KAM lived in Iran, he could be paraded in front of the public and hanged, his body left on show as a reminder that homosexuality is if punishable by death. Homophobia is a crime against humanity.

VICTORIAN AIDS COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 DANTE lived in Papua New Guinea, he could face discrimination and be sacked from his job for being gay. Being sexually if intimate with his partner could mean up to fourteen years imprisonment for them both. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. l DENOTES REGIONS IN THE WORLD WHERE SEXUAL ORIENTATION IS CRIMINALISED

l THE PRICE OF FEAR 3 l PRESIDENT’S REPORT 5 l CEO’S REPORT 7 lCONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY 9 l 20 STORIES FROM VAC 11 l THE FUTURE OF PREVENTION 19

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES 21 l AWARDS 23 l WORKING TOGETHER AROUND THE WORLD 25 l FINANCIAL REPORT 26

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l ANA lived in Finland, before she could transition and legally be recognised as a woman she would need to be sterilised if and officially diagnosed with a mental disorder. Transphobia is a crime against humanity. THE PRICE OF FEAR

Homophobia, trans phobia, and stigma up barriers to the formation of non- and discrimination directed at people government organisations (NGOs) that living with HIV remain critical factors would support LGBTI people. This influencing poor health outcomes for includes China and Russia, where LGBTI people around the world. With surveillance of HIV and AIDS cases regard to homophobia, apart from remains extremely poor, making generalised societal homophobia, the provision of treatment, care and which is largely uncontrolled, there are support services extremely difficult.1 currently 72 states around the world Of course all these issues become that criminalise same-sex activity and more problematic when we consider 45 of those states apply those laws to intersectional matters such as disability, women as well as men. In this year’s detention or imprisonment, race, HIV Annual Report, VAC is drawing attention status, migrant or refugee status, to these issues. religion, and gender. SYSTEMIC FEAR YOUNG PEOPLE We include Australia and the United In our own country, the third national States in this examination, as even in study on the sexual health and countries with fairly advanced laws wellbeing of same sex attracted and relating to equality, it is still possible gender questioning young people, for LGBTI people and their families Writing Themselves In 3 from the subjected to stigmatising behaviours Australian Research Centre for Sex, and discrimination. In addition, we Health and Society reported that the believe that externalised homophobia negative impacts of homophobia insidiously feeds the debilitating and and transphobia are very real for damaging effects of internalised young LGBTI people. 61 percent of homophobia and its subsequent the young people surveyed reported impacts of depression, isolation, stigma verbal homophobic abuse, 18 and suicidal ideation. percent reported physical abuse and STATE SPONSORED HOMOPHOBIA 26 percent reported ‘other forms of In May of this year, the International homophobia’. In terms of the wellbeing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and consequences behind these statistics, Association published the consider this quote from the report: 12th edition of their report on State- ‘There were strong links between Sponsored Homophobia. This report homophobic abuse and feeling unsafe, makes for very sobering reading. It is excessive drug use, self harm and difficult to believe that in 2017 laws suicide attempts. Young people who exist that proscribe the rights of LGBTI had been physically abused had worse peoples based on sexual orientation mental health indicators than those who and gender identity. Punishments and reported verbal abuse or no abuse.’ 2 prohibitions exist throughout the world MARRIAGE EQUALITY that include: At the time of writing, the Marriage l The death penalty exists in four Equality postal survey results are not states (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and known. Even when they become Sudan), two regions (southern parts of known we cannot know how the vote Somalia and in 12 states in Nigeria), and in Parliament will go with regard to is codified in law in a further five states changing the Marriage Act. What is (Afganistan, Pakistan, Qatar, the United known however is that by opening the Arab Emirates and Mauritania). debate in this way, the government l 19 states where the ‘promotion’ has enabled a small but virulent RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES ARREST LGBTI ACTIVISTS PROTESTING AGAINST of sexual orientation (other than minority to voice concerns of same- CHECHNYA’S PERSECUTION OF GAY MEN heterosexuality) is illegal including: sex relationships that can only be Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, described as homophobic bigotry. homophobic attitudes run in parts of we will have to remain vigilant with Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Indonesia, Invoking the need to protect children, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, our society. regard to all matters that negatively suggesting that same-sex relationships impact on LGBTI people. Phobic Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lithuania, are so fundamentally flawed that to In considering this issue, VAC is and Russia. once again drawing on its history of attitudes to same-sex activity and place children in these situations would gender identity as well as positive l A survey of countries that currently be to put them at risk or at the very community activism. Repeatedly over the past three decades, VAC has taken HIV status are significant issues carry laws around sexual orientation least disadvantage them through the central to the work of VAC that will and criminalise same-sex activity cite denial of a ‘traditional’ family structure, a leadership role in advocating on behalf of our community, and that work need to be addressed if we are to offences ‘against nature’ along with can only be recognised as deeply improve the health and wellbeing of has not been limited to issues relating other provisions that criminalise the homophobic. our communities in the future. For to HIV/AIDS. ‘promotion’ of same-sex activity. The These attitudes are not made any information on the work of community punishments for these crimes in their less homophobic by their proponents A HEALTHIER FUTURE based organisations in some of these worst incarnation is death but can protesting that their opinions need to be As we move through the fourth (and countries, see page 25. carry sentences from 15 years to life respected as a reasonable opposition hopefully last) decade of this epidemic imprisonment for ‘offenders’ in addition to marriage equality. In actuality, it is the to corporal punishments such as fact that this is seen as a reasonable 1 International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association: Carroll, A. and Mendos, L.R., State Sponsored Homophobia 2017: A lashing or stoning. opposition to marriage equality that world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition (Geneva; ILGA, May 2017). l There are 25 countries that put 2 Hillier, L. Et al: Writing Themselves In 3 (WTi3) The third national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender demonstrates how deeply insidious questioning young people. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, 2010

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 3 RAY lived in one of 28 states in the USA, he could be denied housing or legally evicted. In 17 states he could be denied if employment or sacked from his job, all because he’s gay. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

