Rainbow Network set to expand services

Expect to hear more from Rainbow Network Victoria next year. The group has just received a Victorian government grant of $200,000 over three years to improve and expand the service.

Rainbow Network coordinator Roz Ward said she wants the network to expand, moving into more leadership and advocacy roles in addition to on-the-ground support for people working with same-sex attracted and transgender youth (SSATY).

Rainbow Network is a Victoria-wide member network for those working with same-sex attracted, bisexual, queer, or transgender young people in community or school-based settings.

The money means Ward will now be able to work three days a week, as opposed to the current one day, to get projects up and running.

The Department of Human Services will provide $40,000 public health money in the first year and the remainder over the following two years -” by far the biggest amount the network has received.

-œIt’s difficult, we’re really working hand-to-mouth, just scrapping by… in the past we have received small amounts and at the moment it’s really rescuing the network from shutting down, Ward told the Star.

-œThings have been pretty tough. With only one day a week in the position, it’s really only been able to stay afloat.

Apart from a more developed role, the money will go into expanding network training and resources, including publishing information resources for those working with SSATY.

Ward said there will also be a renewed focus on sexual health promotion and reaching out to rural and regional groups.

A particular focus will be on the Department of Education in relation to developing policies which protect SSATY in schools.

-œWe’d like to keep the pressure on -¦. including looking at the school curriculum and student welfare support so we equip young people coming out in schools.

Ward said teachers often feel they won’t have the support of the school community in voicing concern for same-sex attracted youth and are frightened of a school community backlash.

-œThere’s still the ridiculous idea that teachers might feel pressured not to do anything because they’re seen to be encouraging young people to be gay.

The Rainbow Network is inviting all schools in Victoria to march at Pride 2009 under the banner -œSchools Out Against Homophobia.