Department of Education staff are gearing up for their third year of participating in the education float in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.

The design of the float this year has a focus this on inclusivity and connectedness found within the Department.

For Mardi Gras 2025, the department’s float embodies the theme ‘Hand in Hand: Connecting the Rainbow’. The symbolism of hands reaching out, connecting and sharing the rainbow celebrates the role that department staff play in fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. This concept emphasises a commitment to welcoming diversity with open arms and further embraces the festival’s broader theme ‘Free to Be’.

This year, the Department’s float will be led by the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, and NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar.

“I am incredibly proud and excited to once again march in the Mardi Gras parade. These are our people and it’s an honour to embrace and support them,” Mr Dizdar said.

“It’s been wonderful to see the float come to life and I was honoured to be able to help at a workshop. I’m looking forward to lots of fun on Saturday night."

Joining them are department executives Martin Graham and Deb Summerhayes, alongside 40 LGBTQIA+ staff and allies, all of whom will be ‘joining hands’ and supporting the float during the celebrations.

The Co-chair of the Department’s Pride in Education Network, Hilary Moore, said this year’s float and theme are about “connecting and being an inclusive department”.

“The hope is that everyone can feel free and comfortable being themselves at work and at school,” she said.

Building connections and community

The preparations for the float have involved weeks of planning and execution from volunteers across the department.

Dedicated weekend workshops have seen contributions from department staff and a visit from Mr Dizdar and Suzie Matthews, Executive Director, Skills and Workforce Programs, the executive sponsors of the Pride in Education network.

“When you see the spectacular works of art parading up Oxford Street this Saturday night, check out the huge rainbow for our Public Schools float,” Ms Matthews said.

“What I’m really proud of is the togetherness and support I’ve seen as this huge event has been coming together. Visibility and support for our staff, students and communities has never been more important."

The float features colourful hands and a giant hand-crafted rainbow made out of foam to help the Department stand out in the crowd. Schools across the region contributed by colouring in vibrant handprints, adding to the collective effort.

This year’s parade will also feature handheld fans, with participants practicing a choreography to add a touch of sparkle and movement to the vibrant scene.

To match the colourful float, the parade participants will be dressed in colourful sequin shirts, with executives donning special sequin jackets, bringing even more energy to the festivities.

The colours of the rainbow used across the float aim to represent the diverse community within the Department and reflect a continued effort to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Qtopia celebrates one year during Mardi Gras

A year since its launch, Qtopia has become a thriving cultural and community hub dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

As education is one of the ‘core pillars’ of Qtopia Sydney’s philosophy, it is now welcoming school groups looking for an enriching excursion to its Darlinghurst “home of Queer History and Culture”. 

Students and their teachers can explore exhibitions through a case study activity that focuses on community leaders and key historical moments. They can also hear from a guest speaker about the importance of community and connections. 

The chief executive officer of Qtopia Sydney, Greg Fisher, highlights the importance of their programs in building an understanding of identity and inclusion.

“Our programs are designed to ask participants in their own day to day situations, how they may be able to be more inclusive of difference and understanding of uniqueness,” he said.