Successful NDIS Application – What’s Next

Your NDIS application was successful – What next?

Preparing for your planning meeting

“Learn to think beyond the money you think you’ll need, think yes I’ve got these impairments so I’ll need these supports to live out my dreams. Think about what are the most important things that I want to work on in my life right now” – Cath (she/her), Cath is blind.

Once you are approved to use the NDIS, you become what is called a participant.

  • When you become an NDIS participant, you will be put on a plan. Usually a plan lasts for the next 12 months after it has been approved.
  • What goes in your plan will be worked out between you and your plan manager during a planning meeting.
  • The NDIS aims to help you meet your goals. What are the things you would like to achieve in the next 12 months, and what equipment and/or supports can help you to achieve them? These supports could be specific support to assist you in achieving your goals, or assistance with the tasks of daily living so that you can focus on what’s important to you.

“When I first accessed the NDIS I didn’t realise how many ways I could use that funding. I was just like, ‘I need a wheelchair’. Having my NDIS plan and learning how to use it has meant that I could find supports I didn’t even know I needed. – Robin (they/them), is a multiply disabled wheelchair user.

“My funding covers support I might need as a person who’s blind. This includes software on my computer that means I have access to the screen, it reads out to me in speech what’s on the screen. I also have a braille computer. If I need help learning new places, like moving to a new house, I do work with orientation and mobility instructors.” – Cath (she/her), Cath is blind.

“I have someone who helps around the house, with odd jobs, the dishes, but he also helps me with my uni work and computer stuff, goes shopping with me – all those things might not seem like a lot, but they’re foundational for me to go on and do other things.” – Debbie (she/her) lives with a psychosocial disability.

ACON Anniversaries Over the Years

40th Anniversary – 2025

ACON was established in 1985, marking the beginning of our journey in building strong, dynamic, vibrant, diverse, resilient, proud, inclusive and healthy communities. Now, as then, our purpose is to create opportunities for people in our communities to live healthier, more connected lives. We’re here for health – always.

In 2025, ACON celebrated its 40th anniversary and invited our community to remember the past, reflect on how far our communities have come, and unite as we look to the future.

30th Anniversary – 2015

ACON's 2015 Mardi Gras Float

ACON’s 2015 Mardi Gras Float

Media Coverage

Past Masters

Speeches

25th Anniversary – 2010

ann-marie-calilhanna--acon-25th-anniversary-@-sydney-town-hall_231

NSW Deputy Premier and Health Minister, Carmel Tebbutt joined leaders from the health, government, business and community sectors at a reception at Sydney’s Town Hall to mark ACON’s 25th anniversary.

Speeches

Media Coverage

Past Masters

Some former presidents and CEOs reflect on their time as leaders of ACON:

Further Reading

ACON History Timeline

For a detailed breakdown of significant milestones throughout ACON’s history, have a look at our 40th Anniversary Timeline here.

ACON Campaigns Database

The ACON Campaigns Database is a digital archive featuring all the HIV and LGBTQ+ health related social marketing campaigns that the organisation produced since it was established in 1985 in response to the epidemic.

Sydney GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey Recruiters

ACON are preparing for the 2026 round of the Sydney GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey (SGCPS), set to run during the Mardi Gras period in February and March.

The SGCPS investigates the sexual practices, drug use and health service engagement of gay, bi+ and queer (GBQ) men and non-binary people who have sex with GBQ men. The findings are used to guide HIV and sexual health programs. The information gathered forms a crucial part of the NSW HIV response, enabling researchers, policy makers and ACON to measure the level of risk behaviour in the community every year.

We are seeking to employ a number of Survey Participant Recruiters on a casual basis over the survey recruitment period Friday 13 February to Saturday 28 February 2026.

What’s involved?

We need friendly, professional people to approach people at a variety of LGBTQ+ venues and events throughout the two weeks, invite them to participate in the study and complete the survey. Recruiters need to understand the survey and be able to explain it to potential participants. Training will be provided. Recruiters will be paid per ACON’s Enterprise Agreement Administrative Level 2 casual, currently $43.33/hour (with additional overtime for late or weekend shifts).

