ANZ becomes inaugural principal partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have today announced ANZ as the inaugural principal partner of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The partnership was negotiated by mixitup Australia, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras brand partnership agency since 2006.

Says Greg Segal, mixitup Australia managing director: “Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a unique Australian story, a celebration of diversity and beacon of hope and inspiration for LGBTQI communities all over the world.”

Says Michael Rolik, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: “We’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with ANZ since 2007 and we’re thrilled to welcome them as our inaugural principal partner.

“Already one of Australia’s most iconic events, we look forward to working closely with the team at ANZ to further grow and develop Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras as one of the world’s most recognised celebrations of diversity and inclusion.”

Says Mark Hand, ANZ managing director retail distribution and member of the ANZ Diversity Council: “Building a culture of respect and inclusion is important to our staff, our customers and the communities that we live and work.

“Mardi Gras has become one of ANZ’s most important diversity initiatives and we’re pleased to continue our support of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Our participation as the inaugural presenting partner is a further example of our efforts to support and celebrate diversity.”

The partnership will see ANZ further integrated into a wide range of iconic events and activities during the Mardi Gras season, including presenting partner of Fair Day, VIP Parade Viewing Area and the Mardi Gras Workshop. ANZ will also have a major float in the Parade featuring more than 100 ANZ staff from across Australia.

Says Segal: “Mardi Gras and the values of diversity and inclusion it represents continue to shape the Australian cultural landscape and the addition of ANZ as Principal Partner is acknowledgment of this. It also demonstrates that forward thinking brands, like ANZ, understand the true value of a Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras partnership.”

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is recognised world-wide as one of Australia’s most iconic events, attracting thousands participants and spectators generating $30m for the NSW economy each year.