The NSW Government is today announcing that the family of David Polson AM has the accepted the offer of a State Memorial Service.
Mr Polson, who passed away on 10 February 2025, made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community over his lifetime.
His family accepted the NSW Government's offer of a State Memorial, following his death at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital on Monday, aged 70.
The State Memorial will be held on the morning of Wednesday, 12 March.
As one of the first 400 men diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia in the 1980s at the age of 29, Mr Polson was a long-term survivor, with his commitment to advocacy supported by the 28 HIV drug trials he volunteered for over almost four decades.
In 2021, he was recognised as a Community Champion by the National Association of People Living with HIV, Gilead Sciences and Positive Life NSW for his services to HIV education and awareness.
In 2023, he was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for 'significant service to community health through HIV education and advocacy'.
He was the Emeritus Founding Chair of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney's first Queer Museum that opened in Darlinghurst in 2024.
More details on the March 12 State Memorial will be available in the coming weeks at NSW Government State Services.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
"David Polson was a 'trailblazer' for bravely continually challenging the HIV stigma.
"His experience and advocacy contributed to life saving medications and significant advancements with a far-reaching international impact for those living with HIV.
"I have been honoured to work with David over a number of years as he continued to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community including later in his life and know that his legacy will live on in the community for generations."
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe said:
"There are people alive today because of the courage and bravery of David Polson.
"It is a fitting tribute that he has a state memorial to acknowledge his work and share the story of LGBTQIA+ activism in NSW and David's role in it.
"David Polson was a genuine hero of the community whose life profoundly helped others."
