Uniting AgeWell Makes Debut at Midsumma Festival

Uniting AgeWell attended one of the biggest summer parties in Australia last weekend, celebrating diversity and inclusion at the Midsumma Festival. 

For the first time, the aged care provider featured a stand at the signature opening event, Midsumma Carnival, kicking off the three week festival that champions diversity and cultivates alternative perspectives.

Chair of the Uniting AgeWell Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) Working Group, Vicky Jacques, said the Midsumma Festival was a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to present itself as a diverse and LGBTI-friendly organisation.

“In 2016, Uniting AgeWell received a prestigious Dorothies Awards in Tasmania, recognising our work in providing LGBTI-inclusive aged care services,” she said.  

“It’s wonderful and worthy recognition of the work Uniting AgeWell is doing to incorporate LGBTI inclusive practices into our residential and community services.”

With more than two thirds of staff agreeing it was important Uniting AgeWell was an LGBTI inclusive service, the organisation established a senior executive LGBTI Working Group, developing LGBTI policies and practice standards and offering LGBTI training to staff.

Vicky said the organisation continued to work towards gaining Rainbow Tick accreditation for providing safe and inclusive services for people in the LGBTI community.

“This year we are committed to connecting with the broader LGBTI community through the Midsumma Festival,” she said.

“The festival delivered incredible benefits for both employees and the community by building awareness and fostering inclusion.

“We loved giving festival-goers an insight into Uniting AgeWell services through our participation at Midsumma this year.” 

Uniting AgeWell was among more than 120 stalls on the lawns of Alexandra Gardens where carnival attendees could picnic, enjoy free entertainment and visit the stalls.

Midsumma is Melbourne’s premier gay and lesbian arts and culture festival, presenting an annual community celebration and encouraging the development of artistic content and a unique cultural experience. 

Click here to find out more about Uniting AgeWell's aged care services.