The City of Port Phillip officially launched Pride March 2026 with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony held at St Kilda Town Hall on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The event brought together community leaders, councillors, and local personalities in a warm display of solidarity, marking the 30th anniversary of the iconic Pride March.
Mayor Alex Makin led proceedings, joined by fellow councillors and special guests, including Paul Horwell, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre and representatives of Midsumma Festival. The Mayor reaffirmed Council’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equality, announcing a $100,000 contribution from the City of Port Phillip to support Pride March 2026.
“Our city has always celebrated diversity at its heart,” said Mayor Makin. “Thirty years on, Pride March continues to unite and uplift us all.”
Among those capturing the occasion was famous photographer, Lord Murray Schoorman, CEO of Peak Hour Images, who attended for the eleventh consecutive year (first attended in 2015) as official photographer. Also in attendance was a female player from Port Melbourne Football Club and Nina Taylor, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for Education (since May 2024) showing her continued support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The ceremony reached a dazzling crescendo with a live performance by renowned drag queen Jimi The Kween, who delivered electrifying performances of a previously unreleased “Just Like Me” and fan-favourite “Starlight”, earning standing applause from attendees across the Town Hall grounds and surrounding streets.
Port Phillip’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, which provides the Council with vital policy guidance and supports visibility and inclusion initiatives, played an important role in shaping the event’s program and ensuring representation from across the community.
Looking ahead to the festival weekend, Mayor Makin announced he will join Lord Murray Schoorman and local community members in the “Plunge for Pride” at the Victorian Pride Centre on Saturday 31 January 2026. The Mayor will also lead the City of Port Phillip procession at the milestone Pride March on Sunday, 1 February 2026, reaffirming the municipality’s proud, decades long association with the festival.
As the rainbow flag once again flies high above St Kilda Town Hall, Port Phillip’s message remains clear, pride, inclusion, and community spirit continue to shine at the heart of Melbourne’s bayside.
