Gay And HIV Activist To Be Honoured At GLBT Community Awards
Monday, September 17, 2012 at 10:56AM 
The work of one of Australia’s leading gay and HIV activists will be recognised with a special accolade at the 2012 Honour Awards, NSW’s annual celebration of outstanding achievements within or contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.
Bill Whittaker will be honoured with the inaugural ACON President’s Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Mr Whittaker is one of the architects of Australia’s response to HIV/AIDS and has worked nationally and internationally in HIV policy and strategy for more than 25 years.
Mr Whittaker’s award is in addition to five other awards being contested by 20 finalists across five categories at the Ivy in Sydney on Thursday 20 September as part of the annual gala fundraising event for ACON, NSW’s leading GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation.
ACON President Mark Orr says Mr Whittaker is a worthy recipient of the special award.
“Bill Whittaker’s contribution to our community has been truly exceptional and we’re delighted that we can pay tribute to his service with this much deserved honour,” Mr Orr says.
“His work at local, national and international levels has been extraordinary not only in relation to HIV prevention but also with respect to the provision of treatment, support and advocacy for people living with, at risk of and affected by HIV/AIDS. His work has improved the lives of tens of thousands of people here in Australia and millions around the world. He is a genuine hero and ACON is proud to be acknowledging him in this way.”
“We expect the evening will be a truly memorable occasion for Bill, our inspirational finalists and all our guests whose attendance we’ll be honouring with a really sensational celebration of our community.”
The awards will take place in the chic environs of the Ivy’s Sun Room where guests will be treated throughout the evening to quality wines and beers, delicious gourmet canapés and great music. There’ll also be a silent auction featuring over 50 sensational items including a luxury holiday for 2 in South Africa, a luxury holiday in Byron Bay, tickets to Sydney’s leading cultural events, exclusive dining packages, sporting equipment and jewellery as well as art, furniture, unique experiences, mobile devices and professional services.
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says money raised from tickets sales and the silent auction will help fund ACON’s vital work in the community. “While ACON gets a significant amount of funding from NSW Health, that money can only be spent on work we do in relation to HIV/AIDS,” he says. “Our broader work in relation to GLBT health and wellbeing – such as alcohol and other drugs, lesbian health, anti-violence, mental health, ageing, community care and advocacy – is financed by one off grants, fundraising activities and donations.
“To keep this important work going, we rely on the generosity of people and organisations in our community. By coming along to the Honour Awards, community members, their friends and associates can celebrate the dynamic spirit of our community and, at the same time, raise money to help ACON build our community’s health and wellbeing.”
WHAT: 2011 Honour Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Party
WHERE: Sun Room, The Ivy, 330 George St, Sydney
WHEN: Thursday 20 September 2011
TIME: 6:30pm – 11pm
COST: $85 per person (inc. quality wines and beers, delicious canapés and fabulous entertainment)
INFO/TIX: www.honourawards.com.au
Media contact: Michael Badorrek, ACON Media and Communications Manager