Council will raise the rainbow flag in three locations throughout the shire from today to acknowledge the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
At its Special Council Meeting on 1 May, Council approved a request from Cobaw Community Health Services to raise the rainbow flag in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend in the lead-up to IDAHOBIT Day on 17 May.
The rainbow flag was raised outside Council offices in Gisborne and at Kyneton Town Hall last year in recognition of IDAHOBIT Day, as well as on the Woodend clock tower balcony. Cobaw requested a repeat of this initiative in 2020, and this was approved by Council. Woodend RSL Sub-branch was also consulted.
Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce said Council was a proud supporter of the internationally-recognised IDAHOBIT Day and its important message.
"Raising the flag is about promoting equality and respect, and demonstrating Council's commitment to building a just and inclusive community," Cr Pearce said.
The Woodend Clock Tower Memorial has a single flagpole bearing the Australian flag, which will remain in place while the rainbow flag flies from a temporary flagpole erected on the clock tower balcony.
IDAHOBIT Day was created to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. It encourages countries, governments, organisations, townships, communities and individuals to challenge homophobia and champion the rights of LGBTI communities everywhere.
