Support your local GLITF

The Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force of South Australia (GLITF SA) is holding its third annual Asian Banquet, and we’re all invited. Ron Hughes talks with GLITF SA president Meredith Gray.

GLITF SA will be hosting its third Annual Asian Banquet on September 15. In the past, over 100 guests have come together to celebrate and support the volunteer organisation’s aims and achievements. And this year shall be no different.

To be held at Ming’s Palace, the committee will welcome Adelaide’s LGBT community to feast upon 11 courses of delight while mixing with the culturally diverse group. There will also be a raffle with over 20 exciting and unique prizes, due to generous contributions by GLITF SA members and their supporters.

Previous banquets have attracted members, their friends, and families, but this year GLITF SA is extending the invitation to the wider community in order to recognise its growing support.

According to Meredith Gray, president of GLITF SA, the Asian Banquet is one way to enrich and solidify the network which keeps GLITF SA providing migration support and settlement services to same-sex partners.

For more than twenty years, volunteers of GLITF SA have supported Australian or New Zealand citizens through the migration process to bring their foreign partners to settle in Australia, while ensuring that immigration policy takes into account the needs of LGBT people. Once partners have been brought together, GLITF SA assists members to settle actively in South Australia.

This process, Gray says, is more than providing a support network; they also offer avenues to make sure the transition and adjustment runs as smoothly as possible. Directing members to beneficial services, especially those related to education, health and employment, makes sure members are supported after residency has been granted.

GLITF SA conducts regular information forums where the general public are welcome to attend, Helping Hands Sessions where the group provides assistance in making and filling in applications, and social events where the group connects  with other LGBT friendly services and networks.

“Due to the shared and common difficulties faced by bi-national couples, the organisation’s strength lies within the understanding and assistance existing throughout the membership,” Gray says.

“With a genuine desire to support, GLITF SA has watched many of its members overcome difficulties to thrive in their new home lands, making volunteering and involvement extremely rewarding.”

So book a seat or a table to ensure your part in the celebration and history of GLITF SA’s achievements.

Menu and Event Details: www.sa.glitf.org.au/banquet.html Booking Enquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Members: $45 pp., Non-members $50 pp. and tables of 10 p. $450