Seven local organisations have been successfully awarded a share of $20k in grant funding to support events planned for WorldPride 2023.
The largest LGBTQIA+ event will be held across Sydney over three spectacular weeks in February (17 February – 5 March) celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said he is very proud of Council for supporting the international event.
“It is fantastic; Council and an array of organisations will support the biggest tourism drawcard and city-wide celebration since the 2000 Olympics.
“Of the 24 applicants, seven have been successfully awarded grants with two receiving full funding and the other five receiving part funding for their initiatives.
“The recipients will support existing activities planned as well as encourage and promote community participation in the delivery of new and innovative activations to celebrate WorldPride across the Northern Beaches. Congratulations to all those awarded we cant wait to celebrate with you,” Mayor Regan said.
The successful recipients include:
- Manly Business Chamber
- Collaroy Tennis Club
- Running Stars Healthy Living Ltd
- Harbord Diggers – Mountie Group
- Ability Options – on behalf of GLAM
- Rainbow Families in partnership with Fusion Pride
- Avalon Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
The grants were initiated following a Notice of Motion at the September meeting of Council to support activities for the event. Council resolved to provide financial support to businesses and organisations through small place-based grants as well as several Council-led activations including:
- Rainbow banners across the peninsula
- A temporary art installation in Manly
- Exhibitions in our libraries; Rainbow Storytimes for children, film screenings and author talks
In addition, Council has been exploring options with local transport providers to “dress up” a B1 bus and a Manly Ferry during WorldPride.
Sydney is the first city in the southern hemisphere chosen to hold this event to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
WorldPride is a global event licenced by InterPride which is awarded to a different host city every two to three years.
The event celebrates the diversity of culture and identity in the Asia Pacific region, shines an international spotlight on First Nations culture, and draws attention to LGBTQIA+ human rights abuses.