Champion of inclusion and regional pride
GV Pride is mourning the loss of its dedicated president, Deb Chumbley, who led the organisation from 2020 until her recent passing. Deb’s leadership was defined by compassion, conviction and a deep commitment to inclusion.
She helped grow GV Pride into one of the most inclusive peer-led LGBTIQA+ groups in the country, always centring First Nations voices, people with disability, and culturally diverse communities. Through her work, the GV Pride Hub became a lifeline — offering connection, support and advocacy across the Goulburn Valley.
Deb was also a founding member of Echuca Moama Pride and served on the global InterPride Oceania committee, where she made history by lighting up Echuca Town Hall in rainbow for the first time. She championed inclusive healthcare, proudly fronting campaigns to encourage breast screening for LGBTI+ people and graduated from the Victorian Government’s LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program.
Whether planning OUTintheOPEN Festival or distributing rainbow stickers across Campaspe, Deb created spaces across our region where all could feel seen and valued.
