Attendees to the 2018 Central West Pride March in Dubbo will get access to resources and information on LGBTI health and wellbeing through a range of festival activities supported by NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation, ACON.
Now in its fourth year, the Central West Pride March will celebrate the diverse LGBTI communities in the Central West region of NSW. Organised by the Central West Rainbow Alliance, this year’s festival will fly under the theme ‘Unity’ to showcase the spirit of harmony and solidarity across the Central West and beyond. It also coincides with Mental Health Month, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness around the mental health issues facing people in LGBTI communities.
Festivities kick off on Thursday 18 October and will culminate on Saturday 20 October with a colourful pride march through the streets of Dubbo.
“ACON is proud to once again be part of the Central West Pride March as it’s an important event that brings together regional LGBTI communities in the Central West region of NSW,” said ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill.
“Despite progress made over recent years in fostering a more inclusive society in Australia, many LGBTI Australians continue to be targets of prejudice and discrimination. The Central West Pride March provides organisers and the local community a great opportunity to demonstrate that the Central West is welcoming and celebrates diversity and inclusion.”
ACON is presenting the festival’s opening event – a screening of the award-winning feature documentary Black Divaz, and a Q&A with Jojo Zaho, one of the artists featured in the film – on Thursday 19 October at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.
ACON community health promotion officers will be also be on hand throughout the festival to provide information on PrEP, HIV testing and HIV treatment and other LGBTI health issues affecting our communities, including breast/chest health, cervical cancer screening and mental health.
“Pride events in regional and rural NSW provides an important opportunity for local communities to come together to not only celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion, but also get informed and engaged on issues affecting the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people,” Parkhill said.
“Events like Central West Pride March enables ACON to connect with local LGBTI people and people living with HIV in regional areas. As our communities are becoming more visible in regional Australia, partnering with local groups and services to promote HIV prevention, support and LGBTI health services is a key priority for us.
“By working together, we can continue to build the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
CENTRAL WEST PRIDE MARCH 2018
Thursday 18 October
Black Divaz Screening + Q&A with Jojo Zaho (Opening Event)
Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre
Sponsored by ACON
The 2018 Central West Pride March celebrations kicks off with this screening of the award-winning feature documentary Black Divaz. The film is followed by a Q&A with one its stars, Jojo Zaho. Sponsored by ACON. Free entry.
Friday 19 October
Drag Bingo
Macquarie Inn Dubbo
Revel in the fun of Drag Queen Bingo with Miss Betty Botox, Miss Lola Lypo and JoJo Zaho. Tickets are $10 on the door. Limited space.
Saturday 20 October
Central West Pride March
Dubbo
Be part of the biggest LGBTI pride celebration in the Central West. The march begins at 10am at the Bligh Park Soccer Ovals in Dubbo and will finish with a community fair in Victoria Park.
For more information on the 2018 Central West Pride March, visit the Facebook event page here.
Contact the Central West Rainbow Alliance via email at [email protected].
For more information about ACON’s work in regional NSW, click here.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For further information or media enquiries regarding ACON, contact:
Reg Domingo
ACON Media and Communications Manager
0400358109