Hume Phoenix (Albury-Wodonga)

Hume Phoenix is a social support group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (GLBTIQ) people, and their family and friends, living in the Albury-Wodonga region. The incorporated group organises a range events to connect people in the area and provide a safe space for those new to the GLBTIQ community. Hume Phoenix also aims to increase acceptance and tolerance of the GLBTIQ community by raising the profile of the group in a positive manner. Hume Phoenix also aims to promotes health-based messages, specific to the GLBTIQ community, to its members.

Membership

Members of Hume Phoenix come from all walks of life and range in age from young adult to senior people. Members are singles, couples and families. Many members have lived a heterosexual life before coming to terms with their sexuality, many have always known they were gay. Some just want to support their GLBTIQ friends and family. Hume Phoenix is an all inclusive group and welcomes anyone to become a member who is supportive of our community. As a volunteer, community group, Hume Phoenix relies on the support of funding agencies such as ACON as well as the funds from membership fees in order to provide services for the community. Membership is $10 and gives you discount entry to events as well as opportunities with our sponsors. Look out for more of these in 2011. Sign up via the website or speak to one of our committee members at the fortnightly drinks at Zed Bar, Dean Street, Albury.

The 2011/12 Committee

Hume Phoenix is an incorporated group, run by a committee of volunteers. The AGM is held in August each year and any financial member may stand to be elected to the committee. Any vacant positions may be filled throughout the year by members willing to take an ‘Acting’ position. For more information about joining the committee please send the group an email. Male Convenor – Steve Onley Female Convenor – Toni Johnson Treasurer - Paul Sharman Secretary - Cathy O’Shannessy Publications Officer – Kelly Dwyer General Member (Social Media) - Liz Lade General Member (Membership) - Tom Anderson General Member (Health and Advocacy) - Aden Hemmerling General Member (Grants and Fundraising) - Robin Pearson

History of Hume Phoenix

Hume Phoenix was founded during the mid 1990′s as an amalgamation of two smaller local support groups under the guide of Albury Community Health.  It quickly grew into a large group that covered a lot of Southern NSW and North East Victoria. In the early days, Hume Phoenix was very active in the political scene for GLBTIQ rights, raising its own funds in order be involved in the early Mardi Gras celebrations. The group also had a very strong support network for people who  had contracted the HIV/AIDS virus and thus channelled its energy into promoting health messages amongst the community. Hume Phoenix and its members, historically speaking, were often hidden away from the general public. Twenty years ago it certainly wasn’t cool to be gay, very few people were brave enough to stand up and show who they really were to the world. Those who did were often persecuted for it. However, as times move on, and community groups such as Hume Phoenix stand up for the rights of their community, the world has become a much more accepting place and people are no longer afraid to be who they are. There is still a way to go to full equality however Hume Phoenix will continue to be the voice for equality in the Albury-Wodonga region.

Contact Hume Phoenix

Mobile: 0458 216 464 Email: humephoenix@yahoo.com Facebook: Become a Friend of Hume Phoenix Snail Mail: PO Box 1155, Albury NSW 2640