About DIVA
Overview and History
Hall of Fame
Past Winners
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DIVA's recent tweets
About DIVA
Overview and History
Hall of Fame
Past Winners
Proudly sponsored by...
DIVA's recent tweets
History and Beginnings
About DIVA
In 2009 a new company, Avid Events Limited, took on the task of holding an drag industry awards night to replace the "Drag Industry Variety Awards". The awards night "DIVA" has been created to continue the legacy of a ceremony that rewards, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the drag community.
Avid Events Limited is a not for profit company, run by a volunteer board that work together to put on the awards night annually. All DIVA activities reward, recognize and demonstrate the achievements of gay men, lesbians and transgenders in Sydney's performing arts and popular drag entertainment.
The awards, such as Entertainer of the Year, Hall of Fame, Bitch of the Year, and many more, are decided by a mix of the judging committee, the public, and the showgirls themselves.
History
The Drag Industry Variety Awards was founded in 1991 by David Wilkins, Penny Clifford and Ian Jopson, who wanted to organize an event to celebrate Sydney's amazing drag queens, their work, and the many talents of the people who make up the local gay entertainment industry.
The first Drag Industry Variety Awards, held at DCM nightclub on Oxford St, was a huge hit and set a high standard for those to follow.
There after, the Drag Industry Variety Awards had been held at a variety of locations including the Shangri-la Hotel (formerly the ANA Hotel), the Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Town Hall, and the Showroom at Star City Casino.
Over the course of these years, David, Penny and Ian realized that the event was too big for three people to handle, and as such, they created a formalized the annual awards night, created a commitee structure and a not for profit company to organize the annual awards night. The companies constitution ensured that the Drag Industry Variety Awards stayed independent, relevant, and focused on the key goals of rewarding and promoting Sydney drag. This continued up until the organisation closed in 2009.
We are excited and honoured to continue the tradition of the annual awards night into the future.