After a busy weekend, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate queer country pride at the 25th annual ChillOut Festival, Hepburn Shire Council has appointed six members to its inaugural LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, selected from a recent public call out for expressions of interest.
Council’s LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee members are Max Primmer, Belinda Brain, Dean Whelan, Ian McKnight, Lyall Brooks and Tass Mousaferiadis.
Advisory Committee members will provide valuable advice to Council about how it can further promote and recognise inclusion and diversity as well as address barriers to equality. The committee will also identify issues of concern within the community and come up with solutions that they will share with Council.
“Our Shire is one of the most LGBTIQA+ friendly communities in Australia, and we want to build on this and make it even more welcoming,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.
“The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee will have ideas about how Council can improve inclusion through programs and services for the community. This will build on the work we’re already doing as part of our Council Plan and our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
“We look forward to working with committee members and congratulate them on their appointment,” said Cr Drylie.
Council will reopen applications for this committee in coming months to further enhance representation of age and gender diversity. To find out more, contact Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Brett Dunlop on bdunlop@hepburn.vic.gov.au.
