Colourful Kinetic cohort march with Pride at Midsumma

A colourful cohort of Kinetic Pride champions hit the streets of Melbourne at the weekend to fly the flag of inclusion and spread a very special message of love to the LGBTQI+ community at Midsumma’s annual Pride March.

Kinetic’s Co-CEOs marched alongside team members in front of one of the company’s ‘Pride Buses’ wearing T-Shirts and carrying signs with the affirming message “You are loved” at the beloved community event which attracts more than 53,000 people each year.

Graham Smith, Executive General Manager VIC/TAS/NSW, said the team were keen to create a powerful visual display of acceptance and unity.

“By marching, we’re sending a clear sign of our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels embraced and accepted being their true selves every day, whether you’re in our bus or in our workplace,” Mr Smith said.

Among those marching was Chair of Kinetic’s Pride Committee, Roisin Wellington, who said the event was also an amazing opportunity for team members to come together.

“Today we had people from all walks of life - some who were marching for the first time, and some who are veterans at this incredible event. It has been a really special experience for everyone to come together and say loudly and proudly that we recognise and support all sexualities, genders, identities and cultures,” Ms Wellington said.

Over the coming months Kinetic’s fleet of Pride Buses will adorn a number of LGBTQI+ events around Australia and New Zealand including the TasPride Festival, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Chillout Festival in Daylesford, Victoria, and the Auckland and Wellington Pride Festivals.

Kinetic’s Pride Bus initiative was launched in 2022 during the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and now a fleet of 12 serve as a symbol of inclusivity in communities across Central Queensland, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Wellington and Auckland.

The exterior of each Pride Bus proudly features the Progress Pride Flag and the words 'You are Loved,' sending a clear and resounding message that safety, respect, and acceptance are fundamental rights for everyone.

Driving LGBTQI+ inclusion and allyship is one of Kinetic’s core sustainability priorities, and the business has made major strides to improve the inclusiveness of its workplaces so all sexualities, genders, and identities feel welcome coming to work every day.

Every year, Kinetic teams nationwide celebrate IDAHOBIT, Wear It Purple Day, and other key events on the Pride calendar.

In June 2023, Kinetic was awarded Bronze accreditation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) for the first time and is on the journey to achieve Gold accreditation in 2024.

The AWEI serves as the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion, advancing best practice in Australia for employers across all sectors.

Read more about inclusion at Kinetic by visiting wearekinetic.com/sustainability/lgbtqi-inclusion.

Further enquiries
Justin Rogers
Manager Communication, Stakeholder and Customer – NSW/VIC/TAS
0419 230 242
justin.rogers@wearekinetic.com.au