Don't Forget World AIDS Day - Monday December 1, 2008 on SameSame.com.au

Rates of new HIV infections have increased in Australia over the past five years. From 2003 to 2007 the overall rate of new HIV Australian diagnoses increased from 4 to 4.4 per 100,000. The rate of new infections in NSW is the most stable, with most other states increasing. Gay men make up 86% of cases.

Last year around the world there were an estimated 33 million people living with HIV, about 2.7 million new HIV infections and about 2 million AIDS-related deaths.

The message being shouted from the rooftops this World AIDS Day – Enjoy Life. Take control. Stop HIV/AIDS. This Sunday marks the beginning of AIDS Awareness Week and there are plenty of events happening all around the country that you can attend. Get involved, buy your red ribbon and show your support.

Sydney:

The Red Party
ACON benefit night at Stonewall Hotel on Oxford St. $5 donation at the door and shows all night by Sydney’s leading drag performers. Prize for Best Red Costume.
9pm, Fri 28 November at Stonewall Hotel.

An All-Star Tribute To Peter Allen
Starring the original Boy From Oz Todd McKenney, Trevor Ashley, Rhonda Burchmore, Mitchell Butel, Amelia Cormack, Kate DeAraugo, Margi de Ferranti, Bob Downe, Shauna Jensen, Colette Mann, Sam Moran (the yellow Wiggle), Phil Scott, Tony Sheldon, Geraldine Turner, Maria Venuti, the cast of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert: The Musical, a chorus line of former Tivoli showgirls now aged in their 70s and 80s and more.

Star City Casino, Sun November 30, 7.30pm.
Tickets $70 A, $60 B Reserve (concessions available) by calling 1300 795 267 or heading to Ticketmaster..

Read our story on the World AIDS Day concert here.

Under The Mirrorball
ACON benefit night at Arq, Flinders St, Darlinghurst. $10 donation at the door. Lots of shows with DJs on both levels.
10pm, Sun 30 November – Arq.

The 2008 AIDS Candlelight Memorial
The AIDS Candlelight memorial has been held annually for over 15 years. It is the time when members of the community can come together and reflect on and remember all those who have died from HIV/AIDS. At the memorial, names are read out by a cross section of the community, including family members, partners, young and old.

Gather at 8pm, memorial commences at sunset – approx 8.30pm. Paddington Town Hall.

For a full list of NSW events click here.

Melbourne:

Drama Down Under Show
Victorian AIDS Council Health Promotion Team present the Drama Down Underwear Show.

Fri November 28, 11:30pm at the Market Hotel, Prahran.

World AIDS Day Memorial
The evening will include the World AIDS Day Remembrance ceremony where we remember all those we have loved and lost throughout the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

December 1, 6pm – Positive Living Centre, 51 Commercial Road, Prahran.

For a full list of events in Victoria click here.

Brisbane:

World AIDS Day Inter Faith Memorial Service
6pm, Mon December 1 – Judith Wright Center of Contemporary Arts, Fortitude Valley.

Gold Coast:
World AIDS Day Dance Party
Saturday 29 November – The Meeting Place Nightclub.
Cost: $15
Info: 07 3017 1731.

For a full list of Queensland events click here.

Adelaide:
World AIDS Day Catholic Mass
Supper provided afterwards. All welcome.
5.45pm, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, 39 Wakefield St, Adelaide.

For a full list of events in Adelaide click here.

Canberra:

Doves and Ribbons Day 2008
Live music, fashion, food and drink, raffles, giveaways and much more. A day dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS sufferers throughout the world.
12 – 5pm Sun, November 30.
Palmerston Lane, Manuka.

For a full list of events in the ACT click here.