2024–2025 Annual Report
In this Report
> Chair & CEO Message
> Our Impact in Numbers
> Our Work
> Our People
> Financial Statements
Introduction
In 2025, Hepatitis Queensland proudly celebrates 30 years of service, three decades during which we’ve stood alongside people in Queensland living with, or at risk of, viral hepatitis, and championed education, prevention, testing, treatment and monitoring of liver health. As the state’s peak body for viral hepatitis, we’ve worked to reduce stigma, strengthen connections across health and community sectors, and support better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Since our founding in 1995, we have seen remarkable progress: new treatments, expanded testing, growth in peer-led and community-based models, and greater awareness of liver health issues. Yet too many Queenslanders still face barriers to testing, treatment, and care. That’s why our work remains focused on improving access, empowering communities, and strengthening partnerships across health and community services.
This report captures the highlights of our work over the 2024-25 period including innovative programs, expanded outreach services, and new initiatives to reach people where they are. Every step brings us closer to our vision: a Queensland where viral hepatitis is no longer a barrier to health and wellbeing, and where liver health is embraced everywhere.
As we mark 30 years of progress, we remain ambitious. We’re setting our sights on a future where every Queenslander has the opportunity to live free from viral hepatitis and with good liver health.
A message from our Chair and CEO
Lyn Hamill
Chair
Associate Professor Anna Hawkes
CEO
Our Impact in Numbers
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People tested for hepatitis C in prisons
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On-demand training participants
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Online resources accessed
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Physical resources distributed
0
People tested in community clinics
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Liver Scans (FibroScans) performed
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Education participants (live sessions)
0
Grants we awarded
Our Highlights
In 2024–25, Hepatitis Queensland strengthened awareness, expanded services, built new partnerships, and continued to support Queenslanders affected by viral hepatitis. These highlights reflect the collective efforts of our team, partners and lived experience community.
Here’s an overview of what we accomplished this year.
Awareness & Engagement
World Hepatitis Day
For World Hepatitis Day 2025, Hepatitis Queensland delivered a comprehensive, multichannel campaign designed to maximise reach and impact across the state. The theme Defeat Hepatitis: Take Action Now was professionally developed, tested with target audiences, and shown to strongly resonate with Queenslanders.
To support widespread community engagement, we produced a suite of high-quality promotional materials including t-shirts, pens, stickers, temporary tattoos and posters. We also released a digital supporter kit to help individuals and organisations share consistent campaign messages across their own online platforms. Together, these resources aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage testing and treatment.
The campaign featured a personal video message from Queensland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Catherine McDougall, reinforcing the importance of liver health and timely action.
In total, we distributed 13,775 resources to 85 organisations across the state, and awarded 23 community grants to support local awareness activities with grant recipients represented in all seven Queensland Primary Health Network regions.
Awareness was further amplified through the lighting of 36 landmarks in green and outreach to more than 90 Members of Parliament, helping to ensure hepatitis remained visible on the public and political agenda.
Online Impact
Hepatitis Queensland continues to strengthen its digital presence through our website, social media channels and monthly newsletter. These platforms play a key role in raising awareness, sharing trustworthy health information and connecting people to support and services across the state.
Over the past 12 months, our online engagement has remained strong:
- 73,225 website page views
- 16,765 YouTube video views
- 240,037 Meta (Facebook and Instagram) organic and paid reach
- 6,845 LinkedIn reach
- 580 entries to the Hepatitis Risk Quiz
- 673 visits to the Health Directory
- 27,539 newsletter opens
- 30.16% average newsletter open rate
These metrics reflect consistent community interest in viral hepatitis and liver health, and demonstrate the reach of our digital content as we continue to address misinformation, reduce stigma and promote testing, treatment and care.
Phone and Online Enquiries
Our information channels provide a confidential and accessible way for Queenslanders to seek answers, referrals and support. This year, our team responded to:
- 69 Infoline calls
- 29 online enquiries
These interactions continue to highlight the importance of personalised support, and the role Hepatitis Queensland plays in connecting people to testing, treatment and reliable information.
Engaging with People in Prison
Ensuring equitable access to hepatitis-related information remains a priority, particularly for people in prison, a population disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis.
During the reporting period, we received 273 requests for hepatitis information through the Prison Postcard Project and distributed 248 Info Packs, equating to 496 resources across Queensland correctional centres. The highest demand came from Brisbane Women’s, Southern Queensland and Borallon Correctional Centres.
This project remains a vital pathway to ensure people in custody can access clear, evidence-based information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, testing, treatment and liver health.
To further strengthen support for people in prison, Hepatitis Queensland continued its partnership with the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO). The OHO regularly refers relevant prisoner enquiries to us, and we provide Info Packs directly. We also deliver ongoing workforce education to OHO staff to ensure they are confident in responding to hepatitis-related questions and know how to link people to us.
Community Events
Our community engagement activities are an important opporunity to reach priority populations and ensure everyone has access to information and pathways to care. Our prescence helps build awareness, promote early detection and encourage conversations about hepatitis and liver health across Queensland.
Ipswich Mental Health Expo – October 2024
We engaged with 218 community members and distributed 539 resources, strengthening local understanding of viral hepatitis and its links to broader health and wellbeing.
Homeless Connect – June 2025
At this year’s Brisbane Homeless Connect event, we spoke with 134 guests about hepatitis risk factors, prevention, testing and treatment. We distributed 493 resources and supported a highly successful event that welcomed 838 attendees and connected them with essential services including nursing, immunisation, allied health, hairdressing and community supports.
Advocacy
Advocacy continues to be central to Hepatitis Queensland’s role as the state’s peak body for viral hepatitis. This year, we met with Ministers, Members of Parliament and key decision-makers to highlight the ongoing needs of people affected by viral hepatitis and the opportunities to strengthen liver health outcomes across Queensland. Our advocacy efforts ensure that hepatitis B, hepatitis C and liver health remain visible in health policy, service planning and community priorities.
Community Testing, Treatment & Management
Community Corrections
Our hepatitis C test-and-treat clinics in Queensland Community Corrections locations continue to play a vital role in reaching people who may face barriers to accessing mainstream health services.
In 2024–25, we delivered:
• 35 clinics held
• 252 people tested
• 26 positive results
• 22 people scripted for treatment
• 229 Liver Scans (FibroScans) performed
These clinics help ensure people under community supervision have timely access to testing, treatment and liver assessments, reducing the risk of ongoing transmission and improving long-term health outcomes.
Drug and Alcohol Court, Murri Court, Court Link
This year, Hepatitis Queensland expanded its hepatitis C test-and-treat services into the Brisbane Magistrates Court, supporting participants of the Drug and Alcohol Court, Murri Court and Court Link programs.
The collaboration received a Highly Commended Award in the Partnerships category at the Queensland Courts and Tribunals Divisional Excellence Awards, recognising the strength of this cross-sector initiative and the commitment of court staff, the judiciary and Hepatitis Queensland to improving health outcomes.
Program outcomes:
- 4 clinics held
- 34 people tested
- 6 positive results
- 6 people scripted for treatment
- 42 FibroScans performed
These clinics help engage people at a pivotal time in their justice and health journeys, supporting early detection and treatment while reducing barriers to care.
Strong Liver. Strong Mob
This year marked significant progress in strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). Working closely with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Lead, Hepatitis Queensland began developing a unified brand for our hepatitis B and hepatitis C programs, resulting in the Strong Liver. Strong Mob brand.
Key achievements include:
- Reinvigorating the B Stronger and Hep Check programs with six ACCHOs across Queensland.
- Delivering culturally safe workforce education at Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Service (TAIHS), attended by 30 staff.
- Co-designed education content with TAIHS, with overwhelmingly positive evaluation results.
- Staff reported increased confidence in discussing hepatitis B and C, identifying clients who require testing or monitoring, and supporting pathways to treatment.
- Collaborative planning with Goondir Health Services (Oakey and St George) and CRAICCHS Cherbourg to co-design activities for delivery in September 2025.
Online engagement during the reporting period:
- 170 B Stronger webpage views
- 189 Hep Check webpage views
- 161 B Stronger video views
Strong Liver. Strong Mob represents an important step in embedding cultural leadership, strengthening community capacity and supporting self-determined approaches to liver health.
Rehabilitation, Alcohol and Other Drugs Services
Hepatitis Queensland continues to work closely with alcohol and other drug services to improve access to hepatitis C testing, liver health assessments and treatment for clients at higher risk. These partnerships ensure people accessing AOD services receive timely, on-site testing and clear pathways to care.
Ipswich AODS
Our walk-in hepatitis C clinic at Ipswich AODS provides on-site testing, FibroScan assessments and tailored education. Several clients accessed the Hepatitis Queensland Treatment Fund to support their treatment journey.
- 11 clinics attended
- 55 FibroScans performed
- 182 resources distributed
Lives Lived Well
Our hepatitis C point-of-care testing clinics at Lives Lived Well expanded this year from Brisbane to include Logan and Caboolture rehabilitation centres. Clinics include workforce and client education as well as liver assessments.
