Long term LGBTQI advocate and 78er Sandi Banks passed away on Monday 16th March after a long battle with cancer.

Sandi’s most recent public engagement was taking part in the 78ers contingent at the 2020 Mardi Gras Parade.  Sandi was one of the 53 people arrested by Police on the night of the first Mardi Gras Parade on 24 June 1978.  At the Police Commissioner’s Apology to the 78ers in 2018, Sandi spoke movingly of her ordeal at the hands of Darlinghurst Police.

William Brougham recorded a video interview with Sandi in 2016:

William remembers Sandi as someone who always spoke her mind and never suffered fools gladly. “But there was a warmth about her that I found endearing and she had a great sense of humour. When Sandi laughed, we all laughed. Her laugh was infectious. I’ll never forget that smile and cheeky glint in her eyes.”

Many 78ers have paid tribute to Sandi as a friend and colleague who will be sadly missed. 

– written by Robyn Kennedy, 78er