Mildura Aboriginal Corporation (MAC Mildura) is hoping to enter the Guinness Book of Records by undertaking the most screenings for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in a 24-hour period. The major event, scheduled for Feb. 25, is part of the Sexual Health and Diversity Enterprise (SHADE) – a program that aims to raise awareness of sexual health and diversity among young people in regional and rural Victoria.

"The fact that SHADE is a community-based program involving local services and organisations means there’s genuine potential to have an impact and actually address issues around sexual health and diversity," says  Lynne Jordan , CEO of Family Planning Victoria (FPV).

To promote the Feb. 25 screening, pop star Jessica Mauboy and entertainer Constantina Bush will perform, and Star FM radio will broadcast live from the Mildura location to raise awareness of local health services and promote good sexual health among the area's youth.

An increase in the number of STI's among Mildura's youth over the last 5 years has prompted the FPV and other organisations, such as Cancer Council, Centrelink, Job Networks, Department of Justice, Melbourne Sexual Health’s Wulumperi Sexual Health Unit, State Emergency Services, Mildura Hospital and Mildura City Council, to create and support the event. According to statistics, in 2004–05, 1 in 1,000 adolescents was diagnosed with an STI; this figure jumped to 1.7 in 2008–09.