Another Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras director has stepped down, adding to a string of recent resignations from both the organisation’s operations staff and board.
Mardi Gras confirmed the resignation of director Brad Booth in a message to members at 2.50pm AEST on Monday – but only after Gay Sydney News sent specific questions about Booth’s resignation the day prior.
Booth was contacted for comment on Sunday. His lawyer confirmed his resignation to Gay Sydney News at 2.57pm on Monday, saying: “Mr Booth resigned from his position as director from Mardi Gras in June 2025. His resignation was purely related to family commitments he now has.
“His resignation had nothing to do with anybody else or any specific incident and he wishes Mardi Gras all the best in the future.”
While Booth did not specify the date of his resignation, sources close to the board said he resigned on June 25. His departure reportedly became more common knowledge the next day.
Booth was also Mardi Gras’ treasurer, a position he was appointed to in January. He currently works as the director of service excellence and innovation at the University of Sydney.
His previous roles include serving as a director of QueerScreen, operator of the Mardi Gras Film Festival, and positions at Charles Sturt University and GrainCorp.
Gay Sydney News had given both Booth and Mardi Gras until 3pm on Monday to confirm the resignation. At 2.48pm, Mardi Gras’ external PR firm issued a statement that did not acknowledge Booth’s exit.
Minutes later, however, Mardi Gras board co-chairs Kathy Pavlich and Daniel Mitsuru Delisle confirmed Booth’s resignation in a message to members – placed at the bottom of an announcement appointing Diana McManus as a new director.
McManus replaces Brandon Bear, whose departure was announced on May 2 – just days before then-CEO Gil Beckwith’s resignation was made public on May 7.
“We also wish to inform members that Brad Booth has resigned from his voluntary role as Director and Treasurer due to family commitments,” Pavlich and Delisle wrote in the message to members on Monday.
“We would like to thank him for his work supporting Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival and wish him all the best. The Board will meet to consider a new appointment, and we will keep members updated on the outcome.”
The earlier statement provided to Gay Sydney News, moments before the message to members, read: “Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will not engage in public commentary on internal matters relating to staff or the Board. We will also not respond to speculation or unauthorised disclosures. Please respect the privacy of our staff, board and volunteers.”
McManus was appointed to the board through an open expression of interest process. She has been a member of Mardi Gras’ people and culture committee for the past three years and, according to the organisation, also volunteered as a parade marshal.
“She brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in organisational transformation, effectiveness, and human resources,” the board co-chairs said.
“Her deep understanding of people and culture, combined with her long-standing commitment to our community, will be a valuable asset to the Board. Diana will serve on the Board until the 2026 Annual General Meeting.”
Booth’s resignation and McManus’ appointment follow Mardi Gras’ confirmation that company secretary Jesse Matheson had been named interim CEO, replacing Beckwith. Gay Sydney News revealed Matheson’s appointment on June 10 but Mardi Gras waited until July 4 to tell members.
Within weeks of Matheson’s appointment, five staff members exited the organisation — representing one-third of its 15 staff at the time, excluding both the outgoing and incoming CEOs.
Those who have left or are leaving include senior graphic designer Joel De Sa, head of engagement Dusty Panuccio Hartland, parade producer Emily Santiago, festival marketing and communications executive Georgia Rae, and head of festival marketing and communications Jake Troncone.
Editor’s note: Journalist Ben Grubb pays $50 annually for Mardi Gras membership to access discounts, including at retail stores and bars, but doesn’t use the membership’s voting rights.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