As we look back on the progress of Award for Supporting LGBTI Health – the recent financial year, our2012-2017 recognising us for the LGBTI community- Strategic Plan is coming to its end — led organisation we are today. prompting a time for forward thinking and MOVING ON an evaluation of where we’re going. Following the sale of our site on CHANGE Claremont Street, finding a new home The past year has been a reminder that for our growing organisation has ‘change is the only constant’. Since presented as a Herculean task. Careful our humble beginnings as the Victorian consideration for the organisation’s future AIDS Action Committee in 1983, we and the investment of our funds remains quickly became a community leader in a top priority. As a result, this past year responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. has seen the formation of our Investments As the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Committee to give these important Men’s Health Centre, we continued decisions the additional consideration this important work and developed they’re due. We have continued to work an expertise in gay men’s sexual with Government and the board of the health and wellbeing. Our models Victorian Pride Centre as they plan the establishment of Australia’s first LGBTI for peer support, health promotion, centre in the country. In the meantime, and community-informed service senior management and the relocation delivery became valuable assets as we team have worked tirelessly to secure expanded our work within the broader a temporary home for those staff and LGBTI community. Following our 2014 services previously housed at the Peter rebranding, the breadth of our work as Knight Centre, at 615 St Kilda Road. simply ‘VAC’ has grown exponentially to be more inclusive and address a wider AN EVOLVING BOARD range of health and wellbeing issues During these changes, our Board has faced by our gender and sexually diverse evolved. Following the 2016 AGM, communities than ever before. we welcomed Tony Maynard to the Board and farewelled Michael Tippett. LGBTI COMMUNITY HEALTH We thank Michael for his time on the We formally recognised our role as a Board and leadership he showed on our LGBTI community health organisation Governance Committee. I’d also like to during our Special General Meeting on thank our entire Board for volunteering Wednesday 5 October 2016 where their time and expertise. As a community OUR STRATEGIC PLAN COMES TO AN END THIS YEAR - A TIME FOR it was decided that the objects in our controlled organisation, VAC is governed REFLECTION AS WE BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR A NEW PLAN FOR THE NEXT Constitution would be amended to by, staffed by, and for our communities. FIVE YEARS OF OUR DEVELOPMENT. include the promotion of the health and wellbeing and the provision of support and services for the entire LGBTI community – a change that has been a long time coming. During this time, the organisation has continued to receive recognition for the amazing work undertaken by our staff and volunteers. In the same month we amended our Constitution, we once again received the GLOBE award for ‘A Healthy Community’ — this time for Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, one of our services that is striving to meet the needs of our trans and gender diverse communities. This was soon followed by the 2016 VicHealth Award for ‘Communications in Health Promotion’ for our Drama Downunder campaign. As the year came to a close, we were awarded the 2016 Victorian Public Healthcare

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 5 GARETH was in Yemen and used his real name on Facebook, his only means of social contact, he would risk if being outed to the government where he could face life in prison or be put to death. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. CEO’S REPORT

Diversity — our community calls for it in diverse clients. The AOD team also engage the broader community in one of everything we do. As an organisation, collaborated with our health promotion our core purposes. Following mainstream we have begun to undertake a more team in a range of activities as part of media coverage that heralded ‘the end diverse portfolio of projects, initiatives, our Ice Action Plan including community to AIDS’ in Australia, on 1 December and services than ever before in our outreach, a safe injecting video, and the 2016 we set out to remind everyone that history. This provides us with a fantastic be-longing for It exhibition as part of the HIV Still Matters. The bold look and key opportunity — to engage more people 2017 . messaging proved so effective that the from more communities. It also presents Every new service area we have campaign was rolled out in the ACT and challenges as we adapt existing models developed has been due to requests will now become one of our featured or, in some instances, seek to find whole from our communities to broaden our health promotion campaigns going into new solutions to support the health and offer. As we head into the future, we the future. wellbeing of the LGBTI communities we will investigate what role VAC can play Greater diversity in programs has required serve. in the NDIS as our community calls for greater diversity in staffing to ensure we DIVERSITY OF COMMUNITIES community controlled disability services. continue to be a peer led organisation. Last year, we launched Equinox — our DIVERSITY OF LOCATIONS I’d like to thank to thank all of our staff for their dedication over the last year. VAC peer led, trans and gender diverse health We have continued to grow our presence continues to attract staff who believe centre in Fitzroy. We’ve added more staff outside Melbourne’s metropolitan area. in what we do and are prepared to go to meet community demand, and with VACountry is now in its second year of the extra mile to ensure our community that growth, we’ve been able to diversify operation out of Bendigo, supporting receives the services it deserves. I’d also the services offered to incorporate mental LGBTI people living in regional and rural like to thank the Board for their ongoing health as well as sexual health, hormone settings. In Adelaide, in partnership with support and our funders for their belief in management, and our standard GP our dedicated friends at Shine SA, the LGBTI community controlled health. services. team at SAMESH have truly established Our Lesbian, Bisexual, and (LBQ) the program as a LGBTI community Diversity is important. It can also be Women’s Health Conference, now in its leader. Through our work with SAMESH, challenging. Still, it’s the way forward third year running, has officially become a we have seen the expansion the PrEP-X for us as an organisation and as a national event as we co-hosted the event trial and the roll out of Drama Downunder community. with ACON in . This conference in Adelaide. Simon Ruth, CEO has become an annual opportunity for Successful engagement has always further discussion around the health required us to go where our community needs of LBQ women as well as share goes. In this day and age, this means the knowledge and insight garnered going online. For our Outreach through research and existing work being volunteers, this has meant heading onto undertaken across the country. At the social networking and hook up apps most recent conference, we announced to offer their peer education expertise a new project as part of VicHealth’s through AppReach. Meanwhile, the Alcohol Culture Change Initiative to online communities established at Pete. address the risky drinking behaviours of org.au and Dale.org.au completed their LBQ women in regional Victoria. initial two-year research period offering DIVERSITY OF ISSUES insight into the potential for digital interventions to reduce the experiences Starting with the epidemic in 1983, over of stigma. The latter of which, Dale. time we have tackled a range of issues org.au, allowed for us to successfully impacting our community’s wellbeing. engage same-sex attracted men living in That tradition has not changed as we heterosexual relationships – a group that have continued to tackle complex has historically proven difficult to engage issues like LGBTI relationship and family in face-to-face services. violence. The past year we launched flexible support packages designed to This year also saw the exciting launch provide financial assistance to victims/ of another national project – Emen8. In survivors of family violence within the partnership with ACON, emen8.com.au REI ALPHONSO FROM VAC’S AOD SERVICE WAS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT OUR THIRD is quickly becoming Australia’s biggest LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND QUEER WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE, THIS YEAR CO-HOSTED LGBTI communities. The uptake of this WITH ACON. service has been encouraging as we and boldest online sexual health and continue to develop the services we can wellbeing initiative for gay men, bisexual offer in this area. men and men who have sex with men. Our Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) DIVERSITY OF MESSAGES team has grown to address the One of the biggest challenges complexities around alcohol and drug amongst all this diversity is connecting use in our communities. With unique all the communities we engage with considerations, we developed guidelines the important messages they need for alcohol and other drug service to receive. World AIDS Day is one providers supporting trans and gender opportunity where we endeavour to

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 7 JONO used a gay dating app in Russia, he could be threatened with arrest and imprisonment. Russian parliamentarians if describe being gay as shameful and have called for whipping to be introduced as a punishment for anyone who is gay. Homophobia is a crime against humanity.

