Newtown Welcomes NSW's First Pride Centre
The Inner West Council has opened the state's first Pride Centre in the heart of Newtown. This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The newly renovated Newtown Town Hall now houses the Inner West Pride Centre, offering a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds. The center will provide crucial support services, including counseling, social support, and community events.
Mayor Darcy Byrnes expressed the council's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. "We want to send a message to all young people in Sydney that, no matter their sexuality, they are all welcome here at the Newtown Pride Centre," Byrnes stated.
The center will be managed by Twenty10, a renowned LGBTQIA+ community organization. Mon Schafter, co-chair of Twenty10, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. "It's a total honor for Twenty10 to be able to run our services here and help facilitate this space as a safer space for the community," Schafter said.
The opening ceremony honored Peter De Waal, a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ advocacy. De Waal and his partner established Sydney's first LGBTQIA+ counseling service, "Phone a Friend," in 1973. Reflecting on the journey, De Waal remarked, "It's a fulfilment of a dream we could have never imagined in 1973 when it started just with one Bakelite telephone."
The center's opening was met with enthusiasm from local residents. Krisandra Knight, who attended the ceremony with her partner and daughter, expressed her excitement. "We go to a lot of rainbow family events, and I love that our daughter gets to experience such a diverse community," Knight said. "And it's great to have even more of that."
The Inner West Pride Centre stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, offering vital resources and fostering a sense of belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community.