Welcome to Pinkboard's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2006 Graffiti Wall.

You will see something different every time you look at this season's image (on the right). You will see love, diversity, connection, excitement, luck, celebration and maybe even sex. This reflects our community which is definitely not homogenous, even though we style ourselves as homos. You might even see a butterfly.

The butterfly is not just Pinkboard's symbol, but a symbol that has been adopted by the GLBTQ community around the world. The original Sydney Mardi Gras poster used a butterfly. In some languages the slang for gay is the same as butterfly. Ankali and other groups use the butterfly as their symbol. The Pet Shop Boys sang "once a caterpillar, now a butterfly" in their song Metamorphosis which is about coming out: "But every now and then / often at night / a particular feeling would surface in spite / of what I told myself and tried to deny / I kept on asking the question: Why?"

"Why? Tell me why?" brings me to Jimmy Sommerville. He sang this as part of Bronski Beat over 20 years ago, one of the first openly gay groups. He will be singing here on 24 February. He might even do a show at the party. Pet Shop Boys will also feature in the festival with their musical Closer the Heaven.

Festival with over 100 events from 4 February to 4 March. Fair Day on 19 February, Parade and Party 4 March. Launch will happen, more details to follow. A lot to enjoy and a lot to celebrate.

Pinkboard's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2006 Graffiti Wall 2
New Mardi Gras Home Page
Gaydar - Presenting Partner
Ticketek - Party Tickets available from 20 December

For those that dont realise Paul Goodyear has been placed in the "Retro / Disco" space this Mardi Gras.

Seems an odd odd odd choice given his dislike in the last 5-6 years of trashy camp bubblegum style music which is what the retro spaces at the last few MG parties as been known for.

A big congratulations to David Hiscock who is playing the middle set of the Retro space (its his first big room Mardi Gras / Sleaze ball appearance since the late 1980's).

And as for Greg Boladian starting off the retro space... well us retro fans couldnt be in better hands.
- Fri 16 Dec 2005 09:24:06 Replies: 1, add
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

Correct me if I'm wrong but has the most whinging about overseas DJ's usually been linked to the US ones ? ( except for 4 strings ).
Rachel Auburn , Lisa German all rocked and their UK.
Give him an hour - Fri 16 Dec 2005 18:00:31 Replies: add

Evil Twin - Fri 16 Dec 2005 21:25:05

Adamx - couldn't resist - Sat 17 Dec 2005 19:32:20

until this week there was no real info on the festival but lots on the Party so naturally there was a lot of postings about the party and lets not forget where the money comes from to pay for the Festival

So feel free to add your comments about the Festival instead of bitching
Cheesy smile - Sat 17 Dec 2005 19:47:26 Replies: 1, add

At the end of the Festival let's recap how many posts were for the party and how many were about the actual festival.

my bet is that 75%+ of the posts will be about the party on this wall despite the fact that there is a dedicated party wall here. it just shows how party-centric our community members are.
- Sun 18 Dec 2005 09:11:14 Replies: 1, 2, add

dont forget to book the nursing home
im going to home-yay - Sun 18 Dec 2005 19:32:41 Replies: add

Troi - Mon 19 Dec 2005 09:46:25

TRANCE LOVERS will be in for a special treat as Mardi Gras dedicates the Hordern to quality trance ALL NIGHT. At the helm will be Luke Leal, DJ Josh (Adelaide), Scott Anderson (Melbourne) and Rick Dreske, who will combine to take you on a journey you won't forget.

I HATE TRANCE.
toybox which is trance is the next day.
why do we have to also have such a large space alnight for trance?

please explain?

why not more alternative music in the hordern like always?
Jan - Tue 20 Dec 2005 10:28:49 Replies: 1, add

I am guessing a lot people are going to have a spare ticket to sell!
- Tue 20 Dec 2005 10:52:18 Replies: 1, add

Dont freaking beg for more members if u cant supply the forms.
- Tue 20 Dec 2005 19:39:47 Replies: add

" If " these DJ's play like they have in the past at these parties beleive me it wont be your commercial type trance.
Josh bangs it out with the best of them. Luke can go either way and not too sure on the other 2 DJ's.

