A variety of role models, allies and organisations dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Australian health and wellbeing sector have been recognised for their efforts in advancing inclusive service delivery for LGBTQ+ populations at the 2024 Pride in Health + Wellbeing Awards, with the Awards presentation streamed around Australia yesterday.

In its third year running, the awards event is a celebration dedicated to recognising exceptional efforts in improving LGBTQ+ inclusive delivery across health, aged care, human services, community health and wellbeing organisations across the country. It is produced by Pride in Health + Wellbeing, the national not-for-profit inclusion program for the health, wellbeing, human services, and community care sector, spearheaded by Australia’s largest LGBTQ health organisation ACON.

St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney was recognised as the Service Provider of the Year, along with Illawarra and Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centres who were awarded for being the Most Improved Service Provider.

Georgina Poort from Uniting Vic.Tas and Lisa Raven from St Vincent’ Health Network Sydney received the LGBTQ+ Role Model Award and the LGBTQ+ Ally Award respectively, for their significant contribution to and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within their organisations and communities.

cohealth’s Health Promotion Team were celebrated for their impressive efforts bringing innovative inclusion programs to their local sporting clubs, and they received the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Innovation Award.

The awards showcase the results of the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI), a free national benchmarking instrument used to assess LGBTQ+ inclusive service delivery within the Australian health and wellbeing sector.

Leading sector figures addressed attendees, including Prof Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association who delivered a keynote presentation, Prof Adam Bourne, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University, Matthew Short, Assistant Secretary –  Child, Youth and Priority Populations Branch at the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Nicolas Parkhill AM, CEO at ACON, and Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director, Pride Inclusion Programs at ACON.

The awards ceremony was emceed by Francisco Lopez, National Health Lead – Pride Inclusion Programs at ACON, who was joined by Pride in Health + Wellbeing co-patrons, leading doctor and LGBTQ+ health advocate Prof Keryn Phelps AM and former Telstra Group Executive and CEO of SBS, Michael Ebeid AM.

“Recognising health and wellbeing organisations for their achievements against the HWEI allows us to see a tangible shift in LGBTQ+ inclusion practice across the sector,” Lopez said. “With a wide and an increasingly diverse range of organisations participating, we are seeing greater commitments to providing safer and more inclusive environments and experiences for sexuality and gender diverse people when they access health and wellbeing services across Australia.”

Lopez added: “Gender and sexuality diverse community members continue to face health and social inclusion issues, resulting in poor health outcomes for many people. We are seeing service providers, government agencies, and other key health system organisations stepping up to address barriers our communities face in accessing help and support.”

“It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements that have been made towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Congratulations to all the winners and participating organisations.”

ENDS

For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications

E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: (02) 9206 2044   M: 0428 477 042

2024 Pride in Health + Wellbeing Awards Recipients