In this episode of HIV Australia, Health Equity Matters host Harrison Sarasola speaks with Dr Nikki Sullivan, Project Development Manager at Thorne Harbour Health, about Writing Ourselves In, an important new initiative documenting the history of HIV in South Australia.
The year-long project is inviting people living with HIV (PLHIV) to share their stories, photos, and memories to help shape a professionally published book launching in 2026. Through this process, Writing Ourselves In aims to honour the experiences of those who lived through the early HIV response, while connecting their legacies to younger generations and the wider community.
Nikki explains that the community can get involved in several ways – and you don’t even need to live in South Australia!
- People with HIV aged 50+ can join monthly workshops to develop skills in oral history, archival research, and writing. No prior experience required! Just a willingness to share your story and connect with new and familiar faces.
- Younger people with HIV are invited to play a key supporting role, assisting with research, listening to community stories, and helping to preserve our shared history for future generations.
- Community contributors from across Australia – including those who have previously lived in South Australia during the HIV epidemic or who currently still live there – are also encouraged to get involved.
Please get in touch! We would love to hear your stories, see your photographs, documents, flyers, or personal memories that capture the moments, people, and activism that shaped South Australia’s HIV history.
With so many ways to get involved, it’s unsurprising that Nikki and the team at Thorne Harbour Health have already heard some special stories, something that we share in greater detail in this podcast.
We hope you enjoy this podcast and we’re sure you will love some of the touching stories, important reflections and experiences that Nikki shares with us.
Want more information about Writing Ourselves In?
To learn more or contribute materials, email michael.thompson@thorneharbour.org.
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For people with HIV currently residing in South Australia, workshops begin Friday 8 August 2025 (11 am – 3 pm) at 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide, with an online session Thursday 21 August 2025 (6.30 – 7.30 pm).
We hope to see you there!