ACON 40: Our Timeline

1985 – 1995

1996 – 2005

2006 – 2015

2016 – 2025

1985 - 1995

Photo: Robert French

On 7 February 1985, at a crowded public meeting responding to the rapidly emerging HIV/AIDS crisis developing in Australia held in Sydney, ACON was formed as the AIDS Council of New South Wales. Several months later, on 18 August, ACON was made official when it was formally incorporated as an organisation.

Forty years on, ACON is still here, creating opportunities for people in our communities to live healthier and more connected lives.

The first AIDS Candlelight Vigil was held on 1 October 1985 as part of a rally in Sydney (pictured). At the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis during the mid-1990s, well over 10,000 tiny flames were carried along Oxford Street. Today, the vigil remains an important part of an annual service hosted by ACON and Positive Life NSW in remembrance of lives lost to HIV/AIDS.​

Photo: Robert French

ACON’s first-ever entry in the Mardi Gras Parade was in 1986, encouraging gay men the ‘Get Bold About Safer Sex’. ACON’s participation in the parade has continued every year since, providing a vital opportunity to deliver important health and safety messages to our communities. ​

Photo: Don Baxter

ACON integrates the volunteer-led Community Support Network (CSN) into its services to provide practical, home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The CSN becomes a cornerstone of ACON’s early support efforts, delivering meals, transport and companionship to those most in need. In 2025, it continues to support people living with HIV, marking 40 years of community care.

Images: CSN volunteers in 1988; in 2008. Photos: ACON

Safe Sex Sluts hits the streets​

ACON launches the Super Secret Society of Simply Stunning Safe Sex Sluts, one of its earliest peer-based outreach programs, consisting of a flamboyant, peer-led troupe using drag, humour and community presence to promote HIV education in clubs, bars and at community events​. Later evolving into the Sexperts, the initiative continues to thrive with trained volunteers offering support, resources and conversations about HIV and sexual health in saunas, clubs and festivals across Sydney.​

Photo: Robert French

Advocacy for HIV treatments

Following sustained and vocal advocacy, ACON successfully lobbies the NSW Government to fund antiretroviral therapy AZT, seeing NSW lead the country in ensuring supplies of the life-saving drug.

Image: ACON Executive Director Bill Whittaker at a rally outside Parliament House in 1987. Photo: Courtesy SSO/ALGA

World AIDS Day first held on 1 December​

The first World AIDS Day was held on 1 December 1998, created by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. In 1991, the red ribbon was invented in New York, becoming a powerful, enduring symbol of remembrance, solidarity and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, worn during World AIDS Day every year. Today, ACON holds the annual Red Ribbon Appeal to raise awareness and funds for HIV prevention and support programs and services in New South Wales.​

Image: ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal held in the lead up to, and on, World AIDS Day, is today an important annual awareness and fundraising campaign for HIV programs and services. ​Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna​

 

ACON launches peer education program, Fun & Esteem ​

​ The Fun & Esteem project was established to engage young gay men around HIV and sexual health through peer education workshops. Among its early facilitators was writer Timothy Conigrave, author of Holding the Man. Today, peer-led workshops are a crucial part of ACON’s education and support programs, and there are now workshops for a range of health issues, audiences and localities. ​

​Image: An ACON peer support group in 1989. Photo: Terry Bell/Courtesy ALGA

Launch of the Have a Safe Sex Summer campaign​

ACON rolls out what is considered to be its first fully realised and iconic campaign: Have a Safe Sex Summer. It was the first to promote a message of shared responsibility, emphasising that unsafe sex threatened the fabric of the gay community. ​Featuring powerful photography by community icon William Yang, the campaign became a landmark moment in HIV education, combining striking visuals with a unifying call to protect community health during the busy summer season.​

