Mardi Gras co-chair steps down

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) co-chair Peter Urmson has announced his resignation from the board, effective at the end of April.

The SGLMG board said Urmson had been a much-loved part of the Mardi Gras family since his initial involvement in 2009.

“He’s so well known among the SGLMG membership and he’s leaving big shoes to fill,” a statement from the board released today said.

“He deserves and receives our thanks and warm appreciation.”

Urmson said he had achieved what he set out to do and that it is now time for a new generation of leadership to keep the organisation fresh.

“I am proud of my contribution to the community and privileged to have served in a leadership role working with so many talented people,” he said.

“Key initiatives I am particularly pleased with would be the establishment of the Mardi Gras Museum initiative, the increased engagement of young people and women in our community with the Mardi Gras events and ideals.

“I am also please to have worked in partnership with the Lord Mayor Clover Moore City of Sydney [and] Alex Greenwich on marriage equality initatives, and the NSW government in advancing visibility of our organisation in a sustainable manner.”

SGLMG announced last September that Siri Kommedahl would join Urmson as co-chair. Kommedhal previously held the position of deputy chair.

The splitting of the chair’s role by Mardi Gras was an attempt to increase the participation of women on all levels within the organisation.

The SGLMG board will consider whether to fill the vacancy on the board and the co-chair position at its April meeting.

Read Peter Urmson’s February column for the Star Observer on Mardi Gras and marriage equality here.