The Victorian Pride Centre stands as one of Melbourne’s most important modern cultural institutions. Located in St Kilda, it is Australia’s first purpose-built pride centre, created to provide a permanent, visible and welcoming home for Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ communities. Bringing together art, culture, health, advocacy, education and social connection, the Centre functions as both a public destination and a community anchor.
More than a building, the Victorian Pride Centre reflects decades of advocacy, resilience and collective effort. It acknowledges the struggles of the past, supports the needs of the present and contributes to a more inclusive future for Victoria.
Origins of the Victorian Pride Centre
For many years, LGBTQIA+ organisations in Victoria operated from scattered, often temporary locations. While these spaces played vital roles, they lacked the permanence, visibility and shared infrastructure that many in the community had long called for. The idea of a single, purpose-built centre emerged from sustained advocacy and consultation across the sector.
Community discussions throughout the mid-2010s highlighted the need for a central place where services, culture and community life could coexist. This vision gained momentum through collaboration between community organisations, supporters and government partners.
The Victorian Government formally supported the project, recognising its cultural and social importance. The City of Port Phillip contributed the Fitzroy Street site in St Kilda, a location closely tied to Melbourne’s creative and activist history. Funding came from a mix of state government contributions, philanthropic support and community fundraising. The project’s reported cost was approximately $15 million, reflecting both its scale and long-term significance.
After years of planning and construction, the Victorian Pride Centre officially opened in 2021, marking a milestone for Victoria and Australia.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victorian Pride Centre stands on the lands of the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. The Centre acknowledges their ongoing connection to land, culture and community and pays respect to Elders past and present. This recognition is embedded in the Centre’s values and public presence.
Location and Setting: St Kilda, Melbourne
The Centre is located at:
79–81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
St Kilda has long been associated with creativity, nightlife, social change and cultural diversity. Its proximity to the beach, major tram routes and Melbourne’s CBD makes it easily accessible to both locals and visitors.
Rather than being hidden or removed, the Centre sits prominently within the streetscape. Its location reinforces the idea that LGBTQIA+ culture and community are part of everyday civic life, not confined to the margins.
Architecture and Visual Identity
The Victorian Pride Centre is widely recognised for its futuristic, contemporary design. Visit Victoria describes it as a modern building surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with rainbow elements visible from the street. These visual cues signal pride, visibility and openness.
The building was designed by Brearley Architects + Urbanists, in collaboration with Grant Amon Architects. The design prioritises openness, flexibility and shared space, allowing the Centre to adapt to a wide range of uses.
Key architectural features include:
- A bold façade with rainbow detailing
- Open staircases encouraging movement and interaction
- A large public foyer used for exhibitions
- Multiple levels of flexible community space
- Rooftop terraces overlooking St Kilda
- Lawn areas and landscaped gardens
The architecture supports both large public gatherings and quieter moments, allowing the Centre to function as a gallery, event venue, workplace and social space at once.
Art and Cultural Expression
Art and culture are central to the identity of the Victorian Pride Centre. Creative expression is not treated as an add-on but as a core function of the building.
The Pride Gallery
The Pride Gallery is a permanent feature of the Centre, hosting rotating exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions explore LGBTQIA+ identity, history, activism and contemporary life through a range of artistic forms.
Exhibitions have included:
- Visual art and photography
- Community-curated installations
- Thematic shows linked to Pride Month and the Midsumma Festival
- Work reflecting lived experience, memory and social change
Artwork often extends beyond enclosed gallery rooms into the public foyer, ensuring art remains visible and accessible to all visitors.
The Centre’s exhibitions and visual presence are regularly photographed and featured in cultural tourism media, contributing to Melbourne’s broader arts landscape.
Performance, Film and Event Spaces
The Victorian Pride Centre includes several purpose-built spaces designed for public use and community programming.
The Theatrette
The Theatrette is a dedicated performance and screening space used for:
- Panel discussions
- Film screenings
- Talks and presentations
- Community forums
It provides an intimate setting for conversation, learning and shared experience.
The Forum
The Forum is a larger, flexible space suitable for:
- Conferences and seminars
- Public discussions
- Cultural events
- Community gatherings
Its adaptability allows it to host both formal and informal events.
Rooftop Spaces
The Centre’s rooftop spaces are a defining feature. These areas are used for:
- Outdoor film screenings
- Festival programming
- Evening social events
- Community celebrations
Visit Victoria imagery often shows groups gathered on the rooftop watching film projections, highlighting its role as a social and cultural meeting point.
Events, Festivals and Community Programming
The Victorian Pride Centre maintains a busy, year-round calendar of events and activities, making it a hub of regular community engagement.
Programs and events have included:
- Queer history panel discussions
- Speaker nights and talks
- Film screenings
- Social gatherings and themed community nights
- Workshops and forums
The Centre plays a particularly active role during the Midsumma Festival, Melbourne’s annual LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival. During this period, the building becomes a focal point for exhibitions, discussions and community gatherings connected to Pride celebrations across the city.
