ACON is taking over the Wharf 2 Theatre at Sydney Theatre Company to create the ACON 40 Hub. A full day featuring a series of sessions that will celebrate, reflect and allow us to share stories and connect to community and beyond.
We will be reflecting on our history and celebrating LGBTQ+ trailblazers, queer theatre, community care and more.
The ACON 40 Hub is presented in association with Sydney Theatre Company.
Here is the full ACON 40 Hub at The Wharf program:
40 Years of Community Care
10am-11am
From the early days of HIV to today, people in our communities step up to care for others who need them. In this panel discussion hosted by ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse, we explore the role of volunteer and family carers, supporting carers and how our culture of care has changed over the last 40 years. Featuring Bruce Strath and Tara Stevens.
Presented by ACON and The Carer Gateway – Benevolent Society
BOOK TICKETS HERE: 40 Years of Community Care
40 Years of Coming Out and Inviting In
12pm-1pm
Hosted by ABC journalist Mon Schafter, this panel will explore the notion of ‘coming out’ and how it takes multiple forms through diverse stories and experiences. Our guests share personal stories about choosing to share their identities with others on their own terms and the power of community. Featuring Dr. Atari Metcalf, Nina Oyama, Zoe Terakes and Ji Wallace.
Presented by ACON and Twenty10
BOOK TICKETS HERE: 40 Years of Coming Out and Inviting In
Firsts
2pm-3pm
Meet a panel of trailblazers in Australian LGBTQ+ history with FIRSTS, hosted by the ABC’s Jeremy Fernandez. This event assembles some of the nation’s pioneering advocates and changemakers who’ve opened doors and elevated visibility of the rainbow community in their respective fields. Hosted by Jeremy Fernandez and featuring Brenna Harding, Michael Kirby, Ian Roberts and Georgie Stone.
Presented by ACON and Make My Mark
40 Years of Queer Theatre
4pm-5pm
Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Mitchell Butel will host this panel discussion exploring the history of queer theatre in NSW. Featuring Tony Sheldon. Further guests to be announced.
Presented by ACON and Sydney Theatre Company
BOOK TICKETS HERE: 40 Years of Queer Theatre
Sideshow: The Legacy of Michael Matou and The Sideshow Theatre Company
6pm-7pm
Step into the glittering, defiant world of 1980s Sydney as we celebrate the legacy of Michael Matou and the Sideshow Theatre collective – a radical force in queer expression, cabaret and theatrical transcendence. Featuring Maeve Marsden, Ali McGregor, Imogen Kelly, Kanen Breen and Martin Raphael.
Presented by ACON and Fluxus
