Happy Mardi Gras from the Hunter
The Gateway Hotel in Islington is holding its biggest annual dance party, Back to The Cri’ on Friday 3 April. Take a trip back in time to the golden era of The Criterion Hotel. Dance to DJ Kerry’s club classics from the ’50s to the ’70s.
Hunter drag scene matriarch, Bubbles Le Gay, hosts the event with shows from cabaret stars from the era. Money raised from will be donated to the Hunter Care and Support Project for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Two ticket options are available; the Complete Ticket is $20 for dinner, starting at 7pm, and dance. The Dance Only Ticket is $10. Dance starts at 9pm. Tickets available from ACON Hunter or The Gateway Hotel. For further info contact Terry 0400 156 297.
Hunter community group Rainbow Visions are holding a community consultation on Saturday 21 March from 2.30pm. All are welcome to provide input on events for 2009, offers of assistance and how RV can best serve our region. Go to rainbowvisions.org.au for more details.
The Coastal Castaways Valentine’s Day Dance was held in Port Macquarie on Saturday 14 February. ACON Hunter/MNC would like to thank the organisers for their generosity and enormous effort hosting the dance. It was encouraging to see visitors from GLBT communities of Newcastle, Tamworth/Armidale and Sydney connect with the local MNC GLBT community. As the MNC had exceptional rain and flooding in the preceding days, numbers were down slightly. Despite this, all attending had a fabulous time.
We would also like to thank all the performers on the night including Mr Leather, Sandi Bottom and DJ Justin Scott for their appreciated talents. The $1845 raised was a huge donation to ACON MNC. These funds will go towards providing much needed equipment for the new ACON Mid North Coast Outreach office.
Finally, to all GLBT communities from across the state, ACON wishes everyone a happy and safe Mardi Gras. If travelling to Sydney or anywhere during the festival, remember to be prepared and pack all your safe sex supplies.
info: For more about groups, services, organisations or community events in the Hunter, New England, MNC or Central Coast contact ACON Hunter/MNC on 4927 6808 or email [email protected],
Sean O’Rourke is the Education and Community Development Officer at ACON’s Hunter/MNC Branch.
