«Today is International Sex Worker Rights Day» Tuesday March 3rd 2026.
This day's history goes back to 2001, when over 25,000 sex workers gathered in India for a festival despite efforts from prohibitionists groups who tried to prevent it taking place by pressuring the government to revoke their permit. The event was organised by Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, a Calcutta based group that has over 50,000 sex worker members, and members of their communities. Sex workers groups across the world have subsequently celebrated 3 March as an annual, international event, as International Sex Workers' Rights Day. Source: International Sex Worker Rights Day - Scarlet Alliance, 2024. ‣ Sex worker rights day in so called ‘Australia’ The FULL decriminalisation of sex work removes sex work-specific criminal and licensing laws AND police powers for ALL sex workers, including sex workers from marginalised groups. While many jurisdictions in so called ‘Australia’ have achieved decriminalisation, many sex workers still work under criminalised models. Even states with versions of decriminalisation, like here in NSW, still seek continued improvements. Rights now, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia have active campaigns to decriminalise sex work in their jurisdictions. You can help by following their social media and staying up to date with their movement.
‣ Sex worker rights day in NSW. Although NSW was the first jurisdictions in the world to achieve the decriminalisation of sex work in 1995, we are still fighting to repeal some remaining criminal offences related to sex work. Even though these offences are rarely applied, this means we still do not have full decriminalisation in NSW. Sex workers in NSW also do not have anti-discrimination protections, despite this being achieved in other states and territories. SWOP NSW will continue to advocate for these protections, and are currently waiting for the second phase of the review of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act and the Prostitution Act. You can stay up to date with our campaigns by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. ‣ The fight is not over! Even with decriminalisation and anti-discrimination protections, sex workers still experience stigma. To access new and existing civil laws, protections from the appropriate regulatory bodies, and justice - cultural and societal attitudes towards sex workers need continued improvement. This includes attitudes towards migrant sex workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sex workers who use drugs, LGBTQIA+ folk, disabled sex workers, and any group in the margins. “…while sex workers are (rightly) celebrating… decrim laws, we should not forget that some groups in our community—including migrant sex workers—are still being targeted, criminalised, and denied basic labour rights”
Also see:
🎧 International Sex Worker Rights Day: Give Inglenook the Boot in 3CR Radical Radio.
#ISRWD #ISRWD2026 #Australia #SWOP_NSW
![On the 17th of December SWOP NSW are having a beach day to honour International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
This day was created to call attention to direct and indirect acts of violence committed against sex workers all over the globe. This is a day to be in nature together, organise against discrimination, and remember victims of violence.
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreihqv6vkjui72xilvabysiwi6tgijth2fjsqc3jaiisjsmpukc6fv4)
![«Attend our Annual General Meeting»
15th December 2025, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Hear our Annual Report, verbal reports about the year and the election of any new Governance Committee members.
Open to all SWOP NSW members!
Online only, membership required!
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiamcaiwok7x2c5ysjb5quacu3j7hoqde4ifyvplae6xmjpg64l6uq)
![«Need legal help?»
Community access worker, Rosie, from ICLC will be at the SWOP NSW office to assist with priority legal referrals.
Mark the dates in your diaries!
• 25 November [2025]
• 2, 16 and 30 December
• 13 and 17 January [2026]
• 10 and 24 February and March
• 7 and 21 April
[logo: ICLC] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreibjz3zyhajjxvj77gxzdyayhesfnf5x3csq63wfe5tpdy26kqmz4a)
![‣ Job opportunity at SWOP NSW
«We are Looking for a Corporate and Administrative Services Officer!»
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreihsyp4xwxuw2wzif6kginh3tafy76qhhung6ru5xoenk42jliuwni)
![«SMART Recovery Meetings»
For sex workers, by sex workers
[logo: SMART Recovery] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreic3mbttwlixbke7cgt73e2zenv64fslwogptcms7v3ypplgf3xwfy)
![• When:
First Thursday of the month, then every following Wednesday
• Time:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
• Where:
Gadigal Land | SWOP NSW Office
Suite 7/110 Botany Road, Alexandria, NSW, 2015
You can attend in person or online
• Sex Worker Only!
