Mildura Rural City Council has proudly joined several local agencies recently as part of the Rainbow Ready Roadmap Practical Workshop series.
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 supports the Victorian Government’s Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-32 by enabling the creation of safe, strong and sustainable communities, and had been 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 be developing its own roadmap to ensure our services and facilities remain inclusive for all.
“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.”
Cr Healy said that 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.