Exclusive: David Polson, a lifelong HIV treatment advocate and founding chair of Darlinghurst queer museum Qtopia, will receive a state memorial after passing away aged 70.
Gay Sydney News has confirmed with two people familiar with the arrangements, who were not authorised to speak publicly, that a state memorial was offered to his family by the NSW government and that the offer has been accepted.
Polson’s memorial will take place on March 12, the NSW government confirmed after the publication of this article. Further details of Polson’s memorial arrangements, which will be live-streamed, will be announced in due course.
A state service – either funeral or memorial – represents a considerable honour accorded by the NSW government in recognition of an individual’s achievement and contribution during their lifetime. The last person to receive a state memorial was Barry Humphries in 2023 at the Sydney Opera House.
Members of the public are typically able to attend state memorials by securing tickets.
Earlier this week, Qtopia said Polson died as he lived “fighting valiantly until the end in the care of St Vincent’s Hospital”.
Polson was one of the first 400 people to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia back in 1984. Shortly afterwards, he met the late Professor David Cooper, who guided Polson through 28 HIV drug trials under his supervision.
These trials left their mark on Polson but helped lead to medical discoveries, including the very effective “triple therapy” which is still widely in use across the globe.
“A debt of gratitude is owed to David for his life of service, for his courage, bravery and contribution over almost four decades, enduring 28 drug trials, toward the advancement of medical response to HIV and AIDS in this country and across the world,” said Qtopia.
The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest running HIV charity, also paid tribute to Polson, saying he leaves behind an immeasurable legacy.
“David was a giant in the HIV community – his bravery, his advocacy and his generosity in
sharing his story have changed countless lives,” said Bobby Goldsmith chief executive Nick Lawson.
“He was not just a survivor but a trailblazer. His loss is deeply felt here at Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and in the wider community but his legacy has forever shaped the future of HIV.”
Polson is survived by his sister Ruth Henning, brother in law Evan Henning, his nephews Willian and Edward, close cousin Cecily Polson and life friends Peter Campbell, Amanda Findlay and Greg Woods.
with Eliot Hastie
Gay Sydney News editor