World Pride: A dream come true

It took months of planning, a 12-hour train trip and the assistance of two enthusiastic support workers.

But for InLife client Greg Axtens every bit of discomfort and hassle was worth it because for the first time in more than a decade he was able to attend Mardi Gras in Sydney again this year.

And it coincided with World Pride 2023.

“It took about two years to organise,” Greg said.

“It was one of the best times of my life.

“It meant connecting with the world and trying to develop an international LGBTQIA+ community.”

Forced to take the train because of potential issues flying with his wheelchair, Greg was accompanied on his trip earlier this year by two InLife support workers Jenny de Vera and John Rodriguez.

They had a jam-packed schedule including seeing Kylie Minogue perform live, the annual Mardi Gras parade and attending an international conference.

Greg said he had the perfect team to help support him at the event.

“I think I had the best support workers,” he said.

“They were the perfect pair because they both enjoyed themselves and they both knew what I needed - we worked as a team.”

John said he was thrilled to get the chance to go to Mardi Gras with Greg.

“I’d always wanted to go but was always too busy working,” John said.

“It’s great to work with someone like Greg who shares the same interests and is from the same community.”

As for future goals, Greg, who is an ambassador at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, has set his sights on trying to improve accessibility in his hometown.

“I’m proud of being part of the disability community, we have come so far, but there’s so much more to do,” he said.

“One of my dreams is to make Melbourne the disability capital of the world.”