VAC/GMHC Ltd
VAC/GMHC Ltd is an Australian not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee, operating as a registered charity. It holds tax concession status under Australian regulations, including GST concessions[3]. The organisation traces its roots to the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) and the Gay Men’s Health Centre (GMHC), which emerged in the 1980s to address HIV/AIDS in Victoria through community-led initiatives[5].

History
Founded in the early 1980s, VAC arose from communities disproportionately affected by HIV. It later established the Gay Men’s Health Centre as a parallel entity, with both organisations operating under a shared governance structure[5]. In 2022, the entities transitioned into a dual-company model: VAC/GMHC Ltd as the parent entity and Thorne Harbour Health Ltd as its operational subsidiary, retaining member-controlled governance[5].

Structure and Governance
VAC/GMHC Ltd operates under a constitution that mandates its not-for-profit status and public benefit focus[4]. Governance is managed by a board elected from its membership base, preserving community representation in decision-making[5]. The organisation maintains an investment committee responsible for managing financial resources to support its long-term objectives[5].

Activities
While originally focused on HIV prevention and support for people living with HIV, the organisation has expanded its scope to advocate for health equity across diverse gender, sex, and sexuality communities[5]. Its mission emphasizes equal rights, social participation, and dignity for marginalized groups[5].

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3e92ca9b-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3e92ca9b-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/e5053e65-45c8-e811-a963-000d3ad24a0d [3] https://abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View/87652472253 [4] https://thorneharbour.org/documents/782/VAC_GMHC_Ltd_Constitution__Aug_2022.pdf [5] https://thorneharbour.org/news-events/news/investment-committee-opportunity/