Tanya Croft resigned as the Pride Committee’s Female Co-president this week. Tanya has been studying a Masters in Health Promotion at Curtin University since the commencement of 2006 and is about to undertake her final semester. She decided to step down from the committee after meeting with her supervisor, Dr Graham Brown, earlier this week.
‘My decision to resign from the committee was not taken lightly, particularly at this time of year when the committee is under enormous pressure with the upcoming Festival.’
Tanya joined the Pride committee in June 2006 and was elected Female Co-president after long term female members Laura Foster and Aimee Barber completed their terms on the committee at the AGM in February this year.
‘The past six months have been challenging and I have fulfilled the role of female Co-president to the best of my ability. Earlier this week it became apparent to me I needed to give my full attention and focus on my studies over the next six months.’
Tanya will be doing her Masters project this semester on GLBTI health in Western Australia. This will incorporate outcomes from the lesbian and gay men’s health surveys conducted in WA last year, and a literature review on the advancements in GLBTI health throughout Australia.
‘My paper will result in key recommendations to the government which we hope will result in more funding and policy changes in WA for GLBTI people in terms of their health and wellbeing. So while I have to withdrawn from my Pride commitments, I am still very much committed to the community.’
‘I’ll still be involved with the Women’s sub-committee and organising Fairday entertainment, plus will be available to give advice to committee members as required.’
‘It’s been a wonderful experience being on the committee and I would have liked to have continued, but between my studies and my three year old daughter, I realise it’s not something I can sustain.’
Pride WA has announced that Silvia Pitcher will assume the role. Silvia has supported Pride WA for many years and has been a hardworking member of the women’s sub-committee. Silvia is always the first face you see at the women’s sundowner each month at Grapeskin. Silvia Pitcher joined the Pride WA committee this year, and was the 2007 convener of the Pride WA Quiz night.
In addition, Pride has added Jo McMahon and Sharlene Dixon to the 2007 committee. Pride W.A is happy to have both Jo and Sharlene join the committee, in preparation for
‘Both Sharlene and Jo have been supporters of Pride W.A for a number of years and are look forward to working with the existing Pride WA 2007 Committee.’ Kellene Elder, Media and Youth officer said.
