The Victorian Pride Centre has always been grounded in the belief that every member of our LGBTIQA+ community deserves to feel welcome, celebrated and safe. As the world around us continues to shift, that commitment remains central to everything we do.
We are pleased to share that the Australian Government has committed up to $1 million over four years to support a significant uplift in the Centre’s security and resilience. In recent years, minority communities, including LGBTIQA+ people, have experienced growing external pressures that reflect the current climate. Both the Centre and our resident organisations have taken these concerns seriously, often redirecting core funding to meet increasing security needs.
This new support ensures that the Centre and our resident organisations can continue to grow as a place where people come together, celebrate who they are and feel supported. It strengthens our ability to provide a safe environment while allowing resources to be directed back into community programs, services and events where they matter most.
As our CEO Paul Horwell shares, “The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, residents and staff is always at the centre of our work. We know that many minority communities, including LGBTIQA+ people, are experiencing increased pressure, and it means a great deal that this is being recognised.”
The Victorian Pride Centre is home to over a dozen community organisations, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of visitors each year. It is a place where people find connection, support, affirmation and celebration. This investment helps protect that space and strengthens our capacity to keep building a Centre that reflects the resilience, diversity and joy of our community. With upgraded security and improved preparedness, organisations within the building can look ahead with confidence and reinvest more deeply in the people they serve.
“We know community dollars are precious, so we’re helping the Pride Centre protect its space, allowing it to focus on supporting our community,” Josh Burns MP explains.
We look forward to working closely with our partners, tenants and wider community as these improvements take shape. Thank you for continuing to walk with us, grow with us and help make the Pride Centre the home it is today.