Hordern has over say the last 10 years played styles like
hardhouse , hardtrance , hard dance even some hard tribal from the likes of Sveta.

Its always proved a successful formula so why play around with it. In my opinion the Hordern is THE perfect hall for it.
Wait and see - Tue 20 Dec 2005 20:39:58 Replies: 1, add

Harder the better - Wed 21 Dec 2005 19:23:03

1) Never buy tickets to Sleaze and then not go.
At least give them away at the nearest corner store.

2) Book a quite hotel room for all that come down drama.
So you can chill / recover properly.

3) When you go to Toybox make sure you got the right stuff. So you wont, stuff up your party.

That way you wont blow $1000 on airfares, hotels, parties and stuff for absolutely nothing.

PS; This time I got the right stuff and the right hotel (yet). And Im going to pace myself at both parties (I hope)

CYA
JASM - Wed 21 Dec 2005 21:42:01 Replies: add

Yep. $79.00
Information Desk - Thu 22 Dec 2005 07:15:08 Replies: 1, add

The subject of a DJ who plays a pre mixed CD is an interesting one.

I know a number of prominant Sydney DJ's and have at times seen these DJ's put a pre mixed CD at the start of a night in a pub or nightclub when the room is empty. They might allow that CD to play for anywhere from 30 to 80 minutes and go "live" once they are set up properly, have settled in and a few people have walked into the room. Personally I don't see anything wrong with that.

I have also heard a number of stories of DJ's who have various CD's with two or even three songs on them that are mixed together. This is called the "Toilet CD". It allows them to mix this CD into a live set during the middle of a night and then gives them anywhere from 10-20 minutes without having to mix another track in. This time off can be used to go to the bar , or even make a toilet stop without the DJ having to panic while doing these things thinking "shit I'm running out of time I gotta get back and mix". Again , this is a sensible DJ tool to have with you on any night.

I also know of a number of prominent dance party Sydney DJ's (and at least one OS DJ) who have used the "Toilet CD" concept at big dance parties during longish sets to have a mini break from mixing during a set. One particular instance of this was at Mardi Gras last year when I was dancing in the Hordern to Four Strings. I clearly remember one instance when the song changed over and the DJ was not at his mixing console. Five minutes later he re-appeared and then started playing live again.

All of the above is probably fair.

However what I cant see as being fair is if this Masterbeat DJ who is playing at Mardi Gras 2006 plays pre mixed CD's for the majority of his set and just stands there and watches everyone dancing away. What self satisfaction could you get out of that ? At what does he do to pass the time ? Read a nice book ? It doesn't make sense to me. I know both Shegeki and Dan Murphy who are playing the RHI on eaither side of the American DJ at Mardi Gras. I'll be sure to ask them to keep an eye on this bloke and see whether he does actually do this. In my book it's nothing more than cheating if he sticks on premixed CD's for the bulk of his set. Let's see how this little controversy pans out...........
Aiden - Thu 22 Dec 2005 07:45:03 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

that is too funny, ii LOVE that show!
oooh! - Thu 22 Dec 2005 10:24:34 Replies: add

I've worked Overseas with Brett several times and he doesn't sit idly for a full set playing pre-mixed CDs, despite the fact that his Masterbeat mixed CDs, of which I have every one, are some of the best around. He feels the crowd (wish he would...), watches reactions and changes material as needed just like any other good DJ.

Brett is a professional who's been around for a long time doing major parties all over the US, and the world. I received an email from him the other day and he's so incredibly excited to be playing in the RHI from 1-4am so expect nothing but his absolute best efforts to entertain us.

And anyway, one extended mix during a 4 hour set so you can have a pee is not a crime, not that this man does that. I've seen him many times in a long 6 or 7 hour set run for the loo during a 6 minute mix.

