VAC launches GP services, advisory group to support Victoria’s trans and gender diverse communities

The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) has welcomed on board Dr Pauline Cundill to provide GP services to the trans and gender diverse community from the organisation’s Fitzroy site, where VAC’s PRONTO! rapid HIV testing service is currently based. From 22 February this new, bulk-billing service will be operating on Mondays and Thursdays, with appointments available between 9AM–3.30PM.
Dr Cundill has over 10 years experience working with trans and gender diverse patients. She has worked previously at both Northside Clinic and Prahran Market Clinic, she provides training for rural GP registrars in LGBTI health, and works closely with the Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic.
“A trans and gender diverse health and wellbeing clinic is long overdue in Melbourne. Having worked in this area over the past 10 years I’ve seen the need for a community space and improved health services for the trans community,” said Dr Cundill.
“I’m excited that this clinic will be in partnership with the trans and gender diverse community to ensure that we meet community needs and expectations. My role is to provide high quality medical care in an affirming, friendly and safe space.”
Jeremy Wiggins, VAC Project Lead, Trans Health said: “This is a new era for trans health in Victoria and it’s very exciting to have so much community support behind this new service.”
Appointments for the trans and gender diverse health service can currently be booked via the PRONTO! website, pronto.org.au.
Alongside the new GP service, VAC has launched its first Trans and Gender Diverse Advisory Group, which will provide advice to the organisation on supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of Victoria’s sexually and gender diverse communities.
VAC sought expressions of interest in late 2015, and the advisory group convened for its first meeting on Wednesday evening. Co-chaired by Jeremy Wiggins, the group’s members represent a breadth of expertise and lived experience in sexually and gender diverse communities.
The scope of the advisory group’s activities will include: general medical services, sexual health services, alcohol and drugs, HIV services, mental health, health promotion, policy, diversity and inclusion.
“Establishing the trans and gender diverse advisory group is a really important step to ensure the trans work we do at VAC is relevant to the community and led by the community,” said Wiggins.
VAC CEO Simon Ruth said the work of the advisory group will have a tangible impact on the work of the organisation.
“It’s important that these are community-led initiatives—trans and gender diverse people are identifying gaps in the services and support available in Victoria, and coming to us to tell us what needs to be done,” Ruth said.
“We want the work we do as an organisation to better support trans and gender diverse Victorians, and we’re proud to work with these communities to make that happen.”
Inaugural members of VAC’s Trans and Gender Diverse Advisory Group:
Jeremy Wiggins, VAC Project Lead, Trans Health
Kai Clancy, VAC Aboriginal Project Worker
Starlady, ZBGC Youth Project Officer
Brooke Powers, DJ/Drug User Rights Activist
Jack Metcalfe, Health Service Coordinator
Erik Ly, Treasurer of Ygender
Margot Fink, Head of Gender Diverse Projects, Minus18 Foundation
Sam Lilit, President of Ygender
Patrick Kay, Trans Advocate
Amanda Marx, Trans Advocate