Issue April 10- May 10
1985 - 2010
25 years of community response to HIV
There is still a long way to go. The AIDS Action Council is as determined as ever to continue working towards minimising the social and personal impacts, and transmission, of HIV.
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Sunday 16th May, 2010 To honour the memories of those we have lost and those who have fought so hard for the rights and wellbeing of people affected by HIV, the AIDS Action Council is inviting you to par ticipate in the 27th International Candlelight Memorial. The AIDS Action Council is joined this year by Amnesty International. Both organisations are working together to demand dignity and humanrights for communities affected by HIV.
Ecumenical Church Service
Candlelight Memorial Ceremony
The memorial will be marked by a special nondenominational service of prayer and remembrance.
At this year’s ceremony the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire will perform as candles are lit to remember lives affected by HIV.
Location: All Saints Church, Cowper St. Ainslie
Location: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent Acton.
Time:
Time:
5.30 pm to 6:30 pm
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Fo r f u r t h e r d etails go to www.aidsaction.org.au
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Up Front We’ve been in this together … Celebrating 25 years of fighting against the impacts and transmission of HIV seems somehow inappropriate. After all, few would have thought that this work would still be necessary after a quarter century. There is also no obvious celebration in remembering that so many of those that initiated this work succumbed personally to AIDS. It was on 14th May 1985 when the then Health Minister Dr. Neal Blewitt presented the newly born AIDS Action Council with a cheque for $13,400 as he conducted our official launch. Although this date might be acknowledged as our official birthday, this in itself was the culmination of more than a year of work by a group of concerned volunteers anxious to prepare our community for the impact that they anticipated. The AIDS Action Committee ran a series of public information nights at the old Griffin Centre throughout 1984. These volunteers brought together those that represented haemophilia, gay men and drug workers and began outreach to the Territory’s sex workers.
This genesis of our organisation lies very much at the heart of why we continue to stay as true as we can to our identity as a grassroots community organisation that seeks to represent the interests of all the communities we serve. If we need a commemoration, it is not for the work we have done and continue to do, but for the contribution that has been made by thousands of individuals from all walks of life, of all sexualities and cultures. The contribution made by a community that has ensured our part in making the Australian response to HIV the most successful in the history of the epidemic. For 25 years we have been in this together. It is perhaps a coincidence, but at this time we are setting out on the final stages of the development of a new strategic plan. More so than its predecessors, this plan has had a purpose of identifying the very significant changes that have been taking place in the way that HIV must be confronted in the ACT in the 21st century. It is taking account of our need to involve all those that are affected by HIV, be they individuals infected,
their partners, friends and family, other service providers, carers and support services. It is particularly an opportunity to restate our commitment to ensure greater involvement of people living with HIV and for our processes to be both transparent and accountable. The draft strategic plan is available on our website. It has been circulated to all our members and volunteers, to legislators and public sector workers. We are seeking as much input as possible so that we can be as certain as it is possible to be, that we continue on our way true to the interests of our communities and in close cooperation with our partners. I don’t want to think that we will need another 25 years to put HIV behind us, but perhaps we may. If we do, I hope that as individuals and communities the lesson that we take forward from the first 25 is that we must stay in this together.