SHANNON lived in China, as a lesbian she would have no protection against discrimination in the workplace, in the provision of goods if and services or against hate speech. If she was openly affectionate with her partner, she would be accused of abnormal sexual behaviour which is banned federally. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. 20 STORIES FROM VAC

31 Marriage Equality Debate We opposed the Australian federal towards the LGBTI community. The government’s planned marriage debate would further stigmatise sexually equality plebiscite (and later postal and gender-diverse individuals and survey) and called for Government potentially harming their mental health to allow a free vote to pass marriage alongside an increase in prejudice- equality once and for all. Our main motivated crimes against LGBTI concern surrounding such a vote was people. We believe the unnecessary, the health and wellbeing of our LGBTI expensive, and entirely non-binding communities. We feared any plebiscite vote on an issue that could have been or survey would open up a public easily resolved in Parliament with a free debate that would provide a platform vote is genuinely insulting to the LGBTI for a fear campaign and promote vitriol people of Australia. 4 VACstravaganza! RuPaul’s Drag Race has prompted on RuPaul, queer culture, and sexual 2 SAMESH 3 Adam Bourne a resurgence of drag worldwide and health. The woof-able Melbourne provided the inspiration for our annual Surge Water Polo Club played a vital Ongoing community engagement In October 2016, VAC partnered with trivia night. With the show’s season role as their 10 “Pit Crew” volunteers has strengthened SAMESH’s ACON to bring Associate Professor Dr finale approaching, the 350 tickets for assisted in games, scoring and the relationship with the LGBTIQ and Adam Bourne, a leading researcher the event sold out a week early. With auction. Another 10 VAC volunteers PLHIV communities in Adelaide. Our in alcohol and drug use within LGBTI a packed house of 45 trivia teams made sure the bar, ticketing and Hyde Street site has flourished as a communities, to Australia to present and Rhubarb Rouge & Frock Hudson stage management ran seamlessly. community hub with twelve community a keynote address at the Australasian (Dean Arcuri) hosting, VAC-Stravaganza With a very different demographic of groups regularly accessing the space Professional Society on Alcohol and went off! Trivia was complemented by attendees from other VAC events, it from Queer Gamers and Bear Men of Drugs Conference (APSAD) held in drag performances, mini challenges, was great to reach the broader queer Adelaide to LGBTIQ Christians and the Sydney. Whilst in Melbourne, Dr Bourne lip-Sync-for-your-life, and a live auction. community and its allies as well as raise sporting group Adelaide Spikers. presented at both a community forum Teams raced to answer questions $10,000 for the organisation. In February, SAMESH hosted a street held at Hares and Hyenas and a sector party to launch the Drama Downunder forum held at the Doherty Institute on 5 Jane (DDU) ‘Decades’ campaign in the issues of chemsex within the gay Adelaide. community. Both events had over 50 Jane (not her real name) is a skipping many meals entirely. This was people in attendance. His presentations transwoman who was a victim of severe The DDU Decades campaign is the having an impact on her recovery. The emphasised the need for a range of abuse, resulting in neglect of her own largest social marketing campaign David Williams Fund helped her with approaches in dealing with the complex health and a six month stint in hospital. ever undertaken in South Australia by an electric wok and rice cooker so issue of drug use and sexual scenes. She came to the David Williams Fund that she could cook and eat her own a sexual health service working with after her release, when she had been hot, nutritious meals. We also provided gay men and men who have sex with placed in a room in a boarding house. her with a television so that she could men. SAMESH continues to grow Although there were shared facilities relax and still connect with the world. its peer based education sessions, for a kitchen and lounge, her past She has, she says, “found a little bit of delivering two 6-week sexual health experiences made her too afraid to peace” and her room now “feels more and wellbeing workshops for gay men use them. Jane was living only on food like home”. aged 18–30 and 30–70 years. she could eat cold in her room and

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 11 BRIAN lived in Jamaica, he could be tortured or murdered simply for being openly gay. Homosexuality is if illegal in Jamaica and often the police fail to protect LGBT citizens from homophobic and transphobic attacks. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. 6 Aboriginal Drama The Drama Downunder campaign broke new ground this year through a partnership with the AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) and the participation of high profile ex- rugby league footballer, Casey Conway. Casey’s post-football life has meant that he has become a role model for, not only Aboriginal gay men, but gay men more generally as he has shared his coming out journey and gone on to be a community leader vitally interested in the sexual health and wellbeing of gay men throughout Australia. At the time of the launch, Casey said “It’s a big responsibility, and if people are going to be honest and share their stories with me, then I need to be honest about who I am too.”

7 Community Support 8 Relationship Violence Many clients continue to live In 2016, we were ask to provide Family independently at home thanks to Violence Flexi Support Packages to coordinated care from our Community the Victorian LGBTI community. These Support team in partnership with the packages help equip victim/survivors HIV team at Bolton Clarke (formerly of family violence to exit or remain RDNS). safe following violent relationships. We Peter, (not his real name) 52, has been were the only statewide service to fully HIV positive for more than 20 years and discharge the $100 000 allotment, a VAC client for 11 years. His physical demonstrating that relationship and health has declined following a recent family violence is a major issue for cancer diagnosis. Mental health and LGBTI people and that community- behavioural issues limit his capacity led interventions are needed. One for group social engagement, such participant, a 22 year old queer as that provided at the Positive Living Aboriginal woman, was supported Centre; so Peter receives individual with a package to stabilise her living support including medical transport, arrangements in public housing and shopping help, and home visits from to access ongoing support services nurses, volunteers, and VAC Home to aid in her recovery from intimate Care workers. The care team have partner violence. Another client, a 29 developed an engagement strategy for year old gay man and guardian to his workers and volunteers to best work adolescent brother, were assisted to Sexperts in the Country with Peter. Good communication and find a stable renting option after exiting 10 consistency with clear boundaries and violence both in their family of origin and Being further apart geographically and way. These peers are currently based feedback has allowed a sustainable in his intimate partnership. with limited opportunities to connect in Bendigo, Daylesford, Woodend, service despite the client’s challenging with the LGBTI community, reaching Shepparton and Castlemaine. behaviours. This is an example of the 9 GLOBE Win for Equinox gay and bisexual men in the country This technology gives us a greater value of the formal partnership between can be a challenge. Recognising this geographic reach, with men accessing VAC and Bolton Clarke as well as the Equinox received the 2016 GLOBE difficulty, we developed the Sexpert the service from neighbouring crucial contribution of our experienced Award for ‘A Healthy Community’ at Project. We trained 10 peer volunteers communities. The most common topics staff and volunteers. the annual event in October 2016. to provide information about a range of discussion are accessing PrEP and In recognition of the medical and of topics including HIV prevention and local services in country communities. counselling services that Equinox alcohol and other drug harm reduction. Our peers recently presented the provides to the trans and gender The peer volunteers, working within successes and challenges of this diverse community, the award clear guidelines, go onto online hook project at the Centre of Excellence in acknowledged the community-led up applications, to answer questions Rural Sexual Health Conference. approach, working with the community in a fun, sex positive, and informative to provide specialist, culturally-safe services. VAC was honoured to receive the award and the recognition it gave to the hard working team of medical staff, support staff, and the community advisory group.

