A rainbow of chalk a symbol of support in Wimmera for IDAHOBIT day, flag raised in Ararat

The pedestrian crossing outside Stawell Regional Health was painted the colours of the Rainbow as part of IDAHOBIT day eventson Friday.

Stawell Regional Health staff demonstrated their commitment to welcome and support the local LGBTI community in feeling safe when accessing health care services by turning the pedestrian crossing giving access to the hospital into a rainbow.

The chalk work got underway early, with the project kicking off at 7.30am.

Kate Pryde, CEO, and the rest of the Stawell Regional Health Executive Team, said they were excited to have an opportunity to visibly show care and support to the local LGBTI community.

"We understand that the welcome and respect we have for this community are illustrated through this symbolism in colouring our pedestrian crossing," she said.

"We intend to keep working with LGBTIQ Regional Network in future to better understand their requirements when they need to access health services; we want them to know that they will be safe when they do so.

At Ararat, there was a small rainbow flag raising ceremony at 10am outside the Ararat Rural City offices.

Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership Convenor Jo Richie, Ararat Rural City Council Cr Peter Beales and Ararat Rural City Council Early Years and Positive Ageing Coordinator Erin Mackley took part.

(And, yes they were physically distancing.)

Earlier

Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies by Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire councils will show support for the LGBTIQ community on Friday for IDAHOBIT day.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia was launched globally in 2004 to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersectional and questioning (LGBTIQ) people.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said while the two councils had to limit attendees at the flag-raising ceremonies due to coronavirus restrictions, they would be an important symbolic gesture to the LGBTIQ community.

Dr Harrison said the rainbow flag would be raised at the Ararat Rural City Council office at 10am with a small group of council officers and the mayor practicing social distancing.

"IDAHOBIT Day is a time to stand with the LGBTIQ community and make the world a better place for everyone," Dr Harrison said.

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"Council wants the LGBTIQ community to know that council supports them wholeheartedly and believes everyone is equal."

Rainbow flags will also be raised at the Northern Grampians Shire Council chambers flagpole at the Pleasant Creek Historical Precinct in Stawell and at the St Arnaud Hospital at 10am to mark the occasion.

Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO Liana Thompson said the Northern Grampians was a welcoming community who supported all its LGBTIQ+ residents and visitors.

"IDAHOBIT Day is a chance for us council's to proudly show our support for the members of our communities who have historically been marginalised."

"We are all for equality and feel this show of support is necessary to let everyone know our organisation and our community will not stand for discrimination or oppression in any way."

Other community groups, such as Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership and East Wimmera Health Services, will also hold flag-raising ceremonies.

Stawell Regional Health will paint the footpath entry to the hospital in rainbow colours to mark the day.