Sydney candlelight vigil moves to May

Sydney’s annual candlelight vigil remembering those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS has been moved to a new date to coincide with similar events around the world

From next month, the Sydney Candlelight Memorial will be held every year on May 15, which is International Candlelight Memorial Day, rather than on December 1, which is World AIDS Day and the day the event has been held on for the past 15 years.

This year’s event, which is organised by ACON and Positive Life NSW, will take place on Sunday, May 15, from 3.30pm at Slide bar on Oxford St.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said moving the event would add to its significance, both in Australia and around the world.

“In consultation with our community partners, it was decided that from this year onwards, it would be more appropriate to have the event on the International Candlelight Memorial Day on May 15,” Parkhill said.

“Most countries, and indeed other states in Australia, have their official commemorations on this day and moving Sydney’s memorial event to coincide with similar events in Australia and around the world allows us to become part of a global day of remembrance for the partners, family, and friends we have lost to HIV/AIDS.”

Positive Life NSW executive director Rob Lake said the new date would give more people the opportunity to participate in the vigil.

“World AIDS Day has become a day full of events related to HIV/AIDS and shifting [the candlelight memorial] to May will hopefully give our community in Sydney a better opportunity to focus on this important occasion for reflection and remembrance.”

The event will follow a similar format to previous candlelight memorials with the names of lost loved ones being read out during the ceremony.

Names and donations can be lodged on the event’s website at www.candlelight.org.au

info: Sydney Candlelight Memorial, Sunday, May 15, 3.30–4.30pm, Slide, 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst