ANNUAL REPORT 2012
New Mardi Gras Ltd – ACN 102 451 785
The name ‘Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ is a trading name and is a registered business name of New Mardi Gras Limited. The legal entity has not changed, but the trading name has. thanks!
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras sincerely thanks all the volunteers, staff, contractors and partners who make Sydney Mardi Gras the wonderful event that it is.
We are a not-for-profit organisation and rely on community support to make our events happen through volunteering and membership. In particular we would like to thank the dedicated members of the celebrating Fair Day Team, Party Production Team, Parade Team, Harbour ‘12 lesbian gay Team, Volunteer Team, Medical Team, Event Fundraising Team, IT bisexual transgender Working Team, Our Audit & Risk Committee, Legal Committee, queer and intersex Nominations & Governance Committee, Finance Committee, pride Strategy Committe, Community Engagement Committee, MCAG, WELCOME / 4 Womens Committee, Youth Committee, as well as the thousands more who volunteered during season to ensure things went smoothly. We would like to thank our Brand consultancy partners at Moon Communications, including Greg Logan, Brooke Hinman and Gemma Glanville, James Calpis, Jo White, as well as the full team at Moon for their assistance and creative direction. We would also like to thank Tia Lee, Summer Salt, Ross James, Katrina Wills, Steve Warren, Philip Diment, Hill & Knowlton, Dan Murphy, Joyce Maynge, Carmen Geddit, Marie Claire, Dallas Dellaforce, James Bridge, Jesse Stark, Lewis Oswald, Tora Hymen, Marcus O’Brien, Geoff Lynn, Kylie Martin, Terry Blamey, Kylie Minogue, Katie Hoskins, Michael Douglas, Charlie McCagh and Kris celebrating lesbian Taifalos at Avant Card, Andrew Ward at Sauce Solutions, William gay bisexual Yang Photography, Mazz Images, Mark Dickson, John McRae transgender queer Photography, Mikey Trotter, Jason Moss, Kylie Unlikely, David and intersex Bonella, Bradical Best, Paul Wyborn, Kathy Pavlich, Michael pride WELCOME / 8 Woodhouse, Nic Parkhill, Rebecca Reynolds, Ron Austin, Mark Thomas, Tom Tansey, Paul Capsis, Tom Christophersen, Jacques Tchong, Stuart Doherty, Cameron Mitchell, The Squared Division, Queer Screen, Beth Appleton, Scott Abrahams, Brenton Kewley, Rebecca Durr, Peter Hunt, Sandra Chipchase, Anthony Laver, Michael Abbott, Rachel Healy, Kate Murray, Coard-Anthony Henry, Annie Heath, Ruth Friedman, Denis Doulgeridis, Vincent Rommelaere, Out There Productions, Nell Schofield, Mark Trevorrow and Doreen Manganini, Tristn Goode, Theresa Famularo, Will Sheehan, Iain Reed, Virginia Harris, Gearhouse Productions, Sheridan Jones, Rick Pearce, Spencer Newman and our friends at Optus, Kate Munro, Eva Cox, Gretel Killeen...... and to everyone in the community that has helped us continue to inspire the world to love each other by celebrating the power celebrating lesbian and beauty of diversity. gay bisexual transgender queer and For a full list of PRODUCTION Team MembErs and CommitteEs intersex pride please refer to page 24. WELCOME / 6 Annual report 2012
2012 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
We delivered the safest This year saw an During the 2012 season, the Parade in recent times with improvement in financial Volunteer team processed record low levels of incidents performance which 2,981 applications for 2,086 reported continues us on a path to positions with a total sustained profitability & workforce of 1,723 volunteers There were record growth in the years to come satisfaction levels in International and interstate response to our increased Reached a digital global visitations to Parade celebrating lesbian investment in the quality of audience of 500,000 through increased by 9.5% despite gay the most difficult tourism bisexual the Parade and Party Mardi GrasTV, with Parade transgender and season Hightlights enviroment in recent years queer Applied for ROCO and spreading our messages and intersex registration to acquire We focused on building the pride LGBTQI community spirit to WELCOME / 2 Deductible Gift Recipient successful Women Say the world status (DGR) Something series producing Donated just under three separate sold out We welcomed Kylie Minogue $55,000, including over events. back after 14 years to contents P# $24,000 in complimentary celebrate her 25th Brought month end financial tickets to community welcome anniversary in music with us accounting back in house 1 groups for their fundraising the rebrand 3 Launched our first iPhone activities Continued to develop new app, which was downloaded income streams in the form how we performed 4 We progressed with the by 4067 people of merchandising, licensing implementation of our long MARDI GRAS AWARDS 6 events and food vending We refreshed our brand to be term strategic plan YOUR FEEDBACK 7 more embracing of the Introduced the Big Gay increasing diversity within our chair review 10 Weekend as a replacement communities with a message fundraiser of Sleaze Ball CEO review 12 of infinite love for all board committees 16 organisational review 18 SEASON REVIEW 20 THE TEAM 24 I just loved the This year Mardi Gras I also love the wide sponsors 26 whole experience. got it’s Mojo Back!!! range of events put financial report 29 It’s a time for on during the period I believe the feel, TREASURER’s report Sydney to shine (even from dance parties 30 atmosphere or vibe in the rain). People to exhibitions, this DIRECTOR’S report 32 was fantastic... Auditor’s Independence embracing difference. year, you guys did a 34 Declaration It was great. Well done for your fantastic job. Financial Report 35 efforts this year Statement of Comprehensive Income 36 Statement of Financial CREDITS 36 Position COPYWRITING Katie Hoskins Statement of Changes DESIGN & LAYOUT Lewis Oswald in Equity 37 NUMBERS Michael Douglas IMAGES hamid Mousa, Robert McGrath, Claire Sargent, HAYDEN BROTCHIE & Ann-MarIe Calhihanna Statement of Cash Flows 37 Notes to the Financial The name Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a trading and registered business Statements 38 name for the legal entity and the company New Mardi Gras Limited. The legal entity has not changed, but the trading name has. Directors’ Declaration 47 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – ABN 87 102 451 785 New Mardi Gras Ltd – ACN 102 451 785
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 1 ABOUT US
ABOUT SYDNEY W e do this through: GAY AND Providing the opportunity for Providing resources and We inspire the LESBIAN LGBTQI individuals and opportunities to our world to love each groups to use Sydney Mardi community for creative and MARDI GRAS Gras as a statement of pride political expression other by celebrating and to promote a broader Embracing individuals and the power and message of LGBTQI diversity groups from the broader SGLMG exists primarily to and acceptance beauty of diversity develop the Sydney Mardi community who share our vision Anchoring the Parade in a Gras for the benefit of Constantly improving broader program of cultural Sydney’s LGBTQI community, creativity and production and social activities for the OUR PURPOSE the enjoyment of a wider values on our events, enjoyment of local audiences audience and as a global including bringing the world’s AND ACTION and to attract visitors to beacon of diversity, best artists, thinkers and Sydney acceptance and LGBTQI rights. entertainers to Sydney
STRATEGIC GOALs nts Excellenc Eve e
Events Excellence
Increased artistic and production y C t o excellence i r n p u o People Engagement m r m a o t e Open and considered processes to C
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2 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au THE RE-BRAND
the re-Brand For a group of courageous men made. and women to take to the streets We also want Mardi Gras and Sydney Mardi Gras has the in 1978, to dress up colourfully to what it stands for to endure - to We have always dubious distinction of being scream, ‘Look! We’re here! We’re continue to generate renewed been leaders and probably the best LGBTQI pride not going away! We deserve the interest in Mardi Gras and our now the time is right event in the world at a time same rights as everyone! We have communities causes. when some pride events are absolute pride in ourselves!’ In the to take the lead As society evolves and the LGBTQI struggling to be embraced by context of a society that legally community evolves to be more to also embrace wider socieTy. and culturally tried to negate inclusive, we believe we have the them (and met with the most others as part of opportunity to broaden the Pride’s manifestation has to be brutal of force that night) shows event’s appeal and reach new our movement and alive to its context. pride at its most powerful. audiences, without losing sight of our new vision In 2012, many people are not the need to promote LGBTQI reflects this particularly challenged by a group community interests here and of people marching. amongst our sisters and brothers However, most people are ready to around the world. be dazzled by a thunderous convoy We want all Sydneysiders to feel of dykes on bikes or boys in hot invited to be part of Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras inspires the world to pants when in a troupe of not to class themselves just as love each other by celebrating the hundreds with slick choreography onlookers. and a great backing track sending power and beauty of diversity. We want our community to feel a creative, powerful message of The Board also made the decision that their history and struggles acceptance and winning the hearts to change the name of our are acknowledged and that they and minds of all. organisation to Sydney Gay and are valued for their creativity and Lesbian Mardi Gras to make it We have to be out there to show entertainment. We want them to clear that Mardi Gras springs from who we are, that we are different, feel excited to be at the centre of the LGBTQI community with a that diversity is great and that something huge. we’re proud of it. message of hope for the world – If possible we want this to be a infinite love for all. For this is Mardi Gras’s unique message that goes around the By the time you read this, attribute: that it was a gay and globe, showing that Sydney has hopefully you will be aware of the lesbian pride event that came to made a unique transition: one consultation, and have entertain and over the last 35 where LGBTQI pride and civic participated in a survey we have years has also became the city’s pride have become uniquely put in place following a excuse to celebrate who we are at entwined. An example to aspire to. the end of summer. community forum late last year. We believe that Mardi Gras When naming our iconic event we While the gay and lesbian rights contains a powerful message for need to think beyond just what we agenda is evolving to embrace everyone in our community, like as individuals in all our rights for bisexuals, transgender, Sydney and the rest of the world. It diverse communities, but intersex and queer identified is not just freedom from consider how others see it. people, the desire to celebrate, discrimination but that all people dress up, get noticed, shock, should be free to celebrate the What does it mean to not only the protest, entertain and dance the loving relationships they have Sydney community but to NSW, night away is pretty much eternal. formed. Mardi Gras is strongest Australia or the global community? Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi when it talks about both our rights A name should be easily Gras organisation will continue to and the world we want to live in. identifiable and recognisable and advance gay and lesbian rights There is more work to be done. bring with it a feeling. It should here and abroad and to showcase reflect the richness of the diversity We have always been leaders and our pride to be whoever we are or within the event and organisation. now the time is right to take the want to be. lead to also embrace others as Hopefully you will have had your But we also – because its the right part of our movement and our new say in the survey. Based on this thing to do and its in our vision reflects this. and the consultation process, a constitution – will advance the motion will be presented at the This is the essence and reason rights of bisexual, trangender, AGM for members to vote on. for our event brand change to queer and intersex communities. Sydney Mardi Gras, an event for We urge that you consider all the We also want to invite the whole city all of Sydney that we all embrace arguments and cast your vote at to be part of the one of the world’s with a core message as this - the AGM. best parties, a unique celebration of the power and beauty of identity, the diverse identities within our communities and the diversity that makes up Sydney. A celebration of all of us. We want people generations down the track to remember that this became etched within the DNA of the city by its bright, funny and brave LGBTQI community. We want that community to be proud of this evolution and to see it as solidifying the advances already MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 3 How we performed
Introduced the Big Gay Commenced the first stage of events Weekend as a replacement research into developing excellence fundraiser instead of Sleaze improvements to the Parade This year we Ball and together with the in general including the O ur objective is to increase delivered the artistic standards and continued operation of the Parade route, viewing Parade Entry Ticketing Scheme experiences and audience production excellence in safest Parade (PETS), assisted community involvement order to grow participation groups with over $6,000 to help in recent times Despite the wettest summer in and long term profitability. fund their entries with record low memory, Parade attendance We built on last year’s gains In partnership with was as strong as 2011 levels of incidents in areas of increased artistic Destination NSW we Secured a temporary reported standards and involvement of welcomed Kylie Minogue back community workshop for artists within our events. after 14 years to celebrate Mardi Gras and community her 25th anniversary in music 2012 will always be entries – our resolve is to with us, with a special tribute remembered as the year that secure a permanent as she watched the Parade. Kylie returned to Mardi Gras workshop in the future Later Kylie performed a and chose to launch her 25 unique live 25 minute concert years in the music industry Delivered the first stage of -quality-performance at the our Parade viewing strategy, celebrations in Sydney. Party. It was a truly unique with production and gift to our community and to entertainment improvements Sydney at large, reaffirming a to the reserved seating really beautiful relationship viewing Glamstand, as well as Introduced first stage of that has always been filled introducing raised viewing improvements to Harbour with overwhelming support experience and improved Party – ‘CoolChange’ and a lot of love entertainment and aesthetics integrating soulful and at Taylor Square - this year cocktail theming into the Invested in the strongest and themed as ‘Club Tropicana’ experience, as well as most diverse appealing line fireworks up and increased production Reclaimed the Mardi Gras standards of the Party, weekend as our own, selling out Sold out Mardigrasland party, reclaiming its brand as one of the Mardigrasland Party and albeit on an imposed reduced the best parties of its kind in reintroduced the much-loved capacity due to changes in the world Laneway Party, also selling out licensing
MARDIGRASLAND HARBOUR ‘12/Coolchange PARTY 18,000 PARTY 4,000 16,000 3,500 Tickets Sold Tickets Sold 14,000 3,000 12,000 2,500 10,000 2,000 8,000 1,500 6,000 1,000
YEAR ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 YEAR ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12
Membership has declined over the Held forums and individual Membership last few years, but there are more consultations to understand & community volunteers than ever, so initiatives and incorporate the views of In 2012 SGLMG are underway to understand how to members on key decisions A key purpose of SGLMG is to engage people through membership made by the organisaiton donated and financial support as well as provide a platform for Invited current and former $24,431 in through activity based support. expression and support and members and volunteers as complimentary engagement of the GLBTQI Some of the initiatives and well as community members tickets to community. Whether it is activities were: that have not been involved about political messages and with SGLMG to discuss the community groups Donated $6,075 to the protest, self expression of value proposition of community grants program to for their fundraising identity and gender or pure membership support community celebration, the diverse activities participation in the Parade Analysed the points of community is all considered discussion and input received Formed the Community in the activities of SGLMG. from these groups to redefine Engagement board membership for the future committee
4 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au We developed our system of During the year, the Volunteer People managing volunteers to Policy was reviewed, Engagement achieve Volunteering rewritten and approved by Over 1,700 people Australia’s National the Board providing the policy As an organisation focused Standards. In 2012, we basis for our system of volunteered their on the community, our focus achieved 74% compliance volunteer management time in a wide on engaging volunteers with the standards which is a Following a pilot of e-learning throughout the year and significant improvement of variety of skilled technologies during Big Gay during the Sydney Mardi 39% compliance originally and general Weekend, e-learning was Gras Festival remains one measured in 2010 of our core organisational successfully rolled out for volunteer roles strengths. The Benefits in Kind Policy volunteer development during during 2011/12 was reviewed to improve the the season. The increased system of administering flexibility around training rewards to ensure equity, requirements removed consistency and good barriers for volunteers to governance become involved
Volunteer survey O eur syst m of managing 100 The score is comprised of average volunteers continued 90 ratings in the following areas: developing to achieve In 2012, we achieved Volunteering Australia’s 80 74% compliance with National Standards. 70 the Volunteer Policies & Procedures 60 Australia’s National Management Responsibilities 50 Standards which is Recruitment Selection & 40 a significant Orientation Work & The Workplace 30 improvement when Training & Development 20 compared to 39% Standard Delivery 10 compliance originally Documents & Records measured in 2010 Continuous Improvement YEAR ‘10 ‘11 ‘12
Volunteer age The continued focus on 700 demographic greater diversity within the 600 organisation resulted in the 2012 most even split on record 500 between the genders 400 The median age of volunteers 300 over the 2012 season was 29 200 with a strong representation of both older and younger 100 members of the community 0
AGE 16-22 23-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+
volunteer LOCATION volunteer gender 2012 2012
NSW QLD FEMALE VIC MALE TRANSGENDER 51% 49% OVERSEAS/OTHER UNDISCLOSED WA SA
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 5 MARDI GRAS AWARDS
While we dust off the last of the glitter and look back on a truly spectacular Sydney MARDI GRAS Mardi Gras 2012, we're celebrating the passion, talent and dedication of the Awards for incredible people who made it happen. We have infinite love for our unstoppable army of amazing volunteers and each year we recognise their contibutions with our volunteers, Mardi Gras Awards. ParaDE & The Awards are presented for exceptional achievements in Volunteer, Parade and FAIR DAY Fair Day categories, including Silver, Gold and Volunteer Of The Year, our highest accolade, for outstanding contribution, energy and spirit. Congratulations to all of the 2012 Mardi Gras Award winners!
I started volunteering for SGLMG I’m very lucky to have had a very Volunteering for SGLMG is now SPOTLIGHT ON in 2009 - I was a Stage Manager supportive team around me. The not just something I do out of MEG EBELT, OUR on Foreplay. Then I became way the Parade Production Team work hours, it has caused a Stage Management coordinator banded together to produce major attitude adjustment 2012 Volunteer in 2010 and 2011, then Assistant such a spectacular show was towards how the parade is of the Year Manager of the Parade Creative inspiring. And I believe the viewed by people around the Services team in 2012. results speak for themselves. world. It has made me not only proud to be representing the The 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras I feel very honoured to have been organisation, but also the gay season was the toughest I’ve awarded Volunteer of the Year, community at large. experienced during my time and whole-heartedly thank volunteering for SGLMG, but everyone who helped me out Onwards and upwards to 2013! ultimately the most rewarding. during the season.