Andrew Burry
Candlelight Memorial Holding our commitment in the light. David Mills
Every year since 1989 we have come together as community members to light candles and to brave a cool May evening. Each of us does this for different reasons. Certainly, many of us come to honour to remember loved ones affected by the HIV epidemic, but a growing number of people come to stand in solidarity with the rest of the community and this is a powerful new trend that I hope will continue. This year the need for solidarity and shared commitment is highlighted by the theme of ‘Many Lights for Human Rights’, where we will not only acknowledge how far we have come, but also how far we have to go to achieving full equality for people living with HIV. Nowhere is this more evident than in the lagging rollout of HIV treatments. 2010 was set as the target for the UN Millennium Development Goal of Universal Access to Treatment for all people living with HIV. Attaining this goal seems unlikely now, and it is sobering that essential treatment was still only reaching 42% of people requiring it as of 2008. Freedom of movement is another topical subject this year. As the US finally removes its restrictions on PLHIV entering the country, Robert Dessaix was recently refused a visa to enter China and speak at a writers’ festival, based on his HIV status. The US ban was the most high profile, yet other countries ban foreign HIV positive travellers, and others ban or make it unduly difficult to become a permanent resident. These are just some of the reasons that we will come together on Sunday evening 16 May, to stand united as a community for the 27th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. www.aidsaction.org.au AAC_april_issue.indd 3
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Australia – 25 Years of Health Promotion Success? By Nada Ratcliffe Despite some great successes, Health Promotion continues to face many challenges and emerging issues. As recently as the 1970’s who would have thought that a new virus (eventually) named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or even ‘Swine Flu’ would be just around the corner. In an increasingly global environment, we can only imagine what lies ahead. On a national level, population health strategies based on principles of health promotion have made noteworthy contributions to positive health outcomes. Successful campaigns have contributed to improved health and reduced costs to the community as a whole. Successive governments have celebrated such campaigns as the National Tobacco Strategy and the Immunise Australia Program.
25 years after the Ottawa Charter, Australia must continue to incorporate Social Determinants of Health into national population health campaigns. We have seen the emotive and irrational hysteria associated with fear campaigns. Good health promotion campaigns should be: relevant to the audience, emphasise positive change, reduce barriers to change and, importantly use appropriate language and imagery for the targeted group. Finally, politics should be taken out of the equation – one can only wish. For more information on health promotion activities at the AAC, please refer to the website www.aidsaction.org.au
However, most of us will never forget the ‘Grim Reaper’ which after 25 years continues to be touted as one of the most successful health awareness campaigns ever devised. While this success is almost universally accepted, it remains that it also had the effect of further demonising gay men, and stigmatising the condition to the point that shock and ignorance fuelled widespread discrimination. For a great many, was it really such a great success story? When asked what the Grim Reaper meant to him, an HIV positive friend responded, “a living hell”. Past and current mathematical modeling more accurately demonstrate the huge success of Australia’s introduction and expansion of Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs). I argue that this initiative was and continues to be more closely associated with the prevention of HIV than the fear generated by the Grim Reaper.
2009
1987
Presidents and Executive Officers… Presidents
Executive Officers/General Managers
April 1985 to June 1986 Ian Malloy Temporary Chair Inaugural GM 1st October 1986
1985 – 1987
John Westlund
Co-ordinator
1987 – 1989
John Westlund
Executive Officer
1989 – 1992
Tim McKay
Executive Officer
1992 – 1994
Kerin O’Brien
Executive Officer
1994 – 1997
Matthew Gillett
General Manager
1997 – 1999
Mike Kennedy
General Manager
1999 – 2002
Daniel Coase
General Manager
2004 – 2007
Rebecca Davey
General Manager
2007 -
Andrew Burry
General Manager
1986 – 1987 1987 – 1989 1989 – 1991 1991 – 1994 1994 – 1995 1995 – 1997 1997 – 1998 1998 – 2000 2000 – 2005 2006 – 2007 2007 – 2008 2008 – 2009 2009 – 2010 2010 -
Jim Arachne Dr Peter Rowland Marion Watson Warren Talbot Malcolm Leech Ian Rankin Paul Lehmann Steve Erskine Joey Tabone John Guppy Mike Wight Claire Drake Ross Wilson Scott Malcolm
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Remembering 25 years of the AIDS Action Council These are some samples of people’s memories of their time working with the Council over the years. Check out aidsaction.org.au to see the full contributions. Kevin Schamburg
