PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been named Australia’s most gay-friendly employer for 2012 at a special event recognising workplace support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The Australian arm of the global professional services and auditing firm topped a list of 10 organisations which were recognised today at a special luncheon in Sydney organised by Pride In Diversity, Australia’s first and only employer support program for the inclusion of LGBT people in the workplace.

The awards were determined using Pride In Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index, a free service provided annually by Pride In Diversity that evaluates and benchmarks LGBT inclusiveness in Australian workplaces.

PwC was named Employer of the Year and it’s Glee@PwC group was named LGBT Employee Network Group of the Year. Macquarie University and the University of Western Australia shared the award for Highest Ranking Public Sector Employer. Deutsche Bank received the Most Improved award.

The 2012 Top Ten Australian employers for LGBT people are (in ranked order), PwC, KPMG, IBM Australia, Accenture Australia, Goldman Sachs, Lend Lease, Macquarie University and University of Western Australia (equal 7^th), Australian Federal Police and Chevron Australia.

Speakers at the sold-out event at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney included Pride In Diversity patron the Hon. Michael Kirby and Academy Award-nominated actress and Australian entertainment doyen Jacki Weaver.

Pride In Diversity is a program developed in partnership by ACON – NSW’s and Australia’s largest community-based LGBT health organisation – Diversity Council Australia – the independent, not-for-profit diversity advisor to business – and London-based LGB advocacy group Stonewall UK.

Pride In Diversity Director Dawn Hough says the luncheon and awards, which take place every year on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17, provide a valuable platform for organisations to highlight the quality of their LGBT workplace diversity practices.

“Pride In Diversity congratulates all the organisations recognised today on their significant achievement and for showing great leadership in the area of diversity and inclusion,” Ms Hough says.

“Pride In Diversity assists organisations bridge the gap between LGBT employees and management, and today’s awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the changes happening in our workplaces – and in our society – that make LGBT people feel like they belong. I encourage other organisations and workplaces to show their support for LGBT people and participate in next year’s awards by making a submission to our Australian Workplace Equality Index program.”

Mr Kirby and Ms Weaver congratulated the winning organisations on their achievement. “It’s important that we don’t underestimate the impact that discrimination and homophobic bullying has on individuals both physically and emotionally, and I commend all Pride in Diversity members and Index participants for their commitment to this area of workplace diversity practice,” Mr Kirby said.

Image: Jacki Weaver and The Hon. Michael Kirby present PwC representatives with their 2012 Top Employer Award (courtesy of Pride in Diversity)

Hayman is delighted to be joining with premier Champagne house, Moët Hennessy in presenting a Celebration of Champagne throughout the resort in June 2012.

Their award-winning Chefs’ brigade will also be creating a fabulous 3-course menu to accompany a selected Champagne which will be featured in Australia’s signature resort restaurant, Fontaine, during the following weeks:

4 – 10 June:  Celebration of Moët & Chandon
11 – 17 June:  Celebration of Veuve Clicquot
18 – 24 June:  Celebration of Krug
25 June – 1 July:  Celebration of Dom Perignon

On Saturday afternoon (23 June), Moët Hennessy Ambassador, Greg Williams will conduct a Champagne Tasting in Fontaine’s Private Dining Room priced at A$150 per person.

On Saturday evening, there will be a special hosting of The Chef’s Table with Executive Chef, Glenn Bacon introducing a stunning 6-course menu to accompany all of these beautiful Champagnes being presented by Greg Williams. This much anticipated dining event is priced at A$395 per person.

For more information, visit: www.hayman.com.au for details.

Despite the tough tourism and economic climate in the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach based hotel management company ‘at Hotel Group’ has expanded its portfolio this week, signing contacts on the management rights of Blue Horizon Resort Apartments.

at Hotel Group Managing Director Jeff Aquilina said despite times being tough, his group’s continued investment in destination and hotel marketing had ensured the success of his existing portfolio, allowing for the expansion.

“I believe with a commitment to both destination marketing and individual property marketing, we will see our tourism industry recover from tough times,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Our properties have experienced improved occupancies throughout the past 12 months following a comprehensive investment in international and domestic marketing,” he said.

