The fabulous Magnolia Starr hosted bingo at the home with residents, their families, staff, local LGBTQIA+ leaders, and the Latrobe City Mayor and councillors in attendance. Raising money for the Cancer Council with a Biggest Morning Tea, bingo entries, and guest donations, O’Mara House was adorned with rainbow flags and a yellow theme as residents, staff, families, and community figures gathered to celebrate Pride Month. An astounding success, guests were thrilled with the beautiful colours and welcoming atmosphere of the morning. The hospitality team were in top form, baking and decorating delicious cakes and other treats in yellow and rainbow.
A pillar of the centre, O’Mara House’s fantastic Facility Manager, Dayo Kistnen, was a huge driver of the event and its success. “Today, we’re making history and showing the world what we stand for – acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating everyone,” Dayo said. “O’Mara House has always been about bringing people together, and today, we’re doing just that in a big way.” “Let’s show everyone that O’Mara House is a place where everyone belongs, where every voice matters, and where we come together to make a difference.”
Magnolia Starr’s magnificent performance and warm personality was a delight, and marked mecwacare’s first ever drag show. Dayo described her performance as “more than just a show… it’s a reminder that everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are.” Special attendees at the event included the Gippsland Pride Initiative (Gippsland LGBTQIA+) who discussed the event at the following Gippsland Pride Initiative Committee meeting.
The event’s success has opened more doors for mecwacare to promote inclusivity and acceptance, and it raised an incredible $700 for the Cancer Council. A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that O’Mara House continues to have on mecwacare and the wider community.
