QPP has learned the sad news of the passing of Bill Whittaker, a foundational member of Australia’s community-led response to HIV.
Bill was a passionate advocate for people living with HIV for four decades. In the earliest days of the epidemic, he served as the first CEO of the newly formed ACON (AIDS Council of New South Wales), and continued his leadership roles throughout his life including as President of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, President of AFAO (Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, now Health Equity Matters) on two occasions, and as a NAPWHA special representative until his passing.
His contributions are too momentous to encapsulate properly here, but some of Bill’s lifelong contributions included driving the advancement of HIV policy both in Australia and internationally which continues to improve access to the latest antiretroviral treatments and health monitoring advances. He played an instrumental role in the adoption of PrEP in Australia and beyond, which every Australian benefits from today. Bill was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to community health through HIV/AIDS organisations in 1992.
Bill’s impact on the international response to HIV, and to improving the lives of people with HIV is profound. His loss will be felt deeply at QPP, as it will be in the many organisations, arenas, and lives that he had an impact on. We extend our deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Vale Bill Whittaker.
