Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was delighted on the weekend to march in the Mardi Gras parade, one of the highlights of my year. I acknowledge several outstanding Wentworth organisations that work tirelessly to ensure that our LGBTQIA+ community feels safe, supported and celebrated, particularly Qtopia, the world's largest dedicated queer museum; Trans Housing Hub, who provide safe housing to support trans and gender diverse people; the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, who support those living with HIV; Emerald City Kickball, a community of LGBTQIA+ Australians and others connecting through kickball and other team sports; and Sydney Frontrunners, a community for LGBTQIA+ friends who are interested in running and walking. It was such a privilege to walk alongside you all. It was a privilege to see the 78ers out there today. It was a wonderful night for all Australians.

I also want to acknowledge that last week I went to Clovelly Beach to support Wesley Mission's and Lifeline's 24-hour run-swim-run challenge, Lifeguards for Life. Lifeguards from across Sydney participated to raise vital funds for Lifeline Sydney and Sutherland's telephone counselling service. It wasn't a great day on Friday, I have to tell you, if you were out there in Sydney; there was a big surf, but they dived into the ocean and were incredible in their endurance. Thank you to all the lifeguards who participated and thank you to everyone in the community who sponsored them. It was a really important event and one that I hope to start again next year.