Civic reception to celebrate marriage equality survey result
Thursday 9 November 2017
Inner West Council will hold a free civic reception at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on the evening of Wednesday 15 November, the day the results of the marriage equality survey are released.
Media are invited to attend.
Win or lose, Council and members of local LGBTIQ organisations are determined to mark the event with a glass of sparkling and a spirit of solidarity with friends and neighbours, said Mayor of Inner West Darcy Byrne.
“I am inviting representatives from LGBTIQ organisations and the inner west community to what will hopefully be a joyous celebration of an historic victory in the struggle for civil rights,” Mayor Byrne said.
One of the new elected Council’s first acts was to run a ‘Vote Yes’ awareness campaign - on social media, flying flags from key council buildings, and installing rainbow banners across the local government area - urging local residents to support the vote for equal rights in the marriage equality postal survey.
Inner West Council also set a precedent by announcing same-sex couples would be able to marry free of charge in Council’s heritage halls and community centres for the first 100 days after marriage equality is legislated.
City of Sydney quickly followed suit.
“It’s heartening to see City of Sydney follow Inner West’s lead and grant same-sex couples free weddings in council venues.
“It is a going to be a great period of celebration in inner Sydney after same sex marriage is legalised,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It is important that the inner west lead the national charge for civil rights as it is home to one of the largest and proudest LGBTQI communities in Australia.”
Council staff have also been asked to investigate how to further support the inner west LGBTIQ community. Council resolved at it 31st October meeting to commission a report on having a dedicated LGBTIQ Community Engagement Officer, and identifying options for a Pride Centre.
The reception will commence at 7pm at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday 15 November. All welcome.
RSVP to
Marriagee Equality Civic Reception Tickets on Eventbrite