It was a day of rainbow colours, laughter and smiles on the faces of over 120,000 people at the Midsumma Carnival on Sunday 21 January.

The cool weather was perfect for revellers at the 180-stall event at Alexandra Gardens, which brought together an eclectic mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences.

A team of 25 staff from across UA represented the organisation.  Decked out in bright rainbow t-shirts and dove wings, they handed out 1,000 visitor bags with flyers, information and jelly beans.  Their welcoming smiles and ready conversations made the UA stand a must-stop destination.  Thanks to every one for bringing your magic!

One of those handing out information bags was Tracy Barron, who is a volunteer with Social Connections in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.  She has shared her inspiring story about her journey first as a young girl, then as a male and finally coming out in later years as the woman she always was here.

Another colourful presence at our stall was the fabulous Miss Rita Linn, whose Mum Diane Johnson works as an enrolled nurse at Strath-Haven Community.  Rita somehow managed to navigate walking across the grass in eight-inch heels!  

Inquiries came in thick and fast – from older couples beginning their search for services, a young couple keen to tell their grandparents about what we offer and people seeking careers or opportunities to volunteer.  

One person commented how warm it made them feel to know how inclusive Uniting AgeWell is.  Another person stopped to deliver their grateful thanks to Hawthorn Community for the wonderful care given to their late aunt.

People and Culture Operations Manager Tracy Semmens says, “We fielded lots of questions, not only about our services but enquiring about jobs and also volunteering.  It was a wonderful day.”

Would you like to get involved in Uniting AgeWell’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee?

Email your expression of interest to diversity@unitingagewell.org.

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