AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT
NEWSLETTER
MAY2014
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the AIDS Action Council newsletter! We continue to bring you this newsletter every two months and strive to provide you with educational information, helpful hints and tips, events, news and opportunities for our community and partners. The Council continues to evolve and our dedication to the community we serve is our highest priority. It is a busy time for the Council as we prepare for the Candlelight Memorial this Sunday and plan for the new financial year. As we encourage our readers to promote subscription to the Council Newsletter or make contributions, please be assured that your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. We will not sell, rent, trade, lease, or give your contact information to anyone. The newsletter is a platform for sharing educational health information, raising awareness and one way of keeping our clients, volunteers, members and key stakeholders informed. Please help us spread the word – and share this newsletter with your networks, like us on Facebook and share our health messages, events and campaigns. We aim to continue to develop this newsletter to meet your needs, so please share your feedback and suggestions to help us continue to improve it by emailing contact@aidsaction.org.au I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday at Candlelight Memorial, which promises to be a great community event. Philippa Moss Acting Executive Director
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END OF FINANCIAL YEAR TAX APPEAL Every cent of every dollar you donate to the Trevor Daley Fund (TDF) goes directly to support local people affected by HIV* The TDF assists men, women and children in our region directly affected by HIV to improve and maintain a better quality of life through the provision of financial assistance, financial counselling and personal development. Living with a chronic and unpredictable condition has its short and long term challenges and difficulties. The costs of treatments, health practitioners, returning to employment, retraining and maintaining independence are just a few examples. This year, make your annual donation count and receive a tax deduction. To make a donation you can choose to: 1) Call the AIDS Action Council on 02 6257 2855 and have your credit card ready 2) Send a cheque to the ‘Trevor Daly Fund’ c/o The AIDS Action Council of the ACT GPO Box 229 Canberra ACT 2601 3) Visit us at Westlund House, 16 Gordon Street Acton ACT 2601 A receipt will be forwarded to you - please ensure you provide a current post or email address *The Trevor Daley Fund is managed by the AIDS Action Council of the ACT and all administrative and banking costs are fully absorbed by this agency. The AIDS Action Council is a Deductible Gift Recipient under Australian Tax Office legislation and all donations above $2 are fully tax deductible.
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CANBERRA’S 25th INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL: LET’S KEEP THE LIGHT ON HIV
Sunday 18th May from 5.00pm to 6.30pm Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla Federation Ballroom The AIDS Action Council is proud to again be presenting Canberra’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial event for the community. The purpose of this event is to remember those who have passed from an AIDS related illness and to stand in solidarity with those living with HIV today. The Memorial also aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS with this years’ theme “Let’s keep the light on HIV”. It is free to attend Candlelight Memorial and guests always report that it is a warm, friendly and inclusive gathering of community members. The event attracts a very diverse audience of approximately 250, including: • • • • • •
People impacted by HIV and AIDS Family and friends of those who have passed from an AIDS related illness Members of the AIDS Action Council Interested community members Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly and diplomats Community organisation leaders
At this years’ event we are fortunate to have the US Ambassador John Berry as our guest speaker. Ambassador Berry lost his own partner to an AIDS related illness and is an advocate for HIV awareness.
