The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Aboriginal communities by boosting and investing in local infrastructure.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings today announced eight projects across the state that will share in more than $3 million as part of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure program.

It covers three new builds, three upgrades and two feasibility studies, including:

• $638,000 for an all-weather outdoor space and exhibition centre for the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
• New accommodation to attract GPs in Robinvale, with $350,000 going to the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative
• $830,464 to Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc to refurbish their facilities
• $150,000 to Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation to upgrade and expand its Ballarat office
• $113,101 to Worn Dundidj Aboriginal Cooperative to redevelop their wholesale native plant nursery to deliver social welfare programs, training and education in culturally safe spaces
• $50,000 each to the First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation and Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place for feasibility studies on their future infrastructure needs.

This is the third year of the program, which has invested $11.8 million to Aboriginal organisations so they can create culturally safe spaces and strengthen services.

Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and helps organisations have a strong social, cultural and economic base from which to build their future.