Pinkboard: SGLMG Graffiti Wall 17

"Just being in a creative environment with so many damn hard working fellow polymorphous perverse individuals is something pretty special,but when they just happen to be warm ,inclusive & respectful to everyone its fucking magic."

That's the kind of spirit that makes a good organisation a better one. I tick a lot of the boxes on the sliding scale of sexuality (and perversity! yay!). But the connections I make with people, the sharing and closeness you can get, is the big pay off. I'm happy to read Larry's post about MG being "more open and consultative". Goodo. Translate the rhetoric into action and things are looking better. Good luck to everyone at monday's meeting. I hope it goes well.
Evil Twin - Sun 21 Jul 2002 14:28:46

Financial Stability and a Business Plan that will ensure a balanced budget within two to three years; and

Relevance - relevance to current members and relevance to the future members - the youth.

The reason for both is obvious - survival!

Whilst appreciating the diverse topics raised here, perhaps just for the next month, we should keep the comments relevant to the 'real' issues.
Damon Hartley - Mon 22 Jul 2002 11:07:34

London has a large and varied scene but it will never beat what Sydney has, a strong sense of community and ownership of the events. London's recent attempt at a Mardi Gras of their own was a shambles. They were promoting it as something they hope to rival Sydney in the future. It was very commercial and poorly organised and there simply was no atmosphere.

I realise part of the problem has been the increase in costs imposed by the government. I also am aware that the ability to go off to Arq on any given weekend and have a great night have detracted from Mardi Gras. Along with the increasing number of people that only do the recoveries because they are 'better'.

We still need Mardi Gras. We still need to be visible. We will always be a minority and for that reason will always have to make our presence known, or be in danger of having the rights we have won eroded.

Besides, Mardi Gras is an amazing event. In the past few years the variety of entertainment that the party has to offer has been greatly improved. You need to support the events, it is such a big part of what life in Sydney is about. Sydney is a fantastic city in which to be gay, and I honestly believe it is not rivalled by anywhere else. It is heartbreaking to read that some people are willing to let it slip away because they couldn't care less.

Look after what you have.
from London - Mon 22 Jul 2002 22:45:47

Life is not black and white...However I still (despite everything), believe we have to keep MG alive as an organisation as they represent much more to this society than some people will ever know...
Who Knows! - Wed 24 Jul 2002 00:25:40

A few years after this the USA was at war with France. An act of parliament was passed to say that the French were not allowed these equal rights. Also, women were not covered by these rights until late ninteenth century. Slaves were considered less than man so that they did not have to grant them these rights either.

Since 11th Sept, citizens of the US who came from the Middle East are being victimised and denied their inalienable rights.

The speaker summarised by saying that in times of war, fear takes over. It is then easy for influential people to play on that fear and convince the majority to take away the rights of any minority.

We will always be a minority. We do not yet have equal rights or even equal respect. We must make sure we get those equal rights and keep them. This will always be a battle and we must remain forever vigilant.
Arti - Wed 24 Jul 2002 17:08:35

in 2002 the jews inflicted predjudice on the palestines

In 1960 the general public of sydney inflicted predjudice on the gays of sydney

in 2002 the SGLMG constitution inflicts predujice on straights , bi , trans etc.

see the similiarity.

wake up we are in 2002 , and we are free , and if you think we are not, u are in cuckoo land.
- Wed 24 Jul 2002 22:11:25

And to We're over MG let it die. - Mon 22 Jul 2002 13:32:57, why are you even interested in this topic when all you want to do is stand on the sideline and put forward destructive comments that attempt to undermine our organisation.

Also congrats to anon - Thu 18 Jul 2002 15:17:42: I was also a volunteer for this years parade and was deeply offended by Paul Presscots letter in last weeks SSO and take significant issue with his description of the Parade. Many many people who went to the Parade, worked on it, or participated in it, said it was the best for years and had the right mix of colour politics glamour and humour. I had a great time as did all of my friends and family who were involved, worked hard and were proud of theoir efforts.

I can only assume that Paul was neither there to see for himself, or has other axes (or other peoples axes) to grind?

MG has my support as a member. MG has my support as a volunteer. The current Board have my thanks for their tireless and thankless efforts, Julie Regan has my admiration for her integrity and commitment to bring MG to the position where it did NOT go down the toilet in difficult times such as now, but had a foundation upon which it could at least survive and rebuild.

The next Board will also have my support as long as they strive to ensure that MG has a sound future, focussed on doing what it does magnificently.

Look at the stats = MG 02 Party (was it) 17,000 tiks, Sleaze 01 (was it) 8000+ tiks, Parade = nearly two hunderd entries with 7000+ participants + 1500 vollies + 500,000 plus spectators + a TV audiencce of millions. This is not to mention Fair Day, Launch et al (yes and a festivel that has never made money but stimulated and engaged the community for a few delightful weeks in February) - all of these , it seems, some contributors here would like to see end.

I can't wait for Sleaze, its one of the best parties in the world - see you under the mirror ball!
4R's - Fri 26 Jul 2002 11:00:32

On the other point you make I am not sure whether you are condoning violence in general, or just against gay guys. First - violence is never acceptable. Second - bullying is not acceptable. Third - if the reason for violence is homophobia then we need to address homophobia, if the violence is because of racism then we need to address racism, if the violence is due to religious intolerance then we need to encourage religious tolerance and co-existance.

