23 November 2008

Helping people understand that HIV is still a major health issue is the focus of activities in the Illawarra region this year to mark the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day.

December 1 is World AIDS Day and the official theme in NSW this year is ‘HIV is still here’. ACON (AIDS Council of NSW) Illawarra Manager Radda Jordon says the occasion provides an important opportunity to get people thinking about HIV/AIDS. “This year is the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day,” she says. “Over the last two decades, life-saving medical advances have eased the horror of the early years of the epidemic. However, over 10,000 people in NSW are living with the condition with an average of one new infection being diagnosed in NSW every day.

“In the Illawarra region, we have over 100 people living with HIV. And despite the improved 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. 21 years on, helping to prevent new HIV infections remains the most important work that we do here at ACON. But it remains the work of everyone else in our community as well because working together, both locally and globally, is the only way we can stop the spread of HIV, reduce its impact and overcome HIV discrimination,” she says.

Ms Jordon says 21 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 Northern Rivers office is supporting the following World AIDS Day events:

Red Ribbon Appeal
Tue 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. On Tue 1 Dec, volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise at the Crown St Mall in Wollongong (9:30am-4:30pm). Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

Poster Displays at llawarra Libraries
Tue 24 Nov – Wed 2 Dec 
View a moving and inspirational collection of HIV/AIDS-related posters at the Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and Wollongong.                   

ACON Open Day
Wed 25 Nov, 47 Kenny St, Wollongong, 10am – 5pm
Come and meet ACON staff and volunteers and get a first hand experience of the important work they do in the community. Morning tea will be served.

Memorial Service + Dinner + Film
Wed 25 Nov, 47 Kenny St, Wollongong, 5pm – 9pm
A memorial service will be held to commemorate those who have died of HIV/AIDS in the Illawarra. This will be followed by dinner and a special screening of Aussie comedy Crackerjack. This is a free event for people living with HIV/AIDS, their friends and carers, local health workers and other NGO staff.

Transit Screening
Thu 26 Nov, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 7:30pm
Shot on location in St. Petersburg, Mexico City, Nairobi and Los Angeles, Transit follows four young people on a journey across four continents that finds them exploring emotion, sexuality and HIV/AIDS in a candid and gripping. Entry is via gold coin donation