4 August 2010

Members of NSW's GLBT community are being urged to nominate people and organisations who deserve to be Honour-ed at ACON's new and improved GLBT community awards.

Now in their fourth year, the Honour Awards are an annual gala fundraising event for ACON, NSW's and Australia's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender health and HIV/AIDS organisation.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the format of the 2010 Honour Awards has been updated and expanded to make it an even bigger and better celebration of community spirit and service.

"In previous years, Honour Award recipients were selected by the ACON Board," Mr Parkhill says. "This year we've made Honour a true community event by inviting community members to nominate people or organisations they feel have provided leadership or achieved outstanding success within the GLBT community or have provided excellent service or made a significant contribution to the GLBT community.

"This year we've also teamed up with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association, SSO Media, Foxtel and Merivale to help us increase the profile of the Honour Awards and make the event a more inclusive celebration of achievement within our community."

Nominations can be submitted in five categories covering the business, health, education, community, legal, political, media and cultural sectors. The winners of each category will receive a selection of gift vouchers, a trophy and a floral bouquet. Nominations are free can be submitted on the Honour website (www.honourawards.com.au).

This year's awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and cocktail party at The Ivy in Sydney on Thursday 30 September. The finalists from each category will join a host of TV, theatre and community personalities for a fabulous night of fun and festivity.

Mr Parkhill says money raised from tickets sales and a silent auction on the night will help fund ACON's vital work in the community.

"While ACON gets a significant amount of funding from NSW Health, that money can only be spent on work we do in relation to HIV/AIDS," he says. "Our broader work in relation to GLBT health and wellbeing - such as alcohol and other drugs, lesbian health, anti-violence, mental health, ageing, community care and advocacy - is financed by one off grants, fundraising activities and donations.

"To keep this important work going, we rely on the generosity of people and organisations in our community. By coming along to the Honour Awards, community members, their friends and associates can celebrate the dynamic spirit of our community and, at the same time, raise money to help ACON build our community's health and wellbeing."

WHAT: Honour 2010 - Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Party

WHERE: Sun Room, The Ivy, 330 George St, Sydney

WHEN: Thursday 30 September 2010

TIME: 7pm - 11pm

COST: $85 per person (inc. quality wines and beers, delicious hors d'oeuvres and fabulous entertainment)

INFO/TIX: www.honourawards.com.au