Our story
As Living Positive Victoria approaches 40 years of community leadership, we reflect on an organisation that has not only met but far exceeded its founders’ original vision. For nearly four decades, LPV’s advocacy, peer support and empowerment model has helped countless people living with HIV build resilience, challenge stigma and share their lived experience in ways that strengthen our whole community.
CEO Richard Keane reflects,
“It’s almost impossible to fully convey the lived experience of HIV. Each person’s story is unique, shaped by identity, gender, age, culture and generation. It has taken an entire community-led response to bring us to where we are today.”
Scientific advances, including U=U and treatment as prevention, mean people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV. It is life changing and life affirming. People can live healthy sexual and reproductive lives with confidence and dignity.
Yet stigma persists. It continues to create barriers to testing, disclosure and wellbeing, affecting families, workplaces and relationships. That is why LPV’s role remains as vital today as it was almost 40 years ago. Our insight, empathy and deep community connection ensure we continue to adapt and respond to changing needs.
Programs like genNEXT demonstrate our ongoing investment in the future. As president Craig Burnett explains, the program builds connection, confidence and leadership among young people living with HIV.
“We aim to provide what we can so we can be the best we can be, well informed and supported. We hope young people living with HIV feel secure in themselves and become the leaders of tomorrow.”
As we approach this milestone, we honour our past while shaping our future. We remain committed to innovative engagement, supporting people to access and stay on treatment, achieve viral suppression and play their part in ending HIV transmission. Nearly 40 years on, our mission is as clear as ever: community-led, person-centred, and driven by lived experience.