City to show its colours for LGBTIQA+ community

GEELONG is set to be embellished by colour when rainbow crossings are installed across the region – a gesture of support for the local LGBTIQA+ community.

The first to be introduced will be a temporary rainbow crossing on a City of Greater Geelong-controlled road in the Little Malop Street precinct.

This crossing will coincide with the third annual Geelong Rainbow Festival, which began on Tuesday this week and runs until Sunday, February 9.

Cr Anthony Aitken, who raised the notice of motion during council’s last meeting, said he was proud the city voted to support the decision.

“To be a truly inclusive community, a person or group of people need to feel supported, inspired and connected.

“Rainbow crossings are a small but significant step by council which demonstrates our commitment to marginalised sections of our community.

“Members of our community with a lived experience in a wheelchair benefit from better accessibility provided by rainbow crossings.

“Our LGBTIQA+ community can celebrate their inclusiveness which a rainbow crossing demonstrates every day.”

The city will also seek support from the state government and Regional Roads Victoria to install a rainbow crossing or rainbow road pavement treatment in Moorabool Street between the Little Malop Street Mall Precinct and west Little Malop Street Precinct, to improve accessibility for residents who are wheelchair dependent.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the rainbow crossings aligned with council’s strategies and policies on inclusivity.

“The new rainbow crossings will give us great cause to celebrate our diverse community.”