Award Winners Volunteers Parade Fair Day 2012 Swilver A ards Swilver A ards Swilver A ards
Excellence in Team Work Best Choreography Best Commercial Stall Team Camp “Fight for Love” Urban Society Sydney Stingers Waterpolo Excellence in Innovation Best Community Stall John Riveral Best Costume Wear it Purple “Kandi Circus” Excellence in Service Hot Kandi** Best Youth Stall Laura Jamieson Y Foundations Best Float Design Spirit of Mardi Gras “Love All – Margaret Court Loses in Straight Sets” Frank Iannilli Ethel Yarwood Enterprises* Fair Day G RDOLD AWA Volunteers Best Individual Entry Best Fair Day 2012 Stall Teresa Kompara*** This is Oz G rdOLD Awa s P arade Volunteer of the Year G rd OLD Awa s Meg Ebelt Showstopper “Lights of Our Lives” Deaf Gay and Lesbian Association Lifesavers with Pride “Report All Violence to the Police” NSW Police Force *sponsored by starobserver.com.au “30 Years Young! **sponsored by SameSame.com.au Your Story is Our Story” ***sponsored by LOTL Magazine Twenty10
6 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au FEEDBACK from 2012
YOUR COMMENTS H ere are some of your The best part is I enjoyed everything I travelled over from comments from the season 2012. always the that I attended for the Melbourne this year, so I came for the Research undertaken by overwhelming Mardi Gras season, Destination NSW, March 2012 sense of but Mardigrasland Mardigras after community on an was definitely the party. Really enjoyed immense best, with the Chicane! and Sneaky spectacular scale Harbour Party a very Sound System close second
There was a real Well organised, Participating in sense of community great performances, the Parade was about it. The logo good atmosphere. one of The and overall parade Very inclusive this most amazing and party was year, and still true experiences positive and I just to it’s cause of my life wanted to be a part of it
After a very Fair Day had an Having so many long absence, I awesome vibe in people from returned to the the park and different countries after party and everyone seemed and cultures, had a very to be having a great mixing together good time time, despite and celebrating the rain life
I love seeing my I enjoyed Britney neighbourhood come Spears: the Laneway - alive and being able Caberet and the heres hoping to celebrate and Dragon Boat of that it continues display my gay Love float in the for next year! culture with the rest Parade was great! of Sydney!
At Mardigrasland Great crowds, music, The boys that Kylie was just shows, set-up and came from AMAZING!!! our once a year overseas... Hadn’t expected to celebration. Of Tourists add a get a full production course Kylie was big festive party show with a whole but Magda onstage vibe to the city medley of songs was very emotional too
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 7 How we performed
Brought month end Presented to the Finance & financial accounting back in membership and the Asset house community the structure Applied for and plans for the protection Implemented organisational management of the Intellectual Property ROCO expense reductions registration O ur key objective was to Incorporated Mardi Gras Continued to develop new implement improvements to Arts Limited on 4 June 2012 to acquire income streams in the form systems and controls, as as a company limited by of merchandising, licensing Deductible Gift guarantee with NMG as its well as measures aimed at events, food vending lowering costs in order to only member Recipient status Increased level of donations support sustainable Applied for ROCO (DGR) growth of the organisation Improved compliance with registration to acquire and its assets. OLGR Licence requirements Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR)
To ensure clarity around roles and together as a team to improve the We have continued to refine and Governance responsibilities the Board effectiveness and efficiency in update our strategic plan and & STRATEGIC undertook to review and redefine decision making. created greater visibility of Board role descriptions including expected outcomes by defining The Board has conducted a PLANNING those for the Chair, Deputy Chair our expected benefits from the strategic review of the season to and Board Director . The Board three year strategic plan. The identify key learning points for also undertook a Board Team results and recommendations future years and ensure that Effectiveness Survey to provide from these reviews are in the Sydney Mardi Gras remains one of the baseline and guidance on how process of being incorporated into the largest major events in the the Board Directors would work the three year rolling strategy. NSW and Australian calendar.
Year on Year area 2011-2012 2010-2011 Comparision Ticket sales $2.164m $2.008m licences & fees $287k $316K Sponsorships & grants $1,128k $763K * Please refer to page 38, Statement of Significant Bar revenue $82k $121K Accounting Policies, Note 1b), Membership fees* $76k $137K Revenue for explanation of membership accounting treatment Donations $78k $72K Gross Profit $4.066m $3.609m ** Entertainment, Security, Venue hire, Production expenses Total Production expenses** $1,837K $1.615M total administration fees*** $1,156K $1.053m *** Insurances, Marketing, Administration, Occupancy & Total People & HR expenses $1,146K $1.074m Professional Services Total expenses $4.139K $3.743m Net Profit/(Loss) ($73,057) ($133, 678)
Performance EVENT 2011-2012 2010-2011 by event SLEAZE (2010/11)/ BIG gay weekend (2011/12) $12,065 ($15,757) Festival ($42,313) ($38,916) Fair Day ($17,182) $11,002 Harbour $28,193 $29,339 Parade ($405,104) ($507,224) Mardi Gras Party $489,692 $470,029 Laneway $24,861 -
Profit & Loss Profit & loss 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 History Result (73,057) ($133,678) ($575,626) % Total Expenses -1.7% -3.4% -12.0%
8 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au PROFIT & LOSS
HARBOUR WORKSHOP MARKETING
$140,000 $120,000 $100,000 $0 $100,000 $80,000 ($50,000) $150,000 $60,000 ($100,000) $200,000 $40,000 ($150,000) $250,000 $20,000 ($200,000) $300,000 $0 ($250,000) $350,000 ($20,000) ($300,000) $400,000 ($40,000) $450,000
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12
MEMBERSHIP FINANCE AND ADMIN festival
$140,000 ($300,000) ($20,000) $130,000 ($400,000) ($40,000) $120,000 ($500,000) ($60,000) $110,000 ($600,000) ($80,000) $100,000 ($700,000) ($100,000) $90,000 ($800,000) ($120,000) $80,000 ($900,000) ($140,000) $70,000 ($160,000) ($180,000) 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12
SPONSORSHIP & GRANTS PARADE, Parade VIEWING & FAIR DAY BROADCAST
$1,300,000 ($250,000) $20,000 $1,200,000 ($300,000) $10,000 $1,100,000 ($350,000) 0 $1,000,000 ($400,000) ($10,000) $900,000 ($450,000) ($20,000) $800,000 ($500,000) ($40,000) $700,000 ($550,000) ($30,000)
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 9 CHAIR REVIEW
2011-2012 The 2011-2012 Financial Year has been an exciting and courageous period of PERFORMANCE growth and innovation. We are seeing renewed confidence from our LGBTQI community as they become increasingly engaged and connected with Sydney Gay P ete Urmson, Chair, SGLMG and Lesbian Mardi Gras. We are proud of how far the organisation has come and the pace it is continuing its trajectory to meet strategic goals. We have a financial deficit this year of $73,057. We aim to deliver a stronger financial result in years to come by increasing our revenue streams through growth in fundraising approaches and of course continuing to be mindful of achieving best value for money.
The 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras with Parade Production A festival festival provided a global platform Coordinator Nicole Gaff and his to proudly for LGBTQI rights and issues with a team there was a visual spectacle Despite the rain a clear message to inspire the world of 134 parade entrants with more remember to love. It was a strong and vibrant than 9,800 people participating in record number of three-week festival with more than the Parade. In addition to the people came out 60 diverse events which ranged theme of Infinite Love, marriage from theatre and cabaret shows to equality was a strong focus and to watch the meaningful talks and panels appropriately marriage equality Parade, a discussions to our various fabulous crusader Shelly Argent OAM was testament to the parties. Our objective was to this year’s Chief of Parade. Our enhance the audience experience messages and our LGBTQI engagement for festival events, put on a more community spirit, were beamed the LGBTQI and diverse range of events to appeal around digitally through Mardi to more of our community and to GrasTV, with over 500,000 viewers the wider communicate the Sydney Gay and from countries such as Singapore community has Lesbian Mardi Gras message and Malaysia where being gay is with SGLMG worldwide. still illegal. Despite the rain a record number We were honoured that Kylie of people came out to watch the Minogue chose to share Sydney Parade, a testament to the Mardi Gras with our LGBTQI engagement the LGBTQI and the community this year as part of her Parade and Party. I will treasure wider community has with Sydney K25 celebrations (25 years in the the moment Magda came out with Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. music industry). Not only did she Alex Greenwich and I at the Party watch the Parade but she also It was one of the biggest and and seeing her totally performed at the Party, adding to brightest Parades yet, showcasing overwhelmed by the love and an already stellar line up. our effervescent spirit. Thanks to support from our community. the tireless work and dedication We were also thrilled and proud to There was real magic in the air, it of Parade Producer Vicktor Petroff host Magda Szubanski at the was a Mardi Gras moment!
financial Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Our fundraising sub-committee Gras has endeavoured to improve Increasing have been identifying opportunities control financial management, being fundraising for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi transparent in our practices and Gras to increase income. our results. opportunities We hope this year to more The Finance Committee works partnerships, donor programs and with the CEO to manage budgets increased fundraising aside from against a very volatile commercial events. We are currently awaiting operating environment. approval of our Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status. When we We are reporting a loss this year obtain this we will have an which is smaller than the previous excellent opportunity to be able to two years. Nonetheless, it is move forward with this effectively regretfully still a loss and occurred and generate more revenue. due to a number of factors that are outlined later in the CEO Report and Treasurer’s report.
10 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au In November the organisation cheering us on come from a much Rebrand to changed its name back to Sydney broader spectrum and in which engage with a Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras after younger people are much less We acknowledge almost ten years as New Mardi keen to be labelled. broader scope Gras. The change was made in that the name The new event logo was created to of community recognition that the event and represent the beautiful joining of change had a brand remains owned by Sydney’s hearts and inspiring world to love groups gay & lesbian community, even as it mixed reaction O ne of the biggest and embraces involvement from the each other. from the community, perhaps boldest moves this wider community. We acknowledge that the name with concerns year was the decision to a change had a mixed reaction from rename and rebrand both the At the same time we renamed the about the level of event Sydney Mardi Gras, a the community, with concerns organisation and the festival shorter name that reflects how about the level of consultation. We consultation. including a new logo. most of us talk about the event believe the name change itself was and what people call it around the the right decision and we continue world. We’re also recognising a to listen to the community’s world that is gradually becoming feedback and concerns and more inclusive, where huge encourage the community to numbers of people volunteering continue to express their views. for us, marching in the Parade and
Our Community Engagement with community groups, Community Committee has been of organisations and community engagement tremendous importance this year. members in order to work towards SGLMG strives to be The community is at the core of a shared vision. women & youth Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi the leading voice in SGLMG strives to be the leading Gras which is why it is so vital for voice in the LGBTQI community, the LGBTQI us to learn what the community providing the opportunity for feels and wants. community, LGBTQI individuals and groups to providing the Our forums have contributed to use Sydney Mardi Gras as a everything from what kind of statement of pride and to promote opportunity for festival events people want, our a broader message of diversity LGBTQI individuals brand and vision, to the Party and and acceptance. SGLMG also Parade direction. supports the community through and groups to use providing resources and the Sydney Mardi Community engagement is a way of opportunities for our communities working with our members, Gras as a statement to share their messages. community groups and the general of pride and to public to develop Sydney Mardi SGLMG engages with the Gras for the benefit of Sydney’s community through our events, promote a broader LGBTQI community, the enjoyment anchoring the Parade in a broader message of diversity of a wider audience and as a global program of cultural and social and acceptance beacon of diversity, acceptance activities for locals and visitors. and LGBTQI rights. Online, SGLMG maintains community engagement through Over the past season, Sydney media, social networks and Mardi Gras has remained focused communications strategies. on the general objective of the organisation, to raise the visibility Women are a key area of of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, importance and one of the groups transgender, queer and intersex we have actively engaged with. communities. The work of the Our Women events have gone Community Engagement from strength to strength. We Committee and the newly focused on building the established Members and successful Women Say Community Advisory Group has Something series producing three continued to build relationships separate sold out events.
In closing I would like to say has led a small professional team have contributed, through being a With thanks thank you to the Board of Sydney of staff to achieve an extraordinary member, through attending a Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, who amount of work. community forum, through all work hard alongside me and My thanks also to our volunteers, being one of our amazing 1500 bring their professional expertise sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers or through to enable the organisation to government agencies and suppliers supporting one of our events. grow and continually improve. who make all of this possible. I would also like to thank our Most importantly though, I give fantastic CEO Michael Rolik who special thanks to all of you that
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 11 ceo REVIEW
2011-2012 For this financial year we are reporting a loss of $73,057 or 1.8% of gross profit. PERFORMANCE We had forecast a small profit this year but due to a number of factors this was not realised. Michael Rolik, CEO , SGLMG The overall financial result reflects the combined performance of the entire organisation. A lower Mardi Gras Party average price compared to 2011, a 1,000 person reduction on saleable capacity at MG Party due to newly imposed licensing changes, our financial exposure to wet weather affected events and our limited resources to produce a season of the scale undertaken in 2012 all influenced the final outcome. This year’s loss will reduce but not significantly affect SGLMGs existing cash reserves. Mardi Gras Party For many years the Mardi Gras The Mardi Gras Party result was Party had suffered from limited by a 1000 person declining production standards, reduction in footprint capacity In 2012 85% of lower participation and criticism imposed in December well after of its quality. This translated into we had gone on sale and our Mardigrasland dropping Party profits affecting organisational budgets had been party-goers rated the organisational result. This set and spend had commenced. the party as good or year we undertook extensive Had our pricing been around excellent compared research listening and gaining that set in 2008 ($150) - and to only 45% in 2011 MARDI GRAS PARTY RATING insights from current, past and arguably the 2012 line-up was prospective Party-goers that 2012 Vs 2011 much stronger than that of 2008 informed much stronger - our result would have been programming choices. We made a approx. $250,000 better. We 100% deliberate, significant investment chose to keep our pricing just enhancing programming and under the same level of the last 90% production values whilst ticket three parties (set at $129 80% prices were consciously at or compared to $135) in order to can demonstrate value for money by below those in 2011. slightly raising prices and believe 70% win back party-goers that had stayed away in recent years. this is reasonable given that the As a result, satisfaction levels of 60% general admission average price the event were almost 50% We have proven we can deliver a has been $129 - $135 for the last 50% improved to that of 2011, and much improved party and we aim to four years. The 2013 price will be 40% approximately 2,500 more exceed this in 2013 with a strong people experienced the new lineup and investment in production competitive, offer great value for standard of a Mardi Gras Party that will not see a drop in standards. money and deliver excellent YEAR ‘11 ‘12 than in recent years. We are now at the point where we entertainment and programming.
three main sources of unfavourable variances that contributed to this year’s result: Why didn’t we Lnower tha budgeted revenue Sg i nificANT scope of work U ennFOREse production get into the across all major revenue effort far exceeded our expense overruns with black this year? sources other than Party. resource levels. Party and Workshop. T he continued turnaround The Mardi Gras Party is one of Our scope of work effort to deliver This came as a result of from 2010 has been several sources of revenue for the our production commitments in implementing significant challenging as we rebuild organisation. The wettest summer the end far exceeded our resource production changes in Party after the split of 2010 in in memory depressed sales at all levels. This was both in terms of staging and production and difficult economic times. our outdoor events. We experienced people and time. Despite making Parade float design at a very late shortfalls that were not covered by cuts to some production elements, stage of pre-production. Despite Over the last 3 years, we have our wet weather insurance, organisation and production best endeavours we were not able improved our financial result including lower than normal stall management resources were to confirm these arrangements year-on-year from a loss of holder revenue due to last minute stretched to the limit in the final until late January and these $575,627 in 2010, to a loss of drop outs and significantly lower bar two weeks of the season with not changes consumed management $133,678 in 2011, to the current sales from the storm hitting at peak as much oversight activity possible and production resources in order result of $73,057. Given this period at Fair Day. Harbour Party for management. In hindsight given to deliver on time. trajectory and as a result of ticket sales also fell well short of the scale of the 2012 season and implementing the measures forecast and rain on Parade day did impact of late production changes, outlined further in my report, we not see us realise full budgeted an additional Event Producer expect to return to a sustainable sales potential at Parade viewing, resource was required to provide profit in the next financial year. merchandising and food and additional management and beverage vending sales. The sales financial oversight and support to performance of some licensed our production teams who were events also fell short of budget. focused on delivery of quality product.
