December 1st marked the 18th anniversary of the creation of World AIDS Day and the WA AIDS Council honoured a number of Western Australians who have contributed to making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

This year, to coincide with the launch of the specially commissioned history book, BEING+, that was launched on Monday 27th November, the WA AIDS Council presented awards to some heroes, both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

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Among the most notable of award recipients was a group of men and women from suburban WA, called the Uthando Project.

Uthando ‘ the isi-Zulu word for love ‘ is a small grass roots organisation that started in WA two and half years ago. The Uthando Project have made over 8,500 dolls to be sent to young orphaned children living in KwaZulu Natal. 

Kwa Zulu Natal is South Africa’s poorest and most populated province.  It is home to 25% of South Africa’s children, of whom one in five have lost one or both parents to AIDS.  The dolls are often the only personal possession the children have when they are dealing with the loss of their parents. 

WA AIDS Council Chair, Russel King noted the commitment by the recipients when announcing the awards.

‘These dedicated individuals and organisations have worked tirelessly to improve the knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS and have also impacted on the quality of life for those in Western Australia and overseas living with the virus.â?

‘On World AIDS Day it is important that we know what a difference people can make as we continue to battle with this disease,â? he concluded.

This year the Individual Award, was won by Mike Chester.

As many OUTinPerth readers know, Michael Chester owns and manages Perth Steamworks which has been operating for over 10 years. 

‘It was a great privilege to win and even be nominated in the first place.â?

In the course of running the business, Mike has ensured that safe sex equipment is always available and safe sex and other health information is readily available.

‘As a venue owner I view it as my civic responsibility to help prevent the spread of the virus and thus for many years now I have supplied a place at the sauna for WAAC to run a clinic from,â? Mike told OUT.

Other recipients of the World AIDS Day Awards included, Dallas who won the HIV Positive Person Award for the significant impact he has made in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award went to Robert Smith for his significant contribution in HIV prevention and care in WA for Aboriginal people.

Robert is very well known member of the Nyoongar community with links to people throughout the southwest.  He continues to provide support, guidance and mentoring to young sistergirls and other gay and lesbian Aboriginal people.

The Youth Award went to joint winners Cyril Jackson Senior Campus and Perth College. Perth College has implemented a community service program for a group of Year 10 students to travel to Cambodia to volunteer at the local orphanages and other facilities where HIV/ AIDS has had a huge impact.

In addition, Cyril Jackson Senior Campus has participated in focus groups in developing resources at WAAC and has invited the WA AIDS Council to run information stalls and educate students through the Public Speaking program.

Dr Rosemary McGuckin won the Health Services Award for her work in the Midwest of WA in the Public Health Unit providing integrated care for a number of very vulnerable HIV Positive people.

The Media Award went to the ABC show Australian Story for their Since Adam was a Boy, which showcased the story of Adam Sutton, a horse wrangler from NSW.  The story showed the difficulties and joys of Adam growing up gay in a rural community and his family’s support and affirmation of his life.