Drag queen Courtney Act, artist Jeff McCann, journalist Narelda Jacobs and Sydney Mardi Gras board chair Giovanni Campolo-Arcidiaco were among the many people and organisations recognised at the largest annual LGBTQ+ awards in NSW on Wednesday night.
More than 230 nominations for the awards – organised by HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON – were received from the community.
Drag queen Courtney Act, artist Jeff McCann, journalist Narelda Jacobs and Sydney Mardi Gras board chair Giovanni Campolo-Arcidiaco were among the many people and organisations recognised at the largest annual LGBTQ+ awards in NSW on Wednesday night.
More than 230 nominations for the awards – organised by HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON – were received from the community.
ACON president Dr Justin Koonin said that for many years the LGBTQ+ community was subject to horrific hate crimes and exposed to further pain due to slow and inadequate responses by authorities.
“It was left to advocates and allies to draw attention to these atrocities, shining a light on this dark time of NSW’s history. It is only through their relentless pursuit for the truth that we are now on the long road towards justice and healing – a journey made possible by the brave and persistent actions of these defenders.”
ACON chief executive Nicolas Parkhill congratulated all of the finalists and award recipients, saying every single one of them helped make an impact on the lives of people in the LGBTQ community.
“People from all walks of life do incredible work to improve the lives of LGBTQ people and their families. We are inspired and so grateful to meet them, hear their stories and see the vibrancy, strength, and resiliency of our communities,” Parkhill said.
The winners:
ACON PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Steve Page; Duncan McNab; Sue Thompson; Rick Feneley; Greg Callaghan; Garry Wotherspoon; Nicholas Stewart; Stephen Tomsen; Jacqueline Milledge; Peter Rolfe; Steve Johnson; and Daniel Glick
COMMUNITY HERO
Giovanni Campolo-Arcidiaco
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Newcastle Pride; and
Trikone Australia
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Bree Mountain
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Garrett Prestage
CAYTE LATTA MEMORIAL AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS
Jeff McCann
HIV HERO
David Polson
MEDIA AWARD
Narelda Jacobs
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Courtney Act
BUSINESS AWARD
Nungala Creative
HONORARY HONOUR
Sydney WorldPride
Gay Sydney News reporter