More than 80 NSW Department of Education staff will ‘Lead from the Front’ as part of the 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, and department Secretary, Murat Dizdar, will be joined by Deputy Secretary, Early Childhood Outcomes, Mark Barraket, Acting Deputy Secretary, Education and Skills Reform, Amanda Lawrence, and Executive Director, Skills and Workforce Programs, Suzie Matthews, in leading the parade float, which this year has been designed to the theme ‘Lead from the Front’.

Mr Dizdar and Ms Matthews are also executive sponsors of Pride in Education, reflecting strong leadership support for the initiative.

Head Teacher Programs at Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus and Pride in Education Events Stream Lead, Rodney Plashchik, said teachers and school staff would be joined by education support service staff for the parade, demonstrating the department’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I am extremely proud and excited to see the department’s Mardi Gras float come to life under our theme, ‘Lead from the Front’,” Rodney said.

“This year, 80 staff members will bring energy, pride and visibility to the parade.

“Together, we will celebrate diversity and show our commitment to inclusion and respect - truly leading from the front. Happy Mardi Gras!”

The theme, ‘Lead from the Front’, honours the origins of Sydney Mardi Gras as a bold protest led by LGBTQIA+ activists and students demanding visibility, rights and acceptance.

Human Society and its Environment teacher at Chifley College Bidwill Campus and Pride in Education Co-Chair (Schools), Ann Bates-Tucker, said drag performers and department staff members Joyce Maynge, a teacher librarian, and Lotta Glitta would add extra colour and energy to this year’s parade.

“It is a privilege to again take part in the Mardi Gras Parade,” Ann said.

“Marching down Oxford Street and hearing the community cheer for our staff is empowering.

“It’s fantastic to see the department leading from the front, visibly supporting its LGBTQIA+ employees and the broader community. I’m proud to help make the department a proud employer.”

Participation in Mardi Gras 2026 highlights the department’s role in fostering diversity, inclusion and social justice across NSW public education and inspiring future generations to lead with pride.