Winning WAAC– The WA Aids Council (WAAC) has been named as one of Australia’s best community groups in the 2009 Australian Community Idol competition. Each year Our Community in conjunction with Westpac recognises a community group or organisation that ‘stands out from the pack’, with hundreds of entries nationwide being narrowed to three finalists, who then attend the Communities in Control conference in Melbourne and make a 10 minute presentation about their organisation. WAAC Executive Director, Trish Langdon, made the winning presentation with board member Jonathan Hallett and says that the experience has given WAAC national recognition and the opportunity to show the organisation’s diversity.
Upcoming GRAI launch– GLBTI Retirement Association Incorporated (GRAI) will be launching a groundbreaking social research project late this month, which will investigate the needs of older GLBTI people in supported accommodation services. The 12 month study is the first of its kind in WA and will be conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Ageing and the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research at Curtin University. ‘This important research project will contribute to this area and will work closely with a joint Project Control Group and an Industry Advisory Group to produce best practice guidelines,’ said GRAI chairperson, Graham Douglas-Meyer.
Nominate Your Glammy– Nominations are now open for Pride WA’s Community Awards, the ‘Glammys’. Categories include Best Community Group, Outstanding Contribution by an Individual or Couple, Best Entertainer, Best Gay or Gay Friendly Venue and Building Bridges Within or Between Communities. Nominations can be made at: http://www.pridewa.asn.au/pride/index.php/events/ball/glammysnomination.html and the winners will be announced at the inaugural Pride Ball in August. The Ball will be held at the Novotel Langley Hotel on Saturday, August 22 and along with the presentation of the Glammys, the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned and live music will be provided by the band Hit Factory. Early bird tickets are $140 until July 22, and $160 thereafter. See the Pride WA website for more details: www.pridewa.asn.au
GALE calls for WA Civil Unions– In light of the recent Galaxy Poll that shows 59 percent of Australians support same-sex marriage, Gay and Lesbian Equality (GALE) WA has called on the Barnett Government to introduce civil unions. GALE spokesperson, Rod Swift, said that while the survey question focused on marriage, the results demonstrate the majority of West Australians would accept the introduction of a civil-unions scheme. ‘It is clear that introducing a civil union certificate scheme is now supported by most people in our community, and would provide practical benefits to all unmarried couples in WA,’ he said.
Zoe Warwick to Facilitate Relationship Courses for GLBT Couples– Relationships Australia is running a weekend relationship course for GLBT couples called Together Forever for Gay Couples. The course will be held on July 17,18 and 19 at the Relationships Australia head office in West Leederville and covers topics such as expectations and needs, communication, conflict resolution, harmony and intimacy. Zoe Warwick will be acting as community facilitator, along with Relationships Australia’s Elizabeth Brennan and if enough interest is generated, the organisation will look at adding the course to its schedule permanently.
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