Rainbow Futures WA is a consortium of WA-based LGBTIQA+ community organisations and individuals concerned with the long-term well-being of LGBTIQA+ communities in Western Australia.
Mission
Rainbow Futures WA aims to ensure the long-term viability of WA-based LGBTIQA+ organisations in order to meet the need for LGBTIQA+ services and advocacy into the future. We will:
- Explore sustainable ways for working together now and into the future
- Underpin LGBTIQA+ community capacity-building and development work, by building state-based strengths and partnerships
- Attract opportunities for funding, advocacy, and consultation on LGBTIQA+ issues, and be a respected voice for, or conduit to, its state members
- Build a cohesive plan for the growth of LGBTIQA+ community organisations
Organising Model
RFWA’s Organising Model shows a network in which collaboration, information and support are in flow, to advance the rights and wellbeing of the WA LGBTIQA+ community. The network comprises of the RFWA Steering Group, RFWA Board of Directors, volunteers, supporters, advisory / working groups, and members.
The full Organising Model can be viewed here.
Structure
As of 24 May, 2024, Rainbow Futures WA (RFWA) is a non-profit company limited by guarantee, regulated by the Australian Charities and Non-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). A company is a legal entity, like an incorporated association or sole trader. It comes with similar, but different, obligations and an additional regulator through the ACNC.
RFWA was supported by King & Wood Malleson (KWM) in the drafting and creation of this entity, which adheres to Australian laws and regulations. The Constitution of RFWA, drafted by KWM, can be accessed here.
RFWA is governed by a Board of Directors, the members of which are Zarah Burgess, Thomas Drake-Brockman, Conrad Liveris, and Barry Cosker. Our Public Officer is Misty Farquhar OAM.
The day-to-day operations are conducted by the Steering Group, which guides much of the advocacy of RFWA. This group consists of Misty Farquhar OAM, Nat Latter, Michelle Hunter, Dani Wright Toussaint, Kirsti Gorringe, and Stevie Lane.
Membership applications are reviewed by the board.
Will this change how RFWA operates?
No, as RFWA’s resources haven’t changed, our operations remain the same.
How will you communicate with the membership?
Through the channels you are used to – by email, in person with forums, and online through discussion groups.
What’s the difference between the Board and the Steering Group?
The Board has a governance and compliance focus, ensuring the good operations of the organisation. The Steering Group is focused more on advocacy, issues and collaboration. Think of the Board as setting the train lines and the Steering Group driving the train. The Board is comprised of our members, which anybody is eligible to apply for.
The Steering Group focuses on the issues and priorities of our community. The Board is accountable through the Annual General Meeting. The Steering Group holds regular public meetings. You are encouraged to ask questions in these, or through other direct channels (such as email) to either body.
RFWA does not currently have paid staff. However it is operated day-to-day by our Steering Group. Given the current resources of RFWA, this is an entirely benevolent and pro bono activity. Should further resources become available, the Board will oversee their use and ensure that they are accountable to the members. Should RFWA be able to employ staff, this will be done in an open and transparent manner.
Why is RFWA organised like this?
Since our founding in 2019, we have progressively become more organised. While we have always been an unincorporated body, our members saw a need to have more structure. Importantly, we didn’t want to lose the power of our agility. The development of the Board and Steering Group ensures that our efforts are well-placed and maximise our strength. Our approach to governance is to maintain our connection to community, amplify those voices, and ensure continuity for external stakeholders.