Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Freecall 1800 631 493 in country Victoria Talk to a trained counsellor between 6-10 pm daily and 2-10 pm Wednesdays. All counsellors are themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Your call is confidential and anonymous. Switchboard has details of more than 350 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied organisations throughout Victoria. <www.vicnet.net.au/~glswitch>

Country AIDS Network Phone (03) 5443 8355 or 0417 158 598 The peak body in HIV/AIDS & HepC in rural Victoria - information about resources in your area - rural library, meetings, events - visit <www.can.org.au>

BALLARAT ZARQUE ..... 14-24 year olds ..... contact Brendan Sartori on 03 5320 5645 or E-mail <brendansartori@ballarat.vic.gov.au> or <cassielindsey@ballarat.vic.gov.au> B GLAD..... a group focussing on diversity & inclusiveness, offering support and opportunities for social interaction ..... meetings & social night every Thursday ..... contact <bglad@bglad.org.au> ..... youth group E-mail <youthgroup@bglad.org.au> ..... or visit <www.bglad.org.au> GABRIELLE'S PLACE.....monthly social venue for lesbians.....1st Monday.....library available.....contact Ballarat Community Health Centre on (03) 5335 7801

BENDIGO GAY SOCIETY .....mixed gay men & women support and social group.....newsletter, fortnightly coffee nights, monthly functions.....phone (03) 5443 8187

CASTLEMAINE Regular social functions and informal get-togethers.....contact Anthony on 03 5470 5966

WayOut: Central Victorian Youth & Sexuality Diversity Project (covering Macedon Ranges, Mt Alexander, Central Goldfields & Bendigo Shire) ..... contact Sue Hackney (Mon-Thurs) on 5422 3011 or 0428 347 407 or E-mail <shackney@cobaw.vic.gov.au> CENTRAL VICTORIAN LESBIAN NETWORK .....providing opportunities for lesbians in Central Victoria to meet monthly for friendship, support and social activities.....(03) 5427 1876

GEELONG BENT@DEAKIN.....social group for gay/bi guys & girls studying at Deakin Uni.....meets off campus twice monthly ..... visit <www.deakin.edu.au/bent/> or E-mail <bent@deakin.edu.au> GASP.....for SSA young people aged 14-25.....information, support, referral opportunities, safe environment. Contact Youth Services, Old Post Office, cnr Ryrie & Gherringhap Sts, phone David Burke on 03 5227 0699 or E-mail <dburke@geelongcity.vic.gov.au> GEELONG LESBIAN GROUP.....Social/support group .....contact PO Box 2050 Geelong 3220 or phone Patt on 5250 1273 or Rose on 5229 9548 or E-mail <patt@jlink.net>

GIPPSLAND GAY and LESBIAN NETWORK .....regular meetings in Orbost, Bairnsdale, Warragul, Venus Bay, Morwell Contact GippyGals PO Box 848, Morwell 3840 or phone Mick on 03 5626 1416 or Heather on 03 5174 8106 or visit <www.ggln.com.au>

GOULBURN VALLEY GAY & LESBIAN GROUP .....providing social opportunities in Northern Victoria.....ph. (03) 5821 9466 GOULBURN VALLEY HIV RESOURCE GROUP .....counselling, homecare, community support and education in Northern Victoria.....Ph (03) 5821 1744 RU12 .....a GLBT community group for the Lower Hume Region .....contact Frank 0407 856 391 or Margie 5784 1306 or visit <www.ru12.info>

MILDURA GAY & LESBIAN FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP .....lesbians, gay men, family & friends of all ages.....meets 1st Thursday.....regular social functions.....call (03) 5023 1332 or (03) 5023 4713

MORNINGTON PENINSULA MORNINGTON PENINSULA LESBIAN NETWORK.....social group meeting 1st Tuesday at Mt Martha.....Ph Sue on 9783 3211 (BH) PENINSULA GUYS.....for gay/bisexual men.....meets every Thursday in Frankston.....informal discussions/information/social activities..... contact Ian on 0411 228 142 or Graeme on 9769 6331

WODONGA   HUME PHOENIX INC.  ..... contact PO Box 1155 Albury NSW 2640 or visit <humephoenix.dorothycentral.com>

No group in your area??? Perhaps if you don't tell 'them', 'they' will think there is no need. Perhaps 'they' think there are no SSAY in their area. We know differently, but a lot of straight people are just not aware! Ask at your local youth resource centre or community health centre or council offices. You won't have to 'out' yourself to do so - all you have to do is ask at the desk to speak to a youth worker about a confidential matter (and youth workers will respect your privacy) and show them that there is a need. Perhaps referring them to this site might help.......and perhaps your efforts might result in your area appearing next on the above list......that's how YAP started in Frankston! Good luck. ...... a little too daunting perhaps .... try contacting Deb Barned, Rural GLBT Youth Outreach Worker, based at the ALSO Foundation in Prahran, by telephoning (03) 9510 5569

. . . . . .more coming soon don't you know!!!