ANZ partners with QLife this Mardi Gras to support, connect and empower Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community

ANZ today announced a $100,000 donation to QLife, an LGBTIQ+ support service, demonstrating ANZ’s long term support for the LGBTIQ+ community and as principal partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

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During the second half of 2020, QLife experienced a 58% increase in the number of people wanting to access its telephone and web services. It also recorded a 31% increase in calls from people who said they had experienced feelings of “isolation” and “loneliness”.

The social effects of the pandemic proved to be particularly challenging for LGBTIQ+ Australians living in rural and remote communities, where QLife experienced a 78% increase in the total number of calls made to the service, year-on-year.

Mark Hand, ANZ Group Executive, Australia Retail & Commercial Banking said: “We are really pleased to support QLife so they can continue to provide this essential service to our LGBTIQ+ communities. Organisations such as QLife are making a real difference when it comes to bridging the gap between isolation and connection.

“Mardi Gras is a time to unite and celebrate - whether you’re at the Sydney Cricket Ground this year or dancing in your living room – and we want the LGBTIQ+ community to know they are always supported and never alone.”

QLife Director of Programs and Development Zed Tintor said: “We are extremely grateful to ANZ for its very generous donation of $100,000.

“These funds will provide an additional 2,250 hours of anonymous and free telephone and web counselling and support for thousands of LGBTIQ+ community members throughout 2021.”

To celebrate the way the LGBTIQ+ community has come together in the face of a challenging 12 months, ANZ has created a short film. Starring members of the LGBTIQ+ community, including ANZ staff, this music video highlights the emotions many people in the community experience.

For more information visit https://www.anz.com.au/promo/mardigras2021

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