Community groups strengthen ties

Representatives from Victorian LGBTI groups have launched a new initiative to create stronger ties between organisations to better support the community.

More than 25 people represented some 20 groups at the Camp Co-op Melbourne launch on May 23.

Camp Co-op provided a networking opportunity for community groups to learn about what was happening in other organisations across the state.

The meeting shared ideas and success stories while some groups called on other organisations for advice and support in areas like publicity, governance and technical expertise.

Camp Co-op was co-sponsored by the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre and Gay and Lesbian Community Publishing Limited (GLCP).

Camp Co-op in Melbourne was adopted from a similar model in Sydney founded in 2010.

GLCP Victorian director Garry Oliver said he was impressed with the energy in the room.

“There’s now an opportunity for GLBTI groups, through cooperation, to grow and achieve better outcomes for the community,” Oliver said.

“The most pleasant surprise for the night was the commitment from groups to meet sooner rather than later to map out the next phase.

“I think all participants would agree that the succcess of the night was greatly enhanced by the work of our professional facilitator, Zoe.

“Hopefully in the next phase, those groups that were unable to particpate in the inaugural meeting will come along to future events.”

Details of the next meeting and other news will be posted on www.campcoop.wordpress.com or on the ‘Camp Co-op Melbourne’ Facebook group.