ACON’s 40th anniversary celebrations began in spectacular style with a packed launch event at Sydney Town Hall, bringing together hundreds of community members, supporters and partners to celebrate four decades of health, care and advocacy for sexuality and gender diverse people.
The event featured live performances, moving speeches, community storytelling and an exhibition showcasing ACON’s history, from its beginnings in the HIV/AIDS crisis to its role today as Australia’s largest sexuality and gender diverse community health organisation. The evening was also the official launch of ACON’s Impact Strategy 2025–2030.
ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse said the launch was an unforgettable start to ACON’s 40th anniversary community program: “The ACON 40 Community Launch was a vibrant celebration of our shared history and the resilience of our communities, reminding us of the importance of working together to create healthier, more inclusive communities for everyone. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to reflect on where we have been, honour those who have shaped our journey, and share excitement about what comes next.”
The Community Launch marks the beginning of ACON 40, a community program comprising more than 30 events across Sydney and NSW running from August to October.
Among the program highlights is the ACON 40 Hub at The Wharf on Saturday 20 September. The Hub will feature a full day of panel discussions and performances celebrating LGBTQ+ history, theatre, activism and community care, bringing together trailblazers, artists and storytellers to reflect on the past and imagine the future.
The ACON 40 Hub event are hosted by ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse, ABC’s Mon Schafter and Jeremy Fernandez, Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Mitchell Butell and Maeve Marsden together with Ali McGregor. Guests include Zoe Terakes, Ji Wallace, Ian Roberts, Georgie Stone, Michael Kirby AC CMG, Nina Oyama, Brenna Harding, Tony Sheldon, Imogen Kelly and more.
The ACON 40 Ruby Gala Dinner on Saturday 18 October will bring together community leaders, allies and supporters for a night of celebration and performance. The gala is hosted by ABC broadcaster Jeremy Fernandez and drag icon Courtney Act and will feature First Nations music duo Electric Fields and the ACON Honour Awards. Meanwhile, the LOVE Social Celebration on Saturday 27 September will showcase dynamic performances from Verushka Darling, theatre legend Nancye Hayes and Ryan Gonzalez, with Michael Tyack as musical director, offering a vibrant afternoon of music and community connection.
The ACON 40 festival continues to add to its program beyond Sydney with a range of events across regional NSW. Highlights include an encore screening of the film Holding the Man in Lismore, bringing the powerful story of love and resilience to local audiences, and an exhibition of ACON’s campaigns from the last 40 years, which will be on show in Lismore and Gosford.
The festival also celebrates LGBTQ+ women with Dykes, Drinks and Dirty Sheets on Thursday 9 October, featuring an exciting line-up of performers and artists. Guests can enjoy a performance by drag queen Barbi Ghanoush, live music from singer and rapper Anesu, a special act by Muscle Mommy, tarot readings with Mysdix, and energetic hosting from Demon Derriere.
Other events throughout the festival include performances, forums and gatherings that showcase the diversity, creativity and strength of sexuality and gender diverse communities in NSW.
“Our communities have a varied and diverse history of which ACON is a part, and we’re excited to bring people together to share their stories, reflect on our journey and unite for the future,” Woodhouse said. “Get involved and be part of ACON 40.”
Find out more about the full ACON 40 program here: acon40.org.au
ENDS
For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042
