Rift emerges over Trust

Trustees of fledgling organisation the Carmen Rupe Memorial Trust (CRMT) have defended board member Kelly Glanney after rifts have emerged.

The Trust was officially established last month in memory of transgender icon Carmen Rupe who died last year. Glanney, Rupe’s neighbour for 19 years, led the Trust’s set-up. She said she faced allegations on social media sites that the Trust has taken donations without accounting for the money.

“We’ve not taken a cent in donations,” Glanney told the Star Observer. “They’re baseless allegations designed to kill us before we’ve started.”

Glanney said the Trust is still applying to the Australian Tax Office to become a registered charity.

Rupe’s longtime friend, Sydney-based Pindi Hurring, has called for Glanney’s resignation, claiming she has upset Rupe’s friends.

“There were things that went on, on behalf of the Trust, with no consultation of her close friends,” Hurring told the Star Observer.

Glanney has rejected claims the Trust has not consulted the community. Rupe’s niece Chanette Hemopo — the major beneficiary of her estate and a CRMT trustee — and CRMT chairman Garry Pammer have backed Glanney.

“Kelly has continued to contribute incredible skill, energy and strategic vision in helping us set up and launch the CRMT — in spite of the very public personal attacks on her character. [This] clearly demonstrates her commitment to the CRMT,” Hemopo said.

“I have no doubt Kelly’s heart is in the right place and that to me is paramount.”