After decades of relative stability, HIV infection rates are increasing again all over Australia. During HIV-testing week 850 people in Australia were newly diagnosed with the infection. Sadly, Indigenous Australians are particularly at risk.

To combat the rise, the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) are touring communities around NSW with Coffs Harbour graffiti artist Ash Johnston to address growing rates of HIV infection and to get young people engaged in this important conversation. Two years ago the AHMRC employed Ash to run graffiti art workshops in regional communities. They found that the workshops were an effective tool to engage young people to discuss the issues around sexually transmitted infections. They paint the mural in a highly visible area in the community ,so that long after they have left town, there's still a mural and a talking piece. Art as a tool for social activism: we at DAA can't help but love (and use) it!