Aboriginal organisations that own a property where the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs holds a first mortgage can apply to have the first mortgage removed.

The Program aims to provide Aboriginal organisations that own property where the Minister holds a first mortgage the opportunity to have full control of their assets and have the autonomy to grow and plan for the future.

It will enable more Aboriginal organisations to meet social determinants such as education, health and housing and improve the ability of Aboriginal organisations to respond to the ongoing and changing demands in social, economic, and cultural environments.

Successful first mortgage removals will promote more Aboriginal organisations to:

• be the decision maker on issues affecting their organisation and community
• have greater control and choices regarding the use of their assets
• leverage economic development opportunities from their assets
• contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of Aboriginal communities.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible organisations are those Victorian Aboriginal organisations that currently own a property/properties that the Minister holds a first mortgage over.

Applicants must also:

• be an incorporated body, cooperative or association (including business associations)
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or provide written advice from the Australian Tax Office that no withholding tax is required from the grant payment
• be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• be financially solvent (organisations in liquidation and/or administration are not eligible to apply for this program)

• Email: AV.grants@dpc.vic.gov.au