International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015, ‘Supporting the Future’

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a free and accessible community led event that takes place each year to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS related issues across 150 countries and over 1200 communities.
“Living Positive Victoria is thrilled to work in partnership across our sector, with the Victorian AIDS Council, City of Melbourne, and our media partners, JOY 94.9 and Melbourne Community Voice. We are also grateful for Low Rez Male Choir, who will again add a musical dimension to the ceremony. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings us all together to keep focus on issues we continue to face around HIV,” says Brent Allan, Chief Executive Officer, Living Positive Victoria.
A large number of people are expected to gather at City Square to commemorate those lost to AIDS and look forward to supporting a better future, where a vaccine or cure may be found for HIV.
“The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial allows us to come together to remember and honour those we have been lost to the epidemic both here and overseas. And while we’ve come a long way in Australia, there is still an incredible amount of work to be done in HIV prevention, access to treatment, and combating stigma if we’re to see our vision for a future without HIV in Australia,” says Simon Ruth, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian AIDS Council.
Proceedings will be led by Auckland Pride Parade Director 2014 and MC of the AIDS 2014 Candlelight Vigil, Richard Taki. Dr Alyson Campbell, theatre director and academic at the Victorian College of the Arts, women’s rights champion, HIV and AIDS activist, will be the keynote speaker. Kim Davis and John Manwaring will also address the crowd about the lived experience of HIV.
“I’m thrilled to be asked to be involved with this year’s Memorial. HIV and AIDS has been the defining epidemic of our generation and while we have made strident progress toward ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic, we’re not there just yet. I strongly believe that the arts has a role to play in this and that we can use our arts to draw attention to the ongoing battle with stigma, to educate and to be agents of change,” says Dr Alyson Campbell.
JOY 94.9, Australia’s only GLBTI radio station has sponsored a series of short vignettes from individuals engaged in the international response to HIV and AIDS. These stories highlight the reality of living with HIV and the challenges facing communities where AIDS is a real threat to lives and economic and social stability.

“JOY started in response to the AIDS crisis here in Melbourne. When the gay men who were unable to come out into the community because of AIDS and HIV related illness, the community decided to come to them via the air waves. We’ve been broadcasting for our community for 21 years now, and we’re proud of our ongoing commitment to the HIV response and partnership with local HIV and AIDS organisations,” says Conrad Browne, General Manager, JOY 94.9.
Melbourne Community Voice have provided ongoing support for the ENUF campaign since its launch in 2013 and are an official media partner of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
“We have seen how damaging stigma can be in relation to HIV/AIDS. The fact that there are HIV Positive who people still feel they cannot disclose their status is a tragedy and honouring and remembering those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS is another way to raise awareness of the fact that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over,” says Rachel Cook, Editor, Melbourne Community Voice.
Join with our community to show solidarity in our fight against HIV and AIDS at the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.