The Leeton Rainbow Pride Collective had been working for the past 12 months to plan the inaugural event, which was due to be held at the end of September.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the hands of organisers, who have decided to postpone the event until 2021.

It was a disappointing decision to make, but organiser Denise McGrath said it was the necessary one.

"It is with much disappointment our mardi gras committee announces the postponement of the Leeton Rainbow Pride," she said.

"However, we will continue to plan for our pride festival, but (instead) aim for September 2021 and the planned events will remain the same.

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"They were the street parade, Mountford Park fair and dance party on the Saturday and pride games on the Sunday.

"As COVID-19 will continue for many, many more months, we felt it pertinent to postpone our event sooner rather than later.

"Our community is currently free of any confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we feel a huge responsibility to help keep it that way."

There is no doubting the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are far and wide-reaching, including for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Isolation has been tough on many, but for others it has been even harder.

Ms McGrath said it was important for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to reach out if they need help during these times.

"Our thoughts go out to the LGBTQIA+ communities and many other marginalised groups who are more at risk of infection than the general population, especially those impacted by HIV, homelessness and those reluctant to access health care due to fears of encountering LGBT-phobia," she said.

"It is disappointing to read reports many transgender people have been denied access to prescribed hormone injections, with some being told they are 'non essential' services.

"However, the World Health Organisation's guidelines on essential services include the provision of ongoing medications for the transgender community."

Ms McGrath sad it was important for people to be aware of their rights and not be afraid to speak out or seek assistance.

In the meantime, the Leeton Rainbow Pride Collective has thanked the community for its continued support.

"(We want to) extend our thanks to those who have supported us this far in our efforts to fundraise by donating gifts for our raffles or buying raffle tickets," Ms McGrath said.

For more information, visit the Leeton Rainbow Pride Collective on Facebook.