Establishment of ACON’s Rural Project​

ACON launches a Rural Project to replicate its successful HIV prevention and education work beyond Sydney, distributing safe sex pamphlets, condoms, and information at regional events, parties, and venues across NSW.​ The project focused on connecting isolated gay men in rural and regional areas, fostering peer support networks, and encouraging greater community involvement in the HIV response. This groundwork paved the way for the establishment of dedicated ACON offices and outreach that continue to operate today in multiple regional centres across NSW, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers, with outreach to Southern and Far West NSW.​

Images: ACON staff in regional NSW in the 1990s. Photos: ACON

AIDS Memorial Quilt launched on World AIDS Day

The first Sydney AIDS Memorial Quilt, comprising of 35 panels, was launched – organised by ACON’s Quilt Project. Panels – designed by families and friends – were personal memorials to those who died from AIDS. By 1993, when the quilt was unfolded at The Domain, more than 1300 people had been immortalised. By the end of the 1990s, there were more than 2500 panels.

Image: The AIDS Quilt on display at The Domain in 1993, by which time there were more than 1300 fabric panels. Photo: William Yang

ACON Hunter region branch opens

In 1988, ACON formally expanded into the Hunter region, following the dedicated efforts of local community members who had organised their own HIV/AIDS support and education group early in the epidemic. Operating without initial funding, this grassroots collective mirrored ACON’s work in Sydney, providing information, condoms, and care to those affected.

A meeting with ACON in 1988 cemented the partnership, leading to the official opening of the Hunter Region Branch. This marked the beginning of a long-standing presence in Newcastle, strengthening HIV prevention, education, and support across the region.

Northern Rivers branch opens

In 1989, ACON established a Northern Rivers branch in Lismore, building on the work of a local HIV/AIDS steering committee formed earlier by a dedicated group, featuring mostly women. The group who were working on a response to the epidemic in the region agreed to become part of ACON, creating a formal base in Lismore that strengthened HIV prevention, education, and support across the Northern Rivers.

ACON establishes mental ​health counselling​

ACON sets up its first dedicated mental health counselling team to provide culturally sensitive, LGBTQ-inclusive support, recognising the growing need for accessible mental health services within the community. ​Prior to this in the late 80s, ACON had an HIV/AIDS counselling service run by volunteers who dedicated their time to supporting the community during its darkest years.​ Today, ACON continues offers a range of in-person and telehealth counselling services across NSW.​

Photo: ACON

Sexual health campaigns for women

ACON begins actively including women in its sexual health campaigns, expanding its focus to reflect the diversity of people affected by HIV and STIs

ACON and the Sex Worker ​Outreach Project

ACON takes on management of the Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP) to help continue providing tailored HIV prevention education and support services for sex workers, addressing their unique health needs and risks. ​

​SWOP was originally established in 1983 as the Australia Prostitutes’ Collective.​ Over time, SWOP expands its advocacy to include broader sex worker rights, notably contributing to the campaign for the decriminalisation of brothels in NSW in 1995. In 2012, SWOP formally becomes an independent organisation, continuing its vital work in health promotion and rights advocacy.​

ACON starts work with Asian gay men​

ACON establishes a dedicated project for Asian gay men to address the unique sexual health and cultural needs of gay men from Asian backgrounds. Its first campaigns were delivered in-language and support groups with peer educators were set up to help provide safe sex education. ​The project continues today, providing essential HIV prevention, support and community connection.​

David McDiarmid commissioned ​for HIV prevention campaign​

ACON commissions artist and activist David McDiarmid to create five bold HIV prevention posters, blending art, activism and queer culture – an iconic campaign that remains one of the most recognisable in Australia’s HIV response.​

ACON launches ‘PositHIV Sexuality’

ACON’s PositHIV Sexuality was the first campaign in NSW to openly affirm the right of people living with HIV to have fulfilling sexual lives. It challenged stigma and discrimination by promoting informed consent, mutual respect, and safe practices, while reframing sexual health as a matter of human rights and personal agency for people living with HIV.  

