LPV celebrates community achievement at this year’s AGM

L-R: Shivneel Singh (Community Champion); Peter Callanan (Ally of the Year); Jordan Laundy (President’s Award)

 

The 2024 Positive Community Awards were announced at LPV’s recent AGM, recognising the individuals who support the positive community and, with their dedication and commitment, encourage others to do the same. This year’s recipients have shown extraordinary and unwavering support and leadership towards our positive community.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Awarded at the discretion of the President to an individual, group or organisation within the broader community that has demonstrated visionary leadership in improving the quality of life for HIV-positive people. Often the recipient will have served over a long period and contributed to high-level improvements in services for HIV-positive people and to an increased level of awareness of HIV issues.

Awarded to Jordan Laundy

On line gamer Jordan, AKA Skellybear18, plays on a video streaming channel called Twitch. Jordan has set up a donation facility on his channel that is aligned with a series of streaming goals that he set for other gamers. Funds raised by Jordan are directed to LPV’s FLIP Fund and where required, are used to assist younger positive people living in regional Victoria. Jordan, who lives in Victoria’s Gippsland region, knew nothing about HIV when diagnosed as an 18 year old. Living in country Victoria, Jordan felt isolated until he began researching HIV to educate himself to find answers to the many questions that needed answers. This led to his discovery of LPV and the programs and services offered for folks like him. Connecting with LPV has meant a reduction in that feeling of isolation, loneliness and fear. Forming connections has allowed Jordan to view living in regional Victoria from a better space. He has connected with other HIV positive locals and he has begun the journey of disclosure. Forr Jordan, there was no better forum for his fundraiser than his online gaming community. We applaud Jordan for his bravery and commitment to helping others like him and promoting the work of LPV to regional folks.

ALLY OF THE YEAR

Awarded to an individual, group or organisation who, as an ally f the community, has made an exceptional contribution to the advocacy for the health, wellbeing and human rights of people living with HIV in Victoria.

Awarded to Peter Callanan

Peter first engaged with Living Positive Victoria in January 2016 having applied to become a volunteer. An eager ally of people living with HIV, he has since attended a wide variety of events that LPV has been involved in, ranging from the Midsumma Pride March, the Daylesford Chillout Festival, representing LPV at various parties at the Laird Hotel, and regularly assisting us at our quarterly Planet Positive events, welcoming our members with his very friendly nature. Along with his enthusiasm, Peter applies his professional work ethic, always keen to go the extra mile for us whenever available and has been a consistent, reliable and welcoming face at many our events. Peter will often be the first person you engage with as you arrive at Planet Positive. Peter really does set the tone for the event and his disarming and charming manner puts everyone at ease whether you there for the first time or a regular at our socials. These events do not happen without the participation of our allies and our volunteers and Peter is one of our very best. We are thrilled to formally acknowledge his ongoing contribution as part of team LPV

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Awarded to an individual, group or organisation that has had a significant impact on the lives of people living with HIV through a sustained and extraordinary contribution that supports and empowers our positive community.

Awarded to Shivneel Singh

Shivneel (Shiv) has quickly become synonymous with the positive movement in Victoria. As someone who came here to find refuge, connection, and a community, we’re incredibly grateful that Shiv decided to share his warmth, talent and love towards our communities. Living Positive Victoria is proud to acknowledge Shiv’s ongoing commitment to the development of his community. As one of the key founders of Australia’s first positive South Asian group, he’s also a staple at a number of community events: from volunteering at Planet Positive and Positive Asian Victoria events to facilitating our quarterly workshops — Positive Reflections and Let Them Know. Living Positive Victoria is only as rich as the people who make it and Shiv is one of those shining gems who inspires and builds resilience in anyone he connects with. Thank you for making us proud Shiv. It is our privilege to have the opportunity of getting to know someone as special as Shiv.

Read about the further achievements of our community in LPV’s 2024 Annual Report.