Greater Southern Area Health Service HARP Health Development Program Coordinator Years of involvement: 1994 commenced as a volunteer 1996 PLWHA ACT. 1997 to 1999 Education Unit. 2000 to 2006 Community Education and Health Promotion Unit. 2006 to 2007 Acting General Manager. What was/has been the biggest change with the Council over the years? Awareness messages originally were hand written or hand processed on one or two colour only printers or screen printed or painted onto T shirts. When I started at the council each office had a computer not each staff member and we had one internet connection for all of Westlund House and each staff member was allowed to book 15 minutes to half an hour once a week to access their “Hotmail” accounts. An association with the AIDS Council of the ACT is something I would recommend to everyone. HIV will continue to impact on the lives of many people for many years to come and as we continue to debate and work for the rights of positive people and the GLBT community a commitment by a community will always be needed by organisations such as the council. May we not have the need for organisations like this in the next 25 years but the benefits of what has been achieved by people with a commitment to others will have an ongoing impact to our lives. Jane Keany
Counsellor Years of involvement: 1990 to present. What is your favourite memory of your time with the Council? My favourite memory of the AAC is creeping up the stairs to the Council office in Lonsdale Street Braddon, to use their lightbox for a pamphlet I was working on in another agency. I had no idea what to expect and didn’t know where to look when the worker in the room in which I was working was having an animated phone conversation about his recent sexploits! What was/has been the biggest change with the Council over the years? The Council has become a more collaborative organisation and this has helped it build a more responsive service to those affected by HIV. It is almost as though it has reached a level of maturity that enables staff to stand 06 | April - May 10 AAC_april_issue.indd 6
tall and be counted, in their support and advocacy roles. Matt Schmidt
SHFPACT Manager, Communications & Promotions Years of involvement: 1997 - 2001 Active Involvement 2001 to present: professional involvement through various roles. Why did you first get involved with the AAC? My very very first involvement with the AIDS Action Council was when I was 14 and new to Australia - I saw an ad in Smash Hits, “One of us is gay”, talking about social groups out there for you to meet other gay guys. I rang the Canberra number, and when someone answered, got scared and hung up. I became a volunteer while studying in 1997. I signed up for the volunteer course, and was greeted by passionate, warm volunteers and staff, and never really wanted the course to end. I fell in love with the Council community, which quickly became the central hub of my personal & professional life for some years. I did everything from care teams, to education stalls, to the Counselling Service (GICS), and after about twelve months started working for the Council. Justice Richard Refshauge
Director of Public Prosecutions Years of involvement: 1984 or 1985 to date. Why did you first get involved with the AAC? I had become quite interested in the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS from the early days because of interesting legal issues around it and it gave me an opportunity to deal with an emerging legal issue which aligned with my social welfare interests. Professionally, I had been involved with representing a number of drug users and the issue of HIV transmission was a very lively one at the time. It was also a very interesting legal area and I attended conferences about it. I had a good legal friend who was a significant force in the AIDS Council of New South Wales. I was a member (and by then may have been Chair) of the predecessor to the Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and related Diseases Ministerial Advisory Council (SHAHRD); I cannot remember the precise name of the Committee at the time. I was Chair of ADDInc and this organisation was very aware of and involved with HIV/AIDS issues. I was also a member of an advisory committee of ACT Health (then still, of course, with the Commonwealth) which was reviewing the Public Health Act and there were fascinating issues arising in that context which needed addressing to avoid discrimination against
those living with HIV/AIDS. All these made it so obvious that an AIDS Action Council should be established here and I was delighted when that happened. Stephanie Buckle
AAC Counsellor Years of involvement: I began my involvement with the AAC as an AAC Board member, before I became a member of staff in 1989. I left the Council in 1992, worked elsewhere for nearly 2 years, then returned to the AAC in 1994. I have been here ever since. You can count the years yourself! Why did you first get involved with the AAC? I had been working for the Haemophilia Support Group for 4 years – half of their members, all young men and boys had got HIV. I developed a passionate interest and concern about HIV, especially the issues of stigma and discrimination which were emerging. Stephen Lawton Years of involvement: On and off since 1985 or 1986 What is your favourite memory of your time with the Council? Walking through Civic with a 14 inch dildo in my backpack on the way to a safe sex workshop, wondering what I would say if I was stopped and searched?!!? What was the biggest challenge you faced in your time with the Council? In the 80s/90s dealing with the spectre of death most typified by the Grim Reaper campaign. It seeped into every corner of my existence... David Mills
AAC Manager AAC Community Development Unit Years of involvement: First became a volunteer in 2001, became a staff member in 2004. Why did you first get involved with the AAC? My first encounter with the AAC was as a timid schoolboy that had been referred to Stephanie Buckle for counselling, and later that year I attended the ‘Out There and Doing It’ workshop – what an experience that was for the relatively sheltered young boy that I was! I remember being so moved after finishing Timothy Conigrave’s Holding the Man that I rang up and spoke to Pat Brant the very next day about becoming a volunteer. I’ll never forget the volunteer training. I found it confronting and an emotional rollercoaster, but it also helped me to develop and I met close friends that I still have to this day.
