This year, headspace Bundaberg hosted a glitter and glam gala dinner dance for the LGBTIQA+ community and their allies.  The event, which was for 16+yr olds, featured sparkles, glitter, rainbows, great food, entertainment and drag queens (Quiche Lorraine flew in from Brisbane) and was well attended by almost 200 young people.  The inaugural Brite Ball, was the first ever pride event for the region and offered young people a safe, supportive and inclusive space to “celebrate all colours of the rainbow.”

“The queer community has always existed, and now it’s time to come together, celebrate and support diversity and accept one another for who we are.”

The event was made possible with the generous support of Heritage Bank (naming sponsors) who loved the concept of empowerment and inclusiveness, as well as Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community grants program and sponsorship contributions from Best Practice, Queensland Computers, Slater and Gordon and a host of other donors which raised a combined $23 000 to put on an amazing community event.

“At the Brite Ball, I felt like I could truly be myself in a space that was inclusive, safe, authentic and comfortable.  The spirit of the event was colourful, vibrant and affirming.  We were a diverse group of people, who came together to celebrate who we are. No judgement”.

CQUniversity’s Digital Media team also collaborated with headspace Bundaberg to create an art exhibition this year, themed “InsideOut”.

Inside: We hold a lot of emotions in; joy, sadness, anger, anxiousness, anticipation, confusion, low self-esteem, struggle, excitement, loneliness.

Outside: We can have conversations that matter, we can break stigma, build awareness, help others, share understanding, feel connected and communicate through art expression and storytelling.

Past and present students of digital media were invited to contribute visualisations, photography, illustrations, short videos, or 2D or 3D animation to express the theme.

The artworks were on display during CQUniversity’s open week and with an exceptional showcase of talent more than 50 people participated and attended the opening.