ACON's Facilitator Training 2026
ACON’s Facilitator Training is back for 2026, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help bring our community workshops, forums, and events to life.
This year’s training brings together ACON’s First Nations Health Programs, ACON Westie team, and the SPARK Project (for young gay, bi+ and queer men aged 18-26). We’re recruiting volunteer facilitators to support work across all three programs.
We centre lived experience in our work and welcome volunteers to get involved in one or more programs - based on where your lived experience is most relevant.
First Nations Health Programs - We are seeking Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ community members, of any age 18+.
ACON Westie - We are seeking LGBTQ+ community members who are from or have a connection to Greater Western Sydney, of any age 18+.
SPARK Project (Young Gay, Bi+ & Queer Men Ages 18-26) - We are seeking gay, bi+, & queer men (trans and cis), ages 18-26.
What is a facilitator?
Our volunteer facilitators lead and guide participants through activities and discussions in our community-created workshops. These workshops cover a range of topics that are important to our community, including coming out, navigating identity and culture, healthy relationships, and navigating stigma and discrimination. Facilitators help to create safe, supportive spaces where people can share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas, while also providing access to tailored, non-judgmental sexual health information.
As part of our peer-led approach, facilitators are not expected to be experts in everything. Instead, we provide ongoing support to help you work in culturally safe, respectful, and community-led ways. All we ask is that you bring care, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, listen, and actively support group activities.
If you enjoy connecting with others, want to give back to your community, and are keen to build skills for your personal and professional development, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Click here to read the full position description
What is facilitator training?
Our 5-day facilitator training brings together a group of passionate volunteers to build skills in facilitation, peer education, and community empowerment.
Through the training, you will develop:
Facilitation skills for community workshops - Including active listening, non-judgemental communication, and managing group dynamics, as well as supporting people to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
New knowledge and lived experience learning - Hear from speakers with diverse lived experiences and professional expertise as we explore topics such as sexual health, HIV, racism and cultural safety, trans health and wellbeing, harm reduction, and other issues relevant to our communities.
Cultural safety and reflective practice - Including working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally diverse communities, and understanding how our own experiences and perspectives shape how we facilitate.
Connection and community - Facilitator training is grounded in connection through shared and diverse lived experiences. It’s a great opportunity to meet other passionate LGBTQ+ volunteers, build meaningful connections, and learn alongside your community through reflection, sharing, and discussion.
Training dates
Facilitator training runs for 5 days across 2.5 weekends. Please note that all five training days are compulsory due to the depth of skills covered in the training.
Dates:
Saturday 15 August 2026, 9:30am–5pm
Sunday 16 August 2026, 9:30am–5pm
Saturday 22 August 2026, 9:30am–5pm
Sunday 23 August 2026, 9:30am–5pm
Saturday 29 August 2026, 9:30am–5pm
Location:
ACON, 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW (5-minute walk from Central Station)
Cost:
Free. Lunch is provided on all training days.
What happens after training?
After completing training and being signed off as ready to facilitate, you’ll become an official ACON peer facilitator.
As a volunteer facilitator, you will:
Co-facilitate community workshops and sessions - Work with other facilitators to deliver community-designed workshops exploring topics such as identity, sexuality, consent, sexual health, relationships, and wellbeing.
Help shape and improve our programs - Contribute to how workshops and forums are designed, delivered, and developed over time.
Facilitate at least one workshop per year - Workshops run for 3-4 hours on weeknights, once a week over four weeks.
Be supported in your facilitation role - Receive ongoing support to help you deliver engaging, community-centred workshops.
Keen to be involved?
If this sounds like an opportunity you’d like to be part of, please register your expression of interest by completing the form below.
Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange a 30-minute interview at our Surry Hills office.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 30 June 2026.
Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 14 June 2026
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team at youth@acon.org.au
