Uniting AgeWell had a colourful presence at this year’s Midsumma Festival, informing people from the LGBTI community about its inclusive aged care services.
The organisation had a stand at the opening event of the festival, one of Australia’s biggest LGBTI events, decorated with rainbow doves and balloons.
Celebrating its milestone 30th year, the opening event to the three-week festival saw more than 100,000 people visit the lawns of Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne.
Chair of Uniting AgeWell’s LGBTI Working Group, Vicky Jacques, said the Midsumma Festival was a fantastic opportunity for UA to show it is a diverse and LGBTI-friendly organisation.
“It was a great day with many people visiting our stand and learning about our services,” Vicky said.
It highlighted our LGBTI-friendly and inclusive practices and approach to staff and clients.
More than 120 stalls were stationed on the lawns of the Gardens where carnival attendees picnicked and enjoyed entertainment.
Visitors to the Uniting AgeWell stand learnt about the broad range of services provided by the organisation, and the recognition the services had received from the LGBTI community with a Dorothies Award last year.
Hundreds of people completed a survey about UA and aged care, which Vicky said would provide valuable insights for the organisation as it progressed its LGBTI strategy.
Vicky said connecting with the broader LGBTI community through the Midsumma Festival would bring benefits for employees and the community by building awareness and fostering inclusion.
“Uniting AgeWell continues to work towards gaining Rainbow Tick accreditation for providing safe and inclusive services for people in the LGBTI community,” she said.
“We look forward to retuning to the Midsumma Opening event next year, with an even bigger stand.”