ACON is Australia’s largest health promotion organisation specialising in community health, inclusion, and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders. Established in 1985, ACON works to create opportunities for people in our communities to live their healthiest lives.
We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.
- We’re looking for Peer Educators to support community awareness and engagement with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, an Australian Government initiative launched in 2025.
- This role supports ACON’s commitment to reducing cancer inequities for LGBTQ+ communities through peer led, culturally safe engagement.
- This is a casual, event based role, with up to 7 paid hours per event day, plus 2 hours of paid training.
What’s ACON’s Cancer Programs and the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
You’ll be part of ACON’s Cancer Programs Team, which works to reduce cancer inequities through prevention, screening, and support, using peer led education, evidence based social marketing, and inclusive activations at LGBTQ+ events. This work includes community engagement for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, recognising that smoking rates have historically been higher in LGBTQ+ communities and that peer led approaches are essential to delivering information in ways that are inclusive, non judgemental, and trusted.
Ok, so what’s the role?
The Peer Educator – Lung Cancer Screening is a peer led, community facing role focused on engagement, conversation, and connection. You will:
- Engage with LGBTQ+ community members at Pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events
- Share clear, accurate, and culturally safe information about lung cancer screening
- Explain who is eligible for screening and how people can access it
- Encourage informed, confident conversations between community members and their healthcare providers
- Distribute resources and refer more complex questions to ACON staff when needed
- Represent ACON in a friendly, inclusive, and professional way
- Attend required training and follow privacy and confidentiality requirements
Who are we looking for?
This is a peer role. Applicants must have relevant lived experience connected to lung cancer screening eligibility, and meet one or more of the following:
- Be aged 50–70 years, with a current or past smoking history (approximately 20 cigarettes a day for 30 years or more), and either currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years; or
- Have a close friend, family member, or loved one who meets the above criteria.
You’ll also bring:
- Strong connections to LGBTQ+ communities and comfort engaging at community events
- Clear, approachable communication skills
- Confidence representing ACON in public settings
- Willingness to complete training and participate in evaluation activities
What else can we tell you?
- Contract: Casual
- Hours: Hours: Up to 7 hours per event day, plus 2 hours paid training
- Rate: $50.1375 per hour (PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading)
- Location: You must live in, or close to, the area where the event takes place
- Please note: ACON does not cover interstate travel or accommodation
Events will take place across Australia, including NSW, VIC, WA, SA, ACT, and TAS. Full training and resources are provided.
How can I find out more details and apply?
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Peer Educators play a vital role in making national screening programs meaningful and accessible at the community level.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders and sexualities.
To apply, please use the ‘Apply’ button below.
To be eligible as a Peer Educator for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, applicants must have relevant lived experience connected to lung cancer screening eligibility.
Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Be aged 50–70 years, with a current or previous smoking history of approximately 20 cigarettes (one pack) per day for 30 years or longer, and either currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 10 years; or
- Have a close friend, family member, or loved one who meets the above eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening.
In addition, applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience working with LGBTQ+ communities, or strong community connections and lived experience within LGBTQ+ communities.
- Ability to engage respectfully and comfortable with community members in public and event-based settings.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly and in an accessible way.
- Commitment to health promotion, community wellbeing and equitable access to healthcare.
- Ability to represent ACON in a professional, respectful and inclusive manner when engaging with community members and partners.
- Willingness to attend required training and participate in outreach activities at community events.
Location Requirement
Peer Educators will be recruited from the local area or nearby regions where events take place.
Please note that ACON will not cover interstate travel or accommodation costs associated with attending events.
