Centralian Advocate: April 18, 1991 p? © News Ltd: used with permission. |
New centre for AIDS focus
By DOROTHY GRIMM Central Australia's latest headquarters in the war against AIDS was officially opened on Wednesday. People at the opening were told attitudes to the disease were changing and the region's transient population made the hospitality industry a prime target of attention by the AIDS Council of Central Australia. MLA Eric Poole, ACOCA co-ordinator Jim Buckell and Alice Springs Anglican Parish rector Stephen Williams all spoke to the crowd of health workers and carers who filled the building. Mr Buckell described the development of ACOCA in Alice Springs, the Commonwealth and Territory government matched funding and the services available to people in Alice Springs. These services included needle exchange, the AIDS unit at the former Bindi Centre, one-to-one counselling including a woman counsellor, education materials and a youth outreach program. "We hope to extend our service to the hospitality industry," Mr Buckell said. "With Alice Springs having such a transient population of short-term visitors, we hope to provide information in each accommodation facility advising of our services and safe sex supplies. "To date our services to the hospitality industry have been less than adequate." Filling in for Health and Community Services Minister Daryl Manzie, Mr Poole provided the history of ACOCA from the government and political point· of view and the desire of ACOCA to upgrade staff positions. "Times have changed," he said. "Once politicians would run for the bush rather than be identified with issues such as the needle exchange program and the AIDS Council." |
Get smart, cover yourself! Giant condoms were on the march in the Todd Mall this week as part of a promotion for World AIDS Day on Sunday. AIDS day activities will be held at the GapView Resort Hotel this Sunday from 3.30 pm. Hotel patrons will have the chance to win 38 prizes donated by Alice Springs businesses. Volunteers will be asking patrons to answer questions and take part in competitions with the themes of safe sex and safe needle use. AIDS Council co-ordinator Jim Buckell said the theme for this year was "Sharing the Challenge". "The idea is to convey the message that AIDS affects each and every one of us," Mr Buckell said. "No one can afford to be complacent about AIDS and it means each of us accepting the responsibility to protect ourselves and our partners."
|
Centralian Advocate: November 28, 1991 p1 © News Ltd: used with permission. |