Pride WA say they are continuing to undertake strategic work with members and the wider community following their Special General Meeting which was held on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
Pride WA has concluded a Special General Meeting (SGM) convened to provide members with additional time and space to discuss key issues raised at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The additional meeting came after the Annual General Meeting in December ran for five hours and saw some members raise concerns over financial management of the organisation and the political affiliations of current and aspiring board members.
In a statement to the media the organisation said the SGM focused on three major areas: financial sustainability, sponsorship strategy, and the future trajectory of Pridefest.
Financial Sustainability
As reported at the AGM held in December 2025, Pride WA recorded an annual deficit in 2024–25 which reduced the reserves built up over several years. Strong half-year performance up to December 2025, including delivering Pridefest 2025 on a break-even basis, means the organisation remains in a strong overall financial position.
In a move which will strengthen long-term confidence, Pride WA is in the advanced stages of formulating a Financial Reserves Policy to ensure responsible stewardship of funds and to safeguard against inappropriate or high-risk use of accumulated savings built up over years.
Pride WA is also pursuing Deductible Gift Recipient tax status, which will allow Pride WA’s donors to write off their donations.
Newly appointed Treasurer Richard Kendell said members deserved clarity to the organisation’s approach to managing reserves.
“Our members deserve absolute clarity about our financial position and our approach to managing community resources. Pride WA remains financially strong, but is still exposed to cost-of-living pressures faced by our community when they are looking at event attendance, donations and membership costs. Looking at alternative sources of income, adoption of a Reserves Policy and pursuing Deductible Gift Recipient status will ensure we protect our savings and maintain stability for years to come.” Kendell said.
Sponsorship Strategy
Pride WA shared that members discussed the organisation’s approach to sponsorship, including questions about partnerships with specific industries such as the resources sector.
Pride WA confirmed it is developing a comprehensive sponsorship strategy that will consider values alignment, ethics, community expectations, and the diverse realities of LGBTQIA+ people across Western Australia. This strategy will also have relevance to Perth Gay Games 2030.
“This is a complex undertaking that requires careful, high-level consideration. Pride WA will be completing this work over the next six months. We welcome engagement from members, and the broader community, throughout this process and encourage those with an interest to contact us to share their perspectives and ideas.” they said.
Peter Foster, who took over as the Chair of Pride in December said the community group would develop a principled approached to sponsorship for the future.
“Our community works in every sector across WA. Our responsibility is to develop a clear, principled sponsorship strategy that reflects our values while recognising the diversity of our community. We are committed to transparency, integrity, and supporting LGBTQIA+ people wherever they are.” Foster said.
Pridefest Trajectory
Pride WA also shared that they are currently undertaking their most extensive evaluation of Pridefest to date. This includes community-wide surveys, meetings with key organisations, and open invitations for
individuals and groups to share feedback.
Pride WA thanked the community for its strong engagement so far and encouraged continued participation.
In 2025, Pridefest was financially self-sustaining through grants and its own income. This is also our goal for 2026, ensuring long-term independence and stability.
CEO Dr Laurie Butterly said community members had already been very generous in their feedback.
“The external evaluation of Pridefest is comprehensive and ongoing, and we are grateful for the generosity of everyone who has contributed so far. We encourage anyone with ideas or feedback to fill out the survey and contact us.
“We are looking forward to delivering a Pridefest in 2026 that provides opportunities for all aspects of our community, and our allies, to take part and celebrate.” Dr Butterly said.