- 10 clinics held
- 103 people tested
- 0 positive results
- 101 FibroScans performed
Be Liver Smart Clinics
Our Be Liver Smart clinics support general practices located in high-prevalence areas or with large cohorts of patients living with viral hepatitis. The program provides culturally safe, person-centred support through:
- Fast-tracked referrals
- Education and training for clinical staff
- In-practice support from the HQ Community Outreach Nurse
- Free FibroScan access
- Assistance with lifestyle change conversations and management
Our Outreach Nurse noted an increase in male clients struggling to interpret alcohol guidelines and exceeding recommended limits. Practical guidance was provided to help them apply these recommendations in daily life. Encouragingly, many returning clients reported improved lifestyle habits, healthier weight ranges and better overall wellbeing.
Outcomes for the reporting period:
- 323 FibroScans performed
- 5 education sessions delivered
- 8 medical staff trained
Treatment Fund
Hepatitis Queensland remains committed to reducing barriers to care and ensuring equitable access to hepatitis treatment, testing and monitoring for all Queenslanders, particularly those facing financial hardship or unstable living circumstances. Our Hepatitis Treatment Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting vulnerable clients to commence or complete lifesaving care when cost would otherwise prevent it.
The Treatment Fund is entirely donation-driven, sustained by the generosity of community members who recognise the importance of improving liver health outcomes across Queensland. Donors who contribute $25 or more receive a distinctive pair of liver-themed earrings, an initiative that both thanks supporters and starts conversations about liver health in the community.
This year, the Treatment Fund supported 19 people to access hepatitis treatment, diagnostics, or monitoring services. These funds helped clients across a range of settings, including community corrections, AOD services, homelessness services and general practice.
Hepatitis Queensland is deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to this work. Donations can be made at: www.givenow.com.au/hepatitisqld
Education
Queensland Corrective Services
Hepatitis Queensland worked closely with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) to redevelop the mandatory hepatitis and blood-borne virus training package for correctional officers. The revised package ensures content is current, practical and relevant, and now includes information tailored for staff working in Community Corrections, significantly expanding its reach across the corrections workforce.
Academy Education
Hepatitis Queensland’s mandatory online learning package continues to be delivered through the QCS Academy. The module provides essential knowledge on hepatitis B and C, safety precautions and best practice for working with people in prison. The updated version, finalised in early 2025, has also been extended to Community Corrections staff, and Hepatitis Queensland is now supporting QCS to make it mandatory across the broader workforce. 5,878 training participants completed the module during this financial year.
Borallon Training & Correctional Centre
Hepatitis Queensland delivered culturally responsive education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison through the Cultural Centre at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre. Sessions focused on viral hepatitis, liver health, testing, treatment pathways, and strategies to stay well within a custodial environment. Demand for resources remained strong, demonstrating the ongoing need for accessible, culturally safe health information in prison settings.
- 348 resources distributed
- 2 education sessions delivered
- 20 total participants
West Moreton Hospital & Health Service
Hepatitis Queensland continued to support West Moreton Prison Health and the Public Health Unit with the expansion of hepatitis C point-of-care testing (POCT) across correctional centres in this region. Our pre-recorded hepatitis C POCT workforce education video is used to ensure prison health staff have the confidence and skills needed to deliver timely hepatitis C testing and care.
Sunshine Coast Alcohol & Other Drugs Service
Hepatitis Queensland delivered workforce education to Sunshine Coast AODS clinicians covering hepatitis B and C transmission, risk factors, testing, treatment, stigma, discrimination and FibroScan use. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants reporting that the session was relevant, well organised and easy to follow, and that they felt more confident supporting clients impacted by viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis B Online Module
Hepatitis Queensland’s online learning module is designed for the non-clinical workforce to enhance understanding of hepatitis B. The module covers transmission, testing, vaccination, care, and management, with a strong focus on reducing stigma and discrimination. Hepatitis Queensland collaborated with Brisbane South Primary Health Network (PHN) to develop a version of the module for the PHN’s learning management system, Discover PHN.
National Hepatitis Educator's Network
In September 2024, Hepatitis Queensland coordinated a two-day national workshop for the Hepatitis Educator’s Network, bringing together educators from every Australian jurisdiction. The workshop fostered national collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional development. As a locally hosted event, Hepatitis Queensland staff were able to participate on rotation. The workshop was supported by funding from AbbVie and Hepatitis Australia.
