Long standing LGBTI advocate Jude Munro AO will take the reigns as Chair of the Board for Australia’s first Pride Centre. The Victorian Government is investing $15 million in the Pride Centre, which will be bigger than San Francisco’s LGBTI Community Centre.
It will serve as a hub for LGBTI groups and organisations, showcase LGBTI culture and history, bring together health and support services and provide community spaces.
“The Pride Centre is long overdue and will attract people from across Victoria, Australia and the world,” says Equality Minister Martin Foley. “We are getting on with making it a reality – so we have a place for the LGBTI community to call home right here in Victoria.”
Ms Munro is joined by a team of high calibre Directors who will bring experience across governance, community engagement, fundraising and the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including:
- Georgia Harman, CEO of Beyondblue
- Margaret Hansford, management consultant
- Megan Smith, technology specialist
- Peter McEwan, town planner
- Stephen Barrow, General Manager, Culture and Capability for National Australia Bank
- Stuart Kollmorgen, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Lawyers
Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Ro Allen says “We have a fantastic Pride Centre team, who will develop a progressive community space to support and celebrate LGBTI Victorians, and ensure our organisations are sustainable for the future.”
Recognising the significance of the project, Major Projects Victoria has taken on the Pride Centre, bringing extensive project knowledge and management at the ground level.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 put $15 million towards the Australian first, which is the centrepiece of the Labor Government’s continued investment in services and facilities for LGBTI Victorians.
The final design, location and timeframe will be agreed in consultation with LGBTI communities. Consultations are currently taking place, contact pride@au.pwc.com for further information.
Image: Jude Munro AO