Only Labor Will Fund And Deliver Pride Street Party
Smith Street's iconic Pride Street Party is here to stay under the Allan Labor Government - and only the Labor Government will continue to fund and deliver it if re-elected.
Minister for Equality Vicki Ward and Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt visited Smith Street today to celebrate the fifth annual Pride Street Party - designed, delivered and funded by the Labor Government.
Pride Street Party is a free, one-day festival of music, comedy, circus, drag and art installations, transforming Melbourne's inner north into a vibrant celebration of pride.
This year, Victoria's mobile pill testing service will also be at the party - providing free, confidential drug checking services to attendees so they can make safer, more informed decisions. The Pride Street Party is the first free street party to take part in the 18-month implementation trial.
Leading the musical line-up, neo-soul star Mo'Ju will be joined by Thandi Phoenix, Umbra Moon, Kevin Silvester, Armana Khan, Dyan Tai and Ben Graetz. Festival favourite and award-winning cultural powerhouse Samuel Gaskin will host, alongside powerhouse vocalist and The Voice 2025 runner-up Cle Morgan.
Delivered in partnership with Midsumma Festival Inc - Australia's premier LGBTIQA+ arts and cultural organisation - Victoria's Pride Street Party marks the final day of the 2026 Midsumma Festival and caps off several months of regional pride events across the state.
The mobile pill testing service will next be available at Pitch Music and Arts Festival (6-10 March).
As stated by Minister for Equality Vicki Ward
"Equality is not negotiable in Victoria which is why only a Labor Government will fund Pride Street Party if re-elected - a popular celebration of our LGBTIQA+ communities."
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"The Pride Street Party is the latest event that our mobile pill testing service is visiting this summer - offering attendees the opportunity to have their drugs checked and to have a health-lead conversation so they can make an informed decision about their drug use."
As stated by Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant
"Across the full Victoria's Pride program, we see extraordinary diversity from bold artists, emerging talent, and local supporting businesses who bring the event to life.
As stated by Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball
"Victoria's Street Party is a celebration of Pride, joy, connection and belonging. Every Pride event is someone's first time meeting their people."
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/260208-Only-Labor-Will-Fund-And-Deliver-Pride-Street-Party.pdf
View Original | AusPol.co Disclaimer