Phil Carswell OAM is a longstanding community advocate. Forged in the fires of gay and lesbian liberation, Phil was the Founding President of the Victorian AIDS Action Committee, later the Victorian AIDS Council, and today - Thorne Harbour Health. Phil worked tirelessly in leading the community response to HIV and AIDS in Australia both within community organisations and while working in government health departments

Phil represented the Victorian AIDS Council on the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations Council which he also co-founded and was appointed as one of two gay community representatives to the National Advisory Council on AIDS chaired by Ms Ita Buttrose.

In 2015, Phil received a Medal in the Order of Australia for services to public health, particularly for people with HIV/AIDS.

This episode is part of the Community Living Legends series, reflecting on a legacy of community-driven action to improve our health and wellbeing as Thorne Harbour Health celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health & wellbeing.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at [email protected]

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at Thorne Harbour Health.