Blue Horizon Resort Apartments joins at Water’s Edge Resort, at Marina Shores Resort, at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat and at Whitsunday Vista Resort in the at Hotel Group portfolio.

“at Hotel Group will commence management of the 4.5 star Blue Horizon Resort Apartments in late April, and we are looking forward to the opportunities a new property brings,” Mr Aquilina said.

“We have just launched an exclusive range of Peter Morrissey toiletries throughout our properties, the range is Australian made, as well as new investment in sales and marketing staff based in Europe to promote Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays and at Hotel Group.”

“at Hotel Group properties offer the finest experiences, value for money and good quality accommodation at a range of budgets.”

For more information, visit: www.athotelgroup.com for details.

Planetdwellers are Australia’s largest Lesbian and Gay and friends tour company for inbound travellers.

Our delight is in showing off the wonderful, unique and famous landmarks, from the heights of Uluru to the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, from a walking tour of one of the many gayborhoods to hang gliding over stunning scenery and ending with a beachside picnic, let us show you why we love this country so much.

If you are ever in town for the brilliant Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, book one of our packages, with so many inclusions, we make sure you don’t miss a thing.

So Come to OZ and hang with the locals, you may never want to leave.

For more information, visit: www.planetdwellers.com.au for details.

Borenore Big Brunch in conjunction with Nyrang Homestead and Orange Mountain Winery sees the return of Sydney’s favorite self acclaimed Transgender Illusionist, Miss Sandy Bottom to the Australian National Field Days at Borenore on Saturday 14 April 2012.

Sandy who is a world renowned International entertainer with four albums and over 20 Years as a cabaret performer and journalist, offers her unique style of comedy, music and bitchy wit in her Live at the Copa show.

After touring to sell out shows throughout Asia, Europe and rural & metropolitan Australia, her new show highlights the glitz & glamour  in a comical rundown Kings Cross setting.

Sandy Bottom says “This year’s show is a fun, dress up adults dinner show, that people can get into the swing with, and everyone can have fun at the Copa with me.”

“The music will be a mix of the music I’m famous for with swing, blues, country and soul and disco to finish the night with dancing”.

“I’m inviting people to get out their dodgiest old clothes from the disco era, country dance or their wedding to be part of a fun evening of being daggy. We’ll sing some old tunes, have a dance and perhaps I may even find a wealthy country husband” said Sandy.

The whole evening is complimented with a superb dining experience including a two course set meal, and the bars will offer some great local wines and produce. This is a non BYO event and only 18 Years or older may attend due to the naughty nature of a night.

This is one night not to be missed with gorgeous entertainment featuring one of Australia’s funniest acts you could ever see!

Bookings are essential – (02) 6364 2160 or email : nyranghomestead@bigpond.com

Long Island Resort and Club Crocodile Airlie Beach are starting the 2012 Whitsundays holiday season with a fresh, new look and specials to celebrate.

The properties lead the affordable 3.5 star market in the Whitsundays with a choice of resort accommodation on an island or convenient accommodation at Airlie Beach.

Sales and Marketing Manager Regina White said Long Island Resort had undergone a $450,000 facelift including a complete refurbishment of the restaurant, new modern bathrooms, plus upgrades to the foyer, water sports building, public area facilities, tennis and basketball courts and revamp of the gardens.

“The upgrade adds to Long Island Resort’s laidback casual atmosphere where holiday makers come to enjoy the beautiful natural surrounds,” she said.

“Long Island Resort is the only Whitsundays property offering a free kid’s club with fun activities including treasure hunts, bird and fish feeding as well as arts and crafts, plus children under 14 stay and eat for free when sharing with two adults and using existing bedding.”

“There are plenty of free options whether it is bushwalking in the national park or enjoying the entertainment at night which makes Long Island Resort a favourite with families who do not want to keep putting their hand in their pocket.”

“The Resort is popular for affordable weddings as the island’s attractive natural setting is a perfect backdrop for photographs, honeymooners can stay right on the beach and enjoy the day spa.”

Ms White said improvements had also been underway at Club Crocodile Airlie Beach. Bedding is being replaced with new linen, blankets and bed runners, all the tables and chairs in the restaurant and bar area have been upgraded and the pool has new sun lounges and umbrellas.

