ALSO Faces Tough 30th

Local News, By Travis de Jonk, 9th November, 2009

The ALSO foundation has responded to recent reports about its financial health, saying that despite experiencing a tough circumstances due in part to the economic crisis, the organisation is operationally sound. However, as the ALSO foundation prepares to celebrate 30 years in the community in 2010, the foundation board say that budget pressures will severely tighten expenditure.

“We are not alone amongst NGOs impacted by the global downturn. The board of management acknowledged half way though last financial year that with the withdrawal of major sponsors and reduction in donations it would deliver a deficit, and made very conscious decisions forged by its unwavering commitment to ALSO’s aims and vision”, ALSO President Jason Rostant said.

Established in 1980, the ALSO foundation, or Alternative Lifestyle and Sexuality Organisation, is a not for profit charitable community organisation that aims to enhance the lives of Victoria’s diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex communities. ALSO was the instigator of many community services and activities back in the 80’s and 90’s including major fundraising activities through events and dance parties. It is seen by some as the cornerstone of many community groups that flourish today.

The foundation has come under fire in recent years with community grumblings about its relevance, its personnel and financial management. Board changes and internal political instability have further added to the issues faced by the organization, however the organization has continued to press ahead and improve as it attempts to find itself and re-energize its sense of relevance to the queer community.

Today the foundation still contributes through a number of specific activities including a Youth Transitional Housing Service (ALSORTS), the Living Longer Living Stronger aged seniors program, and a number of safety and health promotion programs state wide. The foundation also runs the ALSO Fabulous opportunity shop.

To help put together its 30 year celebration, the ALSO Foundation is calling on both financial and non-financial assistance from the community, from individuals to organizations, ‘to be part of the story and help celebrate 30 years of the queer community’

Interim CEO, Kylie Smith said, “We look forward to inviting the many community organisations that ALSO has helped give life to, to join with us to celebrate 30 years of the vibrant, active and passionate queer community that we have seen blossom together.

“We have much to be proud of, but with the absence of core government funding, the continued work of ALSO is only
possible with the generous support of the community and the re-engagement of our corporate sponsors.”

For more details how you can be part of the story and help celebrate 30 years of your queer community, visit the ALSO website.