'Telling our Stories' is the theme of the NSW Department of Education float for Mardi Gras to encourage self-expression, creativity and celebration.

For the second year, Department leaders and 70 LGBTQIA+ staff and allies will walk alongside the education float during the 2 March Mardi Gras parade, which attracts 250,000 spectators and international television coverage.

The Department’s Mardi Gras float will be led by the Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar.

“The NSW Department of Education float proudly celebrates the vital role we all must play so all our people feel comfortable to embrace their identity and share their stories for current and future generations,” Mr Dizdar said.

Hilary Moore, Communications Coordinator for the Department’s Pride in Education Network, said the float aimed to “capture the sense of joy and empowerment” of encouraging people to express themselves and share their stories.

“Featured on the float will be objects you would see in classrooms and other learning environments, like pencils, crayons, books, letters, which are all used to tell stories,” she said.

The rainbow connection

The Department’s float has been under development for the past month, bringing together staff on weekends for design and construction.

Rodney Plashchik, Lead Events Coordinator for the Pride in Education Network, said working on the float had been “an incredible journey filled with joy, creativity, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment”.

“The workshops, set design, resource development, and the whole float has brought together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity,” he said.

The NSW Government is a strategic sponsor of Mardi Gras and encourages public service employee networks and campaigns that support inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The Rainbow Waratah logo will be used across government departments during the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras period from 16 February to 3 March.

Secretary Murat Dizdar said the Department’s Pride in Education network was open to all school and education support staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ or are proud allies.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating Mardi Gras with our LGBTQIA+ staff in what is always a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion and belonging,” Mr Dizdar said.

Equity and inclusion

Teacher Rodney Plashchik from the Pride network said it was “an honour beyond words” for the Department to participate in Mardi Gras.

“This year’s float is dedicated to fostering self-expression, creativity, and celebration, allowing all from across the Department to showcase their talents and connect with others in a meaningful way,” he said.

“Witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of those who attend and participate in the parade will be the ultimate reward.”

Hilary Moore said the Department’s support for Mardi Gras sent an important message to LGBTQIA+ staff.

“Participation in Mardi Gras demonstrates the Department’s commitment to continuing to drive positive change to support equity and inclusion. I am so excited and proud to be marching for education,” she said.

Qtopia opens during Mardi Gras

Sydney’s queer museum Qtopia was launched on 23 February at an event attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Qtopia’s patrons are the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG and Ita Buttrose AC OBE.

Through its education programs, Qtopia Sydney plans to provide stories of LGBTQIA+ history and experiences to broaden the knowledge and perspectives of students, educators and the general public.

The NSW Department of Education has supported Qtopia Sydney in the development of curriculum-aligned education resources for the museum.

The Qtopia-developed resources will be available for teachers to access from the Qtopia website and include lesson content about identity, inclusiveness and diversity, and the contemporary history of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia.

The first set of education resources, Identity, Community and Connection, are aligned to Stage 4 and 5 of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education syllabus and Stage 6 Community and Family Studies.

Qtopia chief executive officer Greg Fisher acknowledged the support of the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Teachers Federation at the launch event.

"I am proud to announce that Qtopia Sydney is working with the NSW Department of Education on a collaboration agreement,” he said.

“I thank the Department and the NSW Teachers Federation for their advice and expertise in guiding us to create a suite of curriculum-aligned education programs that will bring school students to Qtopia Sydney on excursions from later this year, beginning with a new high school flagship program, Identity, Community and Connection."