Talk, Test, Test, Trust … Together and Fucking Without Condoms

In 1995, ACON broke new ground with two bold HIV prevention campaigns. Talk, Test, Test, Trust … Together encouraged gay men in relationships to consider condomless sex by promoting open communication, regular HIV testing, and mutual trust. Fucking Without Condoms offered frank, non-judgemental information on risk reduction and safer ways to connect. These were among the first campaigns in NSW to openly discuss negotiated safety as part of HIV prevention and good sexual health.  

On 7 February 1985, at a crowded public meeting responding to the rapidly emerging HIV/AIDS crisis developing in Australia held in Sydney, ACON was formed as the AIDS Council of New South Wales. Several months later, on 18 August, ACON was made official when it was formally incorporated as an organisation.

Forty years on, ACON is still here, creating opportunities for people in our communities to live healthier and more connected lives.

The first AIDS Candlelight Vigil was held on 1 October 1985 as part of a rally in Sydney (pictured). At the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis during the mid-1990s, well over 10,000 tiny flames were carried along Oxford Street. Today, the vigil remains an important part of an annual service hosted by ACON and Positive Life NSW in remembrance of lives lost to HIV/AIDS.​

Photo: Robert French

ACON’s first-ever entry in the Mardi Gras Parade was in 1986, encouraging gay men the ‘Get Bold About Safer Sex’. ACON’s participation in the parade has continued every year since, providing a vital opportunity to deliver important health and safety messages to our communities. ​

Photo: Don Baxter

ACON integrates the volunteer-led Community Support Network (CSN) into its services to provide practical, home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The CSN becomes a cornerstone of ACON’s early support efforts, delivering meals, transport and companionship to those most in need. In 2025, it continues to support people living with HIV, marking 40 years of community care.

Images: CSN volunteers in 1988; in 2008. Photos: ACON

Safe Sex Sluts hits the streets​

ACON launches the Super Secret Society of Simply Stunning Safe Sex Sluts, one of its earliest peer-based outreach programs, consisting of a flamboyant, peer-led troupe using drag, humour and community presence to promote HIV education in clubs, bars and at community events​. Later evolving into the Sexperts, the initiative continues to thrive with trained volunteers offering support, resources and conversations about HIV and sexual health in saunas, clubs and festivals across Sydney.​

Photo: Robert French

Advocacy for HIV treatments

Following sustained and vocal advocacy, ACON successfully lobbies the NSW Government to fund antiretroviral therapy AZT, seeing NSW lead the country in ensuring supplies of the life-saving drug.

Image: ACON Executive Director Bill Whittaker at a rally outside Parliament House in 1987. Photo: Courtesy SSO/ALGA

World AIDS Day first held on 1 December​

The first World AIDS Day was held on 1 December 1998, created by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. In 1991, the red ribbon was invented in New York, becoming a powerful, enduring symbol of remembrance, solidarity and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, worn during World AIDS Day every year. Today, ACON holds the annual Red Ribbon Appeal to raise awareness and funds for HIV prevention and support programs and services in New South Wales.​

Image: ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal held in the lead up to, and on, World AIDS Day, is today an important annual awareness and fundraising campaign for HIV programs and services. ​Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna​

 

ACON launches peer education program, Fun & Esteem ​

​ The Fun & Esteem project was established to engage young gay men around HIV and sexual health through peer education workshops. Among its early facilitators was writer Timothy Conigrave, author of Holding the Man. Today, peer-led workshops are a crucial part of ACON’s education and support programs, and there are now workshops for a range of health issues, audiences and localities. ​

​Image: An ACON peer support group in 1989. Photo: Terry Bell/Courtesy ALGA

Launch of the Have a Safe Sex Summer campaign​

ACON rolls out what is considered to be its first fully realised and iconic campaign: Have a Safe Sex Summer. It was the first to promote a message of shared responsibility, emphasising that unsafe sex threatened the fabric of the gay community. ​Featuring powerful photography by community icon William Yang, the campaign became a landmark moment in HIV education, combining striking visuals with a unifying call to protect community health during the busy summer season.​

