Happy Mardi Gras from Waverley Council

Waverley Council this month resolved to endorse a Mayoral Minute officially celebrating the 46^th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and its significance to the community.

The Council is proud to be a Festival and Venue Partner of the state-significant event which celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity, champions creative expression, challenges injustice and elevates diverse voices.

^{Waverley Council joins the Mardi Gras Parade for the first time with an aquatic-themed community and staff float.}

Mardi Gras was built on the foundations laid by early community activists who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in a time of wide-spread, institutionalised oppression and discrimination.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said Waverley Council has many residents and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ and the event provides Council with the opportunity to promote and celebrate our community’s diversity.

^{Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos joins yesterday's Mardi Gras Parade dress rehearsal.}

“Mardi Gras stands as a beacon of unity, reminding us that we are stronger together, regardless of our differences,” Mayor Masselos said.

"Mardi Gras is more than just a parade —it's a powerful symbol of progress and resilience. It's a testament to the tireless efforts of activists, advocates, and allies who have fought for equality and justice for all.”

Waverley has played host to a bumper calendar of events throughout the festival, including the Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party on Saturday 24 February, headlined by British singer-songwriter and pop icon, Sophie Elllis-Bextor. For the first time, Waverley Council also has a staff and community float in Mardi Gras parade on Saturday 2 March.

The Mardi Gras Parade will be broadcast live on ABC TV from 7.30pm. Tune in to see our Every Colour in the Sea-themed float, or catch-up on ABC iView: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras-2024.

Our float will be moving its way up Oxford and Flinders streets, Darlinghurst at around 9.30pm. Look for the colourful humpback whale and other sea creatures. That’s us!

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.