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News + Events

Positive Women Victoria welcomes new Chair, Georgina Whitchurch

25/02/2020

Positive Women Victoria is delighted to introduce the organisation’s new Board Chair, Georgina Whitchurch. Georgina was elected following a decision by Heather Ellis to step down from the Board after more than three years of service, and almost two in the role of Chair.

“After much deliberation, I decided to step down to pursue opportunity for paid employment,” says Heather. “I have been Chair since May 2018. It was a huge honour to be nominated and elected to this position.”

Georgina, who joined the Board in 2019, counts among her many skills a strong professional background in health services management in WA and Queensland, as well as time spent volunteering overseas, working with women in African communities to support skills and community building.

“I could not have envisaged this rapid move to Chair,” Georgina says. “Whilst my former background prepares me well for this role, I am relatively new to the HIV family. I thank my peers for supporting and trusting me with this task. The first step for me is to learn quickly all I need to know about current programs and projects, whilst looking ahead to the future. ”

Heather says she is passionate and proud to have lead the call for a national campaign to tackle stigmatising attitudes towards people living with HIV.

“Together with the PWV Board and our EO, Dr Kirsty Machon, we were able to further our reach of peer support to our members as well as being instrumental in the push for a national campaign to raise awareness of U=U and end HIV stigma,” Heather says. “I will continue to advocate for this. I wish to thank Kirsty, who helped guide me as Chair through her commitment to PWV, her extensive skills and experience from more than twenty years involved in the HIV sector.”

As the new Chair, Georgina intends to continue the same focus on challenging stigma.

Vice Chair Mel Spencer joined Heather in warmly welcoming Georgina, acknowledging her strong governance skills, which are supported by a strong and united Board with a variety of skills and experience.

The Board and the staff have extended their thanks and gratitude to Heather for her commitment and contribution through her strong and visible leadership of the Positive Women Victoria Board.