Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Saturday 3 August, Ipswich was a sea of colour for Queerswich 2024. Queerswich is Ipswich's own pride festival and a fun family day celebrating inclusion, diversity and the local LGBTQIA+ community along with their families, friends and supporters. It's a terrific event with a carnival atmosphere, featuring live entertainment, art shows, markets and even a puppy pageant.

The event is the brainchild of proud Ipswich locals Julie Herbert and Rachel Vickary from Pink Flamingo Productions, who were concerned about the high rates of suicide among young people struggling with their sexual identity, prejudice and the lack of events for the local community in Ipswich. That's why they organised the first-ever Queerswich last year. I was very proud to open last year's event and this year's event and to have a stall there. It was a huge success last year, and this year was even bigger than ever. I want to recognise Rach and Jules for their vision, passion and courage.

This important event provides a safe space to celebrate and raise awareness of the community and their achievements. It contributes to a vibrant, healthy and sustainable local community in Ipswich and puts our city on the map. I want to congratulate local organisations and businesses for getting involved and supporting the event. I'm proud to be part of a party, a government and a local community that value equality and diversity and respect for all people. As Allan Roebuck said in the Local Ipswich News, 'After all, love is love.'

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