Community Archives - Living Positive Victoria

Taking Charge: Advance Care Planning Information Session

Quick Exit

Community

Taking Charge: Advance Care Planning Information Session

Taking Charge Peer Support Network
For people with HIV 50 years of age and up.

The next Taking Charge, Peer Support Network meeting will be an information session on Advance Care Planning presented by Alfred Health on 2nd October 2025 at 5pm at the Positive Living Centre followed by dinner.

Partners/Carers Welcome

Advance Care Planning is a process that ensures family and treating healthcare teams understand what is important to you and how you want to be treated if you become unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes.

Advance Care Planning can include:

  • Communicating – Talk to family, friends and doctors about what is important to you. Discuss your values, preferences and what you would find unacceptable in relation to your health.
  • Appointing someone – Think about who you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself. You can complete a legal form to appoint someone as your Medical Treatment Decision Maker.
  • Putting it on paper – You can write down your values, preferences and what is important to you in an Advance Care Directive.

Anyone can make an advance care directive. It is particularly important to those who have a chronic health condition or are regularly admitted to hospital. It is ideal to undertake advance care planning when your health is stable.

Dinner will be catered for all participants after the information session.

Taking Charge is a partnership between Thorne Harbour Health and Living Positive Victoria.

For more information contact Gerry O’Brien at gerry.obrien@thorneharbour.org or James Seow at Living Positive Victoria,  jseow@lpv.org.au

Phoenix Workshop for Gay, Bi+ and Trans Men

Phoenix is a confidential and supportive space to learn how to live well with HIV.

Our next two day workshop is in on Friday 10 October, 7-9pm (6:30 for pizza) and Saturday 11 October, 9am-6pm.

You may have been recently diagnosed or perhaps you’ve had HIV for a while. It’s not so much about how long you’ve been living with HIV but more about how much support and information you want.

The Phoenix workshop is run by people living with HIV, and will also feature conversations with a HIV specialist doctor and HIV counsellor.

It’s free and no Medicare card is needed.

What can you expect from the workshop?

  • Have your questions answered by a specialist HIV doctor (including information on the latest HIV treatment options) and a HIV counsellor (living well with HIV)
  • Explore issues like sex, relationships, and deciding when (and when not) to tell people about your HIV
  • Meet other people with HIV, and hear about other people’s HIV journey
  • Learn about other HIV support and services
  • Discover new ways to live well with HIV

Participant Feedback:

“It was great to be able to share experiences in a safe place”

“I would highly recommend Phoenix for both newly diagnosed, and those who have lived experience for many years. There is always a new way to look at things”

“I was hesitant to whether I needed something like this, but I’m SO GLAD I did it”

“Best thing I have done since being diagnosed”

“I felt valued and accepted – awesome team”

“Its so important to allow people to talk about their experience, which helps people realise they are not alone.”

“I wish I knew about Phoenix when I was diagnosed”

For more information please email info@lpv.org.au or call 03 9863 8733

This venue is wheelchair accessible

Planet Positive: Spring Social

Planet Positive is a welcoming social event open to everyone – men, women, trans, and gender-diverse individuals living with HIV, along with their friends, partners, and families. This is the only Living Positive Victoria event that is open to HIV-negative people, so everyone is invited!

Come and enjoy delicious food provided by Nourish@Collingwood, and sip on two complimentary drinks, courtesy of Living Positive Victoria. The Laird Hotel will also be grilling up some tasty BBQ sausages for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to win one of 3 amazing door prizes in our FREE raffle!

To receive your drink tickets and raffle tickets, please register in advance. Each person needs to register individually. This helps us ensure we have enough food and drinks for everyone. If you need any assistance with the registration process, please don’t hesitate to contact LPV staff.

We can’t wait to see you there! Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends, partners, and family members for an afternoon of great company and good vibes.

Positive Asian Victoria: Bowling Day

Strike up a conversation (and a few pins!) at bowling and enjoy a delicious lunch!

This is a casual and friendly get-together for HIV-positive Asians to hang out, have some laughs, and knock down a few pins. Whether you’re a bowling pro or just in it for the good company, we’d love to see you there.

Shoes and lanes are covered — just bring yourself!

We will start the afternoon with a delicious lunch before we hit the lanes.

If you have any questions please reach out to Emil Canita, your event organiser, at emil@lpv.org.au

Positive Asian Victoria: Hiking Day

Take a break and join us for a refreshing day out in nature!

This social hike is for people of Asian descent living with HIV in Victoria, organised through Positive Asian Victoria. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and connect with others in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want to take it easy and meet new people, all are welcome. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

If you have any questions, please email Emil Canita, your event coordinator, at emil@lpv.org.au