Many older LGBTIQA+ Victorians in regional areas lack family support and are more likely to face stigma.
To address this, the Victorian Government has funded the Pride in Ageing program. This is a pioneering project delivered by Switchboard, that builds regional organisational LGBTIQA+ capability in aged care services and local councils and strengthens social connection.
As part of this program, four Regional Coordinators across Victoria have been appointed to work with community members to develop and support events and activities that connect older LGBTIQA+ people to their local communities.
The Coordinators are also supporting local organisations and councils to better address the needs of older LGBTIQA+ people living in regional Victoria by improving their understanding and capability of these communities.
The four Regional Coordinators are:
- Merrin Wake (she/her) – Golden Plains
- Daniel Bryen (he/him) – Gippsland
- Jen Walsh (they/them) -Great South Coast
- Natalie Goer (she/her) – Ovens Murray, working across many First Nations lands
Pride in Ageing is an important part of the Victorian Government’s first 10-year plan for LGBTIQA+ equality, Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022–32 | vic.gov.au.
This aligns with the Government’s Ageing Well Action Plan 2022-2026, supporting all Victorians to age well, connect socially and live healthy, active lives.
To find out more about Pride in Ageing, head to Pride in Ageing — Switchboard Victoria