Council giving out pride grants

SURF Coast Shire council will offer grants to local groups aiming to increase awareness of gender issues.

The council has made grants of up to $1000 available to support local events and initiatives for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) next month.

The council said it wants to support local workplaces, schools, community groups and community houses to apply for grants to “go rainbow”, for events like luncheons, workshops, training or other celebrations.

“We love when the community takes the lead on raising awareness of important events,” Cr Rose Hodge said.

“It would be fantastic to see as many projects as possible this year that ooze pride and help build a more inclusive community.”

“Sourcing funds can often be a hurdle when it comes to putting on activities like this, so we wanted to make it easier with these quick-turnaround grants,” Cr Kate Gazzard added.

“We also want the Surf Coast to be a place where everyone feels welcome and everyone feels protected.

“The more IDAHOBIT events there are, the more people will feel like this is a place where we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Applications are open until Sunday (April 10) for activities to run between May 1 and June 17.

The council has welcomed local community members to attend a ceremony to raise the rainbow flag at its Merrijig Drive offices on Monday, May 2.

The flag will fly for the entire month to celebrate IDAHOBIT, which is on May 17.