ACON Announces Winners Of 2026 Honour Awards
Image: Honour Awards Recipients, Deep Field Photography / Supplied
On Thursday 8 October, ACON hosted their annual Honour Awards gala at Sydney’s Paddington Town Hall, recognising the New South Wales leaders, advocates, organisations, and volunteers who continue to change the lives of LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV.
The premier LGBTQ+ community awards celebration is the largest and most highly regarded in New South Wales, and has been recognising outstanding service, achievements, and excellence within the state’s rainbow communities since 2007.
“It was an incredible evening to celebrate the people and groups who show up for our community every single day,” said ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse. “From the quiet, behind the scenes work to the bold and visible, each of them is making a real difference to the lives of LGBTQ+ people. We are so proud to honour the contributions that make our community special.
“Honour is as much about bringing people together as it is about recognition,” Woodhouse said of the gala. “A huge congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and award recipients, and to everyone who helped make Honour 2026 such a success. Until next year.”
2026 Honour Awards Winners List
COMMUNITY HERO
Katie Green: In recognition of Katie Green’s leadership as CEO of Inner City Legal Centre, where she has driven key legal reforms, advanced equality and built LGBTQIA+ service capability across NSW.
VOLUNTEER HERO
William Weller: In recognition of William Weller’s leadership and contributions in strengthening LGBTQIA+ connection and visibility across regional NSW through Tamworth Pride.
ACON PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Dykes on Bikes Sydney: In recognition of Dykes on Bikes Sydney’s enduring leadership and contributions to the safety, visibility, solidarity and culture of LGBTQ+ communities over almost four decades.
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
The Gender Centre: In recognition of The Gender Centre’s four decades of advocacy, support and crisis services for transgender and gender diverse people across NSW.
YOUNG ACHIEVER
Barbi Ghanoush: In recognition of Barbi Ghanoush’s outstanding work and contributions elevating queer and marginalised voices through performance, leadership and fundraising
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Paula Corvalan: In recognition of Paula Corvalan’s achievements in the development of SAGE, providing much-needed counselling and case management for LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities.
HIV HERO
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC): In recognition of HALC’s role as Australia’s only specialist community legal centre for people living with blood borne viruses, providing free legal assistance and driving law reform for those affected by HIV and hepatitis.
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA
Kat Dopper: In recognition of Kat Dopper’s work creating cultural spaces and festivals celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community across Australia.
CAYTE LATTA MEMORIAL AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS
Todd Fuller: In recognition of Todd Fuller’s distinctive practice of exploring and reimagining queer histories, places and experiences through drawing, animation and performance.
BUSINESS AWARD (Joint Recipients)
PlanetDwellers: In recognition of PlanetDwellers’ more than two decades of making travel safe and inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bernie’s Bar Newcastle: In recognition of Bernie’s Bar’s efforts to build and cultivate a dynamic social hub for the LGBTQIA+ community in regional NSW.
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