Vale Ron Austin

Sadly, long-time LGBTI activist and 78er Ron Austin passed away on the morning of 13 April 2019.

Ron was an early member of CAMP Inc., especially of the Political Action Committee. Ron recognised the need to involve non-political LGBTI people in the campaign for equality. He didn’t think a standard morning demonstration would do it - so he suggested that we have an evening street party which became the first Mardi Gras. Ron was later an active and wise voice in the Pride History Group.

Ron celebrated his 90th birthday on 10 March 2019 with family and friends. Robert French, John Witte and other activists joined the celebration along with Josh Quong Tart, who played Ron in the ABCTV film, RIOT!

John Witte, Ron Austin and Robert French at Ron’s 90th birthday party 10 March 2019

Robert French said: "Despite his years, Ron was bright and chirpy, and expressed thanks for all the good wishes sent to him."
Robyn Kennedy, who served on the CAMP Executive Committee with Ron said: "Ron was widely read in feminist literature and would often quote feminist writers. He dressed flamboyantly when he felt like it and had a lovely sense of humour. Ron was a gentle, kind man."

A memorial service and wake, a rainbow day, for Ron is being held on 24 April 2019 at Camperdown Commons (31A Mallet Street, Camperdown), starting at 11am to 2pm. Please contact Garry Long for catering purposes if you plan on attending - 0458 602 355
All images of Ron by Robert French

Hay Mardi Gras 30 March
First Mardi Gras Inc. members Helen Gollan and Diane Minnis traveled to Hay to participate in the second Hay Mardi Gras along with Helen’s partner, Virginia Mansell Lees.

We were honoured to march right behind the Indigenous Elders who led the parade. There was a great rollup of around 200 colourful parade participants, both marching and on floats.
Left side of banner: Helen Gollan, Centre: Virginia Mansell Lees, Right side of banner: Diane Minnis with helpers from Hay and Leeton.

Peter de Waal – Lifetime Achievement Award

Long-term LGBTIQ activist and 78er Peter de Waal won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras awards on 28 March 2019.

Lifelong gay activists Peter De Waal and his late partner Peter Bonsall-Boone have been regular attendees and strong supporters of Mardi Gras over many decades. Now in his ‘80s, his voice was as strong as ever during the 40th anniversary last year and continues fearlessly now.

Peter used his speech to highlight the plight of LGBTIQ people overseas and especially refugees from countries where our community is under threat.
Congratulations Peter!
Photo: William Brougham

Robyn Kennedy (left) and Diane Minnis (right) congratulating Peter de Waal on his award. Photo: Anne Morphett.

Next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting – Saturday 25 May, 2 - 4pm at East Sydney Arts and Community Centre, corner Burton and Palmer Streets Darlinghurst.

Social Dinner Tuesday 23 April 2019
We had a good night at our first Social Dinner in March and our next dinner will be at the Paddington RSL, 226 Oxford St Paddington, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 23 April. To join us, contact Rebbell Barnes on rebbellabarnes@gmail.com

Spanish Film Festival – 2-for-1 Tickets
To celebrate LGBTQ stories on the big screen, the Spanish Film Festival has provided us with five ‘2-for-1’ tickets to give away to their LGBTQ films. These include the amazing Gypsy love story: Carmen y Lola, the thrilling Argentinian film: The Quietude and the super realistic Guatemalan feature: Tremors.

The festival kicks off this week in Sydney and then travels to Melbourne, Byron Bay, Perth and other capitals. For more information on screening dates check out: www.spanishfilmfestival.com

Three ‘2-for-1’ tickets are available for the Sydney screenings and two for sessions in other locations. If you are interested in seeing these films at the Spanish Film Festival and will use these ‘2-for-1’ tickets, please email info@78ers.org.au with your name and address.