EDITORIAL | Gilead Sciences Australia and the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) are recognising inspiring action and unsung supporters in HIV.
Every year, around this time, Australia’s HIV sector is abuzz with talk about who should be nominated as one of this year’s HIV Community Champions.
Gilead Sciences Australia and the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) have been running the awards for several years now, and each round there are five new categories.
In 2026, we’re looking for a Peer Champion who uses their lived experience to uplift others; an Emerging Champion under 35 who brings fresh ideas and new energy; a Health Ally Champion who goes above and beyond their healthcare role; a First Nations Champion who’s making a difference for mob living with HIV; and a Bolder Champion who uses their wisdom to help lead their community and shape the future.
Last year, two Perth-based nominees won in their categories: Dr Fergus McCabe as Health Ally Champion and Charlie Manley as Emerging Champion.
Both winners were overseas when they heard they had been nominated.
Charlie was in Argentina visiting his partner’s friends and family.
“I had just celebrated my 31st birthday and was beginning to put future plans in motion,” he says.
“I just remember being shocked to begin with. Once the shock settled, it was followed by this feeling of gratitude for the life I have created and the fact that I have the capacity to support people through such difficulties.
“For that work to be recognised is just such an incredible feeling. One that I will never forget,” says Charlie.
Fergus was visiting Howth, the fishing village on the east coast of Dublin where he grew up.
“I was walking along the harbour and reflecting on the distance from home, and the separation from place and culture that comes with building a life far away. The news arrived at exactly the right moment—a reminder that the work and sacrifices had been worthwhile.”
Fergus says that finding out he had been nominated brought tears to his eyes. “It meant more to me than any academic or clinical award I had received because it felt like recognition from my patients and the community I serve. That made it deeply personal.”
Charlie works as an HIV Lived Experience Case Worker at WAAC. He is very passionate about his community and tries to advocate for change, support people and spread awareness of HIV in his personal and professional life.
“So, to be recognised as an emerging community champion has definitely empowered me to continue to make change,” he says
“Awarding people for their hard work and dedication is so important. Recognising people’s strengths and accomplishments motivates them to keep going even when things get tough.”
Fergus, who works as an HIV specialist GP at View Street Medical, agrees. “It gives the community a direct opportunity to recognise people whose work might otherwise go unnoticed. It also celebrates the value of clinical care, advocacy, peer support and community service, while placing the community’s voice at the centre.”
Fergus also works with HIV positive patients with complex needs out of M Clinic from a service he and WAAC set up called HIV Connect+. Charlie also works alongside him at that clinic.
So, what kind of advice would they give to anyone hearing that they had been nominated this year?
“Just keep being you,” says Fergus. “The nomination reflects the authenticity and impact of what you are already doing, so take a moment to let that recognition sink in.”
“Don’t ever change,” says Charlie. “You are making such a positive impact on the world. Please be proud of yourself.”
Nominations in this year’s HIV Community Champions close on 20 September. For more information, head to NAPWHA.org.au
