AAC Newsletter April 2015

NEWSLETTER

AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

APRIL 2015

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

SAMARA

NICK BEN MARCUS

ALEX

GARTH

KEIRAN

ANDA

PAULINE

PHILIPPA

SUZANNE RAY

LEXXIE

Nick Nguyen Events and Education Assistant Nick loves working at the Council, is really creative and appreciates beauty wherever he sees it.

He’s a friendly guy, a bit of a fashionista and our in-house florist and interior decorator.

Marcus Bogie Senior Client Services Coordinator Marcus loves a good uni-ball ‘eye’ pen and often commandeers them from other staff! He also has a fabulous little dog named Zac who often comes to work and we love them both dearly.

WELCOME MESSAGE

Keiran Rossteuscher Senior Community Education Coordinator Keiran has worked at the Council for over 7 years and considers himself a ‘professional gay’. His biggest challange in life is not making bad food choices and staying off facebook!

Ben Martin Membership, Volunteer and Education Officer Sometimes on Facebook Ben gets up to 6 likes per post.

On these days he’s incredibly sure that he is winning at life. Ben enjoys guitar, painting and sunny afternoons with his friends.

Pauline Burke Senior Counseller Not many people know this, but our resident counseller Pauline has some pretty ‘fancy feet’ and just loves a good Salsa dance or getting down with some Rock’N’ Roll beats!

Samara Garrett Corporate Support Officer. Sex Workers Outreach Program & Research Student We have nicknamed Samara the Carrie Bradshaw - Sex and the City - of Westlund House...

Samara loves clothes and shoes and bags, and more shoes!

Garth Parkhill Peer Support Officer Garth is bit of a book worm — although you won’t know it by looking at him, being so buff and all. He also loves watching science fiction movies. He probably knows Klingon — Hab SoSlI’ Quch!

Alex Thatcher Marketing and Communications As well as working for the Council, Alex is also the editor of FUSE Magazine. He secretly leaves water for the bunny that lives outside his office window and really hopes no-one ever puts him in a pot!

Suzanne Eastwood LGBTIQ Community Participation Facilitator Suzanne is probably the most curious person you’ll ever meet. She keeps lovely chooks at home and two little kittens called Ziggy Stardust and Freddie Mercury.

It has been almost a year since I began my role as acting Executive Director and I have to confess I have never been more challenged, rewarded and happier professionally in all my working history – and it’s a long history!

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the AIDS Action Council and provides us with a great opportunity to celebrate both our successes of the past and aspirations for the future.

I hope you will join us in celebrating this milestone and show your support for the Council by coming along to the events we have planned for the year?

Given the number of staff changes we have had over the years, I thought this would be a good time to introduce you to our current staff members - who are all fabulous!

Adna Aliskovic Policy Officer One of the best things about Adna is that she has a very talented partner who works in a bakery and sends her to work with cake and bread! Sadly Adna is leaving us...

Apparently we’ll still get cake!

Lexxie Jury Education Officer Sex Workers Outreach Program If you don’t already know Lexxie just loves the colour purple and thinks that if there is a god his name is probably Jon Bon Jovi!

Philippa Moss Acting Executive Director Philippa makes mean green smoothies and brings them to work... well that’s if she has time to make them... busy... busy... busy... she also swims 2km at Civic pool twice a week.

Ray Handy Man, Muscle and Security.

Ray is the man of the house and does all those handy jobs no body else has time for. He also cleans our cars in his spare time to make an extra buck or two and apparently does a pretty good job.

I am fortunate to work with wonderful people who are uniquely passionate and dedicated to both their work and the community, and I get to witness this on a daily basis. The staff at the Council are inspired and inspiring and seem to find challenges energising rather than stressful – such admirable qualities! I feel very blessed!

