Recognising inspiring action
and unsung supporters in HIV
NAPWHA and Gilead Sciences Australia and New Zealand are excited to announce the 2024 Community Champions!
These are the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes in HIV healthcare and support services for people living with HIV, research or education, or the countless allies and advocates helping to better educate others on HIV or break down stigma. We made a deliberate decision to focus on those unsung heroes who go unnoticed in their quiet pursuit of support for the HIV sector. It is time we celebrate those champions who work behind the scenes – loudly!
Every day, people like these five Champions right across Australia are making a remarkable difference supporting those living with HIV and in HIV prevention. We received nominations from across Australia and although all are Community Champions doing exceptional things to support people living with HIV in Australia. We were blown away by the inspiring stories and nominations in 2024, and we thank you recognizing and celebrating these inspiring individuals.
Introducing our
2024 Community Champions
Wayne Hornsby
Wayne is a dedicated, enduring champion for HIV communities in Hobart and regional Tasmania. For over 20 years, he has volunteered with Straight Arrows, NAPWHA, and Positive Lives Tasmania, advocating for services and providing peer support. He mentors members of HetMAN, supporting heterosexual men living with HIV.
Wayne’s kindness, wisdom, and steadfast commitment have made a lasting impact, by ensuring those living with HIV receive the support and resources they need.
Every day, amazing people like Wayne are changing lives through HIV support and prevention. NAPWHA and Gilead proudly created the Community Champions program to celebrate these unsung heroes.
Sonya Weith
Sonya is a passionate advocate for the HIV community, driven by a deep commitment to social justice and compassion. With unwavering empathy, she supports individuals in overcoming stigma and finding self-acceptance.
As a proud First Nations woman from Yuin Country and a Support Worker with Queensland Positive People her work is focused on breaking down barriers and creating safe, inclusive spaces, especially for those marginalised. Sonya’s dedication has made a lasting impact, fostering resilience and respect within the communities she serves, and ensuring that every person feels valued and seen.
Every day, amazing people like Sonya are changing lives through HIV support and prevention. NAPWHA and Gilead proudly created the Community Champions program to celebrate these unsung heroes.
Melania Mugamu
Melania is a dedicated HIV champion and Peer Treatment Facilitator with Queensland Positive People, driven by her own life-changing journey. Her experience ignited a deep commitment to supporting others, offering a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.
Through her advocacy, Melania fights stigma and champions patient-centred care, sharing her story to inspire and empower others living with HIV. Her unwavering dedication has made her a trusted voice, helping many find strength, resilience, and hope on their own journeys.
Every day, amazing people like Melania are changing lives through HIV support and prevention. NAPWHA and Gilead proudly created the Community Champions program to celebrate these unsung heroes.
Billy Suyapmo
Billy is a passionate advocate at Positive Life NSW, empowering people living with HIV through education, employment support, and outreach. He is dedicated to reducing stigma, supporting diverse communities, and assisting individuals to navigate their unique challenges.
Billy’s work focuses on ensuring people living with HIV feel in control, valued, and ready to take charge of their lives and futures. His commitment to advocacy promotes positive change for those living with HIV.
Every day, amazing people like Billy are changing lives through HIV support and prevention. NAPWHA and Gilead proudly created the Community Champions program to celebrate these unsung heroes.
Jennifer Hoy
Jenny is an HIV researcher with over 35 years’ experience. When Fairfield Hospital closed in 1996, Jenny established the HIV Clinical Research Unit at The Alfred Hospital where HIV Services had been transferred. She was appointed as the inaugural Professor Director of HIV Medicine at The Alfred and Monash University in 2008.
Previously, Jenny had founded the Clinical Research Unit at Fairfield Hospital. Her work advances treatments and improves the quality of life and quality of care for people living with HIV, making a lasting impact on HIV healthcare in Australia.
Every day, amazing people like Jenny are changing lives through HIV support and prevention. NAPWHA and Gilead proudly created the Community Champions program to celebrate these unsung heroes.
2023 Community Champions
2022 Community Champions
2021 Community Champions
David Polson (he/him)
HIV Advocate
“When I was first diagnosed, I made a pledge I would do anything I could to help medical science increase its knowledge about HIV/ AIDS. Anything. I’m not a doctor or a medical professional, so all I could do was participate in the trials when they came up – and that’s what I did.”
Phillip Keen (he/him)
Coordinator of the NSW HIV Prevention Partnership Project (NHPPP), Kirby Institute
“Many people work in HIV prevention because they are committed on a deeply personal level. I have the privilege of working with over forty of these dedicated individuals from partner organisations who have helped enable the success we’ve achieved today.”
Emil Cañita (he/she/they)
Peer Navigator & GenNext Coordinator at Living Positive Victoria
“Problems with migration and access to timely support and quality treatment are still some of the many issues migrating people living with HIV face to this day. I hope to have more spaces in our HIV movement for people of different genders, sexuality, cultures and ethnicities to be in positions of power and influence. Our bodies are not just for marketing material, area of research and frontline work. It’s time for people like us to also have a seat at the table.”
Dr Jennifer Power (she/her)
HIV Researcher, Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society at La Trobe University
“The science of HIV treatment and prevention has been an incredible success story, but there is a lot of work to be done to support quality of life for people living with HIV, stigma and social support.”
Andrew Buchanan (he/him)
Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation
“It doesn’t matter how significant a role you play – everyone’s role is meaningful. We achieve our best outcomes by collaborating, sharing ideas and insights and working together as one community.”
Why is it important to celebrate
the Community Champions?
At the end of 2021, there was an estimated 29, 460 people living with HIV in Australia. Over the last ten years there has been a steep 48% decline in new notifications with continued improvements in treatment and support for people living with HIV, and focus on prevention through PrEP and U=U (1).
However, to ensure that we get to zero new transmissions in Australia, we need to do more. This is particularly necessary in higher risk groups including our Indigenous and migrant communities. We also need to help all people living with HIV in Australia to live their best lives.
Celebrating the Community Champions showcases some of the incredible success stories in our HIV response and help ensure the focus and momentum on HIV remains.
1. UNSW Kirby Institute. HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia Annual surveillance report 2022. Available online. Last accessed December 2022.
Thank you to all our
nominators and nominees
