FROM THE PRESIDENT OF VAC/GHMC

Michael Williams, the President of the Board of the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health
Centre, today announced the appointment of Matt Dixon as its new Executive Director.
“We are delighted to have Matt leading the team at VAC/GMHC. His many years involvement with
HIV service provision and prevention and his strong understanding of the needs of people living with
HIV as well as our GLBT community, make him an ideal person for this role.”
Currently Senior Policy Officer in the Victorian Department of Health, Matt has previously worked in
many different areas of sexual health both in Australia and the UK. With a background in the health
sector at the Infectious Diseases Ward at the Alfred Hospital and the former Fairfield Infectious
Diseases Hospital, Matt has also worked in the UK with the London HIV Consortium as a Senior
Commissioning Manager (HIV) for South West London.
“Matt has had a relationship with VAC/GMHC in his current role in the Sexual Health and Viral
Hepatitis Team at the Department of Health, so his knowledge of the Victorian HIV sector is already
comprehensive,” Michael said. “Matt promises to bring a new vision and energy to VAC/GMHC at a
time when the Board is re-examining our strategic directions, including looking at a broader
involvement with the GLBT community.”
There was extensive competition for the role, with several highly qualified international applicants for
what is seen as an important community sector position in Australia, given VAC/GMHC’s
international reputation for innovative health promotion and contributions to HIV policy.
“I am very excited to be joining VAC/GMHC to help lead it into the next chapter of its rich history”
says Matt. “With a highly skilled and dedicated staff and an energetic and engaged Board we will
continue to provide outstanding services to people living with HIV. We will also work to stay at the
forefront of HIV prevention in an ever-changing epidemic. I am keen that VAC/GMHC continues to
work with our community partners to build on successes and create new opportunities together. I
congratulate Mike Kennedy for his significant contribution to VAC/GMHC and its important work.”
A farewell for Mike Kennedy, current Executive Director of VAC/GMHC will be held in late July.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: David Menadue Acting President 0412753338