How did you get involved with HCB?

I first joined HCB in the early 2000s during Bear Essentials 7, and kicked around for a few years before moving out of Sydney for a while. A couple of years ago I found my way back to den night and started volunteering at Kinselas and other events, was a lumberjacking poster boy for Bear Pit, and then joined the committee around six months ago.

What do you do as a committee member?

I’m HCB’s volunteer coordinator. We rely on our passionate team of volunteers to run our regular nights, Bear Essentials festival, Bear Pride, and other activities throughout the year. Since organising the volunteer shifts for this year’s Mardi Gras events, I’ve used the isolation downtime to recruit new volunteers, update our email lists and rostering processes, and celebrate National Volunteer Week. I’ve also started working on some other HCB projects that will utilise more of the skills in our community, including roles for members who want to help out but prefer to be more behind the scenes.

What’s the best thing about being on the committee? The worst?

Best things: Never-ending supply of bear hugs, getting to know the committee and members better, watching the community grow bigger and stronger, learning more about the history of HCB, and helping create a space that continues to be welcoming, safe, fun, and supportive for our community.

Worst thing: I can be VERY bad at remembering names and with over 700 members there’s a lot of remembering to do (so if I’m looking at you blankly please give me a not-so-gentle prompt

What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting involved with HCB?

I’d say go for it! It’s an excellent way to meet people (especially if like me you can be a bit shy) and give back to the community.

What do you do in between your HCB commitments?

In-between HCB work and play, you’ll find me all over the place: art galleries, beer gardens, techno clubs, nature walks, Palms (you know who you are), and sniffing around dark corners looking for mischief.

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