NSW Police Force launch Operation Mardi Gras 2025 ahead of celebrations

The NSW Police Force will launch a high-visibility operation to keep the community safe during the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this weekend.

Tens of thousands of people will line Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade from Hyde Park to Moore Park to watch more than 200 floats and 11,000 marches from all sections of the LGBTQIA+ community celebrate on Saturday 1st March 2025.

The police operation will involve general duties officers assisted by specialist officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Youth Command, Licensing Police and Mounted Command.

Operation Mardi Gras 2025 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Rod Smith said the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate safely.

Assistant Commissioner Smith noted “Police have been working closely with parade organisers and the LGBTIQA+ community to ensure a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting the event.

“We urge those attending the parade to plan ahead so you know how you are getting into the city, what you’re doing at the parade and how you’re getting home.

“We ask people to please follow the directions of police and security staff when vantage points are full.”

With significant crowds expected to make their way through major transport hubs before and after the parade on Saturday 1st March 2024, police will be focused on maintaining public safety and security.

“There will be major road closures in the city, and we encourage people to use public transport,” Assistant Commissioner Smith added.

“We also ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and look after one another.

“As with any major Sydney event with many people, a highly visible and mobile police operation is needed to ensure the public is safe.

“Our focus will be on targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, which undermines the celebratory spirit of the night.

“Police will act in a fair but firm manner to ensure everyone has a good time but not at the expense of other people’s safety.”

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the NSW Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO) and their dedicated service to LGBTQIA+ communities.

Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality, Gender Diversity, and Intersex, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker said there are more than 380 GLLO’s working across the state, in metropolitan and regional areas, who are dedicated to building trust and confidence between the NSW Police Force and LGBTIQA+ communities.

“The LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer Program was established in 1990,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.

“GLLO’s are a contact point for members of LGBTIQA+ communities, as they utilise skills, knowledge and experience, to ensure the best policing response is provided.

“This milestone underscores our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering, effective and sensitive policing responses that are accessible to all.”

GLLO’s will be working on the night, talking to people and doing community engagement.

For more information about the 2025 Mardi Gras parade, visit www.mardigras.org.au