From Farm to Fabulous: A Rural Staff Member’s Journey to Mardi Gras

For the first time, the University of Sydney invited rural staff members to take part in Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade through an Expression of Interest process, creating a meaningful opportunity for regional voices to be represented on one of Australia’s biggest stages. Ashleigh Galley, Marketing and Communications Officer, from the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, was selected and supported throughout the process by USYD Pride Network team, Andi and Brooklyn, who played a key role in making this experience possible.

Under the USYD theme Community in Bloom, Ashleigh was proudly chosen as one of the ‘blue flowers’ for the parade. For someone living and working remotely, this opportunity felt both surreal and deeply meaningful. Living on a property just outside Dubbo and working for the BHUDRH, her day-to-day looks very different to that of many metropolitan colleagues. While her team is based in Broken Hill, she works almost entirely remotely, which often means finding creative ways to stay connected.

Preparing for Mardi Gras was no exception. While many participants practised choreography together in the Sydney Uni Sport Centre, her rehearsals took place in her bedroom. Dance routines were sent to her online and she spent evenings learning the steps alone, replaying videos, practising in front of mirrors and hoping she was getting it right. It was a reminder that even when you are physically distant, you can still be fully part of something special.

“Living and working rurally has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced,” Ashleigh said.

“My journey to Mardi Gras reflected this remote reality in more ways than one. As is often the case with regional travel, my flight to Sydney was cancelled, adding another layer of uncertainty and stress.”

After navigating delays and rescheduling, she eventually made it to the city, only to experience further delays on the way home. These disruptions became part of the story – another reminder that getting from a rural community to a major event in Sydney often requires patience, flexibility and resilience.

Despite these challenges, when the night finally arrived, everything fell into place. Stepping onto Oxford Street, surrounded by colour, music and energy she felt proud, excited and ready. The choreography she had practised alone in my bedroom was firmly in her head and as they moved together as one group she knew every moment of preparation had been worth it.

“Walking in the parade was an unforgettable experience and I had an absolute blast,” Ashleigh said.

Being an ally, especially in rural and remote settings, is vital. In rural communities where judgement can still exist, simple acts of kindness and understanding can make a powerful difference. Being an ally is not just about words, but about consistent actions that help others feel seen, respected and supported.

The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health work closely with students undertaking rural placements, recognising that relocation and isolation can be challenging. For LGBTQIA+ students in particular, arriving in a new and unfamiliar town can be daunting. The team aim to support students through safe accommodation, wellbeing services and academic guidance, while fostering an environment built on listening, respect and inclusion.

Ashleigh’s journey to Mardi Gras – from learning choreography in isolation, to navigating cancelled flights, to finally walking down Oxford Street as part of Community in Bloom – reflects the broader experience of working remotely. While distance can create challenges, it does not limit participation, contribution or connection, thanks to the University of Sydney.

“Being selected as a rural staff representative was an honour and I am deeply grateful to Andi, Brooklyn and the wider USYD community for making this opportunity possible.

It showed that no matter how remote you may be, you can still be part of something extraordinary.”