One of the AIDS Foundation's longest-serving staff members is to bow out after sixteen years of "beyond the call of duty" service. NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier says that Vivienne's resignation has been received with regret, as she was a passionate advocate for the work of the Foundation, helping to build and maintain an administrative network essential to facilitating the work frontline staff. "Vivienne is an outstanding example of the sort of people who come to the foundation and end up making its work their passion," LeMesurier says. "She started as an accounts clerk and worked her way up to Manager of Administration and Support Services. In those years she has treated the NZAF as much more than a nine-to-five job." Mrs Javins, who leaves in February to start a motel business in Paihia with her husband and son, has seen many changes over her time at the Foundation. "I remember in the early days having to ring the bank to beg them to cover our wages because there wasn't enough money!" she says. "Now we have Government contracts and are recognised as a world leader in HIV prevention, education and support. The job's still not done, of course, people are still getting infected with HIV, there's still a lot to do for those living with the virus, but it is time me and my family went on to do something for ourselves."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 27th January 2006 - 12:00pm