I wanted to write to you first.

Because you, as volunteers, are the lifeblood of Qtopia Sydney. More than that, you are fellow community members who have chosen to give of your valuable personal time, because you see the incredible value and potential of Qtopia Sydney as a critical community, cultural, and historically relevant public asset and institution.

My name is Cecily Hardy. Please call me Cec or CC. I'm your new Chief Executive Officer. I don't take this role or this responsibility lightly.

I come to it first and foremost as a fellow community member. I'm a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, raised in a queer family, the daughter of a 1979 Mardi Gras protester – someone who marched a year after the infamous crackdown, when our community knew exactly what they were facing. That history isn't abstract to me. It's lived, inherited, and it's part of why I am here.

I've spent twenty years leading arts and cultural organisations, public programs and festivals, but I’m not what I want this message to be about. What I want you to know is this: I'm here to work shoulder to shoulder with you.

Qtopia Sydney is a genuinely rare and precious thing. Few institutions in this country – or the world – hold queer history and heritage, cultural leadership, community and social impact, education and outreach, and contemporary LGBTQIA+ culture all in the same place, under the same roof. You already know that, because it's why you're here.

This is a multi-faceted operation, and there are some hugely exciting times ahead of us – as well as real challenges to tackle. Some will be led by the team and me, and some will draw on the knowledge, experience and support of our volunteer community. All of it matters if we are going to ensure Qtopia Sydney is standing strong fifty years from now.

It’s week one, and of course – I don't have all the answers yet. I'm listening and learning, and some of that will come from you – the people who believe in this place, who have seen what works, what’s needed, and what you hope for this place.

I'll be looking for opportunities to sit down and hear from you, and please always feel welcome to reach out to me.

Thank you for everything you've already given Qtopia Sydney. It doesn’t go unseen. I'm genuinely glad to be starting this next chapter alongside you.

Cec x