Carnarvon shines with Pride as St John WA joins in the festivities

The streets of Carnarvon were filled with rainbow flags for the town’s second annual Pride Festival and, for the first time, the St John WA Pride Ambulance joined in the festivities.

Organised by the Queernarvon Pride Group, the festival included a screening of Black Divas and a dance party, as well as the march, which culminated in a family fun day.

A crowd of about 100 people marched along the fascine to Baxter Park in a parade that included costumes, dancing, and Kura Bear.

Community Paramedic Sabrina Fontana said it was the first time St John had been involved in the local event, and she praised local volunteers who marched along with the community.

“It’s great to be involved with this event, and to have the Pride Ambulance up here for the event was awesome,” she said.

Queernarvon Chair Carmen Reilly said she was “so happy” with the turnout.

“It means so much to the community to have St John join us this year,” she said.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from local businesses and services.

“This is only our second event, but I hope it’s just the beginning.”

SJWA volunteer and Queernarvon Secretary Crystal Coetzer said she was “very thankful” for everyone’s support.

“A massive thank you to St John, who committed to showing up and taking that extra effort to get here,” she said.

“That motivates us to continue the volunteering spirit.

“Just finding out the Pride Ambulance was coming up was a great source of energy.”

While in town, members of the Carnarvon sub centre used the Pride Ambulance to attract new volunteers.

“This is a perfect opportunity to do a recruitment drive,” Sabrina said.

If you want to learn more about volunteering, go to careers.stjohnwa.com.au/volunteer-page.