May 3rd, 2024Call to fly the rainbow flag on IDAHOBIT day

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Macedon Ranges Shire Council are calling on businesses to display the rainbow flag in the lead-up to this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17.

Also on offer is an online workshop for businesses on how to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTIQA+ staff and customers. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 6.30pm.

An official flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute in Mollison Street on Friday, May 17 at noon featuring the Rainbow Voices choir, a free sausage sizzle and guest speakers.

Further details: 5421 1666, healthpromotion@scchc.org.au or www.sunburycobaw.org.au/idahobit-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council, following the establishment of an Advisory Committee in 2021, is taking the next step in its commitment to accommodate and welcome the many LGBTIQA+ people in the region.

The Victorian Population Health Survey shows that 7.5 per cent of the shire’s population identify as LGBTIQA+, about one third higher than the average across rural and regional Victoria.

The new draft of the Rainbow Action Plan commits the council to take clear and achievable actions to help create a more inclusive, safe and welcoming community for LGBTIQA+ people.

An online survey is at participate. hepburn.vic.gov.au/rainbow-action-plan with feedback closing May 8.