Anne Phelan OAM

For 50 years Anne Phelan was involved in Australian film and television and worked to ease the burden of social stigma faced by HIV positive people.

Inducted:
2008
Category:
Honour Roll

One of Australia's best known actresses, Anne used her talent and passion for the arts to help educate and inform people about the impact of HIV and to advocate for the rights of women living with the HIV virus.

From 2000 Anne was the patron of Positive Women (Vic), a support and advocacy group for women living with the HIV virus. Positive Women use the creative arts as a vehicle for health promotion.

She was one of the driving forces behind the development and production of the play In the Family which highlighted the impact HIV has on women and their families and the community. The play also stressed the importance of practicing safe sex. In 2002 Anne received the "02 Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS" activist award for her outstanding contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Her interest in people's wellbeing included support for asylum seekers and refugees. She was a member of Actors for Refugees. As an actress Anne's achievements are considerable, with eight Best Actress awards. In 2007 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in the arts and the community.

Updated