ACON’s story, as with many of Australia’s AIDS councils, finds its origins in the stories and experiences of LGBTQ Australians who came together in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis that took hold in the early 1980s.
Formed officially in 1985 as the AIDS Council of New South Wales – now known to the community as ACON – the history of one of Australia’s longest-running HIV and LGBTQ health organisations is a story of collective struggle, tenacity and achievement. It’s also the shared story of LGBTQ people from across NSW.
To mark this incredible milestone, the team at ACON have been hard at work creating ACON 40 – a community program featuring a diverse range of community-run events being held over the next 8 weeks.
‘We really wanted to create a bit of a season for anyone and everyone who wants to come in and connect from our communities, to tell the stories, to celebrate, to laugh, to remember the people that we’ve lost across those years…’ – Michael Woodhouse ACON CEO
Now in its third week, ACON 40 has something for everyone. From the devilishly delightful Bingay, hosted by the hilarious Naomi Palmer and drag queen extraordinaire Charisma Belle, to art that speaks to our history with ACON’s Love Project partnering with the Art Gallery of NSW to explore LGBTQ stories through art. Whether you’re here for laughter, performance or reflection, there’s something for everyone.
Deep Field Photography
© Mark H Dickson
Deepfieldphoto
Deepfieldphotography.com
A significant event happening during ACON 40 is being held on Saturday 20th September and will see ACON take over the Wharf 2 Theatre at Sydney Theatre company to create the ACON 40 HUB. This full day of activities will feature sessions that seek to reflect, celebrate and facilitate the sharing of LGBTQ community stories.
Finally, ACON 40 is about reflecting on, and capturing, the voices and stories of our communities. As Michael Woodhouse explains,
‘We’re also really keen to capture people’s stories. That might be a photo, a couple of paragraphs… something about your memories, your connection with things that have happened through our [collective] community story.’
If you or someone you know has a story to share, visit ACON40.org.au/stories to add to the already many beautiful community stories being featured. Together, we can ensure that the history of ACON, and of LGBTQ people in NSW, continues to be told, remembered and celebrated for decades to come.
To hear more about ACON 40 and the many exciting things ACON has planned this season and beyond, be sure to check out our podcast with ACON CEO – Michael Woodhouse here.