By Jamie Salter
The second annual 2022 Midsumma Picnic held at the Old Cheese Factory in partnership with Casey Rainbow Community had about 250 people in attendance.
The event featured art, music, sport, story time, games, food trucks, and a visit from drag queen Freida Commitment.
Casey Rainbow Community’s volunteer community organiser Jobi Petty said she received an influx of positive feedback from people who attended the event.
“Casey Rainbow Community is a social and advocacy group for all members of the community and we run all sorts of events to work towards change,“ she said.
“I was talking with young adults about what it’s like to be LGBTIQA-plus in Casey and they said it’s really lonely and parents are struggling to access services in the area – that’s why events like these are so important.“
In the City of Casey, one in 20 people identify as belonging to the LGBTIQA-plus community.
“There were so many organisations who helped make this event possible and we’re really looking forward to planning next year’s picnic,“ Jobi said.
“A big thank you to all the people who came out and supported the event and in particular the Old Cheese Factory and City of Casey.“
City of Casey manager active communities Angie Peresso said the event celebrated the LGBTIQA-plus community and allies in Melbourne’s South East.
“The City of Casey is proud to have been involved in hosting this event in partnership with the Casey Rainbow Community to help promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and provide a safe place where all community members feel welcome,“ she said.
“It was a terrific day, which included food trucks and stalls, an art exhibition by Connection Arts Space, pride flag making, live entertainment and much more!
“It also provided an opportunity for people from all over Casey to come together and connect.“
Part of the picnic involved the Casey Rainbow Community Living Libraries project – a collection of recorded oral histories from past and present LGBTQIA plus community members of Casey.
To hear their stories, visit cclc.vic.gov.au/living-library-project/
The 2022 Midsumma Picnic was held on Sunday 30 January and will return in 2023.
