ChillOut favourite Marcia Hines shared her sound check time with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Country LGBTIQA+Inclusion Program’s Birds of a Feather members at Victoria Park’s Big Top on Friday, March 7.

Birds of a Feather gatherings are held every three months at venues across the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria.

The events, usually held over lunchtime, offer an opportunity for adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex to come together in a safe and affirming space, hear from a range of interesting guests and feel a sense of belonging.

Friday’s event also included a round of applause for Daylesford’s Danny Moynihan who was introduced as “one of ChillOut’s most fabulous volunteers”.

Danny had a copy of one of Marcia’s albums he was hoping she would sign, gifted to him by his late, great, wife Roz. (Which Marcia signed…)

Anyone keen to attend a Birds of a Feather event should call Mez on 5421 1666 or email mez.lanigan@scchc.org.au.

Check out the video here: www.tlnews.com.au/marcia-hines-chillout-sound-check

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

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.

A free workshop, produced by Justice Connect, “Preparing for your future: A conversation guide for the LGBTIQA+ community” is specifically designed to encourage older people to engage with the process of future planning.

A facilitator from Justice Connect will expertly lead people through the conversation guide, answer questions and help discuss ideas.

The workshop, on Monday, January 29 at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, is funded by Justice Connect, The Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program – Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and the Silver Rainbow Social Club – Castlemaine and Hepburn Shire.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health spokesperson Belinda Brain said talking about older age was not always easy.

“However planning now means that you take the steps you need so you can live the life you want as you age,” she said.

“People are invited to attend this free 2.5-hour workshop that will help them clarify what matters most to them and help them communicate their wishes and decisions to the people around them.”

The workshop runs from 11am to 2pm and lunch will be provided with RSVPs essential for catering. Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFYFJan29

Words: Donna Kelly