SHine SA and VAC to Deliver HIV Prevention Program in South Australia

From July 2015, leading South Australian sexual health agency SHine SA will partner with the
Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) to deliver a HIV and other STI prevention program in South Australia including health
promotion campaigns, education, clinical services, and support for people living with HIV.
The program is one of three announced by SA Health yesterday following a public tender process started in late
2014. The programs provide services aimed at South Australians living with or at risk of HIV. Planning is already
underway for the launch of the new program as the service is contracted for a three-year period with a one-year
extension option.
“The strength of the tender was in the cross-border partnership – the melding of strong clinical, education, and
workforce development services with exceptional campaign and health promotion experience brought by VAC,”
said SHine SA CEO Jill Davidson. “The resulting service is an enviable option for the provision of HIV services in SA
and demonstrates an innovative model nationally.”
“The combination of a lead sexual health service and the extensive expertise and reputation of VAC is a plus for
the target community of South Australia,” she added.
“This interstate collaboration is a great opportunity for both VAC and SHine SA to provide a much needed service
to the community in South Australia,” said VAC CEO Simon Ruth. “HIV doesn’t stop at the border. If we’re to have
any chance at seeing an end to HIV in Australia, it will take community partnerships like this one to reach our
goal.”
“VAC is a grassroots, community-based organisation with over 30 years of experience in the delivery of prevention
programs including peer education for both HIV positive and negative people in addition to outreach services,
counselling, and community engagement. Supported by more than 700 volunteers, we advocate for the rights of
people living with HIV including our recent success with advocating for the removal of section 19A of the Victorian
Crimes Act.” He went on to say, “When the AIDS Council of South Australia was active, VAC provided campaign
services that were implemented in SA over several years. Together with SHine SA, we are fully invested in once
again connecting with the South Australian community.”