The City of Greater Dandenong is working towards improving inclusion of, recognition of and community understanding of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, intersex, queer, asexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+) residents and visitors.
Our aim is to strengthen the participation of everyone in Greater Dandenong, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Diversity, Access and Equity Policy formalises Council’s acknowledgement and respect for the diversity of backgrounds, abilities, values, beliefs and lifestyles of all residents.
Diversity, Access and Equity Policy - 201KB
On 9 December 2019, Council endorsed the following recommendations to improve the inclusion of, recognition of and community understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community in Greater Dandenong.
That Council:
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Publishes an inclusion statement in relation to the LGBTIQA+ community;
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a) hosts celebrations of LGBTIQA+ events;
b) advocates with health service providers and peak bodies governing public and private health services to promote inclusion of LGBTIQA+ friendly service provision;
c) implements programs to improve community understanding and inclusion of the LGBTIQA+ community in partnership with relevant stakeholders; and -
Continues to support the services of Greater Dandenong Libraries and Youth and Family Services.
We look forward to collaborating with members of the LGBTIQA+ community to implement these recommendations.
LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Statement
Greater Dandenong Council is proud to support the rights and ambitions of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities. As a diverse and vibrant municipality, we are enriched by the social, cultural and economic contributions made by LGBTIQA+ people who live in, work in and visit the City of Greater Dandenong.
As an inclusive organisation, Council is dedicated to ensuring our City is safe, respectful and welcoming for our LGBTIQA+ residents and visitors. Council recognises there are real struggles facing LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly by those who experience other forms of discrimination and marginalisation.
Council is a strong advocate for inclusion and equality, and is committed to building a more equitable future for our LGBTIQA+ communities.
To this end, as your ally and partner, Council will:
- Challenge discriminatory and antagonistic behaviours towards LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Engage with LGBTIQA+ communities in a manner that provides genuine opportunities for:
a) participation in decision making;
b) providing input into the responsiveness of existing services;
c) finding solutions to current unmet needs;
d) developing community leaders to foster positive change;
- Collaborate with service providers and organisations to support the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Advocate to state and federal governments for appropriate supports and services to meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Celebrate days of significance for LGBTIQA+ communities.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2020
The City of Greater Dandenong celebrated IDAHOBIT on Sunday 17 May as it stands united in its support for the LGBTIQA+ communities, their families, and allies.
This year’s IDAHOBIT will mark 30 years since the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Although the LGBTIQA+ community has achieved tremendous progress in their struggle to ensure equality for all, IDAHOBIT also marks the important work that still remains, both in Australia and abroad.
Mayor Jim Memeti with support from other Councillors commemorated the day at the Pride Flag raising ceremony in Harmony Square on Sunday 17 May 2020 to honour of our LGBTIQA+ communities. Council launched its the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Statement on this day. The Drum Theatre was lit up in rainbow colours to commemorate IDAHOBIT.
Resources
This list provides links to relevant organisations and support materials for the LGBTQI community, their families and allies.
Australia's leading Indigenous suicide prevention and mental health support source for LGBTQ+ people.
Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council
Peak body for individuals/groups from a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer multicultural background.
A place to connect with the Australian asexual community and find out more about asexuality.
Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives
Community group in Australia that actively collects and preserves LGBTIQ material from across the country, and makes it readily accessible.
National LGBTI Health Alliance
The national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
QLife
Provides anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. The services are for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.
Rainbow Families Victoria
Volunteer community organisation supporting and promoting equality for ‘rainbow’ families (parents and prospective parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, transgender or intersex, and their children).
Rainbow Health Victoria (formerly known as Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria - GLHV)
Promotes LGBTI Victorians’ health and wellbeing and has a range of programs, training and resources.
Rainbow Network
Membership based organisation that provides opportunities for people who work with same sex attracted, intersex, transgender and gender diverse young people to exchange information, discuss issues, hear from guest speakers, advocate, develop partnerships and engage with activities and initiatives.
Switchboard Victoria
A volunteer organisation which provides a telephone counselling, referral and information service for the Victorian and Tasmanian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities as well as family and friends of LGBTIQ individuals and health and welfare professionals with LGBTIQ clients. Switchboard is a partner in QLife.
Tailored and specialised disability support services for members of the LGBTQI+ and gender diverse communities and their allies in Victoria.
Mental health and advocacy professionals working to improve and promote bisexual+ inclusivity in LGBTIQA+ programs and services.
Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council)
Provides a range of services which include prevention education, treatment and care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and counselling services.
Transgender Victoria
Educates organisations and workplaces on how to provide better services for transgender people, and seeks ways to provide direct services to the transgender community. Transgender Victoria also works with and for the transgender community to create positive change in human rights and policy development.
Social and support group for trans and gender diverse people and their loved ones.
National peer support network and community for parents and carers supporting their trans, gender diverse and non-binary child in Australia.
Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers (QRASP)
A peer-led social support group for LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum. Based in Melbourne with members across Victoria.
Unite Alliance
Is available for young people aged 14-25 years old including same sex attracted, gender diverse or questioning young people and their alliances and meet weekly to learn about healthy relationships, mental health and wellbeing and take part in training opportunities and fun activities.
Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers (GLLO)
Police Stations in Greater Dandenong have specific GLLO officers who can assist by providing discrete, non-judgemental advice and assistance relating to safety, security and crime prevention.