Here is the great team at the AIDS Action Council — a picture is worth a thousand words but to fill in the gaps here’s who we are and what we do, with a little bit of trivia thrown in for some added fun. (See image above) Philippa Moss – Acting Executive Director

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

SWOP & SWAT! The AIDS Action Council Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP) provides advocacy, sexual health education and support services for sex workers. The Sex Worker Awareness Training (SWAT) was developed in response to sex workers telling us that disclosing resulted in problems accessing all types of services. This can occur due to misconceptions about sex work or because the service provider isn’t the right fit for sex workers’ needs.

THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CHANGE IN ACT SCHOOLS!

Facilitators Lexxie and Shelle are experienced sex workers and peer educators who present SWAT in an informal style to encourage participation and questions. SWAT begins with ‘new worker training’ where a basic booking is demonstrated, and moves on to cover topics including sex work tips and tricks, OH&S, the how and why of safe sex products, and more.

SWAT demystifies the sex industry, busts myths and provides a safe environment for people to ask questions without fear of offending.

The ACT has recently joined a national coalition dedicated to making schools safer and more inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse young people. The Safe Schools Coalition ACT is creating change to ensure that every student and every teacher in every ACT school has access to a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Safe Schools Coalition ACT is delivered by SHFPACT in partnership with local community organisations — A Gender Agenda, Belconnen Community Services, Anglicare, Headspace Canberra, the Youth Coalition of the ACT and the AIDS Action Council.

COMMUNITY NEWS

It is free to join Safe Schools Coalition ACT. By joining the coalition, you are committing to building a school that is free from homophobic and transphobic bullying, that’s safe and inclusive for all students and staff. In exchange, we’ll provide professional development for staff, resources and advice and support for schools to help build connective and supportive spaces for students now and in the future.

Safe Schools Coalition ACT builds on the successful Safe Schools Coalition Victoria model (funded by the Victorian Government) at Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, a program that has already worked with thousands of school staff and students to challenge homophobia and transphobia and positively support gender diversity and sexual diversity.

Now, nationally convened by FYA and federally funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, the coalition is going Australia-wide.

The vision of the nationally endorsed National Safe Schools Framework is to build safe school communities where diversity is valued, the risk from all types of harm is minimised and all members of the community feel respected, included and supported.

Since its official launch in February 2015 the Safe Schools Coalition ACT has gained seven members schools. For more information please visit:safeschoolscoalition.org.au

SWAT training has been conducted for a wide range of organisations and individuals including GPs, staff from the Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, Department of Immigration, the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre, FAMSACA, even other sex workers, and recently the AFP, SHFPACT and several AIDS Action Council staff members. Participant feedback indicates the training is engaging, eye-opening, has contributed to changes in the structure of service provision for sex workers, and has altered people’s view of the sex industry as a whole.

SWAT offers a unique opportunity for service providers to increase their skill base and provide more appropriate services for sex workers. This in turn enables sex workers to be referred to the right organisation for their needs. The training is also available to anyone who knows a sex worker, has a family member who is a sex worker, or just wants to be better informed.

Shelle Mulvay

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

Stepping Out is a peer support program for lesbians run by AIDS Action Council staff and volunteers in partnership with Northside Community Services. The program provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment and is suitable for women contemplating their sexuality, wanting to meet new likeminded people, lesbians who are coming out, married women and women who are in the process of changing their lives. Topics covered include coming out, the lesbian community in Canberra, sex positive safe sex for lesbians, healthy lesbian relationships, support options and coping skills and much more. All lesbian, bi and same sex attracted women welcome. If you would like to meet new people, explore your sexuality and partake in diverse and stimulating conversations come to Stepping Out.

“After going to Stepping Out last year I was able to talk to my family about my sexuality for the first time in my life. I said to them — you cannot tell me what to wear anymore, where to live, what job I can do -you can’t dictate who I love or who I choose to spend my life with.

It was a really hard conversation with my family but I found the strength to finally be honest with them. Now they are respecting me more and being more supportive. Stepping Out gave me more confidence in myself. Meeting other lesbians with lots of different stories was so good. The internalised homophobia discussions were remarkable.

