ACON

20/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month, and a good time to remember there's no one right way to recover. Whether it's from alcohol or other drugs, a rough patch, or something longer term, recovery is yours to shape.

What helps looks different for everyone: leaning on people who support you, sticking with routines that keep you well, or reaching out for professional support when you need it. There's no shame in asking, and no judgement here.

ACON's services are free and non-judgemental, so reach out if you need support at acon.org.au.

Above all, prioritise yourself.

There are 24/7 phone lines there to help if you're not feeling great.

- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- Su***de Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Q-Life (3pm-9pm) 1800 184 527
- 13 YARN 13 9276
- Alcohol and other Drugs Information Line 1800 250 015
- Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463
- NSW Sexual Health Hotline 1800 451 624

20/10/2026

Coming to NEWCASTLE next week!

Want to build your confidence online and feel safer on apps/social media? Come along to Click with Care on Monday 26 October from 6-8pm in Islington, Newcastle!

Meet and learn from other LGBTQA+ people in how to stay safe digitally. Register your interest with the link below:

➡ sayitoutloud.org.au/community-stories/click-with-care-lgbtqa-safety-empowerment-online/?state=all

19/10/2026

ACON's LOVE Club Gathering is coming to Parramatta!

The LOVE Club Gathering focuses on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people aged 55 and over, while also welcoming people of all ages to participate in intergenerational conversations, build connections, and share lived experiences.

Established in 2018, the community gathering was created in response to older LGBTQ+ community members seeking a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space to connect, socialise, access healthy ageing information, and strengthen support networks.

Held regularly in Surry Hills, the gathering aims to support the health and wellbeing of older LGBTQ+ people by fostering social connection and increasing awareness of healthy ageing initiatives.

People of all sexualities, gender identities, cultures, and backgrounds are welcome.

Participants are encouraged to share their current needs and preferences, including ideas for future event locations, days, and times. This is a community-led initiative, shaped by and for the community.

ACON’s LOVE Project and ACON Westie look forward to meeting you all.

Date: Thursday 12 November
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: WSU Parramatta Campus, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW

REGISTER HERE ➡️ onlineforms.acon.org.au/form/register-love-club-parram

If you have any question, please email [email protected]

16/10/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to the team at Kaleido Health for winning the CESPHN Annual Award for Excellence in General Practice! 🏆🌈❤️

16/10/2026

❤️🤩 Oh what a night! THANK YOU to all for being part of the 2026 Honour Awards, our annual celebration of exceptional rainbow leadership, achievements and community service. We’re grateful for your support!

Congratulations once again to all the 2026 finalists and recipients!

Thanks to our HOSTS & PERFORMERS ❤️
Reuben Kaye
Casey Donovan
Samantha Jade
Matty Mills
Mulan
Gogo Bumhole

Thanks to our COMMUNITY PARTNERS ❤️
Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras
Equality Australia
Twenty10
Pride Business Association NSW
Positive Life NSW
Rainbow Giving Australia

Thanks to our EVENT PARTNERS ❤️
dplr
Star Observer
DbMedia
Universal Hotels
ADGE Hotel + Residences
OUT@NBCUniversal

Thanks to our SUPPORTING SUPPLIERS ❤️
Advantage Hospitality
The Catering Specialists
City of Sydney
Deep Field Photography

Special thanks ❤️
Mark Sutcliffe

See you at Honour 2027!

Video by dbMedia

15/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month, and a good time to step away from the noise. Log off or limit social media, turn off the news, and give yourself permission to disconnect for a while.

Scrolling and streaming can quietly add to stress, especially when the content is heavy. Setting some boundaries around screen time frees up space for the things that actually recharge you: time with people who support you, getting outside, or simply doing nothing at all.

Above all, prioritise yourself.

There are 24/7 phone lines there to help if you're not feeling great:

- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- Su***de Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Q-Life (3pm-9pm) 1800 184 527
- 13 YARN 13 9276
- Alcohol and other Drugs Information Line 1800 250 015
- Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463
- NSW Sexual Health Hotline 1800 451 624

15/10/2026

Our People and Culture Partner plays a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience across ACON. Working closely with leaders and teams, you will help create an inclusive, engaged and supportive workplace.

