Mark Reid

Manager
Diverse Sexuality Health Promotion Services

I have been involved with WAAC since its inception in 1985 years ago (when I was just a young guy), both as a volunteer, board member and for the past 16 years as a staff member. I  have moved from the fundraising, marketing and events position (in 2009)  to take on the role of Diverse Sexuality Health Promotion Services (DSHPS) Manager. Although I am still involved with STYLEAID as the sponsorship coordinator and Chair of the STYLEAID committee.

The DSHPS team is made up of a range of very talented staff who work hard to bring a range of diverse and interesting health promotion programs to the community here in Perth.  I am looking forward to yet another amazing year in 2010 that will see the team grow and develop with some great new projects on the horizon

Steve Fragomeni

Education Officer, Gay/ MSM Program

I came to the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) the day before ANZAC Day 2006 – portentous in its metaphor of soldiering and sacrifice against the odds for freedom and a better quality of life. It was a fantastic day for me because it meant I would be putting my efforts into the community to which I belong, helping people who are my peers and trying to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

My portfolio here includes the CyberReach online outreach program, WAAC’s involvement in Pride, the Beats Outreach project, Community Development, peer support and assisting my fellow co-workers in workshops and sexual health testing.

I love working at the WA AIDS Council. It is a collegial work environment; enthusiastic, cheerful and passionate. I strongly believe in the mission statement and vision of WAAC – prevention of the transmission of HIV, and education and advocacy around HIV/AIDS. It has a deeply personal resonance for me as I lost my first partner to the epidemic. I don’t consider myself special in this, but I do feel a great need to try to make a difference. In doing so, I hope that I am helping to make a healthier community for us all.

Gavin Tsai

Education Officer, Gay/ MSM Program

My involvement with WAAC began with my role as the Youth Support Officer at the Freedom Centre in 2001. It was during this time that I became aware of the importance of workshops that can equip community members with information and knowledge on a range of issues. To name a few, the coming-out process, self-esteem, communication, support and sexual health.

 After that I spent some time travelling in Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia before I returned to Perth. Such experience guided me through a personal journey to examine some of my core personal beliefs, values and what I would like to contribute to the same sex community in Perth.

In the following years I completed my studies in Community Welfare Work and Psychology and I was involved in the disability field for a number of years. In 2009 I was employed as the Beat Outreach Officer within the Diverse Sexuality Health Promotion Services Team at WAAC and later on moved into full time position. My current portfolios include workshop coordination and facilitation, the Beat Outreach project, peer support and assisting in sexual health testing.

Dani Wright

Freedom Centre Coordinator

I started my career at WAAC as a Positive Services Support Officer, but my current role is as the Freedom Centre Coordinator, in Community Education a Prevention Services. I was previously a volunteer at the Freedom Centre for several years, and also have a work history in sexual health education and working with people with disabilities. I’m passionate about coordinating the Freedom Centre and I am a huge advocate for our peer support model and community based approach. My main career goal is to empower people to learn and have their voice heard.

Tony Bober

Education Officer, Gay/ MSM Program

In September, 2010, I left Canada and embarked on a journey of Australia. Before I left, I would have never imagined that I would have ended up working with the Western Australia AIDS Council at M Clinic and as an Outreach Officer for the Beat Outreach Program. Back in Canada, I spent several years in various roles with a National Youth program. During my involvement with the National Youth program, I had many opportunities to work indirectly with numerous not for profit organisations. My path has lead me to  true enjoyment working with people, community and social services.

When the opportunity to work with the Western Australian AIDS Council came up, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to be part of such an important organization. Working at the M Clinic and Freedom Centre has been such a vibrant part of my Aussie experience.
 

Aaron Agnew

Education Officer, Gay/ MSM Program

I started at the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) as the Youth (Gay/MSM) Education Officer in February 2011. As well as working at WAAC, I am nearing the completion of my three year nursing degree. I am passionate about health promotion and sexual health, especially focussing on youth.

I am currently developing a youth specific portfolio within Diverse Sexuality Health Promotion Services (DSHPS) and focusing on some exciting new workshops and programs aimed at eighteen to twenty-six year old men. I also aim to promote our services (such as the M Clinic and the Freedom Centre) to this the younger age demographic and look at ways to increase their engagement with our services.

The working environment within the DHSPS team at WAAC is quiet UNIQUE and I doubt there is another work environment like it anywhere else – but I love it!