Show me that homosexuals are equal and have equal rights in everything, and no one is ever going to take those rights away.

But you can't. Equal age of consent in NSW. Federal superannuation legislation. Teenagers committing suicide because they are scared of being homosexual (read the Coming Out Graffiti Wall). Bullying because someone looks gay (they have probably never had sex even, or determined their own sexuality).
Arti - Fri 26 Jul 2002 11:12:19

Oh, I think I dozed off sometime late last week!

Not quite sure why that happened (?) ... did I miss anything?

I had this really amazing dream though - gee ... I dreamt everyone stopped bitching and moaning about Mardi Gras, people came from everywhere to see what they could do to help and make sure that the organisation survived, the 25th Anniversary celebrations generated unprecedented scenes of unification across genders (and sexual persuasions), a strong and vibrant youth section was started, and every member of the Hall of Fame actually paid for a ticket to all MG events (in advance) which enabled Mardi Gras to wipe out all overdrafts even before the lights went off at SLEAZE 02 (wow - trippy huh!).

The best part was ten pages of congratulatory letters to MG printed in the SSO (representing approx .01% of the membership).

WOW, wouldn' it be incredible - but, alas, only a silly dream would be filled with such fantastic, impossible things, wouldn't it ?!?
Thats me in the corner.. - Tue 30 Jul 2002 14:20:11

I want the Sheena Easton sign ... Oh and some posters...
Party animal - Wed 31 Jul 2002 23:38:32
Pinkboard is unable to confirm this statement.

RTart
- Thu 1 Aug 2002 12:20:01

1. Would you be prepared to personally guarantee the $400,000.00 loan?

2. What do you think the chances are that alternative boards, including some boards past, would have been prepared to risk the guarantors' funds - which includes what is ultimately community funds?

3. How differently would a board led by Paul Croft, Bev Lange or David Mclachlan if they were confronted by the same set of circumstances?
- Thu 1 Aug 2002 12:42:12

RE: If I personally had the monetary clout... yes - Don't assume that this board wouldn't do exactly the same thing, if they had the money clout there would be no need for a 400 000 loan, they could have funded the organisation themselves.

This board has had the hardest job of any. I am certain that they are all hurting at the moment. They are passionate & commited and the rewards are little, especially from our thankless community.
- Thu 1 Aug 2002 13:26:34

Alternate plans for this year's Sleaze are under discussion. It is believed that Pride have been approached to produce it under license.

The full story is available online at www.ssonet.com.au
Panther - Thu 1 Aug 2002 13:32:25

To be (perhaps) more clear.

The recent administration had the financial indicators for the length of their administration (at least) and should have decided to cut down the 2002 Festival even further to maintain stability.

Would I (in place of the Directors) guarantee the money (or my equal share of it)? If I was confident of the strategy in place to keep the organisation afloat and viable (which includes the paying back of the money) - an unreserved yes.

Thankless? I severly doubt it - I have been involved (and NOT just partying) with putting on Mardi Gras since the late 70's. I call that somewhat passionate and committed too.
A 78er - Thu 1 Aug 2002 13:58:19

Though not of the same scale, the parallels with the accounting practices, disinformation, hype in the face of reality, mounting criticism and dissatisfation from "shareholders" and "executive perks" with the HIH's, WorldCom's, Enron's are unnerving. If being another failed corporation is the measure of success in the new millenium, congratulations guys.

Is capitalism the new communism for the 21st century?
A 69er - Thu 1 Aug 2002 15:36:44

We should all take time out and consider the prospect of that.

It makes me feel very sad and I am sure the recriminations and bitching will be ceaseless for months to come, but lets just have a short dignified period of reflection on whether we did enough to help, or were we just part of the eventual demise, because we thought that it was enough just to sit back and criticise from the stalls.

There are multiple causes and contributing factors to this mess, some of them internal and some of them external to the organisation, and collectively they have stretched MG to breaking point.

All approaching what should have been our greatest celebration, our 25th anniversary.

Let's hope for a sympathetic administrator, for that would seem the only glimmer of hope at present, one that will allow the organisation to trade out of the mess via a Sleaze Ball that will allow MG to stabilise financially and move forward.

Oh, and I hear that some '78ers' may be awaiting the appointment of an administrator in order to ride in as white knights, to rescue MG from the clutches of those terrible lesbians.

Do they really believe that the community will support a phoenix style organisation founded out of their actions of perfidy? Methinks no, I do not believe the membership will forgive them either (with or without Dolly Parton!).
02er (living in the present!) - Thu 1 Aug 2002 19:21:34

Organisers of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have not ruled out turning the event over to voluntary administration as urgent meetings to shore up financial support continue.

The board has until Friday morning to find $200,000 to cover a sponsor who has pulled out of a rescue plan on legal advice."
---------------------------------------------------------
If there is any rich fags, dykes, trannys, queers (even str8s) out there that want to help then there is very little time left to save the organisation. It may be a case of a whole lot pitching in smaller amounts. Ring MG now - the phone numbers are on the website. Talk is cheap - action shouts.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE ABLE!!!