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 13

BUDI lived in Aceh, Indonesia, he could be arrested for being gay, jailed and subjected to if public caning. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. 11 Be-Longing For It As a part of Midsumma 2017, we presented ‘be-longing for it’ - a multi media art exhibition and harm reduction project exploring meth use among gay, bi and queer men. PRONTO! was converted into a dynamic exhibition space exploring real stories of men who have a lived experience of meth use. ‘be-longing for it’ featured work spanning across mixed mediums of projection, video, print and sound. ‘belonging for it’ stimulated and challenged the audience to reflect on the meaning of connection and intimacy for gay, bi and queer men in 2017 and their relationship to sex and drug use. The exhibition encouraged conversations on taking care of themselves and each other. Eight gay, bi and queer men shared their personal stories of using meth and the deeper human experiences connected to their sexuality. The work, using comic illustrations, explored themes of sexual identity, finding community, seeking connection, intimacy, mental health, risk taking behaviours, stigma, drug use, harm reduction, sex, living with HIV, and the desire for ‘belonging’. This highly attended exhibition received great feedback from visitors.

12 AOD Guidelines for TGD 13 L.O.V.E. 14 Minister for Health Award 15 My Other Closet In 2017, we launched a key document We celebrated National Volunteer’s The 2017 Health Minister’s Volunteer We partnered with MAROPA to support the alcohol and other drug Week by joining forces with Awards, saw Health Minister Jill Productions and Gay and Lesbian (AOD) sector — Policy and Practice Switchboard and JOY 94.9 to Hennessy present the ‘Outstanding Health Victoria in bringing My Other Recommendations for Alcohol and recognise the contributions volunteers Lifetime Achievement’ award to Closet, The Cabaret to the stage. Other Drug Services Supporting make to our organisations every day longstanding VAC volunteer Colin Through a series of innovative the Trans and Gender Diverse and recognising the milestones many Krycer. The annual awards recognise approaches, this “production” cast a Community (TGD). Developed by VAC volunteers have reached along the the work of volunteers who give their strong light on same-sex domestic in partnership with the Victorian Alcohol way. By giving their time to support the time to better the lives of others. violence. and Drug Association, the guide LGBTI community, our volunteers are Colin doesn’t just volunteer with VAC An initial community forum in late 2016 supports AOD services to provide safe making a difference for others while but has taken an active role in the gave way to a mini conference and and affirmative care to members of the making a meaningful change to their LGBTI community across a number of performance in early 2017 — bringing TGD community who may benefit from own lives. organisations. He was there for JOY together the community sector, support residential treatment services. Accompanied by performances from 94.9’s first broadcast. He’s been an agencies, government services, and The feedback to date has been the Melbourne Rainbow Band and a active member of the AIDS Memorial the general public to unpack the issue incredibly positive. One service provider guest appearance by City of Port Phillip Candlelight Vigil & Quilt Project and its impact. said that the guide had been a tool for Mayor Cr Bernadine Voss, the event Melbourne as well as a director of This culminated in a powerful theatre change within their service, allowing was hosted by Victoria Police Gay and GALFA (Gay and Lesbian Foundation season starring Russ Vickery, illustrating them to revisit how they allocated their Lesbian Liason Officers (GLLO) Gabby Australia). Many people would simply the lived experience of same-sex small number of individual rooms to Tyacke and Travis Costelow. know him as the guy working hard relationship violence. This undertaking ensure that trans and gender diverse As VAC CEO Simon Ruth remarked, behind the scenes on the AV at various and the focus on the “silent epidemic” clients are safely and appropriately “Without our volunteers, none of community events. He commenced in gay relationships parallels the growth supported and affirmed. Associated us could operate the services we volunteering at VAC with our Community in VAC’s response to domestic violence training is also now being delivered, provide to the community. It is only Support Team. with increased counselling services, the with 30 VAADA clinicians receiving fitting that we celebrate and formally Colin has remained a big supporter of Revisioning Program, and the Family specialist training in line with these recognise the longstanding contribution all that we do, celebrating over 30 years Violence Flexi Support Packages. documents, and a full Organisational volunteers have made.” as a VAC volunteer. Guide & Report to be released in late 2 017.

