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Hamish Macdonald to anchor ABC Mardi Gras broadcast

ABC unveils its presenting team as it frocks up and returns to Mardi Gras next month.

EXCLUSIVE: ABC has unveiled its presenters for its Live broadcast of the 44th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Presenters Hamish Macdonald, Mon Schafter and comedian Steven Oliver will anchor the broadcast to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 5th March.

Performers Courtney Act, Casey Donovan and ABC News presenter Jeremy Fernandez will all be on-the-ground presenters, capturing the community and pride around the stadium.

In its 90th year ABC returns as host broadcaster, having first televised the event in 1994. Mardi Gras is part of a three-year deal for ABC which also includes Sydney WorldPride in 2023 and offers exclusive broadcast rights across TV, triple j and ABC Radio.

This year’s theme, United We Shine, signifies that LGBTQIA+ communities shine brighter together, and by standing up against hate and inequality as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.

Hamish Macdonald said, “What better excuse for us all to get together and have a big ol’ party!? I’m thrilled and honoured to be hosting the Mardi Gras for the ABC. It is an event that brings the whole community together to celebrate, to laugh, and (hopefully, Covid notwithstanding) hug friends enthusiastically. I can’t wait to join Mon, Steven, Courtney, Casey & Jez to help share this event with the whole nation.”

Mon Schafter said, “I’m really looking forward to being able to celebrate my community who I love so much, with the whole of Australia.  I feel like on this night all my worlds come together.  It’s ‘Queer Christmas’ and everyone’s invited!”

Steven Oliver said, “I’ve been in Mardi Gras quite a few times, I’ve been a roving reporter, I’ve opened Mardi Gras with the spoken word, but this is the first time actually hosting so I’m really looking forward to making the ABC the GayBC!”

In his first live performance in Australia in a decade, Darren Hayes will perform his new track: ‘Let’s Try Being In Love.’ Also performing are Vanessa Amorosi, Mo’Ju, and especially for rainbow families, The Wiggles.

Saturday 5 March:

  • ABC iview and third-party streaming platforms from 6:30pm AEDT
  • ABC TV from 7:30pm AEDT
  • triple j, including the triple j and ABC listen apps
  • ABC Local Radio Evenings from 7:00pm – 10:00pm

As part of reaffirming its role in connecting queer communities across Australia ABC is also screening LGBTQIA+ programs across the network including:

Production credits: An ABC Production. ABC Manager of Events, Janet Gaeta. Executive Producer, Nikita Agzarian, Series Producer, Bec Annetts. Head Screen, Sport and Events, Kath Earle.

6 Responses

  1. I hope the Rage Mardi Gras special that would likely follow would have a different or more diverse playlist this year. It’s often the same music videos almost every year and it’s a common complaint about the Mardi Gras special. I know there are only so many LGBTQIA+ themed music videos, but I do know there are quite a few that are overlooked. It doesn’t matter if they are obscure. It’s a chance to make it a night to remember.

  2. Good line-up, but would have liked to have seen Nate Byrne in there. He was front and centre at Mardi Gras for ABC last year, even though they didn’t have the broadcast rights!

    1. Would suggest that Nate is going to be in the Parade? Maybe they’ll do some roving? But the marshalling zone is locked right down, so maybe no opportunity? He was in the Parade last year too and that’s when I got to have a chat to him – one of the nicest people you will see on TV!

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