Hunter Happenings

With World AIDS Day behind us for another year and the successful opening of our new outreach office in Port Macquarie last Friday, we now turn our focus to the festive season. 

For many it is a wonderful family time but it can be difficult for some who are not close to their birth families. However let’s hope it’s an enjoyable experience for all with our gay families and friends.

The Hunter/Mid North Coast (MNC) GLBT communities will have many opportunities to catch up and connect with friends, old and new.

ACON is holding its Christmas party on Wednesday 17 December at our Newcastle community space from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by Wednesday 10 December on 4927 6808 or email [email protected]

Transmash, a new social and support group for the female-to-male transgender and queer community is held the second Sunday of the month from 3pm. Call Judith on 4927 6808 for more details.  

In the MNC, Coastal Castaways is holding a dance on Saturday 6 December from 7.30pm to 1am at the Pacific Palms Recreation Club. The theme is Christmas Fairies Disco ’70s and ’80s, with shows from The Unbearable One. Tickets are on sale at the club for $15. Phone ACON on 6584 0943 for more details.

If you’re heading north to Tropical Fruits or south to the Sydney parties for New Year’s Eve, remember: pack plenty of condoms and lube, play safely and look after each other. 

From this month you can get your sexual health check-up at ACON in Newcastle. Every Thursday from 1pm to 5pm, a doctor or nurse from Pacific Clinic runs an outreach service. No appointments are necessary and it’s free and confidential. 

The MacKillop Projects Fund is calling for applications for projects to support local PLWHA. Go to the ACON website (www.acon.org.au) to download an application form. 

ACON’s Hunter branch and MNC outreach service will be closed for the holiday period from 2pm Wednesday 24 December and will reopen at 9am Monday 5 January 2009.

info: For more information about groups, services, organisations or community events taking place in the Hunter, New England, MNC or Central Coast contact ACON Hunter/MNC on 4927 6808 or email [email protected]. 

Sean O’Rourke is the Education and Community Development Officer at ACON’s Hunter/MNC Branch.