Organisation Profile

Country Awareness Network Victoria Inc. (CAN) is a community based, not for profit, non government membership organisation funded in part by the Department of Human Services (DHS). CAN provides information, education, support, referrals and advocacy to Victorian rural/regional communities regarding HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, other Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

CAN’s beginnings were based in Castlemaine and originally the organisation was called ‘CHAIRS’ with its main aim being to enhance support given to people living with HIV/AIDS.  Country AIDS Network was launched in 1996 and its base of operations moved to Bendigo.  Over the years, the organisation’s core services to the community have grown to include other issues such as Hepatitis C and STIs. 

In 2006, members of the organisation voted to change the name to Country Awareness Network Victoria Inc., believing that the name was more inclusive of the issues and work performed by us and allowing the group to remain CAN, the acronym by which most consumers know us.

CAN has grown to become Victoria’s peak rural/regional body for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, Hep C, BBVs and/or STIs.  CAN operates from basic community development principles of empowerment and inclusion. We rely heavily upon our networks of collaborative partnerships with other organisations and individuals to facilitate the best possible outcomes for the communities which we serve.

CAN's Mission Statement

To foster appropriate, sensitive and accessible support, services, advocacy and resources in rural areas for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, other Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections.