LPV Expands HIV and Ageing Team with Two New Appointments
Photo: Matto Lucas Photography, David Stephens (L), Rob Lake (R)
Team LPV is pleased to welcome two new team members who will help drive our growing work in HIV and ageing, as we expand support, advocacy and opportunities for people living with HIV as they grow older.
The appointments of Rob Lake, Health Promotion Officer (HIV and Ageing), and David Stephens, LGBTQIA+ Advocate (HIV and Ageing) represent an important step forward in LPV’s commitment to ensuring people ageing with HIV are supported, connected and empowered to navigate the challenges and opportunities of later life.
These new roles build on the momentum generated through LPV’s recent HIV and Ageing community consultations, which highlighted the need for stronger peer support, better access to information and services, and greater recognition of the unique experiences of people ageing with HIV.
Welcoming Rob Lake
Rob Lake joins LPV as our new Health Promotion Officer (HIV and Ageing), bringing decades of experience across HIV advocacy, peer support and aged care services.
Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, Rob recently relocated to Melbourne to take up the position. Prior to moving across the Tasman, he lived and worked in Sydney, contributing to a range of HIV organisations including ACON, Positive Life NSW and the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO).
Alongside his HIV sector experience, Rob has worked in aged care services, community transport and social support programs, supporting people to remain connected and independent while living at home.
Having lived with HIV since the mid-1990s, Rob brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the role.
“I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with people, and planning information sessions, social activities and other opportunities based on what community members tell us they want and need.”
Welcoming David Stephens
LPV also welcomes David Stephens as our new LGBTQIA+ Advocate (HIV and Ageing), a role created through recently secured Federal Government funding to strengthen support for LGBTQIA+ people ageing with HIV.
David has been living with HIV for more than 40 years and first became involved in HIV advocacy through PLWHA Victoria in 1988 (People Living with HIV/AIDS Victoria was LPV’s original name and is still our incorporated name since 1988). Since then, he has built an extensive career working alongside networks of people living with HIV across Australia and throughout Asia.
Much of David’s work has focused on health policy, human rights and community development, particularly in Vietnam, where he partnered with HIV-affected communities to improve health outcomes and strengthen community leadership.
David says he is excited to reconnect with LPV and support community members as they navigate the aged care system.
“I am delighted to return to LPV in this important role, working with community members to access and navigate the aged care services and systems many of us will need as we grow older.”
Building on Recent Investment in HIV and Ageing
The new positions reflect LPV’s growing investment in HIV and ageing initiatives, following over $275,000 in recent funding successes and increasing community engagement in the area.
Earlier this year, LPV secured funding to establish dedicated support and advocacy activities for people ageing with HIV, including the creation of the LGBTQIA+ Advocate (HIV and Ageing) role.
LPV was also recently awarded funding through the Victorian Government’s Pride Events and Festivals Fund, enabling the organisation to develop a new LGBTQIA+ HIV and ageing arts exhibition. The project will create opportunities for people living with HIV to share stories, celebrate lived experience and explore the intersections of ageing, identity, resilience and community through creative expression.
Together, these initiatives reflect LPV’s commitment to ensuring that people ageing with HIV remain visible, connected and supported, while creating opportunities to shape the future of services, advocacy and community life.
As more people with HIV live long and healthy lives, LPV will continue working alongside community members to address the unique issues that can arise with ageing, while celebrating the strength, knowledge and experiences that older people living with HIV bring to our community.