QuAC becomes QAHC

8th June 2006

Following tonight’s Launch and Official Opening the Queensland AIDS Council (QuAC) will have a new name, a new direction and a new state headquarters.

Following a year of consultation and planning QuAC has broadened its role to address wider lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health issues, in addition to HIV.

The change of direction has also prompted a change in name to the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities Inc. along with a new logo.

QAHC (pronounced ‘quack’) will also work to build and support the LGBT communities in Queensland. A Healthy LGBT Communities Fund will be launched shortly, providing small amounts of money to support LGBT groups undertake projects that promote the health of the LGBT community.

A new state headquarters has been purchased in Brisbane which will also operate as a community Resource Centre, with the Gay & Lesbian Welfare Association and Brisbane Pride Festival having their own offices in the Centre. Other groups, such as Parents and Friends of Lesbians & Gays will also share space in the Centre, which has meeting rooms and equipment available to other LGBT & HIV groups to use.

The Board at QAHC is committed to exploring how we can set up resource centres in other parts of the state, with plans to open a Centre on the Sunshine Coast shortly.

Rod Goodbun, President of QAHC said “This is an exciting new chapter in the history of our organisation. We’ll be bringing the knowledge and skills we’ve learnt over the past 21 years of fighting HIV, to addressing wider health issues for all in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. This builds on the work and partnerships we have already developed with groups in the LGBT communities.”

Current staff at QAHC will maintain their focus on HIV, Hepatitis C and sexual health. The Board is seeking additional money from government, charitable trusts and donations to address other health issues. Volunteer action teams will take forward work on a variety of issues including ageing. More information on how to get involved is available from our website www.qahc.org.au

Paul R Martin, General Manager of QAHC said “The move to wider LGBT health issues is going to be good for the health of LGBT Queenslanders and good for our HIV prevention work. We can now work with the whole person, rather than separating sex out from the other parts of people’s lives.”

A series of launch events will be happening over the next few months. A community Open Day will be held in Brisbane on Saturday 10^th June, 1pm – 5pm. A DJ will be playing from 2pm and bands Bertha Control will be playing at 3pm and Anal Traffic at 4pm. A free sausage sizzle will be provided. Launch events will be held in regional centres over the next few months.

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