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 (Friday 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 provides us with a valuable opportunity to educate people about how we can end HIV transmission in NSW by 2020 as well as raise money for programs and services that are vital to ending HIV,” Mr Parkhill says.
“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, or attending one of our fundraising or remembrance events.”
For more information about the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, visit: redribbonappeal.org.au
SYDNEY
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Mon 20 Nov – Fri 1 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) at selected locations throughout Sydney. The Red Ribbon Street Appeal will take place on Wednesday 29 November, Thursday 30 November and Friday 1 December. 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.redribbonappeal.org.au.
HATS OFF! TO 20 FABULOUS YEARS
Mon 20 Nov | Sydney Lyric | Starts 7.30pm
ACON, in association with Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (OSCEFA), is proud to present HO2O! Hats Off! To Fabulous Years. On Monday 20 November, Australia’s leading stars of stage, musical theatre, comedy and cabaret will come together to celebrate this fabulous milestone on the stage of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Sydney Lyric. Brought to you by the original producers, Margi de Ferranti and James Lee, and directed by Trevor Ashley, HO2O! features performances from Mitchell Butel, Shaun Rennie, Lara Mulcahy, Nancye Hayes, Queenie van de Zandt and much more. All proceeds go towards ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. Tickets from ticketmaster.com.au.
RED SUNDAY AT THE BERESFORD
Sun 26 Nov | Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills | 3pm – 8pm
Beresford Sundays will turn red to raise money for ACON’s Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Hostess Carmen Geddit and the boys from the Sydney Stingers will be on hand to raise funds. 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.
BEARS AT THE BANK
Sun 26 Nov | Bank Hotel, Newtown | 3pm – late
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. Support the Red Ribbon Appeal by purchasing merchandise from the Harbour City Bears at The Bank Hotel.
ART, STRENGTH & RESILIENCE: WORLD AIDS DAY PANEL
Wed 29 Nov | The Art Gallery of NSW | 7.30pm – 8.30pm
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Art Gallery of NSW and ACON present a special panel discussion in association with Robert Mapplethorpe: the perfect medium. Exploring the role of photography in capturing Sydney’s LGBTQI culture, the panel features William Yang, C Moore Hardy, Daniel Mudie Cunningham and Ann-Marie Calilhanna. Revisit key moments in Sydney’s rich and diverse LGBTI history through the eyes of community photographers that captured them. (EVENT SOLD OUT)
HOWHARD PRESENTS TOM OF FINLAND
Thu 30 Nov | Palace Central Sydney, Central Park Mall, Chippendale | 7pm – late
See the critically-acclaimed film Tom of Finland at a special Red Ribbon Appeal benefit screening presented by HowHard. Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski brings to the screen the life and work of one of the world’s most iconic gay artists. Tickets $25 (includes film, drink at the door and a donation to the Red Ribbon Appeal). Book at acon.org.au/tofmovie
THE RED PARTY
Fri 1 Dec | Stonewall Hotel, Darlinghurst | 9pm – late
Come out on World AIDS Day 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. Visit the Facebook event page here.
THE BEARS RED RIBBON APPEAL AT KINSELAS
Fri 1 Dec | Kinselas Hotel, Darlinghurst | 8pm – late
On World AIDS Day (December 1) look out for the Harbour City Bears, who will be selling red ribbons ($3), wristbands ($5), enamel pins ($5) and diamante pins ($10) and taking donations at Kinselas during their weekly Den Night.
NORTHERN RIVERS
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 24 Nov – Fri 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 Friday 1 December volunteers will be selling Red Ribbons at the Lismore Shopping Square, downtown Lismore and Nimbin. Donations can also be made online: www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
TREATMENTS BY THE SEA
Sat 25 Nov | Far North Coast location | 11am – 4.30pm
A FREE workshop for people living with HIV with a specific look at gut health. Participants will hear from keynote speaker David Crawford, Treatments Officer, Positive Life NSW, who will explore the latest research from two recent international conferences about how HIV changes our body and how we can work with our doctors to ensure that we stay well and healthy. 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.
ABORIGINAL HIV AWARENESS WEEK EVENT
Wed 6 Dec | Casino
An Aboriginal HIV Awareness week event will be held at Bulgarr Nnaru Aboriginal Medical Corporation on 6 December with stalls, speakers, giveaways and a free lunch for community and local service workers. This event is a collaboration between Bulgarr Ngaru, ACON Northern Rivers and HARP North Coast. Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Corporation is located at 153 Canterbury Street Casino NSW 2470. Please contact ACON Northern Rivers for more information on (02) 6622 1555 or Free Call 1800 633 637.
HUNTER
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Thurs 30 Nov – Fri 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 schools in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Red Ribbon merchandise will also be sold at the following venues:
- Thursday 30 November: Junction Fair, Stockland Glendale and Stockland Jesmond
- Friday 1 December: Waratah Village, Westfield Kotara and Mayfield Woolworths
Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonappeal.org.au. For more info, please contact ACON Hunter on (02) 4962 7700 or hunter@acon.org.au
MID-NORTH COAST
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Mon 27 Nov – Fri 1 Dec | selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available in downtown Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Grafton in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Donations can also be made at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
There will also be World AIDS Day stalls in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 29 November in the city centre, in Grafton at Grafton Shopping World on Friday 1 December and in Kempsey at the Durri Aboriginal Medical Centre.
