Among yesterday’s Australia Day honours were recognition for many people who have contributed to the fight against HIV over the past three decades.

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Their contributions are wide and varied, showing that there are many ways people can contribute to making the goal of no new transmission a reality by 2020.

Sandra Berenger was appointment as a Member if the General Division of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution in the area of infection control and as a clinician. As a Project Officer in the New South Wales Department of Health in the early 1990’s she worked on the development of infection control procedures.

She also assisted with the establishment of Mackillop House, a respite care facility for people living with HIV.

Dr Peter Pigott from Potts Point in Sydney can also add the initials AM after his name, he was recognised for his work as a clinician, researcher and doctor in the filed of HIV. A founding member of the Australian Association for HIV medicine, he also worked in tackling the disease in Papua and New Guinea.

Mark Stirling from Red Hill in Victoria was recognised for his work in assisting developing countries in times of crisis. He served on the UN AIDS as country coordinator for China between 2009 and 2012, and was formerly the Chief of UNICEF’s HIV Unit in New York for three years. His work has seen him serve in countries including Mozambique, Somalia, Uganda and many others.

Darriea Turley from Broken Hill has worked as a sexual health coordinator and HIV care worker through out the 90’s and early 2000’s. She went on to serve in local government and is the Mayor of Broken Hill.

Paul Bangay from Cremorne in Victoria has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to landscape architecture.

Among his work is the creation of the AIDS Garden at Fairfield House and the Positive Living Centre in Victoria. He also served on the board of the Victoria AIDS Council and the Gay Men’s Health Centre.

OIP Staff