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 15 MOHAMED lived the United Arab Emirates, he could be jailed for up to 14 years or put to death for being if gay. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. 16 Chapel Street Traders 18 ChillOut Turns 20 Through our partnership with the For the 20th anniversary of Australia’s Chapel Street Traders Association, leading country pride celebration, we we were well placed to help bring hosted a bigger line up in Daylesford about a broad and inclusive response than ever before. In the lead up to the to the 2016 drug overdoses at local festival, the Lavish Lunch at Belvedere venues. Our relationship afforded a Social was a joint fundraiser between practical and community led response VAC and ChillOut. Over $20,000 of between VAC, Star Health, the Liquor auction items were donated by local Accord, Victoria Police, and Chapel businesses and supporters. Attendees Street Traders. The state government were treated to a moving performance responded by investing funds to from Michael Cormick and raised develop and support a peer drug and approx $8,000 for VACountry. alcohol education program for venue Once the festival was underway, we owners as well as security personal hosted the Baywatch Pool Party. and other interested parties in the area. With over 230 attendees turning up, This investment has led to a part time the Melbourne Surge Water Polo AOD position at VAC to work with Star Club drove up to volunteer their time Health in addressing the issue. running the BBQ and assisting in the launch of the Drama Downunder country campaign. Victorian Water Polo 17 Beat Safety brought “Bumpa Ball” to the party with Early in 2017, our SAM (sexually members from the LGBTI community adventurous men) Project received getting wet to play alongside the Surge anecdotal reports from community players while special guests Dirk Caber members regarding homophobic and Jesse Jackman hung out poolside violence targeted towards men for photo opportunities. The following using Melbourne beats, in particular day, VAC was well represented during Footscray Park. VAC met with Victoria the pride parade with people marching Police LGBTI Gay and Lesbian Liaison behind our new rainbow banner. Later Officers (GLLO) and formed the ‘Beat on, volunteers and staff gave out Safety Project’. more than 450 showbags at Carnival with info and collateral on our various Geo-targeted alerts/warnings were sent campaigns and services as well as safe to users of apps and websites. SAM sex packs. PRONTO! was once again Project workers also communicated on site to offer peer facilitated rapid HIV with users via Squirt, a beat cruising tests. website where surrounding beat listings were updated to include a warning to men using those beats. SAM Project 19 Hello Emen8 20 Becoming Fearless staff and peer volunteers accompanied An exciting new area of work for VAC We live in a world that can be experiences of homophobia and the Footscray Police GLLO officers on is the National Gay Men’s Education disapproving and hostile towards subtle and more overt ways it affected their nightly patrols of the Footscray Program, developed and implemented same-sex attracted people - myths their self worth and relationships. Park beat to engage directly with beat in partnership with ACON. Launched and stereotypes are sometimes more Participants described feeling users. They used mobile networking in May 2017, Emen8 is a new project prevalent than positive representations. supported and affirmed by other apps to engage directly with beat funded by the Australian Government Without even being aware of it, we users and reinforce this important to create online sexual health resources group members, which increased can sometimes buy into this negativity safety messaging. A digital resource for gay men and other men who have their confidence to engage in the was developed for our DownAn’Dirty sex with men (MSM). and internalise it. FearLESS is our therapeutic process. Participants therapeutic group for same-sex reflected that hearing the similarities website and flyers were distributed at With a focus on HIV, the vision is attracted people who feel impacted various Melbourne sex-on-premises Emen8 to be the pre-eminent Australian and differences in people’s experiences by homophobia. It is facilitated by venues. website to promote the sexual health of allowed them to appreciate the ways professional counsellors and aims The community response to the project gay men and other MSM. in which they had been imprinted by to provide a respectful and safe was excellent, with direct engagement Initially, we anticipated that 30,000 homophobia as well as the ways in environment to explore experiences from beat users being positive overall. unique users would visit the site in the which they had managed to transcend of homophobia and their impact on Most importantly, there have been first three months. This audience was its effects. Participants described no further reports of violence or achieved in just over six weeks! Emen8 identity and relationships. developing increased self-compassion homophobic attacks on men using the has now attracted over 80,000 unique Over the course of this year’s group, and an appreciation of the strength and Footscray Park beat to date. users, well exceeding all targets. participants have shared their individual resilience within their community. .

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 17

THE FUTURE OF PREVENTION

U=U A PERSON LIVING WITH HIV WHO HAS AN UNDETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD DOES NOT TRANSMIT THE VIRUS TO THEIR PARTNERS

We’re starting to see promising signs. to PrEP until the Pharmaceutical Benefits with sexual health and wellbeing content – and we’re seeing results. The 2017 Surveillance data tells us that HIV Advisory Committee decides to add PrEP integrated into lifestyle content that Melbourne Gay Community Periodic notifications are dropping, in particular the to the PBS. is engaging and shareable amongst Survey findings recorded the highest ever number of newly acquired HIV infections. U = U Australia’s gay men, bisexual men, and level of HIV testing which has increased The findings from the2017 Melbourne men who have sex with men. Amongst over time to 90% of men in the survey - More and more research has come in Gay Community Periodic Survey indicate articles on travel destinations and style continuing the upward trend over the last to fortify the consensus of leading health an increased community confidence in tips, you find information on PrEP, UVL, several years. In addition, the results show researchers and community health biomedical prevention strategies, whether condoms, and negotiating safe sex. nearly threefold increase in the uptake of organisations that people living with HIV that be pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and over (PLHIV) who have been on treatment In Victoria, we have been fortunate to or an undetectable viral load. Still, there 97% of men living with HIV on treatment for at least six months and sustained have a largely positive response to these is work to be done. We need to continue advances in HIV prevention and treatment. having achieved an undetectable viral load an undetectable viral load (UVL) have a our efforts in health promotion and the We haven’t seen the same backlash (UVL). Hopefully, we’re not far now from negligible risk of transmitting HIV. Most facilitation of the community dialogue toward PrEP that occurred in places like a future where we see an end to new recently, the Kirby Institute’s Opposites around HIV. the United States. However, the majority is HIV infections and PLHIV living free from Attract study, the largest study to analyse not enough, we need to ensure everyone discrimination and stigma. PrEP-X HIV transmission risk among homosexual understands the changing landscape of Soon after TGA approval of PrEP in couples with differing HIV status, found HIV. Australia, July 2016 saw the official launch that HIV positive men on treatment with of PrEP-X. The expansion of the VicPrEP an undetectable viral load did not pass on For instance, PrEP is often seen as study was an exciting announcement HIV. The science far outweighs the stigma. simply a daily pill for HIV prevention. Many that created a stop-gap solution for We signed onto the U=U (Undetectable = point to the fact that PrEP only protects Victorians to access this game-changing Untransmittable) campaign along with over you from HIV and no other sexually tool in HIV prevention until PrEP could be 400 organisations from over 60 countries. transmitted infections. This is certainly true, however, PrEP as a HIV prevention added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Victoria has now updated their HIV strategy is more than just taking a daily Scheme (PBS). The community demand Strategy for 2017-2020, built around pill. Current guidelines for prescribing exceeded expectations with PrEP-X four key pillars: prevention, testing, PrEP recommend quarterly sexual health quickly becoming the fastest enrolled treatment, and the elimination of stigma screening – a rate much higher than the PrEP trial worldwide. VAC responded in and discrimination. While we’re making average. This frequency of screening January 2017 with an announcement incredible progress in the first three means the time between transmission and of an additional $100,000 to the trial to pillars, stigma remains on the biggest treatment of any STIs is greatly reduced, help clear the growing waitlist. This was issues for people living with HIV. Helping helping to minimise the risk on onward soon matched by the state government shift perception of HIV starts with transmission. Condoms are and will announcement in March 2017. the conversations we have and the remain part of the mix. In fact, this past Meanwhile through our partnership with dialogue we continue to foster within the year, we distributed more condoms than Shine SA and SAMESH, we helped pave community. ever before. the way for PrEP-X to expand to South COMMUNITY DIALOGUE In fact, one of the secondary benefits to Australia in April 2017. At the time of With these huge advances in HIV these advancements in HIV prevention is publication, PrEP trials are now underway prevention and treatment, ensuring the making the conversations around basic across Australia including New South community understands and accurately sexual health topical again – allowing us to Wales, Queensland, the ACT, Western shares this information is vital. This past reiterate the importance of regular testing Australia, and . These trials play year we launched Emen8 in partnership and all the tools for prevention. a vital role in facilitating community access with ACON. Emen8 is an online site All of these factors are working together

