ABC Online | Sydney Mardi Gras: NSW Government apologises to first generation of protesters ABC Online The New South Wales Government has offered an apology to participants in Sydney's first ever Mardi Gras, who were arrested and bashed by police when attempting to parade in 1978. After they were arrested, many of the protesters had their names, ... Scuffles break out between police and protesters at the first Sydney Mardi Gras in 1978. Picture: Australian Lesbian ... NSW Parliament apologises to the 78ers who began the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras First Mardi Gras marchers receive apology |