12 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Work has progressed to diversify We introduced a new event ‘The expectation for 2012. Fair Day Ticket sales and introduce new revenue Laneway’ adding quality DJs and fell significantly short to budget, from other streams as well as introduce performers to a relaxed format by $41,619 largely due to lost bar events new, lower risk events. representing exceptional value revenue from the rain and some We retired the loss making amongst other choices on that stall holder drop outs, whereas O ur business model still Parade fundraiser, Sleaze Ball day. The Laneway was a sell out total Parade and overall Parade very much depends on income and replaced it with a lower risk raising $24,861 in net funds due viewing performance was derived from ticket sales fundraising model, the ‘Big Gay to its lower risk format. slightly improved, despite the (approximately 70% of revenue). Weekend’, raising $12,065, or an Harbour Party and the Festival wet weather. improvement of $28,000 on last net result were broadly the same year’s Sleaze loss. as in 2011 but below our
Event This has been a focus over the measures such as: Manager, Parade Producer and the last three years and this year we Better compared to past years wonderful creative production have seen clear improvement in reputation & Quality of the events team has paid off well this season, satisfaction levels in most of our with noticeable improvements satisfaction Higher artistic standard event measures. compared to last year in Parade, W e made significant progress Being the must attend event Overall satisfaction levels with Mardi Queer Thinking, Pool Party and the with our long term plan of of the year for many people Gras season (as measured by annual Mardi Gras Party. sustainably growing total surveying to our entire database in Bringing together diverse All other events that rated less revenue by increasing the April of each year) has improved people quality of core events and our than last year had one thing in steadily since 2010 (refer to Having a diverse range of events appeal to our diverse local attached graphs) and overall this common – they were directly Being more cool communities and tourists. years season was rated significantly affected by rain on the day. better, more than double the rating Being more relevant Harbour Party was the exception of the 2011 season. Positive The work and focus of artistic with bar queues the major improvement trends occurred on directors, Festival Program source of slippage. PERCEPTIONS OF MARDI GRAS HCOeAS BE M MORE COOL 2010-2012 HAS BECOME MORE RELEVANT 2012 2011 EVENT % 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 2010 % strongly agree + Agree
PERCEPTIONS OF MARDI BSRRING DIVE SE PEOPLE TOGETHER GRAS SATISFACTION
2010-2012 MUST ATTEND EVENT OF THE YEAR
HAS DIVERSE RANGE OF EVENTS
EVENT % 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % strongly agree + Agree
RATING OF EVENTS MAARDI GR S PARTY 2012 Vs 2011 POOL PArty
2012 queer thinking 2011 the laneway
mardi gras parade* * Rain affected festival bar
fair day*
harbour party
drag races*
members parade viewing*
glamstand*
EVENT % 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 EXCELLENT + GOOD RATING MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 13 ceo REVIEW (cont)
Participation The success of Women Say attractive, enable Mardi Gras to Something , better Youth Festival access a wider range of grants So lid progress was also programming, introduction of the and discounts that are only We are evolving made to increase the Youth Hub at Fair Day and an overall available to Not for Profits with participation of under- more diverse choice of venues and DGR. our business model represented groups (such music on offer at Mardi Gras Party from a three pillar What we are doing about the as youth, women, bisexuals, were the main highlights. transgender, intersex and challenges this year and towards approach (Ticket queers), as well as and Significant progress has also a more sustainable MG? revenue, been made in diversifying our broadening the programming We remain committed to our long revenue base during the year by Memberships and of the festival to reflect term plan of implementing laying the groundwork for the Sponsorships) to a their tastes and attract measures to manage costs, introduction of philanthropic participation. devoting sufficient resources and five pillar model that programs and other associated tools for sound oversight, growing new revenue streams. adds Fundraising / total revenue by increasing the giving programs and This year’s season result quality of core events and our highlights the risky nature of our appeal to our diverse local grants). This model business in terms of balancing the communities and tourists, as well will enable us to sophisticated tastes and high as diversifying our revenue base expectations of our audience by introducing philanthropic grow revenues and against our limited budgets and donor / giving programs and other reduce our company resources to deliver quality new revenue streams. risk profile. events, as well as the sensitivity of our margins to wet weather – These measures are necessary to such as bars. reduce our exposure to weather risk, lower sales from a challenging Much progress has been made on inbound tourism environment setting up new company caused by ongoing downturn from structures with deductible gift international economies and a high recipient (DGR) status to enable Australian dollar, and a very Mardi Gras to accept tax crowded and highly competitive deductible donations which, entertainment and leisure sector apart from making donating more that we operate within.
We are evolving our business Five revenue model from a three pillar source STRATEGY approach (Ticket revenue, Memberships and Sponsorships) model to a five pillar model that adds CONVERT potential to Fundraising / giving programs and achieve overall balance grants). This model will enable us growth to grow revenues and reduce our company risk profile.
CURRENT CONTRIBUTION
TARGET CONTRIBUTION
SALES spoNSORSHIPS MEMberships doNATIONS GRANTS
14 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au FUTURE focus Event development Securing a permanent Continued focus on developing community workshop combined over the next 12 – 18 months the artistic and production with office premises. Mardi Gras Brand and event will be: quality of events to draw in more will only grow through increased EVentS audience and total ticket participation and increased development – revenues. participation will largely come driving increased MEMBERSHIP from a better product that our brand awareness DONATIONS FROM 35th anniversary community wants. The FUNDRAISING AND GIVING celebrations – leveraging community has told us it wants within and outside of the interest and goodwill PROGRAMS higher artistic standards of the community and that comes from an entertainment at Parade, Party GRANTS anniversary year and the and Festival. A quality artistic ensuring our brand opportunity to tell the story product requires a workshop values and SPONSORSHIP of past, present and future. – facilities, know-how, personality are Brand and event resources in order to produce development – driving the outputs of better and more guiding principles in increased brand awareness dazzling Parade floats, event creating events scenic etc. Having an office within and outside of the which serve as brand community and ensuring our co-located with the workshop brand values and motivates and inspires the experiences – personality are guiding workforce to realise its creative daring, fun, principles in creating events ambitions, rather than being which serve as brand removed from these. electric, human! experiences – daring, fun, Extending the Parade/Party electric, human! winning formula from best Feasibility testing of a endeavours to secure world- reinvented Mardi Gras. A class headline talent appear number of new event at both events. This creates concepts relating to significant buzz, media improved Parade floats, interest and ultimately drives route, viewing and other new increased participation and improvements in relation to ticket sales across the entire Fair Day, Mardi Gras Party. Festival.
Membership Donations from We have completed research Fundraising and giving insights involving focus groups programs with members and non-members We will acquire DGR status in the that will lead to an improved upcoming financial year and Membership model and benefits, develop a proposition to translating into increased growth fundraise through giving of Membership sales. Work will programs and targeting be completed in the next four foundations to fund specific months and could lead to the projects (such as fitting out or implementation of a lower cost staffing a permanent workshop membership level with value which enables Mardi Gras to benefits and as well as a more increase its artistic merit and comprehensive level offering new value as a cultural and social privileges and benefits. community asset).
Grants Sponsorship We have created the position of We will continue to extend and a Volunteer Grants Officer that create value for our existing we aim to fill in order to identify partners and also bring on board and secure appropriate grants to new partners in categories that reduce costs that we may are of strategic relevance for the otherwise have to bear organisation. We expect to grow ourselves. sponsorships in the forthcoming financial year.
I would like to thank our In particular my sincere thanks With thanks Members, customers, sponsors, and gratitude to my talented and partners, supporters, committed team of staff, skilled government agencies, the Chair volunteers and seasonal and Treasurer, the Board, our contractors who make all of this committees and our fabulous possible – thank you! volunteers.
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 15 board committees
AUDIT & RISK The Board of Directors is tasked with ensuring that Sydney Gay and COMMUNITY Lesbian Mardi Gras staff is performing according to an agreed strategic plan. It focuses on a number of key areas, assisted increasingly by a range ENGAGEMENT* of specialist Board Committees. We focus on recruiting the best skilled finance talent for these Board Committees to ensure that the strategic direction strategic of the company is focused and world class. They contribute at the highest level of the organisation, and recommend initiatives to the Board for youth adoption and implementation. women
*refer to Chair review page 11 FINANCE Ac tivities overseeing and assisting in the greater input into event budget Ensuring the SGLMG budget is periodic financial reporting development. In this way, process implemented by individual events can be more Role aligned with SGLMG’s Strategic Plan and priorities; approving, management; and reviewing the easily evaluated independently on Ts o as ist the Board in monitoring and reviewing interim and annual financial financial return versus risk (via a discharging its financial adjustments to budgets and the statements before their release. fully costed model of anticipated oversight responsibilities. The reallocation of resources; incomes and expenses). In other committee provides oversight, formulation of strategies to 2011/2012 Achievements area, major changes have already assistance and advice on the improve SGLMG’s financial The 2011/12 budget was approved commenced to remediate financial activities of the position, including the approval by the finance committee and later deficiencies in financial order and organisation to ensure and monitoring of the budget ratified by the Board. The budget payment systems. A restructuring balance, transparency and process; reviewing SGLMG’s was based on a principle of of accounts has already integrity of financial financial performance against conservative estimates of core and commenced to allow greater information for both Board approved budgets; reviewing essential activities, and was oversight of individual cost Capital Expenditure Budgets and and management. Key areas of created in alignment with SGLMG centres which will continue Requests; reviewing cash focus are the establishment core values and its Strategic Plan. throughout the 2012/13 year. holdings and cash flow of approved annual budgets The late addition of K25 to the requirements; advising the CEO and development of budget Mardi Gras season activities on cash management matters; re-forecast’s during the year caused significant additional identifying and monitoring A restructuring as circumstances change. effort regarding budget re-forecast financial risk issues; monitoring by the finance committee and CEO. of accounts tax exempt status compliance; During 2011/12 the finance considering and reviewing Board has already committee started producing expenditure proposed by the monthly management financial commenced to CEO that is outside of the reports which allowed savings allow greater Board-approved annual budget; from the use of external parties considering and reviewing the oversight of that had been doing this task on a financial and accounting impact paid basis. individual cost of significant contracts; investigation of any non- centres which compliance of the Finance Future plans will continue Policy and Procedures; For the 2012/13 season, major throughout the reviewing significant accounting events will be budgeted on a and reporting issues, including project-based approach with a 2012/13 year. recent professional and zero base for the first time. This regulatory pronouncements; will allow event producers to have
Youth Activities Mardi Gras now and in the future. Future plans The committee, consisting of Liam The survey was promoted by the The committee is currently Street Team and across social Role Miller, Matthew Vaughan, David developing strategies to increase Mann, Scott Williams and Liza media channels and resulted in young people’s participation within T he Youth Committee was Bahamondes, spent the inaugural over 200 respondents. the organisation as well as at established in September 2011 to season establishing a street team existing Sydney Mardi Gras events. provide insights and strategic to attend Mardi Gras’ events and 2011/2012 Achievements The youth committee will base direction to the board to enable open a dialogue with young people. The valuable insights received their strategies on information SGLMG to increase engagement In addition to having young have formed the basis of the gathered at various events during and participation among young representatives of Mardi Gras committee’s strategic the 2012 festival period by the people. engaging with other young people recommendations to the board, Youth Street Team and a the committee also conducted a which will shape the SGLMG comprehensive survey. detailed survey to gather young youth engagement strategy over people’s thoughts and opinions on the coming years. 16 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Women Activities Future plans The committee is chaired by The committee is currently Role former Board co-chair Steph working on several initiatives We focused on Sands and consists of a team of including specific events for T he Women’s Committee exists Janine Tennille, Vanessa White and female volunteers encouraging building the to help the board oversee the Belle Lee. Samantha Lawrence feedback and further successful Women strategic vision with an also sat on this committee during participation, an extension of the Say Something emphasis of developing this financial year. sold out Women Say Something strategies towards increasing series into a Women Do series producing the participation of female 2011/2012 Achievements Something initiative, preparation three separate identified persons within all Over the reporting period the of a detailed women’s survey and sold out events. aspects of the organisation, committee focused on building a female identified community the festival and the community the successful Women Say summit. These initiatives will help as a whole. Something series producing drive a three-year plan to increase three separate sold out events. female based participation across all elements of the organisation.
Strategic Activities permanent workshop and input Continued to develop stronger ties into the NSW government visitor economy taskforce. We are Role with government at all levels. The Strategic Office holders attended meetings working closely with Destination T he committee considers with Federal, State and Council NSW and City of Sydney to Committee guided matters of a strategic nature levels keeping them abreast of our undertake research insights that submissions to and provides input into strategic activities and at the same explore and evaluate government areas in direction for the development time gaining valuble insights into opportunities to improve our event of SGLMG. It provides the Board future policy and infrastructure products to better cater for our relation to and the CEO with strategic development opportunities that communities and drive increased partnerships, direction and advice on a affect the future development of participation and visitation. range of issues including Mardi Gras events. inbound tourism, a strategic government and Future Plans proposal for a commercial relationships. 2011/2012 Achievements The main focus of the committee permanent Implemented a benefits realisation for the next twelve months will be to workshop and input reporting system and facilitated the consider the strategic event annual review and update of the research insights and opportunities into the NSW company strategic plan. Guided and to facilitate further strategic government visitor submissions to government areas evaluation and consultation with in relation to partnerships, the Board, the community and economy taskforce. inbound tourism, a proposal for a relevant stakeholders.
audit & risk The committee has unfettered and ensuring full compliance with Future Plans access to all information, except laws and regulations; review of The committee will continue to personal information on staff the budgeting process; updating Role monitor financial management and members, held by SGLMG, in and monitoring the organisational processes and related internal R eview of SGLMG’s financial whatever form, and reports risk register; and meeting as control processes, including the reporting processes and is directly to the Board through the required throughout the year, with process for the preparation and responsible, on behalf of the Chair of SGLMG. no fewer than three formal audit of the annual financial company, for assuring that meetings scheduled annually. report of Sydney Gay and SGLMG’s organisational Activities Lesbian Mardi Gras Limited. culture, capabilities, systems Reviewing SGLMG financial Achievements 2011/12 and processes are appropriate reporting processes; reviewing All members have attended all to protect the financial health internal controls; reviewing the meetings in the year to 31 March and the reputation of SGLMG in external audit process; reviewing 2012; all key activities were all audit-related areas. SGLMG process for monitoring successfully pursued. MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 17 organisational review
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES Optus, RDIO, Finlandia Vodka and partners: ANZ, Google, Gaydar, Commercial Advisor, developing Barefoot Wine, who join our existing Pure Blonde, Mount Franklin and SPONSORSHIP, partnership properties, partners setting a strong diversity Williams Natural Pet Food. And managing delivery of benefits, leadership example in the we welcomed back our strategic GOVERNMENT delivery of revenue and corporate arena. partners Destination NSW and City of Sydney. & STRATEGIC development of Mardi Gras New developments include the commercial activity. creation of MardiGrasTV, which PARTNERSHIPS was proudly presented by Optus. FUTURE PLANS 2012 ACHIEVEMENTS As we move towards 2013 and Role MardiGrasTV is an online format Total sponsorship and rights fee that digitally broadcast the the 35th anniversary, we look Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi income for 2012 was $1,128,400, a Sydney Mardi Gras highlights, forward to our existing and new Gras commercial sponsorship 48% increase on 2011. This is including the parade for the very partners joining us in the activity is managed by external excluding value in kind. first time to a global audience. ultimate celebration of love, pride and diversity. agency mixitup. mixitup work We proudly welcomed four new We continued our rewarding closely with our senior partners for the 2012 season: partnerships with existing management team who manage Mardi Gras’s government SPOTLIGHT ON ANZ partnership with the City of ANZ and Mardi Gras came together in 2007 to forge what has now become a six year partnership of Sydney and Strategic partnership inspiration. ANZ wanted to be a part of Mardi Gras because the core messages of tolerance, diversity and with Destination NSW. equality rang loud and proud for our people. Starting with just a few passionate ANZers with an idea to come out in support of equality it’s now grown to one of our largest diversity events of the year. Over 350 ANZ people from not just all over Australia, but further afield in our super regional network from Fiji, Asia, New Zealand and even the UK take part each year! Supported by senior executives our partnership is designed, positioned and run by staff in their own time. We’re unashamedly proud of how the partnership has grown from a small float, to an integrated partnership with Mardi Gras with involvement across the festival.
Volunteers ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS 2011/2012 2,086 positions with a total In 2011/12, following the In 2011/12, the team introduced workforce of 1,723 volunteers. Role appointment of new Chair and Vice e-learning technologies in the Chair in July, the Volunteers Team training and briefing of volunteers FUTURE PLANS T he Volunteer Working Group completed a restructure and our allowing volunteers to learn Work continues to further develop interacts with volunteers, team of 19 skilled volunteers remotely rather than attending a training systems, improve encouraging them to engage worked towards a record-breaking face-to-face session. Key recruitment and management more broadly with SGLMG, and season for volunteering. The achievements in the systems and provide coordinated building their enthusiasm for annual volunteer survey and implementation of a new volunteer communications in volunteering. This allows us system audit completed in April, organisation-wide volunteer order to improve the overall to maintain an effective while highlighting areas for policy, along with reforms to the experience and effectiveness of volunteer workforce. improvement, demonstrated a volunteer benefits system were our volunteers. considerable improvement in completed also in 2011/12. compliance against Volunteering During the 2012 season, the team Australia’s National Standards. processed 2,981 applications for
LEGAL Activities opportunities that impact on Future plans Providing the Board and CEO the business of SGLMG Further integrating the Legal Role with legal advice and advice to Subcommittee in business planning SGLMG as directed . Ensuring Achievements 2011/2012 and decision making; Es tablished in 2011 to consider that all individuals have an Tim Hewitt, Lawyer at Minter Ellison Formalising SGLMG's engagement and manage legal issues understanding of their roles and was appointed as Chair of the Legal with partner firms and bolstering formally, through the responsibilities and that Subcomittee. With the support of his professional legal support; and Executive of the organisation. protocols to manage legal risk firm, Tim has provided the Board are in place and are being and Executive professional legal Drafting a suite of precedent followed. Recommending ways advice on a number of key issues agreements to ensure a consistent forward in relation to legal and has assisted drafting a range of approach to legal risk management. issues faced by SGLMG and agreements, including a co- evaluating legal risks and production agreement.
medical ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS 2011/2012 FUTURE PLANS During Mardi Gras season over a This year has seen the medical The medical could not provide it’s Role hundred and sixty medical team promoting a web based professional service without the volunteers provided extensive drug monitoring program which support of medical committee T hroughout this years Mardi medical coverage at five main the team have some input into and Mardi Gras Board/CEO, also Gras season the medical team events. The bulk of volunteers with other international experts. the ongoing support of the saw fewer patrons at all provided medical coverage at the Also the medical teams’ community. SGLMG events. parade and Mardi Gras party with experiences have been presented additional volunteers situated in at the national drug and alcohol the Royal Hall of Industries. conference last October.
