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
Perridak Art Gallery opens on Mair Street showcasing First Nations artworks
A new gallery dedicated to First Nations art and storytelling has opened on Mair Street.
Perridak Art Gallery was established by Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) and was named from the Wadawurrung word for platypus, 'perridak' - from the traditional Country where Ballarat sits.
"Ballarat is really very much about people coming from different areas because of the Stolen Generation and, because people were left here after that era of time and they didn't have a home to go to, they made Ballarat their home," Ms Heap said.
"It's important that we embrace that and we have, as an organisation, embraced all Aboriginal people that come to Ballarat. This is just another way of doing that."
Painter and Ballarat local Trevor Mitchell, who comes from Barkindji Country in New South Wales, said it was inspiring to share the space with other artists.
Similarly, artist Leonie Harris has lived in Ballarat for 25 years, and her works explore stories many different areas, including Wadawurrung Country, Noongar Country, in Western Australia, and Yorta Yorta lands, which sits over the border of New South Wales and Victoria.
You can view the full story by The Courier's Ellie Mitchell at:
Artist Trevor Mitchell with BADAC chief executive Karen Heap at the opening of the Perridak Art Gallery on Mair Street. Photo by Adam Trafford.
Grant helps Ballarat Indigenous children, teenagers camp on Country
MORE chance to be on Country and immersed in culture with other young Aboriginal peers can "change lives", Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative's chief executive says.
A two-night camp in Creswick this week, drawing about 80 Indigenous children and teenagers from the Ballarat region, was made possible with fundraising and grants.
This comes as Central Highlands Water has made the largest donation to BADAC youth activities, gifting almost $15,000 from the sale of reusable stainless steel water bottles at Ballarat Begonia Festival last month.
"The funding is hugely important and that sort of funding needs to be generated more. These are positive programs that are about changing lives for people," Ms Heap said.
Ms Heap said the experience at Creswick's Log Cabin Camp offered a sense of freedom on land and was culturally relevant.
Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon thanked everyone who had purchased a water bottle at Begonia Festival to support BADAC's works.
You can view the full story by The Courier's Melanie Whelan at:
Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative's Shu Brown, Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon and chairmanager Angeleen Jenkins with BADAC chief executive officer Karen Heap with BADAC children on camp.
Picture by Lachlan Bence
Platypus Tracks
Summer 2022
Read the Autumn Edition of Platypus Tracks
