G&L Badminton Turns 2!
The G&L Badminton club celebrated their second anniversary in August, complete with racquet-shaped cake and party packs.
Frustrated at trying to find regular weekly badminton partners, a small group of friends began meeting at the gay-friendly Alma Venville Recreation Centre in Maylands in August 2006. At the time there were only four courts marked up, with one of them already taken for a permanent Wednesday booking.
After placing an ad in OUTinPerth’s community listings in November, the group saw six new players turn up. Within two months, they were at 24 players and now they can get up to 40 or more players, all looking for the most fun you can have standing up!
To accommodate the growing numbers, Alma Venville has drawn up four more courts, and the once-dead Centre is a hive of activity every Wednesday night, with music and snacks also on offer (courtesy of Cam).
If you haven’t experienced G&L Badminton before, they play for two hours (7.30-9.30pm) every Wednesday night. They have racquets, provide feather shuttlecocks and welcome all levels, especially those who have never picked up a racquet. The cost, even after two years, is still only $7. Alma Venville Recreation Centre is located on Eighth Avenue, behind the Maylands Public Library for those who would like to join the club and help them reach their third birthday!
Outgames Announces Legacy Fund
The first ever Asia Pacific Outgames finished the event with a surplus, and its organizing entity Melbourne Outgames Inc (MOI) has created the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames Legacy Fund with the extra funds.
The Fund is a one-off fund and totals $30,000 to be allocated as 4 grants of $5,000 and 10 grants of $1,000. Grants will be given to support projects that enhance and further sport, culture and human rights for the rainbow communities of the Asia Pacific consistent with the mission of GLISA (Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association) and Asia Pacific Outgames.
Those interested in applying for a grant should visit www.melbourneoutgames.org and look at the Fund Guidelines and Application Forms. The Application Deadline is Sunday, October 12.
Sapphic Tramping with Pride
The Sapphic Trampers will do a bit of extra marching this Pride month as they walk through the bushland of Star Swamp on October 12. The hike will begin at 2pm with the group meeting at Groat St, North Beach, off North Beach Rd. There are various trails to accommodate different walk times and ability levels, with various team leaders to be decided on the day. For more information on the walk, contact Diana (ehe@westnet.com.au or 9440 3364) or Ann (0403 596 153 or 9307 2969).
compiled by Megan Smith
