Paid Police Presence?
Perth MLA John Hyde has slated the Barnett Government for trying to introduce police marshalling fees for large events, potentially impacting next year’s Pride Fair Day. The new legislation is still under debate in the WA Parliament which will charge event organisers for police marshalling services. Hyde said commercial operators of many festivals will face a big cost if the amendments pass. A spokesperson from the Police Department said the legislation wouldn’t affect events run to benefit the local community but couldn’t rule out next year’s Fair Day without further scrutiny.
Learning to Live Together
Next month, Relationships Australia will host a same-sex couples’ course to assist LGBT partners understand the intricacies of living together permanently. The weekend-long course will develop communication and conflict resolution skills to grow and develop relationships for the long-haul. Experiential exercises and discussions hope to teach people the skills to tackle challenges head on over the weekend. The course will run from Friday November 5 to Sunday 7 for $160 per couple at 15 Cambridge St, West Leederville. Information and bookings can be arranged on 9489 6322. Bookings are essential.
Croome Comes to Town
Prominent LGBT activist Rodney Croome is venturing to Perth for Pride month delivering a keynote speech on the future of marriage equality. Croome’s ‘State of the Nation’ speech will be just one of many covering LGBT issues at this free event. Jazz performances by the Libby Hammer trio are also expected along with nibbles. The address will be held at the John Curtin Gallery Foyer on Wednesday October 27 from 5.30 pm. RSVP on 9266 2563 or events@curtin.edu.au by October 22 to secure a spot.
No Dad, No Participation
Father’s Day celebrations raised concerns among LGBT families who were discouraged from attending school events last month. Local mother Maurine Moore was told by her daughter’s school that she wouldn’t be able to attend the father’s day event. The school, which was not identified for the protection of her daughter, also didn’t allow single parent families to be represented but would allow the grandfathers of the student in the event there was no dad. Moore said she wasn’t the only LGBT family excluded; even families with two dads were dissuaded to attend. ‘They were fully aware that we are a gay family; she’s on the back foot already because she was a donor baby,’ Moore said.
Benn Dorrington
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