Melbourne celebrated Pride March on Sunday under the bluest skies seen this summer.
Catani Gardens buzzed with excitement in the 32-plus degree heat, the vibe heightened by two performance stages keeping the entertainment going throughout the afternoon and evening. Victoria Police continued the tradition begun by former Commissioner Christine Nixon by marching in uniform. Chief Commissioner Simon Overland and a contingent of officers in uniform marched behind the impressive, kilt-wearing Police Band. Later, Overland spoke to an enthusiastic crowd from the main stage. “I have been to many community events, but never in my life have I experienced the sort of reception, and the sort of welcome that I got marching down the streets to come here today,” Overland said. “I mean that with all sincerity. If I had any hair at the back of my neck it would have been standing up.” Pride president Brett Hayhoe said although some observers had missed the earlier, numbers of marchers and stall registrations were not affected. Hayhoe said Pride March 2011 will also begin at 2pm. “Absolutely, yes. There was a lot of consultation [with council] to get the two o’clock start to work – and people won’t miss the start next year. “This is how Pride March develops: by looking at things, adding things and changing times.” Hayhoe was enthusiastic about the crowd’s reception of the Gasworks Community Village and stage this year. “It provided another area for people to go; it provided colour and movement, which was exactly what it was supposed to do. We had people in there up until 10pm.” Responding to criticism from a mainstream radio program that the Chief Commissioner should not have attended the event on the anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires, Hayhoe said Pride March has always been held on the first Sunday in February. “I am sensitive to [the Black Saturday legacy]. We gave a minute’s silence for Black Saturday to remember those who passed. “Simon Overland did a marvellous job. It was about recognising a community event and he has a number of other, different communities that he also responds to.” The same radio station criticised the Chief Commissioner for posing for photos with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the presenter suggesting this may be offensive to Catholics. Responding as a guest on the program, Hayhoe admitted the Sisters were “taking the mickey” out of the Catholic Church. He then pointed out that the Sisters were noted for their fundraising efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and that the Catholic Church and its leaders had “quite a philosophical problem with the gay community”. IMAGE: Pride president Brett Hayhoe, far right, waves to camera at the head of Sunday’s Pride March. Pride March 2010 - click on image for larger version. Photos: A. Shaw
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