Fri 25 Apr 2014 In: Our Communities View at Wayback View at NDHA
To mark ANZAC Day, we’re getting to know some of the members of OverWatch a little better. They’ve posted some neat profiles on their Facebook page, and we’re sharing a few. Chair Stu Pearce "Hi. My name's Stu and I'm a Squadron Leader Engineer in the RNZAF based in Wellington. I am very proud to also be the current Chair of Overwatch. A big part of my role is engaging with Command and the NZDF Wellbeing organisation. I work closely with the Defence Personnel Executive and other agencies here in NZ and overseas to ensure the support GLBTI members of the NZDF get is the very best it can be. I am very fortunate to work with a dedicated and capable team of Service and Regional representatives who work to feedback information on what's going on on the bases, ships and camps around NZ and who act as a primary point of contact for our people. If you have any questions about being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, are a Commander or NCO responsible for the wellbeing of your staff and perhaps have questions surrounding gender identity or orientation, talk to us. We're here to help." Lucy Jordan “My name is Lucy Jordan and I'm a Sergeant photographer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. I am the Manager of the Photographic Section at RNZAF Base Ohakea and have enjoyed a diverse and exciting career promoting the activities and people of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). I have been involved with OverWatch for the last couple of years as the Transgender rep. I transitioned from male to female in 2011 and haven't looked back since. It was with considerable pride that I represented the NZDF in Wellington's 'Out in the Square' festival and the incredible 2013 Auckland Pride Parade with my amazing uniformed and civilian LGBT colleagues and their supporters. I am currently working on some official guidelines for personnel seeking to transition in the Service and have some good contacts with other transgendered personnel in overseas Militaries." Matt Boulton "Hi, I'm Matt Boulton - Communication Manager for the NZ Army, and for OverWatch. These are two roles I relish. As an out, and outspoken, gay man I joined the NZ Defence Force with some nervousness: how would they cope with 'someone like me'? In fact - that's a question I asked at my interview. The Colonel on my interview panel said to me "as long as you do your job well, you're part of my team. End of story". I can happily report that, so far, he has been right. I wanted to join OverWatch and help build its profile and reputation. Working alongside the rest of the management group I think we are achieving that - something we as an organisation should be proud of. From a personal perspective, I am pretty laid back and easy to approach. If anyone has any questions, wants to raise concerns, or just wants a second opinion, I'm happy to help.” Philip Walker "Hello, I'm Philip Walker. I resigned as an Army Officer and took up my current appointment as the NZDF Category Manager (Maintenance, Repair GayNZ.com staff - 25th April 2014