Fast five: What's on for Pride Month

Wollongong City Libraries and Wollongong Youth Services are celebrating Pride Month with a range of free activities and events, including a special speaker event with activist Kate Rowe who marched in Sydney’s first-ever Mardi Gras.

Australia acknowledges June as Pride Month, an annual event that celebrates and commemorates the LGBTQIA+ community, advocacy for equal rights and promotes inclusivity and diversity.

In Wollongong, our Libraries and Youth Services are delivering free family-friendly events such as making a rainbow paper mobile, bracelet or keychain, Pride Formal for our city’s young people and special story times.

LGBTQIA+ author Kate Rowe will be sharing her experiences and reflections at an event on 16 June. From marching at Sydney’s first-ever Mardi Gras in 1978 to releasing her own memoir in 2025, Kate will have an open dialogue with younger generations to reflect on the past, present and future. This speaker event is presented in conjunction with local LGBTQIA+ group, Pride Connect.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Pride Month is a special way to celebrate Wollongong’s diversity and uplift the members of our city’s LGBTQIA+ community.

“The Pride Month events held at our Libraires and Youth Centre embraces our proud LGBTQIA+ community and provides a welcoming environment to share their experiences and aspirations,” Cr Brown said.

“The exciting author talk with activist Kate Rowe will be a highlight, commemorating the advocacy, change and progress for the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia.

“The hands-on activities invites locals to create something that brightens up their spaces and our Pride Formal welcomes a night of fun for our young people.

“It’s important we create these safe and inclusive spaces where our residents can feel seen, be heard and be celebrated – but also where some fun can be had. Check out what’s on offer and happy Pride Month!”

Check out the five free events being delivered during Pride Month in Wollongong.

1. In conversation with Kate Rowe

Kate Rowe came out at 26 and marched in the first Sydney Mardi Gras 1978. Now 75, she remains a passionate advocate, having witnessed nearly five decades of change toward a more inclusive community.

Kate will share her story, reflect on her experiences, and open a conversation with younger generations! Come along and be part of the discussion.

This event is 18+ only. Presented in conjunction with Pride Connect.

For more information visit our website. The library also has a collection of LGBTQIA+ stories for young adults.

When: Tuesday 16 June, 6.30pm at Wollongong Library

2. Pride Formal for Young People

Wollongong Youth Services presents a night of glitz, glam and fun for young people aged 12 to 24 years old!

The Pride Formal invites our city's young people to come dressed in their formal best and dance the night away. There will be live music, make-up and glitter station, best dressed competition, stalls and delicious food.

Let us know you’re coming along. For young people aged 12 to 24 years old.

For more information, visit our website.

When: Monday 29 June, 5-8pm, Wollongong Youth Centre

3. Paper Mobile crafts

Come and make a rainbow paper mobile to brighten up your space!

Suitable for children aged 8 years and above.

Entry is free, but spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Visit the event’s link to reserve your spot or go on the waitlist.

Workshop dates:

• Wednesday 10 June, 3.30-4.30pm, Warrawong Library
• Tuesday 16 June, 3.30-4.30pm at Wollongong Library
• Wednesday 17 June, 3.30-4.30pm at Thirroul Library
• Monday 22 June, 3.30-4.30pm at Wollongong Library

4. Rainbow Bracelet Workshops

Make a bracelet or keychain by knotting colourful threads.

Suitable for children 12 years and above.

Entry is free, but spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Visit the event’s link to reserve your spot or go on the waitlist.

Workshop dates:

• Thursday 11 June, 3.30 – 4.30pm at Warrawong Library
• Tuesday 16 June, 4-5pm, at Wollongong Library

5. Pride Storytime

Enjoy stories that celebrate love, family, friendship and diversity. This is a family-friendly Pride Storytime in support of our LGBTQIA+ community.

If you can’t make it, there is a collection of picture books for pride month available to borrow.

Entry is free, just drop in.

Session dates:

• Tuesday 9 June, 10-10.45am at Thirroul LIbrary
• Wednesday 10 June, 10–10.45am at Wollongong Library
• Friday 12 June, 10.30 – 11.15am at Helensburgh Library