Thousands turn out in the CBD for Wagga’s annual Mardi Gras parade. Photo: Chris Roe.
The Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival committee has put out an urgent call for help from local businesses and the community after two of its biggest sponsors chose not to renew their support in 2025.
Charles Sturt University and Coles have both made significant contributions in the past and without their support, organisers fear that they may be forced to cancel next year’s event.
“I think with all the pride events that have been popping up in places like Orange and Daylesford, Coles and CSU both said that they won’t be doing Wagga this year and they’re going to be focusing on other areas,” said event founder Holly Conroy.
“For us, if Coles had pulled out this year and CSU pulled out next year or the year after, it wouldn’t have been as detrimental, but to lose both our major sponsors just months out from the event was definitely a setback.
“We do get money off [Wagga] Council each year, but it takes a lot to put on an event like this and every year we run at a loss.”
Launched in 2019, this April would be the fifth time the city has hosted the family-friendly festival that celebrates diversity and equality and aims to foster a growing sense of community and acceptance in the heart of Wagga.
The festival committee is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers and Holly said they depend entirely on sponsorships and donations to cover essential costs, including entertainment, security, road closures, insurance, photography, advertising and equipment hire.
“All our committee members work full-time jobs and we just don’t have the hours to be contacting every single business so we’re looking for a bit of help this year and we’re hoping that there are community-minded businesses out there that want to see the event keep going,” she said.
“If we do have to cancel, and obviously that’s a last resort and something that we don’t want to do, it’s going to take a safe space away from a lot of people.
“But unfortunately, we also can’t perform miracles and we can’t pull money out to pay for stuff that we don’t have.”
Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras founder Holly Conroy (right) is calling on local businesses to help keep the annual event alive. Photo: Supplied.
Holly said there were plenty of challenges over the past few years, including a COVID cancellation, but she hoped the community would get behind them to keep the important event on the calendar.
“Mardi Gras is that one time of the year that just seems to give everyone that extra little bit of courage to go out and be themselves and not be ridiculed for it,” she said.
“After the very first Mardi Gras I had a young boy come up to me, and because Wagga was holding a Mardi Gras, it gave him the courage to come out of the closet to his friends and family, and that’s the sort of effect that events like these have on people.
“It gives them space and freedom to express themselves how they like and not feel bullied and to feel like they’re part of the community.”
Holly said that sponsoring or donating to the festival was a way to support the rainbow community and an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their commitment to diversity, creativity, and community spirit.
“We really do encourage all businesses to reach out to us and I’m sure we’d have a package that can definitely help your business and show your support for our community,” she said.
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