Phillip James (Phil) CARSWELL OAM

1953 - 2024

Phil Carswell has led a remarkable life, giving countless years of his time to the LGBTQIA+ community. Much of his activism began in the 80’s during the peak of the AIDS crisis as Phil campaigned for awareness and support during the crisis, rallying those around him.

In 1983 he became the convenor of the Victorian AIDS Action Committee, the following year he became the first President of the Victorian AIDS Council.

Phil went on to become the first openly gay man employed by the Victorian Health Department to work on AIDS prevention. He later moved to Queensland where he worked for Queensland Health for over 20 years. In 2015 he was award the Order Of Australia for his work and dedication.

Sincere condolence to Phil’s husband, Ian Cherry whom he married on Stonewall Day 2013 in New York, and to his family and friends.