To mark the 19th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the WA AIDS Council formally recognised the work of a number of people who have contributed to making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The awards were presented at the World AIDS Day Celebration and Reflection on December 1.

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‘These dedicated individuals and organisations have worked tirelessly to improve the knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS and also impacted on the quality of life for those in Western Australia living with the virus,’ WA AIDS Council Chairperson Peter Rowe stated. 

‘On World AIDS Day 2007 it is important that we know what a difference people can make as we continue to battle with this disease,’ he concluded.

The recipients of the awards, as outlined here by Mark Reid, were:

Individual Award:      

For an individual who has made a significant personal contribution in the fight against AIDS.

Aly May

Aly has been a dedicated volunteer of the AIDS Council in her role as a member of the STYLEAID committee for the past 10 years.  In that time she has worked tirelessly on the event to promote the aims and objectives of the AIDS Council and HIV/AIDS in Western Australia and to bring together some of the most talented and respected designers in Perth in raising funds for the work of the Council.  As stylist and visionary for STYLEAID she continues to break new ground with her talent and artistic foresight.

HIV Positive Person Award:

For an HIV positive individual who has had a significant impact in HIV/AIDS awareness raising.

Carolyn

Carolyn has been living with HIV for a number of years. As an older woman it has been hard at times as there are very few peers of her age to relate to and receive support from. The Golden Girls, a group for older HIV positive women has been formed and Carolyn is an active member of this group. Through her participation at HIV positive events Carolyn has been able to break down stereotypes of what it means to live with HIV.  Carolyn’s positive outlook and her desire to live a better life gives a great deal of hope to others living with the virus and encourages them to participate more fully. Carolyn is truly an inspiration to all that meet her.

Youth Award: 

An individual or group who have made a significant contribution to awareness, education and prevention efforts, particularly related to youth.

Irene Dolan and the Red Party

Irene Dolan, the visionary coordinator of the Red Party along with a hard working committee of fellow Medical Students at UWA, created the Red Party, a huge party fundraiser for South African AIDS Orphans.  As well as raising over $25 000 for Oxfam’s program, Irene and her committee held various awareness raising events, a film night and created a website. All of this would not be possible without the dedicated work and enormous amount of time that was put in by the committee. This event will be an annual event and next year’s coordinator Rob Marshall has already been elected. He is in his fourth year and will no doubt do a fantastic job.

Media Award:

For an individual or media group who contributed in a positive manner to the education and awareness of the general public through the media

Alan Hynd

Alan Hynd has worked at the WA AIDS Council as a volunteer in the Living Well Program.  He is also a film maker and during 2007 generously offered to help create the Being + DVD, the stories of 3 HIV Positive people in WA.  This was a difficult project as the budget was extremely low and it needed to be relatively short and done in a sensitive manner.  Alan managed to create a 23 minute DVD that receives extremely favourable reviews whenever it is shown.

Group or Association Award:            

For a group which has made a significant contribution to the fight against AIDS.

RUAH

RUAH Health Support provides professional assertive case management support. They are a mobile community based service and work across the metropolitan area. They work with People Living with HIV/AIDS whose lifestyles impact on their health. They run with a very dedicated team of staff whose mission is to redress disadvantage and enhance the human spirit.

Health Services Award

For an individual or group who have provided essential health or clinical services in the prevention and treatment of HIV.

Professor Martyn French

Professor Martyn French has worked in the Immunology  Department at Royal Perth Hospital since 1986 where he is currently Head of the Clinical Service. He is widely respected throughout Australia and the rest of the world for his expertise in HIV infection. Martyn has conducted ground breaking clinical research as well as provided excellent clinical care for many HIV+ people in WA and contributed to national and international committees on HIV. Martyn is a very gentle man and his manner is very much appreciated by his colleagues and patients. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award:

For an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander individual (or group) who has made a significant contribution in HIV prevention and/or care in WA for Aboriginal people.

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison is a proud Noongar Man. Last year, Jim was the official patron of PRIDE, which inspired him to launch Queers for Reconciliation, a diverse group of GLBTQI people supporting reconciliation. Jim is also famous for Noogaroke. Jim works as a senior Policy Officer at the Disability Services Commission.