18 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Marketing & ACTIVITIES SGLMG has become an signatures of support to the Responsible for planning and authoritative voice in the social Australian Senate‘s Legal and communications executing strategies across brand media realm, building and and Constitutional Affairs Committee and creative direction, marketing, fostering a highly engaged Inquiry on the Marriage Equality ROLE tourism and international community of followers (58,000 Amendment Bill 2010. Facebook followers, up from T he Marketing and promotion, communications and 40,000 in 2011). FUTURE PLANS Communications team, media relations. Digital marketing and comprising full-time and The festival guide was released with ACHIEVEMENTS 2011-12 four alternative covers for the first communications will be a key part-time staff, contractors Online and social media channels time, featuring members of Sydney’s focus for Sydney Mardi Gras 2013, interns and volunteers, is were a key focus for marketing own LGBTQI community. 80 000 with planned enhancements to our responsible for the planning and communications in 2012. web presence, an expanded suite and execution of SGLMG’s copies were distributed around New social media profiles Australia and internationally. of mobile Apps, and improved Marketing, Communications established on Google+, customer relationship Through partnership with Pixolut and Brand Strategy. FourSquare, Instagram and Tumblr. management and e-marketing in 2011, we established a petition tools promising to further reducing Launched our first iPhone app, in support of marriage equality our reliance on printed collateral which was downloaded by 4067 on our Facebook page. This and print media to promote the people. resulted in the delivery of 11 334 Festival and it’s events.
WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES well as sponsorship from Google. FUTURE PLANS Providing expertise and advice to Previously used for council storage The reintroduction of a workshop the space was emptied and made Role members of the LGBTQI community space over the past 2 seasons for in the creation of their props, floats ready by SGLMG Workshop LGBTQI community to construct T o provide a space for artists Manager and members of his team. and the LGBTQI community to and scenic for Parade; building all their Parade entries and for props,scenic and floats for Sydney The workshop space was much SGLMG itself to design and collaborate in creating high- smaller than Redfern and Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ Parade, construct some spectacular floats quality props, parade floats somewhat isolated from the Fair Day, Party and Harbour Party; and scenic improving the overall and scenic for SGLMG events. community however that said sourcing materials; supervising artistic quality of the Parade, several LGBTQI groups made use of volunteers; giving media interviews clearly demonstrates the need for the space and expertise on hand to about workshop activities; daily assist with the design and building a permanent workshop space. A operation of the premises. of their Parade entries. The lead space where community members Parade float and all of the elements and artists can come together to ACHIEVEMENTS 2011/2012 that made up the K25 celebrations collaborate to make Sydney Mardi With 107 Redfern Street including 3 spectacular Faberge Gras Parade more fabulous each unavailable this year a workshop style eggs were constructed by the year, while allowing SGLMG to space was provided at 10A Wattle talented workshop team. Scenic store and maintain assets that are Street Pyrmont – thanks to the elements and props were also an important part of our history support of the City of Sydney and created for Fair Day, Harbour Party and our legacy to future the Lord Mayor Clover Moore, as and Mardigrasland Party. generations. event Activities in 2010/11 by continuing proven Future Plans In 2011/12 the Event Fundraising fundraising techniques whilst In 2012/13, the team plans Fundraising team set out to streamline record- piloting new activities for their to improve on previous keeping as required by legislation ability to contribute to event event fundraising totals fundraising targets. At Fair Day, Role and fundraising authority while improving policies and the introduction of a new activity T he team was created to develop conditions issued by the Office of procedures to ensure compliance and the return of the Fair Day with government requirements. a specialist fundraising Liquor, Gaming and Racing. workforce designed to manage Raffle saw the team achieve a The team plans on introducing target of $36,000. Including a SGLMG Fundraising Policy event fundraising consistently 2011/2012 Achievements across events and maximise the takings at Big Gay Weekend and and further refining fundraising amount of donations from At the events, the team aimed to Drag Races the team raised a total procedures. patrons. match the record amount raised of $42,174 over 2011/12.
ACTIVITIES During the season each member APTIRA web portal. Information of the work group is rostered on a During the season the group For the 2012 Mardi Gras Season, the weekly basis and out of season on technology performed user maintenance IT Workgroup completed 77 a fortnightly basis or as when relating to PC hardware and requests ranging from setting up required. The group meets on a Role software issues, advised on new user accounts and email regular basis throughout the T o support the SGLMG office hardware and software addresses to handling specific year to progress and monitor computer network, using the purchases, maintained user requests regarding printer setup ongoing tasks and projects. services of volunteers. virtual desk tops and email and user account space limitations. accounts and developed and setup the beta version of the Big 2011/2012 ACHIEVEMENTS FUTURE PLANS Gay Weekend website. A cloud solution for both email and The IT workgroup have recruited other regularly used software was External support is only engaged a new volunteer Ben who will be implemented by APTIRA our new when IT problems exceed the developing the online hosting partner. All users are now workgroup skill base or available membership renewal system. hours of the volunteers. using a virtual desktop via the MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 19 SEASON review
Our guests of honour were Kylie consultation with key LGBTQI PARADE & K25 Minogue, Magda Szubanksi and organisations and social groups to T he Mardi Gras Parade for the first time a NSW Premier, address the lack of submissions Our investment in matched last year’s record The Hon. Barry O’Farrell viewed from the ‘BTQI’s. the Parade from the VIP viewing Parade included participation and was once Parade related viewing balcony at Taylor Square. again broadcast, this time as enhancements were implemented operating the an edited highlights package The event was successfully once again. Reserved seating at community on mardigrastv.org.au delivered to the high satisfaction of Mardi Gras Glamstand, produced in workshop, live reaching a new audience of all key stakeholders, including the collaboration with OutThere over 500,000 viewers Police, the Department of Premier Productions, extended this year to screens, Parade available 24/7 to anyone & Cabinet, Road Traffic Authority, both side of the road creating a real audience special around the country and Destination NSW and other key buzz for both audience and Parade around the world – far partners and sponsors. The NSW entrants and there was a reinvented effects and Mardi extending the reach Premiers Department once again and improved Taylor Square viewing Gras curated Parade previously available on commended SGLMG on a area themed as ‘Club Tropicana’, floats, including subscription based TV. significant improvement in terms of produced with assistance from 3200 operational excellence for this Lighting, with a raised viewing a spectacular tribute P roduced by Vicktor Petroff, international event, and we had platform for better visibility. to Kylie Minogue significantly fewer challenges and Nicole Gaff and the talented The Parade attracted roughly the Parade Production Team incidents and arrests were at their lowest levels. Parade Entrants same number of viewers on the street as 2011, this was lower than Artistic Director Ignatius Jones experienced a much more comfortable, relaxed start to the expected and largely due to the night, volunteers were able to get rain throughout the day and during K25 Artistic Director Gary Leeson their jobs done safely and the Parade. efficiently, and audience members The workshop space however K25 Float design Brian Thomson The City of Sydney once again enjoyed a much broader experience made available the south-east was less suitable than the of the Parade. portion of Hyde Park exclusively Redfern facility used in 2011, Our investment in Parade included for the Parade start area, with due to its smaller size. Space in operating the community more food and drink vendors and the workshop was very limited workshop, live screens, parade more toilets than last year and this year, and this is reflected in audience special effects, and areas of Hyde ParkParade, exclusively Viewing the & numbersBroadcast of community Mardi Gras curated parade floats, set aside for Entrants to sit and groups able to utilise the -$200,000 including a spectacular tribute to relax whilst waiting for the workshop’s support. With space 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 Parade to begin. KylieFestival Minogue directed by Gary -$250,000 at a premium, it nonetheless Leeson and brought about by the provided some ability for the $0 We-$300,000 are grateful to the City of ($20,000) 08/09 Parade’s09/10 Creative10/11 and Community11/12 Sydney for the provision once community to connect with each ($40,000) team and the team at Mardi Gras -$350,000 ($60,000) again of a temporary community other in a unique artistic workshop. ($80,000) workshop-$400,000 space in partnership atmosphere. ($100,000) For the second year, we engaged with the City of Sydney at Wattle ($120,000) -$450,000 Securing a permanent workshop ($140,000) St, Pyrmont. The facility allowed the services of a Consulting space is a top priority for SGLMG, ($160,000) Artistic Director (Ignatius Jones) SGLMG-$500,000 to once again re-engage ($180,000) and the best means to realise a and a senior and strategic Parade artists to help oversee the ($200,000) Parade, Viewingsignificantly & Broadcast sustainable, higher Producers (Vicktor Petroff and Workshop and to improve the Series1 artistic and entertainment Nicole Gaff) as well as the Creative artistic standard of individual YOU standard of the Parade. team within the Parade working entries, and in turn fulfil the City’s group. We undertook further strategic cultural objectives.
There was considerable focus on Queer Thinking, Diamonds Are For Highlights included Women Say festival extending visitation and enhancing Trevor at State Theatre, The Year Something, the Team Sydney Ti h s year’s festival returned the audience experience for our of Magical Wanking, presented Sports Festival, Harbour City to a three-week format, international and interstate with thisispopbaby in association Bears’ Bear Essentials, Flagcom delivering an exciting tourists. Highlights of the tourist with Sydney Theatre, La Soiree at and Friends’ Queer: 3rd Encounter program of arts and cultural program included Bob Downe’s Sydney Opera House, Queer of the 3rd Kind – a celebration of events, as well as community, Retro-Gras Tea-Dance at Upstairs Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival, queer Filipino culture, and the social and sporting activities. Beresford, Mardi Gras Pool Party the Australian premiere of The Dykes on Bikes Bike and Tattoo at Ivy Pool Club, Sunset Cruise on Temperamentals at New Theatre, Show. P rogrammed by Sam Sweedman Sydney Harbour plus the Drag as well as exhibitions at Gaffa, The Mardi Gras Festival Bar once Races on Bondi Beach, hosted by Gallery Barry Keldoulis and South again took place at The Oxford Produced by Sam Sweedman, Vanessa Wagner. Hill Gallery, to name a few. Hotel, featuring an exciting Liza Bahamondes & Khym Scott SGLMG also delivered a high The community program program of events that quality visual and performing arts consisted of a wide range of showcased and celebrated the program through its relationships activities, shows and sporting diversity of our communities. with cultural organisations and events across Sydney and the Major highlights included the presenters, as well as through Greater Sydney area, connecting much anticipated Mr and Ms self-produced work. Highlights communities and extending the Leather event. included the academic program, Sydney Mardi Gras reach.
20 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au A sell-out Party, Mardigrasland Butler, Wayne G and Andy Almighty, Mardigrasland was extremely successful, Sydney Mardi Gras Party re- THE PARTY, produced in gaining international attention established itself as the leading The success of the collaboration with mixitup through the programming of LGBTQI dance party event in the world renowned talent, such as Southern Hemisphere and one of the Party will carry well Entertainment Direction by Sam Kylie Minogue, RuPaul, Sneaky leading dance parties in Australia. into 2013, ensuring a Sound System, Chicane and Sam Sweedman The investment in high profile Sparro, as well as Australian positive outlook for talent to perform was extremely talents Zoe Badwi, Sarah the organisation and Party Direction By Damien Eames successful, achieving visitation, Macleod and Shauna Jensen. increased likelihood of return the ability to attract The success of the Party will Produced by Brad Wright & the visitation, as well as increased carry well into 2013, ensuring a high level talent for interest from artists, agents and talented Party Production Team positive outlook for the touring companies for future future years. organisation and the ability to involvement. High end production attract high level talent for values also transformed the Party future years. environment into a visual With a full house in attendance and a wonderland, with the return of strong line-up of talent, including lasers in the RHI, LED screens in major local DJs and well known the RHI, Hordern and Coachbay, as international acts, such as MEN, JD well as special effects and moving Samson, Horse Meat Disco, Andy truss used in the Kylie show.
MG PARTY profit $600,000 MG PARTY MARGIN 60% 2008/09- 2011/12 $550,000 2008/09- 2011/12 50% $500,000 45% $450,000 40% $400,000 35% $350,000 30% $300,000 25% $250,000 20%
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12
Profit vs PROFIT $600,000 TOTAL PROFIT vs MG $600,000 FROM PARTIES $400,000 party prOFIT $400,000 2008/09- 2011/12 $200,000 2008/09- 2011/12 $200,000 $0 $0 Profit Profit ($200,000) ($200,000) TOTAL ($400,000) PARTIES ($400,000) PARTIES ($600,000) PROFIT ($600,000) PROFIT
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12
A new event for the season, The brought back a nostalgic past- the DE Experience, Zoe Badwi, LANEWAY Laneway was a sell-out success, time of Mardi Gras audiences, Beni, Garcon Garcon and a host R eturn of the laneway providing a new income stream for while delivering a new festival of local and international DJs. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi experience. This time as a ticketed Not without its teething problems E ntertainment Direction by Gras and capturing visiting event, the majority of ticket as a new event, the overall Sam Sweedman audiences for an extended stay in revenue was invested in success and positive outcome Sydney. Taking over The Beresford infrastructure required to produce lends itself to becoming a fixture Produced by Sam Sweedman Hotel, Flinders Hotel and the event, as well as the exciting on the Sydney Mardi Gras & Marcus O’Brien connecting Hill Street, the event line-up of talent, which featured calendar in 2013.
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 21 SEASON review
Gill Minervini was engaged as look for the season and threw its sunny, balmy days of the summer HARBOUR/ Creative Director and conceived arms open wider than ever to and guests enjoyed amazing DJ coolchange ‘CoolChange’, a vision for a more welcome in the love. talent, sensational performances presented in partnership inclusive and artistically by Rocco D’Amour and Paulini with Gaydar and the Royal cohesive Harbour Party that Staging an event on this scale in an and the debut of our fireworks Botanical Gardens. appealed to a wider audience outdoor location represents a display that showered the city Produced in collaboration with (especially women), with an significant risk, and the relentless skyline with pride. We’re also Fourth Wall Events enhanced focus on live wet summer provided a challenging ending one tradition and It’s the performances, seating and sales environment in the lead-up. world’s most iconic outdoor party T nhe challe ge for Harbour cocktails al fresco and moving to Despite these challenges, Harbour and it’s right here on our Party in 2012 was to increase Saturday, giving us more room to ‘12: CoolChange was incredibly doorstep, ticket sales on 2011 and groove and time to play. well-received although had lower Entertainment included DJ Lee develop a standalone brand. numbers. Beautifully framed by the world’s Dagger of Bimbo Jones, Olivian C reative Direction by Gill Minervini most stunning party setting – Harbour ‘12: CoolChange delivered DJ, Kate Monroe, Troy Cox, Sydney Harbour – Harbour ‘12 an unforgettable party Random Soul and Richard Weiss. Entertainment Direction by Sam CoolChange aired its fresh new experience on one of the only Sweedman & Gill Minervini
Production was maintained at a The Fair Day Float, another volunteers. This was seen as an FAIR DAY high level, and this was enhanced newbie, was a fun and great start important new initiative. P roduced in collaboration with by a LED screen on the ANZ Main to this audience engagement The Gaydar Lounge was again a 32 Hundred Lighting Stage, thus improving the general exercise. popular favourite, headlined by perception of a complete T hrough negotiation with our This year we had one less gate, the Oxford Hustlers, James entertainment package and a suppliers and a tight control this enabled us to reduce Tobin and Tom Kelly. more engaging visual feast. on equipment requirements, security and costs, it also meant The main food area was also we have been able to achieve Entertainment again was terrific that our volunteer requirement redesigned so to create more significant savings, and can under the guidance of Sam was less, taking pressure off our traffic through this area as well Sweedman, and with a few new recruiting, and improved traffic been seen in these 3 areas as to improve the amenity and initiatives such as the Micros flow through the main food area. • Security costs atmosphere of the area, this did Cooking Demonstration Kitchen • Stall hire costs Fundraising achieved a great result make an improvement to the stage in the main food area, • Fencing under Blake Weti’s leadership, area which stall holders which was followed by a DJ. despite the current economic commented on. The Youth Hub was another great climate and heavy rain ocourences P roduced by Antony Read & the Further cost reduction could be new initiative, which was partly during the event. talented Fair Day Production made by redesigning some of the able to happen because a City of Facebook check in point scenic infrastructure placement and so Team Sydney grant. This was a great elements, manned by reducing fencing and security. step forward to provide a space volunteers, added colour and Entertainment Programming by for Gay and Lesbian youth and a Protecting the income streams atmosphere. These were Sam Sweedman forum for their creativity. of Fair Day is an imperative and designed so people were able to needs to be looked at with a view Feedback from those who check in to Fair Day on Facebook to provide more resources being participated in Youth Hub was and have their photos taken in personnel and marketing terrific, and will now be a front of them with the help and support. permanent part of Fair Day. encouragement of our
Women Say Something is an event The two themes of “We are family” Women Say that brings women together to and “Health Check” explored the Something: We share their stories and struggles ideas around the families we Women Say within all our communities. The create within our community and are Family + event brings a very diverse range of the recent SWASH (The Sydney Something is Health Check panelists together from all aspects Women and Sexual Health Survey) becoming Sydney’s of our local GLBTQI communities in released by ACON in conjunction P roduced by the talented addition to those who are in with Sydney University. premier feminism Women’s Committee support of our causes and the event Panelists included Cheryl “Webby” causes of women in general. Webster, Gretel Killeen, Professor Sally McManus, The festival saw the inclusion of Kerryn Phelps, Rocco D’Amore, Secretary, the NSW “Women Say Something: We are Shelley Argent, Emma Tom, Siri May branch (Services) of Family” for the second year and AFI Award winner Anne Looby. the Australian running, this time partnering with Women Say Something has built an Services Union ACON and selling out in record active online community at time. The Event was opened by facebook.com/womansaysomething The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, and plans to be held every four Federal Minister for Health and months. A larger event is currently combined a sit down dinner and being planned for Mardi Gras two separate panels. Festival 2013.
