The Victorian Pride Centre has become both a beacon and a target — and now the federal government is stepping in to help shore it up.
What was announced – On 18 February the Australian Government pledged up to $1 million to boost safety, security and resilience at the Victorian Pride Centre, the nation’s first purpose-built home for LGBTIQA+ communities. – The funding will be delivered over four years through a new Proceeds of Pride Program, which channels assets recovered under the Proceeds of Crime framework into community safety projects.
Why the funding is needed Since opening in, the centre has been a visible place of belonging — and, increasingly, a focal point for harassment and targeted incidents. Tenant organisations have been forced to divert staff time and scarce program funds into protective measures, reducing capacity for sexual health, mental health and outreach services. The government says this investment is intended to stop frontline groups paying for security out of service budgets.
What the money will pay for Planned upgrades focus on practical, immediate improvements: – Improved CCTV and lighting – Strengthened perimeter controls and access systems – Increased patrols and specialist security input – Training in de-escalation, emergency response and incident reporting for staff and volunteers
Officials say these measures will be implemented with input from the Centre, Victoria Police, private security experts and tenant organisations so resident groups can get back to delivering programs rather than emergency security planning.
Impact on resident organisations Fourteen charitable groups operate from the Pride Centre, including JOY Media, Switchboard and Minus18. Many reported cancelling or changing events, reducing publicity, or shifting activities online to lower risk. Staff and volunteers described the extra administrative burden of planning for and responding to incidents. The funding aims to relieve that pressure so organisations can redirect resources to counselling, cultural activities and outreach.
What prompted the request Paul Horwell, chief executive of the Victorian Pride Centre, described a string of incidents: verbal abuse at the entrance, organised protests aimed at family-focused events such as drag story time, break-ins and other security breaches. Those episodes made clear that safety is central to the Centre’s purpose — to offer a place where people can meet, celebrate and access support without fear.
Program mechanics and oversight The Proceeds of Pride Program repurposes seized assets to fund targeted community safety initiatives. Officials say they will track how the grant is spent and report on whether funds are enabling tenant organisations to expand services and restore staff capacity. Regular reviews are planned to ensure training, staffing and equipment address real risks rather than creating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.
Political and civic context Local federal MP Josh Burns described the funding as a necessary — if regrettable — response to threats that should never have escalated to this point. Speakers at the rooftop announcement linked the Centre’s security to broader civic values: intimidation of one community undermines safety and cohesion for everyone. Community leaders cautioned that while the grant buys immediate relief, it does not replace long-term investment in mental health, education and strategies to reduce the drivers of hostility.
The road ahead Over the coming months the Centre will roll out physical upgrades and staff training, working with police and security consultants. The goal is straightforward: reduce risk and improve the everyday experience of visitors, staff and resident organisations so the Pride Centre can remain a visible, welcoming hub for culture, advocacy and services.
What was announced – On 18 February the Australian Government pledged up to $1 million to boost safety, security and resilience at the Victorian Pride Centre, the nation’s first purpose-built home for LGBTIQA+ communities. – The funding will be delivered over four years through a new Proceeds of Pride Program, which channels assets recovered under the Proceeds of Crime framework into community safety projects.0