Our Team

Over the course of my adult life, HIV has been ever present.  As a volunteer, as a carer, as a supporter and as a person living with HIV, I have sought and found ways to contribute what I can.

When diagnosed, I re-dedicated myself to engagement.  At first, because I needed the strength I knew I’d find in this community, but ultimately because it’s what I’ve always done.

My career as a Program and Project Director in software development and financial services has afforded me a strong set of leadership, tactical and strategic planning, risk management, process development and governance skills.   Fostering collaboration and good communication is at the heart of how I work.   The nature of my career demands that I constantly examine the status quo for opportunities to do better.

My personal philosophy of life is ‘live now, there’s no time to waste’.   Travel has been a life-long passion, and I’ve had the privilege to live long term in three countries.

Daniel Cordner (he/him) is a freelance graphic designer, artist, and activist. After many years of living in shame, he transformed his experience into advocacy by joining the Positive Speakers Bureau and completing the Positive Leadership Development Institute in 2017. He participated in the 2018 AIDS Life Cycle from San Francisco to LA, volunteered as a supervisor at AIDS 2018 in Amsterdam, and completed an artist-in-residency program in 2019 to create an artwork about his lived experience.

Daniel has been part of several global HIV events, like the U=U Summit in Montreal (2022), and the ACT NOW Migration Forum in Brisbane (2023). Daniel was the co-artist curator and designer for HIV Science as Art in Brisbane (2023) and Munich (2024). The projects fundraising program successfully delivered 45 micro-grants to HIV networks through the Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions.

Daniel’s work is driven by blending his passion for social change with activism. He is committed to being an active LPV board member, bringing 20 years of lived experience and a decade of national and international work in the HIV sector. This unique perspective will support LPV’s mission to effectively reach all communities affected by HIV.

HIV has been part of my world for a long time, and community has always been important to me. Being extensively involved in the HIV sector, including as a member of Living Positive Victoria’s Positive Speakers Bureau and through participation in HIV cure research advisory committees, has given me the opportunity to contribute in ways that feel both purposeful and deeply personal.

I care deeply about lived and living experience, improving quality of life for people living with HIV, and challenging stigma in all its forms. I believe our lived experiences are extremely powerful and, when truly valued, shape better research and more accessible services.
I hold a Master of Science in Medicine (HIV, STIs and Sexual Health) from the University of Sydney, and alongside my advocacy work I’ve spent many years working across community health organisations, primarily in Melbourne’s West. My professional life and my community involvement are closely connected – both grounded in collaboration, respect and a commitment to doing better for our community.