26 August 2009

The biggest annual event for Western Sydney's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community - the Parramatta Pride Picnic - is set to take place next month.

Organisers are expecting over 500 people to attend the event which will be held in Parramatta Park (Site 23) on Sunday 26 September from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

The picnic is being presented by the Parramatta City Council in partnership with the Parramatta Queer Forum, a group of GLBT community organisations including ACON - Australia's largest GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the Western Suburbs Haven, and the Cumberland Women's Health Centre.

ACON's Western Sydney Liaison Officer Matt Vaughn says the picnic is an opportunity for GLBT locals as well as their families and friends to get together, have fun and find out about available services.

"The day is really about getting out there and meeting other people," Mr Vaughn says. "GLBT and HIV positive people living in the Western Sydney region can often experience a sense of social isolation and a lack of attachment to the broader GLBT community and this can have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing.

"The Parramatta Pride Picnic provides an opportunity to meet other people and families, make new friends and most importantly just have a really fun day out in the middle of Parramatta.

"There'll be lots of activities for the kids like story telling, face painting and kite making. The Western Suburbs Haven will be there again this year cooking the barbeque for those people who don't want to bring a picnic basket. All the money from the barbeque goes back to the Western Suburbs Haven which supports people with HIV in Western Sydney.

"There'll also be a range of community information stalls with people from various organisations which provide services for the GLBT community in Western Sydney. Visitors will be able to talk to workers from each organisation as well as find out more about local support and social groups.

"It's great to see everyone come along with their children, friends and family members. They get a nice spot in the sun, throw out a rug, get out the picnic basket and enjoy the day.

WHAT: Parramatta Pride Picnic

WHEN: Parramatta Park, Site 23

WHERE: Sunday 26 September 2010, 11:00am to 4:00pm

COST: FREE

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact Matthew Vaughan, Community , Development and Western Sydney Liaison Officer

Tel: (02) 9206 2064 Mobile: 0408 969 980 Email: mvaughan@acon.org.au