As a trusted advisor, you will partner across a broad range of People and Culture functions, including employee and industrial relations, workforce planning, learning and capability, organisational development, and culture initiatives. Your expertise, judgement and collaborative approach will help ensure our people practices support both organisational effectiveness and a workplace culture that reflects ACON's values.

Closing date: 25 October

Apply now ➡ acon.elmotalent.com.au/careers/work-at-acon/job/view/46

14/10/2026

Never had an HIV and STI test before or it's been a little while? If this is you, swing by for FREE walk-in HIV and STI tests, no booking required. Plus, if you don't have Medicare, we can also get you started with free PrEP.

We'll be here from 2pm-5pm on Tuesday 20 October. Please note, our last available testing time is at 3:30pm.

14/10/2026

Today is GiveOUT Day ❤

We are raising funds for ACON's LOVE Project, and we need your help!

Donate and, with dollar matching, your eligible donation will be doubled (limits apply). Give early, share this post and invite your loved ones to support us too.

The Love Project - Living Older Visibly and Engaged is ACON's ageing initiative. It empowers older LGBTQ+ people, including people living with HIV, to lead healthy, active and more social lives.

By donating to the LOVE Project you will help to:

- Run social events where older LGBTQ+ people can be themselves - without fear
- Make sure older LGBTQ+ people stay connected and part of our community

"I'm seventy-six years old and trans. Through ACON I formed a deep friendship with a wonderful woman, and we fell in love. I also found a Book Club and a Movie Club, and a community that met regularly. The LOVE Project changed my life and totally turned it around, for which I'll be forever grateful." - Eliese

"I came across the LOVE Project through my mental health counsellor. It centres us as the experts in our own lives. It's a therapeutic space and, may I say, healing justice. It's a safe place for us, and our healing is letting go of fear and we become love finders." - Suman

Eliese and Suman found friendship, love and community later in life. That is what the LOVE Project makes possible.

For many older LGBTQ+ people in our community the LOVE Project is life-changing, and for some, even life-saving.

Donate today via the link below:

➡ giveoutday.org.au/o/acon-health-limited

13/10/2026

Never had an HIV and STI test before or it's been a little while? If this is you, swing by for FREE walk-in HIV and STI tests, no booking required. Plus, if you don't have Medicare, we can also get you started with free PrEP.

We'll be here from 2pm-5pm on Fridays. Please note, our last available testing time is at 4:30pm.

13/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month, and a good time to check in with yourself.

Recharging looks different for everyone. Make plans with people who support you. Stick with the routine that helps your mood. Get outside, put on some music, phone a friend.

If you're heading into a challenging environment, workshop a plan with your supports beforehand, and give yourself permission to walk away if you can.

Above all, prioritise yourself. Take time to do something that brings you joy.

There are 24/7 phone lines there to help if you're not feeling great.

- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- Su***de Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Q-Life (3pm-9pm) 1800 184 527
- 13 YARN 13 9276
- Alcohol and other Drugs Information Line 1800 250 015
- Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463
- NSW Sexual Health Hotline 1800 451 624

12/10/2026

Here’s how to tell the difference between a hate crime or hate incident, plus your options for reporting.

If you feel safe and supported to report, it can help inform better responses and support for our communities.

Support is available through ACON or another trusted mental health or community service.

➡ acon.org.au

12/10/2026

🖤💛♥️ YOU MOB WANNA TAKE THE CONVO OFFLINE SAFELY? 🖤💛♥️

We are hosting a workshop series called Click With Care! These workshops will be facilitated for LGBTQ+SB mob and by mob.

There will be three different online workshops for mob with the first one starting early November:

⭐Exploring Digital Consent and App Safety - Wednesday 11 November 6-8pm
⭐Digital Safety: Devices, Accounts, and Tracking - Wednesday 25 November 6-8pm
⭐Online Discrimination - Wednesday 9 December 6-8pm

Register now with the link below:

➡ sayitoutloud.org.au/community-stories/click-with-care-lgbtqa-safety-empowerment-online/?state=all

12/10/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who came along to the 18th Annual Parramatta Pride Picnic on Saturday at Parramatta Park! It was an amazing day with rainbow communities out West. Fabulous to see you all there! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🧺⭐

Photos by Deep Field Photography ❤

11/10/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who came along to the 18th Annual Parramatta Pride Picnic on Saturday at Parramatta Park! It was an amazing day with rainbow communities out West. Fabulous to see you all there! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🧺⭐

Photos by Mark Dickson ❤

11/10/2026

Wow! Check out all the action inside Paddington Town Hall and on stage at the 2026 Honour Awards.

