Media Release
Thursday 12 September 2024
Positive Life is saddened to acknowledge the passing of a giant in the Australian HIV sector with the loss of Bill Whittaker.
From the initial years of the AIDS crisis in Sydney, Bill was one of the key architects of Australia’s response to HIV/AIDS and his strategic leadership shaped public health policy, community-led HIV prevention strategies, equitable access to antiretroviral treatments, and advocating for quality health outcomes for people living with HIV.
In a career spanning decades, he demonstrated an incalculable foresight that has well-positioned today’s community-led HIV response. Bill was instrumental in helping to establish and secure funding for Positive Life NSW, then PLWHA/NSW. Following the 1988 Third National Conference on AIDS, Bill reflected “for the first time, positive people got up on a stage, and self-identified…it was just amazingly emotional…and very soon after that, we set up PLWH/AIDS” in NSW. As the first CEO of the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON), as President of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (now Health Equity Matters), and then as special representative with the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) his critical guidance and direction has enriched people living with HIV, advocates and policy makers across the HIV sector and the broader international HIV/AIDS response.
Along with our sector partners and all people living with HIV, we remember his enduring legacy to advance the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV both here in Australia and internationally with deep respect and appreciation. Our thoughts go out to Bill’s loved ones at this time.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Costello, CEO – 1800 245 677 or email communications@positivelife.org.au
Positive Life NSW is the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW. We make a significant contribution to, and positive impact across the spectrum of health and social issues on behalf of all people living with HIV in collaboration with HIV specialist and mainstream services to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV in NSW. We do this through evidence-based health promotion, research, policy advice and peer support.
