Deadly Sex NSW 2026

Yarning about Sexual Health: Building Strength, Breaking Barriers

Join AH&MRC & ASHM for the inaugural Deadly Sex NSW Forum, a two-day event in Bidjigal & Gadigal Lands (Sydney), 17 & 18 March 2026.

This event offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Professionals in NSW the opportunities to update their knowledge, build workforce skills, share stories, & explore emerging issues in BBVs & STIs.

Participants will also have the chance to connect with peers and experts, strengthening their professional networks and community impact.

Event Details

When:  Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th March 2026

Venue: AH&MRC 35 Harvey Street, Little Bay, Bidjigal and Gadigal Lands (Sydney) NSW.

Registration and Accommodation

The Deadly Sex NSW is free to attend. Complimentary accommodation is available and subject to committee approval upon registration. Priority will be given to delegates traveling from outside Gadigal/Sydney. Please contact [email protected] for enquiries.

Why attend?

  • Stay informed: Learn the latest evidence-based practices and culturally relevant strategies for BBVs and STIs.
  • Grow professionally: Build confidence and skills to deliver high-quality, culturally safe care.
  • Network and connect: Meet peers, experts, and mentors across NSW.
  • Celebrate community-led solutions: Hear success stories and learn from initiatives driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Outline current and emerging issues in blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) 
  • Build skills in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) 
  • Take part in networking with other attendees with other health workers and practitioners across NSW

Forum Dinner

The Deadly Sex NSW Dinner is a free, NSW Health-supported event that celebrates and promotes the incredible work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Professionals. It is an opportunity to recognise contributions and achievements within the sector in a relaxed and welcoming setting. 

Share and Present

Have a story, project, or initiative related to BBVs, STIs, or community health? Submit your expression of interest to present at the forum and inspire your peers. Call for submissions will open soon.

Suggested presentation Topics:

  • Sex work
  • Pleasure Sex

  • Injecting Drugs

  • Health Promotion

  • Young Leaders

  • Clinical session on STI/BBVs

  • LGBTQIA+

About Deadly Sex NSW Forum

The Deadly Sex NSW Forum builds on the success of the Deadly Sex Congress in Queensland, which has empowered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Professionals and community professionals for several years.

The logo reflects hard conversations, inclusivity, sexual health, meeting places and connection.

Deadly Sex Forum Committee

The forum is organised by a committee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, health experts, and community representatives. Their goal is to strengthen workforce capacity, promote culturally safe practice, and amplify Indigenous voices in BBV and STI health.

 

Funded by NSW Health.

Estelle Clarke

Estelle is a Yorta Yorta and Wamba Wamba trans woman who grew up on Noongar Country and currently resides on Gadigal Country.

She is a Coordinator in the First Nations Health Programs and a team member in the Trans Health Equity team at ACON.

In addition to her role at ACON, Estelle is a member of the Equality Australia National TransEquality Council, the First Nations Gender Justice Institute’s Inaugural Advisory Committee and the Incarcerated Trans and Gender Diverse Fund. Furthermore, she serves as an administrator for the Brotherboys, Sistergirls, and Gender Diverse Mob Facebook group.

Nicola Dunn

I am the Health Promotions and Education Manager at Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services, working in community to support strong, informed, and empowered lives.

I am Wiljaali women who grew up on Darkinjung Country, which continues to shape my respect for community, connection, and wellbeing.

I am passionate about creating safe, open conversations around sexual health and empowering community with knowledge that supports choice, confidence and self-determination. 

Naomi Hoffman

Naomi (Nay) Hoffman is a Kamilaroi woman currently living and working on Dharawal land.

Nay is a Clinical Nurse Consultant at Illawarra Shoalhaven Sexual Health Service and has been working in publicly funded sexual health services for over a decade and is currently awaiting her Nurse Practitioner endorsement.

Nay is 
very passionate about low barrier care and ensuring health information is easy to access.

Justin Salerno

Justin Salerno works across HIV, sexual health, and blood borne virus policy and programs, with a strong focus on community-led, culturally safe approaches.

His work
centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, health equity, and meaningful collaboration across the sector.

Jinny-Jane Smith

Jinny-Jane is a proud Wiradjuri/ Walbunja woman of the Yuin nation. Jinny identifies as a lesbian woman, mother and aunty to many.

Jinny is dedicated to giving her time to enhance communities address social justice and self determination for the betterment of her community.

Jinny has been an active advocate for the plight of not only Aboriginal rights but the rights of her queer blak community for over 10 years.

Jinny is the chairperson at Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Womens Corporation. Also works as the Program Manager for First Nations projects at ACON. Jinny is passionate about making change regarding the stigmas and stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ communities.

Jess Wilms

Jess (she/her) is the Aboriginal sexual health education officer for Western Sydney LHD. Jess is a proud Wiradjuri woman, who Chairs the state-wide Aboriginal sexual health action group for NSW Health. Leading a state-wide approach to providing culturally appropriate sexual health projects and resources for NSW, including the work of Take Blaktion.

She is also on the inaugural Deadly Sex Forum planning committee bring mob from across the state together to learn and celebrate sexual health education in our communities.  

Jess has been fortunate enough to be a part of numerous research projects around various sexual health topics including dating apps, and strengths based peer research with Aboriginal young people and digital capabilities in sexual health promotion. 

Jess works alongside community creating safe inclusive environments. She’s passionate about safe and equitable healthcare for all and tackling stigma and discrimination faced by Aboriginal and LGBTIQA+ communities. 

Delivered in partnership with AH&MRC

Endorsed by