A landmark honour has helped launch ACON’s 25th anniversary commemorations...

In November last year, ACON was named as the recipient of the 2009 Australian Human Rights Commission Community Organisation Award.

The award was made in recognition of a “commitment…to tackling systemic intolerance…and encouraging greater harmony between people of different race, sex, sexuality and ethnic origin.”

At the time, Commission President Catherine Branson remarked that “the work undertaken by organisations such as ACON is truly inspiring, and we hope this recognition will assist ACON to continue its good work in the community.”

ACON President Mark Orr says ACON was extremely proud to receive the award, especially in the lead up to the organisation’s 25th anniversary commemorations which began during this year’s Mardi Gras festivities.

“Since our inception a quarter of a century ago, our health promotion work has been underpinned by an understanding that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.

“This means our work will always involve promoting the human rights of the GLBT community, people with HIV and people at risk of HIV, including sex workers and people who use drugs.

“By working to reduce discrimination and prejudice against the people we serve – whether it be in relation to their sexuality, gender, HIV status, cultural background, profession or substance
dependency – we help improve their access to a broad range of services and opportunities.

“This, in turn, helps create an environment where more positive choices can be made about health and wellbeing.”

However, promoting human rights is only one aspect of ACON’s 25 years of community service.

Back in 1985, ACON was established to help fight the spread of HIV and to provide care and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Since that time, ACON has evolved to become Australia’s largest community based GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation.

These days, over 150 staff located in nine operational sites across NSW work hard to improve the health and wellbeing of the GLBT community and people with HIV, and to reduce HIV transmission.

Mr Orr says achieving 25 years of service to the community is a tremendous accomplishment.

“Over the past quarter of a century, our community has faced many challenges, chief among them being the impact of HIV/AIDS,” he says.

We’ve embraced many new opportunities and had cause to celebrate many achievements.

“ACON has been an integral part of this process and it’s important that we take time to reflect on the contribution that ACON has made over the years and that we honour the thousands of
people who have helped build the health and wellbeing of our community through an affiliation with ACON as clients, volunteers, members, supporters or staff.”

To mark the anniversary, a series of events will be held throughout the year, including community forums, community service awards, a staff and volunteer reunion and several special fundraising events.

Details of these activities will be released prior to each event.

Help Out

Got a great idea to help mark our 25 years of service? Visit www.acon.org.au/25 and let us know.