#GreatNewsThursday – Strathbogie Shire Council flying the rainbow flag on IDAHOBIT

Strathbogie Shire Council will fly the rainbow flag this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, 2023.

It is a day to support the LGBTQIA+ community on the anniversary of May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said Council was an equal opportunity employer so supporting days like IDAHOBIT was important.

“We value diversity in our organisation and it’s so important to ensure everyone feels safe and included. Flying the rainbow flag is a fantastic symbol of the importance Council places on inclusion,” Cr Binks said.

“It’s about celebrating the progress we have made toward the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people while also raising awareness for the discrimination that they still face today.”

Cr Binks said Council recently adopted a Flag Flying Policy which enables the use of the flagpoles located at the intersection of Binney and Brock Streets in Euroa and at 325 High St, Nagambie for flying community flags.

“This policy includes a Recognised Occasions Table of which IDAHOBIT is one of, which means we’ll fly the rainbow flag on IDAHOBIT each year.

“Other recognised occasions include Harmony Week, World Refugee Day, United Nations Day and the International Day for Tolerance.”

Cr Binks explained that Strathbogie Shire residents, either individuals, community groups or clubs, could also apply to Council to fly community flags at other occasions throughout the year.

“We encourage the community to first review the flag flying policy and then submit a request form which can be found on our website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/”

For more information about IDAHOBIT and how you can participate in the day, visit https://www.idahobit.org.au/