A message from New Mardi Gras

All party promoters face a challenge ensuring people party responsibly and within the law. This is particularly true for Mardi Gras, which attracts partygoers from all over the world. We have people from over 35 countries attending the party from places with sometimes quite different drug cultures from our own.

Over the years Mardi Gras has developed a close working relationship with the Surry Hills Local Area Command, the LAC responsible for the Mardi Gras parade and party. This is a different LAC from the Azure party, which falls within The Rocks LAC.

Working together with Surry Hills LAC and various other stakeholders, Mardi Gras has developed a reputation for the safety and welfare of its patrons which is second to none.

Following the closure of Azure, we have been in contact with Surry Hills LAC. We have been reassured that it is very much business as usual with respect to the policing and security measures in place for this year’s parade and party. We are not expecting any policing activities over and above those put in place at last year’s parade and party. As with previous years, pat downs are a condition of entry to the Mardi Gras party and uniformed officers will be present on site during the night.

We strongly believe that the Mardi Gras party is an event which does not depend on drug-taking.

First, our focus is on providing a variety and level of entertainment that keeps people entertained all night. It’s one reason why we have introduced a dedicated cabaret space this year as well as increasing our emphasis on live music and performances throughout the evening.

Secondly, the Mardi Gras party is a massive Sydney community event, an opportunity to catch up with old friends and also a melting pot of overseas visitors. It is a unique event on the Sydney calendar and we hope that people get their buzz from that.

Irrespective of any individual’s view, party drugs are illegal. Patrons who are discovered in possession of any illegal substances will be handed over to the police.

However, the health and safety of our patrons are paramount. We all have a responsibility to look after our mates and to watch out for people partying around us. If you do take any substances during the night and start to feel unwell, or if you see anyone who is in obvious distress, please seek urgent and immediate attention.

There will be a dedicated Mardi Gras medical unit on the parade route. At the party, the Mardi Gras medical team is situated behind the Hordern. In addition, there will be many ACON drug rovers roaming the site. The Mardi Gras medical team has extensive frontline experience in the management of all health-related issues which may present themselves during the night. They are world leaders in their field and are there to help.

We are not expecting the Mardi Gras party to be shut down and are continuing our plans to welcome partygoers from over 35 nations to one of the world’s greatest gay and lesbian events.

We wish everyone a very happy, and safe, Mardi Gras.

-” Marcus Bourget, New Mardi Gras Chair