Quick Exit
Living with HIV

Living with HIV today is very different to what it once was. With effective treatment, people living with HIV can expect long healthy lives and the opportunity to live well.

Alongside medical care, having access to community, peer connection and practical support can make all the difference. For more than three decades, the Positive Living Centre (PLC) has been at the heart of Victoria's HIV community. Operated by Thorne Harbour Health, the PLC is a welcoming space created by and for people living with HIV; a place to connect, access support, learn new skills and maintain your health and wellbeing.

Positive Living Centre

51 Commercial Road, South Yarra, VIC 3141
Tue-Fri: 10AM-4PM

Cost

Free or low-cost depending on service

Contact us

Phone:(03) 9863 0444 or 1800 622 795 (toll free)
Email us

What to Expect

The PLC is a welcoming and inclusive community for all people living with HIV. Our aim is to enhance health, wellbeing and quality of life by providing opportunities for connection, peer support, practical assistance, learning and recreation.

Many of our programs and services are free and all are delivered by experienced and committed staff, peer workers, and volunteers.

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The PLC provides access to a broad range of supports for all people living with HIV, including practical assistance, peer support, health and wellbeing services, social connection and links to specialist programs delivered by Thorne Harbour Health.

You can walk into the PLC, contact us directly, or be referred by your healthcare service/provider. We'll help you find the services and support that best meet your needs.

You'll be welcomed into a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where you can connect with others, access services and participate at your own pace.

Yes. While HIV may be one part of your life, we know other challenges can have just as much impact on your wellbeing. We'll take the time to understand your needs and, where we can, provide practical support, information or connect you with other services that may be able to help.

We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. If you need an interpreter or another form of communication support, please let us know. We'll work with you to make sure you can access our services in a way that meets your needs.

Our services and supports

Whether you're newly diagnosed, returning after some time away or have been connected with the PLC for many years our team will take the time to understand your current needs, and help you access the services, programs and community supports that best suit your circumstances.

Contact us by phone, email or visit us in person to learn more about our services and supports.

Peer Support

Connect with people who understand the experience of living with HIV. The Positive Living Centre offers one-to-one peer support at the Centre, through outreach, and in major HIV clinics, alongside facilitated peer groups.

Our Mob+ program provides a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV, offering peer support, advocacy, outreach and connection to culture and community.

Connect by emailing peersupport@thorneharbour.org.

Community Support

Practical support to help you remain independent, including volunteer assistance, medical transport, home support, nutrition programs and one-on-one guidance.

Housing

Housing Plus helps people living with HIV find and keep stable housing through case management, advocacy, housing applications and ongoing tenancy support.

Financial Assistance

The David Williams Fund provides emergency financial assistance, food vouchers, and study assistance (eligibility criteria apply). The Fund also provides financial literacy support, financial counselling, advocacy, and referrals to help clients build financial stability.

Get application forms below or contact us at dwf@thorneharbour.org.

Health & Wellbeing

Support your physical, emotional and social wellbeing through a range of activities, workshops and allied health services. Whether you want to stay active, build confidence or learn new skills our programs are designed to help you maintain your health, independence and quality of life.

Speak with our team to find the supports that best suit your needs.

Social & Creative Programs

Build friendships, explore new interests and stay connected through a diverse calendar of social and creative activities. Our programs foster connection, reduce social isolation and create opportunities to learn, participate and enjoy life alongside others living with HIV.


Explore the calendar below or contact the Positive Living Centre to learn what's coming up.

Practical Support

  • Laundry & shower facilities
  • Lube and condoms available
  • Needle & Syringe Program

Food & Nutrition

Enjoy freshly prepared weekly lunches and fortnightly community dinners, access our food pantry every fortnight, and take part in nutrition programs that support healthy eating, build food confidence and help strengthen community connections.

Check the calendar below to see upcoming meals, workshops and nutrition programs.

The latest news from the PLC.

Not ready to contact us?

You don’t need to know what you're looking for yet. Search our quick links here.

Events near me

Connect with your community at an event.

Living with HIV

Information about managing an HIV diagnosis.

World AIDS Day

Find ways to get involved on December 1st.

Financial Assistance Forms (David Williams Fund)

Registration Form (Print)

For first-time applicants

Registration Form (Digital)

For first-time applicants

Application Form (Print)

For subsequent (not first-time) applicants

Application Form (Digital)

For subsequent (not first-time) applicants

Emergency Food Voucher (Print)

Emergency Food Voucher (Digital)

Study Assist (Print)

For first-time applicants

Study Assist (Digital)

For first-time applicants

Study Assist (Print)

For subsequent (not first-time) applicants

Study Assist (Digital)

For subsequent (not first-time) applicants

Centrelink Income Statement Request

Print only, digital unavailable

Guide to Financial Relief in Victoria

For people seeking further help

Feedback

We welcome your feedback about the Positive Living Centre. Your comments, compliments and suggestions help us improve our services.

Email us

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