Staff with smiles as bright as their rainbow dove T-shirts – and in some cases their tutus and wings – were the sparkle that made Uniting AgeWell’s stall a stand-out destination at the Midsumma Carnival over the weekend.

Over 120,000 visitors flocked to the iconic carnival at Alexandra Gardens featuring 120 stalls, pop up bars, food and diverse LGBTIQA+ acts across three stages. The carnival, which ran from 11am to 9pm on Sunday 18 January was the opening weekend of the annual three-week Midsumma Festival.

Uniting AgeWell has a decade-long involvement in Midsumma, and once again the brightly festooned stall was a statement of pride, visibility and a commitment to ensuring that every stage of life is lived authentically.

Well over 1000 people visited the stall where they chatted to 18 staff members representing various sites and services from across the organisation. Older people and those with older parents and grandparents asked a range of questions about Support at Home services, AgeWell gyms and Wellness Centres at the Community Hubs and residential care.

Some wanted to learn more about careers at Uniting AgeWell, while others wanted to find out more about volunteering opportunities. (The answer is a resounding yes! There are many opportunities to match various interests and skill sets.) There were also lots of compliments from those who have family members and friends who are customers.

Visitors came from across Melbourne, even as far afield as Geelong and Bendigo while others popped in on their way to watch the tennis at the Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena.

While the “We welcome all” rainbow fans were a hit, for those who visited with intent, they came away with something far more important: an appreciation for a not-for-profit organisation that fosters inclusion and where older Victorians can access care without hiding who they are.

Another attraction was the launched-at-Midsumma, “We welcome all” Uniting AgeWell jigsaw puzzle, with people stopping to give a hand to complete it and learn about all the sites and services that make up the Uniting AgeWell family.

Uniting AgeWell is also proudly stepping out in the Pride March through St Kilda on Sunday, 1 February with staff planning to don rainbow outfits as colourful as that of the company’s mini-bus. Yes, the bus will be sporting a giant tutu – proof that even vehicles can have pizazz.

So, see you there. We’ll be sure to give you a wave!