Jesse Matheson Confirmed As New Sydney Mardi Gras CEO
The Board of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) has officially appointed Jesse Matheson as Chief Executive Officer. He steps into the permanent role after a successful period as Interim CEO. This appointment ensures leadership stability as the organisation moves toward its massive 50th-anniversary celebrations.
A familiar face steps up.
Jesse is no stranger to the leadership team. He served as a Board Member from 2017 to 2022 and acted as Co-Chair during the challenging pandemic years. His resume also includes time as a Director of Sydney WorldPride and Company Secretary. Before taking on executive duties at SGLMG, he worked in strategy and governance at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Data61 and the University of New South Wales.
He brings extensive experience from the arts, not-for-profit, and public sectors. Under his recent guidance, SGLMG launched a year-round app and refreshed its visual identity. These changes aim to bring clarity and inclusivity to how the brand connects with our community.
Confidence from the board.
The decision follows a thorough recruitment process. Co-Chairs of the Board, Mits Delisle and Kathy Pavlich, expressed strong confidence in his vision. They noted that Jesse is the right leader for this moment in history.
“Throughout his time as Interim CEO, Jesse has demonstrated calm leadership, strong organisational stewardship and a deep commitment to our communities,” they stated.
The Board believes Jesse brings the strategic focus needed for the next chapter. They look forward to working with him to drive growth and renewal.
Strengthening connections and care.
Jesse views his appointment as a chance to reflect on past achievements while looking ahead. He said it is an honour to lead the organisation as it approaches the 50th milestone.
“My priority is to strengthen how we connect, create and care for each other,” Jesse said.
He emphasized that the festival exists because of the hundreds of thousands of people involved. This includes volunteers, members, queer businesses, and the internal team. He wants to shape a future that is inclusive and innovative.
The 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras theme is ECSTATICA. But what does it actually mean for the festival? Here's the official word. 👀 #MardiGras2026 #SydneyMardiGras https://t.co/GCBuQLossc
— DNA (@DNAmagazine) September 25, 2025
Getting ready for Ecstatica.
The organisation is currently preparing for the 2026 Festival. It runs from 13 February to 1 March 2026. The theme for the 48th year is ECSTATICA.
Jesse described the theme as the joy you feel when you find your chosen family. He encouraged everyone to shape their events and Parade floats around this shared frequency.
“Ecstatica is what happens when you find your people, community and family,” Jesse explained.
He sees the theme as a living manifestation of the community’s power and resilience. We look forward to seeing how this vision comes to life on the streets.
(Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras/Ann-Marie Calilhanna)
