On Saturday 27 June 2026 Inner West Council will open the first-ever Inner West Pride Walk, a landmark initiative celebrating the rich and diverse LGBTQIA+ history of the Inner West.
The Pride Walk is an interactive heritage experience highlighting significant people, places and moments that have shaped the local LGBTQIA+ community. The project has been developed in collaboration with community organisations and features commemorative plaques, an interactive map and online storytelling.
The Pride Walk spans 17 key sites across the Inner West, from early activism and social movements to contemporary spaces of inclusion and pride.
Importantly, the walk includes Pride Square in Newtown — home to the Inner West Pride Centre, Australia’s first council-funded Pride Centre — cementing the Inner West’s reputation as a national leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusion and visibility.
Councillor Mat Howard said the Pride Walk honours the community’s long history of activism, resilience and celebration.
“The Inner West has long been at the forefront of the fight for equality and inclusion,” Cr Howard said.
“This Pride Walk brings those stories to life — from the early pioneers of the movement to the vibrant and diverse community we celebrate today. It’s a powerful reminder that the Inner West is, and always will be, a place where everyone is welcome.”
Councillor Mat Howard added the initiative ensures important local histories are recognised and shared with future generations.
“The Pride Walk is about recognising the people and places that helped shape the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in Australia,” Cr Howard said.
“By marking these sites and sharing these stories, we’re preserving an important part of our local history and making it accessible for everyone to explore and learn from.”
“The Pride Walk builds on the extraordinary work of the Sisters and Brothers of the Order of Perpetual Indulgence, who hold regular walks celebrating our LGBTIQA+ history and communities.”
A spokesperson for the Order of Perpetual Indulgence said the Pride Walk reflects the enduring strength and visibility of the community.
“For decades, our communities have fought hard to be seen, heard and celebrated,” the spokesperson said.
“This Pride Walk honours those who came before us, while inspiring future generations to continue the work of building a more inclusive and joyful world.”
The Inner West Pride Walk builds on Council’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, following the establishment of the Inner West Pride Centre and the area’s prominent role in events such as Sydney WorldPride.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the Pride Walk online and in person, discovering the stories that have helped define the Inner West as a proud and inclusive community.
For more information and a full list of the 17 Pride Walk sites, visit the Pride Walk web page.
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au