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And what a 25 years it has been… By Keiran Rossteuscher 1983/84 Volunteers, called the AIDS Action Committee, run information sessions at the old Griffin Centre for gay men, health care workers and the general public. Early 1985 A group of volunteers representing haemophilia, gay and drug workers groups becomes the AIDS Action Committee. It prepares funding submissions and a public launch. Volunteers also start doing outreach to ACT Sex Workers. 14th May, 1985 The AIDS Action Council is launched by Federal Minister for Health, Neal Blewett. Ross Kelly, Member for Canberra, hands over a cheque for $13,400 to the AAC. During 1985 A public display about AIDS by the Council tours every public library in the ACT to much acclaim. The Council continues holding seminars for gay men, health providers and the general public, for which it was funded. An effective group to manage AIDS in the ACT is established that included the Council and AIDS services called the AIDS Management Group. June 1985 Council volunteers produce a draft pamphlet for intravenous drug users, the first in Australia. October 1985 The Council receives funding of $90,000 for 1985-1986 financial year. Starts looking for suitable office space around Civic. December 1985 John Westlund is appointed Co-ordinator. The search for premises continues with five landlords refusing the Council space. Human rights proceedings start against two. The Council continues to operate out of a suburban house. March 1986 Jennie Weir is hired as the Council’s second staff member, Administrator. The Council is successful in its 6th application for premises, the first floor of 8 Lonsdale St. The first case of AIDS is diagnosed in the ACT. April 1986 The Council, and newly appointed Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) Coordinator move into Lonsdale St with an open plan office, meeting room and confidential space. May 1986 The Council contracts to provide the Gay Counselling Service to provide an ‘AIDSline’ information and referral service.
June 1986 The first edition of the AAC Newsletter AIDS Action! is published. It is 11 pages long. November 1986 The long awaited bus-side information campaign goes ahead. August 1988 The newly created Volunteer Co-ordinator position starts. September 1988 Giant condoms handed out champagne and free condoms outside the public toilets in Civic, drawing attention to newly installed condom vending machines in the toilets. October 1988 First meeting of Positive Support Group for HIV+ men and women. 1st December 1988 The AAC participates in the first World AIDS Day with an AIDS Carnival in Garema Place. 28th May 1989 6 years after starting in the United States, the first International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held in Canberra on the lawns of Parliament House. WISE (Women in Sex Employment) receives funding for Peer Education. March 1991 5,000 ‘I have AIDS please hug me I can’t make you sick’ stickers. 1992 First “Happy, Healthy and Gay” workshops 1993/94 The Council produced three safe sex trailers for pornographic videos that featured US porn star Blade Thompson. They provided information about HIV prevention. 1994 John Westlund, first Co-ordinator and founding member of the Council dies from an AIDS related illness. 1st December 1994 The AAC was given an eviction notice on World AIDS Day as the owner wished to redevelop the land. The new premises which were being prepared would be named after John Westlund. 1995 ‘The Maids Mural’ by the Migrant Women and AIDS Project completed. 1996 Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) arrives in Australia. 1996 The council secured the first ever government funding for a Complementary Therapies Booklet for PLWHA in Australia.
