New Mardi Gras (“NMG”), ACON and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby have issued a statement of intent regarding ‘Project Blue’, an initiative to inform, support and educate members of the GLBTIQ community on health, safety and rights issues when attending NMG and community events, particularly where police drug operations occur.

NMG will co-ordinate a community approach to the issue, with three areas identified for particular focus: health and safety; rights information; and monitoring and patron assistance at events.

Each of the three organisations will take a leading role in one of these key areas.

A community meeting will be held at 7pm on 8 December 2009 at the Rex Centre, 58A Macleay Street, Kings Cross (entrance near Baroda Street) to discuss ideas, listen to feedback and to seek assistance from interested people to be a part of the project.

NMG will provide initial funding for the project and NMG Board member Josh Keech has been tasked with co-ordinating NMG’s work on the project and liaising with community organisations and volunteers that have stepped forward to assist.

“We understand that the police have a difficult job to do,” said NMG Co-Chair Steph Sands. “However it is clear from the feedback that we have had that many in our community feel police operations at our parties have become heavy-handed and intrusive.”

“Today’s joint statement sets out three very clear priority areas where we can make a difference,” said NMG Board Director Josh Keech. “To be effective though this must be a community campaign and I urge as many people to get involved as possible.”

More info

For further information or interview requests contact Damien Eames.

Tel: +61 405 038 575

Email: damien.eames@mardigras.org.au