L.O.V.E. Expands to Recognise LGBTIQ Community Volunteers

Now in its second year, the LGBTI Organisations Volunteer Event (L.O.V.E.) is expanding to recognise the contribution of community volunteers to the work of Transgender Victoria (TGV) and the Australian Lesbian and Gay Achives. They will be joining the event’s founding organisations - the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC), JOY and Switchboard Victoria, as they honour longserving volunteers and celebrate the vital role volunteers play on a daily basis.

Following last week’s National Volunteers Week, L.O.V.E. is returning to St Kilda Town Hall on
Thursday 31 May. Hosted by Dani Weber, the night will include performances by shOUT youth orchestra and Raina Peterson as well as a panel exhibition by the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives from ‘Victoria’s Very Queer History’.

“After the success of last year’s LOVE event, JOY’s ongoing involvement was never in question,” said JOY CEO Tennille Moisel.

“Our community was built on the passion and contributions of people dedicating their time, and it seems only fitting that we should recognise this contribution at both the individual and broader community levels. JOY is proud of our volunteers and thankful that year after year we are able to continue to operate because of their ongoing support.”

TGV Treasurer Sally Goldner added, “Transgender Victoria is excited to be part of the expansion of L.O.V.E.! As a volunteer-run organisation, we are grateful every day for the immense difference our volunteers make in the lives of trans and gender diverse Victorians and their families. Through supporting our organisation, they’re helping TGV to continue to advocate and educate for positive change.”

While the night recognises the major milestones for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of volunteer service, this year will also include a remarkable 25 year milestone for two VAC volunteers - Robert Mann and Dominic Whitehouse .

“As we near our 35th anniversary as a community-controlled organisation, recognising those volunteers that have been with us for incredible stretches of that history is truly an honour for us,” said VAC CEO Simon Ruth.

“We’ve learned throughout our history that LGBTI communities are only able to truly thrive when they’re supported by a foundation of committed and passionate volunteers willing to donate their time and talents.”