I had no idea I was living with so much negative energy inside myself. Now I know where a lot of negative feelings can come from I am dealing with them much better.

I loved going to Stepping Out.”

Stepping Out will be held on Tuesday evenings for four sessions commencing on 12 May to 5 June 2015. The program begins at 5.30pm with a light meal and finishes at 9pm.

Alternatively, ask about the weekend option run over two Saturdays from10am to 4pm.

For further information or to register email contact@aidsaction.org.au or call 62572855.

Mary is in her 50’s living in Canberra.

t u o

PEER EDUCATION

STEPPING OUT

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OR OP F R 25 H S E OV ORK EE W BI MEN R F A AND GAY

ISS ’T M DON T FREE NEX OUT OUR OKING HOP LO ORKS W 0, 27 13, 2 0PM , 6 MAY PM - 8.3 5.30

K BOOW NO

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP CONTACT US ON 6257 2855 OR CONTACT@AIDSACTION.ORG.AU

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

HIV AWARENESS TRAINING The Council will be providing HIV Awareness Training for volunteers in mid to late April.

Please be aware this training is compulsory if you are interested in volunteer roles where you will be publicly representing the Council, working on stalls, assisting with STRIP Clinic outreach or facilitating workshops and training. However, we do encourage all volunteers to undertake this training regardless of their role.

Our upcoming training dates are:

VOLUNTEERING UPDATE

HELPING HANDS

Since January 2015 volunteers have continued to contribute their valuable time to the Council by helping with administration and reception duties, STRIP outreach, workshop facilitation and counselling. As always, thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to make a difference to the work of the Council and the community.

VOLUNTEER MEETINGS In February, nine volunteers attended the first volunteer meeting of the year. The meeting provided an opportunity to inform volunteers about some of the key events and work the Council will be undertaking in 2015; and also to engage in a general group discussion about volunteering and peer education and gain feedback. The next volunteer meeting will be held on Tuesday 7 April from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Westlund House.

HPV & ANAL CANCER

W? WHAT DO I NEED TO KNO HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

• Monday 20 April Basic HIV Awareness Training (for new or untrained volunteers) • Wednesday 29 April Intermediate HIV Awareness Training (for any interested volunteers who have completed Basic HIV Awareness Training) • Saturday 2 May Advanced HIV Awareness Training (for Ranch STRIP outreach workers and male workshop facilitators) The Council can cater for up to 15 volunteers for each session. To RSVP or if you have any questions about the training, please contact Ben on 02 6257 2855 or email him at: ben.martin@aidsaction.org.au

GET VACCINATED FOR HEP A & B, EAT WELL AND DRINK IN MODERATION.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT VACCINATION FOR HPV AND HOW YOU CAN GET CHECKED FOR ANAL CANCER. FOR MORE INFO, CHECK OUT: THEBOTTOMLINE.ORG.AU

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO KEEP A HEALTHY

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO TAKE CONTROL GAY MEN, HPV & ANAL CANCER

AND FOR MORE INFO AND TIPS CHECK OUT:

www.yourbodyblueprint.org.au

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

APRIL 2015

NEWSLETTER

PSN UPDATE The Peer Support Network (PSN) is a support group for all HIV positive people. The group meets once a month to connect over a meal.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH PREP? What if there was a pill you could take daily to reduce your risk of getting HIV but due to government regulations it couldn’t be accessed in Australia?

Well this pill exists and it’s called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophlaxis).

PrEP is the HIV medication called Truvada produced by Gilead that is already used in Australia to treat people living with HIV. The issue is, the Therapeutic Good Association (TGA) that controls what we as Australians can and cannot use as “medicine”, has only approved Travada to be used to treat HIV, not prevent it, otherwise known as ‘off-label’ use.

