Grade Partner Spotlight: Building a Lasting Relationship with ACON

Our partnership with ACON has been a cornerstone of Grade’s journey since 2014. In this article we explore how Grade became ACON’s “go-to digital agency” and highlights the successful projects we’ve delivered together.

The Genesis of A Long Term Partnership

Grade’s partnership with ACON began with a pivotal project: the ‘Ending HIV’ initiative. This was not only our first project with ACON but also the foundations for a relationship that has flourished over the years.

Launched in 2013, ACON's Ending HIV campaign has played a pivotal role in significantly reducing HIV transmissions in New South Wales. At its inception, only 48% of people believed that ending HIV transmission within their lifetime was possible. Thanks to a multi-faceted approach combining education, awareness, and the introduction of new prevention technologies like PrEP, that belief has now risen to nearly 89%. Crucially, the campaign strategically linked all public-facing materials—including outdoor, cinema, and radio ads—back to its website, endinghiv.org.au.

Reimagined by Grade in 2015,  the website today serves as the central hub for further education, offering tools, resources, and multiple opportunities for deeper community engagement, including workshops and forums. A key feature of the site is the innovative PrEP selector tool Grade developed to help individuals ascertain their ideal dosing frequency based on individual lifestyle factors, along with the enhancement of risk calculators providing the community with accurate yet easy to navigate tools to manage their own levels of risk.

Through the remarkable decline of HIV notifications in NSW the important role of the Ending HIV website is apparent in promoting behaviour change and fostering a deeper understanding of prevention and treatment options among the community.

As Matthew Vaughan, Director HIV and Sexual Health Division at ACON, notes - "Ending HIV isn't the only platform in the market, but we're certainly the largest, and there's a bit of a zeitgeist that we've been able to influence - certainly within Sydney and New South Wales, and more recently across broader Australia. It's the awareness of the campaigns that drives people back to the website, where they can read more, participate in workshops, join community forums, and continue their education.

The success of ‘Ending HIV’ showcased not only Grade’s  ability to deliver high-quality, impactful digital solutions but importantly set the stage for ongoing collaboration."

Matthew also noted how the partnership developed over this initial project "The ‘Ending HIV’ project was a turning point. Grade’s technical expertise and innovative approach were evident from the start. Their ability to blend user experience with impactful design made a significant difference in how we engaged with our audience. They truly understood our mission and brought it to life through their work.

Reflecting on the importance of shared values, he added, "Over the years, Grade has become more than just a service provider; they are a trusted partner. Their dedication to our mission and their ability to deliver exceptional results have cemented their role as our go-to agency for all things digital."

Matt Bachle, Grade’s Founder and CEO, shared his thoughts on the partnership success; "Our partnership with ACON has been a model of how shared values and goals can drive significant outcomes. By aligning with ACON’s mission and leveraging our expertise, we’ve been able to create solutions that truly make a difference."

Growth Through Trust and a Shared Passion for Positive Impact

Building on a foundation of aligned outcomes and shared values, Grade has developed eight major digital solutions for ACON, with more in progress, including: 

• Ending HIV: A comprehensive platform aimed at eradicating HIV transmission in Australia. Including medical level risk calculators. Visit Ending HIV

• Emen8: Launched in May 2017, Australia’s largest online sexual health and wellbeing initiative for men who have sex with men. Visit Emen8

• Pivot Point: A site focused on providing support and resources for people living with HIV. Visit Pivot Point

• Say It Out Loud: A platform dedicated to promoting open discussions about sexual health. Visit Say It Out Loud

• Own It: A platform designed to empower Australians with the knowledge and resources to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing through cervical cancer self screening Own It.

• Pride Inclusion Programs: A site supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives. Visit Pride Inclusion Programs

• Kaleido Centre: ACON’s first of a kind platform providing integrated Clinical Services for the LGBTQIA+ community. Visit Kaleido Health Centre

The Exponential Value of Partnership

The depth of knowledge gained from our long-term relationship with ACON has been invaluable. By working closely together, we’ve been able to understand their needs better, anticipate future requirements, and identify opportunities that support their success. This partnership exemplifies how shared values and goals lead to impactful and successful outcomes.

Abbey Batchelor, Grade’s Strategy Director, shares: "Effective partnerships are built on mutual value and shared goals. By understanding each other’s strengths and aligning our efforts, we can achieve remarkable outcomes together. My top tips for successful partnerships are to communicate openly, set clear expectations, and continually seek to add value to each other’s efforts."

Making Partnerships Work

Based on our experience and insights, here are our key steps for making partnerships thrive:

• Choosing the Right Partners: Ensure alignment in not only business objectives but also shared values.

• Cultivating Trust and Collaboration: Build trust through consistent communication, shared victories, and collaborative efforts.

• Knowing What to Avoid: Clearly communicate expectations and objectives from the outset to prevent misunderstandings.

• Showcasing Partnership Successes: Remember to reflect on and highlight joint achievements to set a precedent for future collaborations.

• Transparency and Alignment: Be straightforward about what you bring to the table and your goals to align effectively.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to collaborate with ACON, we look forward to further enhancing their digital presence and continued collaboration supporting important community initiatives.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Grade can help your organisation achieve its digital goals through a successful partnership, view our case studies or reach out to us directly. We’d love to explore how we too can partner with you to create meaningful impact.

About ACON

ACON is a prominent Australian health and HIV/AIDS community organisation dedicated to improving health and wellbeing for those living with HIV and those affected by sexual health issues. They focus on ending HIV transmission and supporting underrepresented communities through various health initiatives and campaigns. For more information visit ACON and Ending HIV.