12th July, 2005
The City of Perth tonight signed off on $41,520 cash and in-kind sponsorship for this year’s Pride Festival.The Pride Festival will begin on Sunday 25 September with the City of Perth Pride Fairday in Russell Square, continue throughout October with a rich mix of arts, culture and community events, before culminating with the 16th Annual Pride Parade through the streets of Northbridge on Saturday 29 October.
Speaking at Council House, Pride Co-President Daniel Smith said it was pleasing to see Council honour the final year of its three year sponsorship deal with Pride, which it approved in 2003.
“In 2003, the City of Perth entered into a record three year cash and in-kind sponsorship agreement with Pride, which was driven by then Deputy Lord Mayor Bert Tudori,” he said.
“However, given the value, each year’s sponsorship was required to be signed off by Council and this year was the first year that approval was sought following the recent Council elections, at which a number of Councillors who had supported Pride were defeated, including Cr Tudori.
“Tonight’s approval was granted by seven votes to one, showing that Pride has demonstrated its value to both Northbridge and the City of Perth to the vast majority of Councillors.”
Mr Smith said that Councillors were impressed at the length of the Pride Festival and the number of people Pride brought into Northbridge last year, which included 8,000 people for Fairday and more than 70,000 for the Pride Parade.
“At a time when the media has pointed out all the problems with Northbridge, Pride has worked hard to bring new events to the area, such as Fairday, Sunset Rhythm, our Men’s and Women’s Sundowners and our Festival Club,” he said.
“Plus, by adding fireworks and a live soundtrack to our Parade, we have significantly increased Parade spectator numbers and both Northbridge businesses and the Councillors that represent them have recognised this.
“Given the vote tonight, Pride has a bright future in the City of Perth, as long as we stay positive, focus on building relationships with local businesses and are innovative in the development of new events.”
Mr Smith said the funding was essential to meet the cost of providing street closures and barricading for the Parade, to keep both Parade entrants and spectators safe, and meet the increased costs associated with staging Fairday and the Parade, including public liability insurance and volunteers insurance.
He thanked Councillors Lisa Scaffidi, Max Kay, Rob Butler, Janet Davidson and Judy McEvoy for their ongoing support. He thanked new Councillors Eleni Evangel, who moved the motion to approve Pride funding, and Chris Hardy for supporting Pride for the first time.