TODAY is World Aids Day and residents across the Tweed Shire are doing their part to raise awareness.

Jenny Heslop, the manager for HIV and Related Programs for Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health, said the day provided a good opportunity to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the workplace, in health care, in schooling and in families and communities.

"It's more than 30 years since AIDS was identified. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is still here," Ms Heslop said.

"In NSW, there were over 300 new cases of HIV infection diagnosed in 2010 with 10,080 people living with HIV.

"While there have been major breakthroughs in treating HIV/AIDS and people with HIV are living longer, to date, there is still no cure."

Ms Heslop said HIV affected people of all ages, sex, race and culture.

"World AIDS Day provides a good opportunity to raise awareness in the community about HIV/AIDS," Ms Heslop said.

"The most effective way for people to protect themselves and their partners to reduce the spread of HIV is by using condoms and through regular HIV and STI testing."

Changing face of HIV - an education seminar targeting GPs in the Tweed Valley - will take place today and an AIDS Day promotional stall will be set up at the Tweed Hospital.

Various community events by ACON will also take place today across the Northern Rivers.

ACON helps people with HIV, sex workers and drug users in the Northern Rivers to improve their health and wellbeing by providing a range of services, resources, support groups and events.