World Hepatitis Testing Week may have wrapped up, but for us the message continues every day of the year. Testing, awareness, and connection don’t end with a date on the calendar; they happen in community halls, on the streets, at local events, and in quiet, private conversations across Canberra. For us, every day is an opportunity to connect with people, break down stigma, and make testing and treatment as easy and accessible as possible. The work doesn’t stop once the posters come down or the campaigns end in fact, that’s when it matters most. Because viral hepatitis doesn’t wait for an awareness week and neither do we.
Meeting People Where They Are
One of the most powerful parts of our work is outreach, by taking hepatitis C testing and information directly to where people feel most comfortable outside of our office throughout the ACT. We show up to local drop-in centres, community barbecues, or one of our many local partner organisations; these include pharmacies and community centres as regular stops each week.
On these visits our outreach team provides free, confidential hepatitis C testing using point-of-care technology. The test is quick and simple requiring just a tiny fingerstick that provides initial results within an hour. If someone tests positive, our nurse can offer same-day treatment initiation, helping to remove barriers and keep care accessible.
This on-the-spot approach ensures people who may not otherwise visit a clinic, for a range of reasons, can still access our services. Showing up in the same areas or at someone’s local shops is about trust, familiarity, and meeting people without judgment. Whether it’s chatting through harm reduction options, answering questions or performing a test, we are there to help people take the next step in their own time.
The Power of Connection
For many of the people we meet, stigma is still one of the biggest barriers we face; misinformation, and shame can keep people silent but connection has the power to change that. That’s why we take every opportunity to be visible, approachable, and human. Beyond our regular outreach sites, we make a conscious effort to show up at community events like SpringOut, NAIDOC Week and CIT events – anywhere we can start real conversations and show people that testing is simple, treatment is effective, and support is always available is where we will be.
During World Hepatitis Testing Week, our outreach sites came alive with friendly faces, peer educators, and community members asking questions and getting tested. For some, it was their first step toward treatment. For others, it was a reminder that they are not alone and that help is never far away.
Partnerships
Our outreach wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partnerships we have built across Canberra. From local community organisations to health services, collaboration helps us reach people who might otherwise slip through the cracks. Every partnership big or small helps amplify the message that hepatitis C can be cured and that no one should feel ashamed to seek help.
Social Media
Connection doesn’t stop when we pack up our testing gear, it continues online. Spreading our message also comes in the form of social media to reach people who may not be physically present at outreach sites. Seeing us online attending events, showing where we’ve been testing and educating, stumbling across an important message or finding one of our fun videos; everything is purposeful to ensure we lead you to us. These digital touchpoints spark curiosity, start conversations, and lead to real-world engagement.
Campaigns
We like to keep things fun, local and a little bit bold. Have you been walking down the street and noticed a big red liver? That’s us! One thing we always do during campaigns is walk with our fun-loving mascot O’Liver who you will also see pictured in his graphic form across the ACT (World Hepatitis Day 2025 – check it out!). These efforts make people turn their heads and ask questions.
Be Part of the Heart
While World Hepatitis Testing Week shines a global spotlight on viral hepatitis, the reality is that testing and awareness must continue year-round. Canberra is in a strong position to lead but only if we continue to bring services into the community, build trust, and speak openly about stigma. Our outreach is more than just a program, it is a movement and a reminder that health belongs to everyone, and that ending viral hepatitis starts with connection, compassion, and a single drop of blood. If you see the team out in the community, stop by and say “hi”. You never know what one small moment might bring.
Where you can find us: Outreach Services Calendar
Read up on what we offer: Our Programs
How you can book us for your next event: Get in touch
Meet the team behind the heart: Our Team
