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From: Robbie.Bates@p1.f381.n634.z3.fidonet.org (Robbie Bates)
Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
Subject: Australian AIDS News
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Date: 7 Jun 90 04:49:18 GMT
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Note:	Copyright 1990 by Daniel R. Greening.  Permission granted for
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Archive-number: 2154

MELBOURNE'S FIRST ACT-UP MEETING HELD

Melbourne, Australia, 1 June 1990 (MSO)

A public meeting held in Fitzroy on Monday night May 28 attracted
42 people and resolved to form a Melbourne chapter of the
international AIDS activist organisation ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition
To Unleash Power).

Melbourne becomes the 37th city worldwide to form an ACT-UP.

Provisionally adopted on the night was an "Action Pledge" charter
outlining broad areas for action for the group. Originally
drafted by the Sydney group, the charter will be amended at a
future meeting to more closely fit the Victorian AIDS situtaion.

Mark, a representative of the Sydney chapter of ACT-UP which was
formed at a similar meeting on March 22 this year, outlined the
democratic, activist and non-exclusive principles guiding that
group.

Sydney ACT-UP has already held two "actions", most recently
outside Parramatta Jail on Sunday May 27 to protest compulsory
AIDS antibody testing of prisoners and the lack of condoms
and clean needles inside.

A number of speakers spoke of the need for an AIDS activist
organisation in Melbourne prepared to take well-targetted and
properly executed direct action in support of the rights of those
with HIV and to prevent the further spread of the virus, for both
"respectible" and "dis-respectible" strategies.

Discussion was wide-ranging and open. A number of companies,
politicians and institutions were identified as being potential
targets for future actions. Issues as diverse as immigration,
education and drug availability were discussed.

The meeting resolved to start organising a first "action",
identified a target/issue, and allocated responsibilities to be
carried out prior to the group's next meeting - to be held at the
same venue at 7.30pm on Monday June 4. Like all ACT-UP meetings,
this will be public and accessible.

An interim telephone contact number was volunteered. Those
interested in confirming details of the next meeting should phone
525 4258.

[ (C) 1990 Oz Media Ltd. Melbourne Australia. Used By Permission ]

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