Women have dominated the field of 30 finalists for the 2015 Honour Awards, NSW’s annual LGBTI* community service awards.

Now in their ninth year, the Honour Awards recognise outstanding achievements within or contributions to NSW's LGBTI community. The awards are also a gala fundraising event for LGBTI charity Aurora and for ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

The 30 finalists were selected from a record 250 nominations received across eight categories covering the business, health, education, community, legal, political, media and cultural sectors. READ LIST OF FINALISTS

The winners will be presented with a range of gifts and prizes at a gala ceremony and cocktail party at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney on Wednesday 30 September.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the judges were impressed with the quality and variety of nominations. "The judging panel noted that selecting the finalists was a difficult process because the achievements and contributions of all the nominees were remarkable in their own way," Mr Parkhill says.

"However, the judges agreed that the finalists they selected exhibited a truly outstanding commitment to supporting the LGBTI community and deserved to be recognised for their efforts. It’s great to see so many women in our community being recognised for their service and achievements with half of the finalists being women or organisations supporting women. The calibre of young people was also outstanding, which is why the judges included two extra finalists in that category.

“I’d like to thank all the judges, including Channel 7 Morning Show host Kylie Gillies for helping to judge the media category.

"I congratulate all the finalists and look forward to them and other members of our community coming together to celebrate their achievements at the Honour awards ceremony at the Ivy on September 30."

The finalists will join over 300 people including government, media, entertainment and community personalities for an inspirational night full of fun and festivity. Guests will also be able to bid on a range of amazing silent auction items including luxury holidays, art, furniture, home wares, and 5-star dining, accommodation and entertainment packages.

WHAT:                   2015 Honour Awards

WHERE:                  Ivy Ballroom, 330 George St, Sydney

WHEN:                   Wednesday 30 September 2015

TIME:                      6:30pm – 11pm

COST:                     $85 per person (inc. quality wines and beers, delicious canapés and fabulous entertainment)

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  *LGBTI = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex