StyleAID 2009 Biggest Yet
765 guests and 500 volunteers gathered at the Burswood Grand Ballroom on Friday, July 31 for Perth’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, StyleAID. Twenty one designers, both professionals and students, showcased their fashion on the catwalk, making StyleAID 2009 the largest in the event’s 12-year history. While final figures are yet to be released, organisers expect the event to raise approximately $125,000, which the WA AIDS Council will use to fund education, prevention, care and support across a range of services. Event coordinator Mark Reid was pleased with how smoothly the night went, hailing it as the most successful STYLEAID yet. See OUTinPerth’s fashion pages for a full run-down of the glitz and glamour.
PFLAG 20 Years Young
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Perth will be holding their AGM on August 8 at Women’s Health Care House, in Northbridge from 12.30pm. The organisation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is planning a show-stopping float for October’s Pride Parade. PFLAG Perth was formed by parents lobbying during the campaign to decriminalise homosexual acts in 1989 and as the original founders are still managing the group, new blood is urgently needed. ‘We hope to lift our profile a little (or a lot) and maybe attract more of the parents of the thousands of those in the gay community out there who may be willing to carry on the work of PLAG,’ said acting President, John Pugh. For more info go to www.pflagwa.org.au
WA’s Award Winning Poet
OUTinPerth’s own Scott-Patrick Mitchell beat some stiff competition last month to win the 2009 PressPress Chapbook Award for his poetry manuscript songs for the ordinary mass. ‘I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had won. I was absolutely ecstatic. It’s the first time I’ve won such a major prize and I am so excited that PressPress has chosen my manuscript,’ said Mitchell. Judges said Mitchell’s manuscript showed particular originality and experimentation, and it will now be published and available in August. Mitchell will be reading from songs for the ordinary mass as part of Perth Poetry Club at The Court on Saturday, August 29.
Quiz Night Raises $7000
Over 400 people packed the Italian Club in North Perth on July 24 for Pride WA’s annual quiz night. The night raised approximately $7,000 which will help fund this year’s Homecoming themed Pride Festival. Organisers say they have had positive feedback from the quiz night and may consider hosting another March.
Bears Celebrate Anniversary with Christmas Party
Bears Perth celebrated their first anniversary at Loton Park last month with a Christmas In July themed den night. There was plenty of drinking and merriment as participants enjoyed turkey and cranberry, mulled wine and an appearance by Santa. The event drew both interstate and international guests, lots of new faces and according to Bears Perth President, Paul Hayter the largest numbers in some time. ‘It was surprisingly busy for such a cold night,’ he said. Bears Perth have been using Loton Park for their regular den nights and other events since the club opened its doors to community organisations looking for meeting space. ‘I can’t believe we’ve been there a whole year, but everyone really likes it. It’s a good environment,’ said Mr Hayter.
Court supports GLCS through CAMPus
On the last Tuesday of every month, The Court hosts CAMPus, a fundraising event for GLCS (Gay and Lesbian Community Services), WA’s longest-running community organisation. Not only are there great prizes to be won through organised raffles and quizzes, The Court offers cheap jugs of beer and $10 pizzas for the duration of the event.
Money raised from CAMPus goes to fund GLCS’s telephone counselling service, support groups and training. ‘We thought this was a very needy group who provide a much needed service to the community and we are happy to help them out,’ said The Court’s owner, Bree Maddox. The next CAMPus event will be held on Tuesday, August 25 between 5pm and 8pm.
Fundraising on a Grand Scale
Part-owner of The Court, Malcolm Day is heading an ambitious challenge to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer support. Day will be joined on the seven day trek by 19 adventurers from all walks of life from breast cancer survivors to an SAS soldier, and hopes to raise $100,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia. Security Manager at The Court, Jason Gotch will also be joining ‘The Conquerors’ as they scale Africa’s highest mountain and has commenced the nine week training program in preparation for the event. ‘We still have three spots remaining for anyone who may be keen on joining us,’ said Day. More info at www.conquerors.com.au
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