The President’s Award was established to recognise the contribution made by an individual or organisation that has strengthened JOY through their extraordinary commitment and contribution to JOY, and the wider LGBTQIA+ communities
This award is presented at the discretion of the JOY President.
2023
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Todd Fernando
Todd was appointed Victoria’s second LGBTIQA+ Commissioner in 2021. For all of this time, he has been an incredibly strong and tireless advocate for our LGBTIQA+ community. As an advocate for justice and equality, the remit has been large; Todd has engaged across the state of Victoria. Todd’s support for JOY and his role in advocating and securing funding for JOY during COVID and after has been incredibly significant, and JOY would not be in the position it is in today without that support. Todd has announced his retirement from the LGBTIQA+ Commissioner’s role, and despite this I know that we will benefit from his advice and support in years to come.
2022
Ande K
Ande has been a JOY member of many years, and has been a tireless contributor both on air and off air to JOY’s culture and mission.
Ande has produced a number of artworks for JOY over the years that have been successfully auctioned, providing significant levels of financial support for JOY. He has taken on doing a daytime onair shift on a number of occasions at short notice, as well as producing and presenting Black, White and Rainbow.
2021
Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Honourable Sally Capp
As a JOY Ambassador Lord Mayor Sally Capp has tirelessly supported the work and goals of JOY both as an individual and as Lord Mayor of Melbourne. The City of Melbourne under Sally’s leadership has been incredibly supportive of JOY as our Landlord at City Village. The equality and recognition initiatives of the City of Melbourne have set a benchmark for local Government support and recognition of our LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. It is with great pleasure that we recognise your leadership with the 2021 Presidents Award.
2020
Hon. Martin Foley MP
JOY awarded Hon. Martin Foley MP, Minister for Health and Equality, the inaugural President’s Award, in recognition for his extraordinary commitment and contribution to JOY and to the LGBTIQA+ community.
Minister Foley was the guest speaker at the (AGM) meeting, where he highlighted the achievements of the community to date, and the importance of continued work in building a more inclusive Australia.
