Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion for IDAHOBIT in Yea

Published on 23 May 2025

On Friday 16 May, Murrindindi Shire Council hosted a morning tea and flag-raising event outside the Yea Library, bringing together Councillors, community members and staff in a show of support for LGBTQIA+ people in our community.

The event marked IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination, and Transphobia (idahobit.org.au), a day to visibly stand up for equality and respect. It serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to inclusion doesn’t begin or end on a single day. Many LGBTQIA+ Australians continue to face bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Through the development of the new Council plan and Community Vision, we heard a clear message: people want a welcoming, inclusive Shire where diversity is embraced and everyone feels they belong.

IDAHOBIT invites all of us, whether we identify as LGBTQIA+ or as allies, to speak out against discrimination and foster acceptance in our communities.

Each year, Council hosts a morning tea and flag-raising ceremony to celebrate IDAHOBIT in different towns across the Shire. Keep an eye out for next year's location, and join us in building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Cr Sue Carpenter spoke at the flag raising, saying, ‘I am proud to stand with community members on days like this that spark important conversations. While views may differ, the core message is clear: discrimination and exclusion are still a lived reality for many, and we must continue to push for change.

‘That’s why visible support matters. When we come together in solidarity, we create a Shire where everyone feels safe, valued and respected for who they are. Inclusion isn’t someone else’s responsibility - we all have a part to play’ Cr Carpenter concluded.

Local Yea community member Eloise Birchall also spoke at the flag-raising, later reflecting, ‘It’s so exciting to see Council proudly flying the flag. Especially in a small community where not everyone is supportive, knowing there are places that are supportive and accepting is really important’.

Pictured (above): Attendees at the IDAHOBIT flag-raising ceremony.

Pictured (from left): Cr Sue Carpenter raising the flag, with community member Eloise Birchall.

Pictured (from left): Eloise Birchall speaking with Cr Sue Carpenter watching on.