For the past 15 years the Luncheon Club AIDS Support Group Inc has been involved in providing vital support to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This has been an amazing experience for Management and Volunteers, especially sharing the personal journeys, watching the children grow up, the joy, the laughter, and making a difference for our clients who have been male, female, transgender, bi-sexual, children, youth, adults, the elderly, Caucasian, indigenous or immigrant.

The Luncheon Club has always been based around a group of committed and dedicated volunteers, and we have survived on minimal resources, a small government grant in recent years and donations from our caring friends.

Over the past few years the needs of our clients have become more complex and demanding and after much consideration the Management has come to the decision that the Luncheon Club Aids Support Group Inc is no longer able to provide an appropriate and adequate level of service for our valued clients. Thus we will cease to provide these services effective 28th May 2008.

"Times were very different 15 years ago for people living with HIV/AIDS, antiretrovirals were yet to be introduced, many people were very sick and death rates were very high. The luncheons provided a great way to end the isolation and entertainment fed their souls," says founder, Carole Ann King.

Following lengthy discussions with ACON and BGF in partnership, they have agreed to carry on services provided by the Luncheon Club as of Monday 2nd June 2008. They have the resources and capacity to maintain essential services to very marginalised people in our community.

"There are many valuable services to assist people living with HIV/AIDS and the Luncheon Club will be in good hands with BGF and ACON. I'm very proud to have established a service that so many people have needed over the years" says King.

CEO of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Bev Lange says that "BGF recognises the commitment both Carole Ann and her volunteers have shown the hundreds of people who have benefited from the Luncheon Club for such an extended period. BGF already works with many people at the Luncheon Club and I trust that with ACON we can continue the support that they have become accustomed to."

"Carole Ann, the Board, volunteers and supporters of the Luncheon Club have made a phenomenal contribution over many years and now ACON is very pleased to partner with BGF to continue their great work. ACON will be drawing on the experience of the Positive Living Centre to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible, and of course, we hope many of the current volunteers will continue," says Stevie Clayton, CEO ACON.

Luncheon Club Management would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Her Excellency Governor of NSW Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO and Clover Moore MP, our loyal and dedicated volunteers, our donors and sponsors, our entertainers and venues. To our clients, who’s strength and courage inspired us, you have a secure future and we wish you well.

The LUNCHEON CLUB operates three main services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS caring about the wellbeing for those with physical, mental health, economic and/or social issues:

Monday Luncheons are for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS free of charge, from noon. We welcome families, friends, partners, carers and children to come along to care, share and support one another to live with AIDS - not die from AIDS.

Luncheon Club Larder provides food and essential items free of charge to people living with HIV/AIDS struggling to survive on the Disability Support Pension and operates Monday and Wednesday from noon till 4pm. Clients are required to submit evidence of HIV status and produce their Pension Card. Lunch is also provided.

Luncheon Club EDEN Community Garden - Winners of the Australian Open Garden Scheme 2004

CONTACT:

Service provision:	Gordon Ibbett Activity Centre, 77 Kellick Street, Waterloo
Correspondence:	PO Box 479 Kings Cross 2011
Email:
Phone:	(02) 8399 3220 (message bank only) 0416 040074