Community Update 2010

Autumn Edition 2010

TasCAHRD Community Update

Contact The Council Staff Kevin Marriott Chief Executive Officer kmarriott@tascahrd.org.au Jude O’Day HIV/AIDS Care and Support Coordinator hiv@tascahrd.org.au Brian Morris MAN2MAN Program Coordinator M2M@tascahrd.org.au Carolyn Hay Hep C Officer hepc@tascahrd.org.au Mandy Wilton Harm Reduction Officer mwilton@tascahrd.org.au Barry Scott Administration Officer mail@tascahrd.org.au

CONTENTS President’s report...................................................................................................... 2 The time’s are a changing’ ........................................................................................ 3 Clinical Consultations with IDU a success! ............................................................... 4 Staff Farewells .......................................................................................................... 5 TV ads for hepatitis C ............................................................................................... 5 Songs in the Blood.................................................................................................... 6 MAN2MAN: Syphilis Makes a Come Back ............................................................... 8 The Swedish Model Fails Sex Workers .................................................................... 9 Care and Support: A Plan For Action!....................................................................... 9 Community & Social Contacts……………………………………………………….. 10/11

Emily Arnold Resource Officer earnold@tascahrd.org.au Tanya Zollner Harm Reduction Officer tzollner@tascahrd.org.au

President’s report

Kellie Terry Harm Reduction Officer kterry@tascahrd.org.au TasCAHRD Contact Details: 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart 7000 GPO Box 595, Hobart 7001 T: 03 6234 1242 F: 03 6234 1630 E: mail@tascahrd.org.au W: www.tascahrd.org.au Information & Support Line: 1800 005 900 Hep C Information Line: 1300 437 222 Reader Response Your comments or experiences in regard to any articles in the Community Update Newsletter are welcome. Call, write or email.

Views expressed in this newsletter (or within flyers enclosed) are not necessarily those of the Tasmanian Council of AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases Inc. (TasCAHRD) Neither are such views necessarily those of our funding body.

Contributions are welcomed subject to editing for spacing and clarity. Contributors should supply their contact details—although we do not publish such details unless asked. We’re happy for people to reprint information from this newsletters provided that TasCAHRD and any particular author/s where such exist are credited. This permission does not apply to any graphics or cartoons. Many of these are not subject to public domain and must not be reprinted without permission of original artists/publishers.

The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley” said Rabbie Burns, a great cultural observer who would also have been a great man had he not done time with the Excise, closing down whisky stills. TasCAHRD’s future directions planning, commenced late last year, was rudely interrupted by staff advising of their departures and the consequent need for CEO, Kevin to temporarily take a more “hands-on” role. However, the planning will continue via the Business Services Committee of the Board, albeit at a slower rate than anticipated. The opportunity has also arisen to examine

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TasCAHRD Community Update

the staffing structure and look at changes to best meet the future demands of clients, government, staff, members and the community.Office Manager, Amanda and Harm Reduction Coordinator, Tania have both resigned to continue quite different careers. The Board thanks them for their contribution and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.

Both have made significant contributions to TasCAHRD, and have developed reputations for excellence within the sector. Whilst it is sad to see them go, their personal and professional growth will benefit from the change. We also thank Sue Fielding for her past support as Minutes Secretary The good news is the appointment of two new Board members. The first is David Williams, who brings with him skills in media, and media in this sector.

David is responsible for SAUCE magazine, and consults re: MAN2MAN. The second is past Tasmania AIDS Council member and education officer (Dr) Paul Levett, now a senior policy analyst with the Department of Premier and Cabinet (his doctorate relates to education). The talents that these two gentlemen bring to the Board will be greatly appreciated.

There is still one Board vacancy, and a person with accounting experience would be well regarded.

John McDonald President

The times are a changin’! future directions of the organisation you could say it is a good coincidence in a way.

At Songs in the Blood, with performer Phil Joughin

If you have not already heard, we have experienced a few staffing changes at TasCAHRD. In fact two of our longest serving staff have decided to move on to other things. Fortunately for us it is not because they got fed up with us!

