May 13th, 2026Celebrating inclusion, connection and community across the Ranges
Three major recognition events are being marked in the Macedon Ranges this month, each celebrating what makes our community strong, inclusive and connected.
Neighbourhood House Week, running from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May, will celebrate the seven community-led Neighbourhood Houses across the shire, which provide welcoming, inclusive spaces shaped by local needs.
This year’s theme, Your place to connect, highlights the vital role these Houses play in fostering belonging, learning and support, with special activities planned for both regular participants and first-time visitors.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), officially marked on 17 May each year, will be recognised from Wednesday 13 to Wednesday 20 May. Aligning with the theme, At the heart of democracy, the program highlights the importance of ensuring everyone can participate fully, safely and equally in community life.
Council is supporting a series of events delivered in partnership with Omnia Community Health, Goldfields Libraries and Kyneton Community Health, including a Pride Crafternoon, author talk, Country Struts Honky Tonk with Kerryn Fields & Band and DJ Queenie, flag-raising ceremony and community lunch.
National Reconciliation Week, from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June, invites all Australians to reflect on key milestones in our shared history, including the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision, and to commit to meaningful action.
This year’s theme, All In, reinforces that reconciliation requires active participation from everyone. Council will mark the week with a special performance by acclaimed First Nations artist Mo’Ju, supported by Wild Gloriosa, on Sunday 31 May from 4-6pm. Tickets are available via Council’s website, with the full national program accessible through Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 calendar.
Mayor Kate Kendall said the May events provided a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together.
“May gives us so many opportunities to gather – to learn, to listen and to celebrate the people and places that make the Macedon Ranges such a connected and welcoming community,” she said.
“These recognition events remind us that inclusion, respect and reconciliation are things we build every day, in big and small ways. I hope our community embraces these events, shows up for one another and continues strengthening the spirit that makes our shire such a special place to live.”
• Neighbourhood House Week
Find your local House: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Neighbourhood-Community-Houses
• IDAHOBIT 2026
To find out more and to register, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/IDAHOBIT
• National Reconciliation Week
Tickets to Mo’Ju supported by Wild Gloriosa can be purchased online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/MoJu-Wild-Gloriosa
To find more National Reconciliation Week events, check out Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 calendar at reconciliation.org.au/calendar
