After a long journey, we officially re-open our doors from 9am on Friday 5 November!
This is the first time members of the public have had access to Australia’s first purpose-built hub for LGBTIQ+ communities since August 4, 2021, when it closed due to Melbourne’s lockdowns (shortly after the official launch in July!).
Pre-bookings are not required for entry into the ground floor common spaces; however, due to density limits and resident organisation operations, bookings will be required for an extensive tour of the Centre – more information on guided tours will be published on our website and through our socials later in November.
Inside the building, there are inspiring spaces for social connection, and over the coming months there will be a program of engaging cultural programs – including at our Pride Gallery, which is currenting displaying the Pride Centre’s inaugural exhibition ‘identity, adornment, transformation’. Parts of the Pride Centre are also available to book for performance, work, education and more, including our multipurpose theatrette, co-working spaces, and the soon-to-be-completed rooftop terrace. Booking enquiries can be sent to bookings@pridecentre.org.au.
Other activations at the Pride Centre for the opening weekend (Fri 5 Nov – Sun 7 Nov) include:
- A pop-up coffee cart from Co-Ground
- VPC-branded merchandise on sale at the concierge desk
In line with Victorian Government’s public health directions for community organisations, the Pride Centre is implementing a range of health and safety measures throughout the re-opening process:
- Masks are mandatory inside the Pride Centre
- All visitors are required to be fully vaccinated; proof of vaccination status is needed (digital preferred, but a printed certificate will be accepted)
- All visitors will be asked to check-in via the Service Victoria app (or manually, if phone is not available)
The Pride Centre houses key organisations that support, empower, and celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities which you can find more about on this webpage.
Justine Dalla Riva, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre:
“We opened for the first time in July, and we closed ten days later as Melbourne entered another COVID-19 lockdown. Now that restrictions have eased, our communities are highly vaccinated, and Victoria is springing back to life, this is our re-launch. We are ready for the next chapter in the story of LGBTIQ+ pride.”
Open hearts, open minds, open doors. The Victorian Pride Centre is open in every way.
Images by Luke David