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfortable approaching community members at LGBTQ+ venues and events
  • Ability to work evening shifts, if required
  • Willingness to work at LGBTQ+ bars and other LGBTQ+ venues
  • Strong work ethic

 Desirable

  • Prior experience successfully recruiting for the Sydney GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey
  • Previous experience in LGBTQ+ community-based research, outreach or similar activities (paid or unpaid)
  • Interest in research and/or community health
  • Understanding of the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ people, and LGBTQ+ people from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities
  • Evidence of up-to-date recommended vaccinations against illness that may adversely impact ACON’s communities.

Applications close Friday 16 January 2026. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ people and LGBTQ+ people from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.

For any questions, please contact Leslie Copland or Daniel Comensoli at research@acon.org.au

We look forward to hearing from you!

Click here to apply: https://forms.acon.org.au/form-6904826/sgcps-2026

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

SWASH – The Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey

The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey was first carried out in 1996. It was initiated by workers from two ACON projects, Women Partners of Gay and Bisexual Men and the Gay and Lesbian Injecting Drug Use Project, who were faced with a lack of empirical evidence on which to base their intervention work. Research on the health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual and queer women (cis and trans) is still scarce.

SWASH is now a comprehensive survey of sexual and gender identity; community connection; smoking, alcohol and drug use; sexual health; psychological wellbeing; experiences of anti-gay, sexual and domestic violence; parenthood intentions; preventive health behaviour including screening; healthcare access and satisfaction.

The survey is run every two years by a collaboration of ACON and researchers at the University of Sydney.

For more information and research on the health of women (cis and trans) in Australia, visit The Australian Women’s Health Alliance’s (formerly known as the Australian Women’s Health Network) Women’s Health Hub online library and ACON’s TransHub.

The latest SWASH report is available here.

Previous SWASH reports:

SWASH Recruiter

Want to help improve the health of LBQ+ women in NSW and make an impact on the resources and services for our communities?

ACON is preparing for the 2026 round of the Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey (SWASH), set to run during the Mardi Gras period in February.

What’s SWASH you say?

SWASH is the longest running community survey of LGBTQ+ women in Australia and has been collected every 2 years since 1996, making 2026 the 30th anniversary of SWASH! This survey investigates the sexual partners and practices, alcohol and drug use, health provider satisfaction of lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women. The findings are used to guide ACON’s sexual health resources and services, health promotion, and allow us to better respond to the unique and specific health needs of LGBTQ+ women.

What’s Involved?

We need friendly and approachable people to engage community members at a variety of LGBTQ+ venues and events throughout the two weeks, invite them to participate in the study, and complete the survey on paper. Recruiters need to understand the survey and be able to explain it to potential participants. Training will be provided.

We are seeking to employ a number of Survey Participant Recruiters on a casual basis over the survey recruitment period Friday 13 February to Saturday 28 February 2026.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The SWASH Recruiter is essentially someone who approaches and invites people to participate in the study and complete the survey on paper. You will:

  • Approach as many people as possible to complete SWASH survey when on shift.
  • Be aware of own biases when approaching people. Try to ensure a broad representation of LGBTQ+ women’s community in respondents, including members from different cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and older LGBTQ women.
  • Complete a mandatory training session (paid) on Thursday 5th February from 6-8pm and be available for at least one 3-4hr shift on Fair Day 15th February 2026.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfortable approaching community members at LGBTQ+ events
  • Ability to work evening shifts, if required
  • Willingness to work at LGBTQ+ venues and bars
  • Strong work ethic

Desirable

  • Experience successfully recruiting for SWASH
  • Experience in LGBTQ+ community-based research, outreach or similar activities (paid or unpaid)
  • Interest in research and/or community health.