“Club Crocodile Airlie Beach is perfectly positioned as an affordable stepping stone to the Whitsunday islands and the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.

“The classic Queenslander style resort has 50 metres of free-form swimming pool, spa and waterfalls and is in a quiet location at Airlie Beach.”

“It is only a five minute drive or a 20 minute walk along the scenic ocean boardwalk to the Airlie Beach restaurants and clubs. Guests can do day trips to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef or explore the hinterland’s rainforest and waterfalls.”

Ocean Hotels and Tourism has a portfolio of five tourism properties and tours: Long Island Resort, Club Crocodile Airlie Beach, Hides Hotel Cairns, Ferntree Rainforest Lodge at Cape Tribulation and Sunlover Reef Cruises in Cairns.

For more information, visit: www.longislandresort.com.au and www.clubcroc.com.au for details.

Image: Long Island Resort

Following a $700,000 refurbishment, Sunlover Reef Cruises have celebrated the relaunch of its 400 seat vessel, Tropic Sunseeker.

The extensive upgrade to Tropic Sunseeker undertaken in recent months includes a freshly painted exterior, new windows, carpet, seat coverings and engine. Tropic Sunseeker is an air-conditioned, fast catamaran that will depart Cairns daily, bound for Sunlover Reef Cruises’ outer reef pontoon at Moore Reef. It will also be available for private charters.

The group general manager of Ocean Hotels and Tourism, Nicola Constantinidis said she is delighted with Sunlover Reef Cruises’ new look vessel that will boost fleet capacity by a further 400 seats.

“While the upgrade to Tropic Sunseeker may have been at significant cost, we truly believe it to be a solid investment in local tourism and the company’s future by enabling greater capacity and flexibility in terms of our sales and marketing efforts.”

“With the vessel back in the water we are now set to vie for new business that includes the lucrative private charter and meetings and incentive markets. The opportunity to offer dinner and sunset cruises on Trinity Inlet and private charters to Fitzroy Island are now an exciting reality,” she said.

Sunlover Reef Cruises operates a daily service to Moore Reef. From the undercover pontoon passengers are offered a variety of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, viewing the reef from glass bottom boat or semi submersible tours and (Seawalker) helmet diving. Marine biologists also provide an interesting, interpretive view of the marine life that is showcased.

In 2010 and 2011 Sunlover Reef Cruises won the coveted Major Tour and / or Transport Operator award in the TNQ Tourism Awards.

For more information, visit: www.sunlover.com.au for details.

Image: Tropic Sunseeker

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have announced they are thrilled with the phenomenal success of this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, Parade and Party.

Marriage equality crusader Shelly Argent OAM was this year’s Chief of Parade and there were more than 9100 participants and 134 floats working their way up the parade route to the thunderous applause and cheers of the hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets.

Among the cavalcade of spectacular floats was Sydney Mardi Gras much anticipated entrant, K25, which saw over 130 dancers pay homage to singer Kylie Minogue and her 25 year career in the music industry.

The K25 cast wowed audiences as they danced their way up Oxford Street with elements of the fabulous float made up with Swarovski crystals. The float made a pit-stop at Taylor Square to perform for Minogue who was viewing the parade and eagerly awaiting her namesake float from the Club Tropicana party.

“Kylie’s visit is a very special gift to Sydney this year and our K25 float was a way of returning that love back to her,” said SGLMG CEO Michael Rolik. “It was just one of a myriad of amazing entrants that made this year’s parade one of the most exhilarating we’ve ever seen. We are a very proud community this morning.”

After the last piece of sequins hit the street, tens of thousands of people continued to revel in the Mardi Gras spirit at Mardigrasland — the official Mardi Gras Party held at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.

Selling out at 15,300 tickets, Mardigrasland offered party-goers five highly curated dance spaces spilling over with a diverse range of international and local performing and DJ talent including UK dance legend Chicane, drag superstar RuPaul and Australian electro-popsters Sneaky Sound System.

The evening was crowned with the highly anticipated live performance by Kylie Minogue, which saw the starlet captivate a capacity crowd inside the Royal Hall of Industries (and also beamed live to screens around the Mardiglasland precinct) with an exhilarating medley of her greatest hits.

