Creating connections over a long lunch

A SUNDAY community three-course long lunch at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute will mark and celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia.

A Place at the Table will run from 12pm to 3.30pm this weekend, Sunday, 16 May, bringing together members, leaders, and allies of the LGBTIQA+ community together, including service providers.

Organiser KL Joy said the gathering of friendship and food is being organised so Ballarat people can have ongoing conversations about inclusion, safe spaces, and their importance throughout the region, with the groups that offer support.

“It’s important that service providers hear directly from our community to share what works in terms of health and wellbeing, and where there might be some areas that could be strengthened,” they said.

“But it’s also a place for organisations who are doing the work to share how they are doing the work with other service providers.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney is patron of the afternoon, which is being run by members of the LGBTIQA+ community in partnership with the BMI, Ballarat Community Health, Cafs, and ChillOut.

Tickets are $35 via facebook.com/APATTBallarat. A pay-it-forward system is operational if you would like to help someone access a ticket, or you would like one and need assistance.

The event has been funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Ballarat Libraries, LaNCE, and Catholic Care Victoria are supporters.