25 June 1996 Dr Peter Rowland, one of the founding members of the AIDS Action Council and the first doctor in Canberra to specialise in working with HIV+ clients was murdered in his home. 2000 SWOP (previously WISE) is reintegrated back into the AIDS Action Council. 2000 AAC’s first website launched by Chief Minister Kate Carnell November 2000 – The Council was involved in the inaugural SpringOut Festival, including the first Fairday. 2001 Yes, I am: Stories by young queer people published. November 2001 SpringOut Fairday held at Westlund House for the first time June 2002 The pilot for the STRIP clinics held at Champions Mustang Ranch and Westlund House. August 2002 Cover Yourself in Canberra campaign launched at Regatta Point Restaurant by ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Dugdale. 2003 Launch of the Qnet.org.au website for ACT LGBT young people. 2003 A grant from the National Library was received by the Council to help with the preservation of posters, t-shirts and other materials. November 2003 Condom Miranda campaign launched at SpringOut Fairday. 2004 Reflections exhibition opens at Canberra Museum and Gallery December 2004 – AAC wins a ‘Yogie’ award for the T-Shirt project. 2007 In Our Own Write published. Another book of stories, poems and art by queer young people in the ACT. With more information to support young people and their friends and family. July 2008 Up Ya Bum Campaign Launched at the Bears Christmas in July. November 2009 – I heart Condoms campaign launched at SpringOut Fairday. August 2009 ‘Coming out in the consult’ forum on sexual health and gay men for general practitioners.
Much of this information is sourced from AIDS Action! A history of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT 1983 – 2005. If you would like a copy please come in and visit us here at Westlund House. www.aidsaction.org.au AAC_april_issue.indd 7
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Stitch & Bitch recommences at
Westlund House
Thursday 6 May From 6:00 Pm To 8 : 0 0 P m Then Fortnightly Until the 26th of August
S t i t c h & B i t c h is a group for gay men to enjoy each other’s company and conversation or for meeting new
guys. And all the time, you’ll be knitting or learning how to. Wool, needles, lessons and light refreshment will be provided and a gold coin donation would be appreciated. CALL WESTLUND HOUSE ON 6257 2855 FOR MORE INFO OR JUST TURN UP ON THE NIGHT. 08 | April - May 10 AAC_april_issue.indd 8
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Just the facts: The HIV Living range of factsheets
e
Our work at the AIDS Action Council is about empowering people to make informed decisions about their own lives. We do this in a variety of ways, but admittedly one area that has lots of gaps is in our written materials that individuals can take home, or give to their friend, or discuss with their partner. There are so many issues coming up all the time that we cannot keep up. Now, as a part of the national AFAO/ NAPWA team, we have a new series of factsheets that fills many of these gaps, and there are more on the way. For your copy of any of these resources, drop into Westlund House or contact us, we will be happy to send you some copies. If you have a request for a future factsheet, let us know so we can put your suggestion forward. Sexual health checks A short factsheet about what happens in a sexual health check, and recommendations for gay men, HIV-positive men, and men over 40. Giving up smoking If you are HIV positive, stopping smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health. This factsheet is designed to inform people living with HIV (PLHIV) of the particular impact smoking can have on your health, and provide you with some tools to assist you in giving up and remaining ‘smoke free’ for the rest of your life.
Heterosexuals and HIV
The ‘Swiss Statement’
Being HIV positive if you are straight can be a challenge. Finding the right information or appropriate and adequate support is not always easy. This longer fact sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information, to tell you where to find out more, and let you know where to go for support.
This is related to the previous factsheet, but it is such a tricky issue it gets a factsheet all of its own. The ‘Swiss Statement’ was an argument put forward by the Swiss AIDS Commission that in certain strict circumstances, HIV serodiscordant couples could make an informed decision about sex without condoms. This factsheet dives into some of the controversies.
Gay men & HIV disclosure Anonymous or casual sex is a significant part of the lives of many gay men. While having sex without disclosing your HIV status is against the law in some Australian states, in practice, disclosure under these circumstances does not always happen. The factsheet seeks to look at the issues and cover the legal situation around the country.
If you glaze over when your doctor tells you that he/she is going to measure your haematocrit or perform a coreceptor tropism assay, this factsheet is for you. These useful tests for making treatments decisions are explained plainly.
