OPTUS PARADES SYDNEY MARDI GRAS 2012 ON THE WORLD STAGE WITH MARDI GRAS TV

Optus today announced it will be the Official Digital Rights Partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) 2012, marking the first time the annual Sydney event will be shown to a worldwide audience via the internet.

Under the new digital partnership, Optus will show highlights from the Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 festival via SGLMG’s new dedicated website, Mardi Gras TV. The Optus powered website –www.mardigrastv.org.au – will go live on Monday 27 February 2012 and will feature content from the three week festival, including an exclusive interview with a high profile guest artist.

Produced and developed by Optus and directed by SGLMG, the website will include footage from Fair Day and Harbour Party 2012, a short history of Sydney Mardi Gras and behind the scenes footage from the parade and after party. It will also feature a special one hour package of the Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 parade which will be available to view from 7.30pm (EST) on Sunday 4 March, exclusively on Mardi Gras TV.

Visitors to Mardi Gras TV will also be offered the chance to enter an exciting competition to win an ultimate Sydney Mardi Gras weekend experience, courtesy of SGLMG.

Michael Rolik, CEO, SGLMG said the partnership with Optus provides an amazing opportunity to share Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 with a global audience.

“By showcasing Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 on the internet we are able to reach a larger audience than ever before. While Mardi Gras attracts more than 20,000 visitors to Sydney every year, this year for the first time viewers from around the world will be able to tune in and share the celebrations and excitement of our GLBTQI community Parade and festival.

“It will allow our community’s diversity and unified message of equality shine across the world and we couldn’t be more pleased,” Mr Rolik said.

Michael Smith, Managing Director, Optus Consumer said, “We are excited to be bringing the world renowned Sydney Mardi Gras to the global stage for the first time.

“This unique opportunity is an example of how Optus continues to innovate by bringing exciting digital content to our customers through a range of devices and platforms. It builds on our digital partnership with the ARIAs, which saw us bring exclusive behind the scenes content to our customers via mobile, as well as our digital partnership with Football Federation Australia.”

Optus has been a partner of the Sydney Mardi Gras since 2011, when Optus employees participated in the parade with a Wizard of Optus themed float. Optus employees will participate again this year, with another iconic theme that speaks to friendship, inclusion and diversity with The Mad Hatters Tea Party.

“Optus’ involvement in Mardi Gras is a celebration of our diversity that reflects the lifestyles and interests of our customers and community. Optus is committed to supporting the different cultures and lifestyles of our people and we are proud to see our relationship with Sydney Mardi Gras move beyond our participation in the parade,” Mr Smith said.

Media contact:
Dianne Edwards
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850