Getting there

Just a quick update: Ken has now found somewhere to live close to his work, and says he had a good day in court Wednesday.

The court gave Ken another two weeks in which to find witnesses to testify on his behalf in his case against the Dept. of Sustainability & Environment.

However, so far no-one in Mansfield is willing to testify, for a variety of reasons.

Some are fearful of losing their jobs. Some just wish Ken would give up. Ken is loath to do so because that would mean he finally has to give up on his dream of getting his family home back.

But at this stage the reality is, that without witnesses, the case will not get up in court.

The good news is that although he won't be able to go back to the family home and life as he knew it in Mansfield, with a place to live and a job, he now has the beginnings of a new life in Melbourne, and is beginning to move forward.

On the AFL front, however, Kens case progresses well. Although the VCFL and VFL are onside, the AFL continues recalcitrant, because they are angry at The RJM Trust and Rob Mitchell for championing Ken's case and insisting they have overall responsibility. But pressure on them is mounting.

Jason Akermanis wrote about the issue of gays in footy on his Herald Sun blog - please take a moment to read it and give him a pat on the back for having the courage to at least talk about the issue.

State Labor MP for Albert Park, Martin Foley, tabled motions inviting the Liberals to join Labor in condemning Jeff Kennetts remarks on Kens case, earning the wrath of Denis Napthine among others. I am reminded of UK politician Dennis Healey, who once said that being attacked by his opposite number on the Tory benches was 'like being savaged by a sheep.' I expect Martin's experience was similar!

Martin Foley's motions read:

this House condemns the former Liberal Premier of Victoria , President of the Hawthorn Football Club and Lord Mayor aspirant ,Jeff Kennett for his recent comments equating the presence of bi-sexual people in community organisations to having a ‘paedophile as a masseur in a football club’;

this House calls upon the Leader of the State Opposition to distance himself from the comments of the former Leader of the Liberal Party attacking our bisexual community and in so doing asks him to note that these types of remarks to the extent to which they go unchallenged can profoundly and adversely impact on the lives of lesbian gay and bi sexual members of our community;

this House calls upon the leader of the Opposition to take a public stand against the type comments and acts of homophobic vilification as reflected in the Former Liberal Leader Jeff Kennett’s comments and to take a step to protect the health and well being of all of those in our community

Please would you also take a moment to thanks Martin for his support martin.foley@parliament.vic.gov.au.

Support has also come from Greens member Sue Pennicuik, and Labor member Steve Herbert. And several Liberal members from both houses have written to me privately asking for more information on homophobia in rural areas, and expressing exasperation at Kennetts ill-thought remarks and his refusal to withdraw them or apologise.

Some of them have also privately congratulated Martin on his motions.

There will be more pressure on the AFL with an imminent announcement this weekend - watch this space.

Bent TV Special

Bent TV did an extended interview with Ken on Saturday for a one-hour special to be aired on Channel 31 and YouTube. The team plan to travel to Mansfield and interview some of the other people involved. No date has yet been fixed for transmission.
In other news, Anne Mitchell of Gay & Lesbian Health Victoria, Nick Tollhurst of Beyond Blue, Rob Mitchell and Doug Pollard of the RJM Trust met with the board of the Victorian Country Football League at the MCG Friday.
Ann gave an impressive presentation outlining the research on the impact of homophobia on young people, especially in rural areas.
The board reacted very positively and are keen to work with the gay community on developing programs within country football to tackle the issue. Further contacts are planned in the near future. Expect to hear more on this soon.
Of course, while all very positive for the future, this doesn't help Ken's current situation, and that still needs urgent improvement.
As mentioned elsewhere, Kens next hearing regarding his cases against the Department of Sustainbility and Environment has been postponed to September. This is disappointing but unavoidable, as the DSE case is the main game and the sooner we can reach a resolution the better.
Meanwhile thanks to all of you who have donated to help Ken: for those of you who haven't, the details of the bank account are at the top left of this page. And if anyone can help with accommodation and work for Ken, preferably but not necessarily in the Mansfield area, please get in touch.

Donate for Ken!

Ken Campagnolo Fund Launched

Many people have asked what they can do to help Ken while he battles to win his rights. In response the RJM Trust has now set up a special fund where you can deposit money to help and support Ken.

Donations will only be used to help Ken practically and directly, not for campaigning. Make your donation to:

R J M Trust Ken Campagnolo Fund
St George Bank South Melbourne
BSB 113-879
A/c No.: 429044701

And please email me with your details so we can keep our records in order, and also say thank you!!

Thanks you all for your help, support and above all the encouragement, which Ken really appreciates. He has already has a win with the Victorian Country Football League, and negotiations are now beginning with the VFL and AFL. We will win through but in the meantime Ken needs all the help he can get.

His home has now been repossessed and will shortly be put up for auction to meet his debts. As a distress sale it’s unlikely to make full market value, which only adds to the injustice. We’ll keep you posted.

Doug Pollard
RJM Trust

Homophobia Hypocrisy

Yesterday a seminar was held at Mansfield Town Hall, led by Sue Hackney of rural gay youth outreach program Way Out.
The seminar was supported by shire mayor Marg Attley. She said it took a whole community working together to change and stop nurturing homophobic attitudes. Great words. However, she has not lifted a finger to help the most visible victim of homophobia in her town, Ken Campagnolo.
When confronted by questioners she could not explain why the council had made no efforts to help Ken in his struggle with the DSE and the Bonnie Doon football club.
When reporters from the paper later attempted to question her on the issue they were told she had gone to Melbourne for three days - although it is reported that she was in the next room at the time, and could be glimpsed through a glass door.
Efforts to combat homophobia in rural areas and save young people from isolation and self-harm will founder unless local community organisations such as the football and netball clubs are front and centre in the effort.
Instead Ken, who trained many young footballers over the years, continues to suffer without any support from the local politicians who pay lip service to the notion of combatting prejudice.

Quick update

I will make a more detailed post later, but it appears matters are finally moving in Ken Campagnolo's fight.
At a recent VEOHRC hearing the Bonnie Doon Football Club (BDFC) were not prepared to make a public apology to Ken for the hurt and harm caused as a result of their sacking him as a trainer.
But at the direction of the commission, the RJM Trust is now working on a draft public apology for the BDFC, VCFL, VFL and AFL to sign. This will form the basis of further negotiations.
Ken is not seeking compensation, only the restoration of his good name and reputation, and reinstatement at the club in his former position.
The Mansfield Courier has today published a full account of his case, and tomorrow Sue Hackney of rural gay youth outreach group Way Out will hold a two hour information session on the impact of homophobia at Mansfield Town Hall, supported by the Mayor.