As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the continued growth and resilience of Meridian—an organisation deeply rooted in community, lived experience and the pursuit of health equity for our communities.

The 2024–25 financial year was a period of transition and renewal at Meridian, with developments across the organisation setting us up for future growth.

This year we proudly reflect on the journey of Meridian – an organisation built on the strengths of lived experience, connection, and community leadership. From our beginnings in response to the HIV epidemic, we have continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our communities. Today, as a peer-led community-controlled organisation, we remain committed to providing vital health and social support services to LGBTIQA+ people. Our mission is to celebrate diversity, strengthen community connections, and empower individuals to live their fullest lives.

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.

Meridian is proud to present the Meridian Multicultural Engagement Plan which outlines our commitment to support people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse backgrounds, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and people of colour who are impacted by HIV and are of diverse sexualities and genders.

The document aligns with Meridian’s Strategic Plan goals of ending HIV transmissions for all, delivering excellent, client-centred care, giving voice to our communities, strengthening inclusion, and attracting and developing the best staff.

In the ACT, there is no peak body representing LGBTIQA+ people or organisations providing services to LGBTIQA+ people. The question of whether the ACT needs a peak body for LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing is one that arises from time to time, including within the Office of LGBTIQ+ Affairs, in the ACT Health Scoping Study, in the commissioning process for peak bodies, and by individual stakeholders. This discussion paper outlines the arguments for and against establishing an LGBTIQA+ peak body in the ACT, and presents some alternative options to establishing a new, separate organisation.

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.

Check out Meridian's service offerings, as of March 2026.

Meridian is proud to present this inaugural Meridian Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2021- 2022. Our Reflect RAP signifies Meridian’s sincere intent to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety through a structured process of establishing and strengthening meaningful and respectful relationships with First Nations’ community members. It was developed by Meridian in consultation with members of the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and Meridian members.

We work to improve access to inclusive and culturally safe Aged Care services for LGBTI+ elders and improve their wellbeing.

Meridian is a leader in LGBTI+ inclusion within the Seniors and Aged Care sector in the ACT.