22 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Big Gay Weekend BGW took place from Friday 30th Mardi Gras. This supplemented Eames, Blake Weti, the Event September to Monday 3rd October by Mardi Gras activity at Taylor Fundraising team volunteers, T he inaugural Big Gay Weekend and delivered a ROI of 49% Square in partnership with gaydar.com.au, Kinsela’s, (BGW) replaced Sleaze Ball and (compared to three years of losses gaydar.com.au. Stonewall Hotel, Pony Lounge, The the long weekend as a lower from Sleaze) with donations Oxford, The Midnight Shift, Arq, risk fundraiser for Parade. We The rest of the weekend’s equally split with Parade budget Ruby Rabbit, Nevermind, Stephen took the opportunity to build focus was on parties, from and Parade Community fund. BGW Craddock, Johan Khoury, Mel community engagement outside bigger events like Daywash, comprised of: Glitter Ball, Homesexual of season by working with Fitzpatrick, Stephen Atkins, Tata Big Gay Friday as our main White, to small niche parties Chambers, Gordon Richmond, venues, businesses and like Loose Ends. Each promoters to ‘reclaim the strip. Oxford street event with bucket Matt Vaughan, Matthew Parsons, collections and participating generously donated a dollar Randel Morris, Jimmy Dee, Renee amount per ticket sold. P roduced by James Bridge, Nicole venues putting on extra Schembri, Marc Kuzma, Lewis Gaff & Marcus O’Brien entertainment and selling We thank James Bridge, Nicole Oswald and Mikey Trotter for their wristbands with a donation to Gaff, Marcus O’Brien, Damien generous support.
The Parade Entry Ticketing Scheme the time of purchase. The scheme and family to head to Party. Parade Entry (PETS) was well received by the was set up with the dual purpose of Thirteen organisations participated community once again allowing raising additional funds for Parade Ticketing in the scheme and with the sale of people who bought Mardi Gras entries and also to stimulate over 300 tickets sold under the Scheme (PETS) Party tickets to have $10 of the additional sales to Mardi Gras Party scheme almost $3000 was raised price of their ticket go to a Parade through incentivising those entries for organisations that included entry of their choosing through the to help publicise Party and Lifesavers with Pride and Sydney use of the appropriate PETS code at encourage participants, friends Rangers.
We welcomed back Shopfront Parade Grants In 2012 SGLMG re-introduced Youth festival Contemporary Arts & Performance the Parade Grants Program I n 2012 the Sydney Mardi Gras and introduced exciting Program enabling a community Youth Festival featured participants such as The Red FORo c mmunity organisations organisation or small entry to events and workshops by Room Company, Joan Sutherland or small entries apply for a Grant of up to $1000. previous participants such as Performing Arts Centre, ACON’s The program is designed to Twenty10 and Australian Young Women’s Project and GL@M enhance the parade entrant’s Theatre for Young People. (Gay and Lesbian at Manly) a creativity and flair, not to fund Manly Council youth initiative. the basics. Thirteen groups P roduced by Sam Sweedman were awarded grants of up to The inaugural Fair Day youth hub $900 and included the 78ers, & Liza Bahamondes was met with great excitement Mature Age Gays, People with by stallholders and festival Disability and Headspace. participants alike, it was an opportunity for both groups to come together to make new friends and showcase their unique talents. Donations Cash donations given & revenue
SGLMG donated MCC revenue raised from Party Donated $15,000 to the GLRL During 2011-12 we donated complimentary tickets to cloakroom more than $7,000 from Harbour Party $15,000 to the GLRL community groups for their fundraising activities GLRL revenue raised from We donated a total of $6,000, Just over $55,000 was including Luncheon Club, Harbour cloakroom $1099 including PETS contributions, donated to community to the Community Grants groups by SGLMG in 2012 ACON, BGF, GLRL, Harbour City Donated over $24,531 in Program to support Bears, Sydney Leather Pride complimentary tickets to community participation in Week, Lifesavers with Pride, community groups for their the Parade AME, Coast Out, Sydney fundraising activities Convicts, Fruits in Suits, Queerscreen and Twenty10.
Donated event number total value tickets/contra donated Harbour ‘12 19 $2,565 K ey numbers for VIP launch party 14 $1,680 complimentary tickets Club Tropicana Parade Viewing 14 $2,226 donated to community organisations: Mardigrasland Party 140 $18,060 TOTAL 187 $24,531
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 23 THE TEAM
Board Members and associates Staff
P seter Urm on Chair Michael Rolik CEO Siri Kommedahl vice-CHAIR Liza Bahamondes executive and Production Assistant Phil Kershaw Treasurer Sam Sweedman festival Program Manager Damon Hartley Director Paul Hanson finance and Operations Manager Amanda Keeling Director (Oct - April 2012) Liam Miller Director Katherine Sherrie Website and Social Media Manager PAul Savage Director Gordon Wheatley finance and Operations Administrator David Wilson Director James Rongen-Hall Marketing & Comms Manager Peter Munro Secretary (April 2012 +) MARK BARBOUR aSSociate Damien Eames head OF MARKETING/COMM Ian WALKER aSSociate (April -Dec 2011)
* CHAIR ** BOARD SPONSOR *** CHAIR & BOARD SPONSOR
CommitteeS Legal dalMe ic team RDMA IGRASLAND Tim Hewitt* Jem Masters* Damien Eames dAu it & Risk Peter Munro Chris Hughes-Gage Sam Sweedman Liam Buckley * Drew Burgess Brad Wright tNomina ions & Governance Phil Kershaw ** Hayley Wyndham Paul Savage *** Trevor Ashley Gerard Gooden Michael Davies Michael Woodhouse Jac Bowie Patricia Lam Michael Novy Marc Cassone Steph Sands Rita Farrugia Eamonn Lorraine Peter Urmson teams Robert Whitworth Stuart Doherty mnyCom u it Engagement Zintis Duckmanton rSpONso ships & Terri-Anne Duarte Amanda Keeling ** partnerships VOLUNTEER Development TEAM Daniel Dunlop Wayne Donnelly Greg Segal mixitup John Riveral Sveta Gilerman Ben Grill Peita Dixon mixitup Chris Johnson Megan Hauptfleisch Janet Horton Sarah Grant mixitup Evan Gorgees David Hewitt Steven Moran Sarah Rogen mixitup Manny Paysan Nic Holland Isabella Navarrete Amalina Williams mixitup Phillip Burton Danny Lander Derrick Sargo uCost mes Jessica Booth Sam Howie Danielle Warby Luke Huggett Craig Maroun Peter Urmson Nigel Shaw Matthew Aberline Grove Aitkenhead Adam Love i F nanCE vntndraE e Fu ising Team Paul Lee Maynard David Wilson*** PRODUCTION TEAMS Jeff McBride Lloyd Butler Blake Weti Chay Abrahart yFair Da Production team Peter McFarlane Michael Douglas Jesse Mattheson Jimmy Buck Antony Read Damon Hartley Tim Moyes John Hannaford Eamonn Lorraine Phil Kershaw Marcus O’Brien David Quinn Matthew Clark Peter Urmson James Rongen-Hall IT team Frank Iannilli STRATEgic Katherine Sherrie Louise Menicou Michael Rolik * Matthew Santon Rutherford* Robbert Van der Zwaag David Quinn Peter Urmson ** Barry Taylor* Renee Schembri Sam Sweedman Phil Kershaw Mark Cassone Danny Lander Steven Lowe Gill Minervini Daniel Marshall Craig Maroun Mike Whalley Paul Savage Aptira Remote Desktop services partner HarboUR Party radePa Production Team oW men Vicktor Petroff VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT Gill Minervini Steph Sands * Nicole Gaff Daniel Jongen Peter Urmson ** Darren Bruce* Ignatius Jones Margot McTaggart Liza Bahamondes Janet Peters* Brandon Bear Grant Pisani Belle Lee John Riveral Che Bishop Trent Bourne Janine Tennille Che Bishop Cameron Dorrington Peita Dixon Sam Turner Frank Iannilli James Dowson Sveta Gilerman Sandeep Virdi Chay Abrahart Meg Ebelt Michael Rolik Vanessa White Trent Bourne Laura Jamieson James Rongen-Hall Angela Bekesi James Keldoulis Youth Sam Sweedman Chen Chen Cameron Moor Liam Miller *** Daniele Iezzi orkhW s op Artists Liza Bahamondes Harriet McGregor Nicholas Ellem Brendan Doran Matthew Vaughan Joel McKinnon Michaela Maclachlan Jane Becker Leah Weber Janet Peters Jen Carlin Ciaran Alcorn David Mann Brenden Spencer Corey Gauci Andrew Broadley Scott Williams Dave Stevenson epnTel ho E Gavin Murphy Pen Walker Greig Sheridan Graham Reed Simon Stratten
24 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au SEASON Contractors & Volunteers LIZA BAHAMONDES GORDON WHEATLEY V icktor Petroff parade Producer EXECUTIVE & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Nicole Gaff parade Production Coordinator ADMINISTRATOR Sveta Gilerman Marketing & Comms Manager - Parties With ten years of experience as a Katie Hoskins Marketing & Comms Manager - Parade senior manager and stylist in the Gordon started with SGLMG in fashion industry, Liza has brought a Lewis Oswald creative Person & Graphic Designer August 2004, having worked in range of skills to her SGLMG role, administration at Sydney Pride Andrew Georgiou Copywriter including commercial, artistic and Centre. In the early days of SGLMG, Damien Eames party Director (Jan - March 2012) personnel management; and there were just two staff members Brendan Doran workshop Manager development of media and – the General Manager and Marcus O’Brien Laneway PRODUCTION MANAGER marketing strategies. For SGLMG, Gordon. During his time with the Liza provides support to the CEO Marcus Gallimore Season Receptionist organisation, he saw SGLMG grow and to the Festival Program from these humble beginnings into a Jane Becker workshop Consultant Manager, as well as giving creative small team of highly dedicated staff. Khym Scott festival Assistant direction to the Youth Festival. Gordon left the organisation this Harriet McGregor Parade intern year after eight years. We would Cameron Moor parade Intern like to acknowledge and thank him Lane Sainty Marketing intern for his contribution and dedication. Emmica Schlobohm Marketing intern Jorge Cerda-Vargas Marketing intern Michael Rolik VICKTOR PETROFF SAM SWEEDMAN DAMIEN EAMES CEO PARADE PRODUCER FE STivaL PROGRAM MANAGER HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Michael has held this position With 19 large-scale, complex events Sam joined the SGLMG team in with SGLMG since December under his belt, and 15 years of 2009, bringing to the organisation a Damien began his career in TV 2009, after 15 years of involvement with Mardi Gras solid background and wealth of production and enjoyed a spell as volunteering with the Sydney Parade, Vicktor brings to his experience in the arts and events an economic researcher for the UK Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in a SGLMG role an invaluable depth of industries. He had spent eight years Labour Party before getting variety of roles including Parade experience, which spans managing the production of events involved with digital media and Start Director, Parade Co-chair, operations, broadcast, protocol, across multiple art forms, marketing. He produced the very Sleaze Ball Co-chair, Parade government relations, production specialising in large-scale festivals. first internet strategy for the BBC, Director, Treasurer and Board as well as stage, volunteer and cast He has worked variously as a stage the first major European Union member. He has also worked in a management of up to 10,000 manager – across festivals, report on internet pornography and range of senior management people. Vicktor has worked on a including Queensland Multicultural created business plans for a host of positions including a global diverse range of events from the Festival; corporate productions and new digital TV channels in the UK, talent management company, Jeddah Economic Forum in Saudi exhibitions; and theatre, notably Europe and Asia, as well as project production management Arabia to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve with Indigenous company Kooemba managing the roll-out of Vodafone positions at the 2006 Doha Asian to the opening and closing Jdarra – and production co-ordinator Live! across Europe. Within months Games, plus working on the ceremonies for the Olympic Games – again, for a wide range of events of arriving in Sydney, he got involved Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony in Sydney, the Commonwealth including the Brisbane Queer Film in marketing and communications athlete’s parade. Most recently, Games in Manchester and the 15th Festival, at Brisbane Powerhouse. for SGLMG, firstly as a volunteer he ran his own management Asian Games Doha in Qatar. Before His particular focus on cultural and then as a staff member. consultancy working with his career in event management, development has stood him in good Damien left the organisation in corporate and not-for-profit Vicktor worked as a senior manager stead to develop the Queer Thinking 2012. We would like to thank him sectors in Sydney, London and in the telecommunications sector. and cultural program for SGLMG. for his contribution and vision. Hong Kong. KATHERINE SHERRIE NICOLE GAFF JAMES RONGEN-HALL PAUL HANSON WEB SIte & SOciaL MEDIA MANAGER PARADE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR M ArketinG & COMMUNICATIONS FINANCE & OPERATIONS MANAGER MANAGER Katherine joined SGLMG in Nicole started her relationship with Paul has more than 12 years December 2010 as a Marketing SGLMG volunteering as a Stage Prior to joining SGLMG in the lead up experience in ticketing and event Intern, assisting with media Manager in 2007 and commenced to the 2012 Festival, James spent management for commercial accreditation, copy writing, social working as Production Coordinator five years in senior producing and theatre, the arts, sport and major media and online content. She is for Parade from December 2009. production management roles at events, He brings a range of skills to the 2012 Website and Social Media Nicole brings five years experience Sydney Opera House (SOH). During his Mardi Gras role including Manager, and will be maintaining in the entertainment and events this time, James was involved in the membership program development, SGLMG’s digital presence, as well industry including venue and stage development of festivals and major direct marketing, box office as liasing with media, tourism management with events such as events such as Vivid Live, GRAPHIC, management and event operations. operators and community groups. the Edinburgh Fringe and Sydney Spring Dance, Open Day and Paul gained his experience working Prior to SGLMG, Katherine worked Film Festival. She has managed Summer at the House, as well as on a diverse range of events in consumer insights and strategy independent theatre, worked in collaborating with SGLMG on including the Australian Open Tennis in the magazine industry, as well corporate hospitality events in both numerous Sydney Mardi Gras Grand Slam, NRL, arena concerts, as doing some fashion PR. Australia and London, as well as Festival seasons presented at SOH. music festivals, commercial theatre, Katherine is also a Business coordinated various community symphony orchestras and the student at the University of Sydney events with L!vesites Newcastle. Sydney Royal Easter Show. For and is President of their LGBTQI Most recently, Nicole has Mardi Gras, Paul focuses on student group ‘SHADES’. completed a national tour financial management and managing the corporate events and improving back office operations. packages for Cirque du Soleil. MardiGras.org.au AnnuAnnualal RRepoeportrt 2012 / 25 sponsors & partners OUR SINCERE THANKS & APPRECIATION
MAJOR PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS GOVERNMENT PARTNER DIGITAL RIGHTS PARTNER
K25 PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS MEDIA SUPPORTERS
LOTL
OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS
OFFICIAL RETAIL SUPPORTERS
26 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
NEW MARDI GRAS LIMITED
FINANCIAL REPORT
ABN 87 102 451 785 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 29 treasurer’s report
The enclosed This year New Mardi Gras Ltd (SGLMG) reports a deficit of $73,057. financial Ticket sales were $2.164 million compared to $2.008 million in 2011. We produced statements an incredible Parade and Party, re-establishing the Mardi Gras brand as a cover the year LGBTQI iconic event that people come from near and far to enjoy and celebrate. ended 31 March, Whilst ticket sales were strong for Mardi Gras Party, Harbour Party was below 2012 expectations, Fair Day was impacted by wet weather and costs related to Parade and party production costs were higher than expected.