We strongly encourage First Nations women, as well as culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse women to apply.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You will support the LGBTQ+ Women’s Health Program’s team, who works closely with researchers to run SWASH

The ‘Nuts & Bolts’

Salary

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal/Sydney Office, with events taking place across Greater Sydney, including but not limited to: Chippendale, Blacktown, Centennial Park, Parramatta.

Hours:         Casual (up to 15 hours per fortnight) on a 3-month fixed term contract.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

Still reading?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities.

For more information on the role, please contact Sarah Asthana Badewitz, Community Health Promotion Officer, via email at sbadewitz@acon.org.au or 04 8218 5670

If this sounds like the position and organisation you’ve been looking for, apply here: 2026 SWASH recruiter application form

DOWNLOAD: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications Close: Sunday 11 January 2026

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

Executive Officer

We are on the lookout for someone to join our Exec Support Team and play a vital role in coordinating executive priorities across ACON and Kaleido Health Centre

  • Gadigal land (Surry Hills) based.
  • Generous conditions and entitlements above NES.

What’s the Executive Support Team you say?

The Office of the CEO supports the CEO and senior management in the leadership of ACON and Kaleido Health Centre. The team consists of an Executive Officer and Executive Assistant.

Together, the team works to respond to competing demands on the time of the CEO and senior leaders by solving problems and coordinating responses across the organisation – so that ACON works as an integrated organisation.

The team supports the CEO to maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders by managing clear communication and preparing high quality information and analysis to support decision making. The team supports collaboration across the organisation and works proactively to set meeting agendas and prepare documents and materials.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The Executive Officer provides strategic support to the Chief Executive Officer of ACON. The ACON CEO is also the CEO of the Kaleido Health Centre. This role supports the CEO in both roles. The Executive Officer coordinates executive priorities, supports senior management meetings and other decision-making processes, and resources external stakeholder management. The position will coordinate strategic governance of the ACON and Kaleido Boards. In the role, you will:

  • Support the ACON and Kaleido Boards, including writing and preparing meeting papers and meeting corporate regulations. This role may perform the statutory duties of a Company Secretary for both entities. Lead and coordinate problem solving on issues as requested by the CEO, in collaboration with senior leaders.
  • Assist in managing and setting priorities within the CEOs workflow, including responding to correspondence, drafting briefing papers and maintaining forward agendas, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
  • Research and prepare strategic advice, internal communications and other material for the CEO.
  • Undertake research and analysis across a broad range of issues to brief the CEO and senior leaders on strategic, operational, and sector-wide issues.
  • Coordinate agendas for forums, workshops, and presentations that support ACON leadership and external visibility.
  • Lead collaborative processes and/or projects with internal teams and external stakeholders, maintaining strong partnerships that advance organisational objectives.
  • Maintain accurate records of activities and prepare high-quality reports for the CEO and Board.
  • Contribute to the strategic planning processes and implement assigned activities from ACON’s key strategic plans.

Who are we looking for?

  • Someone experienced in providing high-level support to executive leaders, including strong organisational skills.
  • A person with a great understanding of effective governance as it applies to supporting Boards and decision making bodies.
  • Someone with proven sound judgement and the ability to maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • A person with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and briefing materials.
  • Someone who can analyse issues and lead collaborative problem solving processes.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Generous learning and development opportunities.
  • Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
  • Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

What’s the remuneration and working details?

Salary:           $103,953 (Gross Annual Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal land (Surry Hills) Office.

Hours:          Full-Time (70 hours per fortnight) on a 2-year fixed term contract (with the possibility of extension>>).

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

  • Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
  • Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Alex Ehmcke-Kennedy, Manager, People and Culture, via email at aehmcke-kennedy@acon.org.au or (02) 9206 2000.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

  1. Your completed ACON Employment Application Form with all the details filled in where requested; attaching your:
    1. Cover Letter (max. 3 pages) outlining how the position aligns with your Personal Values and Interests, and how your Skills and Experience meet the Essential Selection Criteria in the Position Description; and
    2. Resume (max. 3 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major / Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

DOWNLOAD: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications Close: Thursday 11 December 2026

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

www.acon.org.au

Peer Worker (Suicide Prevention)

Do you want to leap into a career that empowers you to use your lived and living experiences to support and promote the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community? If this sparks your interest- keep reading!

