Published on 17 April 2024
Hepburn Shire Council seeks to provide a safe and welcoming community for its LGBTIQA+ people. Building on an initiative to establish an Advisory Committee in 2021, Hepburn Shire is now taking the next step in its commitment to accommodate and welcome the many LGBTIQA+ people who live or work in our region.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that Council supports its LGBTIQA+ community, who add enormously to the rich and diverse fabric of our Shire.
“We commit to embracing the many people that form our ‘Rainbow’ community,” said Cr Hood.
The Victorian Population Health Survey shows that 7.5% of Hepburn Shire’s population identify as LGBTIQA+, which is 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.
“I urge residents to provide feedback, which is important for our decision-making,” said Cr Hood.
The Plan aims to ensure LGBTIQA+ people feel supported, connected, visible and safe both within the community and within Council’s own workplace. It follows guidelines established by the Victorian Government’s Rainbow Ready Roadmap methodology.
An online survey is available at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/rainbow-action-plan with feedback closing on 8 May 2024.
Surveys are also available in hard-copy and large-print at Council’s libraries and customer service hubs.
Feedback from the community and stakeholders will drive the development of an updated Rainbow Action Plan that will be presented to Council for adoption later this year.