Are you looking to connect with other local queer young people? Do you have a passion for a more inclusive society and want to do something about it? Well, we have the program for you!

Get involved with FUSE

WHERE

Koonarra Hall (7 Balwyn Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105)

WHEN

Thursday 5.30pm–7.30pm from
7 March 2024 to end of June 2024

WHO

Queers, trans, gender diverse and questioning people aged 16 – 22

a colourful image with the words FUSE LGBTIQA+ LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, a QR code leading to the web page, and illustrated people of different ethncities, body shapes and genders surrounded by lots of queer, nonbinary, trans and intersex flags

FUSE is a space for diverse queer young people to meet, make friends, work on a project together and have fun!

This program is designed, developed and delivered through a queer lens by peer-workers from the LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent communities who understand the issues that queer young people face. We believe in the power and potential of us as young people to change the world to one that we all want to live in. So this project is about connecting queer youth in the Manningham area with each other, in all our diversity, to work on a community project.

 

More info?

Email fuse@intertwine.org.au or text 0421 448 627

Register for fuse today!

Parental consent for under-18s

Does your parent need an interpreter?

I am:

Do any of the following apply?

Who’s running this program?

Meet some of our friendly team! 

Khoi

Khoi

project officer

Khoi has worked as a secondary school teacher and also as part of the Safe Schools program for the Department of Education. These roles, and their broader life experiences as a queer person of colour, have driven a passion for supporting LGBTIQA+ young people to live their best lives.

Chloe/Frankie

Chloe/Frankie

peer worker

Chloe (sometimes called Frankie) is a queer, neurodiverse young person, who delights in supporting other young people to explore their own identity and space in the world. When they’re not madly finishing assignments, they can usually be found playing celtic fiddle, doing queer partner dancing, or knitting socks.

Fiona

Fiona

project officer

Fiona is the eldest daughter of an immigrant family. She studied social work, sometimes works in women’s health, and has about 5 different craft projects going on at any one time. She feels less hopeless about the world because young people are the best. 
Ro

Ro

facilitator

Ro is ancient but knows stuff. Just think of xyr as a queer elder. Xe used to be a journalist and has worked for Greenspeace and Amnesty International among many others. Xe is a secret poet. Xe lives in Templestowe with xyr teenager, their dog Lily and their cat Dara.

How can I sign up?

There are many ways you can sign up:

Referrals welcome from service providers and schools via fuse@intertwine.org.au

What’s the deadline to sign up?

Deadline extended! Our first session will now take place on Thursday 7 March  and we want everyone to have enough time to know what to expect of the program once they’re in. Please sign up as soon as you can.

How long is the program?

The program runs every Thursday (except for school holidays) from Thursday 29 February 2024 to the end of June 2024.

Do I have to attend every workshop?

Obviously there are times when life gets in the way of what you want to do. That’s fine – joining in something like this shouldn’t cause stress for you. But we reckon the more you attend, the more you’ll get out of it…

What does it cost?

Taking part in this program is FREE thanks to funding from Manningham Council.

I have accessibility requirements, can I still attend?

Yes! The weekly workshops are held at Koonarra Hall, which is wheelchair accessible. We will be updating this section with more detailed information about the venue’s accessibility. If you have any specific requirements or questions, please get in touch with us at fuse@intertwine.org.au 

  • Take a virtual tour of the venue here:

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/uWoaIwowfGw https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/venues/koonarra-hall

Will there be food?

Yes, of course — every week we’ll have yummy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. 

What does FUSE stand for?

Either Finding Unity in Shared Experience or Fiercely Uplifting Serious Excellence, whichever one you think is less cringe. 🙂

What do you mean by diversity?

We all have different experiences of the world but you’d be surprised how much we have in common. This program is primarily for LGBTIQA+ young people with intersecting experiences — maybe you’re autistic or have ADHD, maybe you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or use a wheelchair or a combination of those things. Everyone is welcome at FUSE!

I'm a parent/guardian with some queries

No problem — we’d love to talk. Please email fiona@intertwine.org.au and she’ll email you back or call if you send a phone number. All the facilitators and peer workers have Working with Children checks and we’re happy to answer any other queries you have.

fuse is made possible by

This project was proudly supported by Manningham Council’s Community Grant Program

& intertwine

Sign up to stay in touch

You'll get early access to resources, discounts for training, invitations to join our regular events and more.

Yay! Welcome to the crew.