No more character attacks based on sheer ignorance please.

Happy Xmas all.
Noisy Gypsy - Thu 22 Dec 2005 12:41:01 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

I sense possible Tall Poppy Syndrome here or perhaps some bitter Dj's that are stirring the pot because they are have not been selected? I have heard of one venue where a certain group of people are wearing "we want (insert DJ Name) at party" T shirts.

As panther says...

"Please respect all the volunteers and staff who put in many many hours of hard work to make our festival fabulous"

Lets also not judge those working on the event until the event is over?

That sounds fair to me.
- Thu 22 Dec 2005 18:43:30 Replies: add

As usual the cats are out to play and who cares if no shred of truth in their posts.

All hearsay.

Just busting.
T. - Thu 22 Dec 2005 20:36:20 Replies: add

Excellent. Send me pics and lets make a date
- Fri 23 Dec 2005 07:24:52 Replies: add

Members should have received their season guide in the mail by now, or you can pick them up at all the usual venues. From a home-made sex toy workshop @ Manacle to Kylie, Cocktails & Canapes @ the Powerhouse to Queers on Ice @ Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, I think it's fairly safe to say there should be something for everyone...
CeeJay - Fri 23 Dec 2005 14:18:35 Replies: add

I mean for heavens sake people its not rocket science.

I good DJ knows great music and what can send a dance floor grooving.

Let's just pray that they brief him.
- Fri 23 Dec 2005 14:52:35 Replies: add

Was it advertised anywhere ? Was it a members only thing ?

More information please.
Uninformed and Missed Out - Fri 23 Dec 2005 17:55:38 Replies: 1, 2, add

What is it with people who post here?
- Fri 23 Dec 2005 18:34:26 Replies: add

received my tickets today
- Fri 23 Dec 2005 21:50:38 Replies: 1, 2, add

Panther - Sat 24 Dec 2005 09:44:40

How bloody UNFAIR is that for people like me that do not wish to patronize that venue (or any other venue on Oxford Street for that matter).

I only attend the big parties and do not club in Darlinghurst. How was i supposed to be communicated this information hmmm ?

Me thinks a complaint email to NMG is in order.
Uninformed and Missed Out - And now very disappointed and disillusioned - Sat 24 Dec 2005 14:55:08 Replies: 1, 2, add

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - merry christmas everyone. - Sat 24 Dec 2005 16:39:35 Replies: add

Oh REALLY ? Then where's my email ???
Uninformed and Missed Out - Now Im just getting pissed off - Sat 24 Dec 2005 20:03:40 Replies: 1, add

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras

There are 69 Days to Mardi Gras
countdownboy - strange twist that on a day like Xmas Day there's 69 days to MG *hehe* ... i hope Santa didnt give you a 69 for Xmas *shock* !! - Sun 25 Dec 2005 08:50:24 Replies: add

If your not out and about, or in the know, then yes you would have missed out.
Sorry that's called marketing,get over it.
You snooze you loose.
It's the oldest trick in the book.
- Mon 26 Dec 2005 11:01:43 Replies: add

geez...
- Tue 27 Dec 2005 23:41:59 Replies: 1, add

Yawn - no its actually the "party" people who put me to sleep....
- Fri 30 Dec 2005 09:22:31 Replies: 1, add

I hope this is something you can make sure will happen at the party this year -

It's very important in my opinion that you put some seating in the RHI at Mardi Gras party this year. The RHI is the hall the majority always want to hang out in but it frustrates the hell out of me that there is never seating in that hall whereas the other halls like Dome and particularly the Hordern have areas to have a sit down and a rest. Please consider my request and put some bleachers in the RHI as well as the Hordern. If there's a budget issue then split the bleachers normally placed in the Hordern with the RHI and give each hall a 50-50 share.

Theres plenty of room in the RHI for bleachers on the right hand side of the hall as you walk in from the Hordern Pavilion end. Please give it a go !!!

