8 September 2010

A diverse and inspirational mix of 22 people and organisations have been announced as finalists for the 2010 Honour Awards.

Now in their fourth year, the Honour Awards are an annual event which recognise outstanding achievements within or contributions to NSW's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

The awards are also a gala fundraising event for ACON, NSW's and Australia's largest GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation.

The 22 finalists were selected from over 70 nominations received across five categories covering business and industry, media and entertainment, health and wellbeing, and the community sector. (NB! - All finalists are listed on the next page of this media release)

The winners will be presented with a range of gifts and prizes at a gala ceremony and cocktail party at The Ivy in Sydney on Thursday 30 September.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the judges were impressed with the quality and variety of nominations. "The judging panel noted that selecting the finalists was a difficult process because the achievements and contributions of all the nominees were remarkable in their own way," Mr Parkhill says.

"However, the judges agreed that the finalists they selected exhibited a truly outstanding commitment to supporting the GLBT community and deserved to be recognised for their efforts.

"I congratulate all the finalists and look forward to them and other members of our community coming together to celebrate their achievements at the Honour awards ceremony at the Ivy on 30 September."

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 canapés and fabulous entertainment)

INFO/TIX: www.honourawards.com.au

2010 Honour Awards Finalists

Business Award (presented by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association)

• Mike Gordon - has been promoting GLBT inclusion within IBM for over 10 years
• Reece Farmilo, Out Travel - promoter of GLBT inclusion in the travel industry and significant supporter of GLBT community organisations and events
• Vicki Harding and Jackie Braw, Flying Penguin - have established successful new business producing educational toys
• Dr. Cody Hanish - has established a successful new chiropracters practice in Sydney
• James Forbes - successfully manages a diverse range of business and cultural interests

Media/Arts/Entertainment Award (presented by Foxtel)

• Trevor Ashley - leading GLBT community and mainstream entertainer and significant supporter of GLBT community organisations and events
• Mark Alsop - veteran GLBT community DJ and significant supporter of GLBT community organisations and events
• Sydney Star Observer - chronicler of NSW's GLBT community for over 30 years and significant supporter of GLBT community organisations and events
• Media partners of This Is Oz (SX, SameSame, Network 10) - have helped promote an innovative GLBT rights campaign to millions of Australians by donating almost $1 million worth of national advertising

Health and Wellbeing Award (presented by NSW Seniors Week)

• David Allan - has helped thousands of people around the world for the last 14 years through GayLawNet, a news, information and resource website for the worldwide GLBTI community.
• Robert Hemburrow - inspirational carer, fundraiser, volunteer and GLBT community leader in Albury
• Kate Munro - helps young GLBTI people in Sydney's northern beaches through the Manly Council supported group GL@M
• Team Sydney - this umbrella organisation for GLBT sporting clubs in Sydney helps promote healthy lifestyles to NSW's GLBT community

Community Organisation Award (presented by Sydney Star Observer)

• Bit Bent - social support group for same sex attracted young people in the ACT. Has been run by volunteers for 8 years.
• The Red Rattler - in just 18 months this innovative venue has become an important community hub and creative playground for queer women in Sydney
• Queer Screen - has provided audiences in Sydney and throughout Australia with the biggest and best LGBT film festivals in the country for over 20 years
• Harbour City Bears - has been a leading social group for gay men in Sydney for 15 years and is a significant supporter of GLBT community organisations and events

Community Hero Award (presented by ACON)

• Stuart O'Brien - established Defence Gay & Lesbian Information Service and has advocated for GLBT inclusion in the defence forces for over 8 years
• Lex Watson and Sue Wills - first co-presidents of the landmark Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) and veteran GLBT rights advocates with 40 year histories of promoting the health and welfare of the GLBT community
• Sekneh Hammoud-Beckett - works with Muslim GLBT people dealing with significant safety and mental health issues because of their sexuality
• Laurell Honey - for many years has devoted her own time and other personal resources to raise money and facilitate the running of Camp Goodtime - Aussie HIV Kids