South Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community heroes have been recognised at a fabulous Pride Gala with the 2026 South Australian Pride Awards, the state’s queer night of nights.
Almost 400 people gathered on Saturday night (June 6) for South Australia’s biggest night of LGBTQIA+ recognition, celebration and pride.
The annual awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and events helping create safer, more visible and more connected spaces for LGBTQIA+ South Australians.
After thousands of public votes were counted, this year’s winners were handed out at the Pride Gala at SkyCity Adelaide.
The 2026 winners are:
Community Group of the Year: Feast Queer Youth Drop In
Community Impact Award: Mary’s Poppin
Employer Of The Year: Department of Human Services
Event Of The Year: Laya & Fifi’s Drag Bingo & Trivia Events
First Nations Person Of The Year: Damien Ralphs
Health And Wellbeing Leadership Award: Thorne Harbour Health SA
Music And Live Performance Award: Emerauld
Performer Of The Year: Eve Elle
Sports And Recreation Award: Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
Volunteer Of The Year: Penny McAuley
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Pride Adelaide Chair Dave Newman said this year’s winners and finalists represent the best of the community at a particularly important time.
“To our finalists, thank you for everything you do. To our recipients, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition,” Newman said.
“These awards matter because our communities matter.
“At a time where we are continuing to see hostility, attempts to divide people, and attacks on inclusion and visibility, celebrating LGBTQIASB+ South Australians openly and proudly becomes even more important.”
Two lifelong community advocates, Pam Price and the late Eric Kuhlmann, were also inducted into the 2026 South Australian Pride Hall of Fame, the organisation’s highest honour, on Saturday night.
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South Australain Government announce funding commitment
Last year’s Pride Gala saw South Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community commemorate the 50th anniversary of South Australia’s decriminalisation of homosexuality.
On Saturday night, South Australian Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard announced a $20,000-per-year funding commitment from the South Australian government over the next four years to support the delivery of Pride March Adelaide.
Pride Adelaide said the investment “provides greater certainty for the future of Pride March and strengthens our ability to continue delivering a safe, accessible and welcoming event for our community.”
“Pride March Adelaide has become one of the state’s most visible celebrations of diversity, bringing together thousands of people each year to celebrate, connect and stand proudly as a community,” the organisation said.
“The modern Pride March has now been held for 23 years, continuing a proud legacy that began 51 years ago with Adelaide’s first Proud Parade.
“Planning for Pride March Adelaide 2026 is already underway, and we look forward to sharing more details with the community soon.”
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