With just under a week left for nominations to be submitted for NSW’s annual LGBTI* community service awards, organisers have revealed that Sky News anchor on Foxtel, Sunday Life columnist, writer and author Jacinta Tynan has come on board as a celebrity judge for the Media category.
Now in their tenth year, the Honour Awards is an annual event which recognises people or organisations that have achieved outstanding success within the LGBTI community or have provided excellent service or made a significant contribution to the LGBTI community. The Awards is also a gala fundraising event for LGBTI community initiatives supported by leading LGBT community charity Aurora and by ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.
Nominations for the Awards close at 5pm on Wednesday 31 August. Nominations can be submitted in eight categories covering the business, health, education, community, legal, political, media and cultural sectors. Nominations are free and can be submitted on the Honour website (www.honourawards.com.au). There is also a range of gifts and prizes to be won.
Ms Tynan said participating in the event is an honour in itself: “It’s an absolute pleasure to have been invited to take part in what is a significant event for NSW’s LGBTI community. While the community has come a long way with respect to rights and visibility, many contributions and achievements don’t get the acknowledgement they deserve and the Honour Awards provides a unique opportunity for this to happen,” Ms Tynan said.
“The Honour Awards aren’t just about celebrating the community service of LGBTI people. It’s also about recognising how allies of the LGBTI community are helping to promote and support issues important to the LGBTI community. So I’m especially looking forward to helping judge the Media category and then presenting this national award on the night of event.”
ACON President Justin Koonin says the Honour Awards are all about helping the good work in our community get the recognition it deserves: “I encourage community members to nominate people or organisations they think deserve to be Honour-ed and get their friends and associates to do the same. The people or organisations don’t have to be high profile – the Honour Awards are about recognising achievements and contributions of all shapes and sizes,” Mr Koonin said.
Aurora Chair Alison King says the Honour Awards provide a valuable opportunity to pay tribute to people and organisations that are making a difference in the lives of LGBTI people in NSW. “The Honour Awards are all about celebrating how people from all walks of life are helping or inspiring others in our community. As a community, it’s important that we acknowledge and celebrate the people and organisations who are making a difference in the lives of others through direct action or by providing inspiration,” Ms King said.
This year’s awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and cocktail party at The Ivy in Sydney on Thursday 29 September. Four finalists from each category will join a host of government, media, entertainment and community personalities for a fabulous night of fun and festivity. Guests will also be able to bid on a range of amazing silent auction items including luxury holidays, jewellery, art furniture, homewares, tech devices and 5-star dining, accommodation and entertainment packages.
WHAT: Honour 2016 – Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Party
WHERE: Sun Room, The Ivy, 330 George St, Sydney
WHEN: Thursday 29 September 2016
TIME: 7pm – 11pm
COST: $85 per person (inc. quality wines and beers, delicious canapés and fabulous ent.)
INFO/TIX: www.honourawards.com.au
Community Partners: ACON | Aurora Group | Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association | Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | SX Magazine
Event Partners: Foxtel | Merivale/Ivy | GLYDE Health | CrowdComms | Chase Gallery