A public meeting held in Melbourne in May 1997 identified the need for a rights lobby to represent the interests of the Lesbian, Gay and Transgender communities.
A unanimous resolution was passed at that meeting calling for the establishment of a steering committee to propose a model for a Victorian Rights Lobby for Lesbians, Gay men, and Transgender people.
n October 1997 a steering committee presented a report to a public meeting which proposed a model for a Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (VGLRL). This model was accepted, and 21 days later the VGLRL held its first annual general meeting, elected a management committee, adopted the rules of association, and began the process for incorporation.
Those involved in the steering committee included:
- Alanna Duffy
- Andrew McDonald
- Braith Bamkin
- Danny Sandor
- David Gray
- Deborah Dempsey
- Dolf Boek
- Geoffrey Conaghan
- Greg Adkins
- Greg Axton
- Greg Brown
- James Robinson
- Janet Jukes
- Julie Peters
- Max Leorke
- Monica Ferrari
- Penny Byrne
- Peter Di Sciascio
- Peter Maroudas
- Robert Pearce
- Joseph O’Reilly (facilitating the full-day workshop).
The ALSO Foundation provided financial support by granting a community development small grant of $500.00 which covered the expenses associated with the public meeting.
The Melbourne Star Observer (MSO) provided a community grant to help with advertising for the new Lobby organisation (when it is established).
And GLAD money was utilised, being held in trust for such a group, after receiving support from David Owen and the VAC/GMHC and the ALSO Foundation.
The Victorian AIDS Council/GMHC allowed the use of their support resources including meeting rooms, contact address/fax/phone messages, and administration support.
The Victorian Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby (VGLRL) was officially incorporated on 29 December 1997.