(and no, I am not a Board Member or Staff - I am just a humble member who thinks this is one thing worth preserving!)
- Thu 1 Aug 2002 22:14:29

Even fewer joined the yahoo group to try and work through the issues they raised at the meeting.

The gay, lesbian, bisexual etc communities are NOT interested in saving MG. They are only interested in someone puuting it on so they can be glamorous and get a bit of dancing and drug taking accomplished for the weekend.

Let's face it ten years ago the organisation changed for the worse and we all let it because it was too hard to try and work it out and now we all get to live with the consequences.

Bye bye MG party and Sleaze Ball this Queen will miss you. What I won't miss is all the grandstanding and political back biting that killed an old and valuable public organisation.
Malcolm Grant (aka Sister Mary Mega Mouth) - Thu 1 Aug 2002 22:52:56

I think there will be some BIG debts soon being paid by people who participated in the end game of a financial disaster set in train yeras ago. Does anyone think that there will be any assistance coming through from ex-board members? Not me.
- Thu 1 Aug 2002 22:59:29

However one may question the morality of the timing of the new demands for gaurentees, because they were newly requested this week - weeks after the loan was offered to MG and accepted, and just before payments which relied on this money being in the bank had to be made (staff wages). It was a demand that was absolutely unacceptable as it would rely on the outgoing Board taking responsibility for finances beyond the AGM.

Remember that the debts may also be paid out of administered trading if the administrator sees that the organisation may be able to trade out of difficulty. They may also be partially paid out liquidating the plant and equipment - unlikely to realise enough , and the organisation may have some assets (intangible) that may be of value, in the brand, and the parties/events produced - if any body sees these as valuable - then again they may be picked up by commercial operators for next to nothing!

MG may rise from the ashes, but it may not be quite the community organisation we all knew and loved (to hate) for 25 years!
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 08:09:04

I agree. Perhaps it would have been better to purchase property, would have been an investment, yes? - However, it didn't happen. Perhaps to our detriment.

To the 'signature-less one(s)'. The backers money is the backers money - *I* would expect a guarantee for it too (as would anyone who knew anything about how the organisation got in this predicament in the first place). I believe that the condition of guarantee was (perhaps) the last one needed to clinch the loan (as before it *was* a loan it was only an offer of a loan) in todays SMH Julie Regan makes no mention of the pull-out being a 'last minute decision'.

Yes, some of us may be making it appear that the current situation is the responsibility of 'a handful of volunteer Board Mambers'. Here's a secret: It is (albeit a large handful). The Board is *elected by the community* (regardless of who did or who did not vote for them) to run the organisation. The Board did just that - apparently, right into the ground. Prior Boards may have assisted in laying the groundwork but the responsibility of the issue lies with the current (or more correctly: most recent) Board(s).

Right. We have pointed the fingers at those responsible, and (hopefully) made them feel shame and hurt (even more than they may have been before). Good, they deserve it. Now, we need to get it together to either save MG (without the cash because: we don't have it) and/or make ready to support the MG ideals in whatever form they become ('phoenix-like', if you will).

Then again, maybe this is simply fates way of giving us a kick in our collective complacency.

To 02er (living in the present): Would the community support a 'phoenix-like' organisation? You bet it would. Although I personally was not planning on riding a white horse, I may just rent one if the opportunity arises. After all 02er, we started one before and we sure as hell can start another one again.
A 78er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 09:34:47

It is possible for a company to both be in receivership and either administration or liquidation at the same time.

In such circumstances, as a practical matter, the receiver will run the company because he will have control over the secured assets, which are usually all the assets of the company.

An administrator is usually appointed by the board of the company. The board must resolve that the company is insolvent, or is likely to become insolvent. An administrator may also be appointed by a chargee who has a charge over the whole of the assets of the company. This is unusual. A liquidator may also appoint an administrator of the company.

Court approval is not required for the appointment of an administrator. Courts have safety net powers to ensure that the administration procedure is managed fairly and that it complies with the intention of legislation, but the overwhelming majority of voluntary administrations are completed without any court involvement at all.

The appointment of an administrator causes a statutory moratorium which restricts the rights of creditors. The legislation provides for a short period of time (usually up to 28 days - extensions can be obtained from the Court if the administrator needs more time to prepare a proposal, and the creditors can adjourn the meeting for up to 60 days) for the administrator to investigate the company's affairs and to propose an arrangement to creditors if he thinks an arrangement is viable.

If the creditors agree, the company may enter into a Deed of Company Arrangement with the creditors which may allow the company to continue to trade, often with the continued involvement of the administrator. There are no statutory restrictions upon the commercial content of such a deed, and arrangements between the company and the creditors can be as flexible as they choose. There is no need for court approval.

So .. all is not necessarily lost.

Also remember that thye Directors powers are only suspended, they remain inplace throughout the administration period and work with the administrator.

Hope this helps everyone understand where we are at if this proceeds down this path.
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 10:50:52

May you feel safe, and justified and sanctified in your anger - it probably got you everything you deserved. Now you can feel really superior about the possibly of the world greatest lesbian and gay organisation going under. (And much joy may it give you).
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 11:25:00

As was pointed out in Citizen/Consumer discussion at the Community Forum, the MG brand is the "experience" (refer to Our Mardi Gras discussion group 07 - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Our-Mardi-Gras/files/Discussion07.doc). The experience is comprised of those who participate.

