Dykes On Bikes To Receive Prestigious President’s Award At ACON Honour Awards 2026
Image: Dykes on Bikes Sydney, Andrea Francolini
It’s official: Dykes on Bikes Sydney has been named the 2026 recipient of the ACON’s prestigious President’s Award.
Presented annually at the Honour Awards, the ACON President’s Award is bestowed on an individual or organisation whose efforts have made a significant, positive, and lasting impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ people, and no one is more deserving.
For many young Australian queers, the Dykes on Bikes Sydney represent the first powerful roars of the Mardi Gras; their revving engines, big grins, and skyward fists are often our first and mightiest exposure to the concept of “pride”. Suffice to say, the parade would be incomplete without them.
“Since forming in 1988, Dykes on Bikes Sydney has grown to become one of the most recognisable and beloved institutions in our community,” said ACON President Justin Koonin.
“Their loud and visible charge at the front of every Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is a beacon of pride for many, while their work behind the scenes has helped foster connection, support, belonging and safety for countless people.”
About Dykes On Bikes
Established in 1988, Dykes on Bikes Sydney is Australia’s longest-running female identified motorcycle club, and naturally, one of the most prominent and impactful of Sydney’s rainbow community organisations.
Notably, their service to Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond merely opening the parade. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ violence saw widespread harassment across Oxford Street, not to mention gangs targeting gay beats such as Marks Park, Tamarama — in some cases herding or throwing victims to their deaths — the Dykes on Bikes were our protectors.
Members of the organisation famously conducted patrols of Oxford Street and Kings Cross late at night on heavy motorcycles, sometimes coordinating via radio or gathering around Taylor Square to escort vulnerable or intoxicated people, as well as their “fellow witches, faggots, dykes, and poofters” safely away from attackers.
These patrols continue in spirit today, with the Dykes on Bikes frequently showing up to support trans and gender diverse people at local community events.
“The legacy of Dykes on Bikes Sydney extends far beyond the road. Through advocacy and community leadership, they have helped create safer, stronger and more visible LGBTQ+ communities,” Dr Koonin said.
“I’m pleased that this year’s ACON President’s Award will honour the extraordinary and enduring contribution the Dykes on Bikes Sydney has made to the safety, visibility, solidarity and culture of LGBTQ+ communities over almost four decades.”
A Word From Dykes On Bikes President Kendal Walton
Dykes on Bikes Sydney President Kendal Walton reflected on ACON’s decision to bestow such a high honour on the group.
“Receiving the 2026 ACON President’s Award means an enormous amount to Dykes on Bikes Sydney,” said Walton. “To have our organisation recognised not simply for what we do, but for the spirit of solidarity, protection, visibility and community that has been at the heart of Dykes on Bikes for almost four decades, is incredibly humbling.”
“This award belongs to every Dykes on Bikes member who has ever proudly worn our club’s patch, climbed onto a motorbike, ridden in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, volunteered their time at an event, offered a helping hand, stood up for someone who needed protecting, or simply helped make our community a little safer and more visible.”
The 2026 ACON Honour Awards
The award will be presented at the 2026 Honour Awards on Thursday 8 October at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney. Now in its 19th year, Honour is NSW’s premier LGBTQ+ community awards celebration.
“Every year the Honour Awards shine a light on the exceptional efforts of individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to support LGBTQ+ communities across New South Wales,” Dr Koonin said.
“At a time when the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ communities are being questioned, we need more ways to come together – now more than ever – to show support, resilience and unity. The Honour Awards does just that.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Dykes on Bikes Sydney and all of this year’s finalists and recipients. Their dedication, passion and commitment continue to inspire us all, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements together.”
General admission to the Honour Awards can be purchased here.
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