Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District members celebrate World Pride together
Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District members attended an invitation-only networking event this afternoon (Thursday 23 Feb), in celebration of Sydney World Pride and the 45th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Attendees heard about Macquarie Park organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, including programs and activations hosted by our members in honour of World Pride.
The Hon. Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong, welcomed attendees by sharing his government’s commitment to equality - promising that the Prime Minister would be the first sitting PM to march in Mardi Gras this weekend.
Michelle Zimany, Director of People & Culture at Sanofi (Tallavera Road), shared how Sanofi values inclusivity, including details about their first-in-industry Gender Affirmation Policy.
“We strive to be diverse, equitable and inclusive and to help shape a community with equality and respect for all”, Zimany said.
Guest of honour was Ken Davis, a “78er” - a participant in Sydney’s original Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 45 years ago. Mr Davis shared moving testimony on what the first Mardi Gras was like, the conditions for gay and lesbian people in Macquarie Park at that time, and how Union-led support for a gay student led to a “Pink Ban”, or construction work strike, on the Macquarie University campus as early as 1973.
Event hosts Optus shared how they’re putting their LGBTQIA+ employees at the centre of their partnership with World Pride, while Associate Professor Michelle Power, Co-Chair of Macquarie University’s Ally Network gave an overview of how they’re building an inclusive and welcoming campus today - from employee policies to rainbow walkways!
General Manager at Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, Mark Ames, commended Macquarie Park’s ongoing commitment to progress:
“Connect MPID aims to bring our community together; to build networks, to learn from each other, and to act as a united voice. Our innovation district is celebrating Sydney World Pride with this forum, rainbow walks, history talks, film screenings and more because Macquarie Park is a place where everyone can thrive.”
The event included a proactive discussion about areas where more work can be done to improve equity, with a mutual willingness to continue having open conversations in pursuit of a future that’s better, brighter and more inclusive for everyone.
This unique event is one of many that Connect MPID hosts throughout the year. Interested in your organisation joining our network? Please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you!