'Tis the season to be jolly

Well, December is a very busy month in Sydney. With the festive season upon us, there are lots of activities to entertain everyone. 

Sing along to your favourite Christmas carols at Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday, December 18 from 8pm. And don’t miss the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir singing carols at Taylor Square on Thursday, December 20 at 7pm. There’s also Christmas Village Concerts in Surry Hills, Rushcutters Bay, Rosebery and Alexandria;  Christmas on the Green in Hyde Park, lighting of the spectacular Christmas tree in Martin Place, and Christmas projections onto Sydney Town Hall. For more information, visit www.sydneychristmas.com.au.

I’m sure you’ve noticed the temporary artwork Always Was, Always Will Be by Aboriginal artist Reko Rennie at Taylor Square. Through his art, Reko explores what it means to be an Aboriginal in contemporary Australian society. Reko’s artwork will be in place during Mardi Gras for all of us to enjoy.

Next year, Mardi Gras celebrates 35 years and they’ll be operating the first Sydney Mardi Gras Museum in the former Lonsdale site on the corner of Oxford and Palmer streets. The museum will celebrate over three decades of activism, solidarity and celebration. It will draw on both public and private collections and will provide a meeting point to celebrate Sydney’s great diversity.  

The festive season can be very difficult for many of us, so if you are experiencing any issues, contact the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service at glcsnsw.org.au or phone (02) 8594 9596. If you are calling from a regional, rural or remote area, call 1800 18 GLCS. The service is staffed by trained volunteers and available every day from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

If you are partying over the festive season, make sure you look after your mates, party safely and be sure to report any incidences of violence or abuse to the Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44, the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project on 02 9206 2116  or the Transgender Anti-Violence Project on 02 9569 2366. In an emergency call Triple-0.