Celebrating diversity in Brisbane
Wednesday June 15, 2016

Celebrating diversity in Brisbane

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
On the same night as awful events were occurring halfway around the world, in Brisbane we celebrated with Queen’s Ball, one of the oldest celebrations for LGBTI people in the world.

 With Wil Alam, Lia Volpe and Emile McPhee after LGBTI Legal Service won its award.

Alas, I was not awarded with Activist of the Year this year. The Activist of the Year instead was the very worthy Emile McPhee. Emile works for the large law firm McCullagh Robertson and in his spare time is the co-ordinator of the still unfunded LGBTI Legal Service. Talk about a well deserved award!

I was delighted also that LGBTI Legal Service was awarded community organisation of the year. I put my all in at the inception of that service to get other lawyers to volunteer along with me. It is such a great organisation, and truly deserved its award.

The other significant community awardees were:

  • Ally of the Year- the ever going Shelley Argent from PFLAG
  • Young Person of the Year- law student Ben English from QUT
  • Lifetime achievement award- to Bill Rutkin, who has been activist in this space for as longas I can recall- which is a LONG time!

Congratulations to all who received awards, and those who were nominated. It is poignant to reflect and see what Brisbane celebrated turned into grief on the other side of the world.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen
Importing Eggs into Australia. Where Do They Come From?

Importing Eggs into Australia. Where Do They Come From?

In this video, Page Provan Director, Stephen Page, dives into the egg-sport reality of Australia’s fertility landscape. With a shortage of local egg donors, many Aussie hopefuls are turning overseas to make their dreams of parenthood a reality.

Importing & Exporting Eggs, Sperm & Embryos into and out of Australia

Importing & Exporting Eggs, Sperm & Embryos into and out of Australia

In this video, world-renowned fertility and family lawyer Stephen Page walks you through the complicated legal maze of importing and exporting reproductive materials across Australia’s states and territories.

Surrogacy 101: A Growing Families Presentation by Stephen Page

Surrogacy remains a complex and evolving area of law in Australia, with strict regulations governing both domestic and international arrangements. While many intended parents seek surrogacy overseas, legal restrictions—such as prohibitions on commercial surrogacy and criminal penalties in some states—make it essential to understand the risks and legal implications.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board