VIYAC is a state-wide network of volunteer Indigenous young people between 12 and 25 years who provide a voice to government and community on issues of importance to them.

VIYAC Undertaking Governance Training

By Nikki Butler - VIYAC member.

On the 12th – 14th of August 2008 myself and VIYAC State Coordinator Jade Colgan attended the ‘Managing In Two Worlds’ – Introduction To Corporate Governance workshop provided by AAV held in lovely, historical Echuca. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, and am grateful that I was given the opportunity as a member of VIYAC to attend. Initially I was not sure about what to expect, though since completing the workshop I feel more informed about governance, and what good governance looks like for Indigenous organizations.

Our workshop was the biggest regional workshop the facilitators had conducted, which allowed us to work with others representing a broad range of Indigenous organizations. Some participants were active board members and others were community members looking to become board members. The learning was based around group work rather than heavy lecturing and assessment, and the facilitators were sensitive to each participants differing learning styles.


The content was clear, well delivered, and not too dense! The resources provided were excellent and I will no doubt use them again. Overall, it was the best workshop I have been to in a while. Throughout the three-days I had a good laugh, made new contacts, had a few good debates in groups, and engaged in a number of discussions about issues relating to Indigenous governance.

I eagerly promote these workshops to anyone who is interested. You can contact Gavin Somers or Elke Smirl from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria to find out more on 03 9208-3253.

The governance workshops are the result of a coordinated effort from the Department of Planning and Community Development, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (ORIC), Consumer Affairs Victoria and Swinburne University.
Download 'governance training.pdf' (310 KB)

VIYAC Community Spirit Police Awards 2008

Attached is a report on the 2008 VIYAC Community Spirit Police awards... check it out!
Download '2008 Report.pdf' (1710 KB)