THORNE HARBOUR HEALTH
HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEADERSHIP AWARD
NOMINATED FOR
South Australia
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How would you describe yourself or your work in one sentence?
Informed by the communities that we serve - Empowerment and self-determination!
Tell us a little about what you do
We envision a healthy future for our communities, a future without HIV — where all people live with dignity and wellbeing. As a LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisation, we are governed by our members and work to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Informed by our experience with the community-led response to HIV/AIDS, we now offer a wide range of health services and programs for LGBTIQ+ communities and people living with HIV.
Thorne Harbour Health is Australia’s oldest, Victoria’s largest, and South Australia’s only HIV/AIDS and LGBTIQ+ health organisation. Having been formed by the community in 1983 (then as the Victorian AIDS Action Committee and later the Victorian AIDS Council) in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Today, Thorne Harbour Health adheres to a social model aligned with the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion which determines that all people have the right to increase control over and improve their health.
Through a range of projects, we deliver community-led and culturally appropriate services that improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people living throughout Victoria, South Australia, and beyond. Our organisation is built on a historical foundation of peer-to-peer and professional expertise in services and programs delivered by staff and volunteers and in partnership with other organisations.
What impact or achievement are you most proud of this year?
Testament, ''I'm proud to nominate THH, as a client, I've seen what an inclusive workplace looks like in action. Their team is confident, open and clearly supported to bring their whole self to work. That culture shows in the way they collaborate, communicate and represent their organisation in SA.
It’s not tokenistic, inclusion is visible in their leadership, in how staff speak about their workplace, and in the respect shown across the workforce. You can feel that people are valued and celebrated not simply accommodated. That level of empowerment creates a stronger, more engaged team as a client, it builds trust and confidence in who you’re working with.”
Providing free therapeutic services to LGBTIQ+ communities and all people living with HIV, meeting our communities where they are at, with a no wrong door policy the team offer guidance to our communities when they need it, providing specialist Mental Health, AOD, Aging-Well, HIV and FDV services, there are no concerns of feeling safe when walking through the door. Always bring your whole self and feel safe, seen and accepted. We will walk the journey with you, sharing experience and skills to empower you to live your best life, with kindness and promoting autonomy. We deliver HIV and STI prevention and support via creative programming and health promotion, leveraging 4 decades of sitting with communities and listening to their voices.
Why does your work matter to the community?
Visibility and advocacy are key to reduce discrimination, THH continues to advocate for those we serve, responsive to the SA landscape and broader issues, staying ahead of the game to offer safety and advocacy in a world that can be tricky for our communities to navigate.
What would you like voters to know when voting for you?
Collaborate with us, celebrate with us, walk the journey side-by-side, we are stronger together.