• Charles Sturt confirms it will remain a major sponsor of the Wagga Mardi Gras Festival, which has announced a date for 2021

The rainbow flags were sadly packed away in March when it was announced the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Charles Sturt University is a major sponsor of the event and the University has confirmed it will renew that agreement as a date for the 2021 event is announced.

The Wagga Wagga community has been awaiting news of the next event and organisers recently announced that the festival will return on Saturday 13 March 2021.

Charles Sturt’s Equity and Diversity Project Manager Mr Nicholas Steepe said the cancellation of the 2020 event was unfortunate but necessary for people’s health and safety.

Mr Steepe said the renewed sponsorship agreement is another way in which the University is creating a safe and welcoming environment for its LGBTIGA+ community.

“We recognise the importance of supporting and celebrating the diversity within Charles Sturt University and within the communities in which we’re based,” he said.

Mr Steepe said the University’s involvement in the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival is another in a list of initiatives the University has in the LGBTIQA+ space, including becoming a member of Pride in Diversity, participating in the Australian Workplace Equality Index annually, and marking key LGBTIQA+ days of significance.

“We are thrilled to hear the announcement of the new date for the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival and we are now focusing on making 2021 fabulous for all participants,” he said.

Charles Sturt Office for Student Safety and Wellbeing Director Ms Kim Copeland said the University’s sponsorship of the event shows Charles Sturt ‘walks the talk’ when it comes to embracing one of the University’s core values of inclusion.

“Charles Sturt University thrive in an environment which celebrates equity and diversity in staff and students,” she said.

“Friends, families and communities have a major impact on people’s wellbeing, but inclusive and welcoming university communities also play a part.

“They enable students and staff to bring their whole self to work and reduce risk for suicide, general health and mental health issues.”

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival organiser Ms Holly Conroy was devastated in March when the event was cancelled.

But the support and enthusiasm she has received since releasing a Tik Tok video announcing the new date has inspired her to keep striving to make next year’s event great.

“I’m super excited to get back into it and put this year behind us,” she said.

“I love that Charles Sturt University is involved again, and I am looking forward to a long, prosperous relationship with the University.”

Ms Conroy met with Charles Sturt representatives last week to discuss the University’s sponsorship and involvement.

The potential to host events on campus, such as a wine tasting, as part of the week-long festival was discussed.