the continued turnaround BREAKDOWN from 2010 has been remarkable REVENUE EXPENSE RESULT REVENUE EXPENSE RESULT as we rebuild after the split area* of 2010 in difficult economic ($) 2012 ($) 2012 ($) 2012 ($) 2011 ($) 2011 ($) 2011 times. The staff and working FEVL**STI A 87,151 129,464 (42,313) 105,893 144,810 (38,917) groups must be congratulated for their achievements in a FAIR DAY 165,921 183,103 (17,182) 213,044 202,042 11,002 difficult environment. I would PARADE 196,530 747,509 (550,979) 118,864 626,088 (507,224) also like to thank our PARTIES 2,033,235 1,515,350 517,885 2,027,818 1,544,209 483,610 suppliers who were asked to deliver on reduced revenue. LANEWAY 77,899 53,037 24,862 - - - SPONSORSHIP 1,131,660 149,094 982,566 762,980 151,238 611,742 During 2012, we continued to: & GRANTS Reduce costs, without CONTRA 355,697 355,697 - 369,973 369,973 - impacting production values MEMBERSHIP 77,298 12,662 64,636 139,308 27,680 111,628 Increase revenue from OTHER existing sources REVENUE/ 78,077 1,129,609 (1,052,532) 77,097 882,614 (805,519) Generate new revenue lines OVERHEADS from existing events TOTALS 4,202,468 4,275,525 (73,057) 3,814,976 3,948,654 (133,678) Generate new revenue from new events, whilst minimising Laneway afternoon. The event had a retrospect, tickets should have the risk of loss from these Laneway was the little event that fantastic attendance in ideal been priced higher. new events morning weather. We would could! Despite some reservations We were also restricted in the expect a similar break-even or about ticketing what has number of tickets that we could sell small profit for Fair Day in good historically been a free event and to Mardi Gras Party which resulted weather. We had wet weather imposing modern crowd in tickets sold being lower than insurance to mitigate the risk of * each area includes a variety of management and RSA controls, 2009 and significantly lower than poor attendance as a result of income and expense types, the the event was a sell out and a 2008, despite strong demand that bad weather however, not enough income statement shows individual fantastic success. Laneway made could have easily resulted in us income and expense types a profit of $24,861. Whilst not a rain fell at Observatory Hill to trigger a claim. reaching those numbers. This ** not including donations significant profit, Laneway was a restriction in numbers will mean great example of a lower cost, Parade that we need to reconsider our lower risk profile event which helps Considerable funds were invested in Mardi Gras strategy for future year to diversify profits away from our order to improve the world class in terms of, either pricing of tickets reliance on Mardi Gras Party. production values of Parade. We if we cannot achieve higher Festival also increased income from viewing, capacity numbers, or in choice of as well as continuing to develop venue for Mardi Gras Party. Festival revenue struggled for most With thanks revenue from vending. events in a difficult market for Costs related to Parade and shows and festival events resulting PartIES Party production costs were in a loss for Festival 2012 of $42,313 higher than expected. Mardi Gras Party Fair Day We held ticket prices for Mardi Gras Harbour Party Fair Day produced a loss of Party down against a backdrop of Despite Harbour Party ticket sales $17,182 in 2012. Fair Day bucket lower ticket sales in prior years, being impacted by Mardi Gras Party I would like to thank the many collections were similar to last adverse economic conditions and cannibalising attendance as party people and organisations who year’s record, however bar feedback from other competing goers chose one event over the contributed to the 2012 Parade, takings were significantly lower events that were not selling or being other, costs were well managed and Party and Season and we look forward to you supporting our due to rain coming down mid- reduced in price, however, in profit was in line with last year. Parade, Party and Season in the future. It is only from your REVENUE EXPENSE RESULT REVENUE EXPENSE RESULT Parties continuing long term support that ($) 2012 ($) 2012 ($) 2012 ($) 2011 ($) 2011 ($) 2011 our Parade, Party and Season are able to exist. H ARBOUR 341,792 313,599 28,193 351,168 321,830 29,338 MG PARTY 1,691,443 1,201,751 489,692 1,676,651 1,222,379 454,272
30 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Profits & reserves comparison reserves % change on prior year Profit/loss results reserves result reserves % change prior result 400 300 $1,500,000 200 $1,000,000 100 $500,000 0 0 -100 ($500,000) -200 (1,000,000) -300 -400 --500
01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 06/07 08/09 09/10 11/011 11/12
Sponsorship and grants profits away from our reliance on memberships increased by 23%. for major events. Mardi Gras Party and enhance our Destination NSW has invested in A Membership Working Group is The sub-committee will examine events and engage with our Mardi Gras again this year, to reviewing our membership structure detail of the Event costs and line community. improve our events and to raise and we will look at ways that we can items and examine what monies are visitation to NSW and the A key objective of SGLMG in 2012 enhance the benefits of becoming being committed to being spent. economic value to NSW of our was to explore some of these and remaining a member. This additional check would support events. Destination NSW invested options and start to develop these the Finance Committee, the Event time, money and resources to help revenue streams. Whilst we had Reserves Producer, the CEO and the Treasurer. us to bring Kylie to Mardi Gras some success in 2012, 2013 will SGLMG still has significant cash 2012. Destination NSW remains see increased efforts as we apply reserves and has processes in place Looking Forward our single most important investor what we have learned and seek to which are more focused on strong The next couple of years continue financially and strategically given maximise these opportunities. budget and cost controls which will to be critical to the operations of the enormous impact of Mardi allow SGLMG to maximise this cash SGLMG. Donations position going forward. Gras on the NSW economy (approx. Continued economic difficulty in our 2012 saw a focus on increasing over $30 million per annum). The graph, above, sets out the cash key overseas markets of USA, donations and we believe there is Strategically, we have delivered an reserves of SGLMG each year and Europe and Great Britain and a considerable upside in this area. incredible season, which will ensure profitability of each of those years. sustained Australia Dollar will the future growth and retention of SGLMG has always welcomed Whilst we still have greater reserves ensure that discretionary spending our existing and new sponsors. We support from individuals in the than we did at any time prior to 31 continues to be suppressed in the March, 2008, we have been working have created more value from our community and has received near future. A weaker economy will hard to return to profitability and partnerships and delivered events donations from a number of those impact SGLMG attendance by both start to build those reserves again. which have showcased what they individuals during 2012. You can locals, interstate and overseas We are heading in the right direction offer our community. SGLMG is donate to SGLMG when you renew visitors and will make it challenging and we are still in a much stronger meeting new expectations that your membership, or at any time, to rebuild reserves quickly. We financial position than we have been reflect the changing nature of simply by contacting SGLMG. expect a weak economic outlook to for most of the current company’s sponsorship, focusing on initiatives coincide with continued SGLMG is seeking to restructure existence and all of the former such as annual insight surveying, competition, increased costs and itself to satisfy the requirements entity’s existence. collaborative planning and new of the Australian Taxation Office to long-term challenges in attendance opportunities for sponsors and gain Donor Gift Recipient (DGR) Reserves Volatility for major parties. SGLMG to create value for each status. Subsequent to year end, we The above graph shows the The return of Atlantis Cruises and other. Our sponsors support us and have incorporated a subsidiary volatility of the impact of international tourists as the Holland our community and help us put on company, Mardi Gras Arts Limited, profitability on the cash reserves of America Oosterdam sails into amazing events, please ensure you which has applied for registration SLGMG (including the predecessor Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi support our sponsors and use their on the register of cultural organisation). Whilst the current Gras next year with a bigger and products and services. organistations in order to then impacts are still negative, the bolder all-gay cruise to Australia Diversification apply for DGR status. This will volatility of those impacts has been with 1,800 hot guests will help to allow donors to SGLMG to obtain significantly reduced. ensure that Mardi Gras Parade and As always, there is still a strong need income tax deductions in future. Party are packed full of hot guys and to increase existing revenue streams, Structure girls and sexy foreign accents! create new revenue streams from The ultimate giving commitment Post 2012 Season end, the structure Combined with what will be an existing events and create new from any individual is the naming of the organisation is being modified incredible 35th Anniversary Season, events to diversify our revenue base of SGLMG in their will through a to focus greater attention on the getting tickets early will be the key to and decrease our reliance on Mardi bequest that will continue to costs of each event. An in-house you getting the most out of your Gras Party and sponsorship to deliver support SGLMG into the future. Event Producer will be appointed to fantastic Mardi Gras 2013! financial health. oversee other Event Producers, Contra Whilst SGLMG endeavors to 2012 saw the introduction of Big Event budgets and the production The use of Contra is a valuable remain focused on our mission and Gay Weekend and the and delivery of Mardi Gras Party. resource which we have continued values by supporting the reintroduction of Laneway as a Each Event Producer will be to utilise during 2012. Going community, we have reduced our ticketed event. required to report to the Executive forward we will continue to pursue budgeted ticket levels to be more services and products in kind as in Event Producer as well as provide The format and promotion of conservative to ensure we return many cases, particularly with Event Cost Trackers to the Event Women Say Something has been to profitability in 2013. Production Budget sub-committee, developed and has now become a product sponsorships, contra is which is a sub-committee of the SGLMG is confident that we will core strategic event in line with the most economic advantageous Finance Committee. This sub- continue to provide the world’s our strategy of engaging more way for both parties to get the best committee has been established to premier LGBTQI event with the women in the organisation out of the relationship. review the Event Cost Trackers support of our volunteers, staff, These events were all great Membership against set budgets and target sponsors and key stakeholders examples of lower cost, lower risk Overall membership numbers were dates on a regular basis to ensure and working with our partners long profile events which help diversify in line with 2011. Three-year that expenditure is tightly managed into the future. MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 31 dire ctor’s report
T he directors present their report together with the financial PeteR Urmson Phil Kershaw report of New Mardi Gras Limited for the year ended 31 March 2012 and auditor’s report thereon. E xperience and expertise E xperience and expertise
Director for 2 years and holds Director and Treasurer for 2 List of Directors and dates of conduct the Chair for the current year years. Chartered Accountant and was jointly Co-Chair last with 11 years’ experience with year. Peter is an experienced Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu before N ame appointed Retired businessman having held CEO, holding senior positions in other Pil rh l ip Ke shaw 15 July 2010 COO and GM roles in Digital organisations including Chief Peter Urmson 21 August 2010 Businesses and Digital Business Financial Officer and Finance Damon Hartley 21 August 2010 Solutions. Peter has operational Director. Phil is also an strengths across complex experienced company director David Wilson 21 August 2010 structures with breadth of scale having served on numerous Paul Savage 07 August 2011 and diverse portfolios, including Boards, including publicly listed Liam Miller 07 August 2011 international experience in companies, superannuation Siri KommedahL 07 August 2011 implementing organisational trustee companies, joint venture Amanda Keeling 25 August 2011 change to deliver growth and companies, overseas companies profitability. Peter has had and on a body corporate for a Stephanie Sands 27 August 2008 6 August 2011 extensive experience with commercial property. Phil was Joshua Keech 18 February 2009 6 August 2011 community groups for over 18 appointed Treasurer in August Catherine McCourt 16 December 2010 6 August 2011 years, including the Marriage 2010. Phil was a Patron of Sigrid (Siri) MaY 13 January 2010 6 August 2011 Equality movement. Midsumma in Melbourne before moving to Sydney in 2003. Special responsibilities Special responsibilities * Directors have been in office since the start of the year to the date Chair of this report unless otherwise stated. Women’s Committee Treasurer None of the directors or former directors, who were directors during this Community Engagement Finance Committee financial year of NMG, are currently directors of other publicly listed Committee Audit and Risk Committee companies, nor have they had any such roles in the last 3 years. Strategy Committee Fundraising Committee Strategy Committee Meetings of Directors D uring the year, 23 meetings of the directors were held.
DIRE CTors direCTORS' MEETINGS # eligible to attend # attended Paul Savage Pil rh l ip Ke shaw 23 21 E xperience and expertise David Wilson 23 17 Peter Urmson 23 16 Director for 1 year. Paul is an experienced Director with the world’s largest Management Consulting Firm. Specialising in change leadership Damon Hartley 23 14 and management, he is a subject matter expert in the management of Siri KommedahL 14 14 human capital including driving transformation across highly unionised Paul Savage 14 12 public sector agencies, various not for profits and large industrial Liam Miller 14 11 organisations. Paul has led some of the largest strategic change and Amanda Keeling 13 13 communications projects in Australia, the UK and Europe and Papua New Guinea assisting organisations and government agencies with major Stephanie Sands 9 9 reform programs. Joshua Keech 9 7 Paul also assists organisations with the development and Siri May 9 2 implementation of key people strategies including talent management Catherine McCourt 9 2 solutioning, diversity and inclusion consulting and working with Boards and senior leadership teams in delivering Board and team effectiveness programs. He has over 10 years, hands on, HR operational experience in the public sector, telecommunications, manufacturing and steel industries and holds a BA(Hons) in Finance and a MSc in Human Resource Management. Peter Munro (COMPANY SECRETARY) Special responsibilities E xperience and Expertise Nominations and Governance Committee Strategy Committee Peter took on the role of Company Secretary in March 2010. Peter has Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Communications and is a solicitor qualified to practice in a number of jurisdictions. Peter is employed as an in house counsel for one of Australia’s largest accounting firms.
32 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Damon Hartley Liam Miller David Wilson Stephanie Sands E xperience and expertise E xperience and expertise E xperience and expertise (retired)
Director for 2 years. Damon’s Director for 1 year, Associate for 6 Director for 2 years. Bachelor of E xperience and expertise community involvement includes months. Bachelor of Commerce in Commerce (Accounting/IT) and a being a former Committee Accounting and Finance as a Master of Commerce Steph brought a wealth of member and Treasurer of Pride UNSW Co-op Scholar. Liam has a (Organisational Behaviour/IT). He community experience to the in the 90s, long term supporter strong background in started his active Mardi Gras Board of directors having first of BGF, and member of SGLMG entrepreneurship and business involvement several years ago served on the NMG phoenix Board Parade Committee from 2001 till management. He was a UNSW with Fair Day. He has participated from December 2002 until July 2003. Former Company Co-op Scholar where he in that Working Group as the 2005, two of these years as Co Secretary of one of Australia’s completed a Bachelor of Volunteer Coordinator and as a Chair of the organisation. She was largest Audio Companies. Commerce in Accounting and key member of the Steering an inaugural board member for Damon has 30 years experience Finance before starting his first Group. David is an experienced the International Centre for in financial and office business upon graduation. He has company director having spent 7 Women Playwrights in 1995 and administration, production, and since worked in a range of years in this role for a large helped establish many small event management. Damon marketing, sales and general corporate Superannuation theatre groups in both regional currently works as a teacher in management roles and is Trustee company. Initially NSW and Sydney from 1988 the VET Sector, utilising his currently the Founder and entering the workforce as a nurse, - 1997. Professionally, Steph has Advanced Diploma of Event Managing Director for a health he has spent the last 25 years over fourteen years’ experience in Management, and has and fitness company. He has a working in a diverse range of IT digital marketing and secondary work as a Producer, strong history with volunteering roles with several large communications having worked Production Manager and and community initiatives for multinational companies. for many leading international Operator in the Live Production which he was awarded the Order advertising agencies. Sector. Justice of the Peace for of Australia Student Citizenship Special responsibilities New South Wales. Award and appointed to the Finance Committee National Youth Roundtable and as Catherine McCourt Special responsibilities Fundraising Committee Gold Coast Ambassador for the (retired) International Year of Volunteers. Finance Committee E xperience and expertise Special responsibilities Catherine has been involved in Youth Committee many community initiatives. Catherine was involved in a project addressing Mental Health awareness, tackling areas such as suicide prevention, early detection of depression and bipolar as well as Amanda Keeling Siri Kommedahl Sigrid (Siri) May a program to help remove the E xperience and expertise E xperience and expertise (retired) stigma associated with mental illness. In her professional life Director for 1 year. Amanda holds a Director for 1 year and Deputy E xperience and expertise Catherine has worked as a Masters in Communication Studies, Chair. Siri has worked Management Consultant for over 10 a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and professionally in IT senior Siri has held a number of community years with organisations such as Diploma in Project Management. management and consulting roles focused positions including the IBM (previously PWC) and as Vice Working as a media and in both the US and Australia for the Manager of Community Development President for Capgemini Australia. communications consultant, last 18 years, currently at Fairfax at ACON. Since beginning in the field Catherine has a Bachelor’s degree Amanda’s experience ranges from Media directing digital strategy and of health promotion in 2001, Siri has in Business and Economics and an marketing, research, strategy and product development across played a key role in the LGBTQ MBA from London Business Scho business development, to client multiple business units. A strong community through her work in relations, production, media and supporter of giving back to the establishing the Young Women’s communications. Amanda is community, she has served on Project at ACON, driving Australia’s Joshua Keech currently on the Board of the several boards of non-profit first strategy in Lesbian Health, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business organisations in the arts and for the assisting to build Anti-Homophobia (retired) Association as the Director of LGBT community including the Programs in schools and HIV E xperience and expertise Media and Communications. Human Rights Campaign, Zenon Prevention. Siri has served as a Dance Company and 4 years on the committee member on The NSW Gay Josh is qualified as a solicitor, and Special responsibilities ACON board. and Lesbian Rights Lobby, as a has tertiary degrees in law and director on the ACON Board and as an business management. Community Engagement Special responsibilities Australian Services Union delegate. Professionally, Josh has spent Committee She also holds a Bachelor of several years working as a Deputy Chair Economics and Bachelor of Social solicitor, including in a managerial Fundraising Committee Sciences. role in local government. Josh has worked on youth projects and our police initiative, Project Blue. Josh has been involved with Mardi Gras since 2003 as a volunteer and later went on to have an active role in the gay and lesbian lifesaving organisation, Lifesavers With Pride MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 33 dire ctor’s report
Interests in the After Balance Date Auditor’s Independence Declaration Shares & Options of Events the Company A copy of the auditor’s declaration under section 307C of the Corporations No matters or circumstances have Act 2001 in relation to the audit for the financial year is provided with this NMG is a company limited by arisen since the end of the report. guarantee and accordingly as at financial year which significantly the date of this report none of affected or may significantly affect Proceedings on Behalf of the Company the directors held an interest in the operations of the company, the the company. results of those operations, or the No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the state of affairs of the company in company or intervene in any proceedings to which the company is a party for future financial years. the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the company for all or any part of those proceedings. Results The loss of the company for the Likely Developments year after providing for income The company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. tax amounted to $73,057. Likely developments in the operations of the company and the expected results of those Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors: Operating Result operations have not been included in this report as the Director Director The loss of the company for the directors believe, on reasonable financial year amounted to grounds, that the inclusion of $73,057 (2011: $133,678 loss). such information would be likely No income tax expense / to result in unreasonable benefit has been calculated on prejudice to the company. this current year loss or the previous year’s loss as NMG Peter Urmson Phillip Kershaw has self assessed itself as Environmental Issues income tax exempt. The company’s operations are not regulated by any significant Dated this 9th day of July 2012 Review of Operations environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a A review of the operations of the State or Territory. company during the financial year and the results of those operations are contained in the Options Treasurer’s Report. No options over unissued shares or interests in the company were Auditor’s Independence Significant Changes granted during or since the end of Declaration in State of Affairs the year and there were no options outstanding at the end of the year. There were no significant changes in the company’s state of affairs to the Directors of New Mardi Gras Limited that occurred during the financial Indemnification In relation to our audit of the financial report of New Mardi Gras Limited for year, other than those referred to of Officer the financial year ended 31 March 2012, I declare that to the best of my elsewhere in this report. knowledge and belief, there have been: During or since the end of the year, the company has given indemnity Principal Activities or entered an agreement to (i) No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of indemnify, or paid or agreed to pay the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and The principal activities of the insurance premiums as follows: company during the year were the The company has paid premiums organisation and co-ordination of (ii) No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in respect of a contract insuring an annual LGBTQI cultural and in relation to the audit. the directors of the company and arts festival which produced officers against a liability incurred events of celebration, as such a director of officer to the commemoration and protest and extent permitted by the PEROYS AUDIT & ASSSURANCE engaged in other activities as a Corporations Act 2001. key part of advancing the community development and Further disclosure required under promoting the health and section 300(9) of the Corporations wellbeing of the gay, lesbian, Law is prohibited under the terms bisexual transgender, and queer of the contract. community. No indemnities have been given or Terry Borella No significant change in the insurance premiums paid, during Partner nature of these activities or since the end of the year, for any occurred during the year. person who is or has been an Peroys Audit & Assurance auditor of the company. Sydney, 9 July, 2012