Partnerships
Lived-Learning Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)
Hepatitis Queensland has established a diverse and inclusive Viral Hepatitis Lived-Living Experience Advisory Network (LEAN) made up of people with lived and living experience of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. LEAN ensures that the voices and priorities of affected communities directly inform our policies, programs and service design. This network represents a significant step toward embedding lived experience leadership across all aspects of our work.
National Australian HCV POCT Program
In partnership with the Kirby Institute, Hepatitis Queensland continues to accelerate hepatitis C testing and treatment through the national point-of-care testing (POCT) program across Community Corrections, Brisbane Magistrates Court and rehabilitation services.
- 49 clinics delivered
- 389 people tested
- 32 hepatitis C positive results (HCV RNA)
- 28 people prescribed treatment
Client feedback continues to demonstrate the impact of this collaboration:
“I’ve had hep C for 28 years. I’m pleased to do something about it.”
“I can’t believe you do all this… I’m amazed you’ll pay for the treatment. All I have to do is pick it up.”
High-Intensity Prison Testing Campaigns
Hepatitis Queensland worked closely with the Kombi Clinic, Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN), Flinders University and the Kirby Institute to deliver high-intensity hepatitis C testing and treatment within Queensland correctional centres. These campaigns continue to be one of the most effective strategies for reaching people at the highest risk.
- 5 correctional centres visited
- 3,006 people tested
- 296 positive results
Queensland Corrective Services
Hepatitis Queensland continues to meet quarterly with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner to support hepatitis-related initiatives across all Queensland Corrective Services locations. Key achievements this year include:
- Developing a hepatitis and blood-borne virus fact sheet for new recruits to complement the mandatory online training package
- Securing preliminary approval to deliver workforce education at the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre
- Strengthening operational support for the Prison Postcard Project to ensure information reaches people in prison without barriers
- Initiating discussions around delivering viral hepatitis information through the new electronic cell technology at Lockyer Valley
These partnerships are critical to ensuring consistent, statewide access to hepatitis education, testing and treatment across the correctional system.
Metro North Public Health Unit
Hepatitis Queensland collaborated with the Metro North Public Health Unit and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland to develop a new acute hepatitis B follow-up system for individuals newly diagnosed with hepatitis B. Two reminder letters, sent at six and nine months post-notification, aim to increase linkage to chronic hepatitis B care. Outcomes will be assessed with the intention to expand this model to other public health units across Queensland.
Central Queensland University - Seasonal Workers Projects
As a steering committee member of Central Queensland University’s research project Reducing the Impact of Chronic Hepatitis B in Seasonal Workers, Hepatitis Queensland supported engagement with communities, sector partners and key organisations across Queensland. Our role included:
- Supporting engagement and translating findings into practical recommendations
- Identifying and recruiting relevant NGOs and service providers
- Providing in-kind support to connect researchers with hepatitis B care providers and churches supporting Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) workers
The final Steering Committee meeting in April identified opportunities for Hepatitis Queensland to continue supporting PALM workers through HepLink and tailored viral hepatitis resources.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Viral hepatitis & Liver Health Advisory Committee
Hepatitis Queensland continued to host this important advisory committee, which brings together clinical, community and sector leaders to guide culturally safe, community-informed approaches to viral hepatitis. Discussions focused on:
- Funding opportunities for reactivating the B Stronger program
- Updates on the Hep Check Connect and Cure project
- Progress on the re-funded B Stronger & Hep Check programs
- Hepatitis B care innovations in Far North Queensland
The committee remains central to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities shape statewide hepatitis responses.
ASHM Prison Forum
Hepatitis Queensland is an active member of the ASHM Prison Forum planning committee. Our organisation helped steer the 2025 forum toward a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach. The CEO co-chaired the event, with several staff attending to share insights, build partnerships and enhance Queensland’s contribution to national prison health efforts.
Hepatitis Australia
As a member organisation of Hepatitis Australia, Hepatitis Queensland contributes to national policy and strategic direction through Board and Governance Committee representation. These roles strengthen Queensland’s voice in shaping Australia’s viral hepatitis response.
HepLink Australia Program
Hepatitis Queensland delivers the HepLink program in Queensland, Australia’s confidential, free information and support service for people living with, at risk of, or affected by viral hepatitis. The CEO sits on the Collective Governance Steering Committee, and Hepatitis Queensland contributes to the HepLink Working Group. This partnership ensures Queenslanders are consistently connected to the right information, testing, treatment and support.
National Prisons Hepatitis Network (NPHN)
Hepatitis Queensland provided input into the development of the new interactive National Service Dashboard/Map and attended the annual NPHN workshop in Sydney, presenting learnings from our community corrections hepatitis C clinics.
