Alex (TasCAHRD): David, it sounds like this year’s event is shaping up to be something special?
David (Living Positive Victoria): Yeah, and we’re quite pleased this year. We’ve had 100 people register so far, and we’re still 10 days out or something. Brilliant. Historically, we’d probably had 70 people if we were lucky over the last several years, and then COVID obviously was kind of the weird one in the mix. Online stuff, you know. But this year’s different—probably because it’s the 40th anniversary of the first candlelight memorial here in Melbourne.
Alex: Forty years—that’s a huge milestone. I heard one of the original organisers is going to be there?
David: Yes, there were two people originally—a guy called Phil Carswell and another guy called Tom Carter. Phil’s passed away, but Tom is coming down from regional Victoria, to be here. It’s the first time he’s done it in years.
Alex: That’s amazing. It’s such a timely occasion, with it being the 40th anniversary since the first vigil was held at Flinders St Station.
David: Absolutely. And it’s also pretty special because Living Positive Victoria started not long after that first vigil. We began as a program of what was then the Victorian AIDS Council—now Thorn Harbour Health.
Alex: That’s really interesting. I hadn’t realised that Living Positive Victoria came out of the Victorian AIDS Council. And now, you’re the coordinator for the 40th anniversary?
David: Yeah, it’s kind of perfect timing. So for the event, we really want to make it a true community event, where all members of the community feel welcome—people living with HIV, their families, loved ones of those who’ve passed, community champions, advocates, allies. Everyone’s invited.
Alex: What’s the plan for the day?
David: We kick off around 4:00 p.m. with afternoon tea. So, you know, a cup of tea or coffee, a Tim Tam, and a chat. It’s a nice way to ease in. Then the official proceedings start at 5:00 p.m.
Alex: What do those usually involve?
David: We usually have someone from the media—someone who’s either an ally or a person living with HIV—to act as MC. They’ll introduce speakers, and we have the Low Rez men’s choir performing. They usually do three songs throughout the event. It really enhances the atmosphere.
Alex: Are there speakers?
David: Yes, we typically have at least two positive speakers sharing their lived experience. And there’s a panel discussion that focuses on the event theme. This year it’s Don’t Forget to Remember—very timely. We’ll explore what it means to live with HIV today, and why remembering still matters 40 years on.
Alex: It’s fascinating—and sobering. We’ve seen progress in treatment and understanding, but stigma still feels like a big challenge.
David: That’s the key thing. My other hat is as coordinator for the Positive Speakers Bureau. We have about 30 active speakers and six or so in training. The big issue we’re still facing is stigma. Whether it’s accessing healthcare, relationships, internalised stigma, or systemic stigma—it’s still so strong.
Alex: We felt the same when we did our World AIDS Day campaign last year—the theme It Starts With Me really pushed us to think about personal accountability.
David: Yes! And that idea of questioning our actions—how we might, even subconsciously, contribute to stigma—is crucial. Even basic education is lacking. People still don’t know the difference between HIV and AIDS. It’s a massive issue. Words matter. Mislabeling, fear around transmission—those misunderstandings still affect people’s lives.
Alex: After all this time, it’s really sad to see those old preconceptions still holding on.
David: It is. It’s heartbreaking, really. We’ve come so far, but there’s still a long way to go. That’s why remembering—and continuing to talk about it—matters.
Honouring 40 Years: Melbourne’s Candlelight Memorial Reflects on the Past and Looks Ahead
International Candlelight Memorial.
