This is the first WorldPride event hosted in the Southern Hemisphere, with the activation going live last night on Friday 24 February at 7:30pm and occurring across two consecutive weekends, 24–26 February and 3–5 March with the lights shining until 6:00am the next morning.
Property Council’s Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said illuminating the buildings together would convey a strong message of welcome and inclusion.
“It’s terrific to support property leaders who are celebrating Sydney WorldPride 2023 so memorably. This is an iconic image of celebration that highlights our industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Mr Zorbas said.
Investa CEO Peter Menegazzo said as an employer who actively builds and nurtures a diverse and inclusive culture, Investa was proud to colourfully and visibly demonstrate their support for Sydney WorldPride 2023.
“The illumination of Deutsche Bank Place, as part of the Building Pride association’s ‘Building Pride’ activation, celebrates WorldPride and sends a very clear signal of welcome and inclusion,” Mr Menegazzo said.
Ross Du Vernet, Dexus Chief Investment Officer and Executive Sponsor for TRIBE, Dexus’s LGBTQIA+ network echoed these statements.
“It is great to see the property industry and key stakeholders pull together to welcome almost 100,000 visitors to Sydney WorldPride 2023. Lighting up the city is a symbolic display of support for an inclusive and diverse community,” Mr Du Vernet said.
Scentre Group Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Rusanow said diversity, equity and inclusion underpin its culture and are ingrained in the way they operate their 42 Westfield destinations, which are visited by hundreds of millions of people every year.
“We are proud of our continued commitment to inclusivity and celebrating all the ways our customers and local communities are unique.
“It’s fantastic to see the Sydney WorldPride and Mardis Gras celebrations coming to life across the CBD. As a sign of support for our LGBTI+ communities, we’re lighting up our iconic Westfield Sydney Tower together with five other buildings and are encouraging all of our people and customers to look up and enjoy the festival over the next two weeks,” Mr Rusanow added.
Sheridan Ware, Charter Hall Chief Information and Technology Officer and Executive Sponsor of CH Proud said as one of the nation’s largest employers, it was exciting to see the property industry working together to ensure everyone felt seen, heard and included.
“We know everyone benefits when people feel safe and empowered to be themselves,” Ms Ware said.
The Property Council of Australia NSW DEI committee engaged with the City of Sydney council to expedite approvals, enabling six landmark buildings across the Sydney CBD skyline to light up and be visible from The Domain where many Sydney WorldPride events will take place.
The buildings involved are Charter Hall – Chifley Tower, Dexus – 25 Martin Place, Quay Quarter Tower, 1 Bligh Street, Investa – Deutsche Bank Place and Scentre Group –Westfield Sydney Tower.
Media contact: Aidan Green | E [email protected]