  • We are excited for someone to join our peer work team and play a vital role in the delivery of our Statewide Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Service that supports LGBTQ+ community following a suicidal crisis, an attempt or those experiencing suicide risk.
  • This metro-based peer work role has become a possibility through an expansion of our funding from NSW Ministry of Health in line with their Towards Zero Suicides Initiative.

What’s ACON’s Peer and Client Services you say?

The Peer and Client Services teams provide services to people living with (PLHIV), affected by or at risk of HIV, and to sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW that are aged 18 or over, who are wanting support with their use of substances, suicidality and mental health or who are or have experienced SDFV including:

  • Up to 12 free 1-hour counselling sessions over a period of up to 6-months, with no mental health plans required; provided with a short-term solution focused framework where clients are encouraged to identify 1-3 goals.
  • Care coordination of up to 6 months, depending on needs, to help people; access relevant healthcare and support services, increase their ability to manage their care and reduce social isolation.
  • Peer Work for 3-6 months, depending on needs and/or risk, to create meaningful connections that promote wellbeing and recovery through shared understanding and learning.

Peer and Client Services support LGBTQ+ community members and/or PLHIV across the state of NSW either face to face from our three offices (Sydney, Lismore and Newcastle) or via virtual care.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The Peer Worker (Suicide Prevention) Sydney is essentially utilising your lived experience of suicide and mental health challenges to support LGBTQ+ community members experiencing suicidal distress or following a recent attempt. This role is a part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of lived experience and non-lived experience roles responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ community members, however peer support may be delivered as a standalone support service depending on the support preferences of individual community members.

You will:

  • Provide strengths based, recovery orientated and trauma informed peer support, advocacy and mentoring to LGBTQ+ community members
  • Support and empower clients to strength their self-management skills
  • Work collaboratively with ACON staff, in particular Peer and Client Services staff to ensure adequate support is provided to clients in a timely manner
  • Regularly attend and actively participate in required team meetings to ensure consistent quality service delivery
  • Support the promotion of the service

Who are we looking for?

  • Someone with significant lived experience of suicide, mental health distress and recovery who is eager to use this experience to support LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV
  • Someone who is compassionate and passionate about human rights and social justice
  • Someone who understands the broad range of social factors that impact experiences of suicidality for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV
  • Someone with solid written and verbal communication skills including empathy, conflict resolution, productive feedback, active listening and case notes
  • Someone with a strong commitment and understanding of ACON’s communities, particularly people with HIV
  • Someone with the ability to meaningfully connect with people from diverse backgrounds and possess the skills and commitment to provide a culturally open space
  • Someone with a balance of initiative and collaboration, who can work independently and as a part of a cohesive and supportive team

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Generous learning and development opportunities.
  • Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
  • Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

What’s the remuneration and working details? 

Salary:           $83, 461 per-annum (Gross Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal land/Sydney Office, with flexible working options a possibility (away from the office.

Hours:          Full-Time (70 hours per fortnight) on a 1-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

  • Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
  • Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Chloe Hawthorne, Team Leader Peer Work, via email at chawthorne@acon.org.au or (02) 4962 7700.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

Your completed ACON Employment Application Form with all the details filled in where requested; attaching your:

    1. Cover Letter (max. 4 pages) outlining how the position aligns with your Personal Values and Interests, and how your Skills and Experience meet the Essential Selection Criteria in the Position Description; and
    2. Resume (max. 4 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major / Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

Applications Close: Wednesday 17 of December 2025

DOWNLOAD: Position Description

Please note: ACON will be closed over the holiday period. As a result, applicants will not receive an update on the outcome of their application until 12 January 2026. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

LGBTQ+ Conversion Practices Support

The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 came into effect on 4 April 2025 and prohibits LGBTQ+ conversion practices in NSW. It creates criminal offences for delivering or performing conversion practices, which will be overseen by NSW Police, and establishes a new civil complaints scheme administered by Anti-Discrimination NSW. 

