Everyone is getting busy with preparations for Christmas events and holidays – and catching up with family. Here at Pride it is no different with several of our committee members going away for a break over the Christmas period after a very hectic October, and the mopping up in November. Now just about all the bills are in and have been paid and, thanks to the great support we had from the community this year, it looks like Pride has at least broken even financially – and may even have a little left over to see us into the New Year.
As we have people away for most of December we will not be having any formal meetings again until 10 January 2011, however the business of Pride will still continue and we will be contactable as usual. Please understand that if you don’t get a response immediately it will be because we are all volunteers and have all the same commitments at this time of year as everyone else.
That said, rest assured that we will respond to any enquiries as soon as we can.
While we are having a break, the members of the committee will be thinking about next year, and our first meeting will be decide what we can (and cant) do next year and set the dates for the 2011 Pride events. We have to bear in mind that CHOGM is on October 28 to 30, 2011 and it is very unlikely that we will be allowed to have any of our major events at that time with the heads of all the Commonwealth countries in Perth – including the Queen. We also have to realistically decide whether it would be wise to try putting our events on at this time as CHOGM usually attracts protestors and we have to consider the security and safety of people attending and participating in Pride events. However all this is yet to be decided – and we would love your input on this issue.
We can already announce that the Annual General Meeting will be on Monday 28 March 2011 and this is the opportunity for our members to receive the report of the 2010 Committee and elect the Committee for 2011. We already know that there will be vacancies on the Committee next year and we are seeking people who would like to offer their services to guide Pride through another year. There are many and varied positions that need to be filled, so if you have a talent you can share with Pride please contact us and tell us how you can help.
Christmas is always a time of mixed emotions in our community – and not always a happy time with some people rejected by their families because of their sexuality.
It is a time when our community needs to help and support each other – particularly those less fortunate than ourselves. All of us at Pride sincerely hope that, whatever your circumstances and beliefs, you have a joyful Christmas filled with love, and that 2011 brings us all even greater equality and understanding.
Your input is important to us so please contact us at pride@pridewa.asn.au with any ideas and suggestions or visit our facebook page.
Sharlene Dixon
Co-President
Charles Denham
Co-President
