Pride returns to Northbridge
These multimedia stories were created by ECU Journalism students and are shared in collaboration with RTRFM.
Pride WA is moving to Northbridge Piazza and this year’s parade is returning to the streets of Northbridge for the first time in almost three years, writes David Edwards.
More than 25, 000 people are expected to line the streets on November 26, up from the 10,000 Pride WA says it counted at the covid safe event it held in 2021 at Gloucester Park.
The City of Perth will spend $210,000 in this year’s sponsorship to help fund the 2022 PrideFest run by Pride WA, as well as awarding the group a lease on a prime office and café space in the heart of Northbridge.
Plans for the currently unoccupied space involve a co-working office for LGBT+ community groups and volunteers, including a dedicated community café to serve as a true safe space.
Pride WA CEO Choon Tan says he hope this will be known as Perth’s ‘Pride’ Piazza. It will be free from alcohol and accessible to minors. Mr Tan says he welcomes the City of Perth’s sponsorship, which has been granted every year since 2018. “Although the grant only covers half of the Parade’s costs and Pride WA will have to find additional sponsors to cover the remaining costs,” he says.
The cost of running the event is higher than ever due to new higher safety standards imposed by the city. Terrorist attacks are becoming more frequent around the world and public safety is on the top of everyone’s minds, particularly with the parade running across so many public streets, explains Mr Tan.
City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds says, “we’re hoping thousands of people turn out and line the streets to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. City of Perth staff will once again be joining in all the fun with a colourful display.”
The parade will feature a new route this year, which was originally intended for 2020, and was inevitably cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Marchers will complete a loop starting at Russell Square before heading down Aberdeen Street, across William Street and then back up James Street.
Pride WA will be holding a free, family friendly event on Parker Street instead of its usual ticketed event. The floats will be encouraged to park inside the event allowing people to see them up close and allow them to get their ‘Instagram-able moment’.
TransFolk of WA CEO Hunter says, “Pride WA is going to significant lengths to ensure all members of the community are included in the celebrations,” despite having past tension over the number of marchers permitted.
The event will be opened by a Welcome to Country and mobile smoking ceremony performed by a contingent of the Aboriginal community. Mr Tan says, “I hope that the spectators and the community will embrace this wonderful gesture,” which he believes will be recognised as something unique to Western Australia.
