Connect: HIV Self Test Vending goes National

Connect: HIV Self Test Vending goes National

Author: JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities May 7, 2026 Duration: 42:01
Well, Well, Well
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessMentalSexuality

We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect.

From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services.

Connect’s innovative approach of offering free, discreet, and convenient testing through strategically placed machines has proven remarkably successful, with pilot data showing strong community uptake and overwhelmingly positive user feedback.

The national rollout now spans multiple states and territories, with local project officers ensuring the program adapts to regional needs and community preferences.

Jack, Jordan, and Joel also reflect on Thorne Harbour Health’s internal knowledge sharing FRIDA conference.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au


Every week on Well, Well, Well, hosts Michael, Cal, Rachel, and Jacinta pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both essential and familiar. This isn't just another health show; it's a dedicated space focusing on the specific realities of LGBTIQA+ life, from mental wellbeing and sexual health to everyday fitness and community care. The discussions are grounded, tackling topics like HIV with nuance and exploring what holistic health truly means across our rainbow communities. You'll hear the latest information, but more importantly, you'll find relatable perspectives and honest talk that resonates. Produced as a service by JOY 94.9 in partnership with Thorne Harbour Health, the Well, Well, Well podcast extends that community spirit beyond the radio broadcast. It’s where practical advice meets personal understanding, creating a resource that feels like it’s genuinely for us, by us. Tune in for episodes that blend expertise with empathy, always aiming to support and strengthen the wellbeing of everyone under the rainbow.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubelinkedin
Well, Well, Well
Podcast Episodes
Mob+ – Support for First Nations communities living with HIV [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:09
We’re joined by Bruce Fitzgerald, a proud member of Mob+, a unique group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV, supported through the Thorne Harbour Positive Living Centre. With World AIDS Day…
Crossing Lines: LGBTQ+ Sexual Violence Research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
A growing body of research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexuality and gender-diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. However, there is limited u…
Better Together Conference 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:04
We discuss the LGBTIQA+ Health, Wellbeing, and Inclusion conference in Adelaide, Better Together and hear from presenters at the show including: Connor McLeod about Ohanga Rearea, a queer inclusion framework based on Mao…
20 Years of Well Well Well: 2010 Revisited [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
In the final episode of our series reflecting on 20 years and 1000 episodes of Well Well Well, we speak with Jason Asselin previously of the Victorian AIDS Council about the show circa 2010. Jason walks us through a time…
20 Years of Well Well Well: 2015 Revisited [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
Show alum Renee Thompson joins us as guest co-host on a walk down memory lane circa 2015, discussing the Marriage Equality debate and Thorne Harbour’s shift from HIV and gay men’s health to the broader LGBTIQA+ communiti…
20 Years of Well Well Well: 2005 Revisited on Episode 1000! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:34
Well Well Well has been broadcasting for over 20 years and now 1000 episodes! Jack and Cal are joined by Tex McKenzie and Martin Holt to speak about the health and wellbeing of our communities back in 2005 when the show…
International Lesbian Day with Dykes on Bikes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
Rachel is joined by Reah Saunders, the acting President of Dykes on Bikes to talk about the future of Dykes on Bikes, and what International Lesbian Day means to her personally, and to the community she rides with. Learn…

«12345678...10»