About Us

Lynne is a proud Lesbian, Feminist, LGBTIQA+ Activist, Mother, ovarian cancer survivor, and Grandmother of 6, with over 40 years of service to the LGBTQIA+ community.

She began her activism in the mid-80s, initiating projects such as the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Choir (QWIRE) and Heaven Nightclub, Canberra’s first commercial gay nightclub. She also produced and managed numerous women’s dances and bands.

Lynne later moved to Sydney, where she co-led the Sydney Pride Centre and played a key role in bringing the International Gay Games to Sydney in 2000. She also contributed to the revival of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and managed major events like Fair Day.

In addition to producing successful kink parties, Lynne has served on various boards, including Diversity ACT, where she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to the LGBTIQA+ Community. She became the Deputy Chair in 2018 and has been the President of SpringOUT since 2019, securing funding and sponsorships to ensure the festival’s success.

Danny is a writer, publisher, DJ and events producer. He was the creative director of the YES!Fest street parties on Lonsdale Street from 2017-2020 and is the publisher of STUN Magazine. Danny joined the SpringOUT committee as Vice-President in 2025, introducing new events such as Loud & Proud and Pride-day Night Shopping, and became Festival Director in 2026. Danny believes that in times of division, our strength is in solidarity and respect, together at community events.

With over 25 years of involvement in the queer community, Nathan has recently become more visible in his support and activism, understanding the importance of representation.

He joined SpringOUT to contribute to the festival and engage more deeply with the Canberra queer community.

Nathan brings his extensive experience from public service committee meetings to his role as Vice President and also captures the festival's vibrant moments as the official photographer, finding great reward in seeing the events come to life.

I am a young queer disabled person of colour and I am enthusiastic about bringing my perspective to SpringOut to make queer events for friendly for people in my communities. As an artist, musician and drag artist that has participated in SpringOut events previously, I have confidence that this experience will aid me in delivering programs smoothly with SpringOut for both the artists we work with and the people that come to celebrate queerness with us.

Sharon is the Project Manager for SpringOUT, bringing extensive expertise in design leadership, creative direction, project management, and strategic marketing.

Since returning to Canberra from Surry Hills in 2016, Sharon has been pivotal in shaping user-centred, inclusive initiatives that resonate with the LGBTQIA+ community. Her strategic vision and hands-on approach ensure that SpringOUT’s events and online presence are engaging and impactful. Sharon is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, playing a crucial role in fostering a welcoming environment and securing a sustainable future for Canberra’s leading pride festival.

For over 20 years, Sharon has been an active member of Canberra's queer community, co-founding a movie group, organising social events, and contributing to the creative direction and design of floats for Sydney's Mardi Gras festival.

As a dedicated member of public sector pride and diversity networks, she has also represented various organisations at national pride conferences, working groups, and networking events.

My name is Bob Lees, I was raised and educated in Canberra and have been involved in community sport for many years. I have previously played gay and inclusive rugby with the Sydney Convicts and currently play over 35’s rugby with the ACT Veterans rugby club (The Vets). The vets have raised well over $750,000.00 for local charities in the past 30 years.

I am passionate about LGBTQIA+ visibility and inclusion, breaking down stereotypes through sport, promoting diversity in rugby – age, gender and sexuality and striving to amplify a clear message of inclusion and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region. Sport is for everyone.

Jade Satchell (she/they) is the Volunteer Coordinator for SpringOUT Pride Festival. With a strong connection to the queer community, she’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces and uplifting those with less privilege, particularly trans community members. After being involved in recent Fair Day events, they’re excited to continue bringing people together and supporting the volunteers who make SpringOUT shine.

Anand Kamani is a marketing and business development professional with more than 20 years of experience across Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Throughout his career, he has worked with businesses, community organisations, and media companies, helping them build meaningful connections and grow their impact.

Originally from India, Anand migrated to Australia and brings a broad international perspective shaped by living and working across diverse cultures and communities.

Anand is passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming spaces. Growing up, he did not have access to the kind of support networks that many young LGBTQIA+ people can access today. It wasn't until his late twenties that he discovered community through Gay Bombay, an organisation that provided a safe and affirming environment during an important stage of his life. That experience reinforced the importance of belonging, visibility, and community support.

As a committee member of SpringOUT, Anand is committed to helping create spaces where people feel accepted, celebrated, and empowered to be themselves. He believes that when people are given a safe and supportive environment, they are fully capable of shaping their own futures and achieving their potential.