The three most senior enlisted members of the Australian Defence Force have, for the first time, volunteered to lead the Defence contingent at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade.
Warrant Officer of the Navy, Martin Holzberger; Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, David Ashley; and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Mark Pentreath will join more than 150 Defence personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Defence public servants and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community. Military members will again march in uniform.
Defence participation in the Mardi Gras parade is an opportunity for members to demonstrate pride for their Service and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex members.
Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said Defence’s participation in the Mardi Gras parade demonstrated its commitment to evolving the Defence culture.
“Defence values all its members and is absolutely committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive culture,” VADM Griggs said.
“The Sydney Mardi Gras is an opportunity for Defence to communicate its support for and inclusion of members within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community.”
Defence will march in formation followed by other uniformed agencies who are participating in the parade.
ADF personnel have participated in the Mardi Gras parade since 2008 and marched in uniform for the first time in 2013.
Media note:
Images of the Warrant Officers and other ADF members participating in the ADF Mardi Gras Parade for 2015 are available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150310
Vision of Defence preparations for the 2015 Mardi Gras parade is also available at: http://video.defence.gov.au/?mediaId=5b668567-5d90-4c16-8577-d73b0e266706
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