Feedback would be appreciated.
Luke B - Fri 30 Dec 2005 23:11:16 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

I also think that there is plenty of room in the RHI to put in seats and it gives us older party people (I am 46) the opportunity to have a rest between dancing. People who like the RHI and its music should not be consigned to having to sit on the filthy floor to rest our sore legs. If its good enough to put seats in the Hordern then why not in the RHI which is supposed to be the #1 space at the party ? Thanks for listening.
In need of a sit down - Sat 31 Dec 2005 07:04:44 Replies: add

Amen to that !!!
- Sat 31 Dec 2005 17:53:25 Replies: add

I also want to say yes to RHI seating. Tons of vacant space on the Driver Ave side of the RHI for bleaches and a great opportunity to do something DIFFERENT in that space which I know would be very much appreciated by the punters. Agree how horrible it looks as the sun comes up seeing people with tired dancing legs having to sit on the floor if they want to stay indoors - This should not be allowed to happen. Come on Brad , give us what we want.
Craig W - Sat 31 Dec 2005 18:07:18 Replies: add

but that is all i know. Don't know why NMG dumped them from the festival this year.

Surely mardi gras shoudl support our community events and especially a muli-cultural event.

Cee Jay do you know?
What happened to Arak? - Sun 1 Jan 2006 08:42:02 Replies: add
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

I remember that last year there were a heap of parties in the festival guide. There was one at Arq and a few others too. Can anyone remeber the others. Why have they being excluded from this year's festival guide.
Sure not indeed. - Sun 1 Jan 2006 09:03:07 Replies: 1, 2, add
This is the opinion of the poster.

"GAY rights activists will seize on Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to push for legal recognition of same-sex marriages.Prime Minister John Howard has ruled out recognising gay marriages, despite a push by Liberal backbenchers Warren Entsch, Mal Washer, Judi Moylan and Petro Georgiou.
This puts Australia behind countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada and South Africa, where same-sex marriages are legal.
Same-sex civil unions are recognised in Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand, Britain and seven US states."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/push-to-legalise-gay-marriage/2005/12/31/1135915725605.html

... John Howard really has a lot to answer for, as more & more young gays commit suicide (especially in rural areas) as they don't feel like they have a full future open to them as full citizens.
- Mon 2 Jan 2006 00:24:34 Replies: add

BTW, Club Arak was part of the 2004 festival, but not 2005 (page 39 of the 2005 festival guide featured the amazing Varla Jean Merman (one of my highlights for last year's festival!), Sipping the Velvet and Sub Station.)

Dirty Donkey was last year and is again part of the Festival for 2006. There's also a Greek party at the Burdekin, the DJ Spinoff at Stonewall, the Search for a DNA model upstairs at the Shift, and the Underbear party (part of Bear Essentials)

For something a bit different, there's the Pollys Harbour Cruise, the "ice skating dance party" Queers on Ice - or Kylie, Cocktails and Canapes at the Powerhouse (under $30 for NMG members including exhibition entry, music, performance, food and drinks - bargain!), or even the Bush Dance at Marrickville RSL. There's also Roundabout - a cabaret and dance night for under 25s at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

Oh... I think there may be a couple of parties happening on the final weekend of the season as well
CeeJay - Happy new year! - Mon 2 Jan 2006 08:56:34 Replies: 1, add

2 more likely reasons are that Club Arak might of:

1. missed the October closing date

2. They didn't want to pay for the listing.

Remember NMG doesn't make any money out of the festival events themselves anymore. Instead it makes money from listing them in the guide, so it wouldn't make sense to refuse a listing.
- Mon 2 Jan 2006 16:13:13 Replies: add

Can you guys also let us know if the party is one. I really want it on.
Club Arak please verify - Tue 3 Jan 2006 00:52:02 Replies: 1, add

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - ALSO IN SUPPORT OF SEATING IN THE RHI PLEASE - Tue 3 Jan 2006 09:20:18 Replies: add

Going about blaming NMG for 'dumping' events is very short-sighted!
- Tue 3 Jan 2006 09:36:04 Replies: add

I recall seating being put in the RHI for some dance parties many many years ago (late 80's / early 90's) and cant understand why that practise was ceased.

