 A range of events are being held throughout Sydney to mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Reg Domingo reports.Conceived in 1988 during a world summit on AIDS prevention, World AIDS Day has become a global event, recognised and observed by governments, charities and organisations around the world. And in its 20th year, the message is a pertinent as ever, as encapsulated in the official New South Wales 2008 theme: HIV is still here. Mark Orr, President of ACON, says that World AIDS Day is crucial as it allows the opportunity to get people to think about HIV/AIDS as well as to remember those who live with HIV. And it enables health and advocacy organisations to raise much-needed funds in helping prevent new infections and assist those living with HIV. “The reality is that HIV/AIDS remains a major health issue in NSW, as is does throughout Australia and all over the world,” Orr said. “Twenty years on, helping to prevent new HIV infections remains the most important work that we do here at ACON. But it remains the work of everyone else in our community as well because working together, both locally and globally, is the only way we can stop the spread of HIV, reduce its impact and overcome HIV discrimination.” Orr said that World AIDS Day also presents a chance to remember the 33 million people around the world living with HIV and the 28 million who have died from an AIDS-related illness. A range of events are being held throughout the city this week to mark World AIDS Day, part of AIDS Awareness Week, such as Red Ribbon Appeal, which is now in full swing. It’s a campaign that provides organisations such as ACON the best opportunity to raise HIV awareness and generate funds for programs and services. Red ribbons are available from selected businesses, and an army of volunteers will be out in force selling ribbons throughout the weekend. “World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week provide us with our highest profile opportunity for the year to educate people about HIV/AIDS and to raise money to prevent new infections and help people living with HIV,” said Orr. “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.”
 KEY DATES AND EVENTS
RED RIBBON APPEAL
Until Monday, December 1
Volunteers will be selling red ribbons at over 30 locations around Sydney. Or you can purchase red ribbon merchandise from selected business. Donations can also be made at redribbonday.org.au.
THE RED PARTY
Friday, November 28, 9pm-late, Stonewall Hotel
Annual ACON benefit night with $5 donation at the door. Dress code: red. Features shows and live entertainment. See Page 23 for more details.
SUMMER GAY DAY
Saturday, November 29, 2pm-10pm, Kippax Lake, Moore Park
ACON volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise and handing out free condoms between 2pm and 6pm.
WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT
Sunday, November 30, starts 7.30pm, Star Theatre, Star City
Sydney’s first-ever World AIDS Day concert starring Todd McKenny, Tony Sheldon, Rhonda Burchmore, Maria Venuti, Emma Pask, Nancye Hayes, Bob Downe and more. $70 A Reserve from www.ticketmaster.com.au. See Page 18 for details.
UNDER THE MIRRORBALL
Sunday, November 30, 9pm-late, Arq
Annual World AIDS Day fundraiser. $10 donation at the door with all proceeds going to ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal. See Page 23 for more details.
CANDLELIGHT AIDS MEMORIAL
Monday, December 1, starts 8pm, Paddington Town Hall
Annual event held to remember people who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
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Red letter day
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