LGBTQ+ Conversion practices are harmful actions that try to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. They are now against the law in NSW. 

Everyone deserves to live as their true self—free from judgment, fear, or attempts to change who they are. 

ACON can provide support to people who have been impacted by conversion practices. This service provides a safe, confidential and affirming space for people to talk about their experiences and begin the healing process. Our counsellors are specially trained to understand the trauma and harm caused by conversion practices, offering care that’s grounded in respect, understanding and hope. 

 To access the service please complete the Online Enquiry Form or contact your nearest ACON office 

Multicultural Peer Navigation Officer

Do you understand the challenges of settling into a new country? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of others and help end HIV transmissions? We’d love to hear from you!

  • Draw on your interpersonal skills and lived experience of migrating to Australia to build trust and support others in feeling confident to navigate health services, especially sexual health services, around Australia.
  • We pay above award rates in a flexible and inclusive work environment, offering fully remote work options for both full-time and part-time positions.

What’s the Peer Navigation Project, you say?

You’ll be working within ACON’s Population Health Division, supporting our new peer navigation project. This project is designed to help recently arrived gay and bi+ men settle into life in Australia, build local community connections, and access sexual health services with confidence and ease.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The Multicultural Peer Navigation Officer will draw on lived or community experience to build trust, provide information, and guide individuals through Australia’s HIV and sexual health system. The role focuses on culturally inclusive support by addressing barriers to access and connecting people with relevant services such as HIV testing, PrEP, treatment, and peer support. You will:

  • Provide one-on-one conversations, in both English and another language, to newly arrived and overseas-born         gay, bisexual and men who have sex with other men (GBMSM) in a culturally inclusive and non-judgemental way.
  • Work with community members to build confidence in engaging with healthcare providers and promote system
  • Collaborate with other team members to plan and implement outreach activities, particularly in settings where         priority language communities gather.

Who are we looking for?

  • Someone with lived experience of immigrating to Australia, a strong personal or cultural connection to overseas-born gay and bisexual men, and an understanding of the health and social issues they may face.
  • Someone with strong interpersonal skills in both English and a community language (preferably Thai, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, Spanish or Portuguese), and confidence to engage with the community in multiple languages.
  • Someone willing to learn about HIV/STI treatment and prevention, and to support others in accessing care.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Generous learning and development opportunities.
  • Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
  • Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You’ll be part of the HIV and Sexual Health Division. A highly focused team responsible for delivering information and support services on relevant health issues to GBMSM, people living with HIV, and other ACON communities.

What’s the remuneration and working details?

Salary:           $72,547.00 to $75,625.00, pro-rata for part-time roles (Gross Annual Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading) [$39.86 to $41.55 / hr + Super + LL].

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal lands (Sydney) Office, with flexible and remote working options a possibility (away from the office).

Hours:          Part-Time and Full-Time (up to 70 hours per fortnight) on a 1-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

  • Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
  • Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Joubert van der Merwe, Manager, Gay and Bi+ Men’s Sexual Health Programs, via email at JvanderMerwe@acon.org.au.

If this sounds like the position and organisation you’ve been looking for, find out how to apply at www.acon.org.au/jobs.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

  1. Your completed ACON Employment Application Form – with all the details filled in where requested;
  2. Your Cover Letter answering the following questions (max. 300-400 words per response):
    1. Please describe your lived experience of migrating to Australia as a gay or bisexual man, or your understanding of the migration experience for others in this community. In your response, you may wish to include how you established your life in Australia, as well as any successes or challenges you experienced along the way.
    2. Please describe your knowledge of the Australian healthcare system, particularly in relation to HIV and STIs. You may include your understanding of testing, treatment, prevention, and how people can access these services.
  • Please describe your interpersonal skills. In your response, tell us how you communicate with others, how you build friendships or social networks, and how you support or influence people in your community; and
  1. Your Resume (max. 3 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major / Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

DOWNLOAD: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications Close: Sunday, 30 November 2025

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

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