Establishment of ACON’s Rural Project​

ACON launches a Rural Project to replicate its successful HIV prevention and education work beyond Sydney, distributing safe sex pamphlets, condoms, and information at regional events, parties, and venues across NSW.​ The project focused on connecting isolated gay men in rural and regional areas, fostering peer support networks, and encouraging greater community involvement in the HIV response. This groundwork paved the way for the establishment of dedicated ACON offices and outreach that continue to operate today in multiple regional centres across NSW, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers, with outreach to Southern and Far West NSW.​

Images: ACON staff in regional NSW in the 1990s. Photos: ACON

AIDS Memorial Quilt launched on World AIDS Day

The first Sydney AIDS Memorial Quilt, comprising of 35 panels, was launched – organised by ACON’s Quilt Project. Panels – designed by families and friends – were personal memorials to those who died from AIDS. By 1993, when the quilt was unfolded at The Domain, more than 1300 people had been immortalised. By the end of the 1990s, there were more than 2500 panels.

Image: The AIDS Quilt on display at The Domain in 1993, by which time there were more than 1300 fabric panels. Photo: William Yang

ACON establishes mental ​health counselling​

ACON sets up its first dedicated mental health counselling team to provide culturally sensitive, LGBTQ-inclusive support, recognising the growing need for accessible mental health services within the community. ​Prior to this in the late 80s, ACON had an HIV/AIDS counselling service run by volunteers who dedicated their time to supporting the community during its darkest years.​ Today, ACON continues offers a range of in-person and telehealth counselling services across NSW.​

Photo: ACON

Sexual health campaigns for women

ACON begins actively including women in its sexual health campaigns, expanding its focus to reflect the diversity of people affected by HIV and STIs

ACON and the Sex Worker ​Outreach Project

ACON takes on management of the Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP) to help continue providing tailored HIV prevention education and support services for sex workers, addressing their unique health needs and risks. ​

​SWOP was originally established in 1983 as the Australia Prostitutes’ Collective.​ Over time, SWOP expands its advocacy to include broader sex worker rights, notably contributing to the campaign for the decriminalisation of brothels in NSW in 1995. In 2012, SWOP formally becomes an independent organisation, continuing its vital work in health promotion and rights advocacy.​

ACON starts work with Asian gay men​

ACON establishes a dedicated project for Asian gay men to address the unique sexual health and cultural needs of gay men from Asian backgrounds. Its first campaigns were delivered in-language and support groups with peer educators were set up to help provide safe sex education. ​The project continues today, providing essential HIV prevention, support and community connection.​

David McDiarmid commissioned ​for HIV prevention campaign​

ACON commissions artist and activist David McDiarmid to create five bold HIV prevention posters, blending art, activism and queer culture – an iconic campaign that remains one of the most recognisable in Australia’s HIV response.​

ACON launches ‘PositHIV Sexuality’

ACON’s PositHIV Sexuality was the first campaign in NSW to openly affirm the right of people living with HIV to have fulfilling sexual lives. It challenged stigma and discrimination by promoting informed consent, mutual respect, and safe practices, while reframing sexual health as a matter of human rights and personal agency for people living with HIV.  

Talk, Test, Test, Trust … Together and Fucking Without Condoms

In 1995, ACON broke new ground with two bold HIV prevention campaigns. Talk, Test, Test, Trust … Together encouraged gay men in relationships to consider condomless sex by promoting open communication, regular HIV testing, and mutual trust. Fucking Without Condoms offered frank, non-judgemental information on risk reduction and safer ways to connect. These were among the first campaigns in NSW to openly discuss negotiated safety as part of HIV prevention and good sexual health.  

Photo: Robert French

1996 - 2005

Combination therapy results unveiled​ Vancouver AIDS Conference​

At the 11th International AIDS Conference in Vancouver, researchers present breakthrough results from combination antiretroviral therapy using protease inhibitors. When used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, these medications significantly reduce viral load, transforming it from a terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition and offering renewed hope worldwide. Today, ACON continues to work to improve access to HIV treatment across NSW, ensuring people living with HIV have the information, services, and support to start and maintain treatment, reach undetectable status, and live long, healthy lives.

