Q News
Andrew M Potts
Qtopia Sydney founder and long-time HIV activist David Polson passed away, aged 70, earlier today at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst.
Polson was one of the first four hundred people in Sydney to be diagnosed with HIV in 1984 and underwent 28 experimental drug trials under the care of Professor David Cooper that saved his life.
When Professor Cooper passed in 2018, Polson made it his mission to make a reality of Cooper’s vision for a museum documenting the fight against the AIDS epidemic in Australia.
That goal was finally achieved when Qtopia Sydney opened in the old Darlinghurst Police lockup in February last year and his passing comes just as Qtopia prepares to open for the public for its second Mardi Gras season.
A year earlier, Polson was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution in HIV education and advocacy roles.
“Qtopia Sydney is deeply saddened to announce the passing of David Polson AM, our Emeritus Founding Chair,” Qtopia announced in a statement earlier today.
“A debt of gratitude is owed to David for his life of service, for his courage, bravery and contribution over almost four decades … toward the advancement of a medical response to HIV and AIDS in this country and across the world,”
“David was cheeky, irreverent, wickedly funny, warm and gracious and it was a privilege to view life through his lens.
“He died as he lived, fighting valiantly until the end, in the care of St Vincent’s Hospital, where he had spent so much time. He was surrounded by those who knew and loved him best.”
Qtopia Sydney CEO Greg Fisher remembered Polson as a “true community hero” adding that he had “lost a very dear friend.”
“His determination to open Qtopia stemmed from his own life – he was one of the first people in Australia diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,” said in a statement, earlier today.
“Unlike so many others who died at that time, David refused. He instead devoted his life to participating in 28 drug trials – the side effects from which were often worse than the disease.
“His selflessness, together with others, has resulted in the disease being completely manageable and non transferable.
He delighted in everyone’s work. David never sought the spotlight – only solutions. I love him and will miss him. Rest in peace now beautiful David.”
Nick Lawson, CEO of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) paid tribute to David’s extraordinary life and contributions.
“David was a giant in the HIV community – his bravery, his advocacy and his generosity insharing his story have changed countless lives,” Lawson said.
“He was not just a survivor but a trailblazer. His loss is deeply felt here at BGF and in the wider community but his legacy has forever shaped the future of HIV.
“On a personal note, one of the most enduring memories I will always have of David, is of his smile when he was delighted by something, and there were many things that delighted him. His eyes would pop slightly and his grin would widen, so gleefully. That’s how I remember him living life – with glee.”
Professor Carla Treloar AM, President of the BGF Board also reflected on David’s long-standing connection with the foundation.
“David embodied the very spirit of resilience and hope that BGF stands for. His tireless work in challenging HIV stigma and supporting others has left an indelible mark on our community,” Professor Treloar said.
“We will forever be grateful for his passion, wisdom and the light he brought so many lives. He will be deeply missed.”
LGBTQI+ community health organisation ACON also marked Polson’s passing, calling him a “tireless advocate, speaker and role model for people living with HIV, using his personal story as a long-term survivor to empower others, educate the community, and challenge stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS.”
“David’s passion, tenacity, warmth, cheek and generosity will leave a lasting impact on so many. He will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with David’s loved ones and all who were inspired by his work.”
Polson was named as the inaugural Community Champion in the 2021 NAPWA and Gilead Science Awards and was also an ambassador for the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation.
Polson is survived by his sister Ruth Henning, his brother in law Evan Henning, his nephews William and Edward, his close cousin Cecily Polson and his life friends Peter Campbell, Amanda Findlay and Greg Woods.
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