Hepatitis Queensland also co-convenes the NPHN Community Corrections Subcommittee, which meets quarterly and now includes representation from every Australian jurisdiction.
ASHM Initiatives
Hepatitis Queensland played an active national role through ASHM-led initiatives, including:
- Co-chairing a conference session exploring the impact of stigma on healthcare delivery
- Providing expert guidance on the development of the ASHM HCV Priority Population Online Learning Module
- Serving on the steering committee for C the Whole Story Forum III: Advancing Integration of Hepatitis C Care
- Presenting at the 15th Viral Hepatitis Conference on:
- Introducing hepatitis C testing at the Queensland Drug and Alcohol Court
- Strategies to scale HCV testing, treatment and linkage to care
- National Community Corrections hepatitis C clinic models
- Stigma, lived experience leadership, and decolonising viral hepatitis responses
Our Organisation
Board
Hepatitis Queensland is supported by a skilled and dedicated Board that provides strong governance and strategic oversight. We acknowledge the valuable contribution of outgoing Board Chair Dr Jonathan Leitch, who stepped down during this reporting period. Lyn Hamill was appointed as the new Chair, bringing extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for Queenslanders.
Hepatitis Queensland Board 2024–25
- Chair: Lyn Hamill
- Deputy Chair: Dr Enoka Gonsalkorala
- Treasurer: Kaveen Bachoo
- Board Member: Dr Ciny Clayton
- Board Member: Rebekah Lamb
- Board Member: Dr Jacqui Richmond
- Board Member: Jo Stone
- Board Member: Dr James Thomas
Staff
Our work is powered by a passionate and skilled team committed to eliminating viral hepatitis and improving liver health across Queensland. This year we welcomed new staff and farewelled team members who made valuable contributions during their time with the organisation.
Hepatitis Queensland Staff 2024–25
- Chief Executive Officer: Associate Professor Anna Hawkes
- Programs Manager: Rachael Thompson
- Office & Administration Manager: Jo Coffey
- Cultural Lead, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Nicky Newley-Guivarra
- Senior Project Officer: Lana Richardson (until March 2025)
- Senior Communications Officer: Jessie Badger
- Communications Support Officer: Amy Dunks
- Community Outreach Nurse: Jeanette Tibbs
- Project Officer: Steph Beames
- Project Officer: Mikayla Leslie
- Project Officer: Alex Morales
Reconciliation Action Plan
Hepatitis Queensland is committed to meaningful reconciliation and strengthening our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. During this reporting period, we continued progressing our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2.0, focusing on collaboration, cultural learning, and improving access to viral hepatitis information, prevention, and care.
Accreditation
Hepatitis Queensland successfully met all accreditation requirements during this reporting period. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to transparent governance, continuous improvement, and delivering safe, high-quality services to the community.
Lived-Living Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)
Our organisation continues to be guided by the insights and expertise of our Lived-Living Experience Advisory Network (LEAN). LEAN members, people with lived or living experience of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, play a critical role in shaping our programs, resources, and strategic direction to ensure our work remains relevant, respectful, and impactful.
Our Future
Hepatitis Queensland will continue to build on our positive outcomes this year. Looking ahead, our focus will be on strengthening existing and building new partnerships, expanding hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and ongoing care, continuing to support some of our most disadvantaged Queenslanders and communities, and most importantly embedding the voices of people with lived-living experience in everything we do.
Guided by our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2.0, we will deepen our engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring culturally safe and collaborative approaches. We will continue working closely with partners across health, social services, and correctional settings to scale successful models such as rapid testing initiatives in Community Correctional Centres and prisons.
We will also broaden our workforce development and community education activities to increase viral hepatitis literacy across Queensland, particularly in regional and remote areas, as well as in culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. As digital tools become increasingly important, we will explore new ways to connect Queenslanders with reliable information and support where appropriate.
With strong governance, a committed workforce, and the ongoing guidance of our Lived-Living Experience Advisory Network, Hepatitis Queensland is well placed to drive meaningful progress towards Queensland and national targets to achieve elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030.
Our Financial Statements
Hepatitis Queensland remains committed to strong governance, accountability, and the responsible management of resources. Our financial performance reflects our focus on sustainability, efficient service delivery, and ensuring that funding is directed where it has the greatest impact for communities across Queensland.
The following audited financial statements provide a transparent overview of our income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities for the reporting period. These statements demonstrate our continued commitment to sound financial stewardship as we work towards eliminating viral hepatitis and improving liver health outcomes statewide.
