It was fantastic to have so many RA members come along to support RA’s Planning for WorldPride event in Sydney last Thursday, where together with our event partner Arcadis, we hosted an engaging conversation around the significant transport planning involved in a showcase international event like Sydney’s WorldPride 2023.
More broadly, the conversation explored the enabling role that road infrastructure plays in facilitating a wide range of community interactions.
Naturally, we all think about roads in their day-to-day context as a means of transport, but this was also a chance to take a step back and consider how increasingly, our roads are also the stage for a wider range of activities, including protests, celebrations, street markets and outdoor dining.
Of course, this event was also an important opportunity to celebrate our industry’s continuing efforts to make our workforce a safe and welcoming place for members of the LGBTQIA+ community – while recognising that we can all do more.
RA is especially grateful for the thoughtful contributions of our panel members, who were extremely generous in sharing aspects of their personal journeys, as well as their expertise in placemaking:
- Tom Loomes, Executive Director, Cities Integration, Transport for NSW;
- Cindy Williams, National Sales Director – Mobility, Arcadis; and
- PJ (Peter) Gahan, Director of Operations and Programming, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
RA’s spotlight on diversity and inclusion will continue in two weeks as we present our national series of networking lunches in support of International Women’s Day.
This event is already sold out in some locations, so if you’re still planning to attend, I encourage you to book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Michael Kilgariff
Chief Executive Officer