View full Facebook album in link in comments.

Thank to Deep Field Photography for the fab photos! 📸❤️

Shout out to dplr for the incredible AV and production. 🎤⭐️

11/10/2026

FABULOUS! Plenty of glitz and glamour on the Honour Awards 2026 Red Carpet! 📸❤️⭐️

View the full album via link in comments.

Photos: Deep Field Photography

11/10/2026

10/10/2026

Parramatta Pride Picnic is open! We’re here today at Parramatta Park until 7pm with lotsa of free things to see and amazing entertainment to enjoy! Stay for our golden hour sunset session! 🌅 🌈🥳❤️

09/10/2026

ACON's Welcome Here Project is seeking talent for a photoshoot!

We’re doing a photoshoot to help us show off our new and improved logo in style.

If you identify as LGBTQ+ and would like to be one of the faces of the Welcome Here Project, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for a range of genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds. No experience required.

Head here for more info and to apply
➡️ onlineforms.acon.org.au/262648320999875

09/10/2026

Just one more day to go until the 18th Annual Parramatta Pride Picnic, and we're excited to announce that on-site testing will be available at the event 🏳️‍🌈✨

Swing by, say hi 😎

💬 Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre will be offering drop-in STI testing – whether it's your first time or just in time for a check-up, come and get tested!

✅ Got questions about STIs or sexual health? Chat with a friendly nurse or doctor.

🆓 FREE! No Medicare needed.

08/10/2026

ACON has announced the winners of the 2026 Honour Awards, recognising outstanding service, achievements, and excellence in NSW's rainbow communities. Read more: https://www.starobserver.com.au/features/community-spotlight/acon-announces-winners-of-2026-honour-awards/244452

08/10/2026

Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2026 Honour Awards! 🎉❤️

ACON President’s Award: D***s on Bikes Sydney

In recognition of their enduring leadership and contributions to the safety, visibility, solidarity and culture of LGBTQ+ communities over almost four decades.

Community Hero: Katie Green

For driving vital legal reforms, advancing equality and building LGBTQIA+ service capability through her leadership of the Inner City Legal Centre.

Community Organisation: The Gender Centre

For over four decades of providing essential support, advocacy and crisis services for trans and gender diverse communities.

Young Achiever: Barbi Ghanoush

For elevating q***r and marginalised voices through performance, community leadership and grassroots fundraising.

Arts, Entertainment & Media: Kat Dopper

For creating vital and transformative cultural spaces and festivals that celebrate and strengthen LGBTQIA+ communities nationwide.

Volunteer Hero: William Weller

For strengthening LGBTQIA+ connection and visibility across regional NSW through his leadership of Tamworth Pride.

Health & Wellbeing: Paula Corvalan

For improving access to disability support for LGBTQIA+ people and empowering service providers to deliver culturally appropriate and inclusive healthcare.

Business Award: Bernie’s Bar

For creating and sustaining a vital LGBTQIA+ cultural and community hub in regional New South Wales.

Business Award: PlanetDwellers

For more than 20 years of creating safe and inclusive travel experiences for LGBTQIA+ communities.

HIV Hero: HIV/AIDS Legal Centre

For providing much-needed specialist legal support for people living with HIV, driving vital reforms that challenge stigma, discrimination and inequity.

Visual Art: Todd Fuller

In recognition of Todd Fuller’s distinctive practice of exploring and reimagining q***r histories, places and experiences through drawing, animation and performance.

08/10/2026

And the big award of the night goes to Katie Green! Katie’s taken out the Community Hero Award in recognition of her leadership as CEO of Inner City Legal Centre, where she has driven key legal reforms, advanced equality and built LGBTQIA+ service capability across NSW.