David Menadue Guest Speaker

Posted on Oct 04, 2016

David Menadue

David Menadue was guest speaker at the Monday 3rd meeting.
Grew up in Wunghnu, attended Melbourne University to become a teacher, whilst at university became editor of university magazines.

Taught at Rochester then back to Melbourne "a place where you can be yourself".

Rewarding career in children's publishing.

In 1984 diagnosed with HIV.

Scared of rejection by family so distanced himself.

Born an optimist, tragedy into a triumph, positive about being positive.

Autobiography published in 2003.

AIDS stigmatised, took guts to cope, so easy to get depressed.

Family were supportive when taken into confidence.

Mother found solace with religious support groups.

Father accepted as "you are my son, that is all that matters"

Set up a peer support group. Government had foresight to see need to educate those at most risk.

Spoken to state and federal politicians and media.

In 1995 awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Epidemic has been reduced to something manageable.