The City of Perth has entered a new partnership with Pride WA, following the group's successful bid to occupy Northbridge Piazza.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said he looked forward to welcoming WA's LGBTQIA+ community to their new headquarters, the Pride Piazza.
"The city's Pride Piazza reaffirms Perth as a national leader for celebrating and championing diversity and inclusion – and I can't think of a better, more vibrant neighborhood for Pride WA to call home.
"The Piazza is the heart and soul of Northbridge and we're excited to see rainbow events and activities lighting up the Piazza throughout the year. This is wonderful opportunity for businesses, locals and visitors to enjoy more activations throughout the year" Zempilas said.
"Pride WA is thrilled to have the generous support of the City of Perth in making Pride Piazza a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ and wider Northbridge Community to meet in what we hope will become a globally-recognised LGBTQIA+ landmark," said Choon Tan, Pride WA CEO.
"Having a 'home' for Perth's queer community is a significant milestone as it means Pride WA and LGBTQIA+ groups and start-ups can access facilities and thrive together."
To further support Perth's LGBTQIA+ community, last night council approved to grant $210,000 toward the annual PrideFEST event which will return to its traditional Northbridge home in November this year.
"We're excited to see PrideFEST, the annual celebration of our rainbow community, back in Northbridge after a two-hiatus due to COVID," Zempilas said
In March, the City invited Expressions of Interest from public and private operators to develop and deliver a program of events at the Northbridge Piazza Community Space.
As the successful respondent, Pride WA will be the primary tenant at Northbridge Piazza – using the facility for office space and an event and meeting hub for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pride WA will finalise its program of events following public consultation but will target the LGBTQIA+ community as well as inclusive activities for the whole community. For example it may include market days and films aired on the Piazza's super screen.
As a proud supporter Perth Pride Parade since 2018, the City if Perth looks forward to working more closely with Pride WA as Northbridge's Pride Piazza continues to evolve.
