Among the recipients of 2024’s HONOUR AWARDS are inspiring individuals, outstanding organisations, bold creative minds and dedicated activists, advocates and local heroes with a passion for making a difference in the LGBTQ+ communities.

Revealed on Wednesday 18 September at the Honour Awards gala event in Sydney’s Doltone House Hyde Park, the recipients were recognised in a range of categories including health, HIV, youth, community, business, entertainment, visual arts and media.

ACON’s CEO Michael Woodhouse said: “What a night – it was wonderful to hear from local heroes and organisations doing such tremendous work to improve the lives of people in LGBTQ communities. We are inspired and so grateful to all of them. Their vibrancy, strength and resilience give us so much joy.”

Presented by ACON, the Honour Awards is the premier LGBTQ community awards celebration in New South Wales, recognising outstanding service, achievements and excellence within rainbow communities since 2007.

“ACON thanks all the partners whose support made this year’s Honour Awards possible, including people2people, OUT@NBCUniversal, Universal Hotels, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association, Positive Life NSW, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Friends of Cayte and the Star Observer. We are also very grateful to all our event partners and supporters, and of course, to all the people and plethora of organisations that donated many splendid items to our raffle and silent auction.

“And of course, we thank all guests who joined this year’s Honour celebrations and helped raise funds for ACON. We are grateful for your support.

“Congratulations once again to all this year’s finalists and award recipients, and thank you to everyone who supported Honour 2024. See you at next year’s Honour Awards,” Woodhouse said.

See photos from the 2024 Honour Awards here!

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2024 HONOUR AWARDS WINNERS LIST

COMMUNITY HERO
Presented by ACON
Ghassan Kassisieh: In recognition of Ghassan Kassisieh’s tenacious work as the former Legal Director of Equality Australia, being at the coalface of key legislative reforms affecting rainbow communities in Australia.

YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Presented by people2people
Abbie Jane: In recognition of Abbie Jane’s outstanding achievements in campaigning for rainbow inclusion and equality through the Rainbow Shoelace Project.

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Presented by Universal Hotels
The Aurora Group: In recognition of The Aurora Group’s philanthropic mission and endeavours, supporting impactful projects and initiatives that empower rainbow communities for over 25 years.

HEALTH & WELLBEING
Presented by ACON
Dr Melissa Kelly and Mags Smith: In recognition of Dr Melissa Kelly’s and Mag Smith’s contribution towards the provision of gender affirming healthcare in NSW.

CAYTE LATTA MEMORIAL AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS
Presented by Friends of Cayte
C Moore Hardy: In recognition of C Moore Hardy’s long-standing passion and commitment to documenting Sydney’s vibrant rainbow communities

HIV HERO
Presented by Positive Life NSW
The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation: In recognition of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s 40 years of care and support for people living with HIV.

MEDIA AWARD
Presented by OUT@NBCUniversal
Dan Bourchier: In recognition of Dan Bourchier’s contributions to media, and to our national understanding of the perspectives and views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as LGBTQIA+ communities.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Presented by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Two joint winners:

Stan Munro: In recognition of Stan Munro’s work in showbusiness, Australian drag entertainment and community support spanning 70 years.

DJ Gemma: In recognition of DJ Gemma’s work in creating and holding space for LGBTIQA+ community to gather and celebrate identity, sexuality and community for almost four decades.

BUSINESS AWARD
Presented by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association
Ty Dovans and Luke Frappell for 357: In recognition of Ty and Luke’s unwavering support for the health and wellbeing of rainbow communities through their business, 357.

ACON PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Presented by ACON
Les McDonald: In recognition of Les McDonald’s 42 years of service to rainbow communities in Australia through the running of The Bookshop Darlinghurst.