In her first performance at a Mardi Gras Party since 1998, Minogue led a troupe of dancers through a sensational twenty minute show that left the insatiable crowd cheering for more, earmarking another unforgettable chapter in Sydney Mardi Gras’ colourful history.

“Over the past three weeks Sydney Mardi Gras has ignited our city with an outstanding array of festival events, a world class Parade and a star-studded Party that is unique to Sydney,” said SGLMG Chair, Peter Urmson.

“We continue to show the world the rich and wonderfully diverse LGBTQI culture that exists in Australia while promoting equality, acceptance and love on an international scale. We should all be very proud of how brightly Sydney shines during this magical time of year.”

As the world’s biggest festival of its kind celebrating LGBTQI diversity pulls in record numbers of people to Oxford and Flinders streets to view the parade, including countless international visitors from South America, Europe, USA and UK – to name but a few.

Highlights of the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade can be viewed at www.mardigrastv.org.au

Image: Kylie Minogue by Robert McGrath (courtesy of Sydney Mardi Gras)

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day this year was held in brilliant sunshine for most of Sunday 12th February. Held in the delightful Victoria Park adjacent to Sydney University, the huge turn-out of several thousands of visitors was testament to the energy that this event still maintains after 35 years. The sprawling presence around several acres of land hosted a variety of stalls, stands, music and other entertainment.

GALTA was well positioned in the fair precinct under some beautiful, undulating old Moreton Bay Figs. We had collateral product from over 25 members that we we able to pack into our branding savvy ‘pink bags’.

The team (Rod, Rohan, Reece and myself) distributed over 700 travel packs to very keen attendees. There were many questions pertaining to what was avaialble during and post the Mardi Gras celebrations. With so many events and possiblities on offer around Australia, it was easy to engage people in answer to those questions.

The national and international branding of GALTA continues to build. So many international guests to Sydney were delighted to know that such an organisation exists and that it’s foot-print covers the whole country. The Mardi Gras festival contines now up until and culminating with the annual parade and party on Saturday 3rd March 2012.

Image: Reece Farmilo and Rod Stringer on the GALTA Stand at Fairday

The 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival kicks off this Sunday with Fair Day, and a plethora of events celebrating our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community.

Alongside iconic Mardi Gras favourites such as the Parade and Party, Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 will encompass a broad program of social and cultural events including cabaret, theatre, sports, music and arts shows.

Fair Day is the ultimate way to kick off the official Mardi Gras season, with a fun and relaxed day out in the park with friends and family, even your pets!

Up to 70 000 people are expected to attend, to sit on the grass, browse and enjoy the wide range of delicacies available at the stalls, have a few drinks, but most of all, catch up with old friends – and make some new ones.

Fair Day will feature an impressive line up on the Main Stage including Star Maxine Kauter, Brendan Maclean and Mary Kiani. Community groups Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and the Police Band will also be crowd favourites. The Main Stage will also feature talents Gen Chadwick, Shimtastic and Kristy Apps.

The stage will also deliver some sneak peeks of Festival events to come including a very special appearance from Miss Gaynor Tension and an early showcase of the performers from blackcat lounge: queer cabaret. The popular Mr and Mrs Fair Day competition is back and better than ever before – who will come away with the coveted title?

Fair Day is a day for the whole family- pets included! Doggywood is back, featuring a number of categories for our furry friends and their owners to compete in. It’s been called the gay version of the Easter Show (but with style) and it’s not to be missed.

For those wanting to take some time out and relax on the day, the Gaydar Lounge is the place to be. The Finlandia Lounge is also a great option for a chat and a cool drink to wind down!

GALTA will be participating at Fairday. Lookout for us on Stall ST-206 on the City Road side of Victoria Park. We will be distributing our fabulous ‘Pink Showbags’ full of tourism information supplied by our members. Come and ‘sign up’ to our OUT in Oz newsletter for a chance to win a wonderful prize supplied by our members.

2012 Mardi Gras Fairday
Date: Sunday 12 February 2012
Time: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Location: Victoria Park, Camperdown

For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.