Meeniyan Marty Gras this October

THE BIGGEST and most colourful annual fundraising party, Meeniyan Marty Gras, will be celebrated this October.

Marty Thomas – owner of Moo’s at Meeniyan will be hosting the fourth event of its kind, this time bringing glamour and glitz from three drag queens. 

RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder contestant Aubrey Haive, her partner in crime Gloss, and Xena Ghost are set to entertain the crowd. 

Local DJ Golden Fleece, the Gippsland Queer Choir, and It’s no drama inclusive theatre ensemble will also be performing.  

“It is just the most fantastic inclusive night. There’s a real mix of locals and Melbournites. It’s represented really well by a good mix of the community, which is what’s so beautiful about it. Everybody comes together – there’s no judgement and it’s very fun,” said Marty.

Outrageous and colourful outfits are required, embracing the theme behind Marty Gras’ namesake event.

Marty Gras began in 2018 to mark the 50th birthdays of Marty and his close friend Kym and the pair celebrated with over 200 of their nearest and dearest, at the Meeniyan Hall.

“It was such a hit, everybody enjoyed it and we were asked to make it a bit of an annual event,” said Marty. 

The event is held to raise much needed funds for two initiatives dear to Marty’s heart -Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) in Cambodia, and Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc.

ODA provides education and a diverse range of opportunities to over 1450 disadvantaged children across eight outlying villages of Siem Reap. 

Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc exists to connect, celebrate and represent LGBTQI+ Gippslanders, encouraging visibility, engagement, and awareness.

Meeniyan Red Cross will be providing catering and there will be prizes for the best dressed attendees, plus raffles and auctions, with items generously donated by local businesses.

“I can’t wait to get on that dancefloor again with everyone, and do good while having a blast,” Marty declared. 

A Drag Trivia Night will also be held at Moo’s on Friday October 27, hosted by the fabulous and fun Aubrey Haive with multiple rounds of trivia over a casual dinner. 

“We’re trying to make a little bit of a weekend of it, to encourage people to come for the weekend and stay in Meeniyan,” said Marty, who hopes to extend it out to the Sunday in coming years. 

For more information and to book for the trivia night, call Moo’s on 5664 0010. Tickets for Marty Gras can be purchased from trybooking.com/CLOVG and will be held at Meeniyan Town Hall from 7.30pm on Saturday October 28.