Urbis co-hosts Queers in Property, Love & Legacy: Qtopia Sydney Valentine’s Day Preview event

Firstly, what are the unique aspects that set Qtopia Sydney apart as the largest queer museum in the Southern Hemisphere and the first centre in Sydney dedicated to Queer History and Culture?

Can you provide insight into how the collaboration between Urbis and Qtopia Sydney came about, and what motivated Urbis to offer Heritage and Planning services to support the museum’s development?

I was approached by transgender woman and educator, Katherine Wolfgramme, who is a Qtopia Sydney Ambassador. Katherine is a great personal friend and a wonderful connector, and she put me in touch with Qtopia Sydney CEO, Greg Fisher.

Greg was pitching to occupy a heritage listed building and I offered my team’s services and then went about pitching the idea to our charitable giving committee who quickly agreed. The early stages of the project were pro bono. Jacqui Parker in our Planning Team then joined me in supporting the project. We always love collaborating with our Planning Team.

At Urbis our aim is to create cities and communities for a better future and the Qtopia Sydney vision felt perfectly aligned. Qtopia Sydney will provide transformative stories of LGBTQIA+ history and experiences to broaden the knowledge and perspectives of students, educators, and the general public, through innovative education participatory programs.

Qtopia Sydney, a registered not-for-profit organisation, is committed to empowerment, inclusivity, celebration, challenge, and education. Their public exhibitions, temporary displays, and community engagement and education programs are resolute in their intent to represent the history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community with integrity, authenticity and accuracy. 

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I’ve always felt that I can bring my authentic self to work at Urbis. As a gay man and a Director at Urbis this was a real passion project for me and a way that I felt I could give back to my community.

What were some highlights or memorable moments from Urbis’s collaboration with Qtopia Sydney, and how do you believe this partnership has contributed to the success of the museum’s development?

As a leading consultancy in urban development and planning, what do you see as the broader significance or impact of collaborations like the one between Urbis, Queers in Property, and Qtopia Sydney in fostering inclusive and vibrant cities?

I believe Qtopia Sydney benefited from having a highly professional company like Urbis by their side. It definitely gave their partners at the City of Sydney, Property NSW, and Create NSW a lot of comfort.

But it was also very beneficial for Urbis to be working on a cultural project that felt so closely aligned to our vision for cities and communities. It really was a win win. I also felt it was incredible as an engagement driver. I know the Heritage and Planning Teams really felt like they were contributing to something important with the Qtopia Sydney project. I know we are all so proud of the outcome!

There are still tickets remaining for the exclusive Queers in Property, Love and Legacy: Qtopia Sydney Valentine’s Day Preview event – secure your ticket before you miss out!