New Mardi Gras opens home

Over 200 people attended the opening of New Mardi Gras’ new workshop and offices at Petersham last weekend, including (pictured) NMG co-chair Steph Sands, independent MP Clover Moore, Labor MP Tanya Plibersek and NSW deputy premier Dr Andrew Refshauge. Refshauge opened the event, with a speech only briefly interrupted by the roaring arrival of the Dykes On Bikes. Beer flowed and sausages sizzled, and the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence blessed the new building, which still bore the original signage from the Romantic Furniture Company. (The sisters hoped a little romance would remain.) Punters inspecting the workshop were also pleased to note some favourite floats were still in existence, including Fred Nile’s head on a platter. NMG co-chair Michael Woodhouse told Sydney Star Observer it felt fantastic to be in the new premises. The workshop’s been the heart and soul of this organisation for years, and so it’s really good to have it up and running again, he said. The new offices and workshop are at 297-299 Trafalgar Street, Petersham.

For more information visit www.mardigras.org.au.