| ALSO Awards' night of nights |
| Written by Rachel Cook |
| Wednesday, 26 November 2008 16:50 |
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The first annual ALSO Awards have been hailed a success by organisers. The awards, held Monday night, recognised the achievements of people and organisations within the GLBT community. Over 400 people attended the awards, and ALSO Foundation CEO Lyn Morgain said the event “exceeded all expectations”. “We had a vision for the event, and you never know until you’re in the middle of it whether you have realised it or not,” Morgain said. “We are absolutely delighted that we had the vision and capacity to do this and it’s really humbling, the range and number of senior and influential members of our community who have come forward with praise.” Morgain has flagged the possibility of changes to the voting system for next year’s awards due to community feedback that suggested the nominee selection process was not broad enough. “A panel of judges set the short-list and the feedback was that people weren’t rapt with that, they felt it could have been more open. “In terms of administration that will be more complex, but we will have more time next year so that won’t be a problem.” The ALSO Foundation Appreciation Award went to Dr Lynne Hillier for research into same-sex attracted youth. Hillier accepted the award to rousing applause from the audience. “Seeing the enormous respect that Lynne received was so powerful,” Morgain said. “There are those of us who live in the lime-light and some who just get on with the job, and that’s Lynne.” Morgain said it was heartening that people without high profiles were also recognised. “Awards can be bittersweet, as every single nominee needs our respect and some people were recognised who are less well known in the community and that’s a thrill for me.” Bruce McKenzie from DT’s Hotel in Richmond received the Lifetime Achievement Award. “To be honest, I was absolutely stunned,” McKenzie told MCV. McKenzie, who has worked at DT’s for over 13 years, said several people had approached him with positive feedback. “People felt I deserved it, which was nice. It seems that getting people drunk for many years is a popular thing to do. “And I’ve enjoyed my job. I’ve seen them turn 18 when they first came out, now many of those people are in their thirties and forties. I’ve seen them go through births, deaths, marriages the whole lot.” To view images of the Awards night go here. You must be registered to view image galleries. The winners of the ALSO Awards 2008 are...Most Outstanding Community Campaign: Drama Down Under (Victorian AIDS Council) Most Outstanding Community Contribution: 1st Asia Pacific OutGames Most Outstanding Emerging Group, Network or Organisation: Gay Dads Most Outstanding Business: Hares & Hyenas Most Outstanding Community Event: Midsumma Festival Most Outstanding Media: JOY 94.9 Most Popular Venue Personality or Worker: Bumpy Most Popular DJ: Miss Eleni Most Popular performer (non drag): Luke Gallagher Most Popular Show: Classics @ The Greyhound Most Popular Costumier: Rita Le Coqueater Most Popular Drag Performer: Nova China Most Popular One Nighter or Alternative Venue: Abode Most Popular Venue: The Peel Quiet Achiever: Felicity Marlowe (Love Makes a Family & Rainbow Families Council) and Ken Campagnolo (bisexual football trainer) Screaming Achiever: The Colonel (Abode) ALSO Appreciation Award: Dr Lynne Hillier for research into SSA youth Lifetime Achievement Award: Bruce McKenzie (DT’s Hotel)
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Comments (1)
Congratulations!
written by Lex Coleman , November 27, 2008 Congratulations all round to the organisors, everyone working hard behind the scenes, all of those nominated, the heroic winners and the people that took time to vote for their favourites. It's great to see people being acknowledged for their dedication and hard work. Special wishes to the folks at Abode and to my favourite girlfriend, Miss Eleni. report abuse
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