First we had Amanda Walker tender her resignation after being accepted to University to study fine arts. Many would consider this a natural progression for Amanda. We wish her the best and look forward to getting an invite to her first exhibition. Following this our Minutes Secretary, Sue Fielding heading off to support her partner in a new business venture.

Finally (we hope), Tania Hunt has decided to take up a new position with the Link Youth Health Service. The position is a good move for her future career. Look out! Tania openly says she wants to be a CEO one day!

Fortunately this means we still get to work with Tania through our relationship with The Link team. Look after her down the road.

While it is sad for our team to say farewell to our colleagues it also presents some good opportunity to tweak our staffing and redesign some positions. Given that the TasCAHRD Board is currently considering the

www.m2mtas.com

As part of the new staffing we have shifted some staffing hours into the Man2Man Program with a new halftime project officer position, currently being recruited. This has meant reducing hours in the HIV Care and Support Program but we have also removed some of the administrative burden from the Program as well. The administration of the Andrew Shaw Foundation and the Nigel Mallet Housing Project are moving to administrative staff in Management Services. This also aids in reducing potential conflicts of interest for the Care and Support Coordinator, Jude O’Day. The position formally known as the Harm Reduction Coordinator (Tania’s position) is not being reinstated.

Instead we are moving the supervision of our Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) team to Carolyn Hay, Program Coordinator – Hepatitis C. There is general agreement that this is appropriate given the need to increase the focus on hep C among NSP consumers. This will be a great opportunity to broaden the knowledge base for both Carolyn and the NSP team.

In keeping with our commitment to continuous quality improvement we are introducing a Quality and Compliance Manager position. This person will pick up some of the duties of the former Office Manager (Amanda Walker) with an increased focus on ensuring continuous quality improvement strategies are in place and support our organisation in maintaining it’s accreditation with the Quality Improvement Council. This new position will also play an important role in legislative compliance and reporting systems.

All this change also comes at a difficult time. At this point in time, all of TasCAHRD’s funding agreements are due to expire as at 30 June 2010. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has suggested funding (at least for hepatitis C) will shift to a competitive tendering

www.hepintas.com

arrangement. TasCAHRD does not support such an approach. We have seen this result in negative outcomes in two Australian States already. We also do not know if it means rolling the four existing agreements will be rolled up into one. However, we do believe the current changes we are making do support us into the future and we will keep pushing to find out more about the intentions of DHHS. Of course this is not likely to become clear until Government reconvenes after the March State elections. What we are doing is pushing the parties for increased resourcing for hepatitis C which is not at the expense of HIV prevention and care.

Dealing with this change has meant that some of our existing activities have been put on hold or, in some cases we are changing the way we do things. An example of this is demonstrated in Jude’s article A Plan for Action which highlights a shift in the way services are provided to people living with HIV. It aims to get the client involved in his/her own care and ultimately result in better health outcomes.

This will also be the final edition of Community Update in this format. In line with the times and in an effort to reduce costs we will be shifting to an E-News style format, which you can subscribe to online. Of course if you want a hardcopy we will provide one, but don’t expect the glossy cover. This will also mean better integration of our websites. We currently have three sites: m2mtas.com; hepintas.com and tascahrd.org.au. In line with the change to Community Update the TasCAHRD site will be upgraded. All sites now provide you with an opportunity to interact with us. Why not check them out for yourself and make a comment!

Now, don’t they say a change is as good as a holiday? The team is still asking me what happened to the sand, surf and sun!

Kevin Marriott CEO

www.tascahrd.org.au TasCAHRD Community Update

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Clinical Consultations with Injecting Drug Users a Success!

In July 2009, TasCAHRD in partnership with The Link Youth Health Service introduced on-site clinical consultations for Tasmanian Injecting Drug Users (IDU). A prevention and early intervention initiative, the project was designed to improve access to quality treatment, information and referral for injecting drug users to reduce drug related harm.

A self employed General Practitioner (GP) conducted on site clinical consultations at both TasCAHRD and The Link Youth Health Service for a trial period of three months to address health issues arising from intravenous drug use, in particular vein care, blood borne viruses and treatment options.

