The early days of Ballarat's Aboriginal community were not happy ones.
'Our community formed due to the era of the Stolen Generations,' said Karen Heap, a local Elder and CEO of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative (BADAC).
'At that time, we had a lot of people living in orphanages here in the city – isolated from their families and Country.
'But they resolved to make Ballarat their home and the community developed into what it is today,' she added.
And, since 1979, BADAC has been providing support along the way, with Karen serving as CEO for the past 20 years.
Delivering health, social, welfare and community development programs, BADAC is there through all stages of life.
It was this commitment to caring that inspired the recently opened Elders' Independent Living Village in the CBD.
'We had several people who were living by themselves, and they were not well,' said Karen.
'I felt we needed to do something to support them and keep them connected to this community. I didn't want to establish another institution, as those were not a good place for our people at one time.
'I also wanted to help them maintain their independence,' she added.
Backed by $2.6 million from the Victorian Government, the village will ensure local Elders can live in comfort, safety and as part of a community.
'That funding enabled us to build the village our way. It certainly shows the Victorian Government understands self-determination,' said Karen.
The village features 8 self-contained living units, evenly divided between a one or two-bedroom set-up.
'Each living unit is individual. They feature different colours, and Aboriginal tile artwork from a local artist,' said Karen.
In the centre of each unit, a beautiful firepit sits near native plant gardens.
'This creates a sense of culture and Country, giving us a place to yarn with each other and with visitors,' said Karen.
There's also a central hall for shared meals, medical treatment rooms and manager's quarters.
Elders can also grow their own food in the village vegetable garden.
And, to continue the spirit of self-determination which BADAC champions for community members, the village was designed in consultation with local Elders.
'You shouldn't develop these things in isolation - I'm an Elder, but that doesn't mean my ideas are always the right ones,' said Karen.
'We had an Elder sit on our committee and liaise with others, before bringing us their feedback.'
'We also had Elders visit throughout the build to ensure they were happy, and to see if they had any suggestions,' she added.
The result is a first-of-its-kind village that's ready to welcome up to 16 Elders to their new homes.
A vibrant cultural setting, Elders will be able to borrow Aboriginal books from the central hall, or enjoy the artwork brought across from BADAC's Perridak Arts gallery.
'Fitting out the village has been a win-win,' said Karen.
'We've been able to support local Aboriginal artists, while making the village culturally appropriate,' she added.
With the village open and ready for residents, Karen is pleased to see BADAC's vision realised.
'What we've done is part of self-determination. We've been able to make our own decisions and have done what's best for our community,' she said.
‘It means people who did not get the support they deserved early in life can rest assured they will get what they need in their golden years.’