Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (13:16): Free rainbow ice cream, lots of sequins, bare bum cheeks, platform heels, streets turned into massive dance floors, shopfronts turned into exhibition spaces and live dioramas – this is Collingwood and Fitzroy when they are flooded with joy every February at Victoria’s Pride street party. It has been a celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, visibility and community since 2022. It transforms Gertrude and Smith streets into a vibrant, jam-packed, free, all-ages block party that showcases local and international artists, community groups and local traders. It has become a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural calendar and a cherished annual event.

Midsumma has done an incredible job of delivering this event in the last four years, and the City of Yarra has been its gracious host. But despite its success and its huge contribution to our shared culture and our local economy, the party may soon be over, because beyond 2026 the government has no plan and no funding committed to another one. Our community absolutely loves hosting this event. It celebrates who we are and it brings people together. I urge the Victorian government to commit to holding Victoria’s Pride street party in Collingwood and Fitzroy until 2030.