34 /AnnuAnnualal RRepoeportrt 2012 MardiGras.org.au INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT AUDIT APPROACH (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF Our audit did not involve an the above basis and we believe analysis of the prudence of that the audit evidence we NEW MARDI GRAS LIMITED business decisions made by the have obtained is sufficient and directors or management of the appropriate to provide a basis for Company. our audit opinion. SCOPE The audit opinion expressed in T he financial report and Directors’ responsibility this report has been formed on
We have audited the financial Standards (including the report of New Mardi Gras Limited Australian Accounting (the “Company”), which comprises Interpretations) and the INDEPENDENCE the income statement, statement Corporations Act 2001. This In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence of comprehensive income, includes responsibility for the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. balance sheet, statement of establishment and maintenance changes in equity, statement of of adequate accounting records AUDIT OPINION cash flows, statement of and internal controls that are In our opinion: significant accounting policies, designed to prevent and detect other explanatory notes and the fraud and error and to assist in The financial report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations directors’ declaration for the year the preparation and fair Act 2001, including: ended 31 March, 2012. presentation of the financial (i) giving a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the financial report that is free from material The directors of the Company are position of the Company’s financial position as at 31 March, 2012, and misstatement. The directors are responsible for the preparation its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that also responsible for selecting and and fair presentation of the date; and applying the accounting policies financial report in accordance and accounting estimates (ii) complying with the Australian Accounting Standards (including with Australian Accounting inherent in the financial report. the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001. We also report that: AUDIT APPROACH (i) the financial statements show a true and fair view of the financial We have conducted an extent of our procedures, our result of fundraising appeals conducted during the year; independent audit in order to audit was not designed to provide express an opinion to the assurance on internal controls or (ii) the accounts and associated records have been properly kept members of the Company. Our expressing an opinion on the during the year in accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 audit was conducted in effectiveness of the Company’s and the Regulations; accordance with Australian internal controls. An audit also (iii) money received as a result of fundraising appeals conducted Auditing Standards. These includes evaluating the during the year has been properly accounted for and applied in Auditing Standards require that appropriateness of accounting accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the we comply with relevant ethical policies used and the Regulations; and; requirements relating to audit reasonableness of accounting (iv) at the date of this report, there are reasonable grounds to believe engagements and plan and estimates made by the directors, as that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due. perform the audit to obtain well as evaluating the overall reasonable assurance whether presentation of the financial report. the financial report is free from We formed our audit opinion on DESCRIPTION OF EMPHASIS OF MATTER material misstatement. the basis of these procedures, Without qualification to the opinion above, attention is drawn to the An audit involves performing which included: fact that, as is common for organisations of this type, New Mardi procedures to obtain audit Examining, on a test basis, Gras Limited derives a portion of its cash income from functions, evidence about the amounts and information to provide subscriptions, and fundraising and it is not practicable for New Mardi disclosures in the financial report. evidence supporting the Gras Limited to maintain an effective system of internal control over The nature of an audit and the amounts and disclosures in such transactions until their initial entry in the accounting records procedures selected are the financial report and bank accounts. Accordingly, our audit in relation to those influenced by factors such as the activities was limited to amounts recorded and we have been unable use of professional judgment, Assessing the to independently verify whether the amounts received from these including the assessment of the appropriateness of the sources have been properly accounted for. risks of material misstatement of accounting policies, and the financial report, whether due disclosures used and the PEROYS AUDIT & ASSURANCE to fraud or error, selective testing, reasonableness of significant the inherent limitations of internal accounting estimates made controls, and the availability of by the directors as well as the persuasive rather than conclusive overall presentation of the evidence. Therefore an audit financial report cannot guarantee that all material Reading the other information misstatements have been in the Annual Report to detected. Terry Borella determine whether it Partner Whilst we have considered the contains any material effectiveness of management’s inconsistencies with the Peroys Audit & Assurance internal controls when financial report. Sydney, 9 July, 2012 determining the nature and MardiGras.org.au AnnuAnnualal RRepoeportrt 2012 / 35 INCOME STATEMENT
INCOME ($) 2012 ($) 2011 statement Ti lecKET sa s 2,164,126 2,008,299 FOR THE YEAR Sponsorship 1,128,400 762,875 ENDED 31 MARCH Membership income 75,847 137,108 2012 Stallholder fees 90,618 126,557 Sale of goods 81,909 125,369 Licence fees 84,112 64,789 Interest income 18,896 23,061 Festival revenue 87,151 105,893 Contra revenue 355,697 369,973 Parade entry fees 25,282 16,323 Donations 77,880 71,600 Advertising income - 1,600 Other income 12,550 1,529 4,202,468 3,814,976
Occupancy costs 11,709 10,592 Employee benefits expense 569,866 514,372 Amounts paid to contractors 566,921 514,876 Insurance 96,095 105,529 Venue hire 226,412 342,587 Amortisation of intangible software 11,345 8,778 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 27,868 26,011 Operating lease rental expenses 56,188 65,302 Marketing & communications 245,621 201,660 Security 192,805 205,330 Entertainment 433,828 166,993 Cost of goods sold 9,519 7,085 Cost of ticketing 8,023 84,879 Equipment hire 984,143 900,589 License expenses 119,183 113,708 Professional fees 49,357 42,782 Contra expenses 355,697 369,973 Donations 24,113 2,621 Other expenses 286,832 264,987 4,275,525 3,948,654
STATEMENT OF ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Pofr it / (Loss) before income tax expense COMPREHENSIVE (73,057) (133,678) (income tax benefit) INCOME Income tax benefit (income tax expense) - - Pofr it / (Loss) for the year attributable FOR THE YEAR (73,057) (133,678) ENDED 31 MARCH to members of the entity 2012 Other comprehensive income - - Income tax benefit (income tax expense) - - Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - Total comprehensive income for the year, (73,057) (133,678) net of tax Total comprehensive income attributable (73,057) (133,678) to members of the entity
36 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au BALANCE SHEET NOTES ($) 2012 ($) 2011 AS AT 31 MARCH CURRENTS AS ETS 2012 Cash and cash equivalents 6 1,566,516 1,303,607 Trade and other receivables 7 505,095 375,212 Other current assets 8 74,214 75,899 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,145,825 1,754,718
NON CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 9 68,445 80,560 Intangible assets 10 45,231 40,588 TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 113,676 121,148
TOTAL ASSETS 2,259,501 1,875,866
CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 11 1,387,885 769,894 Other current liabilities 12 35,190 191,635 Provisions 13 7,780 12,634 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,430,855 974,163 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,430,855 974,163
NET ASSETS 828,646 901,703
EQUITY Retained earnings 828,646 901,703
TOTAL EQUITY 828,646 901,703
STATEMENT OF NOTES ($) 2012 ($) 2011 T yoTAL equit at the beginning of the CHANGES IN 901,703 1,035,381 EQUITY FOR THE financial year Profit / (loss) for the year (73,057) (133,678) YEAR ENDED 31 Total equity at the end of the 828,646 901,703 MARCH 2012 financial year
STATEMENT OF NOTES ($) 2012 ($) 2011 CASH FLOWS CAH S FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from customers 4,110,352 3,267,460 FOR THE YEAR (inclusive of goods and services tax) Payments to suppliers and employees ENDED 31 MARCH (3,834,599) (2,873,955) (inclusive of goods and services tax) 2012 Interest received 18,896 23,061 Net cash from (used in) 21 294,649 416,566 operating activities CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payment for property, plant & equipment (15,753) (1,423) Payment for intangible assets (15,987) (20,729) Net cash used in investing activities (31,740) (22,152) Net increase (decrease) in cash held 262,909 394,414 Cash at beginning of financial year 1,303,607 909,193 Cash at end of financial year 1,566,516 1,303,607 MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 37 NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements are for statements requires the use of at the point in time when Note 1: New Mardi Gras Limited (the certain critical accounting substantially all of the benefits are Statement of “Company” and “NMG”) as an estimates. It also requires received by the members. Revenue individual entity. NMG is a company management to exercise its is recognised when the Sydney Gay significant limited by guarantee, incorporated judgement in the process of & Lesbian Mardi Gras season accounting and domiciled in Australia. applying NMG’s accounting policies. occurs, at which time members are The areas involving a higher degree able to receive the benefit of The principal accounting policies of judgement or complexity, or areas discounted tickets to events. policies adopted in the preparation of these where assumptions and estimates Deferred membership revenue is financial statements are set out are significant to the financial carried forward for 3 year below. These policies have been statements, are disclosed in note 5. memberships extending to seasons consistently applied to all the years 2013 and 2014. presented, unless otherwise stated. (b) Foreign currency The financial statements are for the translation (iii) Interest income entity consisting of NMG. (i) Functional and presentation Interest income is recognised using (a) Basis of preparation currency the effective interest method. When a receivable is impaired, the These general purpose financial Items included in the financial company reduces the carrying statements have been prepared in statements of NMG are measured amount to its recoverable amount, accordance with Australian using the currency of the economic being the estimated future cash flow Accounting Standards and environment in which the entity discounted at the original effective Interpretations issued by the operates (‘the functional currency’). interest rate of the instrument, and Australian Accounting Standards The financial statements are continues unwinding the discount as Board and the Corporations Act presented in Australian dollars, interest income. Interest income on 2001. NMG is a not-for-profit entity which is NMG’s functional and impaired loans is recognised using for the purpose of preparing the presentation currency. the original effective interest rate. financial statements. (ii) Transactions and balances (iv) Donations (i) Compliance with Australian Foreign currency transactions are Revenue from donations is Accounting Standards – Reduced translated into the functional recognised when the company Disclosure Requirements currency using the exchange rates receives donations or where the The financial statements of NMG prevailing at the dates of the company has an unconditional comply with Australian Accounting transactions. Foreign exchange commitment from the donor. gains and losses resulting from the Standards – Reduced Disclosure (v) Contra revenue and expense Requirements as issued by the settlement of such transactions and Australian Accounting Standards from the translation at year end Revenue from contra revenue and Board (AASB) and requirements of exchange rates of monetary assets expenditure is recognised when the the NSW Charitable Fundraising Act and liabilities denominated in company receives “in kind” goods and Regulations. foreign currencies are recognised in and services. When the contribution profit or loss, except when they are does not represent an asset at (ii) New and amended standards deferred in equity as qualifying cash balance date, the company adopted by the Company flow hedges and qualifying net recognises an expense and None of the new standards and investment hedges or are associated revenue for these “in amendments to standards that are attributable to part of the net kind” goods and services in the mandatory for the first time for the investment in a foreign operation. financial report. Where the “in kind” financial year beginning 1 April 2011 Foreign exchange gains and losses goods and services represent an affected any of the amounts that relate to borrowings are asset at balance date, both the recognised in the current period or presented in the income statement, asset and revenue are recognised in any prior period and are not likely to within finance costs. All other the financial report. affect future periods. foreign exchange gains and losses (vi) Sponsorship income (iii) Early adoption of standards are presented in the income statement on a net basis within Sponsorship income in respect of an The Company has not elected to other income or other expenses. event is recognised on the day that apply any pronouncements before the event occurs. Sponsorship not their operative date in the annual (c) Revenue recognition directly related to events is reporting period beginning 1 April recognised over the period to which 2011. (i) Sale of goods – retail it relates. (iv) Historical cost convention The Company sells tickets to events (vii) Other revenue through third party ticket agencies. These financial statements have Revenue from the sale of tickets to Other revenue is recognised when been prepared under the historical events is recognised upon delivery the right to receive the revenue has cost convention, as modified by the of the service to the customer. Third been established. revaluation of available-for-sale part ticketing agencies usually remit financial assets, financial assets ticket money within 14 days of the (d) Government grants and liabilities (including derivative event being held. Revenue from the Grants from the government are instruments) at fair value through sale of other goods to customers is recognised at their fair value where profit or loss, certain classes of recorded on delivery of the goods to there is a reasonable assurance that property, plant and equipment and customers. the grant will be received and NMG investment property. (ii)Membership subscriptions will comply with all attached (v) Critical accounting estimates conditions. Government grants Revenue from members’ relating to costs are deferred and The preparation of financial subscriptions revenue is recognised recognised in the profit or loss over 38 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au the period necessary to match them that the debtor will enter bankruptcy Leasehold improvements 5 years Note 1: with the costs that they are intended or financial reorganisation, and Plant and equipment 5 years Statement of to compensate. default or delinquency in payments (more than 30 days overdue) are The assets’ residual values and Government grants relating to the significant considered indicators that the trade useful lives are reviewed, and purchase of property, plant and receivable is impaired. The amount adjusted if appropriate, at the end of accounting equipment are included in non- of the impairment allowance is the each reporting period. An asset’s current liabilities as deferred income difference between the asset’s carrying amount is written down policies and are credited to profit or loss on a carrying amount and the present immediately to its recoverable straight-line basis over the expected (continued) value of estimated future cash amount if the asset’s carrying lives of the related assets. flows, discounted at the original amount is greater than its estimated (e) Income tax effective interest rate. Cash flows recoverable amount. relating to short-term receivables No income tax expense or revenue are not discounted if the effect of (k) Intangible assets for the period has been recorded discounting is immaterial. (i) Trademarks and licences (Note 4) The amount of the impairment loss Trademarks and licences have a (f) Leases is recognised in profit or loss within finite useful life and are carried at other expenses. When a trade cost less accumulated Leases in which a significant portion receivable for which an impairment amortisation and impairment of the risks and rewards of allowance had been recognised losses. Amortisation is calculated ownership are not transferred to becomes uncollectible in a using the straight-line method to NMG as lessee are classified as subsequent period, it is written off allocate the cost of trademarks and operating leases (note 20). against the allowance account. licences over their estimated useful Payments made under operating Subsequent recoveries of amounts lives, which vary from 10 to 30 leases (net of any incentives previously written off are credited years. received from the lessor) are against other expenses in profit or charged to profit or loss on a loss. (ii) Software including Website straight-line basis over the period of development the lease. (i) Other financial assets Acquisition costs incurred in (g) Cash and cash NMG has not designated any developing the Website and equivalents financial assets as at fair value acquiring software and licenses through profit or loss. that will contribute financial For the purpose of presentation in benefits to future period through the statement of cash flows, cash (j) Property, plant revenue generation and/or cost and cash equivalents includes cash and equipment reduction are capitalised to on hand, deposits held at call with All property, plant and equipment software. Amortisation is financial institutions, other short- is stated at historical cost less calculated on a straight-line basis term, highly liquid investments with depreciation. Historical cost over periods over 4 years. original maturities of three months includes expenditure that is directly or less that are readily convertible (l) Trade and other attributable to the acquisition of to known amounts of cash and payables the items. Cost may also include which are subject to an insignificant transfers from equity of any These amounts represent liabilities risk of changes in value, and bank gains or losses on qualifying cash for goods and services provided to overdrafts. flow hedges of foreign currency NMG prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. The amounts (h) Trade receivables purchases of property, plant and equipment. are unsecured and are usually paid Trade receivables are recognised within 30 days of recognition. Trade Subsequent costs are included in initially at fair value and and other payables are presented the asset’s carrying amount or subsequently measured at as current liabilities unless recognised as a separate asset, as amortised cost using the effective payment is not due within 12 appropriate, only when it is probable interest method, less provision for months from the reporting date. that future economic benefits impairment. Trade receivables are They are recognised initially at their associated with the item will flow to generally due for settlement within fair value and subsequently NMG and the cost of the item can be 30 days. They are presented as measured at amortised cost using measured reliably. The carrying current assets unless collection is the effective interest method. amount of any component not expected for more than 12 accounted for as a separate asset is months after the reporting date. (m) Employee benefits derecognised when replaced. All Collectability of trade receivables is other repairs and maintenance are (i) Short-term obligations reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts charged to profit or loss during the Liabilities for wages and salaries, which are known to be uncollectible reporting period in which they are including non-monetary benefits, are written off by reducing the incurred. annual leave and accumulating sick carrying amount directly. An Depreciation on other assets is leave expected to be settled within allowance account (provision for calculated using the straight-line 12 months after the end of the impairment of trade receivables) is method to allocate their cost or period in which the employees used when there is objective revalued amounts, net of their render the related service are evidence that NMG will not be able residual values, over their estimated recognised in respect of employees’ to collect all amounts due according useful lives or, in the case of services up to the end of the to the original terms of the leasehold improvements and reporting period and are measured receivables. Significant financial certain leased plant and equipment, at the amounts expected to be paid difficulties of the debtor, probability the shorter lease term as follows: when the liabilities are settled. The MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 39 NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
