Working Together, Stronger Together _ Mobilisation March

The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) and Victorian Trades Hall Council are facilitating the Working
Together, Stronger Together - AIDS 2014 Mobilisation March on Tuesday 22 July 2014. The Mobilisation
March has been a traditional part of the International AIDS Conference, tracing its origins back to the
political marches at the 1987 International AIDS Conference. Since then, the March has been used as a
vehicle for airing both political and cultural issues faced by the global HIV/AIDS community. The March has
a history of focussing on a diverse range of issues impacting on the fight against HIV/AIDS. Issues likely to
be raised in this March include, but are not limited to:
• Access to Affordable Treatment
• Fighting HIV Stigma and Discrimination
• Freedom of Movement for People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
• Eliminating the Criminalisation of HIV
• Access to Effective Prevention Options
• GLBTI Rights
• Government Inaction on Preventing the Spread of HIV
At 3:30PM, the March will assemble at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) - the
location of the 20th International AIDS Conference.
Commencing at the front of the MCEC, the March will proceed down Flinders Street and arrive at Federation
Square. The March will be largely comprised of international activists and conference delegates joined by
local activists and community groups to raise awareness of issues faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV)
across the globe as well as at-risk communities.
The rally will open with speeches from local and international activists in addition to Victorian Trades Hall
Council’s Luke Hilakari and VAC CEO Simon Ruth. The March concludes at Federation Square, where it is
followed by the AIDS 2014 Candlelight Vigil from 6PM. All Mobilisation March attendees are encouraged
to stay and attend the Vigil.