Rainbow Futures WA (RFWA) was appointed the LGBTIQA+ peak body in October 2024, with funding being provided in November 2024.
We are grateful for the significant contributions of many in the community that led to this appointment. The founding of RFWA in 2019 as a voluntary LGBTIQA+ alliance was by community, for community. In August 2023, RFWA was re-endorsed by community with overwhelming support. RFWA held regular Community Roundup forums during this time to update and involve community- publicly advertised and open to the whole community.
Since being appointed peak, RFWA has expanded its advocacy role and taken on additional work for our community. We have taken on a significant role as Co-Chair of the WA LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy Reference Group, advanced law reform on ending conversion practices and birth certificates and consulted widely to identify community priorities in the lead-up to the state election. On 10 February, we released the survey results of almost 600 WA LGBTIQA+ community members.
Concurrently, we are continuing to set up our operations and administrative processes, including updating our website and communications. This is an ongoing process. This process is guided by an inaugural Board of experienced community leaders, as listed on our ACNC entry. The Board are confident that we are positioning RFWA to best serve the community as an effective peak body.
Our Steering Group members have always been identified for their skills, knowledge, and capacity to perform advocacy. Further information on this Group has long been available here: rainbowfutureswa.com/about-us/steeringgroup/. Steering Group members are appointed with community consultation and oversight of the Board.
In recognition of their substantial contribution to RFWA and recognised advocacy experience, the Board appointed Misty Farquhar OAM as inaugural CEO in November 2024. The Board was delighted they accepted the position, continuing in a role they were effectively doing in a voluntary capacity for years prior. Notice of this and other staff appointments, which are all part-time and require additional voluntary contributions to maintain our operations, was provided to the community via the RFWA newsletter. The CEO reports to the Board.
As a new peak body, RFWA is more transparent now than ever. In particular, there is now a clear pathway to membership, a clear constitution, Board oversight, an AGM and annual reports, and increased opportunities for members to have input into our priorities and work.
The organisational structure of RFWA, implemented by King & Wood Mallesons, adopts best practice and reflects examples in our community (e.g. Equality Australia, LGBTIQA+ Health Australia), and professional bodies.
RFWA is for community, by community. We always welcome constructive feedback and suggestions from the community. We welcome alternative views and believe the most productive approach is for individuals or groups to contact RFWA directly.
Yours sincerely,
RFWA Board
Zarah Burgess, Barry Cosker, Thomas Drake-Brockman and Conrad Liveris
