Get involved in AIDS Awareness Week now
There’s a wide range of activities for people from communities right across NSW to get involved in during AIDS Awareness Week.
ACON CEO Nicolas Parhkill said a variety of fundraising, awareness-raising and memorial events will feature as part of ACON’s World AIDS Day activities.
“World AIDS Day provides us with our highest profile opportunity of the year to educate people about HIV/AIDS as well as raise money to prevent HIV transmission and help people with HIV,” Parkhill said.
“So I encourage everyone to support our efforts this year by making a donation to the Red Ribbon Appeal, buying Red Ribbon merchandise or attending one of our fundraising or remembrance events.”
The following World AIDS Day events are being supported by ACON:
SYDNEY
RED RIBBON APPEAL
Tuesday December 1 / selected locations + online
On Tuesday December 1, over 250 volunteers will be selling red ribbons ($2) and red wristbands ($4) at selected locations throughout Sydney. 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 website: www.redribbonday.org.au
BIG RED BINGAY
Friday November 27 / Paddington 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 9206 2110 or email [email protected]
UNDER THE MIRRORBALL
Sunday November 29 / Arq / 10pm till late
ACON benefit night at Arq nightclub on Flinders St, Darlinghurst. $10 donation at the door. Lots of shows with DJs on both levels.
CANDLELIGHT
Tuesday December 1 / 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 9206 2110.
WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT
Sunday December 6 / 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 9351 7940.
HUNTER
RED RIBBON APPEAL
Tuesday December 1, 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 Decemebr 1, 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
Friday November 27, 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: [email protected]
TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
Sunday November 29, 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: [email protected]
HUNTER AIDS MEMORIAL QUILTS DISPLAY AND LUNCHEON
Tuesday December 1, 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: [email protected] or [email protected]
AIDS AWARENESS STALL
Tuesday December 1, 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: [email protected] or [email protected]
AIDS AWARENESS STALL
Tuesday December 1, 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: [email protected] or [email protected]
MILK SCREENING
Tuesday December 1, 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: [email protected]
MID NORTH COAST
RED RIBBON APPEAL Tuesday December 1, 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 Tuesday December 1, 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
Tuesday November 24 – Tuesday December 1, 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 human rights project from Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast residents are being showcased at this moving and inspirational exhibition to mark World AIDS Day.
AIDS AWARENESS STALL
Sunday November 29, Jetty Foreshores Markets, Coffs Harbour
Get the latest information on HIV prevention and support and purchase Red Ribbon merchandise including World AIDS Day calendars.
NORTHERN RIVERS
RED RIBBON APPEAL
Tuesday December 1, 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 Tuesday December 1, 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
Tuesday December 1, 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.
BINGAY
Thursday December 3, 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.
TREATMENTS BY THE SEA
Saturday December 5, 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 6622 1555.
ILLAWARRA
RED RIBBON APPEAL
Tuesday December 1, 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 Tuesday December 1, 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
Tuesday November 24 – Wednesday December 2
View a moving and inspirational collection of HIV/AIDS-related posters at the Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, and Wollongong libraries.