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The format for this years’ event will be: Host: Genevieve Jacobs, 666 ABC Guest Speakers: His Excellency John Berry, US Ambassador to Australia and Community Advocate Sally Richards. Performers: Johnathan Davis and Canberra Gay & Lesbian Qwire Thanks: Dr Nathan Boyle, President of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT Memorial Candle: Dr Sarah Martin, Canberra Sexual Health Clinic Accompaniment: Kai-Kai Toh on violin We hope guests will then enjoy a light supper together in the Federation Ballroom. The AIDS Action Council would like to thank the Hyatt Hotel and Staging Connections for their generous support of this years’ event. For any enquiries please contact Joanne Fricker on 0419 760 615 or email joanne@aidsaction.org.au
SWOP UPDATE SWOP would like to welcome two new peer outreach workers to the Council. Samara and Shelle join Lexxie and create a diverse team with a variety of skills and experience, who provide support to sex workers and visit brothels monthly. SWOP has been delivering Sex Worker Awareness Training (SWAT) both at the Council and for our stakeholders and externally for other organisations. This program has again been very popular with all participants. SWAT is training for anyone who has contact with sex workers. Participants in SWAT training regularly include police, nurses, doctors, educators and counsellors. Training includes role playing what a booking looks like, busting myths and the SWAT presenters are happy to answer any questions participants have. Since the commencement of SWAT training, we have also seen improvements for sex workers, with many workers feeling more comfortable disclosing or discussing their work with police, nurses and doctors. For any enquiries on SWOP you can email the SWOP Coordinator Lexxie Lex.Jury@aidsaction.org.au
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY May 17: IDAHOT - International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia May 18: International AIDS Candlelight Memorial June 2: International Whore’s Day July 20 - 25: International AIDS Conference AIDS 2014, Melbourne July 21 - Aug 28: STRIP Sexual Health Clinics Thursday evenings at The Ranch and Saturday mornings at Westlund House August 29: Wear it Purple Day October 11: International Coming Out Day October 24: Reclaim the Night November: SpringOUT Pride Festival November 1: Fairday November 24 - December 1: AIDS Awareness Week December 1: World AIDS Day December 17: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
SEXUAL HEALTH SCREENING OPTIONS FOR GAY MEN AND MSM IN THE ACT Data from ACT Health is showing a continuing surge in the number of diagnoses of several sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This was highlighted in a recent article in the Canberra Times on May 2 (Natasha Boddy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Canberra on the Rise). In particular, the article pointed to a sustained increase in diagnosis of HIV, Gonorrhoea and infectious Syphilis. The increase in diagnosis of non-HIV STIs causes concern for a number of reasons including issues of antibiotic resistance (both Gonorrhoea and Syphilis are bacterial and cases of antibiotic resistant Gonorrhoea are occurring around the globe). It is important to note that the presence of any other STIs heightens the chances of HIV infection. Studies such as the Canberra Gay Community Periodic Survey tell us that most gay men and MSM consistently use condoms and water-based lube with their casual sexual partners. Whilst condoms are the best defence against HIV, they don’t stop all STIs. Therefore the greater the number of sexual partners someone has, the more chance they will be exposed to STIs. It is therefore important for people who have multiple (and especially casual) sexual partners to have regular sexual health screening, with the recommended number being up to four tests a year. Research shows substantial gaps in cultural competency in serving the health of gay men and MSM, when it comes to accessing sexual health screening. The existing literature suggests most providers are not proactive in initiating sexual health conversations, or do so in ways impaired by assumption and judgement that miss crucial opportunities relevant to comprehensive health care for gay men and MSM. By improving the quality of provider-patient communications, we can improve health outcomes and prevent new HIV infections. The holistic and sexualityaffirming approach breaks the mold of ‘safe sex’ and ‘condoms-only’ messaging that has dominated HIV prevention efforts. Canberra has a range of options available: Screening in Clinics Clinical screening can be conducted by a GP or at a Medical Clinic. The cost for tests carried out will vary depending on the practice. The Canberra Sexual Health