It makes SO much of a difference to party goers if you can rest during portions of the night. It certainly helps you last the distance
Mark - Tue 3 Jan 2006 13:31:27 Replies: 1, 2, add

Reading between those lines, I found it quite ironic that NMG rejected the raelians because they considered them too "out there" when the actual parade is considered the same way by many people in australia (some might say most).

The more likely scenario is that Club arak just didn't feel the need to be a part of the festival as they already have their own following and don't need the publicity of the festival guide to get punters to their event.

Still it would've been abit more community minded of them to fork out $50 for the registration and consider it a donaiton to MG as a festival which has created so much for this community and in turn given opportunities for events like club arak to happen by changing australian culture to be more accepting.
- Tue 3 Jan 2006 14:04:16 Replies: 1, add

My recollection is that the Raelians' 2004 application did not meet the (widely-available) criteria that protects this community event from being exploited, whether for commercial, political or other means.

At no point did Mardi Gras indicate that the proposed entry was too 'out there'. This sounds like what the Raelians assumed, in the belief that they were being spectacularly cutting-edge or controversial.

Further, that the following year their entry application DID address the criteria and demonstrate that it was genuinely being entered by members of the glbt community. Thus the same working group, with much the same membership, happily approved the entry.

Yawn,! Conspiracy theories in this community aren't what they used to be!
- Tue 3 Jan 2006 16:16:34 Replies: add

And if it wasn't a gay pub then how could it not possibly be there for commercial exploitation? Remember the that Poppy lipstick company that had floats repeatedly in the MG in the 90s? how was that company connected to our community? (there are plenty more examples of commercial floats that used to be a part of the parade when they clearly had nothing to do with our community and everything to do with promoting their products/services.)

And I was reading between the lines by the way the NMG spokesman spoke about the raelians exclusion to conclude about their "unofficial" reasons for excluding them.

(Don't forget that at no point has JWH indicated that he thinks same sex relationships are inferior to opposite sex relationshisp, but thru this actions and legislation we are abundantly clear as to what he thinks of our relationships).

It's good to hear that the raelians were included in the next years festival but i hardly think it was "the same working group" who approved the second and not the first. (there was high turn over in those first few years of NMG - even on the board the first year). if it was maybe they realised their mistake and didn't go to the same lengths they did last time due to the bad publicity and community concern (i wrote them a nasty email about it).

I'm not connected to the raelians (i consider ALL religions to be the exclusive domain of nutjobs) but i can't stand hypocrisy, particularly hypocrisy that was so flimsly disguised as it when that issue came up at the press conference.
- Tue 3 Jan 2006 17:31:35 Replies: add

I can here the spin now "New Mardi Gras encourages all members of our community to be part of our festival"...and so it will go.

In the meantime, "Club Arak" has left the festival frustrated. short sighted of Arak i know but also of mardi gras.
it takes 2 to tango - Tue 3 Jan 2006 18:07:16 Replies: 1, add
This is the opinion of the poster.

Looks exciting. Saw them in NYC.
Highly recommended. - Tue 3 Jan 2006 18:09:04 Replies: 1, add

Influence is currently presenting Roundabout, a queer friendly event for Sydney’s youth during Mardi Gras season.
Roundabout intends to be a fun-filled space for queer individuals and their friends to have a laugh, enjoy some light entertainment, and dance the night away.

Influence is currently recruiting performers for the night, and have already managed to snag the talents of Bec Hill and other numerous competitors.

Don’t want to perform on the night?
Then come along and watch the show. It’s only $5 entry.

