Our driving force is to empower LGBTIQA+ communities by addressing the isolation often experienced in rural, regional, and remote areas. We equip communities with knowledge and connections, working together to enhance individual’s well-being.
Our approach centres on local workers, partnerships, and advocacy, driving the transformation of the rural LGBTIQA+ narrative. We have developed a two-sector system—place-based and settings-based—to ensure we add real value to services and organisations at state, territory, and national levels.

RPA delivers better outcomes by understanding the distinct needs of regional, rural, and remote communities—so change works at every level.
Regional centres sit outside the capitals but still host a small ecosystem of queer support. In most of these towns you’ll find at least one dedicated LGBTIQA+ service, several community-run groups and a mix of established and emerging local leaders. Because people have more than one place to connect, the main hurdle is simply coordinating time, energy and funding so those groups can work together.
Rural towns are smaller and more dispersed. Here, very few openly LGBTIQA+ residents and allies are available, so individuals often “wear multiple hats,” running the one group or project the community can sustain. Limited leadership, safety concerns and scant resources shape almost every decision.
Remote settlements face the same constraints as rural areas, amplified by steep geographic isolation. With only a handful of LGBTIQA+ people and allies, everyone shoulders several roles and relies heavily on visiting programs and in-kind support. Spending time on the ground with locals is essential; it’s the only way to understand their circumstances and offer life-changing, life-saving connections.