Murdoch celebrated PrideFEST 2018 in grand style by having its own float in the Pride Parade March on Saturday 24 November.

Although Murdoch participated in the Pride parade more than 10 years ago as part of a joint effort with the other universities, it was the first time Murdoch University had their own float in the parade.

More than 60 members of the Murdoch University community including students, staff, alumni and their family and friends walked in the parade. They followed a colourfully decorated float which showcased a giant branded deck chair. Among them was Murdoch University Provost Romy Lawson.

“It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Murdoch’s diversity and long-standing commitment to equity and social justice during the Pride Parade, particularly as this was the first time we had an independent entry into the parade,” Professor Lawson said.

“Murdoch University has a clear and explicit ambition to contribute to equity, diversity and inclusion for students and staff, and to promote equality and diversity in society.

“As a University we will continue to support our LGBTIQ+ community through a variety of programs and projects.”

Director of Aboriginal Education, Equity and Inclusion at Murdoch, Braden Hill said Pride is always a huge, colourful and loud celebration of all that is wonderful about our LGBTIQ+ community.

“For those of us marching, it was great to hear members of the crowd yelling out ‘Murdoch!’ and cheering us on,” he said.

“It meant a lot personally and professionally that our University got behind this and it’ll be something I remember for a long time to come.”

Murdoch was the only WA University to have a presence at the Perth Pride Fairday event earlier in the month. The University intends to add the Pride Parade to its yearly calendar of events.

Feature image (left to right): Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen and Provost Romy Lawson with Murdoch's Pride float