Where? Newtown Community Hall
When? Friday 24th Feb 6.30-11pm
Who? Everyone under the age of 25
What? Drug and Alcohol free event

Want to know more??
Contact ashleycharlton@hotmail.com or dial 0401306914.
- Tue 3 Jan 2006 22:24:16 Replies: add

so are we getting wooden flooring as well as seating - coz i cannot tell you enough - just how good that floorings is. Its a very responsible measure to ensure our little legs keep going all night.
Bring on the floor - Thu 5 Jan 2006 15:01:22 Replies: 1, add

One of the best things about the collapse of old MG is that it is now so much easier for smaller community groups to become a part of the festival. As long as you can run the event on your own and it's connnected to the community, then MG will in most circumstances accept your application to be a part of the festival. i did it for two years and it was as easy as pie (the application - NOT! the event!)

If club arak isn't a part of the festival then we should assume that either they didn't feel the need to be a part of it, or they got their application in seriously late. either way is fine as the festival guide is still nice and full!

And i'm really not spinning a MG PR line here because i'm the one who mouthed off about them excluding the raelians (for whatever reasons).
- Thu 5 Jan 2006 16:08:44 Replies: add

a friend who is involved in MG told me that there will be no wooden floor.
8 extra mirrorballs will be added instead - it is cheaper. bring your sunnies as well as two pair of shoes.
- Thu 5 Jan 2006 21:36:38 Replies: add
This message should be interpreted as being humourous.

LAUNCH AT THE HOUSE? by Myles Wearring

The Mardi Gras launch will return to the Opera House forecourt this year, according to unconfirmed reports.

While the news is yet to be announced, Sydney Star Observer believes the launch will be held at the iconic venue with an entry fee of between $5 and $10.

Last year New Mardi Gras chair Marcus Bourget said community feedback revealed a strong desire to take the launch back to the Opera House, where it was last held in 2002.

It will be the first time NMG has charged an entry fee to the launch, a step deemed necessary after the event lost money in 2004 and 2005.
- Fri 6 Jan 2006 09:44:35 Replies: 1, add

It would of been amazing to have her singing live to the Deep Dish dance version of Dreams...

Pity she would of just left the country a few days before and is over in New Zealand on that weekend with John Farnham...

But then again she could finish her Auckland concert and jump on a plane and be here in time for a 3am show...

Just an idea NMG!
- Fri 6 Jan 2006 20:10:13 Replies: 1, 2, add

Yes I'm a party goer for the last 20 years and for the last few years so much rides on $'s made from the party to put on these events that us party people end up with either less lighting or no wooden dance floor ( never again please ) blah blah blah.
Work mates love to say " I'm over the parties. I only go to the launch/fair day and festival ". Thats fine but end the free ride.
End the free ride - Sat 7 Jan 2006 12:09:24 Replies: add

How about those holding a party ticket get free entry ?
its already pricey enough and would make people buy way
in advance ?
Just a thought - Sat 7 Jan 2006 12:12:50 Replies: 1, add

Lil - luscious in leather - Sat 7 Jan 2006 14:45:17

Approx 2 months ago I send a volunteer application over the internet to NMG, and up until now no one has even bothered to contact me????????

The complain all the time that they are always wanting volunteers, but they cannot even bother to contact people back who apply???

If I am contacted now I will not even bother......... Just when I thought NMG was heading in the right direction I was wrong, too self obsessed into getting sponsorship they have forgotten the real essence of Mardi Gras, the COMMUNITY!

Not very professional at all.........and as for membership application forms don't even get me started!!

Is this is a back yard operation run by school kids?
- Sun 8 Jan 2006 12:46:39 Replies: 1, 2, add

If you truly want to help you would register your interest and wait. Being "over it" because you felt you had to wait too long is a little immature.

Lets not bitch about these organisations who do an amazing job within limited time and budget!
Nick - Melbourne - Sun 8 Jan 2006 18:28:03 Replies: 1, 2, add

Waiting a few weeks is fair, but up to a year to start work as a volunteer is unacceptable.

