AlburyCity Mayor, Kylie King says the Council has been left “deeply saddened” by the news that Rural City of Wangaratta Council has made the “difficult decision” to delay plans for a Rainbow Ball in the city.
In a statement last Thursday, the Wangaratta council announced the event would be postponed.
“You may have seen some confronting commentary around this event, this is why we have made this difficult decision,” the Council said.
“The safety of all involved is our priority.”
The LGBTQIA+ Rainbow ball was originally scheduled for Saturday 3 June. It was being run by Council as a fully supervised drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free vent for 12 to 25 year olds.
“We are so lucky to live in a country such as Australia that promotes free expression, diversity and inclusion. Everyone in our community should be able to celebrate what it means to be themselves, without fear of discrimination,” said Mayor King.
“It is disappointing to hear that there has been negative commentary around this event, however we will continue to advocate for our local LGBTQIA+ community, and focus on education on the importance of diversity, inclusion and acceptance – all of which are vital to a healthy and vibrant society.
“We hope that Rural City of Wangaratta will be able to put on this important event at a later date, and we will do anything that we can to support them in making this happen,” she said.
AlburyCity is a member of the North East Pride Collective (NEPC) alongside Rural City of Wangaratta, which consists of Councils and service providers across our region.
The NEPC’s mission is ‘To provide safe and celebratory spaces, events and opportunities to empower LGBTQIA+ young people in regional communities across the northeast.’
Members include Benalla Rural City, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire Council, Junction Support Services, Mansfield Shire Council, Moira Shire Council, NESAY, AlburyCity through Retro Youth Programs, Rural City of Wangaratta, Strathbogie Shire, The Diversity Project, Uniting, WayOut Wodonga, and Gateway Health.
