ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation is inviting people across NSW to participate in a range of events to mark this year’s World AIDS Day (Saturday 1 December).
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says a variety of fundraising, awareness raising and memorial events will feature as part of ACON’s World AIDS Day activities.
“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died,” Mr Parkhill said. “It allows us to raise funds to deliver programs and services that support people living with HIV and to educate people about how we can reduce HIV transmissions in NSW by 2020.
“So I encourage everyone to support our efforts this year by making a donation to the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, buying Red Ribbon merchandise, attending one of ACON’s fundraising or remembrance events, or participating in other activities supported by ACON.”
For more information, visit www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
SYDNEY
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 16 Nov – Sun 2 Dec | selected locations + online
In the lead up to, and including World AIDS Day, volunteers will be selling red ribbons ($3), wristbands ($5), enamel pins ($5) and diamante pins ($10), as well as collecting donations at selected locations throughout Sydney and regional NSW, as part of the Red Ribbon Street Appeal. This year, the street appeal takes place on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December. Red Ribbon merchandise can be also be purchased from businesses displaying Red Ribbon boxes, or donations can be made via the official Red Ribbon Appeal website. Volunteers will also be collecting donation after performances at selected theatres from Tuesday 27 November to Saturday 1 December. For more information: www.redribbonappeal.org.au
RED RIBBON APPEAL AT FRIDAY NIGHT BEARS AT KINSELAS
Fri 16, 23, 30 Nov | Kinselas, Darlinghurst | 7pm – 10pm
Join the Harbour City Bears at their weekly Den Night at Kinselas and help raise funds for the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. The bears will be selling red ribbons ($3), wristbands ($5), enamel pins ($5) and diamante pins ($10) and taking donations on Friday 16, 23 and 30 November. Support the Red Ribbon Appeal by purchasing merchandise from the Harbour City Bears at Kinselas.
RED RIBBON APPEAL WITH BEARS AT THE BANK
Sun 18, 25 Nov | Bank Hotel, Newtown | 4pm – 6pm
The Harbour City Bears will be hitting the Bank Hotel in Newtown to sell red ribbons ($3), wristbands ($5), enamel pins ($5) and diamante pins ($10) and taking donations on 18 and 25 November. Support the Red Ribbon Appeal by purchasing merchandise from the Harbour City Bears at The Bank Hotel.
RED SUNDAY AT THE BERESFORD
Sun 25 Nov | Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills | 3pm – 8pm
Beresford Sundays will turn red to raise money for ACON’s Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Hosted by Carmen Geddit, there’ll be spot performances, games and raffles. Whether you make a donation or buy some of the Red Ribbon merchandise, you’ll be making a difference by helping ACON continue its work to end HIV transmission in NSW by 2020 and support people living with HIV.
A CITY RESONDS TO CRISIS: VOLUNTEERS AND THE HIV AND AIDS EPIDEMIC IN SYDNEY 1980s-1990s
Thu 29 Nov – Tue 11 Dec | M2 Gallery, Shop 4/450 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills
1pm-5pm Mon-Fri, 12pm-2pm Sat-Sun | A late night opening will be held on Fri 7 Dec 5pm-7pm
This historical exhibition, sponsored by the City of Sydney and run in partnership with ACON, showcases the contribution of volunteers in responding to the HIV and AIDS crisis of the 1980s and early 1990s in the city of Sydney. Volunteers were critical to Australia’s world-leading response to the epidemic, yet their contribution has yet to receive the recognition it deserves. Many individuals from diverse and marginalised backgrounds, including members of the LGBTIQ community, sex workers, injecting drug users and people living with HIV and AIDS, played a crucial role at an immensely difficult time. Drawing on a wide variety of rich archival material, visual imagery, film and personal records this exhibition draws attention to their extraordinary contribution.
THE RED PARTY
Fri 30 Nov | Stonewall Hotel, Darlinghurst | 9pm – late
Come out on World AIDS Day eve and wear red at Stonewall Hotel’s annual Red Party. Sydney’s leading drag performers will donate their time and talents in support of the Red Ribbon Appeal. Entry is $5 donation to ACON at the door. Red Ribbon merchandise will also be available for purchase.
‘FIRE IN THE BLOOD’ SCREENING AT MCA
Sat 1 Dec | Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay | 11.30am – 1pm
See a screening of the powerful 2013 feature documentary Fire in the Blood, which tells the story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments blocked access to low-cost AIDS drugs for the countries of the global south in the years after 1996 – causing ten million or more unnecessary deaths – and the improbable group of people who decided to fight back. The screening coincides with World AIDS Day, raising awareness about ongoing issues surrounding HIV and AIDS, and ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal. Go to www.mca.com.au.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Sat 1 Dec | Seymour Centre, Chippendale | 2pm
See riveting new productions of the ground-breaking work The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later at the Seymour Centre on World AIDS Day and help raise funds for the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. The Laramie Project delves deep into the story of Matthew Shepard, the openly-gay University of Wyoming student brutally murdered in a hate crimes, as seen through the eyes of the resident of Laramie, Wyoming – the town where it happened. The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later revisits the town a decade after the event, exploring how much has changed since Matthew’s tragic death. Theatre Travels will be collecting donations throughout the season, which runs from 28 November to 8 December but a special Red Ribbon Appeal benefit performance will be held on World AIDS Day. Go to www.seymourcentre.com.
