Australia’s first-ever permanent queer museum is a step closer after the keys to the former Darlinghurst police station were officially handed over to Qtopia Sydney, the non-profit organisation behind the initiative.

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.