Some of the biggest Aussie names have made a serious splash at The Pier for the 2024 genU Big Night Out. This year the theme was ‘Iconic Australians’, and everyone, from Kath, Kim and Sharon to Vegemite, Wiggles to Bananas in Pyjamas, Raygun to Shane Warne, Dame Edna Everage to the Irwin family, showed up on Friday 8 November, with well over 200 people packing the venue for a night of dancing, dining and celebrating diversity.
genU’s Drama Stars got the night off to a perfect start, performing routines to a medley of tunes, including classic Australian anthems curated by DJ Toppa, after MC Luke Maher warmed up the crowd with the iconic ‘Horses’.
CEO Clare Amies said the Big Night Out was first held in 2003 and had become a standout on the genU inclusion calendar, and 21 events on, was now a much-loved tradition for clients, corporate partners and employees alike.
“This is our night of nights to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in a ‘Big’ way,” Ms Amies said. “While these are a core focus for us in the work we do everyday, it’s important to hold events for people with disability who may not get the opportunity to take part in such a large event like Big Night Out.”
Ms Amies said great care was taken to create a safe and supportive environment so people with disability felt comfortable without the potential anxiety they might experience attending other venues where accessibility was not front of mind.
“Seeing them in their colourful costumes, having a wonderful time on the dance floor, enjoying each other’s company, mingling with old friends and making new ones, and creating special memories is what the night is all about and why it continues to be so popular with our community,” Ms Amies said.
Select Architect Managing Director Peter Serra said the team immensely enjoyed its 13th Big Night Out, which was one of the key dates on their calendar. “We love it every year, and for two months before the event, the key topic of conversation is around costume ideas and how they can be co-ordinated, while also reminiscing on previous years’ efforts,” Mr Serra said.
With genU playing a key role in the Geelong not-for-profit landscape since it began more than 70 years, ago, Mr Serra said the Select Architect team valued being able to participate.
“Times are pretty tough for everyone in the sector at the moment and the Select team thought what better way to show our support than to throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the celebration of what genU do for their amazing community,” he said.
Ms Amies was grateful for the business support, which was vital for helping people attend. “We deeply appreciate our corporate partners being involved and thank them for their contribution,” Ms Amies said. “This allows us to heavily subsidise ticket costs and this ensures the event is affordable and accessible for people with disability.”
It was also viewed as validation for the work genU does creating events that embody a genuinely inclusive community. “It’s great to see businesses valuing inclusion and playing a positive role in their workplaces,” Ms Amies said.
For information about the Big Night Out and how to become involved, please contact Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager Jo Forssman at joanne.forssman@genu.org.au.