THE POLLYS CLUB: UNDER THE MIRROR BALL
Sat 1 Dec | Marrickville Town Hall | 7pm
Join The Pollys Club at their next party ‘Under The Mirrorball’, to be held at Marrickville Town Hall on World AIDS Day (December 1). To mark the occasion, everyone is encouraged to wear red. There are raffles and prizes for best dressed. Featuring a stage extravaganza, which will celebrate how far we’ve come with HIV treatments, and a special guest from TV’s Altogether Now. The Polly Club will be raising funds for the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal so come and show your support by buying/wearing a red ribbon and making a donation to the appeal. Doors open 7pm. Tickets $25/$20 from www.thepollysclub.com.au.
OXFORD HOTEL
Sat 1 Dec | Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst | 9pm-late
Get your red ribbons from the Oxford Hotel in Darlinghurst on World AIDS Day. The gay hotspot will be raising funds for the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Support the appeal by buying a red ribbon and making a donation.
ARQ SYDNEY
Sat 1 Dec | ARQ SYDNEY, Darlinghurst | 9pm-late
Popular gay nightclub Arq will be supporting the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal by selling red ribbon merchandise throughout the venue. Support the appeal by buying a ribbon and making a donation.
GAYLE SESSIONS AT IMPERIAL HOTEL
Sun 2 Dec | Imperial Hotel, Erskineville | 3pm – 9pm
Gay-owned and operated boutique cider and beer company Gayle presents this riveting performance showcase featuring two of Australia’s leading comedy and cabaret performers: Trevor Ashley and Denise Hanlon. Red Ribbon merchandise will be on sale with proceeds going to ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal. Go to www.gaylebev.com.au.
HEAVEN SOCIAL DANCE - RED PARTY #7
Sat 8 Dec | Mounties Bowling Club, Cnr Ulverstone St & Lawson St, Fairfield | 6pm-12am
Heaven Social Dance will mark World AIDS Day and support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at their annual Red Party on Saturday 8 December at the Mounties Bowling Club in Fairfield. All patrons are encouraged to show their support and wear red. There are prizes for best dressed. Coordinated by LayDee KinMee with shows at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. Proceeds from the night will support ACON's Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Entry $15. Go to www.heavensocialdance.com.
NORTHERN RIVERS
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 23 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | selected locations + online
Red Ribbons will be available throughout the week from ACON Northern Rivers at 27 Uralba Street Lismore as well as at selected countertops, markets and community events in Nimbin, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby. On Wednesday 28 November volunteers will be selling Red Ribbons at the Lismore Shopping Square, and on Thursday 29 November in Lismore CDB and Nimbin. Donations can also be made online here.
TREATMENTS BY THE SEA
Sat 24 Nov | Far North Coast location | 11am – 4.30pm
A FREE workshop for people living with HIV with a specific look at Quality of Life (QoL) for People living with HIV. Participants will hear from keynote speaker Dr Jennifer Power, Principal Researcher, HIV Futures, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, who will explore what factors contribute to good QoL. Join in the discussion and bring all those questions you’ve always had about living with HIV. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Numbers for the workshop are limited, to register call (02) 6622 1555 or Free Call 1800 633 637.
HUNTER
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 23 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Various locations
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 129 Maitland Rd Islington and at selected businesses, community organisations and shopping centres throughout Newcastle in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. If your organisation is interested in selling red ribbons at your workplace, call us on 4962 7700, call in to 129 Maitland Road, Islington, or email [email protected]. Donations can also be made online at here.
WORLD AIDS DAY MORNING TEA
Wed 28 Nov | Suspension Espresso, 3 Beaumont St, Islington | 10am - 11.15am
World AIDS Day aims to encourage Australians to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting prevention, and to ensure that people living with HIV live free from stigma and discrimination. Come and have a cup of coffee, meet ACON Hunter staff, connect with other HIV support services in the region and learn more about what we do for people living with HIV in the Hunter region. For more info, contact ACON Hunter on (02) 4962 7700.
MID NORTH COAST
COFFS HARBOUR
BIG RED BANANA
Thu 29 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour’s famous Big Banana will be lit red to mark this year’s World AIDS Day.
ACON WORLD AIDS DAY & RED RIBBON APPEAL STALL
Sun 2 Dec | Coffs Harbour Foreshores Market | 9am-2pm
Support ACON’s Ending HIV Red Ribbon appeal and get info and resources at our World AIDS Day information stall at the Coffs Harbour Foreshores Market.