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 19 HEATHER lived in the USA, her health insurance company could force her to pay thousands of dollars every if month for her HIV medication. That’s if she was lucky enough for them to be covered in the first place. HIV stigma is a crime against humanity. ENGAGING COMMUNITIES

THE MEANINGFUL INVOLVEMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH AND AFFECTED BY HIV REPORT AND ACTION PLAN FOR 2016-18

THE MEANINGFUL INVOLVEMENT which is co-delivered by HIV positive plaques. All staff have attended cultural working with our Aboriginal and Torres OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH AND peer volunteers, was presented at the safety training which will be updated Strait Islander stakeholders to test and AFFECTED BY HIV (MIPA) AIDS 2016 Conference in Durban. This in our new RAP. During the last two trial projects building relationships, This year VAC has continued our peer support program targets gay and years, we have developed and built showing respect, and improving commitment to the meaningful bisexual men who want to address up community partnerships through opportunities. Throughout our Innovate involvement of people living with HIV their methamphetamine use, and the our Peer Indigenous Project. This RAP, we will continually raise internal (MIPA) as vital to an effective HIV therapeutic program is unique globally. project received specific funding to awareness about VAC’s commitments response. VAC’s MIPA Committee is RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN work with and develop relationships to reconciliation by promoting the RAP in the Southern Region of Melbourne. to staff and providing opportunities to comprised of community members The vision for our first ‘Reflect’ The project has strong links with the engage with reconciliation activities. and staff representatives across the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was Victorian Aboriginal Health Service During National Reconciliation Week organisation. This team oversees the to recognise the Traditional Owners of (VAHS) and the Victorian Aboriginal (27 May to 3 June each year) we will implementation of VAC’s MIPA Report this land, to learn from and work with Community Controlled Health be encouraging Aboriginal and Torres and Action Plan 2016-18, which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisation (VACCHO). During Strait Islander peoples and other outlines VAC’s formal review process peoples in prevention of harm and NAIDOC and National Reconciliation staff members to build relationships and identifies our goals for further contribute to a holistic approach to development. Week we organised internal events with local services and attend and/or healing, health, and wellbeing. The organise events. Amongst the work undertaken this Reflect RAP allowed us to focus in addition to supported events in the year the Community Support Team on building internal and external community. A highlight of our Reflect has introduced an additional HIV Peer relationships as well as raise awareness RAP was a cultural training day with Support Worker who visits socially with our stakeholders to ensure there is Arweet Carolyn Briggs who talked isolated community members and aims a shared understanding and ownership about local Aboriginal language, to increase community engagement. of our RAP within the organisation. culture and traditions. The whole staff VAC has continued our work in Through the Reconciliation Action Plan team took part in a traditional smoking partnership with Positive Women Program, over the last two years we ceremony with Arweet Carolyn Briggs’ Victoria to resource a Women’s Peer have been working on the Reflect RAP. grandson. Support Worker as the role takes on We implemented protocols across all We will continue our journey of joint client work at our Positive Living our sites around Acknowledgement of reconciliation through the developed of Centre (PLC). Country and Welcome to Country. All the second RAP — our ‘Innovate’ RAP. In addition, the Rewired 2.0 Program VAC sites also have Acknowledgement Our Innovate RAP will see a focus on

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 21 DIMITRI lived in Dubai, he could face up to 14 years imprisonment or the death penalty for being gay. if Homophobia is a crime against humanity. VAC AWARDS

LIFE MEMBER PRESIDENT’S AWARD SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD MEDIA AWARD Emeritus Professor Anne Mitchell AO Human Rights Law Centre Dimitri Christou James Hancock Anne is a community development The passionate staff of the Human Rights Dimitri has been a volunteer with VAC At the ABC, James has given voice to worker and an adult educator with over Law Centre (HRLC) work tirelessly to end since 2005, initially volunteering in HIV some of the marginalised communities twenty years of experience in the field of LGBTI discrimination in the law and to peer support. More recently, he has re- we work with including trans and gender sexual health. In 1993, she was one of protect and promote the rights of LGBTI engaged with almost every aspect of our diverse people. His coverage raised the the founding members of the Australian people. Among their many achievements, volunteer program. Because of his lived profile of critical gaps in service provision Research Centre in Sex, Health and their work has helped to reform adoption experience and thorough understanding and healthcare, such as the introduction Society (ARCSHS) and also the founding laws in Victoria and secured legislation of the HIV landscape he has turned his of PrEP. Most recently, his coverage of director of Gay and Lesbian Health in Victoria, New South Wales and the attention to HIV prevention roles such as the DALE website and the experiences of Victoria. Australian Capital Territory to overturn VACreach and PRONTO! rapid testing same-sex attracted men in heterosexual unjust criminal records imposed on gay outreach roles at SOPV’s (Sex-on- relationships brought in over 119,000 men who had consensual sex back when Premises Venues). views. homosexuality was illegal.

LIFE MEMBER Brian Price Brian is the Business and Community SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Services Manager for the Department SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Kelly McGowan of Infectious Diseases, at the Alfred. He Dean Acuri Since 2013, Kelly has provided invaluable has held this position for 19 years, during In one week, you can see Dean host support for World AIDS Day ribbons each which he has led the establishment of a fundraiser for VAC’s David Williams year. Kelly and her team have produced service models that are vital for people Fund, cover community news, capture over 30,000 red ribbons, nearly one living with HIV and those at high risk of HIV Melbourne’s LGBTI communities in year’s stock! They went well beyond the infection. He is the Operational Manager of photographs, present on air at JOY 94.9, role of what a corporate volunteering day the PrEPX study, which saw 2,000 people, and still go on to perform on stage as would entail, nearly every year producing enrol into the study within 10 weeks of it his alter ego Frock Hudson. With a large the short fall to ensure that we had the opening. portion of his work being on a volunteer required amount of red ribbons. basis, his tireless efforts have made our community a richer one.

