• Charles Sturt returns as a regional partner for the Queer Screen Film Festival – ‘Free to Be’ ─ in Port Macquarie, Orange and Bathurst in March and April
• Charles Sturt continues to advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community as a regional partner of Queer Screen
• Festival format expands to include a celebration of LGBTIQA+ culture with live drag performances and a photography exhibition

Charles Sturt University continues to be loud and proud in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community (LGBTIQA+), returning as a regional partner for the Queer Screen Film Festival – ‘Free to Be’.

The University will host screening events across three locations in regional Australia in Port Macquarie, Orange and Bathurst during March and April, featuring eight of the best, brave and brightest queer films from this year’s festival, curated by Festival Director Ms Lisa Rose.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye said Charles Sturt was a proud advocate of the Queer Screen Film Festival and is excited to bring an elevated public screening event to Port Macquarie on Friday 28 March.

“This is the fourth Queer Screen Festival we will host in the Port Macquarie community, and we wholeheartedly embrace the festival each year and are delighted to be supporting it again in its new screening location and format at The Glasshouse Port Macquarie,” Ms Wood-Foye said.

“It’s fantastic to have the support of Port Macquarie Hastings Council through their Community Grant program and to be partnering with Headspace Port Macquarie, Out Loud and Proud, Cheers Queers, and Charles Sturt Student Representative Council in Port Macquarie to deliver such an exciting community event.”

Ms Wood-Foye said it’s a chance for everyone in the community to come along and celebrate ‘the best of the fest’ stories from the LGBTIQA+ perspective, while highlighting the importance of sharing queer stories with communities outside of the traditional metropolitan audiences.

“Sharing these stories through film starts important conversations, creates connections and ultimately can save lives,” she said.

“Everyone deserves to know there is a place for them to grow and flourish and that includes in a regional community and while at university.

“This year’s Mardi Gras theme is ‘Free to Be’ and we will be channelling that spirit of freedom and celebration with an evening of colour, performance, film, fun, photography and creativity.”

The festival is held Australia-wide and Charles Sturt will host exclusive screening events at:

• Port Macquarie on Friday 28 March 6pm for 6.30pm at The Glasshouse, corner of Clarence and Hay Streets
• Orange on Wednesday 19 March 7.30pm at The Odeon Theatre, William Street
• Bathurst on Thursday 10 April 6pm at The Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University

The Port Macquarie event has been possible with the support of Port Macquarie Hastings Council under the Community Grants round.

Ms Lucilla Marshall, Group Manager Liveable Communities said, Port Macquarie Hastings Council is committed to supporting projects that bring the community together and celebrate the diverse voices that make the region unique.

“Events like these provide an opportunity for storytelling, connection and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging for all,” she said. “We value initiatives that reflect the interests and identities of our community and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.”

Queer Screen Film Director Ms Lisa Rose welcomed the return of Charles Sturt as the regional partner for the 2025 festival.

“I am thrilled that Charles Sturt is our regional partner again because getting queer stories out to regional areas is such an important thing to do,” Ms Rose said.

“The selection of films will cover heart-warming tales to powerful narratives exploring a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, romance, and more, all while celebrating the vibrant and diverse LGBTIQA+ community.”

Port Macquarie festival tickets are available for $20 each. A low ticket price for this inclusive event has been made possible through powerful local partnerships, a community grant and the support of the Charles Sturt University Ally Network who activate LGBTQIA+ initiatives on campus.

Tickets can be purchased here:

• Port Macquarie ─ this is an age 18+ event
• Bathurst ─ this is an MA15+ event
• Orange ─ this is an MA15+ event

Charles Sturt University is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The University was one of the first Australian universities to receive an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award. Charles Sturt is also an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality from the Commonwealth Workplace Gender Equality Agency.