Registration and verification required
See [post] for how to register](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiadvyc525eurenqol2la6dakdhdlsmypagv5adzgyynsvntf55h4a)
![«Mental Health Awareness Workshop»
Recontextualizing anger
For sex workers, by sex workers
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreif2tqgmc4jr3tkprvoponmyzlrgx5m7zbtiqshdlsk5bchzbelwm4)
![Anger can often [be] misunderstood and cast as an unwanted character in our lives.
What happens when we explore anger through sex worker values, morals and principles?](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiayig7upcdxevo67uwhmnumq2cq32wmlkzveyjedacfyqhgaxcwkq)
![• Facilitated by:
New SWOP NSW counsellor, Rachael (she/her)
• When:
Friday 31st of October 2025
• Time:
3:00pm-5:00pm
• Where:
Gadigal Land | SWOP NSW Office
Suite 7/110 Botany Road, Alexandria, NSW, 2015
You can attend in person or online
• Sex Worker Only!
Registration and verification required
See [post] for how to register](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreid4dpc6lkcryucfpqrqplz4za2wvklehdjfjcwpicqv5euxcvs3xm)
![«Join a Sex Worker and Allies Rally for Migrant Workers' Rights» 📢
Tuesday 28th October 2025
Open to sex workers and allies
[logo: AMSWAG] [logo: Scarlet Alliance] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiegvzeniigl2ga7kic35h63nk3dq7br5z4viuh66jtu6artmahgly)
![This year, as part of the 2025 National Forum, Scarlet Alliance and SWOP NSW will be holding a joing rally for migrant workers' rights, led by migrant sex workers. ℹ️
This is open to sex workers and allies, and we will be advocating for:
• And end to raids on migrant workplaces
• Provide fair visa access for people seeking to work in Australia
• End racial profiling at borders
• Close offshore detention centers - let people awaiting visas live in community
[logo: AMSWAG] [logo: Scarlet Alliance] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreia2gjauvlpe6c4dthq3dfqeqghm7qeetschd7342wy2jt46ix3n64)
![• When:
Tuesday 28th Occtober 2025
• Time:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
• Where:
Gadigal Land | Belmore Park
Across from Central Station
Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
• This event is open to sex workers and allies. No registration required!
• Send an email to the Minister for Home Affairs to end racist immigration raids:
https://scarletalliance.good.do/endraids/email-tony-burke/
[logo: AMSWAG] [logo: Scarlet Alliance] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreidkpwniycomkbrtbwoezc62wpxdobjz32ejw5cnigw5rqzuvbtb5e)
![«He/They Sex Worker Meetup»
A space by and for trans masc, gender queer and non-binary sex workers. Our monthly meet-us are a chance to connect, chill, snack, swap storeis, share knowledge and what works for us.
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiavi4ghqagzam3crq7udr7zkmd7jytyux73q2jffhidxcxt4ytree)
![«Need legal help?»
Community access worker, Rosie, from ICLC will be at the SWOP NSW office to assist with priority legal referrals.
Mark the dates in your diaries!
[Ten illustrations of a judge's hammer over a book, illustrating past dates.]
- 14 October
- 25 November
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[logo: ICLC] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreicl6kyuh2b4eqj7ob6dktikct5iuwjg2q5aujan2x2h5xm777nmfu)
![«Whore of the Year Party»
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[logo: Scarlet Alliance] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreidgspa33xltddp4mu3iiluyoe6y4fo2qedn2ikv5wpokz3clidef4)
![«Help SWOP NSW Shape our 2026 - 2029 Strategic Plan!» 📢
A strategic plan outlines SWOP NSW's goals for the next three years (2026–2029) and guides the organisation's direction.
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreifijyanqfvwqqcwtg6k7cndpgrrwe6lehccaqp4xu5oxn22zm4uvq)
![«STI testing is available via telehealth in NSW!»
