October 5th, 2022The Big Rainbow comes to Daylesford They swiped right!
DAYLESFORD has been named the home of The Big Rainbow, Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion.
Daylesford was chosen after 16,000 public votes were cast ahead of fellow shortlisted towns Broome (WA), Hay (NSW) and Katherine (NT).
The Big Rainbow project is an initiative by online dating website Tinder Australia.
Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said it was brilliant to see The Big Rainbow, which is 12 metres wide and six metres high, coming to a town that was considered to be the rainbow capital of regional Australia.
“Daylesford is the home of the ChillOut Festival, the longest running regional LGBTIQA+ festival in Australia, and home to many rainbow families. Council will soon initiate a period of community engagement to tap into the community’s local knowledge and perspectives about the best suited location for the Big Rainbow which will celebrate our vibrant and inclusive community.
“We are so grateful for the support that people across the country have shown us in voting for Daylesford to be the home of The Big Rainbow. We have a long history of supporting our LGBTIQA+ community and visitors to our town, and we hope that The Big Rainbow will be an example of what it means to show love and support to everyone.”
Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas said that while the rainbow was a symbol of inclusion, he envisaged it also being a tourism drawcard for Daylesford.
“We see people seeking out the Big Pineapple in Queensland and the Big Merino in New South Wales, we believe The Big Rainbow will continue to add to our visitor experience in the beautiful Daylesford and Hepburn Shire.”
Tinder Australia director Kirsten Hardeman said the company was delighted that so many people took part in the search for The Big Rainbow’s new home and that Daylesford had been named as the fitting regional home.
“This impressive landmark will live in the town as a beacon for diversity, inclusion and self-expression for the regional LGBTIQA+ community. We’re really looking forward to working closely with the passionate people of Daylesford to bring The Big Rainbow home over the coming months.”
Council will now be working with Tinder on the logistics of installing The Big Rainbow. As part of the Big Rainbow Project, Tinder has also pledged to donate $100,000 to support regional organisations which deliver services to LGBTIQA+ people across Australia.
Where do you think the Big Rainbow should be placed? Email donna@tlnews.com.au