WORLD AIDS DAY BBQ
Sat 2 Dec | Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores | 11am – 3pm
Come down to the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores for a community BBQ supporting World AIDS Day. Fabulous red outfits encouraged!
BIG BANANA GOES RED
24 Nov – 1 Dec | Big Banana Coffs Harbour
Thanks to North Coast HARP, the Big Banana will be lit up red to mark World AIDS Awareness Week
IMPACTS OF STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
Fri 1 Dec |Charles Sturt University, 7 Major Innes Road, Port Macquarie | 9.45am – 12.30pm
The North Coast Public Health Unit invites you to the Regional Harm Reduction Stakeholder Forum ‘The Impacts of Stigma and Discrimination on the Individual and the Community’
ILLAWARRA
WORLD AIDS DAY HIGH TEA
Fri 1 Dec | Community and Services 12-2pm, Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre | Services Only 3-5pm, The Orana Centre, Wollongong
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 for high tea and hear the direct experiences of people living with HIV, learn about tests and treatments, and connect with support services. For more information, please contact Donna on 02 4254 2700.
WORLD AIDS DAY WOLLONGONG COMMMUNITY PICNIC
Sat 2 Dec | McCabe Park, Burelli St, Wollongong | 2pm-4pm
Join ACON, Unity Illawarra, the University of Wollongong Allsorts Queer Collective and Wollongong Youth Centre to commemorate World AIDS Day. This is a day to reflect on the impact of HIV and AIDS, as well as celebrate the strength of our community through all the challenges we have faced over the years. Come along for a relaxed and family friendly picnic in the park with music by local artists, snow cones, games and temporary tattoos, entertainment by our fabulous local drag queens and more. Red Ribbons will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards the 2017 Red Ribbon Appeal to support the work of Ending HIV in the Illawarra. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
HEROES: WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER
Sat 2 Dec | Wollongong Tennis Club, Gwynneville | From 8pm
Heroes aren’t all super and this party will celebrate all varieties of them! Unity is back at their favourite stomping ground for their annual World AIDS Day fundraiser at Beaton Park Tennis Club for a night of fun and frivolity, with all proceeds going to the ACON Red Ribbon Appeal. Doors open at 8pm. $15 entry. Entertainment from all your local favourites! For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
SOUTHERN / WESTERN NSW
KATOOMBA
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Thu 30 Nov – Fri 1 Dec | selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available in downtown Katoomba in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Donations can also be made at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
LITHGOW
WORLD AIDS DAY AT LITHGOW LIBRARY LEARNING CENTRE
Fri 1 Dec | Lithgow Library Learning Centre, 157 Main St, Lithgow | starts 10am
Lithgow City Council will host this World AID Day commemoration, information station and morning tea. Held at Lithgow Library, the event will raise awareness about HIV, treatments and living with HIV. There will be guest speakers, the Lithgow Community Choir and a short memorial for those lost to HIV/AIDS.
GRIFFITH
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
20 Nov – 4 Dec | 80 Benerembah St, Griffith
Red Ribbons will be available for sale at the Griffith Neighborhood Centre. Donations can also be made at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
GRIFFITH ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICE WORLD AIDS DAY COMPETITION
Fri 1 Dec | Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, Griffith
The Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service are hosting a World AIDS Day event to provide information and awareness. On the day there will be an information stall in their reception area for visitors to the service. In addition, they are running a competition to encourage people to come in and have a free HIV screening done. This is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients of the service. For more information, please call 02 6962 0000.
ALBURY WODONGA
REMEMBER ME HIV: ON THE BORDER
Fri 8 Dec | Retro Lane Cafe, QEII Square, Albury | 6pm – 9.30pm
To mark World AIDS Day on the Border, a special event will be held with performances, art and speakers including Former High Court Judge Michael Kirby. Hosted by Selma Fork, the night will also features Eliza and Zac Spalding, Francis Pickles Band, Dragology, Father Peter Macleod-Miller and representatives from ACON and the Victorian AIDS Council. The AIDS Quilt will also be available for viewing at MAMA, The Library Museum, St Matthews Church and other locations to be announced. And the Wodonga Water Tower will be lit in red to mark the occasion. Be part of this event to remember those lost, those who live and thrive with HIV today, and remember that HIV is still with us. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
WAGGA WAGGA
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Mon 27 Nov – Fri 1 Dec | selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available in downtown Wagga Wagga in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Donations can also be made at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
STRIKE OUT STIGMA
Fri 1 Dec | Brookong Centre, 79 Brookong Ave, Wagga Wagga | 5.15pm – 7.30pm
Bowl over new transmissions and misconceptions around HIV. Get your friends and colleagues together to show your support. Limited positions to play but everyone is welcome. There’ll be resources and information on World AIDS Day and Ending HIV available. Come out and show your local support for people living with HIV. To register, call (02) 69252973.
BROKEN HILL
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW AT PALACE HOTEL
Fri 1 Dec | The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill
Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal at this special charity screening of the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Held at the iconic Palace Hotel, the night will feature costumes and singalongs. Red Ribbon merchandise will be available for sale. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
SUSSEX INLET
ENDING HIV RED RIBBON APPEAL
Fri 1 De | selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available from the front of SPAR Supermarket, Jacobs Dr Sussex Inlet on World AIDS Day. Donations can also be made at www.redribbonappeal.org.au.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications Officer
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042
