“In 1998, the work of ACON was waaaay ahead of the world. Jon Sweeney (RIP) and I were first employees as educators at beats in Western Sydney in the fully funded, world first Beats Project which I worked at for the following five years. Beat workers were HIV/AIDS educators reaching out to sexually active men of diverse sexualities at beats in the Western Suburbs, educating and if required referring people onto organisations where they may receive help, like the Community Support Network, Sexual Health Clinics, or ACON’s other projects such as Mature Aged Gays, as many were not connected to ‘the community’.
During that time I was on the committee for the first Hand in Hand party, a great success which continued for many years to raise money for ACON. At these parties and many other community parties it was noticed that some folk over-indulged or became unwell from their consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. Once again at the forefront, ACON commenced the ‘Rover’ project. Volunteers in pink ACON ROVER vests would become part of the community parties and watch out for folk who seemed to be in a bit of health bother, and assist them, or if needed take to a medical unit.
To this day I still volunteer every year to nearly every community dance party that facilitates the care that ACON Rovers provide. Beats educators and Rovers are only two examples of where ACON excels and is at the forefront in saving lives. My other joy at ACON was helping David Wilkins in all manner of duties which he so wonderfully organised as fundraisers like Bingay and the Honour Awards.
So with a warm heart I congratulate ACON on reaching 40!”
