New PLWHA Victoria head announced

People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Victoria has appointed former Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) manager Brent Allan as its new executive officer.

PLWHA Victoria president Sam Venning said the organisation is looking to plan events for the 2014 International AIDS Conference on HIV/AIDS to be held in Melbourne.

“Brent will bring an energetic vision to lead programs and activities to support the strategic goals of the organisation,” Venning said.

Allan, who currently works with the Victorian Department of Health in health promotion, worked at ACON in the late 1990s and with the VAC from 2004 – 2006. He has also served on the board of the National Association of People Living With HIV (NAPWA).

“I have a strong commitment to social justice and the active and meaningful participation of people living with HIV in shaping the response to HIV,” Allan said.

“There are a number of opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians living with HIV and I share a commitment to our communities’ response.

“I look forward to working closely with the board, staff and volunteers and, most importantly, PLHIV across Victoria in helping the agency continue to grow and thrive.”

Allan is the partner of former PLWHA Victoria president Paul Kidd, who stepped down in October 2011.

Venning said Kidd left his position on the board of directors before Allan accepted the role to prevent a possible conflict of interest.

The organisation was searching for a new head after Jane Njuhi Hughes, who replaced former executive officer Sonny Williams in August, left suddenly in December.

Allan will start in the role on April 2.