ACON Northern Rivers

26/08/2026

We’re deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton, aged 80.

For generations of LGBTQ+ people, Dolly was much more than a country music legend. Her songs became part of the soundtrack to our lives, her films brought us joy, and her warmth, humour and unapologetic individuality made her a particularly beloved figure in our communities.

Dolly returned that love. Across her life she spoke in support of LGBTQ+ people, marriage equality and trans people, embraced drag culture, and consistently pushed back against judgement and exclusion.

Her generosity reached far beyond the stage too. Through initiatives like the Imagination Library, she helped put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of children, alongside decades of charitable and community work.

Few artists manage to become both a cultural icon and such a widely loved symbol of kindness, possibility and being completely yourself.

Vale Dolly. We will always love you. 💛

Read The Advocate’s tribute to Dolly and her LGBTQ+ legacy below.

The q***r community has plenty of reasons to love her.

20/08/2026

The 26th International AIDS Conference brought researchers, advocates and communities together in Rio de Janeiro to share the latest developments in HIV prevention, treatment and the global response.

Some of the most promising updates included:

💊 a highly effective once-monthly PrEP pill that could potentially be manufactured for around US$3 per person per year
🧬 a once-weekly HIV treatment tablet that maintained viral suppression in people who switched from daily treatment
🌏 renewed focus on equitable access to prevention and treatment, including across the Indo-Pacific
⚠️ serious concern about the impact of international funding cuts on HIV programs around the world

These advances could have a major impact on how people prevent and treat HIV in the years ahead, but ensuring new options are affordable and accessible will be just as important as the science itself.

Health Equity Matters has put together a useful summary of the key findings and conversations from AIDS 2026.

Read the full roundup:

20/08/2026

Hey Folks,

Father's Day is coming up and we are really excited to present this event at the Lismore Quad!

Beyond the BBQ - with real talk and panel discussions about:
- Supporting the health of men and the whole family
- Strategies in parenting toolbox
- Ideas around showing up for our kids
- Talk about the man box and parenting
- What next, resources and ways to get involved

Come at 1pm for BBQ lunch and stay for talks 1.30-3pm.
Bring the kids for some fun activities from Fitness Kidz.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6FDnJEqCA0

20/08/2026

Think you may have been exposed to HIV? PEP can help prevent HIV if you act quickly.

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medication taken after a possible exposure. It needs to be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.

The newly revamped Get PEP website makes it easier to find somewhere nearby that provides PEP. Simply enter your suburb or postcode to search clinics and emergency departments, including options for people without Medicare.

If you think you might need PEP, don’t wait to see how you feel. HIV exposure often has no immediate symptoms, and the sooner PEP is started, the better.

Find PEP near you:
https://www.getpep.info/

20/08/2026

What is life like for people living with HIV in Australia today?

HIV Futures 11 is the latest national survey of people living with HIV, capturing experiences across health and wellbeing, HIV care, stigma, relationships, peer support, navigating healthcare and quality of life.

These findings help build a clearer picture of where Australia’s HIV response is working, where challenges remain, and what people living with HIV say they need to live well.

HIV Futures has also played an important role in informing policy, advocacy, community responses and service planning across Australia.

Explore the HIV Futures 11 findings:
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/work/blood-borne-viruses/hiv-futures-11
La Trobe University

HIV FUTURES is the largest and longest-running study of people living with HIV in Australia.

19/08/2026

The PEACH Study – Preventing and Eliminating A**l Cancer in People Living with HIV

People living with HIV have a higher risk of a**l cancer than the general population.

By participating in the PEACH Study, you can help detect potential issues early and access appropriate treatment, while also contributing to research that may improve health outcomes for all people living with HIV.

Find out more about the PEACH Study:https://www.positivelife.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PEACH-Patient-Information-Leaflet-v1.0-clean-15-March-2026.pdf

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

Slip, slop, slap on some extra protection in the sun when using doxy-PEP 🌞 Read more about doxy-PEP and how to chat to your doctor about it here:

https://emen8.com.au/health/s*xual-health/doxy-pep-101-innovative-sti-prevention-for-gay-and-bi-guys-in-australia/

19/08/2026

🌿 WALKING TOGETHER IN WELLBEING – CONNECTING THROUGH OUR CULTURE 🌿
🌿 WALKING TOGETHER IN WELLBEING – CONNECTING THROUGH OUR CULTURE 🌿

Durri’s 2nd Social & Emotional Wellbeing Conference | Dunghutti Country

Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service is proud to announce our 2nd Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Conference, being held on beautiful Dunghutti Country on 17–18 November 2026.

Following the success of our first conference, we are excited to once again bring community, services, professionals and leaders together for two powerful days of culture, connection, learning, healing and important conversations about the issues affecting our people.

This year we have an incredible line-up of guest presenters, including:

🎤 Adam Goodes
🎤 Dr Clinton Schultz
🎤 Joe Williams
🎤 Nancy Bates
🎤 Rowena Lawrie

Our conference will have a strong focus on the real issues being experienced locally by our community and, importantly, the work being undertaken to respond to them.

Throughout the two days, Durri will showcase the range of local programs, initiatives and service responses being delivered to strengthen Social and Emotional Wellbeing, support healing, improve access to care and respond to the challenges facing individuals, families and our wider community.

This conference is about more than listening to presentations. It is about creating a space where we can reconnect, reflect, share knowledge and strengthen the way we walk together to support the next generation.

📅 17–18 November 2026
📍 The Slim Dusty Centre, South Kempsey
🌿 Proudly held on Dunghutti Country

We encourage community members, Aboriginal health workers, SEWB and mental health professionals, service providers, community organisations and anyone passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our people to come along.

With an outstanding group of presenters, a strong local focus and culture at the heart of the two days, this is a conference you won’t want to miss.

💚 Walking Together in Wellbeing – Connecting through our Culture.

Keep an eye on our page for further information about the program and registrations.

19/08/2026

Can you help us create a new resource built by and for our community?

We're bringing together an advisory board of LGBTQ+ neurodivergent parents and carers to co-design a resource that reflects lived experiences. Your perspective will help guide the content and make sure the final resource is easy to read, simple to use and useful for rainbow families.

To express your interest, email [email protected]

Check out the full details on our blog to see how you can participate.
https://www.rainbowfamilies.com.au/call_for_advisory_board_members_help_shape_a_new_resource_for_lgbtq_neurodivergent_parents

or link in bio.