Vale Simon Dunn

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s (BGF) Community Ambassador Simon Dunn over the weekend.

Simon was well known for his sports achievements, being the first openly gay male to represent Australia in bobsleigh at the Olympics. But what truly set him apart was his dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others in our community.

He was a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in sport, speaking about his experiences of homophobia in his younger years. He was determined to make a positive change in sporting culture throughout the world and his tireless efforts to promote inclusion and equality in sport will continue to inspire future generations.

He was an incredible ally to people living with HIV, through his work with us at Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in the UK. In 2018, he was the national face of THT’s National HIV Testing Week Campaign and in 2020, Simon came on board as a BGF Community Ambassador.

Simon believed that the message about HIV was ‘not getting through’ to younger generations and wanted to use his profile to help raise HIV awareness.

He said, "BGF not only gives me the opportunity to use my profile to fight the stigma those living with HIV face on a daily basis but also allows the chance to volunteer in a hands-on role and assist their clients. Getting to meet new faces, make connections, hear their stories and help people directly is something that is important to me."

Simon was a selfless, compassionate and kind individual who treated everyone equally, stood up for marginalised and vulnerable people and called out injustice. He loved his family and his community. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Simon's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Simon will be deeply missed but his memory will live on forever.