These tests can be cost effective and anonymous.
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreidtyf7zgvhgzbosmbhq7kqgkzagcd2ynljnuqvaxmraaiukbwpzge)
![«Help SWOP NSW shape our 2026 - 2029 Strategic Plan!»
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[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreigx4xx7iurg6rejzi6jzzoqrgfum65qbfegpxgxv7wfup4a7ar23q)
![‣ A strategic plan outlines SWOP NSW's gloas for the next three years (2026–2029) and guides the organisation's direction.
To ensure the plan reflects the needs of diverse sex workers in NSW, we're seeking community input.
The plan will be shaped through public and internal feedback.
This survey helps us understand whether the last plan was effective, what mattered most, and what new goals we should focus on.
This survey is open to current or former sex workers who works or has worked in NSW.
You can find the survey via the link in [post].
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[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreihbjzbft3jc7oigdbzu3stivclfpsgqycznd3dfpsttxayrcelxke)
![«SWOP NSW at KRC»
With SWOP NSW Independant outreach worker, Rosie.
• When:
First Tuesday of every month
• Time: 2:00pm - 4:30pm
• Contact Rosie:
0426 968 892
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[logo: KRC] [logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiabqfxaerhoqpuouzfdo7y5briwonnkduzccuh6fty4ta3wgmu5kq)
![«Western Sydney Sex Worker Meetup»
An opportunity for sex workers in Western Sydney to connect with comunity, meet the SWOP NSW outreach team and to collect worker packs, resources, and NSP supplies
[Illustrations of a shopping back, condoms, and a syringe.]
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiekuyclsxiqzxjo6l33633jhdtjkk3lr4s5la5dfjfw24tdage3e4)
![🗓️ When:
9th October 2025
🕓 Time:
11am - 2pm
📍 Where:
Penrith area — location provided upon RSVP
‣ Register to Attend
📧 Via the Jotform “Workshops Registration” link in [their] bio [or check post], registrations close at 12pm on the 8th of October](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiexi4wkwtknjd3lei4kmqhgx5ickezi45zzhlgs3bgjz3gp443gzq)
![«Whore of the Year Party»
‣ Performers wanted
[logo: Scarlet Alliance]
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreidqn5qpekif5bni2qstt6kr72kypgjknm6byhbb672koeng5wgu64)
![We are currently looking for a DJ and performers to assist us with entertainment for the Annual Scarlet Alliance Whore of the Year Awards night and sex-worker only party.
Entertainment could be (but not limited to):
• Tarot card reading
• Dancing/burlesque
• Comedy or Drag
• Group or Duo acts
• Circus/acrobatics
• BDSM performances
• Please email your expression of interest to admin@swop.org.au by 10 October 2025.
• This event is volunteer run, and these roles are unpaid. All donated time is greatly appreciated.
[logo: Scarlet Alliance]
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreia5ak4kvbdylelvpey2xykne6wdjl7zbkidhrejz4x7qolv743jv4)
![‣ A sex worker only celebration
• Event hosts:
Scarlet Alliance and SWOP NSW
• When:
Tuesday 28th October 2025
• Time:
7-11pm
• Where:
Sydney CBD (exact location TBA)
[logo: Scarlet Alliance]
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreiadfzw5otn4mratnqkq2dl4spizdezfundsmr7buyj4mvqupun454)
![«Governance Committee Community Consultation»
Give your feedback on SWOP NSW's Strategic Plan.
• 18th of September 2025, 3:30pm - 5pm
---
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreib6f6av6yfden45wmqmqhzigbglbcqp2xlj3lfhbduwjzxacqsddi)
![[Twitter/X posy by SWOP NSW (@SWOPnsw) on Aug 28, 2025 at 2:56 AM UTC]
With cases on the rise, free vaccines are available for SWers, their partners, and their clients. No Medicare card needed!
Staying informed, knowing the signs, and taking steps to protect yourself and others help us respond as a community ☂️💉
[Four informative images. Their text follows.]
