school, because I am a blackfella and I am left-handed," Mr Laxton said.
"They were two major things at school in those days that were not really accepted."
Only in Ballarat, with the help of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, did Mr Laxton begin to learn about his cultural heritage, something he said he was still finding out about at the age of 86.
The multi-million dollar facility will provide housing to up to 16 elders, and takes the form of a small village, with shared decking and common spaces.
BADAC home support manager Melissa Bray said the project was co-designed with elders in the community, and looked to offer "culturally safe" services and healthcare.
Pertema and Southern Arrenta elder Doreen Abbott has followed the construction of the village closely and said its design was exactly what their community called for.
"It is somewhere where we will be comfortable," Ms Abbott said.
"With our elders, nowadays, we are all spread out. In a place like this we are all together.
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You can read the full story by Alex Dalziel from The Courier at: