In 1985, a group of passionate and brave Darwinites came together to create the very first Darwin Pride – celebrating the Top End’s diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.
The Top End Pride committee strives to uphold those values more than three decades later. We advocate for LGBTQIA+ Territorians who require assistance, we lobby for funding to improve the lives of our queer siblings, we provide education and resources for those with queer loved ones, and we organise Darwin Pride to normalise queer representation and ensure the Top End is a safe place for all.
Top End Pride is run by volunteers who are passionate about embracing difference in every sense. We meet on a regular basis to plan events and to work closely with local government bodies to ensure our community's voices are heard.
We are grateful and humbled to work on Larrakia land and pay our respects to Larrakia elders past and present. We also acknowledge our queer elders who have created spaces to enable us to do our work and effect positive change.
TOP END PRIDE COMMITTEE
Chair
Treasurer & Public Officer
Vice-Chair
David Toro
David has been Vice Chair of Top End Pride since 2022. He is a healthcare worker practising at Royal Darwin Hospital and an active member of the Top End Health Service LGBTQIA+ Committee. He is currently steering a national conference to address the health challenges of LGBTQIA+ folks living in rural and remote Australia. In his spare time, you’ll find him with his cat Michael, planning his next holiday, or napping.
Vice-Chair
Treasurer & Public Officer
Vice-Chair
A Parkinson
A Parkinson is driven by a deep commitment to community and justice.
As a Territory journalist, A has built a career amplifying the unheard voices of the community while holding governments accountable for inequality. Their work highlights stories of change and celebrates black and queer excellence.
In 2022, A received the NT Human Rights Award for investigative reporting on the harsh conditions at Don Dale detention centre and the continued use of spit hoods on children. That same year, they worked alongside Rainbow Territory and the Pride community to secure the passage of Australia’s most progressive anti-discrimination act—a landmark achievement that now requires steadfast protection.
A is a passionate advocate for grassroots activism and community-led events, bringing this vision to every Pride initiative they support.
Treasurer & Public Officer
Treasurer & Public Officer
Treasurer & Public Officer
Darcy Godden
Darcy is a proud descendant of the Kamilaroi and Wonnarua Aboriginal peoples, he places a high value on community and Country, striving to strengthen programs and services to meet community needs. Darcy is a highly skilled and experienced management professional in the health sector and is appointed as the Executive Manager of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health with the NT Primary Health Network. With a background in strategic leadership and a proven track record of growing and developing Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, Darcy is a respected executive and not-for-profit leader. He holds several post-graduate degrees, including an MBA, and is an experienced lead auditor across both national and international standards.
Secretary
Representative for Katherine Pride
Treasurer & Public Officer
Nik Henley
Nik (she/her) is a proud and out queer person based in Darwin, where she works as a teacher, visual artist, photographer, and graphic designer. Specialising in art and digital media, Nik teaches secondary students and is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusivity in schools. She has founded and led numerous groups and campaigns to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students and bring the queer community together.
Engaged to her partner Sal, Nik is a proud parent to their daughter Willow and a devoted carer to three Great Danes and four (slightly needy) cats. As active members of their community, Nik and her family are dedicated to building connections and supporting inclusivity.
Currently serving as acting secretary for Top End Pride, Nik is excited to contribute her energy and vision to the organisation and looks forward to continuing in the role.
General Member
Representative for Katherine Pride
Representative for Katherine Pride
Andi Jones
Andi is an experienced leader who has a strong commitment to, and successful track record of improving outcomes for diverse communities. She is an experienced Social Work and International Development practitioner who is passionate about human rights and social justice. To date Andi's paid and voluntary work has focused on the rights of women and children, refugees and migrants and the LGBTIQA+ community.
Representative for Katherine Pride
Representative for Katherine Pride
Representative for Katherine Pride
Tiffany Broadbent
Tiffany is a dynamic and highly skilled leader in the not-for-profit sector, with a proven track record of making a positive impact in the communities she serves. Relocating to Katherine in late 2017, Tiffany quickly immersed herself in local initiatives, particularly within the rainbow community.
As a dedicated advocate for inclusion and respect, Tiffany assumed a pivotal role as the Chair of the Katherine Rainbow Committee in 2023. In this capacity, she spearheads the organisation facilitating various local events, fostering a sense of community and promoting diversity. One of her notable achievements is the successful coordination of the annual Katherine Pride festival, a celebration that has become a cornerstone in the local queer community.
With a strong foundation in community development, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a passion for personal well-being, her leadership serves as an inspiration for those who share her vision of a society built on respect, understanding and celebration of diversity.
General Member
General Member
General Member
Hannah Silberstein
Hannah (she/her) is a passionate, skillful, and dedicated social worker, who has a decade of experience working with a range of individuals from an intersectional lens. Hannah has had experience in direct client work along with training and developing staff, her approach in each area encompasses a commitment to advocacy and empowerment. She has established a deep passion for working alongside Aboriginal communities, people engaging in the AOD system, LGBTQIA+ communities and young people navigating the mental health system.