May 26th, 2024Hepburn shire in top ten for same sex households

The Hepburn Shire Council this month held a flag raising ceremony to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day amid findings that four of the ‘top 10’ localities for Victorian same-sex households are in Hepburn.

IDAHOBIT Day (May 17) is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia.  The theme for IDAHOBIT 2024 was “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all”. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that Council is committed to furthering equality for LGBTIQA+ people in our Shire.  

“The diversity of our community is one of the wonderful features of Hepburn Shire. Our Council is committed to ensuring this is a place where all people feel safe and welcome.  We have worked diligently with our community to help end LGBTIQA+ discrimination, and we stand up for the human rights of LGBTIQA+ people,” he said. 

“This is an important time for all people to take a stand and say, “It is not OK to discriminate against our diverse Rainbow community.” 

“As Councillors, we want to ensure that Hepburn Shire remains an inclusive and safe place for everyone. You can help by standing with your LGBTIQA+ friends, family, neighbours and colleagues, and saying ‘no’ to discrimination.” 

“Our goal is to be a leader in LGBTIQA+ inclusion, making our Shire a safe and inclusive place for the rainbow community to work, live and visit,” said Cr Brian Hood. 

Speakers at the event included Ange Barry (former CEO of Joy Media), Ro Allen (Human Rights Commissioner), Danni Karametos (Joy Media), Max Primmer (Senior Award Winner) and Grace Lee (Counsellor). 

The council established an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee in 2022 and is currently finalising its inaugural Rainbow Action Plan.