Glenorchy Council unanimously passes new LGBTIQA+ Action Plan
Praise for Plan's focus on community education
Community advocates have praised Glenorchy City Council for its first-ever LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and Statement of Commitment which were developed after extensive consultation with the city’s LGBTIQA+ community.
The Council unanimously endorsed the five-year Plan and Commitment this afternoon. It focusses strongly on educating the broader community about the lives and needs of LGBTIQA+ people.
Glenorchy Mayor, Sue Hickey, said the Action Plan is about equality for all.
“I am so proud that Glenorchy City Council is leading the way on LGBTIQA+ inclusivity.”
“The survey and report that led to the Action Plan showed that LGBTIQA+ people continue to face discrimination and harassment in our city, and that the LGBTIQA+ community and its allies believe local government has a role to play in modelling and fostering kindness and inclusion."
“Glenorchy is a diverse community, where kindness, acceptance and love help build tolerance, understanding and equality for us all.”
A member of the Glenorchy Council's LGBTIQA+ advisory group, Andrew Shaw, said he is very pleased with the outcome.
“I am a strong advocate for educating the broader community about our lives and the challenges we face.”
“I am very pleased to see the Action Plan’s emphasise on community education, particularly partnerships with local organisations to conduct workshops promoting LGBTIQA+ inclusion.”
“I am also pleased with the Council’s codesigned consultation process which turned out to be very important for building a stronger sense of community.”
"The way the Council meaningfully included local LGBTIQA+ voices in policy and planning has been a model for how all community members can actively participate in shaping the future of our city".
The Action Plan commits Glenorchy Council to a range of initiatives including community workshops about the lives and needs of the LGBTIQA+ community, based on LGBTIQA+ workshops that have already been conducted in partnership with groups such as Karadi Aboriginal Corporation and Bucaan Community House.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the Glenorchy Action Plan and Commitment will encourage other Tasmanian councils to take similar initiatives.
“Across Tasmania local governments are rising to the challenge of LGBTIQA+ inclusion.”
"Several othercouncils already have, or are currently developing, LGBTIQA+ advisory groups and actions plans, including Launceston, Burnie, Kingborough and Brighton.”
The City of Glenorchy takes in the northern suburbs of Greater Hobart which were traditionally industrial and blue collar, as well as rural areas of Glenlusk and Collinsvale. Glenorchy also has a relatively large numbers of people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact
Sue Hickey: 0427 351 987
Rodney Croome: 0409 010 668
