Perth Businessman In A.I.D.S. Fight (Press, 14 November 1986)

In November 1986, Perth businessman Kevin Parry announced plans to invest SAustl million (approximately $1.25 million) in a fundraising campaign aimed at increasing research and public awareness about A.I.D.S. Parry, who is also backing the Kookaburra America’s Cup syndicate, expressed his hopes of inviting actress Elizabeth Taylor to Australia for the campaign's launch during the Cup events. His community service organisation, the Parry Foundation, has formed a partnership with A.M.F.A.R., the American A.I.D.S. fundraising organisation led by Taylor, which was established in response to the death of actor Rock Hudson from the disease. During his speech at the annual general meeting of the Parry Corporation, a diverse conglomerate encompassing retail, media, property, resources, technology, and tourism, Parry revealed his motivations for addressing the A.I.D.S. crisis. The Parry Foundation plans to allocate $1 million towards creating an Australian counterpart to A.M.F.A.R., likely centred in Sydney. While A.M.F.A.R. focuses on financing research for a cure, Parry indicated that the Australian initiative would initially prioritise raising awareness and altering public perceptions of A.I.D.S. He highlighted the unfounded fears surrounding children with A.I.D.S., noting that some are prevented from attending school despite the disease not being transmissible in typical social settings. Parry is also looking to collaborate with research institutions in both the United States and Australia to expedite A.I.D.S. research. He stated the urgency of finding a cure, expressing concern that if progress is not made, future generations could face significant death tolls from the disease. He emphasised personal accountability, stating, “Someone has got to stand up and be counted on this issue and if I cannot get anyone else to do it I will do it myself.” Parry noted that his company's Newcastle television station, NBN, would take on a significant promotional role, similar to the awareness initiatives organised for cancer in recent years. He remarked on the changing attitudes towards discussing cancer, implying that a similar shift is needed for A.I.D.S. He pointed to alarming forecasts predicting that between 2 and 5 per cent of the U.S. population could succumb to A.I.D.S. by the early 1990s, suggesting that similar statistics may be applicable to Australia. Highlighting the stigma surrounding A.I.D.S., Parry lamented that politicians and community leaders are often hesitant to associate themselves with the disease due to its controversial implications. He urged the community to confront the reality of A.I.D.S., asserting that it is no longer exclusively affecting the gay population but is a pressing public health issue that demands attention and action.

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