Hand in Hand Fundraisers​

Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Hand In Hand became one of ACON’s most successful and iconic fundraisers. For 12 years, the annual event brought the LGBTQ community together for massive dance parties – often at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion – to raise money for services supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as for the broader gay and lesbian community and smaller community groups.​ These parties were part of a vibrant era where almost every Saturday night in Sydney featured a large queer dance event, with the community uniting to ensure the HIV/AIDS response was both sustainable and visible.​

Images: Hand in Hand in 1995. Photos: C Moore Hardy

Over 10,000 flames carried during Candlelight Memorial

By the mid-1990s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, tens of thousands of participants lit their candles each year in powerful displays of remembrance.

Photo: William Yang

Aboriginal Project launched ​

The ACON Aboriginal Project was formally established to provide culturally appropriate HIV and sexual health services. This includes peer education and health promotion activities delivered in partnership with other organisations. In 1998, ACON launched its first health campaign, ‘Hey You Mob’, tailored for Aboriginal LGBTQ+ communities. ​​In 2025, the project continues to operate statewide, led by Aboriginal LGBTQ+ staff and community voices.​

First Bingay held ​

ACON launches Bingay, a cheeky, camp fundraising event combining bingo, drag and community, which quickly becomes a much-loved staple of Sydney’s LGBTQ social calendar and a vital fundraiser for ACON’s work. In 2025, Bingay continues to draw crowds and support for ACON’s fundraising efforts. To date, Bingay has raised over a million dollars.​

ACON at the NSW Drug Summit​

In 1999, ACON participated in the NSW Drug Summit, contributing its expertise on harm reduction and community health. ACON advocated for evidence-based approaches to reducing drug-related harm and the spread of blood-borne viruses. ​The summit’s recommendations led to the establishment of Australia’s first legally sanctioned medically supervised injecting centre in Kings Cross in 2001 – a milestone in public health that has saved many lives. Today, harm reduction services such as ACON’s Needle and Syringe Program, which operates in Sydney, the Hunter and Northern Rivers, continue to play an important role in supporting public health outcomes. 

Image: ACON’s NSP program continue to deliver a vital public health service.

Anti-Violence Project and ACON ​

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) becomes part of ACON to respond to and prevent homophobic, transphobic and family violence, providing support for victims and advocating for systemic change in policing, policy and community safety.​ ​The AVP was originally established by the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby in 1990, when the situation across the state was bleak and groups of young men routinely hunted gay men to violently assault in and around Oxford Street.​ In 2025, work to prevent hate, abuse and violence continues through partnerships, policy reform and community safety initiatives.​

ACON takes on co-management ​of the Luncheon Club​

Following the closure of the Luncheon Club, ACON begins co-managing the long-running program with the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation to ensure the continuation of this vital service for people living with HIV. Now operating from ACON’s Surry Hills office, the Lunch Club provides nutritious meals, social connection and peer support in a safe and welcoming environment – helping reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and foster community among people with lived experience of HIV. ​The service remains an important part of ACON’s HIV support and community connection work today.​

​Image: Luncheon Club volunteers in 2009. Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna

Rovers harm reduction program starts ​

ACON Rovers begin promoting harm reduction and care at LGBTQ+ community events including 2003 Sleaze Ball and 2004 Mardi Gras Party. ​Rovers are trained volunteers who distribute resources like water and fans, encourage people to take breaks, offering support for those who may need it. Today, Rovers remain a visible, trusted and much-loved part of LGBTQ+ nightlife and festivals, helping revellers stay safe while having a good time.​

​Photos: Reg Domingo; Deep Field Photography

LGBTQ Domestic and Family ​Violence project established​

A dedicated project is launched to address domestic and family violence within LGBTQ+ communities. In 2025, it continues to provide training, resources and support for those experiencing or working to prevent LGBTQ+ DFV.​

Image: NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward (second from right) launches ACON’s first DFV strategy.​

Combination therapy results unveiled​ Vancouver AIDS Conference​

At the 11th International AIDS Conference in Vancouver, researchers present breakthrough results from combination antiretroviral therapy using protease inhibitors. When used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, these medications significantly reduce viral load, transforming it from a terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition and offering renewed hope worldwide. Today, ACON continues to work to improve access to HIV treatment across NSW, ensuring people living with HIV have the information, services, and support to start and maintain treatment, reach undetectable status, and live long, healthy lives.

