Make the call for LGBTI support

ADVICE and assistance is now just a phone call away for Tasmania’s police, fire and ambulance staff and volunteers who identify with LGBTI communities.

Commissioner Darren Hine said the new Emergency Services Support Network would promote greater in- clusion and improve organisational awareness of LGBTIspecific issues.

“Ultimately we aim to foster organisational cultures that are truly inclusive of all our diverse groups and the creation of the Emergency Services Support Network is an important part of this,” he said.

Network support leader Senior Constable Despina Amerikanos, who identifies as LGBTI, said she was really excited to be part of the team.

“If you can’t be yourself at work, you can’t put your best foot forward,” she said.

“As a leader I will be supporting people throughout their journey and giving them an idea about what to expect in the workforce.”

SES acting regional man- ager Cheryl Ames said the service was also available to the parents of LGBTI teens.

The handbook which will guide the work of the network was prepared by all emergency services agencies, the University of Tasmania and LGBTI support and education service Working it Out. LGBTI liaison officers can be contacted via the Police Assistance Line 131 444.