Attendees of an Auckland City Council LGBT network meeting last night were encouraged to apply for funding from the City for our local community events. Bruce Kilmister of Western Bays Community Board and Lindsey Rea of the Eden/Albert Community Board both assured LGBT community group facilitators present that “the funding is there – and it's about time we made our mark.” “We would love some applications for funding from our community assembled here – but we consistently lack any,” said Rea. Topics on the agenda were a discussion from Greg Morgan of Auckland City Libraries of GLBT resources throughout Auckland's library system and how to access them through their online catalogue. A resolution was passed to invite an author from the queer community to speak in a local library as an event at next year's HERO Festival. In an effort to create more LGBT business opportunities between Auckland and international cities, representatives from the International Division of Auckland City Council will be invited to the Gay Auckland Business Association's next ‘Fruits in Suits' gathering on the 4th of April. Lindsey Rea spoke about moderately priced Council properties becoming available for community groups – and encouraged LGBT groups to put themselves on the waiting list. The possibility of a lesbian museum or LGBT community centre was raised. “Unless we ask, the more we are forgotten about,” Rea told the meeting. For more information about Auckland City Council funding available and how to apply, contact Bruce Kilmister by email: bruce@bodypositive.org.nz. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)