Project | Supporting ACON this Pride Month
Pictured: Ross Gardam Tailored Armchair, upholstered by John Halpin upholstery and Ross Didier Elfin Stool in timber, restored by Mark Tuckey
While the iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras lit up the city of Sydney earlier in the year, Pride Month in June offers another beautiful moment to reflect, rally, and revel in the spirit of this year's theme of love, respect and empowerment. It's also a time to honour the rights and legacy of LGBTQIA+ communities, and at Cultivated we’re proud to have supported one of the state’s longest-standing advocates for LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing: community testing clinic ACON [TEST] for HIV and STI screening on Oxford Street in partnership with St. Vincent’s, NSW Health and South East Sydney Local Health District
Pictured: Ross Gardam Tailored Armchair, upholstered by John Halpin upholstery
Founded in 1985 in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, ACON was built by the community, for the community—an ethos that continues to drive their work today. As ACON’s Operations Manager, Troy Sinkovic, puts it, “ACON are more than a health organisation” — they’re a movement that champions inclusion, care, and support for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
As part of our ongoing community outreach, Cultivated contributed to a refurbishment of the Oxford Street [TEST] Clinic at no cost. We partnered with skilled local makers like John Halpin Upholstery and Mark Tuckey to revitalise the space using refurbished designer furniture from our catalogue, along with restored pieces from ACON’s existing fitout. The result is a more welcoming, comfortable, and affirming environment for clients and staff alike.
Pictured: Montana Modular units and Cherner Side Chair restored by Mark Tuckey
Pictured: Nau Strand Chairs with Custom Mark Tuckey oak top
Pictured: Montana Modular units restored by Mark Tuckey
We carefully selected a warm, playful palette of colours to help ease the experience of those walking through the clinic’s doors — from waiting and testing rooms through to the kitchen. True to our values, we focused on sustainability by giving new life to existing furniture, blending history with thoughtful design.
This project was a meaningful way for us to give back to the community and support a more inclusive, supportive society—something we strive to reflect not just in our work, but within our workplace too. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to ACON’s ongoing legacy of care, and we’re proud to stand with them during Pride Month and beyond.
