Panel to sit in judgement

The music industry has the ARIAs, the film industry the AFIs and television has the Logies. This year the gay and lesbian community will see the inaugural ALSO Awards.

ALSO Foundation CEO Lyn Morgain said the awards night was set up after the cessation of the Rainbow Awards to recognise the work of individuals, organisations and groups in the community.

-œGiven our mandate generally, we were really well positioned to undertake an event that effectively celebrates community, which is what we’re all about, she said.

-œWhat we’re keen to do is recognise and award the significant work that’s done right across the community in all sorts of ways by all sorts of people.

A panel of 20 judges across the community was chosen by the ALSO Foundation and voting has commenced.

The ALSO Foundation cannot be nominated. The awards night will be held Monday 24 November at a city venue. A few people will probably call in -œsick the next day, but a Monday night was chosen so those nominated in entertainment categories can attend.

The night includes a red carpet arrival, three course dinner and entertainment. Tickets are $120, or $110 for concessions.

Morgain said she has received some feedback on the cost of tickets.

-œIt is expensive, we have to acknowledge that’s a big night out. There is an opportunity for concession -” for some members of the community this is a big night out and they’re willing to pay for it and ultimately it has to cover costs, because ALSO can’t fund an event like that.

Morgain said she anticipates the event will break even, although any proceeds will go to ongoing community education programs.

She said, as it’s the first awards, the community group is -œopen minded about changes for next year’s ceremony.

-œMy view is it’s a learning exercise and we have to work at it.

The awards will also be broadcast live on JOY 94.9

info: Tickets are available through the ALSO Foundation. Go to www.also.org.au