Melbourne, Australia, 23 November 2025: The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) and Gilead Sciences Australia are proud to announce the 2024 Community Champions – five inspiring Australians who have been recognised for their advocacy, support and care for people living with HIV.
Now in its fourth year, the Community Champions program was created by NAPWHA and Gilead to shine a light on the extraordinary individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to break down stigma, advocate for their communities’ needs and support individuals to navigate the health system, HIV prevention and treatment.
Peers and members of the HIV community are invited to nominate their ‘unsung heroes, legends and givers’ across five categories. The record number of nominations received in 2024 reflects the enduring importance of community, the diversity of its needs and the ongoing work required to end the HIV epidemic in Australia and beyond.
The 2024 Community Champions, announced during a World AIDS Day with their peers, are:
- Wayne Hornsby (Enduring Community Champion) – recognised for his lifelong advocacy and support for heterosexual men living with HIV.
- Sonya Weith (First Nations Community Champion) – recognised for her advocacy and empathy in supporting people living with HIV overcome stigma and find self-acceptance.
- Melania Mugamu (Migrant Community Champion) – recognised for her bravery in using her story to support and empower people living with HIV.
- Billy Suyapmo (Young Community Champion) – recognised for his passionate advocacy in empowering people living with HIV through education, employment support and outreach.
- Jennifer Hoy (Ally Community Champion) – recognised for her 35+ years’ experience in advancing treatment and improving quality of life and care for people living with HIV.
In announcing the 2024 recipients, NAPWHA President, Scott Harlum said, “As an organisation, NAPWHA is constantly looking to our communities to exemplify our vision: namely a world where people with HIV live their lives to their full potential, in good health and free from discrimination. “Often this vision seems distant and almost impossible. But at this time of year, when we hear about so many people who have made it their life’s work, when we are touched by their stories and see the impact they have made … this vision becomes closer to reality,” said Mr Harlum.
Michelle Skehan, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences Australia and New Zealand said: “Working with NAPWHA on the Community Champions program is truly rewarding. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individuals while raising awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by people living with HIV. Through the many nominations received this year and across the last four years, we have seen how personal dedication can lead to meaningful change, and we are delighted to be able to amplify these often life-changing contributions.”
Ms Skehan concluded, “For over 35 years, Gilead Sciences has collaborated with healthcare professionals, academic institutions, community organisations, and advocates to improve outcomes for people living with HIV. We remain committed to working together with communities toward a future free from HIV stigma and inequity.”
