Stonnington’s night of pride to help Port Phillip centre
More than $65,000 was raised for a charity at this Stonnington event. But the sold out event has been a source of controversy.
Inner East
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A sold out Stonnington Mayoral Charity Ball at Malvern Town Hall helped raise more than $65,000 for the fitting out of the theatrette at a LGBTIQ community centre.
The fundraiser, which proved controversial when it was revealed the money raised would go to a St Kilda organisation in neighbouring Port Phillip, featured performances from the LGBTIQ community and a range of auction items donated by local businesses for the Night of Pride.
The charity ball is understood to have cost ratepayers at least $50,000.
Mayor Steve Stefanopoulos said he was thrilled by the amount raised and humbled by the community’s generosity.
“The night was a celebration of this wonderful diverse and inclusive community, and showed what we can do when we put our minds to it,” he said.
“The Victorian Pride Centre is a wonderful organisation that provides a safe space committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion for Melbourne’s LGBTIQ+ community.
“It will be a significant piece of community infrastructure and an important leader in progressing LGBTIQ+ agenda not just in Victoria and Australia, but internationally.”
Victorian Pride Centre chair Jude Munro said the donation would “help ensure a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for LGBTIQ communities”.
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“The money raised will contribute to the fit out and furniture of pride centre’s ground floor theatrette, a vibrant multipurpose space able to host a variety of activities and performances, all day, every day,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming Stonnington residents to the theatre they have helped create.”