Surely a process of an immediate acknowledgement email indicating when they will be contacted would help surely. Or is everybody too busy to accept more help?
- Sun 8 Jan 2006 19:54:07 Replies: add

1. RHI Seating.

I cant agree more with all comments and will table it on Tuesday at Party Working Group Meeting. It does cost but will try and squeeze it it. I'm glad that people are happy to loose one of the 50 or so lasers in the Hordern to pay for them.

2. Vollies - when in doubt call Mardi Gras or if online is your thing feel free to email me and I will send on contact details. If there is one thing I have learnt working with NMG is that it wouldn't be around without vollies.

3. General Party Stuff - Now that im back from holidays and feeling fab im again throwing myself at the Party. If any of you have comments/suggestions/questions feel free to email them through to me

brad@aztechevents.com.au

As far as im concerned we can only make these parties better by listening to both the Party Working Group and the general public.

4. Platinum - more info to come next week, think VIP treatment and areas. Give me a week to sort it all out.

Hope all of this helps, if not shoot me an email.
Brad W - brad@aztechevents.com.au - Sun 8 Jan 2006 21:46:22 Replies: 1, 2, add

FREE labour should have them on your doorstep within
days/weeks.
I'll bitch if I want to - Mon 9 Jan 2006 16:57:18 Replies: 1, add

From people I've spoken to there seems to be a positive vibe surrounding the MG Party 2006.

They are all getting in and ordering tix. Which seems a much better reaction than last year.

Looking forward to it 300%
- Mon 9 Jan 2006 18:21:07 Replies: add

As a general rule - if you haven't heard back within a couple of days, email again - Consider it good grounding for the frustrations that can go along with being part of a community-based organisation. On the flip side, it can be incredibly rewarding, and a lot of fun.

Also - if you're volunteering, the more specific you are about what you're interested in volunteering for, the more likely it is to get to the right person who will reply asap (and maybe a second or third preference in case some areas are already ok when others are still crying out for volunteers).

BTW, I know Marcus has been working hard, but I'm sure the 2 other board members, 5 working group co-chairs, 2 contractors (unpaid overtime) and assorted working group members who were at Petersham all Saturday afternoon were doing more than sitting around watching one man single-handedly organise and market festival, launch, fair day, parade and party

(not to mention the people who've been meeting through the week & at places other than Petersham)
CeeJay - Mon 9 Jan 2006 21:06:31 Replies: add

Musically, for the moment think, house, anthems, trance, dirty/underground house, 70's, 80's, 90's and disco.

As far as Live elements go. ... I'm chatting with artists from all over the globe and hoping to sign some contracts by the end of the week and then make some announcements in the coming weeks.
Brad W - Tue 10 Jan 2006 01:03:58 Replies: 1, add

mmm ... don't see one single underground dj on the line-up! ... and before you start arguing about that, you know there really isn't!!
- Tue 10 Jan 2006 11:20:04 Replies: add

Live music at the party as in bands? Or do you mean vocal PAs, as in Jimmy Sommerville? Tell all!
deep housin! - Tue 10 Jan 2006 15:05:38 Replies: 1, 2, add

So that's your definition? *ROFL*

Underground dance music, in my book, is basically non-commercial dance music. Sure, it may not be stuff that you'd hear in a popular club. I wouldn't have brought trance into the equation though, as you'll find that there's plenty of "underground" trance out there if you go looking for it. Most of what you hear at the shift or arq isn't trance, in any case....
- Tue 10 Jan 2006 19:20:17 Replies: add

I might get flamed for saying this, but it was nice to dance to some pumping tunes (ie "dome" style music) but in an environment that was far more diverse than the usual dome-leather crowd. I love dancing with my saphic sisters even though I'm a gay man. The dome crowd tends to get a bit exclusive (and trashy) as the night goes on. However if that's where the good music is, that's where I'll be.

As for live acts, the Martini club w