Help ACON at Fair Day

People attending this weekend’s Fair Day are being encouraged to help ACON build the health and wellbeing of our community by taking part in an important bi-annual survey.

The Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey is designed to improve understanding of gay and health issues by gathering data on sexual behaviour, sexual health, drug use and community engagement.

The Periodic Survey occurs twice a year and is conduced by the National Centre In HIV Social Research and the National Centre In HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research in collaboration with ACON and People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW). The study forms a vital part of NSW’s HIV response, enabling ACON and other organisations to measure the level of risk behaviour in the community every six months.

People interested in contributing to the study can do so at one of several stalls at Fair Day including one at ACON’s fabulous outdoor pavillion, ACON Alley.

In addition to filling out the survey, visitors to ACON Alley will be able to find out more about ACON’s Adventures In Pleasure Mardi Gras campaign and get lots of tips and info about staying healthy during the party season. They can also pick up some cool giveaways, help out by becoming an ACON volunteer or become a financial supporter through the ACON Angels program.

For more info check out the ACON website: www.acon.org.au/mardigras

Top Aussie comedian Julia Morris is set to join mad cap Bob Downe and five other Sydney side-splitters as they tackle the contentious issue of same-sex marriage during Mardi Gras’ The Great Debate.

Arguing Is same-sex marriage worth the price of the rice?, the line up of celebrity debaters also includes stand-up comedian Jackie Loeb, drag superstar Mitzi Macintosh, and authour/journalist David Marr.

The perennially popular event is a fundraiser for ACON (AIDS Council of NSW) with all proceeds helping the organisation to carry out its work in the community.

ACON Event Coordinator David Wilkins says this year’s debate is set to push past the taffeta and lift the veil on the pros and cons of tying a same-sex knot.

Same-sex marriage is one of the biggest civil rights issues in the country right now so we felt that an cheeky and completely disrespectful debate on the subject would be a great way to explore the issue during Mardi Gras, he says.

With so many , it’s a topic that’s ripe with comic possibilities and I think we can expect this year’s Debate to be one of the most entertaining ever.

So join celebrity celebrant Bob Downe as he pulls out the shotgun for a bridal party that Mardi Gras will never forget.

Bouquets and brickbats will be flying from both sides of the aisle with no one expected to hold their peace.

Where Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre,

Cnr Cleveland St and City Rd, Chippendale

When Wed 13 Feb, 8pm

Cost $37.60

Bookings (02) 9351 7940