Inner West Council is thrilled Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will officially open Pride Square in Newtown tomorrow, Saturday 11 February.
The Prime Minister will unveil the permanent glittering centrepiece of Pride Square - a towering progress flag beacon.
"The Inner West community has been the beating heart and soul of the long struggle for equality and civil rights in Australia," said Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne."
Our naming of Pride Square is an act of recognition and respect for the LGBTIQ+ community."
Council renamed the space outside Newtown Town Hall in November last year, from Bedford Square to Pride Square. Rejuvenation works include illuminated timber seating clusters scattered throughout the space, while rainbows spill out throughout nearby Camperdown Memorial Park.
Pride Square will be the beating heart of Pride Inner West, inviting community to gather and experience a hive of activity.
The three-week festival will showcase a vibrant mix of more than 50 community-inspired performances, workshops and activations, presented in the lead-up and alongside Sydney WorldPride.
"Inner West Council is one of the most diverse local government areas in NSW and as a council we have an abiding commitment to inclusiveness and diversity," said Pride Inner West Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo.
"We honour the diverse individuals and groups both past and present who have championed pride in our local areas. Pride Inner West supports inclusive and safe space for connection and celebration from sporting fields to community centres, art spaces and beyond. Pride Inner West is for everyone."
The Pride Square launch will feature a dazzling line-up of performers including Deep Sea Astronauts, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, Worship Queer Collective, Sexy Galexy and The Kings.
Speakers on the day will include former Matildas vice-captain, Moya Dodd; ParaMatilda Nicole Christodoulou; Trans Pride Australia President, Anna Pye; and CEO of BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, Shane Sturgis.
Pride Inner West festival schedule