LIFE MEMBER GREIG FRIDAY YOUNG LEADER Associate Professor Ruth McNair AWARD Ruth has clinical and research interests SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Margot Fink in lesbian and bisexual women’s mental Associate Professor Edwina Wright Margot was one of the first members of health, sexual health, same-sex parenting, Edwina is an infectious diseases our Trans and Gender Diverse Advisory health care access, health care provider physician and clinical researcher at the Group and provided key advice in cultural competence training, and cultural Alfred Hospital and the Burnet Institute. establishing Equinox. She was also the issues related to alcohol and smoking With a strong interest in HIV-associated former Head of Gender Diverse Projects in LGBTI communities. She is leading a neurological disorders her work in this for Minus18 and their communications project on LGBTI homelessness. She is area includes studies that address the coordinator when they were under attack the Co-Chairperson of the Victorian LGBTI pathogenesis of HIV infection of the brain by media scrutinising the Safe Schools Health and Human Services Working and the benefits of different strategies to program. Margot Fink has become an group and a member of the LGBTI treat HIV brain infection. She is Chair of outstanding role model for young lesbian, Taskforce (2015-2018). the Asia-Pacific NeuroAIDS Consortium gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (APNAC) and co-Chair of the Australasian (LGBTI) people. National NeuroAIDS Brain and Tissue Bank Project. She is currently involved with the PrEPX Rapid scale-up of HIV pre- exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 23 MISH lived in Sri Lanka, her sexuality would be determined to be ‘grossly indecent’ and she could be sent to jail for up to 10 years. Households if headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the protections afforded to heterosexual couples. Homophobia is a crime against humanity. WORKING TOGETHER AROUND THE WORLD

CHINA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) Beijing LGBT Center is a non-profit, Although there are no formal LGBTI service-oriented activity space that advocacy organisations in the UAE, brave provides a platform for the advancement individuals are striving to support LGBTI of China’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and people via social networking. UAE LGBT Transgender community. The Center Rights describe themselves as a group offers a variety of activities and programs of thinkers, citizens who are working to that achieve three main goals: address human rights abuses in the l advocate for equal rights and region. They describe their mission in the acceptance within greater Chinese following way: society, ‘To raise awareness, educate the public l promote the culture and history of our and allow open dialogue about the It is true that all the human rights abuses community, and Universal Rights that belong to the LGBT highlighted in this year’s annual report l provide safe, accredited foundational community of the United Arab Emirates make for grim reading, and an even services to LGBT individuals. To decriminalize Homosexuality, same sex grimmer reality for people living in those Website: bjlgbtcenter.org.cn relationships, or sexual activity between countries and regions, but around the USA consenting individuals of the same sex world there are a number of dedicated There are a vast number of LGBTI To abolish Article 354 of the Federal and passionate people working hard to advocacy groups and organisations Penal Code and all other U.A.E. laws that change laws and address stigma and throughout the United States. Among discriminate against those persecuted for discrimination directed at people living with them, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance JAMAICA their natural, sexual orientation HIV and LGBTI people. Against Defamation (GLAAD)’s stated J-FLAG is a non-profit NGO that is in the Those groups and organisations include: mission is (in part) to ‘[amplify] the voice To end all forms of invasive treatment, business of promoting social change of the LGBT community by empowering psychological and medical procedures in furtherance of the wellbeing of the real people to share their stories, holding which have no scientific basis and are at members of the LGBT community, the media accountable for the words odds with the international community and through a range of internally directed and images they present, and helping and externally focused tools including: all psychological associations around the grassroots organizations communicate IRAN public education, crisis intervention and world effectively.’ Website: glaad.org The Iranian Queer Organisation, also empowerment; research; rights-based So basically our mission is love, live and known as the Persian Gay and Lesbian advocacy; legal aid and legal reform. let live.’ Organisation is an advocacy group for Website: jflag.org Facebook: facebook.com/pg/ LGBT rights in Iran. Due to the situation in LGBTRightsUAE Iran, the group operates out of Toronto, Canada. YEMEN Website: irqo.org Because same-sex activity is punishable by death in Yemen, there are no LGBTI INDONESIA advocacy groups operational in the country. However the International Arus Pelangi was formed in 2006 in AUSTRALIA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Jakarta and is the largest organisation The Victorian AIDS Council is the oldest advocating on behalf of the LGBTI PAPUA NEW GUINEA Association (ILGA) campaigns tirelessly AIDS council in the country. We deliver for LGBTI human rights around the world, community in Indonesia. Arus Pelangi’s a range of services and programs to Kapul Champions was founded in 2012 including Yemen, by bringing attention mission is to: advance the health and wellbeing of by local gay and other men who have to human rights abuses and laws that l build awareness, empowerment and LGBTI communities. Our vision is: ‘A future sex with men (MSM) and transgender criminalise LGBTI people. strengthen vulnerable and oppressed without HIV. A world where all sexually and people as the only national organisation LGBTI people, gender diverse people live with dignity, advocating on behalf of those people and Website: ilga.org l communities. At the time of writing Kapul have an active role in encouraging policy with equal rights, and participate fully in our Champions has no funding. reforms that protect the rights of LGBTI societ y’. people, and Twitter: @kapulchampions Website: vac.org.au l take an active role in building public RUSSIA awareness through empowerment The Russian LGBT Network’s mission processes to encourage community is to, ‘promote equal rights and respect acceptance of LGBTI people. FINLAND for human dignity, regardless of sexual Website: aruspelangi.org SINGAPORE orientation and gender identity. We unite The Pelangi Pride Centre is a volunteer run Seta was founded in 1974 and is the and develop regional initiatives, advocacy centre that offers support, information and country’s leading LGBTI organisation. groups (at both national and international networking to the LGBT communities of The organisation runs a highly levels), and provide social and legal successful Transgender Support Centre Singapore. services.’ SRI LANKA and collaborates with 24 member Website: pelangipridecentre.org organisations in addition to human rights Website: lgbtnet.org Equal Ground is a not for profit that organisations and youth and student advocates on behalf of LGBT people, bodies. based in Columbo. Website: Seta.fi Website: equal-ground.org

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 25 FINANCIAL REPORT

REVENUE BREAKDOWN EXPENSES BREAKDOWN

l Grant income 77% l Operating expenses 10% l Operating income 22% l Employee costs 61% l Investment income 1% l Campaign expenses 14% l Client support expenses 12% l Professional expenses 3% l Other expenses 0%

