"I was diagnosed in 1987, at a time when it was a death sentence. So, I quit teaching and spent what money I had travelling through Europe. I figured I'd be dead by 30 anyway. I came home to Sydney, broke and sick and just...kept not dying, I guess. When the new drugs came in '97, I'd already buried most of my friends. I can hardly believe I’m 67 now. I volunteer with a local community group here in Darwin. I paint every morning. My partner makes me laugh most days. I don't know why I'm still here and they're not. Some days, the guilt is worse than the virus ever was. But I keep showing up. That's all I can do." —Robert, Darwin. 38 years with HIV.

Robert, 24/24 Witness Collection HIV Long Term Survivors Awareness Day