ACON is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a packed and diverse community program of events and activities – and everyone is invited.
Formally established during August in 1985 at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, ACON began as a community response movement of volunteers determined to provide care, support and dignity to those affected by the epidemic. Over the past four decades, it has grown into a trusted, community-led organisation delivering health and wellbeing programs for LGBTQ+ people across NSW and beyond.
ACON’s 40th anniversary is an invitation to our entire community to participate in celebrating those who’ve been part of its journey, telling our stories, and welcoming new people into our work and services. We want to strengthen connections across generations and deepen our ongoing relationship with LGBTQ+ communities.
“ACON’s story is the story of community,” said ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse. “Born out of crisis, driven by compassion and resilience, ACON has evolved over the past 40 years to become a whole-of-health organisation for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in every aspect of their lives — from HIV prevention and support to mental health, cancer screening, ageing, inclusion and much more.”
“This anniversary is about honouring the work and courage of those who came before us, acknowledging the incredible progress we’ve made, and recommitting to our purpose: to create healthier lives for LGBTQ+ people and communities.”
To mark this milestone, ACON is inviting community members to join a series of celebratory and commemorative events running from August to October. The festival’s events will take many forms — from panel discussions and digital activations to creative collaborations and storytelling projects — all designed to foster connection, pride and shared purpose.
To celebrate this milestone, ACON is inviting community members to join us between August and October for ACON 40. A festival of events featuring community, theatre, film, art, photography, talks, performances, dancing and more. Whether it’s a performance, digital activation, creative collaboration or storytelling project — these events are designed to foster connection, pride and shared purpose.
ACON is working closely with LGBTQ+ community organisations and groups to help deliver several ACON 40 events. In addition, ACON is partnering with leading cultural institutions — including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia and the Art Gallery of NSW — to bring other events in the festival to life.
Woodhouse added: “Whether you live in Sydney, Western Sydney or regional NSW, there is something to help you celebrate ACON 40.”
The full ACON 40 program features 30 events, most of these are free or accessible. Program highlights include:
- ACON 40 Community Launch (Friday 22 August, Sydney Town Hall) – an open event bringing together ACON supporters, partners, allies, staff and volunteers – past and present
- ACON 40 Hub at The Wharf – (Saturday 20 September, STC Wharf 2) – a talk series reflecting on our history and celebrating LGBTQ+ trailblazers, queer theatre, community care and more.
- ACON 40 Ruby Gala Ball – (Saturday 18 October, Hyatt Regency Sydney) – a formal celebration and fundraiser
Further events, featured artists and digital elements — including a milestone timeline and community stories — will be announced throughout the season.
Find out more about ACON’s full 40th anniversary 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
