Sunday, 20 May, 2001

AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL IN CABRAMATTA FOR THE FIRST TIME

This afternoon, for the first time, the multicultural Cabramatta community will take part in the 18^th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, which will be held simultaneously in over 300 communities and in 60 countries.

The World Health Organisation estimates there are around 42 million HIV positive people in the world and some 18 million who have died from AIDS related disease.

Buddhist monks will chant and local community groups will light candles to remember each of the 58 people who have died from AIDS related illness in South Western Sydney.

"Each one of these people are someone’s children, brother, partner, friend and deserve our support" said Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo who will be speaking at this memorial.

"All victims are innocent, there is not ‘good’ or ‘bad’ victims.

"It affects every community – AIDS does not discriminate".

 ENDS