'Pride in Education’ was on display as the NSW Department of Education’s float made its way down Oxford St at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday night.

The Department staff’s hard work was evident as they unveiled the rainbow adorned education float, featuring an array of dazzling disco lights and giant handcrafted hands clasping a rainbow. This nod to the Department’s theme ‘Hand in Hand: Connecting the Rainbow’ stood out among the night’s spectacular procession.

The parade was a reminder of the Department’s focus to ensure a safe and accepting space for everyone to in and out of schools.

NSW teacher, Jess Thompson, was joined by 40 other colleagues from across the department as they marched hand-in-hand through a sky of confetti and a cheering crowd of supporters.; each of them donning an iconic, shimmering shirt covered with sequins of all different colours.

“I want every child in every classroom to know that we support you, we’re here for you,” Jess said.

NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretary, Deb Summerhayes, wore a custom silver sequin jacket of her own to the parade.

“Mardi Gras is all about people belonging, it’s about acceptance and it’s about celebration,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“The beautiful thing about NSW public schools is that everyone belongs.”

Unity in Motion

The creation of the float was the result of months of collaboration and effort from volunteers across the department.

The involvement of staff members and a dedicated team played a critical role, with their hard work raising a cheer from the many thousands who attended the parade.

NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretary, Martin Graham, shared his appreciation and thanks for the organisation and commitment demonstrated by the Pride in Education Network.

“I want to give a huge thanks to all of those who do so much to make the Department’s Mardi Gras float such a meaningful symbol for our public education system,” Mr Graham said.

“The powerful team behind this all are the ones pictured in front of the float.”