23 November 2008

Helping people understand that HIV is still a major health issue is the focus of activities in the Northern Rivers 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) Northern Rivers Manager Dermot Ryan says the occasion provides an important opportunity to get people thinking about HIV/AIDS. “This year is the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day,” he 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 Northern Rivers region, we have up to 500 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,” he says.

Mr Ryan 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
Mon 1 Dec, selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 27 Uralba St, Lismore in the lead-up to and on World AIDS Day. Then on Tue 1 Dec, volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise in the Lismore, Ballina and Nimbin CBDs. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au

Candlelight Vigil
Mon 1 Dec, Rotunda, Spinks Park, Lismore, 7:30pm
A memorial gathering to commemorate people from the Northern Rivers region who have died from an AIDS-related illness. To contribute please contact Sioux on 6622 1555.

Bingay
Thu 3 Dec, Lismore Workers Club, 6:30pm
Watch the balls drop during this special gay version of bingo featuring drag diva Ms Sugar Cane and Rollin De Hay. $10 entry includes game book. Prizes for Best Dressed Table and Individual. All proceeds go to assist ACON’s programs. Bookings: 6622 1555.

Treatments By The Sea
Sat 5 Dec, Northern Rivers location, 11am – 4pm
Free workshop for people with HIV. The workshop will include an introduction to HIV drugs and resistance, nutrition tips for people with HIV, and hints and tips for effective HIV treatment. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Numbers for the workshop are limited. To register call 1800 633 637 (freecall) or (02) 6622 1555.