People with Disability Australia recognised at Sydney Mardi Gras Awards

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, now in its 40th year, recognised the efforts of those involved in making the festival such a spectacular event at its annual awards night held at The Beresford Hotel on April 26th.

The awards are divided into four categories; Fair Day, Parade, Our People/Workforce and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

PWDA was awarded the Best Community Stall in the Fair Day Awards and a Special Commendation in the Parade Awards.

Mr Matthew Bowden, Co-CEO of PWDA says it is fantastic to receive this recognition.

“These awards are an excellent recognition of the importance of people with disability participating in all aspects of our community, including events such as Mardi Gras and also of the hard work of our staff and members in getting such a great float organised.”

Mr Bowden says PWDA members and staff marched in the Mardi Gras Parade this year alongside Northcott, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the National Ethnic Disability Alliance.

As many of PWDA’s members identify as LGBTIQA+, the organisation’s involvement in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has spanned over a decade.

“We see our disability and sexuality as a key parts of our identities,” Mr Bowden says.

“People with disability have diverse sexualities and gender identities and need to have access to sexuality and relationship education.”

PWDA have also advocated for the human rights of people with HIV and AIDS for many years.

The awards night was the icing on the cake in celebrating the community involvement, as well as the value of the event in supporting and advocating for LGBTIQA+ people in Australia for over four decades.

For more information on the festival click here.