Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery, Minister for Equality) (10:11): It was a joy to be at Banyule council’s Sunset Pride party in Greensborough celebrating our vibrant LGBTIQA+ community. I commend Banyule council on a fantastic event, a safe, welcoming space for our LGBTIQA+ community and allies to come together to dance, connect and, importantly, celebrate and show pride. This was just one of the many fantastic events held over Midsumma, including the fifth annual Victoria’s Pride street party. This incredible event is a highlight of Pride season, with around 60,000 people celebrating Pride in the heart of Melbourne – allies and rainbow families of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Under Labor the street party is here to stay. I look forward to the ongoing success and growth of Midsumma and congratulate the team on a fabulous season of accessible, inclusive events held right around the state. Celebrating Pride is a powerful reminder that diversity makes our community stronger, and it was wonderful to see so many people from community come together in solidarity, strength, joy and love. Happy Pride.