General News
24 May, 2022
Shire raises flag of inclusivity
CORANGAMITE Shire stood in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community last week when the community flagpole at the Camperdown Courthouse got its first use.
CORANGAMITE Shire stood in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community last week when the community flagpole at the Camperdown Courthouse got its first use.
The rainbow flag, the international symbol for the LGBTQIA+ community, was raised in a ceremony on Tuesday.
Corangamite Shire councillors and staff were joined by members of the community for the flag raising ceremony.
The raising of the rainbow flag coincided with the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Timboon’s Mason Bailey, a Corangamite youth councillor, was given the honour of raising the flag.
Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein said the decision to raise the rainbow flag spoke to the shire’s commitment to inclusivity.
“It is an important day for the LGBTQIA+ community and I think this sends a clear message that Corangamite is an inclusive community and we do respect people’s rights,” she said.
“Flying the flag symbolises very clearly that this is an inclusive shire.”
Cr Gstrein said the community flagpole would provide an opportunity to fly flags on special occasions.
“I think it is a positive for the shire,” she said.
“I’ve mentioned the Robert Burns Scottish Festival or NAIDOC week as examples, all those things we can fly those flags here."
“I think the fact it stands alone from the flags outside the council office just makes it all the more obvious."
“It’s in quite a prominent location (at the Camperdown Courthouse).”