The Victorian Government is backing pride events in regional and rural Victoria that celebrate local LGBTIQA+ communities.
Event organisers in regional Victoria can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 as part of Midsumma’s Regional Activation Program for inclusive events or activations that bring people together in their local communities.
“From Portland to the Goulburn Valley, rainbow communities are throwing the best parties in regional Victoria, and we’re backing them,” said Minister for Equality Vicki Ward.
“Victoria’s Pride is about celebrating and strengthening the diversity of our LGBTIQA+ communities and I encourage all eligible community groups and organisations with fabulous ideas to apply.”
Delivered by Midsumma, in partnership with the Victorian Government, grants will support a packed calendar of rural and regional events in the lead-up to Victoria’s Pride Street Party in Fitzroy next February.
Almost 10,000 people took part in Victoria’s Pride regional events across the 2025-26 season. This included Oceanside Pride’s The Coast is Queer festival in Portland and Portraits of Queer GV, a series of art workshops in Bendigo, Wangaratta and the Goulburn Valley.
The program also funded the creation of a mural – Queerways: Retracing Ballarat’s Queer Footprints showcasing the rich queer history of the Ballarat region.
Equality is not negotiable in Victoria, and it never will be. Every Victorian, no matter who they are or who they love, should live safely, wholly and freely and that’s why the Government supports events that celebrate our LGBTIQA+ communities.
“We’re proud to continue delivering this important initiative in partnership with the Victorian Government, supporting regional artists and communities to share their stories through creativity and connection,” said Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant.
“The Regional Activation Program places LGBTIQA+ voices and lived experiences at the centre of Victoria’s Pride, celebrating the diversity and resilience of rainbow communities across the state.”
Applications for the Regional Activation Program are now open and close Monday 3 August 2026. For more information, and to apply, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Fourteen and Nine Months (2024-2025) – photo by Laura Jane Turner