Victorian Pride Centre officially opens, with Hall & Wilcox continuing five-year partnership as official pro bono provider

News13 July 2021

Hall & Wilcox is delighted to have advised the Victorian Pride Centre, which was officially opened on 11 July.

Hall & Wilcox is delighted to have advised the Victorian Pride Centre, which was officially opened on 11 July. The Pride Centre is Australia’s first purpose-built centre for LGBTIQ+ people, the home to a range of community organisations and also provides dedicated spaces for art, culture, events and collaboration.

Hall & Wilcox has been the Pride Centre’s primary pro bono legal provider since 2016, having worked with the team from the inception of the concept, throughout the design and build process, and on an ongoing basis.

The Hall & Wilcox team, led by Partner James Morvell, advised on corporate structuring, the funding process (through State Government grants, loans and benevolent funding), the design and construction phase, charity and tax structuring, leasing and sponsorship arrangements. Others in the cross-practice team included Partners Emily Kyriacou, Mark Inston, John O’Kane, Maurice Doria, Frank Hinoporos and Martin Ross, Senior Associates Vanessa Murphy (also the current Pride Centre company secretary) and Todd Bromwich and Lawyers Alexandra Berry and Michael Henderson.

The Pride Centre, which is located in Fitzroy St in St Kilda, Melbourne, was officially opened by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Equality Martin Foley and City of Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford. Also in attendance was former High Court Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG, inaugural Pride Centre Chair Jude Munro AO and current Chair Hang Vo.

‘We are excited to see such an iconic project come to life, and congratulate all involved,’ James Morvell said.

‘The words spoken by all dignitaries at the official opening left everyone in awe of what has been achieved and the personal commitment of so many people. It’s certainly the most satisfying project in which I’ve been involved, and I couldn’t be more proud of all my colleagues at Hall & Wilcox who have provided their support and assistance in many ways over this five year journey.’

Pride Centre Chair Hang Vo said at the official opening, ‘Today is an important milestone for our community. As Australia’s first purpose-built pride centre, this is where everyone can come together, honour the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a more inclusive future.’