In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated December 1st World AIDS Day to bring attention to an epidemic that was devastating communities and nations and affecting millions. This year on the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) organized a service to remember those who had passed and to celebrate the lives of the approximately 33 million people worldwide currently living with HIV.
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In the lead up to this year’s World AIDS Day, WAAC sold red ribbons and wristbands around Perth and preliminary estimates put the money raised at $8000. Additionally, Government House, Perth Belltower, Kings Park, Perth Concert Hall and Burswood were lit red for the week of November 24-December 1.
The World AIDS Day ceremony was hosted by local media personality Verity James at the AIDS Memorial in Robertson Park in North Perth. Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) President Graham Brown gave the keynote speech, and WAAC Executive Director Trish Langdon presented the World AIDS Day Awards. The ceremony concluded with 21 individuals releasing 21 red balloons, one for each of the past twenty years plus one for the future.
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World AIDS Day Awards 2008
- Youth Award – Aram Hosie
- Group or Association Award – M.A.C.
- HIV Positive Person Award – Steven Roebuck, Strykermeyer
- Health Services Award – Professor Simon Mallal
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award – John ‘Ella’ Fitzgerald, David Batty
- Media Award – OUTinPerth
- Individual Award – Verity James
Click here, to read about OUTinPerth’s Media Award at WA AIDS Day.