Understanding viral load
HIV treatment adherence
What does viral load mean? What affects it? Why is it useful for people living with HIV to have viral load checked regularly? How should viral load affect treatments decisions?
Adherence to your HIV treatment regimen means taking all your medications at the right time, in the right doses and in the right way. This factsheet explains why it is important, and strategies to help you do it.
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Common blood tests for managing HIV
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Polly want a Valium ? drugs, in combination, intensifies risk and continues to challenge health services. The ACT Health Department’s Draft ‘ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy 2010 – 2014’ highlights poly drug use as an issue for the whole community and outlines strategies to address this problem.
By Marcus Bogie Poly drug use (or multi drug use) within the community is more widespread than one would think, and not many acknowledge. Have you ever had a drink and a smoke at the same time? What about the last time you may have taken some over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication perhaps, around the same time you may have been on other drugs as well. Poly drug use is not only about illicit drug use but licit as well, and mixing them both. Pretending that it’s ok because it is a prescribed or over-the-counter medication can mask an issue people might not want to acknowledge. Sometimes language around poly drug use may be associated with “illegal” drug use and can disguise the fact that using multiple drugs both illicit and licit without consulting
your doctor can have adverse effects. Over the counter medication taken in combination with prescribed medication can lead to some disastrous outcomes. Just as taking an illicit drug with other medication can lead to unexpected interactions. People take different drugs to offset or enhance the side effects of other drugs. For example, taking Valium can to some degree offset the paranoia of smoking pot for some people. Mixing alcohol and pain relief medication can also increase the effects of the pain relief medication. The National Drug Strategy 2004-2009 describes poly drug use as a significant contributor to drug-related deaths, illness and other problems. The Strategy recognises that the use of alcohol, prescription and other
One in 12 people worldwide is living with either chronic hepatitis B or C, and yet the majority of those infected are unaware. If left untreated, these cancercausing viruses can kill. Getting tested is key to halting these deadly diseases. A simple blood test will tell you if you have hepatitis B or C. If you think you are at risk, Get Tested! For further information visit www.hepatitisresourcecentre.com.au
Have you ever thought you may have a problem? There are many services in the community to assist individuals find out what process may help them to identify the issues around drug use and a way forward in dealing with them. Finding the right one can be complicated, especially if you are from the Gay Lesbian Bisexual or Sex and Gender Diverse Communities (GLBT). Homophobia and discrimination both generally, and in particular with reference to health care services, can be a barrier to people seeking appropriate services. We would like to hear from people about their personal experiences in accessing ACT drug and alcohol services, the good, the bad, and the unusual, to inform us as to how we can talk with service providers to improve access by the GLBT community. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact me on 6257 2855 or via email at marcus@aidsaction.org.au . All information provided is confidential and will only be used to inform discussion with providers of drug and alcohol services to identify barriers that the GLBT community may face in accessing services.