«Mpox»
Health services have reported an increase in local mpox cases.
Staying informed, knowing the signs, and taking steps to protect yourse;f and others help us respond as a community.
Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au
-----
[logo: SWOP NSW]
‣ What is mpox?
Mpox is an infection caused by monkeypox virus. Since May 2022, there has been a global increase in mpox, including in Australia.
Infection mostly happens from direct skin to skin [contact] or sexual activity. People at highest risk of mpox in NSW are men who have sex with men.
Since January 2023, there has been an outbreak of a more severe strain of mpox in central an eastern Africa
2/9
‣ What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms usually begin 3–21 days after exposure.
Some people get early symptoms such as:
• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches and back ache
• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
3/9
‣ Usual symptoms include:
• Rashes, pimple-like lesions or sores, particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttocks.
• Ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth.
• Rectal pain (pain in and around the anus), which may occur without a rash.
People with mpox may be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms start.
4/9
[🐦🛡️ https://xcancel.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899160141652403]
[🐦🕸️ https://x.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899160141652403]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreieksb6e4ecbrsu2fr6yvvqqirs5wbwt7nmg2l3sxkldaltx6cjsyy)
![[Twitter/X post by SWOP NSW (@SWOPnsw) on Aug 28, 2025 at 2:56 AM UTC]
[Four informative images. Their text follows.]
‣ People with mpox are infectious until:
• All their lesions (sores) have crusted.
• Scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath.
• Any rectal pain is completely gone.
Most people with mpox get better within a few weens without needing any specific treatment.
5/9
‣ How does mpox spread?
Mpox in Australia is mainly spreading through sexual activity. Mpox spreads by:
• Direct skin to skin contact with rashes, blisters or sores.
• Contact with semen and other body fluids from a person with mpox.
Mpox may also spread by:
• Touching contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothes, or
• Extended face to face contact with a person with mpox, but this is rare.
6/9
‣ How do I protect myself from mpox?
**Sex workers, partners of sex workers, and clients of sex workers can get free mpox vaccinations, WITHOUT a Medicare card.**
Other ways to protect yourself from mpox:
• Exchanging contact information with sexual partners. This means that if a partner develops mpox you can be contacted and offered vaccination to prevent mpox (‘post-exposure preventive vaccination’).
• Avoiding close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms.
7/9
• Avoiding contact with infected materials, such as bedding or towels from a person with mpox.
• Practicing good hand hygiene.
‣ How is mpox diagnosed and treated?
Mpox is diagnosed by swabs taken from affected aread.
Most people with mpox can manage symptoms at home by staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain medicines. If you get mpox, your doctor will monitor your symptoms.
People who get really sick may need to go to hospital. They may be given medicine to control fever or pain, or antiviral medicines.
8/9
[🐦🛡️ https://xcancel.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899175530258627]
[🐦🕸️ https://x.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899175530258627]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreig37z4avqz2bsbtxzmvt5in56rjrd53pfcr747aeq4u6x345v2k6e)
![[Twitter/X post by SWOP NSW (@SWOPnsw) on Aug 28, 2025 at 2:56 AM UTC]
[A single informative image. Its text follows.]
‣ Further information
Call your doctor or local sexual health clinic right away if you think you might have mpox symptoms.
If yo have questions about mpox, call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink: 1800 451 624.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) straight away.
For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50.
Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au
9/9
[🐦🛡️ https://xcancel.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899187324936417]
[🐦🕸️ https://x.com/SWOPnsw/status/1960899187324936417]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreibnfwnlnjdciu6wz3oxrt2yflgvgeujczwbfxtbh37calthpbcrye)
![«Mpox Vaccination Clinic»
For sex workers, at the SWOP NSW office
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[logo: KRC]
[logo: SWOP NSW]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7p4pbes77hhseeifiozhobxl/bafkreidyvebgy4wwyjo4snkiyjycv6xhxqfe7jwr4kgpbdix5jdxukkory)
