There’s still no Pride in Sydney

… but Mardi Gras offers to help beleaguered organisation

Sydney Pride has been offered open-ended support by New Mardi Gras as the charity tries to rebuild itself after two years without any events or services.

Gay and lesbian communities around the world will mark the Stonewall Riots’ 39th anniversary this Saturday, except Sydney.

Last year Sydney Star Observer asked why Sydney Pride had failed to organise any events, such as its Pride Week celebrations in previous years, to discover the organisation had lost too many board members to operate.

Pride spokesman Murray Hood confirmed the situation had not changed in the last 12 months, but said an audit report due this week could open the door to a fresh board and revival.

Once we get the report from the auditor we’ll call an AGM and decide the [organisation’s] future, Hood told SSO this week.

Plans to move the Pride Centre to Kings Cross and hold an awards night to generate publicity failed to get the necessary volunteers, he said.

Last year Hood said the organisation, which is a registered charity, would likely be wound up if this situation continued.

A number of smaller community groups, such as the Luncheon Club, also sent out distress signals in recent times and received either operational or monetary support from the more secure bodies.

New Mardi Gras chair David Imrie said he was very eager to work with Pride as it was one of the four founding organisations that stepped in to save the famous parade in 2003.

Since then Mardi Gras has really grown, so we want to give back to the community for that support, he said.

For us, Pride is a really important organisation, so we’re in contact to see what we can do, but it’s really up to Pride what they want to do.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras shifted from celebrating the Stonewall Riot anniversary in 1981 when it moved its events to February.