City of Sydney unanimously approves free rent for Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers amid financial woes
A council has once again bailed out Sydney’s Mardi Gras festival, unanimously approving more than $250,000 worth of free rent for CBD office space in a bid to keep the financially stricken event afloat.
Central Sydney
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A council has once again bailed out Sydney’s Mardi Gras festival, unanimously approving more than $250,000 worth of free rent for CBD office space in a bid to keep the financially stricken event afloat.
The City of Sydney council has green-lit a two-year lease for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival organisers free of charge, with the council subsidising the entire $257,730 required to rent the commercial space in Pitt St, as parade organisers claim a “difficult economic climate” could throw the parade’s longevity into question.
The unanimous vote follows the City of Sydney approving a separate six-figure “rescue package”, which allowed this year’s festival to go ahead despite major financial challenges.
The council’s $550,000 contribution to the rescue package was matched by the NSW Government, taking its value $1.1m.
A Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras spokesman said organisers had been exploring options to cut back on costs, one on which was seeking help from the council.
“Like many festivals over the past year, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has faced significant financial challenges due to a combination of external factors, including rising costs and a difficult economic climate,” he said.
“To ensure the festival’s longevity, we have been exploring various cost-saving measures, including seeking subsidised office space through our long-term supporter, the City of Sydney.
“We remain committed to delivering a vibrant and unforgettable celebration in 2025 and beyond, continuing to champion LGBTQIA+ visibility and inclusion.
“Planning is well underway, and we look forward to sharing details of the 2025 program later this year.”
The commercial office space, which is currently vacant, will give parade organisers 213sqm in which to work on the ninth floor at 309 Pitt St.
Since 2014, the council has provided more than $4.65m in sponsorship money to the Madi Gras.
The City Life Divisional Budget has taken one of the most recent hits, forking out the $500,000 to help save the 2024 parade that is estimated to bring $35m of economic benefit to NSW each year.
A City of Sydney Spokesperson said the council would continue to support Mardi Gras organisers through their economic struggles.
The lease commenced on September 1 and will run until August 31, 2026.
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