June 5 is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. First observed in 2014, it’s a day to honour long-term survivors of HIV and raise awareness about their needs, issues, and journeys.
The selection of June 5 for this annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the first official reporting of what became known as the AIDS epidemic on 5 June 1981 when the CDC in the US reported on five cases of a mysterious disease affecting young gay men.
HIV Long-Term Survivors (HLTS) represent a diverse group of people, including people diagnosed with HIV before the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART in 1996. Often overlooked, HLTS includes people born with HIV or who acquired the virus as babies and are now in their 30s and 40s. HLTS are also those living with HIV and AIDS for over 25 years.
Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day events in 2026
Sydney
BGF
Please join us on Wednesday 3rd June for BGF’s “Long Term Survivors Awareness Day” event at Prince Alfred Park, for coffee or tea and light nibbles under the trees near the rainbow walkway.
On this day, we are planning to come together as a community to acknowledge those who are ageing with HIV, and more importantly, to honour those who have been living with HIV for 25 years or more. This day is to celebrate the courage and advocacy of those who came before us and reflect on the unique challenges that our community still faces today.
Celebrate the resilience, hope and optimism of long-term survivors and people living with HIV. Hear their stories of change and challenges and honour their past contributions at this special event.
We will hear from community guest speakers and will also be joined by Bill Bowtell.
This year’s Long Term Survivors Day theme is: Leading with Legacy. This year’s focus is a call to action for long-term survivors and those pioneering the HIV response to share their stories, outline how they want to be remembered, and advocate for inclusive care.
Details
Date: Wednesday 3rd June
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Venue: Rainbow Walkway, Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Note: Venue might change due to weather (TBC).
Please also notify us of any special dietary requirements when you RSVP.
Positive Life NSW
Join Positive Life NSW for the 2026 HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day as we honour the strength and diversity of our community. The day will feature presentations from healthcare professionals, including Dr Craig Sinclair on advanced care planning and Professor Bruce Brew on neurological health and HIV, with time for Q&A throughout the day — creating space for learning, reflection, and connection.
Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Melbourne
HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day 2026
This event is fully booked
Adelaide
As part of this special celebration, Positive Life SA in partnership with THH and SAMESH is organising a panel discussion with four guest speakers. They are also providing a mini canvas for people with HIV to commemorate this special day. An opportunity to celebrate our resilience and acknowledge our achievements.
Date: Friday 5 June
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Location: 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide
