St John WA gets behind Pridefest 2021 with annual Glambulance competition

St John WA is calling on the community to help put the glam into a decommissioned ambulance for this year’s PrideFEST,

• Two eclectic designs created by local Perth LGBTIQA+ artist Nathan Richards will be put to a public vote to determine the Glambulance’s new look,
• The vote will take place on the St John WA website, with Perth’s most colourful ambulance making an appearance at PrideFEST 2021.

St John WA has put a call out to the people of Perth to determine the design for this year’s Glambulance. The people’s choice will see a decommissioned St John WA ambulance transformed with the winning design and make its debut at the annual PrideFEST parade.

Local LGBTIQA+ artist and winner of the 2020 Glambulance competition, Nathan Richards joined forces with St John WA to develop the two designs for this year’s competition. Inspired by the 2021 PrideFEST theme, the first design showcases R.E.S.P.E.C.T in all its forms; respect for people, environment, Indigenous land, and respect for oneself. The second design emphasises the power of community, acknowledging St John WA’s services and the communities in which its staff and volunteers work.

St John WA has run its Glambulance competition for the past three years, highlighting its support for the LGBTIQA+ community through participation in the PrideFEST parade in 2018 and 2019. Not letting a pandemic get in the way of showcasing the 2020  Glambulance, last year’s winning design saw the Glambulance driven to Broome for the town’s annual Mardi Gras event, adorned with Nathan’s winning design.

St John WA Acting People and Culture Director, Donna Lawrence said the St John WA team are looking forward to bringing PrideFEST’s vision to life, shining a light on inclusivity through this important initiative.

“We’re so proud to continue our support of the LGBTIQA+ community with our unique contribution to the PrideFEST parade,” Ms Lawrence said.

“We place great value on inclusivity and equal opportunity at St John WA and see supporting PrideFEST as an extension of this. Nathan’s designs are bright and full of life, and we can’t wait to see our community’s favourite.”

Jason Signmakers has committed to wrapping the decommissioned ambulance with the winning design free of charge, highlighting their support for the cause.

Nathan’s bright and eclectic designs are available to view and vote by the public on St John WA’s website.

Voting closes on the 31 October 2021, with the winning choice announced to the public on 01 November 2021.