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25 September 2009
Theatre highlights Hepatitis C message to Aboriginal community
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIH) continues to focus on the Aboriginal community in the
treatment, education and prevention of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C, a blood borne virus which targets the liver, can cause fatigue, liver pain, depression and liver disease;
and affects more than a quarter of a million Australians, with some Aboriginal communities presenting higher rates than
that in the non-Aboriginal population.
A theatre-based approach relaying the important message of the affects of Hepatitis C to the Aboriginal community was the
brainchild of a Melbourne-based indigenous theatre company, ilbijerri.
The award winning comedy Chopped Liver is performed by Aboriginal performers to communicate Hepatitis C prevention and
education messages to local Aboriginal communities across Australia. It aims to introduce information to the audience
about Hepatitis C in a way that is engaging, humorous and culturally appropriate.
This year’s State tour is jointly funded by SESIH, Greater West Area Health Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service
and Hunter New England Area Health Service.
Coordinator HIV/AIDS and Related Programs Unit (HARP Unit) SESIH, Gary Gahan, said diseases such as Hepatitis C continue to
be a significant source of illness amongst Aboriginal people in NSW.
“Research shows Aboriginal people are at a higher risk of Hepatitis C and are diagnosed with this disease at a younger age
compared to the non-Aboriginal population,” Mr Gahan said.
“This is due to a number of factors including a higher proportion of young people in the Aboriginal population, the mobility
of Aboriginal people and low levels of knowledge of blood borne viruses,” he said.
Anyone concerned about exposure to the Hepatitis C virus should consult their local GP, or contact the Hepatitis C Council
of NSW at: www.hepatitisc.org.au or on
1300 HEP ABC (1300 437 222).
‘CHOPPED LIVER’ PERFORMANCES:
Monday 28 September – 2pm, Nowra Worrigee House Conference Centre, 209 Worrigee House Road, Nowra (contact: Natalie Beckett,
4428 6666).
Tuesday 29 September – 11am, Wollongong Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation and Cultural Centre, 22 Kenny Street, Wollongong
(light refreshments after the show - contact: Erin Weeks, 4229 9495).
Wednesday 30 September – 7.30pm (light refreshments from 6.30pm), Sydney Aboriginal Health College, 35 Harvey Street,
Little Bay.
For more information, visit:
www.ilbijerri.org.au
Media Enquiries: Poppy Diamantis: 02 9382 8398 or 0411 730 842
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