Go West

Busy, busy, busy -¦ There’s always so much to do during the month of February. Catch up with those distant friends you haven’t seen since last year’s Mardi Gras, organise your social calendar so that you don’t miss out on anything and make sure you have an outfit for all the different events you’ll be attending (God forbid that someone sees you in the same outfit twice). Mardi Gras can be such a tiresome period. Or maybe I’m just trying to fit too much into one month.

If you’re not sure what’s going on, or haven’t yet made up your mind about what to do, here are a few suggestions of things that are happening that involve Western Sydney.

This weekend is especially busy and Parramatta is the place to be. Riverside Theatre has partnered with Queer Screen to bring some of the top-rated queer films out west. The session run is from Friday 15 February right through to the end of the Mardi Gras season. Check out www.riversideparramatta.com.au for what’s on and the session times.

If you’re up for a road trip, or train trip, Fair Day (on Sunday 17 February) is always something to look forward to. Each year ACON and other community services and organisations in Western Sydney have an information stand letting people know what’s happening in the west. There’s plenty of information on a whole range of activities going on in the area throughout the year, and also people to talk to about social nights, support groups, social groups and services in Western Sydney. Look for a banner saying Gay and Lesbian Services in Western Sydney -“ that’ll be us.

If the whole parade and party idea is not your thing, and you’d like to do something a little closer to home, maybe a barbecue would be just the outing you’re looking for. Get some friends together, pack your picnic basket and blanket and come along from 2pm Sunday 24 February for a barbecue picnic for the GLBT community, their families and friends at the Nepean Weir.

Hopefully, I’ll still have energy to enjoy the parade and party. Happy Mardi Gras everybody!

If you want any information about groups, services, organisations or community events taking place in western Sydney, you can contact Matt Vaughan at ACON on 9206 2000.

Matt Vaughan is the Community Development and Liaison Officer for the ACON Western Sydney Community Development Team.