I sat at my desk thinking ‘Oh my god… how do you run a newspaper?’. Well I’m not exactly sure I know the answer to that one yet, but OUTinPerth is somehow still here, three years later.

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Working with, and for, the GLBTIQ community as Editor of OUTinPerth has been a great experience and learning curve. It’s great to see some of the positive changes in the community in that time – movement towards equality, thanks to the Rudd government’s 85 reforms; the gay baby boom; some great research initiated by GRAI and WACHPR; renovations in our major venues and many people finding it easier to come out and be themselves. Community groups have had their ups and downs but most are chugging along, trying out new events and new strategies and in the process building a great community.

It’s been great to be involved, and I was very proud when our team at OUTinPerth won the 2008 WAAC Media Award and the 2009 ‘Building Bridges Within or Between Communities’ Glammy Award.

It’s time for me to move on to other projects, but I hope you’ve enjoyed OUTinPerth over the last three years. I’m sure it’s about to get even better as it moves forward into 2010 with Amy Henderson in the Editor’s seat.

I’d really like to thank WA’s GLBTIQ community, our advertisers, our friends and all of our contributors who have worked together to support and create OUTinPerth. You’ve been amazing. I particularly would like to acknowledge the following:

My predecessor and mentor, Paul Bluett, who has made such an incredible contribution to queer media in WA for so long. Thankyou for all your encouragement and support.

Alan Swinbank and Megan Smith were integral in getting OUTinPerth back on its feet and for their dedication, skills and contribution I would like to express my heartfelt thanks.

Paul Hayter and his team of distributors have, and still do a great job getting the paper out there. In all kinds of weather. Bear hugs…

Our designers past and present, Christoph Hoppen, Tze Lin Tan, Davina Kuntjoro, Jaz Ghaleigh, Paul Swales and the long-suffering and ever amazing Liz Glen thankyou so much for putting so much care and effort into presenting OUTinPerth beautifully. And Chad – thankyou for all the hard work you’ve put in to the website.

Our sales staff, Ollie Pincott, Ryan Boldison and Conny Curtin – thankyou for making it possible, and thankyou for all of the times you have gone beyond the call of duty in so many ways. Dodgy social functions, Pride floats you’ve been there and been fabulous. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my life, so thankyou for the joy and the support!

Scott-Patrick Mitchell and Amy Henderson thankyou for being such wonderful colleagues and writers. I have learnt so much from you and have enjoyed working with you both so much. Thankyou for all of your enthusiasm, talent and tolerance.

I would also like to acknowledge the much appreciated encouragement and professional support from my GLAMA colleagues, Scott Abrahams (SSO), Ray Mackereth (QNews), Toby Longhurst (QNews) and Cathy Anderson (formerly BNews).

And last but never least, thankyou to Alex. Thankyou for having the courage and the commitment to taking on OUTinPerth (and me!). It has survived and grown because of your persistence, vision and acumen. I guess you proved you could run a newspaper after all…

Zoe Carter