2023 has been another exceptional year. In fact, it marks our 40th year in operation. Initially established in 1983 as the ACT AIDS Action Committee, our organisation was formed by a group of gay men living in Canberra to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region.

The health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities remain at the heart of our work at Meridian. While Canberra was relatively sheltered from COVID-19 early on, we were hit hard by the pandemic in the first half of this financial year. In response, we rallied to support our communities, working hard to ensure they had access to appropriate health information and resources, COVID-19 vaccinations, and mental health support. We also made sure that our communities could meet their ongoing healthcare needs, including having access to HIV testing facilities, HIV medication, and harm-reduction resources and support.

It has been another busy year as we continue to work at the individual, community, organisational, and public policy levels to achieve positive outcomes for our communities.

We kicked off last financial year by refreshing our strategic plan to ensure we remain at the forefront of achieving positive outcomes for our communities. Our new plan sets out an ambitious program of activities that aim to contribute to eliminating HIV and improving sexual health, improving access to quality services for people living with HIV, creating a safe community, and
improving access to inclusive and knowledgeable health and wellbeing services for people who require support around gender identity and sexuality. The plan also sets an agenda for investing in the organisation to ensure sustainability and growth. The 2021-2024 Strategic Plan is available on our website.

This year’s annual report highlights a significant evolution in our identity as an organisation. At the annual general meeting in November 2019, our members voted to change our name. After almost four decades, we have re-launched under a new name: Meridian.

It is a distinct privilege to provide our members with this report on behalf of the Council’s Board and staff. It clearly demonstrates our record of service delivery to the community, our strong financial position, and the effective governance that guides our day-to-day operations in HIV prevention and improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ communities.

It is an exciting and challenging time for Meridian and the entire community sector. A world leader in our responses to Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Australia has some of the lowest HIV transmission rates in the world. While ground-breaking technological advances have effectively changed how we respond to these issues, significant challenges remain. Meridian is well placed to tackle these challenges head on, improving and expanding its provision of support services and resources for our HIV and LGBTIQ communities.

It’s been another busy and rewarding year for Meridian. With a new strategic plan setting the direction, we have been working diligently to meet our ambitious objectives.

This year has been an exciting year for Meridian. After a period of change and renewal last year, this year saw Meridian undertake a major strategic planning process. This has resulted in a new Strategic Plan that will see the direction of Meridian from 2016 to 2020.

This year has been one of new beginnings with a move to new premises and returning to a financially stable position. This has strengthened the focus on the Council’s ability to develop and grow  sustainably into the future. The move from Westlund House to Havelock House has provided a unique opportunity to reflect on our history, and protect the fascinating collection of local and national material which has been amassed over the Council’s last 30 years.

For almost 30 years, the success of the ACT’s and Australia’s response to HIV has largely been a result of a collaborative partnership between our community, governments, researchers and health professionals. This year has again demonstrated the effectiveness of this partnership approach.