On the first Sunday of each month, the Centre hosts Sunday Sizzle, an open-day style event inviting the public to explore the building, attend activities and connect with community organisations.
Many events are free or low-cost, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to accessibility.
Health, Wellbeing and Community Services
A defining feature of the Victorian Pride Centre is its role as a shared home for health, wellbeing and advocacy services. Housing multiple organisations in one location improves access, collaboration and visibility.
Resident and partner organisations include:
- Thorne Harbour Health – health and wellbeing services
- Switchboard Victoria / QLife – peer support and referrals
- JOY 94.9 – Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community radio station
- Transgender Victoria – advocacy and support
- Minus18 – youth leadership and education
- Australian Queer Archives – preservation of LGBTQIA+ history
- Koorie Pride Victoria – First Nations LGBTQIA+ advocacy
Together, these organisations support people across different ages, identities and backgrounds, creating a network of care and connection within the Centre.
Queer Bookshop and Visitor Facilities
Inside the Victorian Pride Centre is a queer bookshop, offering books by LGBTQIA+ authors alongside cultural publications and community resources. The bookshop supports storytelling, education and representation.
Visitor facilities include:
- Bar
- Café
- Enquiry desk
- Kiosk
- Lawn and garden areas
- Informal seating and meeting spaces
These facilities encourage visitors to spend time at the Centre, whether attending an event or simply enjoying the space.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The Victorian Pride Centre actively welcomes people with access needs and has been designed to support inclusive participation.
Accessibility features include:
- Full wheelchair access throughout the building
- Lift access between levels
- Facilities suitable for people with cognitive, learning and communication needs
- Clear layouts and inclusive amenities
This commitment ensures people of different abilities can participate comfortably in exhibitions, events and everyday use of the Centre.
Opening Hours and Entry
According to Visit Victoria listings:
- Monday to Friday: Open until 5:00 pm (with extended access during evening events)
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Open on the first Sunday of each month for Sunday Sizzle
Entry to the Centre is free, making it accessible to both community members and visitors.
Tourism, Media and Public Recognition
The Victorian Pride Centre is formally listed by Visit Victoria under Art & Culture and Entertainment, positioning it as a must-visit cultural destination in Melbourne.
The Centre is regularly featured in photography, video and promotional media, with its distinctive architecture, rainbow elements, rooftop screenings and exhibitions forming part of Melbourne’s cultural image.
For visitors, the Centre offers insight into Victoria’s queer history, creativity and community life. For locals, it remains a place of connection, support and shared identity.
Why the Victorian Pride Centre Matters
The Victorian Pride Centre represents visibility made permanent. It brings together art, history, advocacy and support in a way that reflects the lived reality of LGBTQIA+ communities.
It is a place where:
- Culture is shared openly
- Support services are accessible
- History is preserved
- Community is visible and valued
In a city known for its diversity and creativity, the Centre stands as a reminder that inclusion is built through physical spaces, shared experiences and ongoing commitment.
Conclusion
The Victorian Pride Centre is more than Australia’s first purpose-built pride centre. It is a living space shaped by community, history and purpose. From its contemporary architecture and Pride Gallery to its rooftop screenings, health services and everyday social spaces, the Centre reflects the complexity and richness of LGBTQIA+ life in Victoria.
As a cultural destination, it invites visitors to engage with Melbourne’s queer history and creativity. As a community hub, it provides safety, support and belonging. Its presence in St Kilda is both symbolic and practical, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ communities are visible, supported and celebrated.
In doing so, the Victorian Pride Centre plays an ongoing role in shaping a more inclusive, connected and respectful Victoria.
FAQs
Who is the CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre?
The Victorian Pride Centre has been led by Alison Leighton as Chief Executive Officer, a role she has held during the Centre’s establishment and early operational years.
What is Victoria’s Pride?
Victoria’s Pride refers to the LGBTIQ+ community and its visibility, rights and cultural expression across the state of Victoria, including major events such as Midsumma Festival and institutions like the Victorian Pride Centre.
What resources does the Victorian Pride Centre provide?
The Victorian Pride Centre provides community spaces, meeting rooms, health and wellbeing services, support organisations, cultural programs and advocacy services for LGBTIQ+ communities and allies.
Who designed the Victorian Pride Centre?
The Victorian Pride Centre was designed by Brearley Architects + Urbanists, an Australian firm known for inclusive, community-focused public architecture.
Who is Alison Leighton, CEO?
Alison Leighton is an Australian executive and community leader who served as CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre, overseeing its development, partnerships and transition into a permanent community hub.
Who is Nicky Long, CEO?
There is no verified public record identifying a Nicky Long as CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre or a related Victorian public body. The name may be linked to a different organisation or be a point of confusion.
What is the average salary of a CEO in Melbourne?
The average CEO salary in Melbourne varies widely by organisation size and sector. Estimates typically range from AUD $150,000 to over $300,000 per year, with higher figures in large corporate roles.
Who is Lee Miezis, CEO?
Lee Miezis is an Australian executive known for leadership roles within LGBTIQ+ and community organisations, including senior management and CEO-level positions in advocacy and service-based organisations.
