The Sex Workers Outreach Project New South Wales (SWOP NSW) is a sex worker-led organisation that has delivered peer-led services to the sex industry in NSW for over 35 years.
At SWOP, we work to ensure that sex workers have the same access to health care, safety, human rights and workplace protections as all other workers in Australia. As a member organisation of Scarlet Alliance, SWOP NSW is part of the national movement led by sex workers, for sex workers.
SWOP NSW works in collaboration with sex worker organisations in other states and territories, researchers, as well as government and non-government organisations.
Our primary funding comes from the NSW Ministry of Health, supporting our work to ensure sex workers across NSW can access essential services and protections that contribute to strong public health outcomes.
SWOP NSW provides peer-led outreach, education, and direct support to sex workers across the state in both metropolitan and regional areas. Our work is grounded in lived experience and community knowledge, recognising sex workers are the experts in our own lives.
Our outreach team regularly visits a wide range of workplaces in the sex industry, including street-based settings, brothels, massage parlours, as well as independent sex workers.
Our peer education model is informed by the Scarlet Alliance National Training Program (SANTAP) and prioritises supporting each other with practical, relevant and up-to-date information.
Our peer education model draws on peer-led approaches and sector best practice, prioritising practical, relevant and up-to-date information.
Outreach Statistics, from SWOP NSW 2025 Annual Report
We provide confidential support to sex workers through various platforms, including in person at our office, via phone, email and regular social media updates. We prioritise accessibility to sex workers in all sectors of the industry and across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW.
Our work plays a critical role in sustaining low rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and the virtual elimination of HIV among sex workers in NSW. Our focuses are peer-education, sex-worker friendly resources, and ongoing engagement with sex worker communities.
