SWASH Recruiter

ACON is preparing for the 2026 round of the Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey (SWASH), set to run during the Mardi Gras period in February.

What’s SWASH you say?

SWASH is the longest running community survey of LGBTQ+ women in Australia and has been collected every 2 years since 1996, making 2026 the 30th anniversary of SWASH! This survey investigates the sexual partners and practices, alcohol and drug use, health provider satisfaction of lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women. The findings are used to guide ACON’s sexual health resources and services, health promotion, and allow us to better respond to the unique and specific health needs of LGBTQ+ women.

What’s Involved?

We need friendly and approachable people to engage community members at a variety of LGBTQ+ venues and events throughout the two weeks, invite them to participate in the study, and complete the survey on paper. Recruiters need to understand the survey and be able to explain it to potential participants. Training will be provided.

We are seeking to employ a number of Survey Participant Recruiters on a casual basis over the survey recruitment period Friday 13 February to Saturday 28 February 2026.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The SWASH Recruiter is essentially someone who approaches and invites people to participate in the study, and complete the survey on paper. You will:

•   Approach as many people as possible to complete SWASH survey when on shift.
•  Be aware of own biases when approaching people. Try to ensure a broad representation of LGBTQ+ women’s community in respondents, including members from different cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and older LGBTQ women.
• Complete a mandatory training session (paid) on Thursday 5th February from 6-8pm and be available for at least one 3-4hr shift on Fair Day 15th February 2026.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Strong communication skills
• Comfortable approaching community members at LGBTQ+ events
• Ability to work evening shifts, if required
• Willingness to work at LGBTQ+ venues and bars
• Strong work ethic

Desirable

• Experience successfully recruiting for SWASH
• Experience in LGBTQ+ community-based research, outreach or similar activities (paid or unpaid)
• Interest in research and/or community health.

We strongly encourage First Nations women, as well as culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse women to apply.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You will support the LGBTQ+ Women’s Health Program’s team, who works closely with researchers to run SWASH

The ‘Nuts & Bolts’

Salary:           $43.33 (Gross Hourly rate, PLUS Superannuation).

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal/Sydney Office, with events taking place across Greater Sydney, including but not limited to: Chippendale, Blacktown, Centennial Park, Parramatta.

Hours:         Casual (up to 15 hours per fortnight) on a 3-month fixed term contract.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

Still reading?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities to apply

For more information on the role, please contact Sarah Asthana Badewitz, Community Health Promotion Officer, via email at sbadewitz@acon.org.au or 04 8218 5670

If this sounds like the position and organisation you’ve been looking for, apply here: 2026 SWASH recruiter application form