WORLD AIDS DAY STALL
Wed 28 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Coffs Harbour Health Campus
Get info and resources at the World AIDS Day information stall at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
PASH CONFERENCE
Wed 28 Nov | Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour
The Positive Adolescent Sexual Health Conference will be held at the Southern Cross University Campus in Coffs Harbour.
KEMPSEY
WORLD AIDS DAY STALL
Mon 26 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Kempsey Hospital
Get info and resources at the World AIDS Day information stall at Kempsey Hospital.
WORLD AIDS DAY STALL
Wed 28 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Kempsey Library
Get info and resources at the World AIDS Day information stall at Kempsey Library.
PORT MACQUARIE
GLASSHOUSE GOES RED
Mon 26 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
Glasshouse in Port Macquarie will be projecting the front of house in red in support of World AIDS Day.
WORLD AIDS DAY INFO
Mon 26 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Intensive Community Care and Primary Community Care
Get information from World AIDS Day displays boards at Intensive Community Care and Primary Community Care in Port Macquarie.
BLUE MOUNTAINS/SOUTHERN/WESTERN NSW
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 23 Nov – Sat 1 Dec | Various locations
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at selected locations across the Blue Mountains, Southern and Far West regions of NSW. Including Katoomba, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Bateman’s Bay, Bega, Broken Hill and Albury-Wodonga. If you or your organisation is interested in selling red ribbons, call us on 1800 063 060 or email [email protected]. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
KATOOMBA
WORLD AIDS DAYS FILM SCREENING BPM
Thu 29 Nov | Baroque Room - Carrington Hotel, Katoomba | 6.30pm - 9pm
Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at the screening of the international award winning film BPM. This incredible film showcases the story of ACT UP in Paris, whose members embraced the battle for those affected by HIV/AIDS by taking on sluggish government agencies and major pharmaceutical companies in bold, invasive actions. Register via the Facebook event page ‘Katoomba - World AIDS Day Event - Film Screening | BPM’.
WAGGA WAGGA
WORLD AIDS DAYS FILM SCREENING BPM
Fri 30 Nov | Wagga Wagga City Library | 6pm-8.30pm
Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at the screening of the award winning film BPM, a riveting story about ACT UP in Paris whose members embraced the battle for those affected by HIV/AIDS by taking on sluggish government agencies and major pharmaceutical companies. Details: Facebook ‘World AIDS Day: Wagga Wagga’.
BATEMANS BAY
WALAWAANI – WE HOPE YOU HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY
Fri 30 Nov | Village Centre, Batemans Bay
Come along to the Village Centre in Batemans Bay where you will find our caravan pop-up stall to commemorate World AIDS Day and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week. There will be Dried Blood Spot testing kits available for people to use to test for HIV, as well as resources about Ending HIV and Red Ribbons for sale.
GRIFFITH
GRIFFITH COMMUNITY PICNIC
Sat 1 Dec | Memorial Park, Griffith | 6.30pm – 8.30pm
The Griffith community will come together for a special community picnic event at Memorial Park in Griffith to commemorate World AIDS Day. A collaboration between the Griffith Community Centre, Murrumbidgee Local Health District and ACON, the event will feature music, speakers, community BBQ, and information and health resources. More info via the Facebook event page ‘Griffith - World AIDS Day Event - Community Picnic’.
BEGA
WORLD AIDS DAY FILM SCREENING BPM
Sat 1 Dec | Funhouse Studio, Hill St, Bega | 3pm-8pm
Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at the screening of the award winning film BPM, a riveting story about ACT UP in Paris whose members embraced the battle for those affected by HIV/AIDS by taking on sluggish government agencies and major pharmaceutical companies. Details: Facebook ‘Bega - World AIDS Day Event - Film Screening | BPM’.
SUSSEX INLET
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Sat 1 Dec | Sussex Inlet RSL
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available from the Sussex Inlet RSL on World AIDS Day.
BROKEN HILL
WORLD AIDS DAY FILM SCREENING: BPM
Sat 8 Dec | Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Broken Hill | 6pm – 9pm
Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at the screening of the award winning film BPM, a riveting story about ACT UP in Paris whose members embraced the battle for those affected by HIV/AIDS by taking on sluggish government agencies and major pharmaceutical companies. Details: Facebook ‘Broken Hill - World AIDS Day Event - Film Screening | BPM’.
ALBURY WODONGA
STIGMA
Sat 8 Dec | HotHouse Theatre, Wodonga | 6.30pm – 10.30pm
STIGMA is a production from Devize Co and written by Darren Vizer, that incorporates theatre, dance and physical encounters. A dynamic theatre and movement performance, examining the prejudices, discrimination and stigma experienced by people living with HIV. More info via Facebook event page ‘STIGMA’.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: [email protected] T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042