There has been plenty of research done overseas and in Australia to test if PrEP actually works. America has approved its use and it is recommended for gay (and other homosexually active) men. In order for the AIDS Action Council to stand by its commitment to the Melbourne Declaration which directly refers to establishing demonstration trials that provide access to PrEP; fast tracking TGA approval and offering PBS funding for PrEP for high risk groups, it is important we continue to be part of the PrEP agenda and it remains a priority for the Organisation.

HIV & HEALTH

PrEP can be prescribed by an S100 prescribing doctor in Australia and purchased here as well. However, without PBS support a script costs around $1,000 per month. We know it is possible to purchase PrEP online from overseas with a prescription provided by a doctor, and some of the larger AIDS Councils like ACON and VAC have released information sheets on how to access PrEP in Australia from overseas suppliers. The Council would only advocate for men to do this whilst maintaining regular HIV testing and counselling for adherence, precaution and continual monitoring. Getting a prescription from a doctor that is knowledgeable about PrEP is paramount to ensuring you are provided with the right information, STI screening, maintain a steady supply of Truvada and to ensure you undergo important monitoring of potential side effects such as to kidney function. If for example you were HIV positive without knowing, and you were to commence PrEP assuming you were negative, you run the risk of developing resistance to drugs used in Truvada which could limit your HIV treatment options.

Condoms are still a big part of preventing HIV infection, as well as other STIs such as gonorrhoea and syphilis which PrEP does not protect you against. We continue to see new HIV transmissions despite condoms being readily available.

What does this tell us? There are still barriers to condom use for those who don’t use them routinely and they should have the option to access PrEP because we know it can reduce transmission.

PrEP is not for everyone and for those who take it, possibly only for particular periods of time in their life. It currently involves a serious commitment to taking the medication on a daily basis with the risk of developing side effects. However, for those who feel they need it or want to explore it as an option or even just discuss it – the Council is here to help.

Philippa Moss – Acting Executive Director

The PSN is a space where positive people can get together in a safe and open environment, share their experiences and generally have a good time. As well as the monthly dinners, there also opportunities to attend special events such as tours of the National Gallery of Australia and movie nights. If you would like to be part of the PSN, please contact either Marcus Bogie at Marcus at marcus.bogie@aidsaction.org.au or Garth at garth.parkhill@aidsaction.org.au or on 02 6257 2855.

DIETICIAN CLINIC The AIDS Action Council holds regular dietician clinics for people living with HIV. The clinic is staffed Jenny McDonald, and information is provided in a relaxed and supportive environment. Jenny is a well renowned HIV dietician and Treatments Officer and has worked in the area of HIV nutrition for many years.

People living with HIV (PLHIV) may benefit from using Jenny’s advice, support and information and we encourage all PLHIV to take advantage of this free service. Clinics are very popular and fill up fast. If you are interested in attending contact Marcus at marcus.bogie@aidsaction.org.au or Garth at garth.parkhill@aidsaction.org.au or on 02 6257 2855 to secure a spot.

The clinic is made possible by the generous funding made available from the National Association of People Living with HIV Australia (NAPWHA).

EATING & LIVING

well

Free dietitian clinic for HIV positive people!

For more information or to make a booking contact us on 6257 2855 during business hours.

Our next clinic is on the 19 May 2015 Appointments available 9:30am - 3:00pm [6]

AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT

NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2015

AIDS Action Council Movie Fundraiser at Dendy Cinemas

Dallas Buyers Club

Join us for a pre-movie soirée (that’s fancy for drinks and nibbles) and a private showing of The Dallas Buyers Club Money raised will go toward must needed services and support for people impacted by HIV and AIDS. Buy your tickets at the Council, Westlund House, 16 Gordon Street, Acton or online at: aidsactioncouncilmoviefundraiser.eventbrite.com.au or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Tickets are only $25 and include pre-movie nibbles generously supplied by Dendy.

Wednesday 22 April 2015 6pm pre-movie soirée, movie starts at 7pm Dendy Cinemas, Level 2, North Quarter, Canberra Centre, City

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