Maxi Shield — the stage name of Kristopher Elliot — will be honoured with a memorial service and procession organised by friends, peers and local venues along Oxford Street, following her death last month from complications related to cancer treatment. The community has come together to create a warm, accessible space for people to grieve, remember and celebrate her life.
What’s happening
– When: Wednesday, March 11, 11:00 AM
– Where: Paddington Town Hall (memorial service)
– Procession: A farewell procession down Oxford Street will follow the service, expected around 12:20–12:45 PM
– Dress: Smart, dignified attire with a pop of colour — purple and sparkles are especially welcome as a tribute to Maxi’s flamboyant stage persona
– Registration: Required for in-person seating and to receive the livestream link
Attending in person or online
The main service will be held at Paddington Town Hall. Because indoor capacity is limited, a number of Oxford Street venues will host communal livestream viewings so more people can be together while watching. Confirmed host venues include The Oxford, Stonewall, Universal the Burdekin and The Colombian. When you register, please select the venue you plan to attend so organisers can prepare seating and technical arrangements.
For those outside Sydney (or overseas), an official livestream will be available. Registered viewers will receive the link and can watch the service live; the stream will remain accessible for up to 30 days after the memorial to allow family, friends and fans worldwide to rewatch the tribute. Organisers will publish an international start-times guide and time-conversion tools on the registration page; registrants will get email updates with exact viewing times and any technical notes.
Accessibility, logistics and media
Organisers intend the event to be welcoming and inclusive. Detailed timings, the full programme, route maps for the procession, accessibility information and entry procedures will be posted by the organising committee ahead of the day. If you have media enquiries or wish to film or rebroadcast any part of the service, contact the nominated event representative so requests can be reviewed and respectful coverage ensured.
Sustainability and practical tips
The memorial is community-led, and organisers have tried to keep waste to a minimum — there will be recycling stations and an effort to avoid single-use plastics. To reduce travel and carbon impact, consider public transport, carpooling or watching at one of the local venue streams.
Fundraising and transparency
A community fundraising campaign helped ensure Maxi receives a fitting farewell; more than $50,000 has been raised, with over $30,000 donated within the first 24 hours. Donors and partners will be kept informed about how funds are allocated, with transparency a stated priority.
The procession and public tribute
After the service, Maxi’s cortege will travel down Oxford Street past participating venues. Members of the public are invited onto the street to wave, cheer and pay their respects as the procession passes. Further crowd-management details and viewing instructions will be released before the event.
Extra notes
– Registration is essential to secure seating and to receive the livestream link — check confirmation emails for venue-specific instructions.
– Final details, including any late changes to timings or route, will be posted on the event’s official channels (and shared via the registration emails).
– A photograph used in event materials is credited to Dean Arcuri.
Remembering Maxi
Kristopher Elliot — Maxi Shield onstage — was a luminous presence in Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ scene, cherished for her performances, generosity and role in community life. This memorial is intended not only to mourn her loss but to celebrate the laughter, colour and connection she brought to so many.
What’s happening
– When: Wednesday, March 11, 11:00 AM
– Where: Paddington Town Hall (memorial service)
– Procession: A farewell procession down Oxford Street will follow the service, expected around 12:20–12:45 PM
– Dress: Smart, dignified attire with a pop of colour — purple and sparkles are especially welcome as a tribute to Maxi’s flamboyant stage persona
– Registration: Required for in-person seating and to receive the livestream link0