Widely recognised as one of the largest and longest-running regional LGBTIQA+ pride festivals, ChillOut celebrates queer country pride and is promoted as a tribute to community, diversity and love.
“We know that regional people often miss out on metropolitan events and queer festivals,” GV Pride treasurer Damien Stevens-Todd said.
“GV Pride really wants to make sure that other events, and specifically regional events like ChillOut, are accessible,” he said.
GV Pride is a volunteer-run organisation that’s currently celebrating 20 years of representing the Goulburn Valley’s LGBTIQA+ community.
The group provides support services, resources, training, learning opportunities and events.
Through community partnerships, such as the one with GOTAFE, it is also supporting local residents to attend pride events they may not otherwise have the chance to experience.
A bus to the ChillOut street parade and carnival will depart Shepparton at 7.30am sharp on Sunday, March 9.
The pickup point will be GOTAFE on Fryers St in Shepparton, with other pickup locations in Mooroopna, Stanhope, Elmore and Bendigo possibly being added, pending demand.
“When we are able to participate — to march, to feel proud — we feel good, we feel safe, we connect with community,” Mr Stevens-Todd said.
He said GV Pride does a lot because the organisation knows visibility is important.
Seats on the bus are free for GV Pride and GOTAFE team members, and cost $25 for non-members and allies.
Mr Stevens-Todd said he urged family members and allies of the local LGBTIQA+ community to join the bus tour.
“Now, more than ever, we need our allies and our supporters to join us in showing solidarity and pride,” he said.
He said he’d be thrilled if half the bus was filled with friends and family members.
The bus is open to all ages, but people under 18 need a supervising adult with them.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water and sun protection, as well as money or pre-purchased tickets for the carnival event.
The bus will leave Daylesford at approximately 3.30pm, for a 6.30pm arrival back in Shepparton.
Tickets for the GV Pride bus can be secured online.
For more information or to ask questions, people can email gvpride@gvpride.org, text or call GV Pride on 0493 442 601, or visit the website at gvpride.org/events.
For more information about the ChillOut Festival, visit chilloutfestival.au.
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