The Queensland AIDS Council is marking World AIDS Day with a Candlelight Vigil which will be held in Brisbane on Friday December1. Join us at 6.45pm at the Queen Street Mall stage (opposite Myer) to celebrate those who have gone before us and reflect on the impact HIV still has across our community.
Michael Scott, Executive Director of Queensland AIDS Council, spoke at the launch of AIDS Awareness Week, telling the assembled audience that “While HIV has changed, HIV is still with us in the present. We have over 6000 people living with HIV in Queensland. Each year 150 to 200 Queenslanders become HIV positive, and they are only the numbers we know about,” said Mr. Scott, who then went on to discuss the ongoing relevance of AIDS Awareness Week. He noted there have been many gains, including the 3000 places made available on the PrEP trial.
Mr Scott will also speak at the Vigil on Friday night where he will be joined by Terry Butler MP – Federal Member for Griffith, Brisbane City Councillor Vicki Ward and Kirsten Lovejoy, recent candidate for the Queensland Greens. Personal stories from QuAC’s Gary Williams and others affected by and living with HIV will also be shared. The Brisbane Pride Choir and others will perform as the evening highlight – the candle lighting ceremony – takes place.
Come and show your support in person and help all of us celebrate and commemorate together.