Go RED and make an impact
December 3rd 2020
Hi Caddyshackers,
Josef here.
I’m the Community Health Promotion Officer for the South Coast in the Regional Outreach Team at ACON.
I get to work with community members and health workers all down the South Coast of NSW, from the Illawarra down to the Bega Valley and inland towards the Snowy Mountains, Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Bowral.
I’ve been invited to write to you about HIV, World AIDS Day and the work we do here at ACON.
What is ACON?
Great question!
ACON first established in 1985 and was known as the AIDS Council Of NSW.
ACON began life when a group of community members gathered together to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as the lack of support from the government and health organisations was have a devastating impact on the community.
Since then ACON has become NSW’s leading health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
We work to create opportunities for people in our communities to live their healthiest lives.
Bonus Fun Fact:
I too was established in 1985 making ACON and I both 35 in 2020. Happy Birthday to us!
How about HIV?
Whether you’ve been following Caddyshack for a while now or brand new here’s some HIV facts for everyone to know.
FAST FACTS ABOUT HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and weakens the immune system, which is our defense system against disease and infection
When the immune system is damaged to a critical point, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), making the body more susceptible to other infections and cancers
People with HIV don’t automatically ‘have’ AIDS, especially with the advanced treatment we have access to today
Most people living with HIV in developed countries, such as Australia, will never develop AIDS
HIV can be found in blood, semen, pre-cum, vaginal or front hole fluids, anal fluids and breastmilk (rare in Australia)
For guys, HIV predominantly exists in blood and semen
It’s usually transmitted by having sex without a safe sex method and through sharing drug injecting or tattooing equipment
Some people don’t experience any symptoms. However, others may experience flu-like symptoms, fever, rashes, a sore throat or swollen glands
There’s no cure for HIV, but there are a range of advanced treatment options to help people living with HIV live long and healthy lives
The most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission are by using condoms, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), UVL (Undetectable Viral Load) and always using clean equipment if injecting drugs
It’s important to test often, treat early and stay safe to prevent the spread of HIV
Head to endinghiv.org.au for more info on testing, treatments and ways to stay safe.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held every year on 1 December and is a chance to raise awareness in the community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.
It also provides an opportunity for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
Usually ACON would be supporting many events organised across NSW to help raise funds for World AIDS Day but due to another virus, looking at you ‘Rona AKA Covid-19, a digital online approach was adopted.
So the Virtual Red Ribbon wall was created where people can donate and dedicate World AIDS Day by placing a virtual Red Ribbon. Head to redribbonappeal.org.au if you are able to donate to the cause.
Thanks for reading and if you’d like to get in contact with me about HIV or our sexuality and gender diverse communities you can reach me at jgarrington@acon.org.au.
Wishing you all the best for the end of what has been a tough year and better things for 2021.
Thanks Josef, what are we loving right now? You, yes you Josef!
Josef is a long-time supporter of the Caddyshack project, A Caddyshack award winner for 2019 and a “we miss you” star of 2020.
Thanks for all the support, feedback and the awesome blog. We feel the love and return it in bucket loads. For more of this man’s awesomeness check him out live in our HIV101 webinar on 10th December, register HERE.
Please find a couple of more questionnaire replies from our partners…cause we miss you. Enjoy :)
Describe your work in three words?
Teaching about sexuality
What has this type of work taught you?
I’ve learnt lots about sexual and reproductive health issues!
How do you find inspiration?
Whenever I hear someone say that they didn’t learn anything in school about areas like consent, positive relationships or their own sexuality (just like I didn’t!) – then I remember that I actually have a rare and precious chance right now to help change that for the generation coming through.
What do you to unwind?
Cook…. and eat as well!
Do you have a top inspirational quote or saying?
It always seems impossible until it is done
COVID silver lining?
I’ve explored a lot of local places that otherwise I may not have got to – everything from bike trails, to walking trails, to a local holiday in a houseboat on the Hawkesbury. It’s been wonderful.
Last time you got the sh*ts with something?
I’m originally from the US, and when I think about how hard it can be for some people – eg single parents on low incomes and with long working hours and small kids – to get to the polls on a Tuesday, especially in those states where the polls close early, my blood boils!
