Canberra residents can now test themselves for HIV for free at any time: kits are available from a vending machine outside Meridian in Turner.
“The ACT has some of the highest rates of late diagnosis of HIV in Australia and low HIV testing rates, especially among gay, bisexual and queer men,” Meridian CEO Joshua Anlezark said.
“At Meridian’s core is the mission to end HIV transmission and serve people living with HIV until there is a cure for everyone.
“Stigma remains a significant barrier to sexual health testing, especially for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. However, it is important to know your status and know it early, so you can access appropriate care and maximise your health outcomes.”
Getting a self-test kit to use in the privacy of your own home is easy:
- Go to https://hivconnect.org.au/ and click on ‘Get a Test Kit’.
- Answer a few questions, including providing your mobile phone number.
- Go to the vending machine outside Meridian’s offices at 85 Northbourne Avenue, Turner.
- Scan the QR code or enter the code you received through SMS to get your free test.
Instructions are available in a range of languages on the CONNECT website, inside the test boxes, and on the vending machine itself.
Using the kit is straightforward, and there is a detailed instructional video on the CONNECT website. Results are available within 15 minutes.
Meridian will hold free training sessions for community workers and allied health professionals, in understanding HIV and in helping clients access the vending machine and self-test kits. Sessions are in-person and online.
This initiative is in collaboration with the CONNECT project, developed by Thorne Harbour Health to overcome barriers to HIV testing, in particular those experienced by men who have sex with men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, migrants, and international students. Known barriers include:
- cost
- discomfort at raising sexual health with doctors
- concern about the implications for visa status
- fear of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
The South Australian project placed eight vending machines in discreet and safe locations, so people could easily access free rapid HIV self-tests. Between March 2022 and June 2025, 3,600 people registered to use the service, and 4,627 tests were dispensed. Users came from more than 100 countries; 56 per cent were born overseas; and more than half were in their twenties. Many tested for HIV for the first time.
The success of the pilot project led to the funding of a national rollout of CONNECT, the first national initiative of its kind in the world. Meridian is the first place in the ACT to have a CONNECT vending machine.
In partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Meridian delivers monthly free sexual health screening and access to PrEP. Meridian also provides free and low-cost safer sex products.
“Whatever HIV means for Canberrans living with HIV, Meridian will be there when they need it for information, connection, services and advocacy,” Mr Anlezark said.