In order to determine if the project objectives were achieved a comprehensive project evaluation was undertaken for the period July 15 – October 14, 2009. Non identifying data collected by the GP at each consultation, consumer surveys and feedback from the GP informed the project evaluation. In total, 84 appointments were undertaken during the trial period.

The project successfully achieved the following; 1.) Addressed priority action areas in the National Drug Strategy - Australia’s Integrated Framework (2004-2009) and Tasmanian Drug Strategy (2005-2009).

2.) Addressed an identified gap in clinical services for IDU in southern Tasmania.

3.) Increased access to quality primary care for Tasmanian IDU. 4.) Improved health outcomes for IDU including; access to information, treatment, health maintenance & referral.

5.)Increased capacity for individuals to respond to their own health needs.

Perhaps the most significant theme to emerge from the clinical consultations was IDU perceptions of being heavily stigmatised and discriminated against by health care service providers in the community. Many IDU indicated that they feel neglected, punished and denied input into their treatment.

Related to this theme was the presentation of harms, resulting from involuntary changes to treatment regimes. Some IDU were self medicating to offset withdrawal from a reduction in treatment medication with others using large quantities of over the counter medication. Other themes to consistently emerge from consultations included vein care issues, such as bacterial infections and femoral injection, hepatitis C and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Findings from the consumer survey indicated that all service users (100%) felt comfortable discussing injecting related issues with the GP and were satisfied that their health issues were addressed. In addition, all survey respondents (100%) indicated that they would access the service again in the future with some suggesting that the service needs to be ongoing.

“Follow up visit for more information and referral” “I am very grateful for the help and understanding I have received both in the past from the Doctor and hopefully in the future”.

Despite a considerable number of people acessing the service, anecdotal information obtained through the NSP outlets, suggested that many more consumers were interested in

service but were reluctant to do so.

Survey participants were asked what prevents people from making an appointment to see the GP and the results confirmed anecdotal reports.

Disclosure, trust and embarrassment were identified as perceived barriers in addition to accessibility, including alternative days and times, and time restraints.

Survey participants unanimously endorsed the clinician as IDU friendly with all general comments (100%) directed towards GP satisfaction.

“Found him very genuine and easy to talk to, and I have no hesitation in recommending others with problems like myself” “It’s good to have a doctor who is non-judgmental who is willing to help or find out what he doesn’t know”.

Key recommendations outlined in the project evaluation report supported the continuation of the service. As a result, the project has currently been extended until June 2010.

Tania Hunt Harm Reduction Coordinator For more information contact Tanya Zollner at TasCAHRD on 6234 1242 or e-mail tzollner@tascahrd.org.au

Available from the TasCAHRD office, 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart

Dr Jackson To make an appointment with Dr Jackson contact Hobart NSP staff on 1800 005 900

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Plain condoms 25¢ Flavoured condoms 25¢

TasCAHRD Community Update

Lube bottles start from $3

Box of 100 condoms $17

Lube sachets 20¢

Dams 60¢

Staff Farewells!

Amanda Walker Officer Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Tania Hunt Harm Reduction Coordinator

Lee Eggleston Care and Support Officer

TasCAHRD staff and board are sorry to have to say farewell to 3 members of the team: Amanda Walker (Officer Manager/Volunteer Coordinator), Tania Hunt (Harm Reduction Coordinator) and Lee Eggleston (Care and Support Officer).

in the Blood in 2009. Amanda has also created a nurturing environment and helped many volunteers gain useful experience over the years as head of the TasCAHRD Volunteer Program.

Amanda, a talented photographer, has left TasCAHRD so she can commence a Bachelor of Fine Arts with the University of Tasmania.

representation and education and training. Tania has a new position as Team Leader at The Link Youth Service where she will be supervising the work of a multidisciplinary client services team and will be working with the CEO and staff to ensure that young people are provided with access to high quality, appropriate health services and information, referral, support and advocacy.

Amanda started mid 2004 and not long after stepped in as Acting Executive Director until Kevin was recruited.

