Hunter happenings

October was a very busy month for the Hunter GLBT communities with our fifth annual Rainbow Festival. It was inspirational to see so many people connect with their local community, all united in celebration. But as we recognise and revel in the warmth and fuzziness of community pride, we at ACON Hunter and Mid North Coast turn our thoughts and energy to those people in our respective communities who may not be connected and are feeling isolated, and who, for the very first time, may be dipping their toes into the unchartered waters of the GLBT communities.
Providing support and social opportunities is a strong focus of the work ACON does in regional areas. For GLBT youth 25 and under in the Hunter area, the FUNQ group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 4pm. For Central Coast youth, GenQ meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3pm. Both these groups provide support, education and social activities. For more information contact Judith on 4927 6808.
Further up the coast in Port Macquarie the Positive Outlook Symposium, for people living with HIV/AIDS and their partners in the Hastings area, is a free monthly education evening addressing mental, physical, sexual and holistic health issues. The group is conducted at the ACON premises in a safe, supportive and confidential environment. For more information, contact Flic on 6584 0943.
For social events on the Mid North Coast, Coastal Castaways are holding a dance on 10 November at the Tuncurry Sports Club. The theme is uniform and starts at 8pm -“ entry is $15. On 24 November the Trouble in Paradise dance party is being held at the Rugby Club in Toormina from 8pm and entry is $25. For more information contact Kim at ACON MNC on 6584 0943.
Finally, for men who are aged 25-50, ACON Hunter is running a one-day workshop Men in the Middle on Saturday 10 November in Newcastle from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Guys will be able to learn about sex, sexual health, relationships, GLBT community, the coming-out process and much more. To enrol or enquire, please phone Sean on 4927 6808.
If you want any information about groups, services, organisations or community events taking place in the Hunter, New England, MNC or Central Coast, contact ACON Hunter/MNC on 4927 6808 or email [email protected]. Sean O’Rourke is the Education and Community Development Officer at ACON’s Hunter/MNC Branch.
E: [email protected]