SpringOUT launches festival at Questacon Canberra

The 2024 SpringOUT Media Launch started with President Lynne O’Brien introducing Mama Mad B, who gave a heartfelt Acknowledgement of the Country and statement performance charming the audience, including recently re-elected Chief Minister Andrew Barr, with their rainbow outfit, bouffant red hair and deliciously oversized black glitter scarf.

The President then introduced Dr Bobby Cerini, Deputy Director and General Manager of Science and Learning at Questacon, who is also Questacon’s Executive Champion for their Pride Network.

Dr Bobby spoke about the fantastically light-bending event ‘Sci-Night: Refraction – Proud to be Curious’ that Questacon is hosting on 22 November 2024 as part of the program of SpringOUT events. He also told the audience about the important work that Questacon does to make the national institute a safe and inclusive place for all people and how important it is for young people to see a path for themselves in the STEM space.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Photo by Nathan J Lester.

Andrew Barr stepped up next and spoke of his long connection with Canberra’s Pride Festival, having met his husband, Anthony, at the first Fair Day 25 years ago! He also congratulated and thanked President Lynne and the wider SpringOUT Committee for their continued commitment, noting that the 2024 program is sporting the most diverse range of activities, events, and performances that he has seen yet – a testament to the incredible diversity we have amongst us in the Nation’s Capital.

Mad B. Photo by Nathan J Lester.

Wrapping up the formalities, the President reflected on the 25 years of SpringOUT and thanked all contributors for their efforts in pulling together a month-long program of spectacular events. She also thanked outgoing Committee members and those who are sticking around: Nathan, Sharon, Chris, Bob, Luka, Kalokairi, and Lee, for their time and dedication.

SpringOUT President Lynne O’Brien. Photo by Nathan J Lester.

Highlighting a few events, Lynne mentioned ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way: Art in the Age of AIDS’ at the National Gallery of Australia, the ‘+SCREEN STORIES Symposium’ at the National Film and Sound Archive, and finally ‘One Night in Heaven’, an event close to Lynne’s heart, having opened the original Heaven Nightclub in the 90s!

Mad B and Jen Louis. Photo by Nathan J Lester.

Attendees then mingled over some sandwiches and a very fitting rainbow array of fruits! SpringOUT 2024 is set to be one of the best yet!

Check out the full schedule of events can be found on the newly revamped SpringOUT website.

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