Amanda has continued to take on the role as Acting CEO in Kevin’s absences from time-to-time. Amanda has been responsible for incremental improvements to Community Update and in recent years was responsible for Coordinating AAW/WAD. Amanda also played a key role in the organisation achieving QIC accreditation. Most recently Amanda coordinated the unique and moving AAW event Songs

Tania started working for TasCAHRD in June 2000 as a Harm Reduction Officer. Since then she has worked in various capacities including; Harm Reduction Officer, HIV Care and Support Officer and Harm Reduction Coordinator. In her time here, Tania has initiated the successful IDU Clinical Consultation Project up, coordinated the development of hepatitis C resources for IDU (series of six) and has worked in organizational

Lee started at TasCAHRD in October 2008 in the role of Care and Support Worker. Lee made considerable contribution to aligning ASF reporting to fit with accounting being bought back in house (MYOB). He was a valuable member of the team and good a team player.

TV ads for hepatitis C Hepatitis C: Preventable - Treatable - Manageable.

On January 11th 2010, Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) launched the first Tasmanian specific campaign to raise awareness about hepatitis C. The ‘Hep in Tas’ campaign consists of television adverts that ran over four weeks and a new dedicated website (hepintas.com).

Hep In Tas is the new name for the Hepatitis C Project at TasCAHRD. In recent years the number of Tasmanian’s being diagnosed with hepatitis C has been increasing.

Although hundreds of Tasmanians are diagnosed with hepatitis C each year, it is relatively un-noticed. In 2008, the last recording period, there were 348 people in Tasmania diagnosed with hepatitis C and an estimated 3,500 people living with the virus. Of the people living with

hepatitis C less than 2% are undergoing treatment and many do not get information about managing the virus .

Two fifteen second advertisements were produced locally using images by Tasmanian artist Jack Green. The challenge was getting the key message, that hepatitis C is preventable, treatable and manageable into a fifteen second timeframe in a way that would catch the attention of a diverse audience. The demographic we were aiming for in the prevention message was late teens early 20’s, while the treatment/management message demographic was 40’s and 50’s. Feedback suggests the images have been well received and the message is effective.

The “look” of the ads was chosen to be

consistent with the look of the new website. The website provides easy access to up-to-date information and compliments the existing information line that people can call during business hours.

Feedback from other services would indicate an increase in the numbers of people inquiring about treatment. Hits to the website as at 12/2/10 were over 1400 for the period that the ads were run. There has been an increase in the number of calls to the support line. All local calls were made, directly or indirectly, as a result of the campaign.

The phone number for the information line is 1300 HEP ABC, 1300 437 222 Carolyn Hay Hep C Officer

TasCAHRD Community Update

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Pam Price & Kath Leane

Kevin Marriott with Opera singer Phil Joughin Edward Van Boxtel Bmus & Xianan Liu

Writer Elizabeth Mansutti

TasCAHRD would like to acknowledge the following World AIDS Day sponsors Centrelink

THE BLACK ROSE

Staff Community Fund Hobart Women's Health Centre

The MAN2MAN program wins at the Rainbow Awards

Syphilis Makes a Come Back Let’s face it syphilis, to most of us brings visions of a disease of a pre-gone era. But the reality is that over the last few years most states in Australia have seen resurgence in new cases of syphilis. Tasmania in this regard is not immune with significant increased numbers having been recorded over the last few years, and this obviously raises some concern.

Prior to 2006, new cases of syphilis in Tasmania were a rarity, however during 2007 Tasmania saw its first significant increase in syphilis notifications and this increase has been sustained each year since then. The majority of syphilis notifications have been seen in gay and bisexual men although there have been some cases seen in females and heterosexual men as well.

Australia wide syphilis is predominantly seen in sexually adventurous men, men who have multiple sexual partners, and also in people living with HIV. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, throat or back passage spreading to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Syphilis is transmitted through giving or receiving anal or oral sex, through anal play with an infected person, or via direct contact with sores or lesions that can pass on syphilis. When there are no symptoms, the infection can be passed on through contact with infected body fluids, like semen.

Some people never develop any symptoms and in others it’s easy for the early symptoms to go unnoticed.

