Strategic Plan Update: October 2025
17 Oct 2025
In the latter part of 2025, we continue to make tangible progress on our Towards 2030 Strategic Plan, working towards a stronger, healthier future for our LGBTIQ+ communities and people living with HIV.
Even as our communities encounter new challenges, including a series of attacks facilitated through dating apps like Grindr, we remain committed to driving positive change. These incidents underscore the ongoing need to protect our communities, advocate for safety, and focus on areas where meaningful progress can still be made. Here’s a snapshot of how we’re delivering on our shared goals.
Expand the reach and impact of our programs
In line with our goal to broaden the reach and impact of our services, we proudly launched Under the Rainbow, a new Medicare-subsidised counselling service. Priced at just $50 per session, this initiative builds on our existing free mental-health counselling and makes longer-term, culturally safe support accessible to even more members of our LGBTIQA+ communities.
No one will be turned away due to financial difficulties, and our free counselling service remains open for referrals. With ongoing high-rates of mental ill health in our communities, we are continuing to find new ways to reach more people.
Exercise trusted leadership
We were honoured at the 11th Victorian Pride Awards, winning the Outstanding Advocacy category for our work on the Refuge to Recovery program.
As Victoria’s first dedicated pathway connecting LGBTQIA+ family violence victim-survivors with safe and inclusive support, the program reflects our commitment to shifting attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, and to exercising trusted leadership in addressing family violence within our communities. This program is groundbreaking, and the award recognises that Thorne Harbour Health is uniquely positioned to recognise gaps and execute this work, as we continue to lead on diverse LGBTIQA+ health issues.
Develop our communities
Aligned with our commitment to strengthen community connections, we’re strengthening the capacity of mainstream services to better support LGBTIQA+ people.
Through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Training program, we provide evidence-based education and professional development to health and community organisations. Delivered by experienced facilitators with lived and professional expertise, these interactive sessions help create environments where LGBTIQA+ individuals feel respected, safe, and included.
We’ve also launched the Lunch + Learn Webinar Series — a set of engaging 45-minute sessions designed to build workforce confidence in delivering affirming mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) care. Sessions include LGBTIQA+ multicultural and multifaith people, trans and gender diverse people, and people with disability. Recordings and resources are available via All Are Welcome, the hub for LGBTIQA+ affirming practice, ensuring the impact extends well beyond the live events.
Build a robust and highly adaptable organisation for the future
We recently launched Innovate – our second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which sets out practical steps to embed reconciliation across our organisation.
The plan sets out steps to take now, and creates a framework and pathway to continue to build on reconciliation, Rainbow Mob are a vital part of our communities, and their culture and experiences are actively reflected in everything we do. The plan includes hosting and participating in NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week, offering free THH memberships to Rainbow Mob at key times, embedding anti-racism and cultural learning throughout the organisation, and continuing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Educator role.
These initiatives ensure our services are culturally safe and our practices reflect the diversity of our communities.
Looking Forward
As we progress through 2025, several exciting projects are coming up. Northside Bizarre returned after a six-year hiatus—this iconic kink-inspired street festival brought our communities together and raised over $40,000 for our services.
Another highlight on the horizon is the Red Ribbon Run on World AIDS Day, a community-focused, non-competitive event that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities and raises vital awareness and funds for people living with HIV.
Stay connected with Thorne Harbour via our newsfeed and social media to keep up with all our updates.