City of Sydney funds Oxford Street safety initiative

Oxford Street security guards will wear vests with pride flags on them in a new initiative funded by the City of Sydney that forms part of a broader campaign to keep the strip a safe space for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

The “PrideVis” vests – to be worn by security staff at bars and pubs on Oxford Street and launched last week as part of Pride Month – are a safety initiative of the Surry Hills Liquor Accord supported by the City of Sydney, NSW Police, Oxford Street Pride Business Charter and the Rainbow Precinct.

Featuring Pride flag emblems, the vests are a symbol for safe spaces, and security guards wearing them can be approached with safety issues or concerns, the City of Sydney said.

The vests are also designed to be a signal to the broader community that Oxford Street is an inclusive neighbourhood where venues stand firmly against homophobia, transphobia and anti-social behaviour.

“It’s important we protect the identity and culture of Oxford Street while ensuring that locals and visitors always feel safe and welcome,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“For this initiative to work effectively, we encourage security in all Oxford Street businesses to participate.

“Wearing the PrideVis vests will demonstrate that they are committed to the safety and support of our communities, with zero tolerance for homophobic and transphobic behaviour.”

Chair of the Surry Hills Liquor Accord Richie Haines, who is also chief operating officer at Universal Hotels, said the initiative was made a reality thanks to funding from the City of Sydney.

“There is a great community of bars and pubs in the Oxford Street precinct that come in all shapes, sizes and colours,” Haines said.

“It is great to see this community rally together with a common goal – that members of LGBTIQA+ communities feel safe, included and supported everywhere, especially in the Oxford Street precinct.” 

Participating venues and security have access to extensive training resources jointly developed by the City of Sydney and the Oxford Street Pride Business Charter.

Venues that don’t specifically cater to LGBTI+ people, such as Noir, are also participating in the PrideVis initiative.

Online diversity and inclusion training is offered free of charge to Pride Business Charter members to help with staff awareness of LGBTIQA+ communities and how to be an inclusive business. Bespoke diversity and inclusion training is also offered to security guards of Oxford Street venues.

Since its launch 12 months ago, more than 60 businesses have become members of the Oxford Street Pride Business Charter, the City of Sydney said. The charter was established “to ensure the area’s rich history and queer character is maintained and celebrated into the future”.

“Oxford Street is unique to Sydney and we want to build on its reputation as an iconic precinct hosting activities both day and night, with thriving businesses, creative industries and culture,” Moore said.

“The charter is a grassroots, community-led approach to keeping the precinct safe and inclusive.

“Membership is open to all businesses – property owners, arts and community organisations, and educational institutions operating in and servicing the area – and it signals the expectations of our communities, to current and future operators, that Oxford Street should remain lively, diverse and inclusive.”

Meanwhile, the City of Sydney has updated its pride crossing at Taylor Square to include the progressive pride flag design.

The city also updated its pride path at Prince Alfred Park near Central Station.