Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA) has proven its commitment to inclusive practice by successfully achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation earlier this year.

LGBTIQA+ is the acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, asexual and ‘+’ which encompasses other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

LEAHA has been working on improving LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice for its clients, staff and community for a number of years.

The Rainbow Tick is awarded to organisations that have successfully completed an extensive accreditation process through Rainbow Health Victoria, which involves meeting a robust set of criteria that is audited by an external agency. Receiving Rainbow Tick accreditation demonstrates that all visitors to LEAHA can expect to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

LEAHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Paula Morgan said, “LEAHA recognises and values the diversity of its staff and clients, hence our aim is to be an inclusive service provider to all members of our community.”

She added, “We are so proud to achieve the Rainbow Tick, especially considering we are only the second Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) in Victoria to achieve this accreditation. Congratulations must go to all our staff on embracing this initiative to ensure the services we deliver at LEAHA are inclusive, non-discriminatory and genuinely welcoming for everyone.”