Afford’s Mardi Gras ambassador Allan gets creative at costume day

Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford), Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), and Northcott are coming together again to represent LGBTQIA+ people with disability at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, 1 March 2025.

We have each selected an ambassador to represent LGBTQIA+ people with disability in our organisations and communities. These ambassadors are part of our parade working group, helping to plan the float, costumes, and overall experience. They also take part in media and promotional opportunities, join the flag-raising ceremony, and bring people together at costume-making and float-building workshops. On parade night, they will proudly lead our Free to Fly float down Oxford Street.

Meet Afford’s ambassador, Allan Quick

Allan Quick, a supported employee at Afford, is our ambassador for the 2025 parade. He has been in the parade seven times before with both deaf and hearing LGBTQIA+ groups, and last year was his first time participating with Afford.

“I’m so happy to be in the parade again with Afford for 2025. It is wonderful to see disability in a happy parade float and to see our community being more accepted,” Allan said.

“What I love most about Mardi Gras is the vibe, the colourful parade up Oxford Street, and the lovely caring support of the non-gay community. I want the world to be friendly and caring to LGBTQIA+ people with disability. Just realise that not everyone is the same and that equality starts with love, patience, and understanding.”

Creating wings for Free to Fly

This week, Allan joined participants and volunteers at a creative workshop to craft costume wings. These wings are an important part of our Free to Fly theme, representing the freedom to be our true selves, soaring above prejudice and discrimination.

We have been lucky to receive donations of wings from community leaders and artists, which we can upcycle. Many participants are also making their wings from scratch, including Allan, who is showing off his incredible costuming skills.

The excitement is building as we get closer to parade night. More costume and float workshops are coming up, along with the flag-raising ceremony and, of course, the magic of the parade itself.

Championing inclusion at Mardi Gras

The commitment of Afford, CPA, and Northcott to the LGBTQIA+ disability community is reflected in the strong support from their leadership teams. Each CEO has shared how important this partnership is in ensuring LGBTQIA+ people with disability are visible, celebrated, and included in one of Australia’s biggest events.

Afford’s CEO, Jo Toohey, said, “Being part of Mardi Gras is an incredible experience. There’s nothing quite like the energy, the celebration, and the sheer joy of the parade. At Afford, we’re proud to champion diversity, for our clients and for our employees.

“Collaborating with Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Northcott also allows us to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ people with disability and make sure they’re seen, heard, and celebrated. I marched last year and will again this year because I know firsthand how powerful it is to take up space, to be visible, and to share this moment with our community.”

Stay tuned for more sparkling highlights as we get closer to the big night.

Meet all the ambassadors representing our Free to Fly float.

Get involved

If you would like to find out more about services and programs at Afford, contact our Support Centre team on 1800 233 673 or visit afford.com.au.