They quickly realised that their needs differed from the predominantly gay male HIV positive community. Overcoming many obstacles, the women formed Positive Women in 1988. Informal support and information was made available to newly diagnosed women and there was a push for greater attention to be paid in the health system to women's needs. Originally based at Fairfield Hospital, Positive Women now has office space at the Alfred Hospital. Funding was received for a paid worker in 1995.
Membership now includes over one third of all positive women state-wide.
In mid-1997 there were approximately 180 HIV positive women in Victoria.