liability for annual leave and exceeds its recoverable amount. The The de-recognition rules have been Note 1: accumulating sick leave is recoverable amount of an asset is transferred from AASB 139 Financial Statement of recognised in the provision for defined as the higher of its fair value Instruments: Recognition and employee benefits. All other less costs to sell and value in use. Measurement and have not been significant short-term employee benefit changed. NMG has not yet decided accounting obligations are presented as (p) Comparative Figures when to adopt AASB 9. payables. policies Where required by Accounting * In December 2011, the IASB (ii) Termination benefits Standards comparative figures have delayed the application date of IFRS been adjusted to conform with 9 to 1 January 2015. The AASB is (continued) Termination benefits are payable changes in presentation for the expected to make an equivalent when employment is terminated current financial year. amendment to AASB 9 shortly. before the normal retirement date, or when an employee (q) Goods and Services Tax (ii) AASB 10 Consolidated accepts voluntary redundancy in (GST) Financial Statements, AASB 11 exchange for these benefits. Joint Arrangements, AASB 12 NMG recognises termination Revenues, expenses and assets are Disclosure of Interests in Other benefits when it is demonstrably recognised net of the amount of Entities, revised AASB 127 committed to either terminating associated GST, unless the GST Separate Financial Statements the employment of current incurred is not recoverable from the and AASB 128 Investments in employees according to a taxation authority. In this case it is Associates and Joint Ventures and detailed formal plan without recognised as part of the cost of AASB 2011-7 Amendments to possibility of withdrawal or to acquisition of the asset or as part of Australian Accounting Standards providing termination benefits the expense. arising from the Consolidation and as a result of an offer made to Receivables and payables are stated Joint Arrangements Standards encourage voluntary inclusive of the amount of GST (effective 1 January 2013) redundancy. Benefits falling due receivable or payable. The net In August 2011, the AASB issued a more than 12 months after the amount of GST recoverable from, or suite of five new and amended end of the reporting period are payable to, the taxation authority is standards which address the discounted to present value. included with other receivables or accounting for joint arrangements, (iii) Retirement benefit payables in the balance sheet. consolidated financial statements obligations Cash flows are presented on a gross and associated disclosures. AASB 10 replaces all of the guidance on Contributions are made by the basis. The GST components of cash control and consolidation in AASB company to an employee flows arising from investing or 127 Consolidated and Separate superannuation fund are financing activities which are Financial Statements, and recognised in the balance sheet recoverable from, or payable to the Interpretation 12 Consolidation – as a liability, after deducting taxation authority, are presented as Special Purpose Entities. any contributions already paid operating cash flows. and in the income statement as (r) New accounting The core principle that a an expense as they become standards and consolidated entity presents a payable. Prepaid contributions interpretations parent and its subsidiaries as if are recognised as an asset to they are a single economic entity the extent that a cash refund or Certain new accounting standards remains unchanged, as do the a reduction in the future and interpretations have been mechanics of consolidation. payment is available. published that are not mandatory However, the standard introduces for 31 March 2012 reporting periods. a single definition of control that (n) Going Concern NMG’s assessment of the impact of applies to all entities. It focuses on these new standards and the need to have both power and NMG will always be reliant on the interpretations is set out below. rights or exposure to variable support for its events from returns. Power is the current members, non members and (i) AASB 9 Financial Instruments, ability to direct the activities that sponsors. The directors believe that AASB 2009-11 Amendments to significantly influence returns. through tight budgetary controls Australian Accounting Standards Returns must vary and can be and effective cash management, arising from AASB 9 and AASB positive, negative or both. Control the company will continue to 2010-7 Amendments to Australian exists when the investor can use operate and provide services to its Accounting Standards arising its power to affect the amount of members, non members and the from AASB 9 (December 2010) its returns. There is also new community as a whole. (effective from 1 January 2013*). guidance on participating and AASB 9 Financial Instruments (o) Impairment of assets protective rights and on agent/ addresses the classification, principal relationships. Assets with an indefinite useful life measurement and de-recognition of While NMG does not expect the new are not amortised but are tested financial assets and financial standard to have a significant annually for impairment in liabilities. The standard is not impact on its composition, it has yet accordance with AASB 136. Assets applicable until 1 January 2013* but to perform a detailed analysis of the subject to annual depreciation or is available for early adoption. new guidance. amortisation are reviewed for There will be no impact on NMG’s impairment whenever events or accounting for financial liabilities, as AASB 11 introduces a principles circumstances arise that indicates the new requirements only affect based approach to accounting for that the carrying amount of the the accounting for financial joint arrangements. The focus is no asset may be impaired. An liabilities that are designated at fair longer on the legal structure of joint impairment loss is recognised where value through profit or loss and NMG arrangements, but rather on how the carrying amount of the asset does not have any such liabilities. rights and obligations are shared by 40 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au the parties to the joint arrangement. (iii) AASB 13 Fair Value comprehensive income (removal of Note 1: Based on the assessment of rights Measurement and AASB 2011-8 the so-called ‘corridor’ method) and Statement of and obligations, a joint arrangement Amendments to Australian the calculation of a net interest will be classified as either a joint Accounting Standards arising expense or income by applying the significant operation or a joint venture. Joint from AASB 13 (effective 1 discount rate to the net defined accounting ventures are accounted for using January 2013) benefit liability or asset. This the equity method, and the choice replaces the expected return on AASB 13 was released in September to proportionately consolidate will plan assets that is currently policies 2011. It explains how to measure fair no longer be permitted. Parties to included in profit or loss. The value and aims to enhance fair value (continued) a joint operation will account their standard also introduces a number disclosures. NMG has yet to share of revenues, expenses, of additional disclosures for defined determine which, if any, of its current assets and liabilities in much the benefit liabilities/assets and could measurement techniques will have same way as under the previous affect the timing of the recognition to change as a result of the new standard. AASB 11 also provides of termination benefits. The guidance. It is therefore not possible guidance for parties that amendments will have to be to state the impact, if any, of the new participate in joint arrangements implemented retrospectively. Had rules on any of the amounts but do not share joint control. NMG adopted the new rules in the recognised in the financial current reporting period, profit or NMG’s has no joint venture statements. However, application of loss would not have. NMG has not investments. Application of this the new standard will impact the yet decided when to adopt the new standard by NMG will not affect any type of information disclosed in the standard. of the amounts recognised in the notes to the financial statements. financial statements, but may NMG does not intend to adopt the There are no other standards that impact the type of information new standard before its operative are not yet effective and that are disclosed in relation to NMG’s date, which means that it would be expected to have a material impact future investments. first applied in the annual reporting on the entity in the current or future period ending 30 June 2014. reporting periods and on Amendments to AASB 128 provide foreseeable future transactions. clarification that an entity (iv) Revised AASB 119 Employee continues to apply the equity Benefits, AASB 2011-10 (S) Consolidations method and does not re-measure Amendments to Australian NMG incorporated a subsiduary, its retained interest as part of Accounting Standards arising Mardi Gras Arts Ltd, on 4 June 2012. ownership changes where a joint from AASB 119 (September 2011) This financial report is reporting only venture becomes an associate, and AASB 2011-11 Amendments the results of NMG for the year and vice versa. The amendments to AASB 119 (September 2011) ended 31 March 2012. Future years also introduce a “partial disposal” arising from Reduced Disclosure will report consolidated results of concept. NMG is still assessing Requirements (effective 1 both entities. the impact of these amendments. January 2013) NMG does not expect to adopt the In September 2011, the AASB new standards before their released a revised standard on operative date. They would accounting for employee therefore be first applied in the benefits. It requires the recognition financial statements for the of all re-measurements of defined annual reporting period ending 30 benefit liabilities/assets June 2014. immediately in other
ABN 87 102 451 785 principal activities of NMG are but the trading name has Note 2: included in the review of The financial report of NMG for The registered office and principal operations and activities in the Corporate the year ended 31 March 2012 was place of business is: Director’s report on pages 37- 46 authorised for issue in information The Director’s report does not Suite 6, 94 Oxford Street, accordance with a resolution of form part of this financial report. Darlinghurst NSW 2011 the directors on 7 July 2012. The name ‘Sydney Gay and Telephone: 02 9383 0900 NMG is a company limited by Lesbian Mardi Gras’ is a trading Facsimile: 02 9383 0966 guarantee and incorporated in name and is a registered business Email: Australia. name of New Mardi Gras Limited. [email protected] The nature of the operations and The legal entity has not changed, Web address: mardigras.org.au
NMG's activities expose it to a markets and seeks to minimise artists are minimal and limited in Note 3: variety of financial risks: market potential adverse effects on the terms of timing and as such, they Financial risk risk (including currency risk, financial performance of NMG. are not hedged and they are interest rate risk and price risk), converted to foreign currency at NMG does not use derivative management credit risk and liquidity risk. the date of payment of the fees. financial instruments because NMG's overall risk management NMG does not have direct interest program focuses on the rate risk, borrowings and direct unpredictability of financial currency exposures for overseas MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 41 NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NMG has sought and received Estimates and judgments are Note 4: independent advice confirming Note 5: continually evaluated and are based Income Tax that the company is income tax Critical on historical experience and other exempt for the periods ended 30 factors, including expectations of June 2003, 2004 and 2005, and accounting future events that may have a continued to self assess for the estimates and financial impact on the entity and years ended 30 June 2006, 30 that are believed to be reasonable June 2007, for the nine months judgments under the circumstances. ended 31 March 2008, and the NMG does not believe that any years ended 31 March 2009, 31 significant judgments, estimates March 2010, 31 March 2011 and and assumptions have been made 31 March 2012. in applying accounting policies that will impact upon amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Note 6: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Cash and cash ca ndsh on ha 300 300 equivalents cash at bank 1,566,216 1,303,307 1,566,516 1,303,607
(a) Reconciliation to cash at the (b) Risk exposure cash and cash equivalents end of the year mentioned above. The group’s exposure to interest rate The above figures agree to cash at risk is discussed in note 3. The the end of the financial year as maximum exposure to credit risk at shown in the statement of cash the end of the reporting period is the flows. carrying amount of each class of
Note 7: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Trade and Other Tadevr recei ables 311,355 238,155 Receivables Other receivables 193,740 137,057 505,095 375,212
(a) Impaired receivables (b) Past due but not impaired These relate to a number of independent customers for whom As at 31 March 2012, there were no As at 31 March 2012, trade there is no recent history of default. impaired trade receivables or other receivables of $197,460 (2011 – The ageing analysis of these trade receivables $2,775) were past due but not receivables is as follows: impaired.
($) 2012 ($) 2011 upee to thr months 197,460 2,775
The trade receivables of $113,895 hold any collateral in relation to invoiced as at year end, but accrued and current other receivables of these receivables. to match revenues with expenses $193,740 are not past due. Based on incurred. (c) Other receivables the credit history, it is expected that these amounts will be received These amounts generally arise from when due. The Company does not transactions which had not been
Note 8: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Other current Ptrepaymen s 49,534 59,591 assets Bonds & Deposits 24,680 16,308 74,214 75,899
(a) Impaired other current assets (b) Past due but not impaired (c) Other current assets As at 31 March 2012, there were no As at 31 March 2012, there are no Prepayments include annual policies impaired other current assets. past due other current assets. of insurance which are amortised over the life of the policy. Bonds & Deposits are non interest bearing and represent security deposits.
42 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Note 9: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Property plant PROPERTY, Plant and Equipment and equipment Plant and equipment Cost or fair value 92,512 76,759 Accumulated depreciation (58,340) (46,037) 34,172 30,722 Leasehold Property Cost or fair value 77,827 77,827 Accumulated depreciation (43,554) (27,989) 34,273 49,838 Total plant and equipment 68,445 80,560 ($) 2012 ($) 2011 (a) Movements in Carrying Amounts ($) PLANT & ($) LEASEHOLD cash on hand 300 300 ($) TOTAL Movement in the carrying amounts EQUIPTMENT PROPERTY cash at bank 1,566,216 1,303,307 for each class of property, plant and 2012 1,566,516 1,303,607 equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial Opening net book amount 30,722 49,838 80,560 year Additions 15,753 - 15,753 Depreciation charge (12,303) (15,565) (27,868) Coi l s ng net book amount 34,172 34,273 68,445 2011 Opening net book amount 39,745 65,403 105,148 Additions 1,423 - 1,423 ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Depreciation charge (10,446) (15,565) (26,011) Trade receivables 311,355 238,155 Coi l s ng net book amount 30,722 49,838 80,560 Other receivables 193,740 137,057 505,095 375,212 Note 10: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Intangible intangible assets assets SOFTWARE Cost or fair value 50,156 39,017 Accumulated amortisation (24,554) (14,186) 25,602 24,831 TRADEMARKS AND DOMAIN NAMES Cost or fair value 20,729 15,880 Accumulated amortisation (1,100) (123) 19,629 15,757 TOTAL INTANGIBLE ASSETS 45,231 40,588
($) TRADEMARKS & ($) SOFTWARE ($) TOTAL DOMAIN NAMES 2012 Opening net book amount 24,832 15,757 40,589 ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Additions 11,138 4,849 15,987 Prepayments 49,534 59,591 Bonds & Deposits 24,680 16,308 Depreciation charge (10,368) (977) (11,345) 74,214 75,899 Coi l s ng net book amount 25,602 19,629 45,231 2011 Opening net book amount 28,637 - 28,637 Additions 4,849 15,880 20,729 Depreciation charge (8,655) (123) (8,778) Coi l s ng net book amount 24,831 15,757 40,588 MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 43 NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 11: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Trade and other Tader payables 1,079,851 627,784 payables Goods & Services tax (net) 55,878 68,151 Other payables 252,156 73,959 1,387,885 769,894
Note 12: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Other current Mer mbe ship subscriptions paid in advance 35,190 51,635 liabilities Deferred income - 140,000 35,190 191,635
Note 13: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Provisions Em plOYEE benefits 7,780 12,634 7,780 12,634
The current provision for employee benefits comprising accrued annual leave that is due and payable within 12 months, and is recognised at an undiscounted amount. NMG expects all employees to take the full amount of accrued leave within the next 12 months.
The company is incorporated with the liability of members limited by guarantee. In accordance with the Company’s Note 14: constitution, the liability of each member is limited to $1.00 in the event the company is wound up. Member The number of members at the end of the financial period were: guarantee (No) 2012 (No) 2011 Fllru membe s 791 1,039 Full members 3 year 1,181 963 Concession members 183 169 Under 25 members 192 189 Organisation members 4 4 Complimentary members - 6 International members 344 342 2,695 2,712
44 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au Note 15: (No) 2012 (No) 2011 Key management Ky e maNAgement personnel compensation personnel Key management personnel compensation - -
All directors provide their services on a voluntary basis and do not, other than for re imbursement of exceptional expenses incurred, receive remuneration from the Company. The directors were considered to be the only Key Management Personnel of the Company because they are the only persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company. Key decisions in respect of planning, directing and controlling are only made by the Board of Directors.
Note 16: As at 31 March 2012, there were no contingent assets or liabilities. As at 31 March 2011, NMG had a contingent liability for Payroll Tax, assuming the application for exemption Contingencies failed. NMG exhausted all commercially reasonable avenues of review and paid the amount of $6,532 in respect of 2011 during the current year.
The Audit fee in respect of the year ended 31 March, 2011 was more than the amount accrued during that Note 17: year and as such, $4,561 was expensed during the year ended 31 March, 2012. Remuneration of auditor
($) 2012 ($) 2011 Audit services Adu it of the financial report 22,061 17,500
Note 18: There have been no items of Note 19: There were no related party significance subsequent to 31 transactions in either year. Events after March 2012, and as at the date of Related party this report that would impact the balance sheet results as outlined in this transactions date financial report.
Note 20: Non-cancellable operating lease commitments NMG leases an office under a non-cancellable operating lease expiring within 2 years. Increases in lease Commitments commitments occur in line with a fixed percentage review of 4% at each anniversary of the commencement date being 1 March 2009. Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows:
($) 2012 ($) 2011 within one year 20,699 46,734 later than one year and not later than five years 19,668 94,785 40,367 141,519
NMG has negotiated a rent reduction effective 1 December2011 and that is effective for the remainder of the lease at 94 Oxford Street.
MardiGras.org.au Annual Report 2012 / 45 NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21: ($) 2012 ($) 2011 Reconciliation L oss for the year (73,057) (133,678) of loss to net Depreciation and amortisation 39,213 34,789 cash inflow Change in operating assets and liabilities: from operating (Increase) in trade and other receivables (129,883) (190,681) activities Decrease (increase) in other current assets 1,685 (3,006) Increase in trade and other payables 617,989 587,671 (Decrease) increase in other liabilities (156,445) 108,837 (Decrease) increase in provisions (4,853) 12,634 Net cash inflow from operating activities 294,649 416,566
Note 22: Below is additional information furnished under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the Office of Charities Fundraising Authorities Conditions. Charitable fundraising activities
income ($) PROCEEDS ($) COSTS ($) SURPLUS (%) MARGIN Statement F uNDRAising Appeals for each Fair Day Bucket Collection 35,924 604 35,320 98.32 Fundraising Drag Races Bucket Collection 520 - 520 100 Appeal for the Big Gay Weekend Collection 5,363 - 5,363 100 year ended 31 Medical Tent Bucket Collection 367 - 367 100 March, 2012 Totals from all Fundraising Appeals 42,174 604 41,570 98.57
Balance Sheet ($) ASSETS ($) LIABILITIES ($) NET ASSETS for each F uNDRAising Appeals Fundraising Fair Day Bucket Collection 4,761 - 4,761 Appeal as at 31 Drag Races Bucket Collection - - - March, 2012 Big Gay Weekend Collection - - - Medical Tent Bucket Collection - - - Totals from all Fundraising Appeals 4,761 - 4,761
During the year ended 31 March, The gross proceeds from these Mardi Gras Parade and other Notes to 2012, New Mardi Gras Limited activities are disclosed in general operational purposes for Fundraising (“NMG”) achieved a net surplus of Statement of Comprehensive the production of the Mardi Gras $41,570 from fundraising activities Income (as part of “Donations”) Season 2012. for Charitable defined under the Charitable and realised $42,174. $604 of Purposes Fundraising Act. NMG received depreciation costs were income from four sources of associated with these activities. activity: The Mardi Gras Parade Bucket Fair Day Bucket Collections; Collection was cancelled as it was considered too higher risk for Drag Races Bucket bucket collectors and too Collections; expensive to provide an adequate Big Gay Weekend Bucket level of security. The Big Gay Collections: and Weekend Bucket Collections was a new initiative this year. Funds Medical Tent Bucket raised from Fundraising were Collections. applied to the production of the 46 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au DIRE CTors’ Independence Declaration
The directors of the company declare that: 1. The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 37-46 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and: (a) comply with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and (b) give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 31 March 2012 and performance for the year ended on that date of the company. 2. In the directors' opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. 3.As an authorised fundraiser: (a) the Income Statement, as supplemented note 22, gives a true and fair view of all income and expenditure of the company with respect to fundraising appeals, and
(b) the Balance Sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company with respect to fundraising appeals conducted by the company, and
(c) the provisions of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, the Regulations under the Act and the conditions attached to the authority have been complied with by the company, and
(d) the internal controls exercised by the company are appropriate and effective in accounting for all income received and applied by the company from all of our fundraising appeals. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Director Director
Peter Urmson Phillip Kershaw
Dated this 9th day of July 2012
MardiGras.org.au AnnuAnnualal RRepoeportrt 2012 / 47 48 /Annual Report 2012 MardiGras.org.au