Syphilis has infectious and noninfectious stages. In the infectious

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stage syphilis can produce a painless sore on the dick, in the rectum or in the mouth 10-90 days after infection. The sore usually turns into a scab and heals after two to six weeks but the infection still remains. Only areas covered by condoms, gloves or dams are protected from infection. Seven to ten weeks after infection some people then develop a rash on the torso (body), hands or feet.

Symptoms may also include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, muscle aches and tiredness. The symptoms may last up to a few months and then disappear.

If left untreated, syphilis remains in the body. It stops being infectious to sexual partners after about 2 years. During the non-infectious stage syphilis may begin to damage the body’s internal organs, which may include the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, liver, bones, joints and blood vessels. In some people this internal damage may not show up for years. Damage to internal organs can occur after 10 to 25 years and may be serious enough to cause death in some.

If a sore (called a chancre) is present a swab can be taken of it, however, the usual test for syphilis is a blood test. It can take up to three months after exposure for the infection to show up in the blood test. Once someone has been infected with syphilis most future blood tests will show up as positive even if they have been successfully treated. A particular test is used to identify a new infection, as well as to see if treatment has worked. Syphilis is well treated with injections of antibiotics. The duration of treatment depends on the stage of infection and ranges from between 1 and 30 days.

Treatment is often provided if you have

TasCAHRD Community Update

had contact with someone who has had syphilis to prevent it developing in you.

If you’re HIV positive, co-infection with HIV and syphilis may result in the more rapid disease progression of both syphilis and HIV. There have also been cases of treatment failure in HIV positive patients. For some, syphilis can decrease the CD4 count (therefore causing damage to the immune system) as well as increase the viral load. In addition syphilis can increase the risk of HIV transmission to other sexual partners.

With regard to prevention, only areas covered by condoms, dams, or gloves are protected from infection. Touching any sore or rash should be avoided.

Brian Morris MAN2MAN Program Coordinator Author acknowledges some information taken from “Stop the Drama Downunder – A Sexual Health Guide for Gay Men”

Features of Syphilis in men: No symptoms Painless sore on penis, rectum or mouth Skin rash on body, hands & feet Fever Swollen lymph glands Sore throat Patchy hair loss Headache, muscle aches & tiredness Damage to the brain, nerves, heart, liver, bones, joints & blood vessels

The Swedish Model Fails Sex Workers The Tasmanian state election has brought the laws surrounding the sex industry back in to political debate. One model often suggested as “a good alternative” in the Swedish model of sex industry legislation. Tasmanian sex workers are united with their international peers in their protest against the laws in Sweden.

This legislation criminalises the clients of sex workers but decriminalises sex workers themselves. This model is popular within schools of thought that understand sex workers as victims and clients as exploiters. This perspective is naïve in that it is based on an untrue assumption and oversimplifies the sex industry as a whole. It should be noted that this is not how sex workers describe or represent the consensual contractual agreement between themselves and their clients. It is an uninformed over-generalisation to view all sex workers as poor helpless victims and all clients as perpetrators of crime.

Not all clients are men and not all sex workers are women. People from all classes and backgrounds, as well as couples, disabled people and the elderly, use the services of sex workers of both genders and many straightidentifying men use the services of male sex workers. Conversely, people from all classes and backgrounds as well as couples, disabled people and older people, also work in the sex industry.

Banning the buying of sex demonises clients and denies the fact that clients see sex workers for many different and legitimate reasons. Company, therapy and to explore their sexuality in a safe

environment are some of the reasons clients give for visiting sex workers.

Clients are family members, employees, sportspeople; in fact, the idea that clients of sex workers are somehow ‘fringe’ citizens is proven false by the amount of money needed to visit a sex worker.

Importantly the impact of the ‘Swedish model’ on the sex industry does not stop or reduce the industry rather it has the impact of changing the culture of where and how sex work occurs. The impact in Sweden is that clients, in order to avoid detection, will not agree to visit sex workers at their workplace in doors. Instead they make bookings with sex workers who agree to meet them in a public location (E.g. bar or park) so that the client feels detection by police is less likely. This has resulted changed the indoor private setting culture of sex work that existed where sex workers would negotiate a service and payment in a location they had purposefully set up to maximise their safety and protect their anonymity. The impact of the Swedish model results in clients determining locations suited to protecting themselves rather than sex workers determining work locations based on their needs.

involved in sex work is the right thing for them. It isn't the role of the government, feminists, churches, or the law to make that decision for sex workers. To imply that most sex workers are being coerced into doing sex work is simply false and not reflected in the experience of sex workers in Tasmania.

