When HIV and AIDS first came to light in the ’80s, governments around the world moved swiftly to act.

Little was known about the disease at that point, including how it could be spread, and there were real fears it was an epidemic in the making.

Those old enough to remember the ’80s and early ’90s will recall the “Grim Reaper” ads that appeared on television screens around the nation, the first real hard-hitting health promotion that caused so much controversy at the time.

But, the campaign worked and at the same time government bodies and private groups and organisations around the country galvanised into action, spreading the safe-sex and dangers-of-sharing-needles messages.

It worked so well at the time that Australia achieved and has maintained a low rate of HIV infection in comparison to the rest of the world. 

But, with an entire generation now grown who missed those initial campaigns, perhaps it’s time for another concerted effort.

Certainly the numbers of HIV cases in our region would suggest that.

While relatively small, the fact they’ve doubled in such a short time is alarming, but even more so is the rate of sexually-transmitted diseases.

The fact these diseases are entirely preventable makes it even more tragic.

When we spend so much time and money trying to cure diseases we have no control over, it’s seems incredible that people are not taking simple precautions to keep themselves safe against ones we can prevent.

Perhaps it’s time to resurrect the Grim Reaper

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WHO didn’t, when they were a child, or perhaps even well into adulthood, imagine being an archaeologist on a dinosaur dig. 

Well, thanks to the University of New England, you can make that dream come true – and you don’t even need a passport.

It’s happening right here in our region and will no doubt fire the imaginations of many who will be quick to sign up to volunteer for the Lightning Ridge dig.

The region is fortunate to have a university, with such a focus on research, in its midst, which also takes every opportunity to involve the community in its activities.

Don’t let the chance go by.