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VACCA named Large Employer of the Year at Victorian Training Awards
Freya Lucas
Sep 18, 2024
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The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) was named as the Large Employer of the Year during the Victorian Training Awards 2024.
VACCA, as the Peak Voice for Aboriginal children in Victoria and the leading organisation dedicated to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities, we have long been recognised for our high-quality work in the Aboriginal Community sector, dedication to cultural competence, professional growth, and nurturing talent.For VACCA it is essential to have qualified and culturally skilled staff that are the right skills to do the critical work of supporting Aboriginal children and families to achieve better outcomes and stay connected to culture.
The Large Employer of the Year category is both highly contested and prestigious, and recognises a large organisation that has achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training for its employees.
This accolade highlights VACCA's commitment to workforce development and capacity building through innovative internal training programs and wide-ranging VET and other nationally recognised training and qualifications for its staff, particularly when positioned against other competitors in this category which included V/Line Corporation and McDonald's Australia Ltd.
“Over 75 per cent of VACCA staff who have gained a qualification through the recognised programs we offer in partnership with Education providers are Aboriginal,” VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett said.
“Our staff gain more than a qualification; they build self-confidence and belief in themselves that they can achieve great things.”
“As Aboriginal people, history shows that we have not always been welcome in education spaces. VACCA has flipped that on its head, and by supporting staff to upskill based on their unique needs, progress their careers, they have become role models for their families and the Community.”
Receiving the award, Ms Bamblett said, is a deep honour, one which reflects the foresight, hard work and dedication of VACCA’s teams and the organisation’s commitment to providing employees with the opportunities and support they need to excel.
“This award is validation that with a skilled workforce we are changing the trajectory of Aboriginal lives for the better and I am so proud to be a part of VACCA,” she said.
There were further celebrations for the VACCA team, with staff member Taylor Hampton receiving the Victorian Training Awards - Koorie Student of the Year, recognising the achievements of a Koorie student who demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.
Ms Hampton completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management at Kangan Institute and has achieved career progression and success as a direct result.
Learn more about VACCA’s work here.
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