Jade Barker Scarlet Alliance

The law has no right to impose a moral agenda on sexual issues in a multicultural, multi-religious, modern society, or to criminalise consensual sex between adults. Sex workers do not support this model.

Individual sex workers are capable of deciding for themselves what the risks and benefits are of becoming involved in sex work, and whether becoming

A Plan For Action!

In recent times we have been looking for ways to improve services that are offered to clients; this has led to a case management approach being introduced to TasCAHRD’s HIV Care and Support Program. These days, with people generally living well due to treatments, HIV is more often considered a manageable chronic condition. To compliment the case management model, in November 2008, two staff members, including myself travelled to Flinders University in Adelaide to undertake a course in Self Management of Chronic Conditions. I became accredited in March 2009.

After interviewing several clients while developing Care Plans and using the tools provided by Flinders University,

feedback indicated this model was too medicalised. After a lot of consideration and consultation, Lee Eggleston and I came up with the idea of a Client Action Plan (CAP). This has been developed and it is hoped this model will be friendlier and easier for clients to use.

Initial feedback has indicated the redevelopment has been successful.

Entering into a Client Action Plan has many benefits. It can assist an individual to identify any issues they may wish to work on or overcome. The process often enables individuals to uncover issues or subjects that they did not realise may be in the way. During the four stage process, individuals can identify goals, take charge of their

life and gain a sense of self satisfaction.

A CAP enables people to become more actively involved in the selfmanagement of their own health and life. More active involvement has the potential to significantly improve an individual’s quality of life:/In particular for a person who has been newly diagnosed with HIV, it can assist to gather the knowledge and skills to equip the person to live well both physically, mentally and socially.

Jude O’Day Care and Support Coordinator

TasCAHRD Community Update

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Working It Out

GALTA:

Gay and Lesbian Switchboard

WIO is Tasmania’s sexuality & gender support & education service. WIO provides counseling & support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Tasmanians, their friends & family.

WIO coordinates & implements anti-homophobia & diversity education & training programs in schools, workplaces, government & non government organizations.

Australia’s gay and lesbian tourism organisation

Confidential peer-based telephone counseling, information and referral for the GLBTI communities of Victoria and Tasmania

North: 03 6334 4013, NW: 03 6432 3643, South: 03 6231 1200 or

www.galta.com.au

1800 184 527 Antidiscrimination Commission: Assists in pursuing claims on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc.

O3 6233 4841 or email: antidiscrimination@justice.tas.gov.au www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au

email: south@workingitout.org.au Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counseling, information and referral for the GLBTI communities of Victoria and Tasmania 1800 184 527 www.switchboard.org.au

TasPride (Gay & Lesbian Community Centre) Tasmanian GLBTI social and community development group. A member based organization, TasPride produces the gay info line and publishes a regular bulletin email: info@taspride.com

www.switchboard.org.au

Coming Out Proud Program (COPP): Statewide Provides strategies enabling GLBTI people to “come out with pride” and live in their community with dignity.

Email: julian@logtas.org

Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by the GLC Centre 03 6234 8179

Web: www.taspride.com TasUnity

Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers HOBART: 03 6230 2111 LAUNCESTON: 036336 7000 NORTH WEST: 03 6434 5211

ECQLS East Coast Queer Life Support Group

TasUnity is an ecumenical support and study group for LGBT Pat: 03 6344 2357

North East GLBTIQ group, www.ecqls.org

Web:

Bi Tasmania

www.police.tas.gov.au/community /communitypolicing/lgbt_liaison_officers

PFLAG

Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians

Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians And Gays

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bitasmania

Tasmanian University Union Queer Society 03 6226 2495

Hobart Women’s Health Centre The centre is run by women for women and provides a ranges of health services phone: 03 6231 3212 www.hwch.com.au

Friendship and support.

Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at:

Sexual Health Service

www.pflagaustralia.org.au

Offers counseling, support, referrals and STI & HIV testing

Or email:

HOBART: 03 6233 3557

pflagtas@yahoo.com.au

DEVONPORT: 03 6421 7759 LAUNCESTON: 03 6336 2216 BURNIE: 03 6434 6315

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group

Or free call: 1800 675 859

03 6224 3556 or www.tglrg.org or via Rodney.croome@tglrg.org

Sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Family Planning Tasmania Providing sexual health services through clinic, education, training and health promotion activities

Relationship Registration

03 6228 5244

www.relationshipstasmania.org.au

10 10 T a s C A H R D

0401 054 003

Info about the deed of relationships

Community Update

Or email:

QueerTas Tasmania’s GLTBI Yahoo group email: Queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au

Borderlines

Coven

Flamingos Dance Bar

Edge Radio 99.3FM

Gothic alternative nightclub

Hobart's sexuality and gender issue show

First Friday of every month

Tasmania’s weekly club committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a non-threatening environment.

Mondays at 10am www.edgeradio.org.au

Allsorts: Queer youth group meeting regularly in Launceston & Burnie through Working It Out North Contact Working It Out (North) for further details: 03 6432 3643 Email: north@workingitout.org.au

Halo- see Lalaland www.covenclub.com

League of Gentlefellows

201 Liverpool St

A Statewide informal grouping of GLBTI people and their friends who meet socially.

Open Fri & Sat nights 10pm – late

Greater Launceston/East Coast, North West, West Coast, Huon/Kingborough, Channel & Bruny Island, New Norfolk/Collinsvale, Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy. www.logtas.org

www.flamingosdancebar.com North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18’s meets monthly in Burnie.

Contact Sharon at Working It Out North West on: 6432 3643

Les Girls (formally Diva)

Julian Punch: 6239 6606

101 Harrington St, Hobart

Or John Perry: 6223 6003

GLBTI night club with drag shows every weekend and strip shows.

or e: julian@logtas.org

Country Network

www.myspace.com/lesgirlshobart

Lalaland

Free entry to all GLC members on display of membership card

An Australia wide organisation offering hospitality and friendship Phone Dave Arnold on 6228 4166 or go to www.countrynetwork.com.au

Hosts a monthly dance party, 1st Saturday of every month upstairs at Halo 37A Elizabeth St Mall. Enter Purdy’s Lane.

The Duke Hotel:

Open Wednesday—Saturday nights

Fruity Bits Launceston based LGBTI group that aims to have fun and build positive attitudes towards gender and sexual diversity Contact: 6334 4013

The Beat Launceston’s newest and only GLBTI club

10pm-5

Corner Macquarie and Barracks Streets, Hobart

www.clublala.net

Phone: 6223 5206

SAFE (Spirituality And Faith Exploration)

Outright Youth Group

Group for people exploring their spirituality, call Joc on 62286715 or email: safetas@gmail.com www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas

Open Friday nights 8pm-3am At the Hub Bar, 1 Tamar St, Launceston Email: thebeat@dodo.com.au Web:www.thebeatlaunceston.com

Wellington Wanderers GLBTI activity group which runs a year round program of events

Saturday every month 11am-1pm brunch for women at Deloraine Deli- booking name “Ros”

North West GLBTI-Friendly Youth Group:

Group offering social events for young rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

For more details contact Scott Ryan or Connie Lavicka at scott@logtas.org

Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Launceston based discreet social group of gay and bisexual men and their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQ’s, drinks and other events.

Contact: Northern.meetup@hotmail.com

0418 590 262 or 6234 2946

For under 25’s meets fortnightly in Burnie.

GPO Box 1872, Hobart 7001

Contact Sharon: 6432 3643 or

Launceston Meetup,

or email:

0149 361 128 or email:

PO Box 7666

wellingtonwanderers@yahoo.com.au

northwest@workingitout.org.au

Launceston TAS 7250

Or info@meetup.com

TasCAHRD Community Update

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Community Update