If any person or company buys the SGLMG name or logo in an attempt to trade off this they will be making the same mistake as MG's belief in marketing. That using the consumerism linguistics of hats, CD's and t-shirts with logos will substitute for this "experience" and equates to delivering on a "promise" thereby illicting "loyalty". $ finances an organisation, loyalty sustains it.

So where are the MG sponsors now the going gets tough? The ones who got mileage from MG during the recent corporate excesses? The companies which benefitted from an estimated $80-100,000,000 injection into the economy. The ones in the VIP viewing rooms. The fair weather friends. Finally we realise that our sexuality cannot be marketed chasing the pink $, government support or a sponsor, and that we as a community organisation are rank amateurs at speaking consumer-ese.

Maybe one of these fair weather friends could buy the "brand" in an altuistic offer to bail us out? There would be nothing in it for them now would there? Go on, sell the "brand" for as much as possible to clear the debt, because in reality it is worth nothing without the loyalty and participation of our diverse communities.
A 69'er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 11:56:10

"The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has gone into voluntary administration after last ditch efforts to secure financial backing for the carnival failed today.

A last-minute request for another gay group, Pride, to take on this year's Sleaze Ball fell through yesterday afternoon after its director, Chris Maynard, said the "risk was too great".

Pride also withdrew from its earlier position as one of four guarantors for a $250,000 overdraft - which has not been drawn upon - approved for Mardi Gras a month ago.

The State Government refused another plea by organsiers for financial support, with the acting treasurer, John Della Bosca, saying: "The reported $400,000 needed by the organisers to keep the Mardi Gras going would be better spent on hospitals, roads or drought relief."
Sad Day - Fri 2 Aug 2002 12:14:35

You may doubt all you like - but being 'intimately involved' in *every* event of the 2002 Festival, does give one an insiders knowledge (so to speak). Also, having donated monies to keep the company afloat *did* give me extra information. I speak form knowledge, not assumption.

Further, there is no *possibility* of the Administration happening - it has. Today. Pride resolved the risk was too great after them examining *all* the documentation.

Justified in my anger? Of course I am. I, like a number of us still around, *started* Mardi Gras. (However, I think Righteously Incensed in my Fury, and sdaddened in my loss is more befitting).

Now the clean up and the re-inventing of the organisation begins. *I* will be amongst those doing so.
A 78er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 13:02:11

i think pride is negotiating with mardi gras about this. from what i know they have been communicating quite regularly with the pride board. i guess, we could always write to pride and get confirmation on this stuff??
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 13:24:45

Yes I believe that's right. I suppose you can't really blame them for not doing Sleaze Ball and putting their own org at risk. What good would it do at this stage to have 2 orgs going bust? Also, who would want to go given the current situation?

But what is interesting is perhaps making sure pride can manage to buy the rights so that it remains with the community. Otherwise we may be looking at the Telstra Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, or the Coca-Cola Bottlers Parade! I'm willing to write to pride and get more info if people on this list think it would be useful.
Willing - Fri 2 Aug 2002 13:38:28

Message for members of
Sydney Gay+Lesbian Mardi Gras

Dear members,

I wish to inform you that as of 9am this morning, the Board of Directors of
Sydney Gay+Lesbian Mardi Gras has placed the organisation in voluntary
administration.

Our plan in the short term is to work with the administrators to restructure
the organisation to ensure its continued survival. Voluntary administration
is seen by the board as a "breathing space" to allow us to deal with
creditors and put in place the financing required.

We have had many offers of support over the past weeks, and board, staff and
volunteers will be working to ensure that these can be translated into
reality in the next week. Our aim is to create a new Mardi Gras that is
stronger and more viable, that encapsulates the essence of Mardi Gras and
can change and grow into the future.

Julie Regan
President,
SGLMG
president@mardigras.com.au

Message from Administrators

Scott Pascoe from Sims Lockwood has been appointed Voluntary Administrator
of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Limited.

Mr Pascoe and his colleague Alan Topp from Sims Lockwood are already working
with the Directors of the company, to formulate a restructuring package.

"We are confident that it will be possible to come up with a new financial
package that will enable the company to recover from its current financial
difficulties," said Mr Topp.

"We are now going through a detailed examination of the financial condition
of the company. A number of potential supporters have already indicated that
they may be prepared to support the company financially, provided there is a
restructuring."

The company had traded successfully for years but got into trouble when
revenues plunged for this year¹s Mardi Gras, in the wake of the September
11th attacks in the United States which lead to a significant drop in the
number of overseas visitors to Sydney for the event.

Mr Topp said arrangements were now being made to ensure that next month¹s
Sleaze Ball could still be held.

"Our aim is to put the company into hibernation during the restructuring
process, which we expect will be completed within one month."
despondent - Fri 2 Aug 2002 14:07:09

(However, "I forgive, but never forget" is also appropriate.)
A 78er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 14:46:46

Chris Maynard & Lou-Anne Lind
Co-Presidents
Sydney PRIDE Centre
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 15:24:19

You want the board to feel even more shame & hurt? In 1978 the police beat us up, now we do it to each other.

The friends and partners of the board know the hurt that the remaining board members have experienced and continue to experience.

