What makes a great GLBTIQ community?
Published on 22 September 2015
Mildura Rural City Council's vision is to be the most liveable, people-friendly community in Australia. In keeping with this, Council has launched a social inclusion campaign aimed specifically at our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex and queer residents.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) Inclusion Plan is being developed to ensure these sometimes isolated residents, have a voice in our region.
Community Development and Safety portfolio Councillor Ali Cupper is calling on GLBTIQ residents, their families and friends to have input into this important plan and to let Council know what makes a community a safe and welcoming place for all.
“Traditionally members of the GLBTIQ community haven’t always felt at ease in rural or regional communities,” Cr Cupper said. “Mildura is a progressive and dynamic region and we’ve certainly come a long way in terms of our attitudes towards true social inclusion, but there is still more we can do and learn.”
As part of the planning process, Council has put together a community reference group to help work through issues and concerns, and has also launched a social media campaign to get people talking about the project.
The Mildura Pride Facebook page has been set up as a place people can go to have open and frank conversations about what makes a community feel safe and inclusive.
“I think most communities like to see themselves as being welcoming,” Cr Cupper said. “However statistics show this section of our community regularly experience discrimination and exclusion, which puts them at high risk of developing mental health issues.”
Council is encouraging everyone in the community to get involved in the plan and will be hosting consultations and community events around the district over the coming months.
“We don’t want sit back and tell people that we know what they need. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who identifies themselves, or who has family members or friends who identify themselves, as being part of the GLBTIQ community, to have a say and help influence change in our region.”
It is hoped a draft GLBTIQ Inclusion Plan will be completed by the end of 2015.
More information is available by contact Council's Social Inclusion officer on (03) 5018 8100 or by joining the Mildura Pride Facebook conversation at https://www.facebook.com/mildurapride
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au