Mildura Rural City Council recently took part in the Rainbow Ready Roadmap Practical Workshop series as part of the Victorian Government’s Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-32.
The workshops were conducted by Daniel Witthaus from Rural Pride Australia, in partnership with the Commissioners for LGBTIQ+ Communities and State Government.
The workshops aimed to:
• provide more information about the Rainbow Ready Roadmap and how it can be used locally;
• help assess how ready local spaces, settings and the community are for LGBTIQ+ inclusion;
• practically work through a basic action plan template for LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
The Rainbow Ready roadmap is a set of resources for Victorian rural and regional communities to build LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
The roadmap enables the creation of safe, strong and sustainable communities, and was developed through consultation with LGBTIQ+ communities, including through the LGBTIQ+ Rural and Regional Roadshow.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equity, Helen Healy said the workshops provided valuable information for Council, which will now develop its own roadmap.
“I had the opportunity to sit next to a local sporting club president during the workshop, and was so impressed by his desire to learn more about inclusivity, and then take that knowledge back to his club in an effort to attract and create a welcoming space for new members,” she said.
“Our Council strongly believes that everyone in our community, regardless of race, sex or identity should have a fair and equitable opportunity to live healthy, safe and happy lives.
“We welcome and celebrate diversity and believe it fosters growth and strength. We value the diverse range of identities, lifestyles and experiences of all members of our community, including people of all ages, abilities, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, gender, political perspectives and religious beliefs.
“Sustainability, gender equality, preventing family violence, access, inclusion and diversity came up consistently throughout the six-month engagement process to develop of our latest Council plan and 20-year Community Vision.
“Council’s effort in addressing these issues is fundamental to our community’s future, and we commit to them through our actions and advocacy, including the development of our own Rainbow Roadmap.”
Councillor Healy said the wider community would be consulted during the development of Council’s Rainbow Ready Roadmap, which is expected to take place sometime in the coming months.
For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/rainbow-ready-roadmap.
