In January this year, Whitehorse City Council directed council officers to remove rainbow stickers from the entrance to their aquatic centres at Box Hill and Nunawading. 

The rainbow stickers were removed without consultation or explanation, which caused concern and distress amongst LGBTIQA+ staff, residents, community members and their families and allies.

Nearly 11,000 Whitehorse residents identify as LGBTIQA+, and it's important that they are represented and their voices heard by Council.

Thanks to advocacy from the Victorian Pride Lobby and local community members, Council restored the rainbow flag alongside an inclusion statement to be placed in Council facilities.

What this shows, however, is the need for Whitehorse City Council to establish an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.

An LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee will enhance health and wellbeing outcomes as well as inclusion in the local community, and ensure that the community is consulted on issues and actions that affect them.

Neighbouring councils, such as Monash and Maroondah, have LGBTIQA+ advisory committees, and now it's time for Whitehorse to join them.

Join us in calling for Whitehorse City Council to establish an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee to connect and engage with LGBTIQA+ people and local organisations.