17 November 2010

Helping people in the Illawarra region understand that HIV is still a major health issue is the focus of a range of local activities to mark this year's World AIDS Day.

Wednesday 1 December is World AIDS Day and ACON (AIDS Council of NSW) Illawarra Manager Radda Jordan says the occasion provides an important opportunity to get people in the Illawarra region thinking about HIV/AIDS.

"We have up to 100 people with HIV living in the Illawarra region at any one time," Ms Jordan says. "Throughout NSW, there are over 10,000 people living with HIV and an average of one new infection is diagnosed in NSW almost every day. And despite ever improving treatments, many of these people need support. The reality is that HIV/AIDS remains a major health issue in NSW, as it does throughout Australia and all over the world. Working together, both locally and globally, is the only way we can stop the spread of HIV, reduce its impact and overcome HIV discrimination," Ms Jordan says.

This year, ACON is also marking 25 years of community service. "Since 1985, ACON has worked to prevent HIV transmission and to provide care and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS," Ms Jordan says. "25 years of service is an amazing achievement and so this year we pay a special tribute to the courage, compassion, grief, laughter and love of the thousands of people who have helped us care for our community over the past quarter of a century."

Ms Jordan says 25 years ago, condoms and lube were the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. "Today, condoms and lube are still the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. So on World AIDS Day this year, we're asking people to protect themselves and their partners by using condoms when having sex. We're also asking people to never share injecting equipment, to get tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and to be informed and talk about HIV/AIDS."

ACON's Illawarra office is supporting the following World AIDS Day events:

Red Ribbon Appeal,  Wed 1 Dec, selected locations + online

Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 47 Kenny St, Wollongong and at selected businesses throughout the Illawarra in the lead-up to World AIDS Day. Then on Wed 1 Dec, volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise at the Crown St Mall in Wollongong (9:30am-3pm). Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au

Living Library, Tue 30 Nov, Wollongong City Council, 10-12.30pm

Hear the personal stories of a diverse range of people both living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in a unique and intimate format. This is a joint project between ACON, Wollongong City Council and the Community Drug Action Team funded through the SESIAHS HARP Unit. It’s a free event and all are welcome.

Surf Board Display at llawarra Libraries    Tue 24 Nov – Wed 2 Dec   

Inspired by Kelly Slater’s surfboard initiative to reduce world poverty, Illawarra resident Skip Wilson has commissioned a special surfboard to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Skip’s surfboard will be on display at the Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and Wollongong libraries.

ACON Open Day, Tues 30 Nov, 47 Kenny St, Wollongong, 1pm – 3pm

Come and meet ACON staff and volunteers and get a first hand experience of the important work they do in the community. Afternoon tea will be served.

Memorial Service + BBQ, Tue 30 Nov, 47 Kenny St, Wollongong, 5pm – 7pm

A memorial service will be held to commemorate those who have died of HIV/AIDS in the Illawarra. This will be followed by a catered dinner. This is a free event for people living with HIV/AIDS, their friends and carers, local health workers and other NGO staff

Cabared Variety Concert,  Sat 4 Dec, Phoenix Theatre, Coniston

Cabared is a red ribbon cabaret fundraising event for ACON’s Southern Region. A mixture of drag and cabaret will be performing at Phoenix Theatre on Bridge St in Coniston from 7pm. Bookings essential at bookings@phoenixtheatre.net.au