For the past 12 months they have endured hell at such a personal cost. Because of the bad shape that Mardi Gras was in, Some have put their careers on hold, affecting their income, chances of promotion and professional reputation, so that they could dedicate the time required to pull through yet another season (we are so lucky that we had a 24th.)

Some have had their relationships suffer and almost fall apart as the "Mardi Gras Widow" term became truely apparent.

It is impossible for these directors to have a meal with friends or a drink in a bar without them being asked questions by complete strangers or revolting comments being hurled at them. And then there are the prank calls and threats and not to mention the demoralising emails and open slander from the so called leaders of our community.

Lets not also forget the level of mysoginy aimed at the female members of the board and our lesbian community in general...

...and thats just for starters.

Its time to ask what it is we value. If Mardi Gras can successfully emerge from this current crisis, it will need the whole community to come together and support it and the board.

And to Julie and the other directors, please know that a large part of the community, support you and appreciate your efforts.
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 15:40:32

I support any measures to bring the organisation out of the morass into which it has been plunged - which is due to a history (past and current inclusive) of mismanagements. "Mardi Gras 'widow'" - it comes with the job, I would expect that they would have had some idea before volunteering for the position, or did they assume it would all be glitter and glory? It's work, people. You have no life, you have no real privacy. However, it's a known downside, and one they *volunteered* to shoulder. Don't make excuses for their hardships, it chgeapens whatever they *have* given up to 'serve the community' (whether for good or ill).

In a way, I wish I could say that I was a mysoginist, because then I would have a mindless excuse for simply saying "You're all to blame." However, I am *not*. I am simply a person who has been there for the last 24 years, been quite involved, and seen it happen at the beshest of <insert gender-type> board-members.

What do we value? An organisation which can both represent us and yet answer to us regarding what we (our *entire* community) ask of them. Yes, it's hard; yes it's tough.

Don't step up to the crease unless your willing to take your turn at bat knowing that along with the 'hitting-for-6's are also the 'out-for-a-Duck's.

To Julie et al: *now* a large part of the community can support and appreciate your efforts in the restructure and rebuilding. Everyone's entitled to a mistake (albeit that this is a big one). Learn from it - as should everyone involved - and let's get on with the job now.
A 78er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 16:20:46

1. Isn't it the case that one of the tasks of the administrator is to call a meeting of creditors?

2. Isn't it also the case that the creditors could sack the current administrator and seek the appointment of a new administrator more to their liking - as happened when Asset went into administration?

3. Doesn't this mean that the future of Mardi Gras - if it has one - is now really in the hands of Mardi Gras' creditors?
- Fri 2 Aug 2002 18:48:10

I went to my first Mardi Gras in 87, in the middle of the AIDS persecution, and it really meant something to me then, to be with all these other gays and lesbians braving the hostile world.

Last year I watched the parade and wandered where all those people had gone. It seemed to have been taken over by obscure lobby groups. For most of us, in a tolerant and peaceful Sydney, we struggle to find anything new to say to the world about being gay, any reason to get out there and strutt our stuff to an ever increasing heterosexual audience.

We have to also remember that Mardi Gras rode on the 80's and 90's dance party wave, and that has declined a lot as many or us 30+ ravers are retiring off the scene. Gawd, people are turning up to parties in track pants and joggers now, they never would have 10 years ago. Mardi Gras will need to change to suit a different, more 21st century expression of what it means to be gay.

I also have myself to blame. If apathy were money, Mardi Gras would make plenty more than my subsciption's worth. I don't know what to do about this, but I can't just revive the way I used to feel about Mardi Gras. I've got to move on in life.
James - Sat 3 Aug 2002 00:28:27

"Live by the sword, die by the sword."
A 69'er - Sat 3 Aug 2002 09:15:32

There will be a Sleaze, managed and delivered by SG+LMG, there will be a 25th Anniversary Parade which will be a huge and proud celebration and there will be a Mardi Gras Party 2003!

So get behind the loudest and most famous Gay and Lesbian and Trans-Gender celebration, support it and cut the destructive comments.

What everyone seems to miss is the Voluntary Admin is an extremely useful and effective means of ensuring the survival of the company - not a means to it's demise.
- Sat 3 Aug 2002 17:14:03

MG needs to survive, just stop the Sept 11 excuse and lets hope it sorts itself out! MG has been losing money for a year or two now, due to un-acceptance (my philosophy) from a few years back, but dont blame the lesbians, thats the easy way out...eh Julie?
Keep the Faith! - Sat 3 Aug 2002 18:09:36

As sombody that is working on this continuing to assist the organisation the Sleaze ball 2002 will happen. Exprect a press release on Tuesday 3rd August 2002. It SOLD OUT last yer and that is in the face of September 11...

And adminstaton seems to be a gft fom god. It gives the SGLMG a new leae on life and reduces the board in its time of need fom 12 to 1. Now stuff can get done.