Revenue breakdown Expense breakdown - Detailed

Grant income 7,999,327 Operating expenses 1,067,207 Client fees 1,250,570 Employee costs 6,346,320 Donations, fundraising and bequest income 919,513 Campaign expenses 1,487,032 Membership fees 3,825 Client Support expenses 1,204,488 Other revenue 87,897 Professional fees 340,934 Interest income 98,847 Other expenses 41,548 Total revenue 10,359,979 10,487,529

Revenue summary

Grant income 7,999,327 Operating income 2,261,805 Investment income 98,847 10,359,979

26 l VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 VICTORIAN AIDS COUNCIL INC. Summary Statement of Profit or Loss for the Year Ended 30 June 2017

2017 2016 $ $ Revenue 10,359,979 8,822,718 Less: expenses

Operating expenses (1,067,207) (921,922) Employee costs (6,346,320) (5,437,572) Campaign expenses (1,486,032) (1,394,018) Client support expenses (1,204,488) (790,116) Professional fees (340,934) (190,980) Other expenses (41,548) (27,143) (10,487,529) (8,761,751) Surplus / (deficit) for the year (127,550) 60,967

Summary Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2017

2017 2016 $ $ Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 3,359,420 3,499,870 Receivables 548,475 205,244 Other assets 106,042 142,446

Total current assets 4,013,937 3,847,560

Noncurrent assets Property, plant and equipment 628,603 162,740 Total noncurrent assets 628,603 162,740 Total assets 4,642,540 4,010,300 Current liabilities Payables 384,791 346,196 Provisions 888,992 618,643 Other liabilities 842,838 650,564 Total current liabilities 2,116,621 1,615,403 Noncurrent liabilities Provisions 35,102 26,940 Total noncurrent liabilities 35,102 26,940 Total liabilities 2,151,723 1,642,343 Net assets 2,490,817 2,367,957

Members funds Reserves 250,410 - Accumulated surplus 2,240,407 2,367,957 Total members funds 2,490,817 2,367,957

The above summary financial information has been extracted from the audited financial statements. No audit opinion has been issued in relation to the summary financial statements. These should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements that are available to the members on our website www.vac.org.au/financials

VAC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 l 27 Summary Statement of Changes in Members Funds for the Year Ended 30 June 2017

Reserves Accumulated Total equity surplus $ $ $

Balance as at 1 July 2015 - 2,306,990 2,306,990

Surplus for the year - 60,967 60,967 Total comprehensive income for the year - 60,967 60,967

Balance as at 30 June 2016 - 2,367,957 2,367,957 Balance as at 1 July 2016 - 2,367,957 2,367,957 Surplus/(deficit) for the year - (127,550) (127,550) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment 250,410 - 250,410 Total comprehensive income for the year 250,410 (127,550) 122,860 Balance as at 30 June 2017 250,410 2,240,407 2,490,817

Summary Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2017

2017 2016 $ $ Cash flow from operating activities Grants received 8,207,175 8,082,786 Fees received 1,001,484 897,061 Donations and bequests received 914,243 730,556 Membership fees 3,825 5,070 Interest received 98,847 112,788 Payments to suppliers and employees (10,094,826) (9,133,647) Net cash provided by operating activities 126,748 694,614

Cash flow from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 3,369 2,148 Payment for plant and equipment (270,567) (61,884) Net cash used in investing activities (267,198) (59,736)

Reconciliation of cash Cash at beginning of the financial year 3,499,870 3,298,713 Net increase in cash held (140,450) 201,157 Cash at end of financial year 3,359,420 3,499,870 THANK YOU! lACON lAFAO lALFRED HEALTH lALGA lANZ lASHM lAUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT lBARBA lBENDIGO AND DISTRICT ABORIGINAL CO-OPERATIVE lBENDIGO COMMUNITY HEALTH lBRAND PRINT lTIERNAN BRADY lSTEPHEN BRIGHT lBURNET INSTITUTE lCATHOLIC AIDS MINISTRY lJOHN CAVILL lCHAPEL STREET TRADERS ASSOCIATION lCHINA BAR lCITY OF GREATER BENDIGO lCITY OF PORT PHILLIP lCLAYTON UTZ lCLUB 80 lVIRGINIA CUMMINS lDAVID LEE PERERIA lDEANATION lDRUMMOND STREET SERVICES lEAGLE LEATHER lJACO ERASMUS lNADINE EZARD lLUKE GALLAGHER lGAMMA NSW lHAMPSTEAD DENTAL lMARGARET HELLARD lHERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS lJENNY HOY lIMAGINARIUM PHOTOGRAPHY lJON JACKSON lJBWERE lJOY 94.9 lRICHARD KEANE lPAUL KIDD lCOLIN KRYCER lSHARON LEWIN lLATROBE UNIVERSITY lLIVING POSITIVE VICTORIA lLUCREZIA & DE SADE lJUDITH LUCY lMAC COSMETICS lDAVID MARR lRUTH MCNAIR lMELBOURNE GAY & LESBIAN CHORUS lMELBOURNE HEALTH lMELBOURNE RAINBOW BAND IRENE was discovered lMELBOURNE UNIVERSITY lMELBOURNE SURGE to be a lesbian living lMINUS 18 lMISS BOSSY BOOTS with her partner lMONASH HEALTH lNAB in Singapore, her lPATRICK NOLAN lNTAHC partner would not be lRORY O’NEILL lDAVID OWEN acknowledged. lOZ SHOW BIZ CARES lBEN PEDLEY If they wanted to lPENCIL NECK PRODUCTIONS if lPOSITIVE WOMEN VICTORIA adopt children, it lRAINBOW NETWORK lZINA SOFER would be illegal for lSHINE SA lSOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT them to do so. lSTAR HEALTH lSWITCHBOARD VICTORIA Homophobia is lTHE LAIRD HOTEL lTRANSGENDER VICTORIA a crime against lTURTLE COVE lUNITING CARE REGEN humanity. lVACCHO lVAHS lVAADA lVICTORIAN GOVERNMENT lVICTORIA POLICE lVIIV HEALTHCARE lWET ON WELLINGTON lWHAT FROGGY BAKES lBETH WILSON lEDWINA WRIGHT lY GENDER lYSAS lZOE BELLE GENDER COLLECTIVE

PHOTOGRAPHY VIRGINIA CUMMINS CHARLOTTE lived in Chechnya, she could be subjected to violent harrassment and, with the approval if of the government, details of her identity, including her passport and phone number, could be published on the internet to target her as a trans woman. Transphobia is a crime against humanity.

WORKING TOGETHER vac.org.au