THE Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) flew the rainbow flag outside the Hamilton Library last Wednesday May 17, 2023, to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

Organisations, businesses and community members showed their support for the LGBTIAQ+ communities by attending a free community event from 4pm – 6pm outside the library and in the Hamilton Gallery foyer next door with afternoon tea provided.

Todd Fernando, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIAQ+ Communities spoke at the event, alongside others who shared their own stories and experiences within the community. A recently created Youth Mural nearby was also unveiled, with the concept designed to encourage positivity of LGBITQA+ pride in the south-west.

The YUMCHA Hamilton 18+ group has been developing ways to spread positivity of LGBITQA+ pride in the south-west community, with the mural designed and painted by group participants. YUMCHA Hamilton is a youth-led social group celebrating diversity and offering a safe space to connect and engage young people aged 12 to 25 from the LGBTQIA+ community.

The group is facilitated by the SGSC in partnership with Brophy Family & Youth Services and leads initiatives to promote social and emotional wellbeing and increase inclusion and connection across the community.

“It (was) terrific to see members of the community supporting these fantastic, courageous and inspiring young people (at) the mural launch during IDAHOBIT Day celebrations,” mayor, David Robertson said.

Services engagement lead at Brophy Family & Youth Services, Rowena Brinkmann, said “these connected young people share a love of art, with group member Levi Cutchie incorporating all ideas into the final design. Local artist Jesse Shannahan provided first-class expertise and I’m so proud of how the pride mural has all come together.”

The event also displayed specially curated artworks in the gallery foyer, as well as an all-ages beading activity in the library.

SGSC hosted the event in partnership with Brophy Family and Youth Services, YUMCHA Hamilton, Southwest Pride – Southern Grampians, Western District Health Service, Victoria Police, and WDEA Works.