Melbourne to host crucial fundraising cocktail party for marriage equality

MELBOURNE-based supporters of marriage equality are being urged to help raise much needed funds for what could be the final stage of the campaign for same-sex marriage by attending a special cocktail fundraiser at Melbourne Town Hall next week.

Called Tipping Point, the event will benefit Australian Marriage Equality, the leading advocacy organisation for marriage equality in Australia.

With talks that a Coalition conscience vote on marriage equality is imminent, campaigners believe they are now at the tipping point of reform and invite everybody to help them make marriage equality a reality.

Guests will be treated to fine wines and beers, canapés and a special performance by Rachel Dunham from her sell out show Oprahfication, which was a highlight during Midsumma earlier this year.

Guests will also have the chance to take home some auction items including art, unique experiences, and entertainment and dining packages.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome said the event would provide guests with a unique opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the fight for marriage equality as well as find out how their advocacy efforts were tracking.

“We’re closer than we’ve ever been to achieving marriage equality in Australia,” he said.

“In fact we’ve reached a tipping point with 72 per cent of Australians now supporting same sex marriage, according to recent research done by the Coalition’s own pollsters Crosby/Textor.

“In addition to this, all the signs point to a conscience vote on marriage equality in the Federal Parliament sometime in the next six months. All we need to achieve our goal is persuade 25 Coalition MPs to vote yes, and we’re on track to achieve this, but we need to raise much needed funds to keep the fight going.”

Special guests on the evening include Sydney Liberal councillor Christine Forster, Aussie Rules footballer Jason Ball, AFL footballer Sam Gilbert, actress Madga Szubanski, Higgins federal Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer, Martin Foley, the Victorian Shadow Minister advising the Opposition Leader on equality, and more.

Australian Marriage Equality is a volunteer­-based organisation that relies on the financial support in the form of donations from people who believee in making Australia a place where all love is equal.

“So if you share this vision and you’re in Melbourne on September 19, I encourage you to help make a difference by attending our Tipping Point event with family, friends and colleagues,” Cromme said.

DETAILS:

Melbourne Tipping Point: Australian Marriage Equality Fundraiser

Friday, September 19,

6.30pm–10.30pm

Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall

$139pp (inc. all food, drinks and entertainment)