Government commits $3 million to inner west LGBTQI health centre
Sydney’s LGBTI community will benefit from a dedicated health centre in the inner west — the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Sydney’s LGBTI community will benefit from a dedicated health centre in the inner west — the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Government has committed to invest up to $3.5 million into the development, which will provide health care, support and referral services to LGBTIQ+ people in NSW.
Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich made the announcement today after 12-months of advocating for the service.
“I’m proud to have helped secure funding towards a dedicated LBGTIQ+ Health Centre for ACON,” he said.
“For the LGBTI community to have a dedicated health centre, it’s going to be vital for both their health and wellbeing.
“It is also important for research, so we can always stay ahead in terms of prevention.
“It will be a place where people will be welcomed, it will be stigma and discrimination free, where the LGBTI community can safely, and in a supported way, get the healthcare they need.”
ACON, a NSW based health promotion organisation specialising in HIV prevention, will start work with an initial grant of up to $500,000 to complete planning for the centre.
Further funding of up to $3 million will be allocated to establish the centre.
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said his vision was to make the community feel safe, understood and included as they seek health care.
Mr Parkhill said the communities specific needs are not well understood by health professionals.
“Through the establishment of a multidisciplinary, community driven health service, we know we can make a meaningful contribution to addressing the significant gaps in health care delivery for LGBTIQ+ people nd their families,” he said.
“When LGBTIQ+ people try to access health care in NSW, our data is not collected in the health system.
“We look forward to working with our communities, potential partners and a range of other
stakeholders, to see this Centre up and running,” Mr Parkhill said.
The NSW Government has also committed to the development of an LGBTIQ+ health strategy, expected to be ready by December this year.
Mr Greenwich has also welcomed Sydney’s bid for World Pride in 2023.
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“Mardi gras Sydney will be bidding for 2023, this is something I have been lobbying the Premier and the Minister for Tourism for some months, and the Government has committed to support mardi gras to put together a bid in 2023,” he said.
“It is an awesome way to showcase our city and the diversity to the entire world.
“This weekend I’m looking forward to joining the Lord Mayor Clover Moore for the mardi gras parade.”
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