HIV Hero To Be Honour-ed
Friday, September 13, 2013 at 4:14PM 
The work of one of Australia's leading HIV advocates will be recognised with a special accolade at the 2013 Honour Awards, NSW's annual celebration of outstanding achievements within or contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.
Bill Bowtell AO will be honoured with the ACON President's Award in recognition of the significant role he has played in improving the health and wellbeing of people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Mr Bowtell has been a key figure in the development of the Australian and international policy response to HIV/AIDS over the last 30 years, serving in leadership positions with a raft of HIV-related government, non-government and charitable organisations.
Notably, Mr Bowtell was instrumental in establishing Australia's initial and highly successful response to the HIV epidemic in the mid-1980s as Chief of Staff to the then Federal Health Minister Neal Blewett. He has also served as Director of the HIV/AIDS Project at the Lowy Institute and is currently the Executive Director of Pacific Friends of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Mr Bowtell's award is in addition to six other awards being contested by 27 finalists at the Ivy in Sydney on Thursday 19 September as part of the annual gala fundraising event for LGBTI charity Aurora and for ACON, NSW's leading HIV and LGBTI health organisation.
ACON President Mark Orr says Mr Bowtell is a worthy recipient of the special award. "Bill's contribution to our community has been truly outstanding 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, tuberculosis and malaria.
"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.
Guests will also be able to pick up a bargain at the amazing silent auction which features over $100,000 worth of items including: a luxury holiday for two to South Africa; luxury accommodation in India and Byron Bay; diamond jewellery; watches; art; fashion; furniture; and 5-star dining, accommodation and entertainment packages.