Hand in Hand Fundraisers​

Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Hand In Hand became one of ACON’s most successful and iconic fundraisers. For 12 years, the annual event brought the LGBTQ community together for massive dance parties – often at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion – to raise money for services supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as for the broader gay and lesbian community and smaller community groups.​ These parties were part of a vibrant era where almost every Saturday night in Sydney featured a large queer dance event, with the community uniting to ensure the HIV/AIDS response was both sustainable and visible.​

Images: Hand in Hand in 1995. Photos: C Moore Hardy

Over 10,000 flames carried during Candlelight Memorial

By the mid-1990s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, tens of thousands of participants lit their candles each year in powerful displays of remembrance.

Photo: William Yang

Aboriginal Project launched ​

The ACON Aboriginal Project was formally established to provide culturally appropriate HIV and sexual health services. This includes peer education and health promotion activities delivered in partnership with other organisations. In 1998, ACON launched its first health campaign, ‘Hey You Mob’, tailored for Aboriginal LGBTQ+ communities. ​​In 2025, the project continues to operate statewide, led by Aboriginal LGBTQ+ staff and community voices.​

First Bingay held ​

ACON launches Bingay, a cheeky, camp fundraising event combining bingo, drag and community, which quickly becomes a much-loved staple of Sydney’s LGBTQ social calendar and a vital fundraiser for ACON’s work. In 2025, Bingay continues to draw crowds and support for ACON’s fundraising efforts. To date, Bingay has raised over a million dollars.​

ACON at the NSW Drug Summit​

In 1999, ACON participated in the NSW Drug Summit, contributing its expertise on harm reduction and community health. ACON advocated for evidence-based approaches to reducing drug-related harm and the spread of blood-borne viruses. ​The summit’s recommendations led to the establishment of Australia’s first legally sanctioned medically supervised injecting centre in Kings Cross in 2001 – a milestone in public health that has saved many lives. Today, harm reduction services such as ACON’s Needle and Syringe Program, which operates in Sydney, the Hunter and Northern Rivers, continue to play an important role in supporting public health outcomes. 

Image: ACON’s NSP program continue to deliver a vital public health service.

Anti-Violence Project and ACON ​

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) becomes part of ACON to respond to and prevent homophobic, transphobic and family violence, providing support for victims and advocating for systemic change in policing, policy and community safety.​ ​The AVP was originally established by the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby in 1990, when the situation across the state was bleak and groups of young men routinely hunted gay men to violently assault in and around Oxford Street.​ In 2025, work to prevent hate, abuse and violence continues through partnerships, policy reform and community safety initiatives.​

ACON takes on co-management ​of the Luncheon Club​

Following the closure of the Luncheon Club, ACON begins co-managing the long-running program with the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation to ensure the continuation of this vital service for people living with HIV. Now operating from ACON’s Surry Hills office, the Lunch Club provides nutritious meals, social connection and peer support in a safe and welcoming environment – helping reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and foster community among people with lived experience of HIV. ​The service remains an important part of ACON’s HIV support and community connection work today.​

​Image: Luncheon Club volunteers in 2009. Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna

Rovers harm reduction program starts ​

ACON Rovers begin promoting harm reduction and care at LGBTQ+ community events including 2003 Sleaze Ball and 2004 Mardi Gras Party. ​Rovers are trained volunteers who distribute resources like water and fans, encourage people to take breaks, offering support for those who may need it. Today, Rovers remain a visible, trusted and much-loved part of LGBTQ+ nightlife and festivals, helping revellers stay safe while having a good time.​

