‘Godfather of Mardi Gras’ Ron Austin passes away aged 90

Veteran gay rights campaigner Ron Austin – who in 1978 first suggested the idea of holding a street party in Sydney, which led to Mardi Gras’ inception – has passed away, aged 90.

Austin was an early member of the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) and famously suggested that gay rights demonstrations should become a street party, leading to the first Mardi Gras in 1978.

He also been affectionately referred to as the ‘Godfather of Mardi Gras’.

“From the very first moment, I saw Mardi Gras as a celebration of happiness, of creativity, and of joyfulness,” Austin said during his life.

“Mardi Gras is about celebrating who we are. Celebrating our history, our survival, and the achievements of many great people who are gay and lesbian.”

He has been remembered fondly by friends and prominent figures throughout the LGBTI community, with tributes flowing on social media calling him a hero and a trailblazer.

Fellow ’78er, Steve Warren, said Austin often “thought outside the box”.

“When [our] protests were not gaining results, Ron came up with the idea of ‘a celebration of who we are’ and Mardi Gras was born,” he said.

“No-one could have predicted where that first 1978 Mardi Gras would take us, but it led to positive change that continues to this day with the much celebrated Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

“Ron was very active in the early years of our community. He wasn’t afraid to speak out. Ron will be greatly missed by many 78ers and members of our community.

“We’ve lost a legend.”

A dedicated activist, Austin marched in the Mardi Gras Parade for decades.

In 2014 Lord Mayor Clover Moore helped Austin celebrate his 85th birthday, where he was toasted and lauded for his leading role in the gay rights movement of the 1970s.

The annual Mardi Gras award for ‘Most Fabulous Parade Entry’ is named in his honour.

Very sad news has come through to us today. Mardi Gras 78er Ron Austin passed away this morning.

Back in 1978, it was Ron who said "why don't we have a street party?"https://t.co/Z9qQdInJyS pic.twitter.com/evXsh6RYrn

— Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) April 13, 2019

Fly high Ron Austin. 90 is an incredible innings and fitting of a life well lived. #mardigras #samelove @abcnews_au says: Mr Austin had a major role in the beginnings of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which took place in 1978.#78ers #ronaustin pic.twitter.com/eb7KcTqtun

— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) April 14, 2019

So sad to hear Ron Austin died today. Ron was a gracious man who originally suggested our often violent demonstrations in early Gay Lib should be transformed into a street party. My wife, Melissa and I once shared a car with Ron @sydneymardigras . May he Rest In Peace. 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/8Eqw2FwLmi

— Julie McCrossin AM (She/Her) (@JulieMcCrossin) April 13, 2019

The activist who had the idea of holding the first Mardi Gras – the protest that Australia’s modern LGBTIQ rights movement and entire community owes so much to – has died.

Vale, Ron Austin. We are so lucky to follow in your footsteps. pic.twitter.com/UY1WYXi10J

— Sally Rugg (@sallyrugg) April 13, 2019

Sad to hear of the death of longtime LGBTIQ+ campaigner and Mardi Gras 78er Ron Austin who died this morning. He was an early member of the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) and is credited for coming up with the idea for a Mardi Gras in 1978. Vale Ron Austin #ronaustin pic.twitter.com/a2Vz4Cs8PU

— William Brougham (@WilliamBrougham) April 13, 2019

We are so sad to learn of the death of our dear friend, Ron Austin. Ron was an early member of CAMP, he had the initial idea for the Sydney Mardi Gras and was later a member of Pride History Group. A true community hero who we will miss greatly. pic.twitter.com/BTdPo6Dfjo

— Pride History Group (@PrideHistory) April 13, 2019