ACON is set to paint the town red as it gears up to present or support a range of events to mark this year’s World AIDS Day (Tue 1 Dec).

The following World AIDS Day events are being supported by ACON:

• Sydney
• Illawarra
• Mid-North Coast
• Hunter
• Northern Rivers

Sydney

Red Ribbon Appeal
Mon 22 Nov –  Tue 1 Dec

On Tuesday 1 December, over 250 volunteers will be selling red ribbons ($2) and red wristbands ($4) at over 30 locations all over Sydney as well as selected locations throughout NSW. And in the lead-up to World AIDS Day, Red Ribbon merchandise can be purchased from businesses displaying Red Ribbon boxes or donations can be made via the official Red Ribbon Appeal web site: www.redribbonday.org.au

World AIDS Day Concert
Sun 6 Dec / Seymour Centre / 7:30pm

Sydney’s second World AIDS Day concert will be a tribute to the legendary British singer/songwriter Elton John. The all-star line-up includes Ricki-Lee Coulter, Paul Capsis, Rhys Bobridge, iOTA, Rob Mills and David Harris. All performers will be backed by the 30-piece Sydney International Orchestra.  $70 A Reserve, $60 B Reserve (concessions available) www.seymourcentre.com.au or (02) 9351 7940.

Web: An All-Star Tribute To Elton John - The 2009 Sydney World AIDS Day Concert

Big Red Bingay
Fri 27 Nov / Paddo RSL / 7:30pm

This special Red Ribbon edition of BIG Bingay will be hosted by the multi DIVA award-winning drag queen, Mitzi Macintosh. Mitzi's barrel girl is the all-singing out there dyke Naomi Palmer. Expect weird rules, singalongs, penalties and hilarious stories with prizes that range from the silly and camp to great theatre tickets or restaurant vouchers. Free snacks and food will be provided. $37 for all games. To book call David on (02) 9206 2110 or email events2009@acon.org.au

Web: Big Red Bingay

Candlelight
Tue 1 Dec / Paddington Town Hall / 8pm

The annual Candlelight AIDS Memorial is held to remember people who have died from an AIDS-related illness. During the hour-long ceremony, the names of people who have been lost to HIV/AIDS will be read out as participants light a candle to remember their loved ones. Names can be submitted online at www.candlelight.org.au or on (02) 9206 2110.

Web: Candlelight Memorial

Under The Mirrorball
Sun 29 Nov / Arq / 10pm til late

ACON benefit night at Arq nightclub on Flinders St, Darlinghurst. $10 donation at the door. Lots of shows with DJ's on both levels.

Illawarra

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.

Mid-North Coast

Red Ribbon Appeal
Tue 1 Dec, selected locations + online

In the lead-up to World AIDS Day, Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s offices at Shop 3 146 -150 Gordon St Port Macquarie and 9 Boambee St, Coffs Harbour as well as selected businesses in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Then on Tue 1 Dec, volunteers will be selling ribbons in the Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour CBDs between 9am – 3pm. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

This Is Oz Exhibition
Tue 24 Nov – Tue 1 Dec, Port Macquarie Library   

www.thisisoz.com.au is an online photo gallery where participants can upload pictures of themselves with messages that challenge homophobia or celebrate diversity and social inclusion. Submissions to this national humans rights project from Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast residents are being showcased at this moving and inspirational exhibition to mark World AIDS Day.

Web: THIS IS OZ EXHIBITION TO KICK OFF AIDS AWARENESS WEEK IN PORT MAC (Media Release)

AIDS Awareness Stall
Sun 29 Nov, Jetty Foreshores Markets, Coffs Harbour

Get the latest information on HIV prevention and support and purchase Red Ribbon merchandise including World AIDS Day Calendars.

Hunter

Red Ribbon Appeal       
Tue 1 Dec, selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 129 Maitland Rd Islington and at the Gateway Hotel in Islington in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Then on Mon 1 Dec, Red Ribbon merchandise will be sold at Newcastle train stations and shopping areas throughout the day. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

Karumah Positive Living Centre 20th Anniversary Dinner    
Fri 27 Nov, Customs House Hotel, 7pm

The special event will commemorate 20 years of service by the Karumah PLC to people with HIV. $60 per head (reduced rates for positive people. Contact: admin@karumah.com.au

Tree Planting Ceremony       
Sun 29 Nov, Carrington Garden Grove, Cowper St, Carrington, 10am

Free public gathering in the community garden in Carrington near the Cowper Street bridge. A tree will be planted to commemorate those who have died of HIV/AIDS in the Hunter. Light refreshments will also be served. Contact: msaunders@acon.org.au

Hunter AIDS Memorial Quilts Display and Luncheon
Tue 1 Dec, John Hunter Hospital, 11am

Come and view the quilt in the AIDS Memorial Garden at the hospital’s eastern entrance, next to the Royal Newcastle Centre. Then stay for a free lunch. Contact: Richard.Riley@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au  or Pauline.Dobson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

AIDS Awareness Stall
Tue 1 Dec, Royal Newcastle Centre Foyer, 9am – 3.30pm

Get the latest info about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS from staff at the John Hunter Hospital.
Contact: Pauline.Dobson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or Richard.Riley@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

AIDS Awareness Stall
Tue 1 Dec, Newcastle Community Health Building, 9am – 3.30pm

Get the latest info about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS from staff at the Pacific Clinic & Harm Minimisation. Contact: Tania.Ewin@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or Annette.Cater@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Milk Screening
Tue 1 Dec,  Lake Cinema Boolaroo, 7pm

Rainbow Visions presents this special charity screening of the Academy Award-winning film Milk about the life of gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk. Tickets at the door. Contact: burko65@hotmail.com 

Northern Rivers

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.

Web: Northern Rivers Candlelight Vigil

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.

Web: Northern Rivers Red Bingay

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.

Web: Treatments By The Sea

More info

Contact: ACON's Events and Fundraising Team

Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: acon@acon.org.au