Thorne Harbour Health to set up services in the Pride Centre

Victoria’s preeminent LGBTIQ community controlled health service, Thorne Harbour Health will be delivering primary and allied health services to the LGBTIQ community from the Pride Centre in late 2020.

The Victorian Pride Centre Board Chair Jude Munro AO, alongside Minister for Equality, Martin Foley MP, presented Thorne Harbour Health’s President, Chad Hughes, CEO Simon Ruth, and Board member Janet Jukes with a key to the Pride Centre.

Thorne Harbour Health (THH) has a long and established history in delivering services to LGBTIQ communities. This commitment is set to continue with THH, signing a lease to occupy just over half of the Pride Centre’s third floor, which will include the relocation of the Centre Clinic, counselling, alcohol and drug and family violence services.

In 2020, THH will also operate from new premises in Abbotsford, growing the organisation’s footprint and reach with sites across Victoria and South Australia.

THH’s presence in the Pride Centre ensures that the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ communities visiting the Centre will be well served.

The Centre’s design allows for discreet access to key services located throughout the building, recognising the diverse nature of service offerings and the people accessing those services. The Pride Centre’s Board recently adopted a health and community service policy.

Quotes Attributed to Minister for Equality Martin Foley

“For more than 30 years, Thorne Harbour Health has been improving the lives of LGBTIQ communities and people living with HIV - we’re proud to support them.”

“The Victorian Pride Centre would not be a reality if it was not for the groundbreaking work of organisations such as Thorne Harbour Health. Its move into the Pride Centre embeds a strong historic pillar into this iconic building.”

Quotes Attributed to Victorian Pride Centre Chair, Jude Munro AO

“The Victorian Pride Centre is pleased to be welcoming Thorne Harbour Health, formerly the Victorian AIDS Council, our community’s most respected primary and allied health service to the Pride Centre.

There is still much to be done in relation to our community’s health and well-being outcomes. THH’s presence brings great opportunities for collaboration and innovation across services.

Quotes Attributed to THH Board President, Chad Hughes

“Since our establishment as a community-controlled organisation in 1983, we have been dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing for the communities we serve. Being a part of the Victorian Pride Centre helps ensure we can continue that legacy.”

Quotes Attributed to THH CEO, Simon Ruth

“Ensuring we have appropriate health services that understand the needs of our LGBTIQ communities is paramount if we’re ever going to address the disparities in health and wellbeing outcomes. The Pride Centre offers us the perfect opportunity to connect our communities with the growing portfolio of health services we’re able to offer.”

Originally released on the Victorian Pride Centre website.