​Photos: Reg Domingo; Deep Field Photography

LGBTQ Domestic and Family ​Violence project established​

A dedicated project is launched to address domestic and family violence within LGBTQ+ communities. In 2025, it continues to provide training, resources and support for those experiencing or working to prevent LGBTQ+ DFV.​

Image: NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward (second from right) launches ACON’s first DFV strategy.​

Image: Luncheon Club volunteers in 2009. Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna

2006 - 2015

ACON begins supporting First Nations Mardi Gras float​ 

ACON’s Aboriginal Project begins supporting the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ First Nations float, working alongside community to increase visibility and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ people. The Aboriginal Project would later play a larger role in supporting and helping produce the float, helping to ensure it remains one of Mardi Gras’ most powerful and significant entries in the parade.​ 

Image: The First Nations Float. Photos: Rocket K Photography; Bala Luke; ​ Michela Ledwidge; Felipe Molina Dorlhiac 

First Honour Awards held ​

ACON launches the Honour Awards, a community-driven event recognising people and organisations whose work has made a significant difference to the lives of LGBTQ people in NSW. The awards continue annually, celebrating excellence, advocacy and community spirit in 2025.​

​Image: Don Baxter and Jane Marsden were the first Honour recipients. Photo: ACON​

Community Visitors Scheme begins​

ACON launches the Community Visitors Scheme to reduce social isolation among older LGBTQ+ people by connecting them with trained volunteer visitors for regular one-on-one companionship. ​

​The program offers vital emotional support and social connection to people in aged care or living independently and continues today as a trusted and compassionate part of ACON’s ageing and HIV support work across NSW.​

Image: ACON volunteers continue to provide social support to older LGBTQ people in aged care today. Photo: Reg Domingo​

Say something with This Is Oz

ACON’s This Is Oz campaign – an online photo project aimed at reducing LGBTQ discrimination and celebrating diversity – takes off with support from celebrities and community figures such as Matthew Mitcham, Ruby Rose, Christine Manfield, Poh Ling Yeow and Tim Rogers.

Establishment of Pride in Diversity ​

ACON launches Pride in Diversity, Australia’s first national not-for-profit employer program promoting LGBTQ workplace inclusion. ​

​In 2025, the program remains a national leader in LGBTQ workplace equality across all sectors with hundreds of members.​

Ending HIV campaign launched ​

ACON reframes HIV prevention through a bold, empowering public health campaign and community mobilisation initiative that has grown to become one of the most iconic brands of ACON. In 2025, Ending HIV continues to evolve with a focus on eliminating HIV transmission in NSW.

LOVE Project begins ​

ACON’s Living Older Visibly Engaged (LOVE) project is launched, focusing on the health, visibility, and inclusion of older LGBTQ+ individuals. It continues today with social events, health information, and peer connection initiatives.​

Photo: Katherine Griffiths; Deep Field Photography

ACON moves to Elizabeth Street headquarters

ACON relocates its Sydney office from Commonwealth St to Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, establishing a modern, purpose-built space to better deliver health services, support, and community programs in a more inclusive and accessible environment.​

a[TEST] clinic opens on Oxford Street

ACON launches a[TEST] on Oxford Street, a peer-led HIV and STI testing service designed to make sexual health care more accessible, fast and judgement-free for gay, bi and queer men, cis and trans. In 2025, it remains a flagship model for community-based sexual health services and sees over 6000 tests done every year at its clinics on Oxford Street and in Surry Hills and Newtown.

Reaching out to Middle Eastern and Arabic speaking​ men​

ACON expands its health promotion by launching peer workshops for Middle Eastern and Arabic speaking gay and bisexual men. The program provided culturally appropriate HIV prevention education, sexual health resources, and information on support services, creating a safe space for discussion and connection. ​Through workshops, community events, and peer-led engagement, the initiative helped reduce stigma, increase knowledge, and strengthen links between these communities and the broader HIV response in NSW.

