First Nations Advisory Committee

Role of the Committee

Sydney WorldPride (SWP) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) are committed to working closely with First Nations communities  to celebrate and elevate  First Nations LGBTQIA+,  Sistergirl and Brotherboy  culture.

SWP and SGLMG understand the importance of actively promoting equity and equality while working together to build cultural competence and strong relationships  between First Nations and our organisations. 

The role of the First Nations Advisory committee is to advise and make recommendations to Sydney WorldPride and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on matters relating to First Nations programming. The committee will inform development, implementation, and review of festival planning. The committee will also advise and liaise regarding issues impacting First Nations LGBTQIA+  Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities.

All members of the advisory committee were appointed through an EOI and interview process, by a panel that included PwC’s Indigenous Consulting,  SWP First Nations Engagement Manager, SWP Creative Director – First Nations and the SWP and SGLMG CEOs.

Photo of a person playing a didgeridoo during a smoking ceremony in an urban setting

First Nations Advisory Committee Members

NameNation
Ty MaddenGadigal/Aura Gumbaynggir
Tony Lee (He/Him)Yawuru  (WA) 
Dwesmond Wiggan   Bardi/Jawi Nation of the Dampier Peninsular (WA)   
Keith Quayle (He/Him) Barkindji/ Malyangapa  
Elsie Stuart (She/Her) Biripi (Northern NSW) woman living on Awabikal Country 
Jaleel Jarrett  Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung   
Colin Ross Jinibara Dala and Bidjara (Sunshine Coast)   
Taz ClayKalkadoon (Mt Isa) and Bwgcolman (Palm Island)  
Crystal Johnson Tiwi & Lajamanu (NT)  
Desmond Campbell (He/Him) Nglakan (south east Arnhem Land region) and Gurindji (south west of NT)  
Ross Fowler  Bidigal, Dharawal (NSW)    
Sani Townson   Samu, Koedal and Dhoeybaw Clans of Saibal Island Torres Strait  lives in Sydney    
Joanna Agius OAM  (She/Her) Narungga South Australia (SA)   
Jony Berry   Palawa Tasmania   

Acknowledgement of country

Sydney WorldPride will take place on the lands of the Gadigal, Cammeraygal, Bidjigal, Darug, Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney Basin.

We pay our Respects to their Elders past and present. Always was Always will be Aboriginal Land.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people come from many different clans and communities across Australia & in 2023 will come together as one, to celebrate with our global LGBTQIA+ community.