Wagga Mardi Gras to return in 2025 despite two major sponsors withdrawing funding

Wagga’s annual Mardi Gras will be held for the seventh time on 5 April, despite Coles deciding to withdraw funding and Charles Sturt University (CSU) substantially scaling back its financial support.

Organiser Holly Conroy is confident the festival of pride will still put on a good show.

“We lost around $55,000 in sponsorship,” Ms Conroy said.

“We’ve had a few smaller sponsors jump on but no new major sponsors.

“We’ve had to scale it back a little bit to try and cut some of the costs involved with putting it on.

“We were a bit smarter with our money last year as well. So having that little bit left over really helped get this one over the line as well.”

Coles provided $15,000 in sponsorship for the event last year but will not fund it this year. The supermarket giant did not respond to a request from Region on why it made this decision.

CSU was a platinum sponsor of the event in 2024, contributing $27,500. However, this year the university has become a ‘Friends of Wagga Mardi Gras’ sponsor, providing just $250.

“Charles Sturt University remains committed to the values of inclusiveness and diversity that the Wagga Mardi Gras represents and are in the planning stages of developing our float for the parade so that our staff and students can actively participate and enjoy the event,” a CSU spokesperson said.

Ms Conroy said organisers were also having to combat global leaders pushing policies she believed were hindering LGBTQI+ progress.

Nevertheless, she believed the Mardi Gras continued to receive public support and was needed now more than ever.

“It’s probably more important, you know, in today’s climate than it was, say, six years ago,” she said.

“With all the negative stuff that we see in the media and politicians banning trans people’s rights and that sort of thing, I think right now, we’re in an important era where holding these events can try and prove people are against everything that’s going on in mainstream media and where they seem to be putting all their focus.”

The event will officially kick off on Baylis Street on Saturday 5 April at 5 pm and will travel to the Victory Memorial Gardens where an after-party will be held.

“This year, in addition to all the fabulous food options you love, we’re trialling a BYO setup for drinks instead of the usual bar,” Holly said.

“Just make sure you only bring cans into the gardens; there’s definitely no glass.

“Registrations are still open to join in the parade. You don’t need to arrange a float, just grab your friends and sign up.

“Being in the parade and feeling the joy and happiness sent your way from everyone lining the main street will definitely give you goosebumps; there’s nothing like it.”

After the official event concludes, revellers are invited to continue to Tillys from about 8:30 pm.

There are a host of entertainment options to look forward to in the days leading up to the Mardi Gras parade. Tickets are selling fast to Miss Lady St Diva’s Drag Bingo on Thursday 3 April at 7 pm, and the Drag Show on Friday 4 April at 7 pm, both at Tilly’s on Baylis Street. The Twin City Skate Rainbow Roller Disco is also on Friday 4 April from 7 pm, with tickets available at the door. Get tickets to the Drag Bingo and Drag Show via the Wagga Mardi Gras website.