Thorne Harbour Country

09/09/2025

29/08/2025

Our team proudly wore it purple today to show their support for LGBTIQA+ young people! 💜💜💜

To q***r youth: you are seen, supported and celebrated for who you are.

27/08/2025

Join us at the Bendigo Library to Celebrate Wear It Purple Day with a fun-filled Youth Fashion Parade and Dance Party.

This year’s theme, “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, is all about embracing self-expression, individuality, and empowering young voices.

📅 Friday 29 August
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎫 Free – registration in essential. Young people under the age of 16 must have a parent/carer/guardian attend with them.
https://events.humanitix.com/bold-bright-bendigo-or-wear-it-purple-day

What’s happening:
💄 Get glammed up with gems, glitter & face paint from YO Bendigo
💃 Walk the runway and show off your look with support from our energetic MCs
🤝 Or just come chill out and Connect with local rainbow organisations and peers
Enjoy snacks and of course… PIZZA!

Come as you are. Celebrate who you are. Wear it purple with pride 💜
We will see you there 😊

27/08/2025

We had some great discussions at the Trans and Gender Diverse roundtable yesterday. Thanks to Zoe Belle Gender Collective Inc for initiating this valuable conversation in Bendigo.

Yesterday we joined with Zoe Belle Gender Collective Inc and Women's Health Loddon Mallee to host a Trans and Gender Diverse Roundtable.

We’ve had an incredible response within the sector, with senior delegates attending from Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria, City of Greater Bendigo, headspace Bendigo, Bendigo Community Health Services, Haven Home Safe, ARC Justice, Anglicare Victoria and Thorne Harbour Health.

With such strong representation, we’re set for meaningful conversations that amplify community voices and drive real impact in this space. We were thrilled to welcome Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities to the roundtable as well, whose attendance underscores the significance of this event.

13/08/2025

Our enthusiastic team of volunteers met earlier this week to undertake training to be our next group of champion visitors offering social and community support. Read more >> https://thorneharbour.org/services/rainbow-connection/

Our service linking older LGBTIQ+ people with volunteers for social connection is now available in Bendigo! 🌈🔗

Because q***r people in regional towns deserve the same services, care and community as those in cities.

Learn more about Rainbow Connection, including how to sign up or volunteer, at the link: https://thorneharbour.org/services/rainbow-connection/

03/08/2025

Four events for your calendar this week:

TODAY
10am to 12pm
🤔LGBT Q-time Bendigo
An opportunity to chat with a Thorne Harbour Country staff member at the Bendigo Library about LGBTIQA+ identities, language and culture. Got a curious question? * THIS is the time to ask it.
https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-q-time-bendigo

Tuesday 5th Aug
10am - 12pm
🤔LGBT Q-time Kyabram
An opportunity for those in the Kyabram and surrounding region to pop into Kyabram Community Learning Centre to have a conversation with a Thorne Harbour Country staff member to learn more about LGBTIQA+ identities, language and culture, access resources and be linked into events.
https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-q-time-kyabram

Thursday 7th Aug
10am - 12pm
☕Inclusive morning tea
Come along to Thorne Harbour Country community hub for a PLHIV, LGBTIQA+ and allies inclusive morning tea. Make a cuppa and relax on the couches, search the 'Open Closet' clothing swap, grab a q***r book from the Q***r Borrowed Books library and enjoy some lovely company.
https://events.humanitix.com/thorne-harbour-country-or-monthly-inclusive-social-cuppa-or-aug-2025

Saturday 9th Aug
10am - 12pm
☕Girgarre Pride morning cuppa
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Botanic Gardens, this invitation is an opportunity to connect with community and make new friends. LGBTIQA+ and allies invited.
https://events.humanitix.com/girgarre-pride-morning-cuppa-august

To learn more about any of these events, contact Thorne Harbour Country on 4400 9000

26/07/2025

We've got a great lineup of guest speakers for our community lunch tomorrow.

Have you registered yet?
https://events.humanitix.com/healthy-liver-community-lunch

Come along and learn tips on keeping a healthy liver, treatment options for Hepatitis, try some of our recipe samples, build your own gift bag and chat with lovely people.

More information and to register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/healthy-liver-community-lunch

10/07/2025

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals (MHWL) are developing a workshop by the LGBTIQ+-specialist team focused on increasing awareness about mental health and wellbeing through a LGBTIQ+ lens.

Follow this link to complete survey:
https://tinyurl.com/LGBTprogramsurvey

This is a 10-minute survey to collect your thoughts that will be implemented to design the group.

What is a mental health/psychoeducation workshop?
A workshop about a mental health and wellbeing topic/theme and strategies. For example, navigating conflicts in relationships or navigating anxiety.

It will be facilitated by the LGBTIQ+ specialist mental health and wellbeing team (counsellor and lived experience workers: Devmi, Brody and Zara).

The survey will ask questions about your previous experiences of mental health/psychoeducation workshops if you have any, and ask about your preferences and thoughts. All questions are optional and responses are anonymous.

Complete the survey here:
https://tinyurl.com/LGBTprogramsurvey