2016 - 2025

Pride in Sport launched ​

ACON launches Pride in Sport, the first national program to support sporting organisations in making sport more inclusive and safe for LGBTQ+ players, staff and fans. It continues in 2025 to expand its work with major codes, athletes and clubs across Australia.​

PrEP advocacy and EPIC-NSW ​study begin ​

ACON plays a leading role in raising awareness of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and supporting the rollout of the groundbreaking EPIC-NSW study, which becomes one of the world’s largest implementation trials of PrEP for HIV prevention. Run in collaboration with the Kirby Institute and NSW Health, the study enrols over 9,700 participants—primarily gay and bisexual men—demonstrating the real-world effectiveness of PrEP and paving the way for its public listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2018.​

ACON expands into LGBTQ cancer prevention

ACON begins targeted cancer prevention programs for LGBTQ+ people with its first targeted campaigns on breast health and smoking cessation.

In 2025, Can We is ACON’s Cancer prevention program that has expanded to include campaigns on bowel, breast and cervical cancers, smoking cessation and the impact of alcohol consumption and cancer.

Campaigning for marriage equality ​

ACON joins national efforts to secure marriage equality, achieved in 2017. The campaign marked a significant chapter in Australia’s history of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.​

​Image: Australia votes ‘yes’ for marriage equality on 15 November 2017. ​

Publication of ACON’s ​In Pursuit of Truth & Justice report ​

ACON releases In Pursuit of Truth & Justice, a landmark report examining 88 suspected anti-LGBTQ hate killings in NSW from the late 20th century. The report continues to inform public discourse and advocacy for justice and reform and played a pivotal role in the watershed NSW Parliament’s Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes conducted in 2022 and 2023.​

ACON launches Reconciliation ​Action Plan

ACON formalises its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ communities and the national reconciliation movement with the launch of its first Reconciliation Action Plan. Today, ACON is implementing actions from its latest plan as it continues to walk the national reconciliation journey, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, acknowledge our history, build closer relationships, and to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Trans and Gender Diverse Health ​Blueprint launched ​

Australia’s first comprehensive health strategy for trans and gender diverse people is released. In following years, the Blueprint continues to guide program and policy development across NSW and informed the creation of ACON’s nation-leading TransHub project.​

Rapid COVID-19 response​

ACON swiftly adapts services with digital outreach, telehealth and food/supply deliveries during the pandemic. The experience has shaped ACON’s hybrid service delivery models into 2025.​

​Image: ACON works with multicultural community organisations to deliver supplies and provisions to CALD communities during the pandemic. Photo: Reg Domingo

Bondi Memorial unveiled ​

The Bondi Memorial artwork ‘Rise’, honouring victims of LGBTQ hate crimes, is officially unveiled in Marks Park, providing a permanent public space for remembrance, healing and reflection. ​

The unveiling of the memorial was the culmination of work undertaken by ACON, Waverley Council and community advocates since 2015 to commemorate victims of LGBTQ+ hate crimes.​

ACON continues to hold an annual sunrise service at the memorial during the Mardi Gras period to honour those affected by hate crimes and promote community solidarity.

Response to the mpox outbreak​

ACON leads community education and outreach during the global mpox health emergency. In 2025, ACON remains active in state health preparedness and outbreak response planning.​

Supporting the Special Commission of ​Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes ​

ACON plays a key role in assisting the NSW Parliament’s Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes by providing evidence, research and community consultation. In 2024, the NSW Government accepted all 19 recommendations from the Special Commission’s final report, marking another important step towards justice and healing. Today, ACON continues to advocate for justice for victims of historical hate crimes in 2025.​

​Image: ACON President Justin Koonin speaks to media about the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission’s final report in 2024.​

Kaleido Health Centre opens ​

Australia’s first integrated primary health service for LGBTQ+ communities is launched by ACON. The centre provides wraparound care in a safe, affirming and community-led environment.​

Background Image: Australia votes ‘yes’ for marriage equality on 15 November 2017. ​

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