SGLMG is re born...
On the Inside - Sat 3 Aug 2002 19:05:56

Over to...
Keep the Faith! - Sat 3 Aug 2002 19:13:08

they already donate millions in kind anyway , what do you think it costs to close oxford streeet, provide the police ,build all the infrastructure ,hand out money to south sydney and sydney councils for infrastructure development.
- Sun 4 Aug 2002 02:16:27

forget about loans and hand outs.

why dont we sell 2000 non conditional debentures at $200 each which will raise $400,000 to cover the present shortfall, and if the organisation ever makes a profit it can hand it back at $50 a year, and if never does the debentures expire , just like schools or hospital raising money to build a new building.
you can even have a tick square on the debenture purchase to hand the money to a charity of your choice if they ever pay it back.
$200 is nothing , most punters would spill that much at midnight shift or arq etc on a weekend.
- Sun 4 Aug 2002 02:28:22

it is un democratic.
- Sun 4 Aug 2002 02:33:08

What a heap of crock !!

I cant believe that the government is interested in bidding for an event that is 13 years away that brings in tourist dollars when a current tourism revenue event in the way of Mardi Gras is going down the drain.

Nobody should say that the government should have paid the $400,000 but at least they should have offered SOME sort of assistance to keep this event on the calander that will keep reaping in the tourist bucks for the government.

For Bob Carr and his cronies to offer nothing was short sighted in the extreme.

Talking up the future with this soccer bid in 2014 is just ridiculous when the present tourism dollar is at such serious risk.

I was always under the impression that the Labor government was the most sympathetic of the 2 major parties to the G&L cause. Now I'm not so sure. Carr wont get my vote at the next election , thats for sure.
Dont call Bob Carr logical cause he aint no vulcan - Sun 4 Aug 2002 09:28:34

You have the trust and support of the silent majority of the membership. The chattering classes that are most active here (that may have their own reasons to hum a death march a little prematurely) are a minority.

The talk on the street and in the cafe's seems mostly informed and understanding and supportive of Mardi Gras. There is anger - but that anger is directed at a lot of different targets (Govt, Councils (where are Sth Sydney?) previous Boards, current Board etc etc etc)

Misinfomed comments (like 'A 78er' - Fri 2 Aug 2002 10:18:15 : "...as soon as the organisation is placed into administration, the name (as a branding) is listed as an assett and will be sold off to the highest bidder"...) which a absolutely incorrect and represent the responsibilities of a reciever or liquidator, not a VA, are only making it more difficult for the process - but not impossible as may be the intention of such irresponsible statements.

On the Inside - tell us, via this forum, how we can help, because that is another common thread running through the converations of the commmunity - a lot of folks out there want to assist but don't know how. Look to the membership, ask and you may be pleasantly surprised at the response.

80% of the negativity here is generated by about a half a dozen participants - the rest of us want to see MG survive, have no hidden agenda and support efforts to do the same.

GOOD LUCK.

A 78er - Fri 2 Aug 2002 10:18:15
MG lives on in us all. - Sun 4 Aug 2002 10:26:05

Its the duty of the Government in office at any given time to protect its income which is what the annual Mardi Gras festival is - an income revenue raiser for the state government by way of millions of tourism dollars.

The government should have been more sympathetic to the cause rather than its offhanded slap in the face it threw our way.

Just think what has NOT been acheived under the Carr governemnt. We've been promised this and promised that. Empty vessells making alot of noise and not delivering anything of substance whatsoever.

The latest snub by Bob Carr to Mardi Gras is intollerable and he needs to know that we wont tollerate him at the next election.
Unhappy. - Sun 4 Aug 2002 13:11:58

Thanks for your posting... Due to a small group of people trying to turn all good work into bad I cant say much here... YET

However I strongly feel that this week will be a turning point for SGLMG. Rest assured that the administrator seems like the kind of person at this stage that wants to do everything possible to make things happen for the good of the community.

We will need your support very soon to show what we can all do.
On the Inside - Sun 4 Aug 2002 13:16:20

if bob carr gave $500,000 to pell or nile to hold a rally against gay , there would an outcry and many votes lost.

same situation here with mardi gras , it is not appealling to all , and a vote loser,

unfortunately that is what politics is about , appealing to the majority of the masses.

but i beleive that many in macaqaurie street understand the financial importance to the city , and are working a way to make things happen.

it works something like this , a public servant on instruction from the premier , who would not claim any relationship to the premier , goes and talks to someone like south sydney council, or heaen forbid frank sartor , who gives the organistaion 500,000 for a new park development which frees up their budget to allocate say for a figure 500,000 to the new gay mardi gras parade committee , for say a cultural event allocation that has just been announced by the head of that organisation , he gets a a nice political mileage out of it , the premier get some mileage out of the 500,000 he gave to develop the new park et etc etc.

and they jsut get re elected by 5 seats ( well thats the theory )
A - Mon 5 Aug 2002 02:34:09

The result is that Ansett disappeared, the discount airfares that were being offered then disappeared and we returned to a duopoly of airlines. Yes you can still fly around Australia, but at substantially increased prices and with less quality service than before.

It is actually no secret that the mischief perpetrated by a few recalcitrant and duplicitous people is designed to undermine the current MG Board (just like Qantas and SIA did) and force Mardi Gras into difficulty.

What those few don't realise is that the members as a whole see through this and will not support any event delivered by the treacherous "Gang of 4 or 5" ( get the point ), you can still have a parade up oxford street but the members and volunteers and staff who actually own and deliver the Parade each year wont be organising it or supporting it.
Someone who knows what is really happening! - Mon 5 Aug 2002 10:15:49
This is the opinion of the poster.

