Statement from the Chair of the Board, Craig Bell
It is with mixed feelings, but overwhelmingly pride at her achievements and confidence in the strong state of our organisation, that I announce the resignation of the Victorian Pride Centre’s inaugural CEO, Justine Dalla Riva.
After six years in the organisation, and five as CEO, Justine has decided that the time is right to turn a new page and seek a new challenge. While my Board colleagues and I cannot imagine the organisation without her, we are excited for her and for the opportunity to seek a new leader to build on the foundations of our vibrant, impactful and important organisation.
An organisation that has seen significant growth since opening and will continue to respond and evolve in challenging circumstance.
Reflecting on Justine’s Journey
Justine was one of the VPC’s first employees, starting in June 2018 as the Communications Adviser for what was then just an idea. She worked with the VPC’s first Board to realise the words, and images, that launched the organisation to the wider LGBTIQ+ community and beyond.
Justine’s passion for community, stakeholder engagement and simply “getting stuff done” shone through in that time.
She was the natural choice to act as CEO in November 2019 when our first Coordinator finished. Following a competitive process Justine was appointed as inaugural CEO in July 2020.
A Legacy of Community and Resilience
The strength of Justine’s leadership can be seen in every aspect of the organisation. She has built solid foundations, processes and relationships, from which she and the team manage the inevitable issues faced by a community organisation with no base-level government support, and complex stakeholders with sometimes divergent needs, in a stunning but comparatively new building.
Our community owes Justine a great deal and we thank her family for sharing her with us this last 6 years. Your continued support of the centre is the best way to thank Justine for her work and see our centre continue to grow and prosper.
Looking Ahead
The Board is moving quickly to begin a comprehensive recruitment process and will make announcements about that process shortly.
We will also commence planning for an appropriate event (and perhaps events!) to celebrate the significant and much-valued contribution of Justine.
Justine will continue as CEO working up until her last day which will be Friday, 8th November.
Craig Bell
Board Chair
Justine Dalla Riva and Jemma Bates 2020
Statement from VPC CEO, Justine Dalla Riva
“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Victorian Pride Centre as Acting CEO and Inaugural CEO since November 2019.
I am immensely proud of what has been achieved by our collective communities, from those who championed the need for a welcoming and inclusive space, to those that now call the Pride Centre home.
The Pride Centre is truly unique, the foundations have been laid, and we should all be proud. It will continue to serve as a hub for our communities, amplify voices and extend its impact beyond its walls. I am excited by the opportunity to take my learnings and passion for inclusion, equality and respect into new spaces and continue to advocate for everyone’s right to a place of belonging.
I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to past and present Board members, past and present staff and volunteers, resident organisations, key stakeholders and the broader community who have embraced the VPC and ensured its success.
It takes a community to create a welcoming and inclusive place of belonging and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of such a vibrant, committed and resilient community.”
Justine Dalla Riva
Chief Executive Officer
Justine Dalla Riva and Simon Ruth 2019