QUEANBEYAN AND GOULBURN Sexual Health Services Recruitment to the vacant sexual health nurse position is continuing. Appointments are currently available with a sexual health doctor at the monthly clinics: Goulburn- 1st Tuesday 4827 3913 Queanbeyan - 3rd Tuesday 6298 9233 PEP is still available from the Emergency Department of the Goulburn and Queanbeyan hospitals For general information phone the NSW Sexual Health Infoline on freecall
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Remembering Errol Smart Dear Errol I was a terribly sad when I heard that you had died. Later that same day I was asked to write a memory of you for the AAC Newsletter so I have spent many hours reflecting on the time I have known you and thought that I should address these words to you. You have played an important part in my life and in the lives of many others over the years. Only a few people would know that we began our friendship at Westlund House on the same day 16 years ago doing the Volunteer Orientation program. We both gained many strong and enduring friends from that course, we will all miss you terribly. When I commenced work at the Council in 1996 you were one of the first people to congratulate me. Over the following years if a request for volunteers went out you were the first to put your name on the list. If the roster for the volunteer phone lines was short of people you would always offer to do more shifts. You were always first in with your report sheets. You were an enthusiastic hard worker and a godsend to the work of the AAC. Your many years of involvement and commitment to the Mature Aged Gay Network (MAGNET) was wonderful. It ensured that men could come to a regular social event in a secure and safe environment, many people were able to overcome the barriers of isolation and fear, simply because you were there, happy to listen and happy to chat. Your enthusiasm and support for all of the AAC and PLWHA ACT programs including World AIDS Day events, the Gay Periodic Surveys, President’s Picnic, Fair Day and the launch of many safe sex campaigns for the community were just some of the ways you played an important role in people’s lives. You attended every event, supported every cause, your smile and delightful laugh could always be seen and heard. Your faith and networks were invaluable in organising the continuing support of the many churches for Candlelight Memorial. Your guidance, wisdom and assistance in arranging these events made for truly special memorial events. In your association and support of the AAC and PLWHA ACT you were never wavering. Your strength of character and empathy for clients and staff was always genuine. In a time when I made some difficult choices in life you were one of the few people who contacted me. We met and had a lunch together. I shall never forget your non-judgemental support and your compassion. I know your close friends know this side of you and we will miss your love and care for us. In 2002 the AAC presented you with your Fabulous Membership, a much deserved accolade for you are
truly fabulous! You accepted this award in your usual unassuming, almost humble, way. I have only mentioned some of your work, the full list of your kindness and contributions is too numerous to record. Many will remember your work with the Meridian Club and I am sure over the coming time there will be more stories to tell from these days. For me I shall never forget our trip to Mardi Gras in 1995 on the Meridian Club Double Decker “Pink” Moonlight Bus with a promise of champagne, nibbles and entertainment – it sounded glamorous! The bus broke down more times than any of us care to remember and all of us having to push it up Oxford Street during the parade in the pouring rain. We were loudly applauded and cheered by the crowd. On the rain soaked return journey the bus leaked everywhere, as there were no seals on the windows or doors. A very drenched but merry group arrived back at the Meridian Club on the Sunday evening, certainly an experience to remember, but I still remain wary of Double Decker buses. In recent years with my move from the Council I had not seen you as regularly as before. I was pleased to catch up at the end of last year and to hear that you had retired and had plans to enjoy yourself. I thought it was good that finally you seemed to have time to put yourself first and enjoy the freedom retirement brings. In this brief reflection it is hard to convey the extent and depth of the impact you had on so many peoples lives. Canberra, and especially its Gay, Lesbian and Queer communities have lost a dedicated worker, a kind heart and a courageous role model. You will be greatly missed by your friends and colleagues and I will certainly miss hearing you say… “How you going lovee? Give us a kiss; I haven’t seen you for ages.” Farewell our friend and may God have a great big pink cloud ready for you. Kevin Schamburg March 2010
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For You rD iary
April 21
Volunteers’ Meeting 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Westlund House
22
Free Legal Clinic 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Westlund House
May 3
STRIP FREE and EASY sexual health check up at BitBent Belconnen for young people.
6
Stitch and Bitch for gay men 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Westlund House
10
STRIP FREE and EASY sexual health check up at BitBent Belconnen
14
25 years of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT
16
Candlelight Memorial
17
STRIP FREE and EASY sexual health check up at BitBent Belconnen
17-21
National Hepatitis Awareness Week
19
World Hepatitis Day
19
Volunteers’ Meeting 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Westlund House
20
Stitch and Bitch for gay men 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Westlund House
24
STRIP FREE and EASY sexual health check up at BitBent Belconnen
27
Free Legal Clinic 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Westlund House
27–28
5th meeting of the Counselling Alliance of AIDS Councils (CAAC) of Australia and New Zealand
June 3
Stitch and Bitch for gay men 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Westlund House
16
Volunteers’ Meeting 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Westlund House
17
Stitch and Bitch for gay men 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Westlund House
24
Free Legal Clinic 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Westlund House
AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT
aidsaction.org.au
GPO Box 229 Canberra ACT 2601 T: 02 6257 2855 F: 02 6257 4838
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