Damon Mcknight
Sexual health services in Australia are provided by various organisations, such as Sexual Health Victoria, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, SHINE SA, and ACON, which offer a range of free services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, contraception supply, and counselling. These services are available to all, regardless of age, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, and ability, with some clinics specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community. While most services are free, some external providers that clinics refer patients to may charge fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Service | Testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, cervical screening, contraception information and supply, unintended pregnancy support, medical abortion, relationship counselling, sexual health helpline |
| Target group | LGBTQ+ community, women who have sex with women, men who have sex with men, people living with HIV, general population |
| Service providers | Adelaide Sexual Health Centre, SHINE SA, SAMESH, SHQ, ACON, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Sexual Health Victoria |
| Location | South Australia, New South Wales, Perth, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Cost | Free, funded by the Department of Health, Victoria and Medicare |
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What You'll Learn
Free sexual health clinics in South Australia
There are a number of free sexual health services in South Australia. The Adelaide Sexual Health Centre offers free and confidential testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV). Services are available by appointment only.
SHINE SA provides a comprehensive range of free sexual and reproductive health services, STI and blood-borne virus testing, contraception, and counselling for clients 30 years and under with a Medicare card. SHINE SA also operates a Sexual Healthline, where you can talk to a nurse about any sexual health issue.
SAMESH, a joint program of SHINE SA and Thorne Harbour Health (Victoria), provides support, education, and training about sexual health and HIV for men who have sex with men, people living with HIV, and the broader LGBTIQ community. The Rapid HIV - Peer-led Testing, available at SHINE SA Hyde Street Practice, offers a free, less confronting testing experience for men and trans and gender-diverse people. The test is a simple finger-prick test, and results are available in 20 minutes.
The CONNECT project, run by SAMESH, promotes HIV testing and provides free HIV self-testing kits via vending machines in the Adelaide metro region. HIVtest.au is another free and discreet HIV self-testing kit delivery service that provides one year's worth of testing kits to people living in Australia aged over 18.
The Metropolitan Youth Health Service, part of the Women's and Children's Health Network, provides a free, confidential health service for young people aged 12 to 25.
While not located in South Australia, the Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) in Perth, Western Australia, offers a range of clinical services, including testing and treatment of STIs, contraception information and supply, unintended pregnancy support, medical abortion, and cervical screening. SHQ also offers a confidential telephone helpline and a professional counselling service specialising in relationships and sexual health issues.
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Free STI testing in Melbourne
The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) is a specialised clinic that provides free and confidential STI testing, treatment, and support. The centre is dedicated to improving sexual health through innovation and excellence in healthcare, education, clinical care, and research. Their STI clinic offers expert advice and testing services to help individuals manage and prevent STIs effectively.
Victorian Sexual Health Network
The Victorian Sexual Health Network, Stay STI Free, provides valuable information on STI testing and prevention. They recommend getting tested every 6-12 months and using condoms to maintain STI-free sexual health. Their website offers resources in eight languages, in addition to English, to ensure accessibility for a diverse range of individuals.
LGBTQ+ Services
ACON, New South Wales' leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation, offers various services for the LGBTQ+ community. They provide free condoms, lube, and safe sex supplies, which can be requested and delivered anywhere in NSW. Additionally, they have LGBTQ+ peer workers and expert sexual health nurses who can offer support and address any concerns related to sexual health.
Other Options
In addition to specialised sexual health clinics, STI testing is also available at GP clinics and community health centres in Melbourne. These options provide accessible and convenient testing services for individuals seeking STI tests.
It is important to prioritise regular STI testing and practice safe sex to maintain good sexual health. By utilising the services offered by sexual health clinics, individuals can take proactive steps towards their well-being.
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LGBTQ+ sexual health services in New South Wales
LGBTQ+ individuals in New South Wales have the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual individuals and couples. Since 1984, private consensual sex between men has been legal, and lesbian sexual acts have never been criminalised. The age of consent for all forms of sex was equalised in 2003.
