Dixon to head up VAC

Matt Dixon has been announced as the new executive director of the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC)/Gay Men’s Health Centre (GMHC).

VAC/GMHC board president Michael Williams said the organisation is delighted to have Dixon leading the team.

“His many years of involvement with HIV service provision and prevention, and his strong understanding of the needs of people living with HIV as well as our GLBT community, make him an ideal person for the role,” Williams said.

Dixon is currently a senior policy officer in the Victorian Department of Health and has previously worked in various fields of sexual health in Australia and the UK. He has a background in the health sector at the infectious diseases ward at the Alfred Hospital and the former Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital. In the UK, Dixon worked with the London HIV Consortium as its senior commissioning manager (HIV) for South West London.

“Matt has had a relationship with VAC/GMHC in his current role in the Sexual Health and Viral Hepatitis Team at the Department of Health, so his knowledge of the Victorian HIV sector is already comprehensive,” Williams said.

“Matt promises to bring a new vision and energy to VAC/GMHC at a time when the board is re-examining our strategic directions, including looking at a broader involvment with the GLBT community.”

Competition for the role was said to be stiff with several highly qualified international applicants for the community sector position.

“I am very excited to be joining VAC/GMHC to help lead it into the next chapter of its rich history,” Dixon said.

“With a highly skilled and dedicated staff and an energetic and engaged board, we will continue to provide outstanding services to people with HIV.”

Dixon congratulated current executive director Mike Kennedy for his contribution to the organisation and said he’d work ensure it stays at the forefront of HIV prevention and continues to work with community partners to create new opportunities.

A farewell for Kennedy will be held in late July.

info: For more information on the VAC/GMHC, visit www.vicaids.asn.au