Celebrating unity and inclusion at the Rainbow flag raising ceremony 

On Thursday, February 13, our Northcott Parramatta office came alive with colour and spirit as it hosted a special Rainbow flag raising ceremony to kick off the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations. The event, attended by Northcott customers, staff, and partners from the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) and Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), highlighted the shared commitment to inclusivity and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ disability community. 

In her address, Northcott CEO Liz Forsyth emphasised the importance of the event, saying, “The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras represents a celebration of inclusion, diversity, and self-expression. Northcott is proud to support our LGBTQIA+ customers and staff, enabling them to participate in the parade and be celebrated for who they are.” 

The day was also filled with creative and fun activities, including costume making, sign designing, and float decoration, along with a specially made rainbow cake, shared by customers, staff, and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Northcott, Afford, and CPA have long been champions of advocating for the rights of people with disability within the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as parents, carers, and staff. Together they will be sending a powerful message of unity and acceptance at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. Around 80 customers and staff from the three organisations will march together in celebration and solidarity under the theme, “Free to Fly”, to remind us all that when we have wings, we’re all free to soar. 

This Rainbow flag raising ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equal representation for all individuals, regardless of their identity. Northcott, Afford, and CPA continue to work together to create an environment where everyone, including people with disability, are empowered to be their authentic selves and celebrated for who they are.