Supporting inclusion for IDAHOBIT in Yea

Councillors, council staff and community members came together in a show of support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia, is a day to visibly stand up for equality and respect.

IDAHOBIT serves as a reminder that the journey to inclusion doesn’t begin or end on a single day.

Through the development of the new Council Plan and Community Vision, council said it heard a clear vision — that people want a welcoming, inclusive shire where diversity is embraced and everyone feels they belong.

The IDAHOBIT morning tea and flag-raising is an annual council event.

Cr Sue Carpenter, who spoke at the ceremony, said it was important to start conversations about inclusion.

“I am proud to stand with community members on days like this that spark important conversations,” she said.

“While views may differ, the core message is clear: discrimination and exclusion are still a lived reality for many and we must continue to push for change.

“That’s why visible support matters. When we come together in solidarity, we create a shire where everyone feels safe, valued and respected for who they are.”

Also speaking at the ceremony was Yea resident Eloise Birchall, who said it was nice to see council standing by the LGBTQIA+ community.

“It’s so exciting to see council proudly flying the flag,” she said.

“Especially in a small community where not everyone is supportive, knowing there are places that are supportive and accepting is really important.”