Port Augusta Pride Picnic

Pride on the Foreshore: Port Augusta’s First Pride Picnic

Nathan, Chair of the Port Augusta Pride Picnic Committee, brings a wealth of experience from his work with Flinders university ally network, having organised events like Wear It Purple Day and IDAHOBIT. With a strong background in volunteerism and community groups, he’s excited to channel his event planning skills into Port Augusta’s first-ever pride event. For Nathan, this represents a personal milestone, reconnecting him with queer advocacy—a passion that had taken a backseat since moving to the country. “We have a really great community behind it!” he enthuses. “It’s inspiring to see different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge come together to make something happen.” Reconnecting with the community’s pride and love has been a revitalising experience for him.

Inspired by Burra’s Pride Picnic last year, the idea for Port Augusta’s Pride Picnic began to take shape. Burra’s event highlighted the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation in regional areas. Uniting Country staff who attended the picnic wanted to see a similar event for Port Augusta. Through connections with the Burra committee—who have worked with Feast both last year and this year—Port Augusta’s event was born. The organisers reached out to the local community, and momentum grew as more people got involved. “It’s been built through connections—people who know people—uniting the community. It’s really encouraging to see more happening in regional areas, not just cities,” Nathan explains. Until now, Port Augusta had never hosted a pride event, making this a groundbreaking moment for the town.

Nathan acknowledges the unique challenges of organising queer events in country towns. “The queer community in rural areas can be more isolated—people tend to keep to themselves. It’s not as visible as in cities,” he notes. That’s why the picnic is such an important opportunity for bringing people together and making the community more open and visible.

Nathan is already dreaming of how the Port Augusta Pride Picnic can evolve in the future. Having never attended a Feast event before, he’s thrilled that his first involvement comes as an organiser. “When I lived in Adelaide, I kept telling myself I’d go to Feast ‘eventually,’ but then I moved away and regretted not going. So this is my first Feast event from either side, which feels a bit surreal!” He’s excited about the festival’s statewide impact each November, and particularly keen to see pride extend into regional areas. Looking ahead, Nathan hopes to see more local talent and vendors featured at future Pride Picnics. “This is our first year, so we don’t have all the connections yet, but in the future, I’d love to see more local entertainers, stallholders, and creators from the queer community—whether they’re into crafting, drag, or performance. Building those local connections and showcasing regional talent is what I hope will grow from here.”

As the event nears, Nathan is most excited to see the community come together and enjoy the fruits of everyone’s hard work. He fondly recalls past community events, like sandcastle competitions, saying, “There’s something incredibly wholesome about seeing people unite in a positive way. It’s all about those connections being made and people simply enjoying themselves.” He believes the Pride Picnic will help strengthen community bonds, and despite occasional negativity on social media, he points out that it doesn’t reflect the broader community. “The positive responses from local people and businesses have been so uplifting. It’s made me feel prouder and more comfortable in my own town, knowing there’s so much support.” For Nathan, focusing on the good—the connections being built—has been the most rewarding part of the process.

Looking ahead to the big day, Nathan shares some of the highlights attendees can expect. “We’ve got a full day of family-friendly entertainment planned,” he says. With music playing throughout, a welcoming atmosphere is guaranteed. One of the standout features will be a clown who’s performed at other queer events, bringing along magic tricks, face painting, balloon animals, and more. “It’s the whole package, with roving entertainers keeping the energy up all day,” he adds. Attendees can also enjoy classic park games, like sack races and other activities, all with the backdrop of the picturesque foreshore.

In addition to the entertainment, there will be a great range of service providers and stallholders. Local organisations, including those offering telehealth counselling, will be present to offer valuable resources and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. There’s even more to explore with additional activities from community groups. “We’ve ordered plenty of embroidery threads so people can make woven bracelets in their favourite Pride colours,” Nathan mentions, encouraging creativity. Whether attendees want to dive into activities or simply relax under a shady tree, there’s something for everyone.

Nathan is especially grateful for the support they’ve received from the wider community. “Sometimes country towns get a bad reputation for how accepting they are of queer people, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised. Local businesses have been eager to sponsor, and the broader community has really embraced the event.” The Pride Picnic, he emphasises, is about showing people they’re not alone and that a strong sense of community exists here. “You don’t have to move to the city to be your true, authentic self—you’re accepted and safe right here.”

Feast warmly invites everyone to join Port Augusta’s first-ever Pride Picnic on November 23, 2024! Held at the East Side Foreshore, this free, family-friendly event promises a day filled with entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Mark your calendars, pack a picnic, and get ready for a colourful celebration of pride, fun, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! Be sure to give them a follow to stay updated on future events!

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Written by Feast’s Storyteller, Stiles Swanepoel (he/they)
14 November 2024