The Cross-Border LGBTQIA+ Network will bring together community members, service providers and community leaders from both sides of the Murray.
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A new cross-border network is set to strengthen support, services and social connection for people identifying as LGBTQIA+ across Yarrawonga-Mulwala, following a $20,000 Victorian Government grant to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre (YMCLC).
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The Cross-Border LGBTQIA+ Network will bring together community members, service providers and community leaders from both sides of the Murray, with local people now invited to register their interest and help shape what comes next.
YMCLC CEO Julie-Anne Clarke said the network would be developed by listening first, rather than assuming what the community needs.
“What it will mean is it will enable YMCLC to establish an LGBTQIA+ network and, through that network, we’re going to be identifying the needs of people who identify,” Julie-Anne said.
“We’ll go through a whole consultation process and include members of the community, as well as local organisations who support members who identify.”
The initiative grew from discussions through YMCLC’s existing Community Support Network, which brings together 40 to 50 individuals and organisations.
One member, who grew up locally before living in Bendigo and later returning to Yarrawonga, raised the lack of dedicated LGBTQIA+ programs and support available locally.
“He was surprised at how there was just nothing really here in terms of programs and support for the community,” Julie-Anne said.
Feedback gathered through YMCLC’s networks, programs and consultations has identified challenges including social isolation, limited visibility of affirming services, uncertainty about where to seek support and fragmented services across the Victorian-NSW border.
Julie-Anne said established programs were more commonly found in larger centres such as Wangaratta, Wodonga, Albury and Shepparton.
“Yarrawonga is growing quickly, and we need to provide services for everyone living here,” she said.
YMCLC executive officer, Julie-Anne Clarke.
The new network aims to strengthen local referral pathways, improve collaboration between organisations and encourage inclusive practice across health, education, youth, ageing and community services.
Yarrawonga Health has already expressed interest in becoming involved.
The project will be delivered in four stages, beginning with establishment and community consultation, followed by strategic planning and network formation, capacity building and resource development, and finally implementation, review and evaluation.
A locally relevant LGBTQIA+-inclusive service directory will also be developed, while training and professional development will help local organisations better support LGBTQIA+ people.
While the initial $20,000 establishes the network, further grants will be sought to fund future programs, activities and ongoing services.
The grant is part of the Victorian Government’s 2025-26 LGBTIQA+ Organisational Development Grants program, which is providing $400,000 across 13 organisations to strengthen services for rainbow communities.
For Julie-Anne, success will ultimately be measured by people feeling comfortable accessing services and participating in programs throughout the wider community.
“I would love to think that we’ve provided wraparound services for this community, which includes health and a wide range of community organisations, including social programs as well,” she said.
Her message to anyone who has felt isolated or unsure about reaching out is simple.
“Please come and join us, because everything is better together,” Julie-Anne said.
Anyone interested in joining the network, contributing to consultation or finding out more can contact YMCLC at 1 Hargrave Court, Yarrawonga.
