Queensland Association For Healthy Communities

Mission / Objective

Our Vision: A Queensland where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people achieve the best possible health and well-being and participate fully in the life of communities, free from stigma and discrimination. Our Mission: To enable lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to increase control over and improve their health, as a resource for social, economic and personal development and an important dimension of quality of life

Services

• HIV Prevention/Sexual Health Promotion
• Our Sexual Health Promotion team work to reduce the incidence of HIV, STIs and Hepatitis C in Queensland's gay male population.
• 2 Spirits - The 2 Spirits team works to reduce the incidence of HIV, STIs and Hepatitis C in Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
•  LGBT Awareness Training - Providing training to mainstream service providers to promote inclusive services.

Beneficiary Group

Queensland's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. LGBT people have lived with years of stigma & discrimination/homophobia which has a number of negative health effects such as depression, increased use of alcohol and other drugs, increased risk-taking behaviour (which can lead to increased HIV infections) and suicide or attempted suicide. We work to improve the health and wellbeing of all LGBT Queenslanders and build the community's capacity.

Projects in Progress

• LGBT Ageing Action Group - Improving seniors' services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Queenslanders and promoting their health and wellbeing.
• Lesbian Health Action Group - There is no official health promotion aimed at same sex attracted women, yet there are a number of concerning health issues that affect this community. The Lesbian Health Action Group works to improve the health and wellbeing of Queensland's lesbians.
• Healthy Communities Fund - Awarding small grants for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community projects across Queensland and helping to build the capacity of the community.
• LGBT History Action Group - Preserving our rich cultural heritage for future generations and celebrating our acheivements.
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Action Group - Meeting the needs of new Australians and international students who experience the freedom to explore their sexuality or gender identity when arriving in Australia and providing support, information and referrals to improve their health and wellbeing. 
• Q-Arts - Promoting health through the arts. 
• LGBT ATODS Project - Researching LGBT people's use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and assessing the needs of the community and possible approaches.
• Anti-Homophobia Campaign - Promoting equality and tolerance, providing advice and referrals for victims of homophobia and countering stigma & discrimination by creating discourse.

CEO

Paul Martin, General Manager

Also President of the National LGBT Health Alliance

Board Members

Board Members: Mark Morein - President Peter Newlands - Secretary Ross Wilson - Treasurer Carol Jeffrey - Vice President & Brisbane Region Board Member Joanne Leamy - Northern Region Board Member Heath Hetherington - Southern Region Board Member Jason Russo - Staff Representative to The Board Troy Hakala - General Board Member Robert Laidlaw - General Board Member The Central Region Board Member recently resigned and this position is currently being filled. Patrons: The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Carol Lloyd ('Australia's First Lady of Rock', former lead singer of Railroad Gin, and The Carol Lloyd Band) Tanya Wilde (aka Toye de Wilde) Dr David Bradford AM, FAChSHM.

Number of Employees

27

Number of Volunteers

115

ABN

58039823994

Year Established

1984

Tax Deductible

Yes

Wills and Bequests

QAHC has been very fortunate to have been the beneficiary of a number of bequests over the years which have helped us grow as an organisation and we now own offices in Cairns, Maroochydore and Brisbane. Our organisation is increasing rapidly to meet the needs of all LGBT Queenslanders and we still need our supporters to consider leaving a gift to QAHC in their Wills to help us provide support to LGBT people in the future.

General Donations

QAHC is a registered health promotion charity and deductible gift recipient. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible and an official receipt will be issued for your records. You can make an online donation at www.qahc.org.au/donation, or send a cheque or money order (made out to QLD Association for Healthy Communities) to: QAHC, PO Box 1372, EAGLE FARM BC QLD 4009 or alternatively you can call our statewide freecall number 1800 177 434.

Volunteering

Much of QAHC's work relies on volunteers. This work can involve health promotion/outreach, administrative duties, fundraising duties, creating safe-sex packs, research and more. Please call 07 3017 1777 to register your interest.

Other support

QAHC is involved with a number of events around the state either as a promoter or partner and there are several sponsorship opportunities each year. Along with this, QAHC is always looking for product donations that we can use for fundraising purposes, prizes, giveaways, thank-you gifts and to use in promotions. To find out more about sponsoringQAHC or our related events, contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Jason on 07 3017 1728.

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