In 1977, the Anti-Discrimination Act was passed, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace, the public education system, delivery of goods and services, and other services such as banking, healthcare, property, and nightclubs. Among other things, it covers homosexuality, transgender status, and HIV/AIDS status.
In April 2025, legislation was enacted that explicitly banned conversion therapy practices in New South Wales. This legislation followed years of attempts to reform gay laws in the state, dating back to 1981.
New South Wales also has organisations dedicated to LGBTQ+ health. ACON, for example, is New South Wales' leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation. They provide support and resources for various health concerns, including sexual health, mental health, and violence prevention.
Overall, while LGBTQ+ individuals in New South Wales have legal protections and dedicated health services, there is still ongoing work to improve access and support for the community.
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Sexual health helplines in Western Australia
If you are based in Western Australia, there are a number of helplines and services that you can access for support with your sexual health.
SHQ is a sexual health clinic in Perth, Western Australia. They offer a range of clinical services, including testing and treatment of STIs, contraception information and supply, unintended pregnancy support, medical abortion, and cervical screening. SHQ also offers a confidential telephone helpline and a professional counselling service specialising in relationships and sexual health issues.
If you are in the Perth metropolitan area, you can use the Could I Have It? website to find a sexual health clinic.
The Metropolitan Youth Health Service is a free and confidential health service for young people aged 12-25.
Adelaide Sexual Health Centre offers free and confidential testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Their services are available by appointment only.
SHINE SA provides a Sexual Healthline where you can talk to a nurse about any sexual health issue. They also offer STI and blood-borne virus testing, contraception, and counselling. Their clinical and counselling services are free for all clients aged 30 and under with a Medicare card.
Family Planning NSW offers a Talkline staffed by expert sexual health nurses.
ACON is an organisation that supports the LGBTQ+ community in New South Wales. They provide free condoms and lube at community venues and events. They also offer play packs with safe sex supplies, which can be requested and posted for free.
If you are seeking support with your sexual health, these services are available to help you access the information and care that you need.
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Free contraception in Victoria
While there are calls for Australia to provide free contraception, it is not currently offered for free in Victoria. However, there are some services that provide free contraceptive supplies and support.
1800 My Options
1800 My Options is a free and confidential phone line and online service that provides information about contraception, pregnancy options, and sexual health. They can be contacted at 1800 696 784.
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre offers STI check-ups and treatment. They can be contacted at (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017.
Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic
The Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic is a walk-in service available on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. No GP referral is required. They can be contacted at (03) 5226 7489.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service has locations in Fitzroy, Preston, and Epping. The Fitzroy location is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and can be contacted at (03) 9419 3000. The Preston location offers the same services and is open during the same hours. They can be contacted at (03) 9403 3300. The Epping location is open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm. Their contact number is (03) 8592 3920.
ACON (New South Wales)
ACON is New South Wales' leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation. They provide free condoms and lube at community venues, events, or clinics. They also offer safe sex supplies to members of the LGBTQ+ community via mail throughout NSW.
SHINE SA (South Australia)
SHINE SA provides education and a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception. Their clinical services are free for clients 30 years and under with a Medicare card.
It is important to note that the availability of free services may change, and it is recommended to check with the respective organisations for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are a number of free sexual health clinics in Australia. The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, for example, is funded by the Department of Health, Victoria, and Medicare, and offers free onsite services. The Adelaide Sexual Health Centre also offers free and confidential testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. SHINE SA provides free clinical and counselling services for clients 30 and under with a Medicare card.
Sexual health clinics offer a range of services, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, and treatment, cervical screening, and contraception supply and advice. Some clinics also offer counselling services and helplines, as well as education and advocacy around sexual health issues.
Yes, there are several organisations in Australia that provide specific services for the LGBTQ+ community. ACON, for example, is New South Wales' leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation. They provide free condoms and lube at community venues and events, as well as information leaflets on sexual health, clinics, and STIs. They also offer a Play Pack delivery service, which provides safe sex supplies to LGBTQ+ individuals in NSW for free.
