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Simon Corbell, MLA, talks about the importance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and the ACT Governement's commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. |
His Excellency Dr James Lukabyo High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Australia talks about the personal effects of HIV/AIDS in society. |
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Kenn Basham talks about the impact of HIV/AIDS. |
The Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire perform a song of rememberance. |
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Volunteers help unfold a panel of the Australian AIDS Quilt. |
Six panels of the Australian AIDS Quilt. on display. |
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The ACT police scouts assist a rememberance ceremony for people who have died of HIV/AIDS. |
Memorial attenders viewing the panels of the AIDS Quilt. |
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Lighting candles to remember those who have died. |
Part of the Australian AIDS Quilt on loan to the National Museum of Australia. |
Ecumenical Church Service
Location: All Saints Church, Cowper St. Ainslie
Time: 5.30 pm
All welcome.
Candlelight Memorial Ceremony
Location: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent Acton.
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
All welcome.
Keynote speakers:
- Dr James Lukabyo, High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Australia
- ACT Minister for Health, Mr Simon Corbell
- Brendan Smyth, MLA
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the world’s largest annual community based AIDS event. The AIDS Action Council has been involved in the event for 20 years. This year people from around the world – from Argentina to Zambia will join to remember those who have died of AIDS and in support of those who are living with HIV/AIDS. The International Candlelight Memorial has become the largest grassroots AIDS event in the world with memorials taking place in over 4500 communities across more than 93 countries.
Background
Since 1983, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial has honoured the memory of those lost to AIDS, shown support for those living with HIV/AIDS, raised awareness of the disease, and mobilised community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
On Sunday, 21 May 2006, the event is being observed in 4500 communities and 93 countries around the world.
The first International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in 1983, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few thousand AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organisers wished to honour the memory of those lost to AIDS and to demonstrate support for those living with AIDS. That remains the focus of the event today.
Since 1983, the pandemic has claimed more than 28 million lives, with about 44 million now living with HIV/AIDS. As AIDS continues to ravage communities around the world, the Candlelight Memorial has become a way for communities to take action by publicly mourning loved ones lost to AIDS, and strengthening local and national commitments to fighting the pandemic.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a program of the Global Health Council.
Behind the Theme
The theme for this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is the second year of the two year theme Turning Remembrance into Action. This two-year theme, and hence commitment, serves to strengthen ties within the community and empower individuals to take action toward shifting the image of HIV/AIDS.
Turning Remembrance Into Action provides the opportunity to discuss not only the impacts of HIV/AIDS on our community, but also how we can address issues of prevention, care, treatment and education within our community.
This year’s theme serves to strengthen ties within the community and empower individuals to take action toward changing the face of HIV/AIDS.
Supporters
Thank you to the following supporters who have made this event possible:
- All Saints Church Ainslie
- The National Museum of Australia
- The Hyatt
- The Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire
- ACT Health
- Simon Corbell MLA
- Brendan Smyth MLA
- High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Australia
- To all our volunteers who have given their time and energy in making this a very special event.
For more information, please contact Leonie Campbell.
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