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Centre (CSHC) is in Building 5 behind Canberra Hospital. Visits to CSHC are free, no appointments or Medicare card is required and they can be anonymous. The clinician will discuss the patient’s recent sexual history to determine which tests to run. Most people who are seeking a simple check up are offered blood tests and provide a urine sample. Some tests require swabs, most of which a patient can do themselves if they choose, in privacy at the clinic. A clinic is also the best place to raise concerns about any symptoms such as lumps or itches. STIs such as herpes, warts, scabies, pubic lice, thrush and other infections are not tested for in a standard screening. On the first business Monday of each month, gay and bisexual men can attend the MClinic at the CSHC. This clinic runs from 4:30 – 7:00pm and you don’t need an appointment. STRIP Sexual Health Outreach Clinics STRIP Clinics are held several times a year at the AIDS Action Council (Westlund House, 16 Gordon St Acton) and at The Ranch at Fantasy Lane (Molongolo Mall Fyshwick). STRIP is held in venues where gay men and MSM are comfortable and clinics are held outside business hours. Council volunteers are usually the first point of contact before seeing a clinician. STRIP clinics are free and don’t require a Medicare card. Rapid HIV Testing Late in 2013, Canberra initiated its first rapid HIV testing site at the Interchange General Practice (IGP). The IGP use the Alere Determine™ HIV Combo. This requires only a small finger prick taken by the nurse. Results from the rapid test are available in 20-30 minutes. This test only screens for HIV, and there is still the three month window for the HIV to be detectable. To make a booking contact IGP and ask for the HIV nurse. A full STI screening can also be done during the consultation. Rapid HIV tests from IGP cost $20.00, plus the bulk billing fee for the appointment. Rapid Tests are only recommended for people in high risk population groups, for example gay and bisexual men and injecting drug users. STRIP Clinics will be held at the AIDS Action Council and The Ranch from July 31 to August 28. More information about the STRIP clinics and sexual health can be found at: • • • •
www.aidsaction.org.au/strip AIDS Action Council on 02 6257 2855 Interchange General Practice 02 6247 5742 www.thedramadownunder.info
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STRETCH & DE-STRESS Yoga at Westlund House: every Wednesday 5.30pm (5.45pm Start) Kim-Maree Janszen is a qualified yoga instructor who will be providing an opportunity to de-stress, unwind and relax in the city with a guided session of restorative Yoga. This opportunity is for volunteers of the Council and members of communities we work with. Come along and have a go - whether you have never tried Yoga or if you are experienced and would enjoy the added benefits of an extra class. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and bring along your yoga mat if you have one, or a towel to practice on (limited yoga mats will be available for loan). Gold Coin donations will be appreciated, with funds going to the Trevor Daley Fund – supporting people living with HIV in the ACT. Places are limited so to reserve your place please contact Marcus on 02 6257 2855 or email marcus.bogie@ aidsaction.org.au Where Westlund House Home of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT 16 Gordon St, ACTON
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2014 With National Volunteer Week happening from the 12th to 18th of May, we honour the talent and dedication of the AIDS Action Council’s volunteers, who not only support and enhance the work we do, but also often guide it. Volunteers serve the organisation in a wide range of roles including assistance with events, transport for clients, public awareness campaigns, research, gardening, maintenance, condom packing and more. Although the tasks at hand vary greatly, the common thread among the Council’s volunteers is an understanding of and dedication to our mission: To minimise the transmission of HIV and AIDS and reduce their associated personal impacts. On a daily basis I am amazed by the incredible skill, knowledge and dedication that volunteers share with us. They are our valued colleagues. Volunteers bring their passion and energy to everything they do and everyone they work with. During National Volunteer Week we celebrate our volunteers and extend our gratitude to all of the amazing volunteers who have contributed their time and efforts to the Council over the last year. Thank you to you all, Ben Volunteer Coordinator For more information you can email contact@aidsaction.org.au
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Are you stressed? Do you suffer from Anxiety or Depression? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties? Do you have sexual health issues? Do you understand, accept and value your sexual identity?
DO YOU NEED TO TALK TO A COUNSELLOR?
Counselling is available between 10 and 4pm from Monday to Thursday with evening appointments available during the week. If you wish to schedule an appointment time to meet with Pauline, Kate or Rodney, please contact us on 02 62572855 or visit us at 16 Gordon Street, ACTON.
AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT aidsaction.org.au GPO Box 229 Canberra ACT 2601 Westlund House 16 Gordon Street Acton ACT 2601 02 6257 2855