Victoria's Yarra Trams has officially unveiled its 2023 #AllAboard Pride Tram and for the first time ever, it's been designed by an LGBTQI artist.
The 2023 #AllAboard Pride Tram features a rainbow-coloured, low-floor D-class tram wrapped in a mural painted by Victoria's Marco Pennacchia.
His design won first place in a tram design competition by Yarra Trams, Midsumma, JOY Media, and the Department of Transport, which was decided by public vote out of nearly sixty submissions.
He was awarded $5000 and his work will be featured around tram routes 5, 6, 16, and 72.
"As someone who's experienced difficulty in finding my way into a supportive LGBTQIA+ community, I hope my artwork demonstrates to those in difficulty that there is always someone there to lend you a helping hand and help guide you to where you're meant to be," he said.
Second place went to fellow artist, Luciano Hudson, who took home $3000 for their submission that will be featured on a tram shelter in the vicinity of the Victorian Pride Centre ahead of the Midsumma Pride March in February.
Yarra Trams' Acting Chief Executive Officer Adele McCarthy said inclusion and diversity were pillars of Melbourne's iconic tram network.
"Everyone is welcome on-board at Yarra Trams, and our #AllAboard tram is an important symbol of Keolis Downer's [the operator of Yarra Trams] commitment to diversity and inclusion," Ms McCarthy said.
Australian Associated Press
