VAC Outreach Recognised with 2015 Minister for Health Volunteer Award

As part of National Volunteer Week, the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) Outreach team was
awarded one of the 2015 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards earlier this week. Presented by Minister for
Health Jill Hennessy, the awards recognise both longstanding volunteers and promising young volunteers
who have dedicated their time to improving the health and wellbeing of the Victorian community. Now
in their seventh year, the awards received nearly one hundred nominations from across 57 Victorian
organisations this year.
VAC Outreach volunteers work to improve the sexual health and wellbeing of gay and other same-sex
attracted men by providing a peer-based support service in sex-on-premises venues, clubs, and online
communities. Aimed at same-sex attracted men who may be at risk of or living with HIV as well as other
STIs, the diverse team of volunteers provide a visible presence in areas where risky sexual practices may
occur, to promote and encourage open and non-judgemental discussion. One of the primary aims of the
program is to promote safer-sex behaviours and reduce sexual risk taking, as well as providing a greater
understanding of managing individual sexual health and wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our volunteers recognised for their contribution to the Victorian community,”
said VAC CEO Simon Ruth. “Outreach is unique volunteer experience that asks our volunteers to strike a
balance between being confident and well-informed but also approachable and supportive within what
many would consider to be socially confronting environments.”
“For over a decade now, our Outreach volunteers have been online and in sex-on-premises venues talking
to gay, bisexual, and trans guys about sexual health,” said VAC Health Educator and Outreach Coordinator
Tex Mckenzie. “But it’s not just sexual health, these volunteers often act as a community signpost
referring men to various services including rapid testing, access to PEP, counselling, and alcohol and other
drug support services. They’re an incredible resource.”
Among the other individuals and volunteer groups recognised were longstanding VAC supporter Julian
Conlon for his work at Peninsula Health as well as the Hep Connect Team at Hepatitis Victoria. VAC
congratulates all of this year’s volunteer awards recipients for their generous contribution to improving
and maintaining the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. To see a full list of award recipients, head to:
www.premier.vic.gov.au/celebrating-victorias-health-volunteers