FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT AS PRESENTED AT THE AGM, 24 Nov 2004:
Friends! What a year...it's been a challenging and complex year for the GLBTI community with some exciting developments at the local level and some new trends to contend with at the Federal level.On a positive note there has been much to celebrate, we began the year with a national meeting of State and Territory lobbies, which aimed to develop an outline of national concerns. This was a wonderful display of cooperation across jurisdictions and interests. Our thanks are due to the ALSO and Reichstein Foundations for the development and funding of this important project. Unfortunately the much hoped-for political commitments and related reforms were not realised as a part of the election resu1t. A new player in the political landscape, Family First, has entered the debate and is likely to continue to influence Federal Government policy.
The Summa Vows mass wedding ceremony at Midsumma was a terrific show of community support and interest in both legal and social issues which continue to effect couples within the community. Not to mention some extraordinary frocks and much enduring love... On a less positive, note the passing of the Federal Government's Marriage Act was felt by many as an unnecessary and harsh setback to our continued fight for equality before the law. Whilst the Senate Inquiry intended to address this issue (it is yet to complete its task-being suspended pending the election outcome) the VGLRL, and others, continue to seek the Government's fulfilment of the terms of reference, to honour the considerable work put into submissions by many groups and individuals within the community. This will be particularly important if the Federal Government intends to continue with the proposed ban on overseas adoption by same sex couples.
This year also saw the funding and establishment of the Gay and Lesbian Health Unit at the Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society. This was the result of many years of extensive work by folk within our community. The unit is hoped to become the source of important information for policy makers and practitioners regarding the particular health needs and issues of our community. There was also the long awaited joint meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee of both Human Services and Attorney Generals' Departments-a key opportunity to explore the range of issues which impact on our community the harmful consequences of vilification and homophobia is a headline concern for both groups.
Whilst we're talking funding, the VGLRL received additional funding from the Department of Justice to update the invaluable community legal information resource Over the Rainbow and to help us continue to provide community legal education on the impact of changes to the law relating to same sex relationships.
Acknowledgment is also due to the Victoria Police for the expansion of the highly-valued Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program to ensure additional points of contact for those in our community who require police assistance.
Finally, acknowledgment for the wonderful VGLRL committee and volunteers who, throughout the year, have:
- offered support;
- attended meetings;
- made phone calls;
- designed and formatted documents: - written letters;
- analysed, dissected and further analysed policies of our own
- staffed stalls;
- registered would-be Brides & Brides and Grooms & Grooms;
- licked envelopes;
- redesigned websites;
- computerised records;
- attended more meetings;
- written submissions;
- held forums;
- answered questions; and
- generally tried to make the world a better place for our community...
On behalf of all the community we thank you.
Lyn Morgain
VGLRL Convenor
COMMITTEE FROM 2003 AGM:
David McCarthy (to July 2004??)Ian Gould
Ian Seal (to Feb 2004??)
Liana Buchanan
Lyn Morgain
Lyndon Lovell
Lynne Daniels
Rachel Kitchener (to June 2004???)
Ruth McNair-FAR Representative
OFFICER POSITIONS
Female Co-convenor: Lyn MorgainMale Co-convenor: David McCarthy (to July 2004)
Secretary: Rachel Kichener (to Jan 2004)
Secretary: Lynne Daniels (from Jan 2004)
Treasurer: Ian Gould
COMMITTEE MEMBERS CO-OPTED DURING THE 03-04 YEAR
... ...WORKING GROUPS DURING THE 03-04 YEAR
FAR & Rainbow Families Conference2: Ruth McNair (Chair), Sam, Sue, Rhonda, Liz. Louise, Kathy,Anissa.Amelia. Camille and Jessie.Volunteers & Membership: Ron Thiele (Chair), ...
OUTCOMES OF 2004 AGM:
... ...
COMMITTEE FROM 2004 AGM:
Alastair LawrieFelicity Martin
Jessie Ward
Lee Matthews
Liana Buchanan
Lyn Morgain
Lynne Daniels
Pete Dillon
Ron Thiele
Ruth McNair
OFFICER POSITIONS FROM 2004 AGM:
Female Co-convenor: Vacant
Male Co-convenor: Pete Dillon
Co-secretary: Lynne Daniels
Treasurer Lee Matthews
Find a full copy of the 2003-04 Annual Report by clicking here>>
