Representing a diverse group of leaders, trailblazers, advocates, volunteers and everyday heroes whose dedication to inclusion, equality and community is making a positive difference to rainbow communities across New South Wales, ACON has announced the recipients of the 2026 Honour Awards.
Revealed on Thursday 8 October at the Honour Awards gala event in Sydney’s Paddington Town Hall, the recipients were honoured for the service, achievements and leadership, which have made significant and lasting change to the lives of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.
“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.”
“Strong communities and social connections are the bedrock of good health. Working to together we can continue to make progress on the challenges facing our communities today.”
“By coming together, we can find ways to support regional pride organisations to operate across NSW, secure access to gender affirming care and build an effective response to suicide in our communities,” said Woodhouse.
Presented by ACON, the Honour Awards is the premier LGBTQ+ community awards celebration in NSW, recognising outstanding service, achievements and excellence within rainbow communities since 2007.
“ACON extends its sincere thanks to all the partners and supporters whose generosity made this year’s Honour Awards possible,” Woodhouse.
“Honour is as much about bringing people together as it is about recognition. Tonight was a great example of that, and we thank every guest who joined us.
“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,” Woodhouse said.
WINNERS OF THE 2026 HONOUR AWARDS:
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.
For more information about the Honour Awards, visit: www.honourawards.com.au for details.
Image: Recipients of the 2026 Honour Awards – photos by Deep Field Photography (courtesy of ACON)