RMIT shows up with Pride at Midsumma Festival

RMIT shows up with Pride at Midsumma Festival

RMIT marked a milestone year at the 2026 Midsumma Festival, celebrating its first year as a major partner with a strong show of pride from students and staff.

Notably, the University’s contingent for the Pride March was the largest since first joining the march in 2017.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vocational Education and Vice President Mish Eastman reflected on the significance of the Festival. 

"Being part of Midsumma Carnival and the 30th anniversary Pride March in our first year as a major partner was a wonderful way to extend our meaningful partnership with Midsumma. 

"RMIT’s presence reflects the commitment we take seriously as a university to create an environment where everyone belongs, feels safe and is empowered to participate fully. 

"The connection, creativity and pride shown by our students and staff across the festival really emphasised the strength of that commitment and the positive impact shared values can have in fostering inclusion beyond campus," said Mish. 

Inclusion and belonging are front and centre in showcasing the 2026 festival theme, Time and Place, which encourages reflection on lived experience, community histories and connections to land and culture.  

Among the many conversations at the Carnival was a chance encounter with Ro Allen, Victoria’s human rights commissioner, who shared reflections on the early days of the RMIT LGBTIQA+ Network and its role in fostering community and visibility. It was a timely reminder of the legacy and continuity of queer advocacy at RMIT and beyond. 

RMIT University’s contingent for the Pride March

Creativity and connection across Midsumma  

Across both the Midsumma Carnival and the Pride March, RMIT showed up with hands-on, student-led activations and contributed to community spirt with celebrations down Fitzroy Street. 

Hundreds of attendees stopped by RMIT’s stall at Carnival to take part in engaging, student designed experiences.  

The creative activation "Affirmation Exchange", created by student artists Vanessa Kiliari and Phoebe Thompson, invited people to pause and share words of care, while a tote bag art station offered a practical keepsake and an opportunity for creative expression. More than 200 customised totes were created and carried proudly throughout the festival, including at the Pride March. 

RMIT's Carnival stall at Midsumma

That same energy flowed into Midsumma’s 30th anniversary Pride March, which brought together thousands of people from across Australia.

RMIT’s contingent added colour, banners and spirit to Fitzroy Street where staff and students joined representatives from the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU), contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.

Samuel Coombs RUSU President for 2026 shared a reflection on the day.

"The vibe today is a celebration, it’s about expressing who you are and being proud to be out and loud. It’s different for every person but it’s about being able to express that in community," he said.

Across the festival, students, staff, alumni and community members united to connect through conversation, creativity and shared experience. 

RMIT’s participation in the Midsumma Festival doesn’t end here, the record turnout at both the Carnival and the Pride March highlights the strength of the partnership with Midsumma and reinforces the University’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone belongs. 

02 February 2026

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02 February 2026

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