Rainbow Youth has had its biggest ever turnout at its AGM, at a time of change for the queer youth support organisation. There were 61 people, including 43 voting members, at the gathering in Auckland this afternoon. Board Chair Duncan Matthews was re-elected to the role, with Aych McArdle made Deputy Chair, Samantha Vickery returning as Treasurer and Jo Gatland elected both Secretary and Transgender Rep. There are also a number of new faces on the Board. All the proposed constitutional changes were passed, including opening membership up to straight supporters of the GLBT community aged under 27. Matthews says he is excited about the new blood and can't wait to keep building on what it's started with its Five Year Plan, which was put together at the start of last term. The new Rainbow Youth Board All five of Rainbow Youth's new paid roles have been filled, with Paul Stevens hired as Fundraising Manager, Murray Riches made Campaign Manager and Sarah Murphy Centre Manager. The trio join Education Coordinator Kestin Stewart and Digital Content and Social Media Manager Toni Duder. The paid Rainbow Youth roles were revamped in the wake of the departure of Fundraising and Special Projects Manager Sam Shore and Executive Director Tom Hamilton. Hamilton was today made a Life Member of the organisation. A tribute was also paid to the late Shaun McKinney, a former Board Member who died in November, aged just 26. His mother, sister and aunt were in attendance and a pounamu was gifted in his memory.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 29th June 2013 - 5:07pm