northern exposure

The importance of community was apparent this month as the Northern Rivers recently lost one of its pioneers.

Erif (Georgina) Benham was 56 when she died. Throughout her time in Northern Rivers she was highly regarded for her open door policy.

I have heard Erif described as fairy godmother, mother, nanna, sister, aunty, queen, friend, storyteller, herstory box, mentor, community leader, tireless volunteer, peacemaker and peacekeeper.

Erif was buried on 10 January. All her GLBT and Maori family were there to send her off. And what an amazing send-off -“ colourful funeral fairies, drag queens, fantastic costumes, glitter and Maori rituals all amidst Northern Rivers scenery.

Erif believed in the value of a strong GLBT community and her vision is alive in many ways. At Midnight Fantasy, Tropical Fruits’ New Years Eve party, she told us one last time that community is precious; love each other. What better advice are you ever likely to hear?

The ACON Board is holding a consultation to determine our strategic plan for the next three years. Come and have your say on Thursday 12 February from 4-6pm at the Lismore

Neighbourhood Centre. Anyone with an interest in GLBT health is welcome. RSVP to 6622 1555.
Have you managed to give up those ciggies yet? If not the Smoking Solutions program may be for you. The next program will run in early 2009. Contact Ian on 6622 1555.

For recipients of Centrelink benefits in a same-sex relationship, the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre and ACON will hold a forum to discuss the implications of the new requirement to declare relationships. It will be held at the Lismore Workers Club on Thursday 26 February from 5.30pm.

For the social ones, Bent Events are holding a fun event at Bold and Beautiful coffee shop in Lismore on Friday 30 January at 7pm. Australiana Time Warp sounds like a great excuse to get dressed up and meet others. Details at: http://www.bentevents.com.au/

info: If you want any information about groups, services, organisations or community events in Northern Rivers, you can contact Sioux Harrison at ACON on 6622 1555 or [email protected].

Sioux Harrison is Administration and Volunteer Officer for ACON Northern Rivers.