National news briefs

Sex-ed curriculum criticised
The Australian Medical Association has urged the government to introduce compulsory sex-education, for children as young as 10 in an effort to curb rising rates of STD infection and HIV rates.
The AMA’s State budget proposal has called for $20 million over a period of four years to introduce a comprehensive sexual health curriculum for public schools which would include information on general STD awareness, anal sex, date rape and masturbation.
Classes would be designed for children of 10, 12 and 14, with more explicit material being reserved for older students.
The suggestion has raised ire from individuals who are concerned that such a plan could traumatise children at such a young age, a notion which was rejected by Victorian AMA Vice President who pointed to statistics showing the rate of chlamydia infection for 15-19 year olds had doubled over the past five years and 16 percent of 16-19 year old girls say they have had an unwanted pregnancy.
-œWe need to stop pussyfooting around with language. We need to make it really clear what we’re talking about, Dr Zoe Wainer said.
-œWe need to talk about what chlamydia is, how herpes is contracted, the risk factors for anal sex, vaginal sex and oral sex. We need to teach young people that some people can carry STIs without exhibiting symptoms.

Casting call for NMG party

Calling all dancers -” professional and bedroom performers alike. New Mardi Gras is holding open auditions to find performers to take part in this year’s Mardi Gras party.
Professional experience may be an advantage but is by no means the only way to get in, organisers have said.
-œEveryone is welcome, a NMG spokesperson said.
-œWe’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would love to dance as part of the Mardi Gras experience.
-œEvery year our dancers work with star choreographers and support outstanding live artists. Most of all though, they have a great time and gain great experience.
Auditions will be held on Saturday January 31 at NIDA between 11am and 3pm.
info: For more information email: [email protected] or
call: 9658 8600.

Tropical film festival
The three day Tropical Alternatives Queer Film Festival will run April 30 – May 2 at the Jute Theatre in Cairns this year.
Organisers are looking for community members to serve on the festival committee, which meets every fortnight to plan and then run the event. Meetings will be scheduled around the needs of the volunteers.
Organisers are also looking for volunteers to help out during the event. To volunteer email Molly at [email protected], Kevin at [email protected] or phone (07) 4041 5451.

Volunteer search
Organisers of the cairns Mardi Gras recovery party are looking for volunteers to help out during the week. Held this year from March 7-14, the week of activities is designed to make people feel welcome and relax after the party season. Volunteers are needed to hand out safe sex information and materials at events, deliver post Mardi Gras passports to venues and visitors and help out at events like the annual trivia night at Turtle Cove.

info: If you are interested in helping ot email Molly on [email protected] or Kevin on [email protected], or phone (07) 4041 5451.