I have. There is an election due after MG'03, he should be aware that we are not happy with his administrations lack of support.
Lobby now. - Mon 5 Aug 2002 10:25:15

The fact that the Australian Taxation Office is the most significant of MG's creditors should maybe tell even the tiniest mind something pretty profound about the unlikelihood of any government commiting yet more tax revenue to bail MG out. Why should they? This is supposed to be about us. Our community. Our commitment. If we can't save Mardi Gras then Mardi Gras can't and won't be saved.

Look at the community infrastructure and resources that migrant communities build in Sydney on smell-of-an-oily-rag workers wages, determination and will. And then ask yourself what the difference is here.
getrealfolks - Mon 5 Aug 2002 11:53:12
This is the opinion of the poster.

A little help with some of your questions, when sleaze goes ahead ,pre paid ticket means nothing , that money now is under control of the administrtor , and you have pay full price to the new organiser.
Also people should be aware that the cost of administration is not cheap , for a organistaion like mg and a debt of 400,000 , and all the members they have to legally contact it could be more than the debt say 400,000 , and they get paid first( the administrator) ,its part of the agreement the directors signed, so in essence if someone gave mg 300,000 , the debt of 400,000 would still remain plus another 100,000 still owed to administrator , its a bit like a taxi meter ticking away at $1000 an hour ( scary ) but thats how the corporate world works , and the directors had to put it into admin by law , because once you know you cannot pay your bills, each director can be prosecuted under the asc corporations act for insolvent trading.
A - Mon 5 Aug 2002 12:18:11
This is the opinion of the poster.

why dont some major organisations like pride , acon , south sydney council ,gay games , sydney gay business assoc , nsw toursim etc . put a trivial amount of say 10,000 each into a trust a/c to hold to hold a gay cultural festival called mardi gras in march 2003 , and use the money to absorb one of my earlier ideas that panther deleted by selling 2000 debentures at 200 each ( non conditional loans to be paid back whenever or never ) to raise another 400,000 Just in case mg is wound up.
A - Mon 5 Aug 2002 12:26:25

And I think it unlikely that the Administrators are charging $1000 per hour, a senior Partner in a large Corp Accounting firm charges aroung $4000 a day (I know coz I is one), that is probably somewhat more than is the case here.

And creditors have a say in what realistic fees are acceptable (as a Deed of Arrangement will spell this out), and also given that they are appointed by the Company this would all be visible up front to the Board.

And contact to the members may be via electronic means of by newspaper adverts of EAGM meeting times etc (Ansett set the electronic communication precedent).

And 400,000 - 300,000 + 100,000 = 200,000.

And if a creditor commences legal action they do it to appoint a liquidator or reciever, not a voluntary administrator. This does not appear to have happened and it is seriously misleading to suggest that it has, because it may undermine the process.

And I understand that Mardi Gras are in debt for somewhat less than 400K can anyone confirm what the figure is. Which poses the question as to why this is even interesting for and organisation worth 'tens of millions'.

These matter are very important at a critical time and so it is important that the facts are explained, and misleading statements are corrected.
- Mon 5 Aug 2002 14:35:21
Pinkboard is unable to verify the details in this message.

Given some of the discussion here, people should be very careful about what they say as they could bring about the demise of PinkBoard by a lot of misinformed or blatantly false statements.

An Administrator would be obligated to seek the shutdown or curtailment (and possibly damages) from individuals or a website that could be proved in a civil court as having allowed false statements to be published that undermine the administration of the company and it's prospect of recovery. This is especially true if the factual information is public knowledge and readily available and could be vetted out prior to moderated posting.
We need to be careful please. - Mon 5 Aug 2002 15:02:20

During that 10 years Mardi Gras has enjoyed the more success than could ever have been imagined when it started 25 years ago - and the people who do turn up are not over it - the ones who participate or watch from over the baricades, or work on it are not over it either.

The number of people who do actually turn up to watch Parade, who have coined the phrase 'Happy Mardi Gras' and made it as familiar to Sydneysiders as Happy Easter/Xmas have grown massively to the peaks of over half a million consistently over more recent years. They did not seem over it last year, indeed they seemed to enjoy it as much as ever.

If you are over it, move out of the way of those that do support it and wish to see it survive as it has relevance and a purpose to many many members and non-members alike.
SYUTMB. - Mon 5 Aug 2002 19:19:40

The March is all that is left of the community in London's Mardi Gras. The party is a pooper. What has happenened is that the evil face of commercialism, squeezing out the last of our pink pounds, has completely taken the piss.

The cost of the party ticket is £15.00 (about 40 dollars). You queue to gain entry through a security belt that confiscates your picnics. You then pass a few half hearted stalls on Gay Men's Health and body waxing before you are hit with bars (stocking one beer, one wine, champers, lolly water and soft stuff). Whilst you line up for the bar, slightly more pissed off Queens are clutching tokens like grim death all around you. You study the scene and realise that you need to pre - buy tokens before you can buy anything. Yipee! It's not enough that it's raining. It's not enough that it's in Harkney Marshes. You have to bloody queue for tokens, the line is three deep and 100 ft long. There is one 'space cadet' at the window. Struth! What made it worse was that so many angry Queens and Dykes were using their phones, calling their Mother's and texting their mates that there was zero reception. Seething, I finally reached the window after 45 minutes wait. How many tokens should I get? Dunno. Fuck, don't want to line up like this again! It soon became apparent that I was part of a carefully planned campaign to commercially take the absolute piss out of the gay community.

The party, itself, if you can look over the exploitation is ok and there are snatches of excitement (steady on girls!), I mean with groups lolling on grass having spliffs and cookies, the dance tents, the beautiful people who have been working overtime at the gym and tanning studios.

What isn't good, is having to walk for 1.5 hours to get back to civilization because LUL decide to close nearby stations so as not to create undue strain. What a sight for surburban Hackney when thousands of Queens slushing and swelching in the muddy marshes.

I still have tokens left over. Curiously, you cannot get refunds.
London Eye - Mon 5 Aug 2002 21:22:27

" the sglmg company going into volunatry administration could be a good thing, as changing some of their bad policies such as geneder board parity rather than selecting people on their ability ( it does not matter whether their are 15 woman or men as directors or any number in between as long as they do a good job) and their reverse discrimination against straight , bi , transgender , family etc in participation as members. would of taken too long to change "

so again on a technical knockout we might have a refreshing change to the whole organistaion
A - Mon 5 Aug 2002 22:06:31

Sleaze 2002 is not just going to be a party. It is going to be your way to stand up and support Mardi Gras.

If you dont like what is happening DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Party is never over - Mon 5 Aug 2002 23:58:23

The gay and lesbian (homosexual) movement was a revolution in every sense, it made visible what was hidden, it challenged what was accepted as right, it changed peoples opinions and influenced a new generation.

Why should we be considering a revolution? Well the simple answer is that there are many other sexual minorities that share our goals of liberation, we need their numbers, energy, voice, influence and even money if we are going to continue our battle for true equality and acceptance. But just as we need their help, they need ours, they especially need us to accept them.

While most other sexual minorities battle for visibility and even legality, an out gay man who is a High Court Judge now battles with Senator Bill Heffernan and wins. An out lesbian is head of the AMA and battles Federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge and wins. Obviously things are not perfect if these sorts of battles are still needed, but to even be in such a position is something to celebrate. I certainly cannot think of any bisexual/transgender/intersex/polyamorous/cross-dresser/BDSM/fetishist/queer/furry who is able to be so out and proud and be in such a distinguished and powerful position.

A lot has happened in 25 years and Mardi Gras certainly influenced that change. I hope the parade will continue the unbelievable work it has done, and if we have to rebuild or even start again then please consider those that also deserve and desire pride.

I believe our next logical step in the fight against oppression and repression is the broadening of the current understanding of Sexuality, Gender and Relationships.

Bring on the new Stonewall, bring on the new Mardi Gras (parade).
United We Stand - Tue 6 Aug 2002 02:07:31

In 1981 the SSO ran a questionnaire which included a question on preferred community description. 78% of readers responding preferred "gay", 15% preferred "lesbian and gay", 5% preferred "queer" and 2% preferred "LBGT" <p>

My guess is that any attempted resurrection of Mardi Gras that fails to acknowledge that clear message won't be very successful.
- Tue 6 Aug 2002 10:00:59

- Tue 6 Aug 2002 10:32:47
This is the opinion of the poster.

Brogden, Mr John Gilbert, Pittwater Electorate, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Shadow Minister for Innovation and Reform of Government.
Telephone - (02) 9999 3599
Fax - (02) 9999 0922
Email - pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Carr, The Hon. Robert John, Maroubra Electorate, Australian Labor Party, Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship.
Telephone - (02) 9349 6440
Fax - (02) 9349 4594
Email - bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au

Debus, The Hon. (Bob) Robert John, Blue Mountains Electorate, Australian Labor Party, Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts.
Telephone - (02) 4751 3298
Fax - (02) 4751 1245
Email - bluemountains@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Nori, The Hon. Sandra Christine, Port Jackson Electorate, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Tourism and Minister for Women.
Telephone - (02) 9660 7586
Fax - (02) 9660 6112
Email - sandra.nori@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Moore, Ms Clover, Bligh Electorate, Independent.
Telephone - (02) 9360 3053
Fax - (02) 9331 6963
Email - clover.moore@parliament.nsw.gov.au
- Tue 6 Aug 2002 13:37:22

To assist everyone, here are some useful email addresses (all publicly available):
letters@smh.com.au
john.brogden@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Clover.Moore@parliament.nsw.gov.au
bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au

Any others that anyone can suggest?
Lobby now. - Tue 6 Aug 2002 14:25:22

For those of you who do not believe me about the suffering that is experienced by other sexual minorities, then check out this article which talks about the mental health of bisexuals - http://bi.org.au/activism/mentalhealth.htm

We have a chance to start again; I hope we can update the Mardi Gras parade so that it is more relevant to the issues of today.
Chris - Tue 6 Aug 2002 15:33:10

maybe the moderator wants to influence the debate.

Now forever silent
A - Tue 6 Aug 2002 18:37:19
Normally this message would be moderated out, but I will take this opportunity to put in a comment. Only 1 of your last 10 postings has been moderated. More details. Panther

panther@pinkboard.com.au