Last time you felt truly proud of something?
I am very proud of Australia’s compulsory voting – it’s an awesome way to make democracy much stronger. And I feel proud that voting here is done on a Saturday.
Most irrational irk?
Wet towels in the laundry hamper
One guilty pleasure(PG rated please)?
Having sweet potato chips with hummus, spicy peri-peri AND aioli.
One great thing about WFH?
The 20 second commute out to the sunroom!
One not so great thing about WFH?
I sometimes miss socialising with colleagues.
Love is…
Wanting their good at least as strongly as I want my own
Any words of wisdom for caddyshack blog readers?
Just keep swimming, it’s going to be ok. AND You have to be present to win.
Where can we find out more about your service?
Family Planning NSW website: https://www.fpnsw.org.au/
In short:
Website for great info for everyone
Clinics for sexual and reproductive health care
Talkline for confidential support
Education services providing well-received sessions for schools, teachers, youth workers, disability workers, health professionals, and more
Youth-friendly, LGBTIQ+ friendly and inclusive
Describe your work in three words?
(this is really hard!) Variable, Visible and Vivacious!
What has this type of work taught you?
I’ve been in this job for 18 months and I think the point of difference has been the marketing element. It’s health promotion and community engagement but with a strong focus with on branding and snappy messaging so that it reaches young people, and really lands and sticks. I’ve learnt to appreciate the value of that in health promotion! I think the answer I should be putting here is that I’ve learnt how amazing, competent and inspiring young people are, but I already knew that, I think it’s why I got this job! Working with them every day is such a privilege.
How do you find inspiration?
From my youth volunteers. There’s consultation and collaboration at every step and it’s the best part of my job. The creativity that flows when a group of people are all working together and bringing different elements of themselves to a project is really inspiring.
What do you to unwind?
I enjoy working with fabric – I like the colours and the texture.- so I design quilt and sew patchwork quilts. It’s visual, it’s tactile, it’s mathematical, it’s creative, and there’s zero pressure..It’s only for me, and there’s no deadlines. At the moment I’m working on 2 hand sewn projects- one is very traditional and one is very modern. Depending on the type of day I have I’ll pick up one or the other and stitch a little bit while I stream something on the TV.
Do you have a top inspirational quote or saying?
Ooohhh- I feel like this reveals a lot about someone’s internal and very private self! I’m not really into inspirational clichés but I guess one thing I try to remember is not to rush to respond to things..Sometimes the first flush of emotional response to a situation or interaction is not necessarily the one you want to share with the universe.
COVID silver lining?
Oh definitely for me personally- the chance to slow down a little and work from home has been a really positive change for me. But I feel bad about that because of the huge negative consequences it’s had for others in the community. One silver lining for everyone though has been the opportunity across all levels of society and government to reflect on priorities. Moving forward I hope that impacts us all in a positive way.
Last time you got the sh*ts with something?
Oh- so often! Too often!- see my inspirational saying answer…
Last time you felt truly proud of something?
I’m in the final stages of wrapping up a film project I’ve been working on all year with my youth volunteers- I think we are all really proud of the work we’ve done together, and the fact we’ve achieved something in spite of COVID.
Most irrational irk?
Again, too many! Again, see my inspirational saying answer!
One guilty pleasure(PG rated please)?
Working from home on the couch in my pyjamas when I could be in the office. I can’t let it go now. It’s my new normal.
One great thing about WFH?
See above!
One not so great thing about WFH?
You do begin to feel really disconnected from the team at work. I miss people!
Love is…
Transformative?
Any words of wisdom for caddyshack blog readers?
I feel that 2020 really embodies this little saying….”this, too, will pass”
Where can we find out more about your service?
Facebook! (headspace Wollongong) Instagram! (headspace_wollongong) Our webpage! headspace.org.au/wollongong
Or, come and visit us! 7 Atchison Street Wollongong. You don’t need a referral to speak to a youth access clinician, just give us a call on 42207660 and we can set you up for a chat. And it’s all free!
Peace, Love & Protection
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