Noted champion of personal freedom and long-time sex industry advocate Fiona Patten will be the star attraction at the Annual General Meeting of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT Inc. to be held this week.
Council President Dr Nathan Boyle said the Council was delighted to have secured Ms Patten to give the 2014 Dr Peter Rowland Memorial Address.
“Dr Rowland was a key figure in the early response to HIV in the ACT, and given Fiona’s pioneering work as an AIDS educator in the ACT and her stellar record in support of people living with HIV we will be very proud to host her at our AGM next week,” Dr Boyle said.
“As well as being the founder and leader of the Australian Sex Party, Fiona has spent the last 25 years advocating and lobbying for the rights of sex workers, HIV/AIDS organisations and many other groups. Given Fiona’s wisdom and experience, we are looking forward to a colourful, engaging and challenging contribution to our AGM.”
Fiona’s career began as an AIDS educator with ACT sex worker advocacy group, WISE. Since then she has held positions on the Board of the AIDS Action Council, as a Committee Member of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations and a Board Member of the Adult Industry Copyright Organisation. She has been CEO of the adult industry’s national association, Eros, since 1992.
Fiona’s speech will be open to the public and Council members. “This is an exciting time of change, growth and renewal for the Council. We are looking forward to a great night and invite Canberrans along to hear what will no doubt be an inspiring address by Fiona Patten,” Dr Boyle said.
The AIDS Action Council AGM will take place at the Griffin Centre, Canberra on Wednesday 12 November commencing at 5.30pm. For more information, visit: www.
Image: Fiona Patten – photo courtesy of the Australian Sex Party