Alice's Garage

Alice’s Garage is a social enterprise empowering older LGBTQIA+ people. We strengthen the voices of older LGBTQIA+ people, draw on their knowledge and skills to address the challenges they face and build communities where LGBTQIA+ phobia and ageism are addressed. Our purpose is to address the inequalities older LGBTQIA+ people face related to ageism and the legacies of our LGBTQIA+ phobic histories. Our vision is to build a sense of Place, belonging and community connection for older LGBTQIA+ people – and to inspire others to do the same. Alice’s Garage is part of the Celebrate Ageing Program, a social enterprise challenging ageism and building respect for older people. 

The Garage pays homage to Alice Anderson, a motor mechanic who set up an all female motor service in Kew in 1919. Alice was described as ‘unconventional’ – women were not expected to be independent and a garage was considered men's business. Undeterred, Alice provided training and opportunities for women to work as pupil mechanics; she also offered women driving classes, mechanical instruction and the opportunity to work alongside mechanics on their own cars. We recognise Alice empowered women with information, opportunities and respect for their capacities. Almost 100 years later we build on Alice’s principles to empower LGBTQIA+ elders through information, opportunities and respect for their capacity for autonomy.