The Sydney Mardi Gras parade route will be protected for generations by a heritage listing for its enduring cultural value and significance to the struggle for LGBTQI rights in Australia.
The two-kilometre stretch through the heart of Sydney received the nod from the Australian Heritage Council on Thursday, almost half a century after the inaugural protest was met with police violence in 1978.
"Who would have thought 48 years ago this would be happening?" 78er Diane Minnis told reporters on Thursday.
"This is a huge day for us, and it helps amplify the fact that Mardi Gras is a beacon for people around the country."
The bravery of early parade-goers, who endured persecution and police violence, was noted as federal and state ministers celebrated the 126th entry on the national heritage list.
More than 50 people were arrested in the first rally, with many badly beaten in police cells.
"When the 78ers marched, they put their lives on the line and refused to accept inequality," NSW Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe said.
"We must never forget the shoulders we stand on."
The listing means the federal government can intervene to block any changes along the parade route that seriously undermine its cultural value.
The listing also allows the parade's organisers to apply to dip into an annual $5.3 million pool of federal heritage grants to help maintain the site, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said.
"I expect to see an application on my desk probably tomorrow," he said.
Now part of one of the world's largest pride festivals, the 2026 parade will return to Sydney's streets on Saturday night.
