Living Positive Victoria appoints new Positive Speakers Bureau Coordinator

Living Positive Victoria has appointed David O’Keeffe to the role of Positive Speakers Bureau Coordinator.

In this role, David will be responsible for the day to day management of Living Positive Victoria’s Positive Speakers Bureau and take the lead in the planning, implementation and delivery of the organisation’s major events such as the World AIDS Day Community Forum and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, both of which are designed to emphasise the Meaningful Involvement of People with HIV principle (MIPA).

Living Positive Victoria CEO, Richard Keane, welcomes David to the role by saying “on behalf of the staff and board of Living Positive Victoria, I am thrilled to announce that the successful applicant for the role of Positive Speakers Bureau Coordinator is David O’Keeffe. After an extensive search and interview process that shortlisted four very strong candidates, I believe that David’s maturity, empathy and extensive skill set will inhabit this position perfectly and ensure the growth and continuity of one of the key program areas of this organisation. I am excited to have David as a part of our team, where he will help to develop an ever-diversified range of personal narratives and lived-experiences that will continue to challenge the myths and perceptions around living with HIV in 2019.“

In accepting the position, David said that he “feels very privileged to take on the role of the Positive Speakers Bureau Coordinator. Having worked in research, community organisations and education, I hope use my skills to help members of the Public Speakers Bureau to be advocates for change by telling their stories and lived-experiences of HIV. Two key aims I would like to achieve in this role are to see the greater involvement of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds having a greater involvement at LPV and to harness the experience and wisdom of our elders in breaking down the stereotypes and myths surrounding ageing with HIV.”

David will bring not only knowledge and experience of the HIV sector, but new ideas to the organisation that will continue to connect the Positive Speakers Bureau across all of Living Positive Victoria’s programs, services and resources.

Living Positive Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.