Strong identity, strong spirit is a campaign to:
- improve access to BDM services
- increase birth registration and birth certificate possession within Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.
BDM works to host events in communities across Victoria. We do this in partnership with:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- Other Aboriginal service providers.
We travel across Victoria to provide BDM services in a culturally-safe environment.
At these events, BDM’s Strong identity, strong spirit team provide culturally-sensitive BDM services to Aboriginal customers. This team includes our Aboriginal Relationships Officer and BDM’s Senior Policy and Project Officer.
Results so far
From October 2017 to December 2019, BDM attended over 44 community events. These events helped Aboriginal community members to access BDM services. This work resulted in:
- Over 200 birth certificates issued to children and adults; and
- Over 44 births registered for children of all ages.
Partner with us to deliver BDM services directly to your community
For community events, we partner with:
- Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs)
- Specialist service providers (e.g. child and family support services).
We also develop information resources and processes to support partnerships with:
- peak bodies and advocates
- government agencies
- academics
- pro bono lawyers.
If your organisation is interested in working with BDM, please email bdm.koori@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
Resources for stakeholders
You can order brochures and download posters to help promote the importance of birth registration and birth certificates in your community.
About the photos on this page
Top photo: Ruby Tilbrook (Wardandi & Bibbilmun). Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres (Djugun & Yawuru).
Bottom photo: Jessica Dudley (Wardandi & Bibbilmun), BDM’s Aboriginal Relationships Officer, and Gunditjmara Elder Aunty Nancy Peart (nee Clarke) at the Billabong BBQ event, Collingwood, 2019.