New Mardi Gras starts countdown

The forms have been signed and New Mardi Gras now has less than a month to make its $150,000 first payment on the deal which will see it take over the Mardi Gras name and assets.

Last week’s Arq fundraiser pushed the tally so far close to $50,000, and New Mardi Gras co-chair and Stevie Clayton says the final target is within reach.

It is a huge task but we can do it by working together. As more people come forward to help, the more achievable it becomes, Clayton said.

Last week’s fundraising night at Arq was a great example of how venues and community groups are staging their own fundraising events for Mardi Gras.

South Sydney Council has received a request from New Mardi Gras for a $50,000 grant and a continuation of last year’s sponsorship arrangements, due to be debated last night.

Meantime, 24 years of Mardi Gras memorabilia will go under the hammer next week when hundreds of float pieces, costumes, props and office equipment are auctioned to pay the old company’s debts.

New Mardi Gras co-chair Michael Woodhouse said while the new company had taken key assets from the huge stockpile of items there were still plenty of things on offer to tempt buyers.

This is your opportunity to get a souvenir from 25 years of Mardi Gras -“ you’re sure to find something to fill that spare corner of the wardrobe or the bedroom, he said.

Community groups could easily pick up something glamorous for raffles and auctions at their planned New Mardi Gras fundraising nights and we would welcome office equipment being donated back.

The auction will be totally unreserved and auctioneers are unsure of what some of the pieces will fetch.

All auction items will be listed on the auctioneer’s website -“ www.rhas.biz -“ at some stage today, and potential buyers and the curious can go and check out the auction items this Sunday 27 October from noon to 4pm.

The auction will be held at the Mardi Gras’ Erskineville warehouse on Tuesday 29 October from 4pm.

Donations for New Mardi Gras can be made to the AIDS Trust of Australia Mardi Gras Fund, PO Box 1030, Darlinghurst 1300. Direct deposits can be made to Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Market and George St, Sydney, into account number 062 005 1047 7892.

Visit the New Mardi Gras website at www.mardigras.org.au for more information.