The NSW Police Force has launched a highly visible operation to keep the community safe as they celebrate diversity, respect, and equality at Sydney’s 44th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade tomorrow.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot, was joined by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Chief Executive Officer Albert Kruger and Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Planning Adam Berry to launch Operation Mardi Gras 2022 at the Sydney Police Centre today (Friday 4 March 2022).
In line with this year’s theme ‘United We Shine’, Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot has encouraged all members of the community to come together safely and respectfully to celebrate diversity.
“For the LGBTIQA+ communities, Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and promoting a strong message of unity and inclusion,” Assistant Commissioner Talbot said.
“The NSWPF supports LGBTIQA+ communities in that vision and we will work with the organisers to ensure an enjoyable and safe event, which upholds our important values of embracing diversity, respecting all people, promoting equality, and providing safety for all.
Anyone who attends Mardi Gras and acts in a way that contradicts its celebratory spirit through anti-social or other criminal behaviour will be identified and removed by police for the safety of everyone,” AC Talbot said.
The parade will again be a COVID-safe ticketed event, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) at Moore Park, replacing the traditional parade down Oxford Street.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Chief Executive Officer Albert Kruger said the operation played an integral role in the Parade.
“The operation that NSWPF undertake each year for Mardi Gras Parade is necessary to keep our communities safe,” Mr Kruger said.
“We have worked with NSWPF for many years on developing a framework for working with our communities so that our LGBTQIA+ parade participants and spectators can celebrate on Parade night with the knowledge that they are safe and respected.”
For more information about the 2022 Mardi Gras parade, visit www.mardigras.org.au
During Operation Mardi Gras 2022, general duties officers will be assisted by specialist units, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Dog and Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and Police Transport Command.
The NSW Police Force will have a strong presence outside the SCG and across the operation footprint, including Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Moore Park, and public transport routes to and from the area.
Police are reminding the community to be aware of and adhere to the latest Public Health Orders, including wearing masks on public transport, by checking the NSW Health website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules/people-in-nsw
Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Planning Adam Berry said Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Planning Adam Berry said public transport was the most convenient way to get to the Mardi Gras Parade.
“Ticketholders are encouraged to leave the car at home and catch public transport with frequent light rail services and buses running to and from Moore Park for the parade to get you there and home again,” Mr Berry said.
“If you have to drive, arrive early and allow plenty of extra travel time as traffic is expected to be heavier than usual and parking is limited around the SCG with closures on Driver Avenue outside the stadium.”
Keep up to date with special event traffic information as well as live traffic reports by visiting www.livetraffic.com, and check the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks via www.transportnsw.info.
For further information on alcohol-free zones in Sydney visit the City of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
