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Winthrop Hall - The University of Western Australia's iconic landmark - will turn bright red for a week from this evening.

Winthrop Hall's blushing colour-change is thanks to the Western Australian Medical Students' Society who are behind a campaign to raise money and awareness for Oxfam Australia's Integrated HIV/AIDS program in South Africa's Kwa-Zulu Natal region.

Until Friday 6 September, other Perth destinations such as the Bell Tower, Council House, Trafalgar Bridge, Cultural Centre, Old Mill and Concert Hall will glow red for the Red Party's ‘Paint the Town Red' campaign.

The campaign also includes a Quiz Night, ‘Red Day', lectures and film nights - all aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS in Australia and overseas.

"Our aim is to educate and raise awareness as well as funds for Oxfam Australia," Red Party Coordinator Arjun Kaushik said.

"Since 2007, we have donated more than $140,000 and this year we expect to raise more than $40,000.

"The festivities culminate on September 6 with the Red Party at Paramount Nightclub: a red themed party which reflects the international colour for AIDS.  We expect to see more than 1000 people dressed in red supporting this important cause.

"Red Party is our way of making a difference.  We are increasing awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds sexually transmitted infections and HIV specifically, while also raising funds for a really important program," Mr Kaushik said.

Oxfam's program runs in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South Africa, where 40 per cent of the population is HIV positive. It aims to support local agricultural groups, offer advocacy, and deliver food, clean water sources and education to the most vulnerable victims of the AIDS epidemic.

For more information or to donate, visit Red Party or The Western Australian Medical Students' Society .

Media references

Vibhushan Manchanda (+61 4) 03 170 498
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783