Dykes on Bikes Sydney will receive the 2026 ACON President’s Award in recognition of their enduring leadership, contributions and impact to New South Wales rainbow communities.
Now in its 19th year, the annual awards are produced by ACON and recognise outstanding leadership, community service and achievements across the rainbow community in NSW.
Presented annually at the Honour Awards, the ACON President’s Award is bestowed on an individual or organisation whose efforts have made a significant, positive and lasting impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
The Honour Awards Photo: Deep Field Photography.This year the ACON President’s Award will be given to Dykes on Bikes Sydney, Australia’s longest-running female-identified motorcycle club and one of the most prominent and impactful rainbow community organisations.
More than just queer women on bikes and a social group, they have been a beacon of community safety, community-building, advocacy, fundraising and support for decades.
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‘The legacy of Dykes on Bikes Sydney extends far beyond the road’
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ violence gripped Sydney, members of Dykes on Bikes conducted patrols on Oxford Street and surrounds to provide safety and protection to community members.
That spirit continues today with the Dykes on Bikes Sydney frequently showing solidarity and strength to support trans and gender diverse people at local community events.
“Since forming in 1988, Dykes on Bikes Sydney has grown to become one of the most recognisable and beloved institutions in our community,” said ACON President Dr Justin Koonin.
“Their loud and visible charge at the front of every Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is a beacon of pride for many, while their work behind the scenes has helped foster connection, support, belonging and safety for countless people.”
Dykes on Bikes Sydney / Image Supplied“The legacy of Dykes on Bikes Sydney extends far beyond the road. Through advocacy and community leadership, they have helped create safer, stronger and more visible LGBTQ+ communities,” Dr Koonin said. “I’m pleased that this year’s ACON President’s Award will honour the extraordinary and enduring contribution the Dykes on Bikes Sydney has made to the safety, visibility, solidarity and culture of LGBTQ+ communities over almost four decades.”
‘This award belongs to every Dykes on Bikes member’
Dykes on Bikes Sydney President Kendal Walton reflecting on how much this honour means.
“Receiving the 2026 ACON President’s Award means an enormous amount to Dykes on Bikes Sydney,” Walton said.
“To have our organisation recognised not simply for what we do, but for the spirit of solidarity, protection, visibility and community that has been at the heart of Dykes on Bikes for almost four decades, is incredibly humbling.”
“This award belongs to every Dykes on Bikes member who has ever proudly worn our club’s patch, climbed onto a motorbike, ridden in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, volunteered their time at an event, offered a helping hand, stood up for someone who needed protecting, or simply helped make our community a little safer and more visible.”
The award will be presented at the 2026 Honour Awards on Thursday 8 October at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney.
Dykes on Bikes Sydney / Image SuppliedDo you have your ticket for the 2026 Honour Awards?
The Honour Awards will bring together the finalists, community leaders, friends and supporters for a night celebrating the people helping make NSW’s rainbow communities shine brighter.
Hosted by Reuben Kaye with entertainment by Samantha Jade, you can get your tickets here.
“Every year the Honour Awards shine a light on the exceptional efforts of individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to support LGBTQ+ communities across New South Wales,” Dr Koonin said.
Reuben Kaye hosts the 2026 Honour AwardsSource: honourawards.com.au
“At a time when the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ communities are being questioned, we need more ways to come together – now more than ever – to show support, resilience and unity. The Honour Awards do just that.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Dykes on Bikes Sydney and all of this year’s finalists and recipients. Their dedication, passion and commitment continue to inspire us all, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements together.”
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