We support diversity and inclusion across Hepburn Shire. We do this through our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee and through events, resources and support services for LGBTIQA+ communities and their allies. We pride ourselves on being a Shire for all people.
When referring to non-heterosexual populations and trans and gender diverse people, our preferred acronym is LGBTIQA+. This acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning, and asexual people. We know there are many separate communities within this population, and when referring to LGBTIQA+ communities as a whole, we use this respectful collective address.
Pride in our organisation
The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee is a reference group and not a decision-making body. Find out more about other Council committees.
All events in Hepburn Shire are LGBTIQA+ inclusive.
In March of each year, our region hosts Australia's longest-running and biggest rural LGBTIQA+ pride festival, ChillOut. Our Council stands by its LGBTIQA+ community and is a proud supporter of the ChillOut festival. Learn more about the ChillOut Festival.
Get acquainted with LGBTIQA+ history and culture, check out a range of training and professional development materials, and apply for funding support.
Our libraries have an extensive collection of LGBTIQA+ resources, including fiction and non-fiction, graphic novels and children’s titles, and DVDs. The collection is inclusive and is not labelled. Use search terms to find items in the library catalogue.
If you represent a community organisation that provides a great service for LGBTIQA+ communities, you may be eligible for a Council community grant. Find out more.
As well as offering a range of health and wellbeing services, queerspace offers professional development for organisations who work with LGBTIQA+ people and their families.
Celebrate and protect equality through the Victorian Pride Centre, which brings the Victorian LGBTIQA+ communities together in a single space.
The Inclusive language guide is a handy reference that provides advice on the appropriate language to use when working with LGBTIQA+ communities. Developed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet for the Victorian public sector.
Switchboard offers peer-driven support services for LGBTIQA+ people, their families and allies, and counselling through its partner QLife. For older LGBTI people, Switchboard’s Out & About program supports intergenerational connection by connecting people with a friendly visitor.
queerspace is an LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing support service that offers counselling, peer support and professional development for organisations who work with LGBTIQA+ people and their families.
Council was a vocal supporter of the marriage equality campaign. In 2012, Council passed a notice of motion advocating for a change to the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry. In August 2017, a motion was passed at a Council meeting calling for the rainbow flag to be raised in Vincent Street Daylesford in recognition of our support for equality.