Fire and Rescue NSW takes pride of place in Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras Parade - Sydney

Published: 25 Feb 2023 10:01pm

Rocking disco lights and cranking out epic tunes, the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) ‘Pride’ truck has proven the life of the party during the 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

The vibrant urban pumper shone among 12,500 marchers and 200 floats, dazzling the more than half a million people who lined Oxford Street and other vantage points in Sydney tonight.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler and Assistant Commissioners Cheryl Steer and Paul McGuiggan were among the attendees, joining other senior firefighters and members of the ‘FRINGE’ employee support network.

The glammed-up group led the special FRNSW truck, with an overhauled livery to support LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalised communities, along the parade route.

Its design incorporates the ‘Progress Pride’ flag, which features the iconic rainbow alongside colours representing different identities and highlighting discrimination.

For the first time since its unveiling, the vehicle was also fitted with a shimmering disco ball, as well as speakers blasting out firefighter anthems including Pat Benatar’s ‘All Fired Up’, Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pound the Alarm’ and Darren Styles’ ‘Save Me’.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said it is important that respected organisations such as ours take the lead in embracing diversity for both our people and our community.

“The ‘Pride’ truck is a public demonstration of how committed we are to diversity, equality and inclusion,” said Commissioner Baxter.

“As first responders providing a critical service to the community, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure everyone feels safe and supported by FRNSW.”

Madeleine Dalley, a FRNSW firefighter and co-chair of ‘FRINGE’, said it was delightful to see the reactions of the Mardi Gras revellers as the ‘Pride’ truck paraded past.

“The crowds have absolutely loved our fabulous new look ‘Pride’ truck and have been eager to get photos and selfies with it,” Ms Dalley said.

“For the LGBTQIA+ community and FRNSW employees, the powerful design isn’t just beautiful art, but is a strong visual statement that we celebrate and stand with them.”

The livery, lights and speakers are being entirely funded by Versaterm Public Safety’s Adashi Systems, a software provider proudly backing FRNSW’s involvement in Mardi Gras and the broader Sydney WorldPride event.