Regional Victoria

Rural Network Committee

A key highlight in 2000 was the implementation of a number of recommendations from the Rural Outreach Report, completed by David Barker in 1999. With the energised input of Deb Barned, Rural GLBT Youth Outreach Worker (funded by VIC Health), a number of these recommendations have been put into place.

One of these recommendations was the establishment of the Victorian Rural gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex & queer (GLBTIQ) Network. This is a statewide group of rural GLBTIQ people throughout Victoria. Representatives from this Network, have formed the 'hands on nuts and bolts' Steering Committee overseeing the direction of the Victorian Rural GLBTIQ Network.

The Rural Network Committee (RNC) is a group comprising paid and unpaid workers and volunteers who run social and/or support groups or projects for GLBTIQ people throughout rural Victoria. Up to three representatives are sought from each of the identified regions: {also} (central), Albury/Woodonga, Ballarat/Grampians, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Mildura, Shepparton, Warnambool, and Intersex and a Transgender representative.

The group meets together four times a year to offer support to its members, share and discuss emerging issues facing rural GLBTI people and advocate at a statewide level through {also} on agreed issues facing the RNC.

Expressions of interest in becoming involved in the RNC can be directed to also@also.org.au or contact us here.

Rural Forum

Well into our third decade of celebrating, advocating, leading and investing in the GLBTIQ community, {also} has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance the lives of Victoria's diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people.

On March 5th & 6th 2009, as part of our involvement with the ChillOut Festival, we'll be hosting a rural forum designed to bring together members of our community outside the city. Workers and researchers working in the sector will present key information in identified areas of concern for the GLBTIQ community living in country Victoria.

This will be an opportunity for folk to gather, network, share experiences and explore opportunities in a positive environment so that together we can further improve the lives of GLBTIQ people who live and work in rural areas.