Empowering Our LGBTQIA+ Community

We’re committed to promoting an equal and diverse environment for our staff, customers and the broader community.

We recognise this as being essential in delivering a welcoming and safe spaces for all. Our AdVanCe LGBTQIA+ program is designed to help support as well as promote an open and welcoming environment across our business for all of our LGBTQIA+ community.

AVC has always embraced all things glitter and glam, being stallholders at Midsumma Festival, Big Gay Day – Brisbane’s biggest LGBTQIA+ event, Mardi Gras friendly activities and residential drag queens across multiple venues in each state.

Each year, The Winery participates in Mardi Gras activities. With live entertainment and a facelift to match, this venue turns rainbow for all the right reasons! With new cocktail concoctions, every year just in celebration and events to keep you busy, The Winery is home to great fun every Mardis Gras.

Back for its 22nd instalment in 2022 was Brisbane’s biggest rainbow festival hosted by our very own The Wickham Hotel! Big Gay Day was established back in 2000 and continues to be the best celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community whilst also raising funds for charities like The Queensland Aid Council, Brisbane Pride and Open Doors Youth Services.

2021 saw over 1,800 people attend, with 5,500 vodka lime sodas poured, 100 performers and entertainers employed and over $10,000 donated. And 2022 did not disappoint! All funds raised at the 2022 event supported two amazing charities, Diverse Voices and 2Spirits.

On top of closing down an inner-city street for the day’s celebrations, Brisbane’s Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Sir Leo Hielscher and Town Hall were also all lit up in rainbow lights in honour of the event. And with over 3,500 tickets sold and almost 100 acts and performers on the day, this year’s event was our largest event to date!