Rainbow flag flying for IDAHOBIT Day

Published on 17 May 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council is marking the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), with Rainbow flags flying at Cohuna and Kerang.

Following the acceptance of a petition from the Local Government Rainbow Team to fly the Rainbow Flag in the municipality, flags are on display today outside the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre, Cohuna and along the Bendigo Road median strip at Kerang.

“The flying of the Rainbow Flag on IDAHOBIT Day builds on Council’s commitment to support the LGBTIQ+ community through its Social Inclusion Strategy 2019-2023 and through partnerships and programs within Gannawarra as identified in the Growing Gannawarra – 2021-2025 Council Plan,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“IDAHOBIT Day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s removal of homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, as well as celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.”

Future requests from residents to fly flags to promote causes within the municipality will be guided by Council’s Flags policy and Community Flag Schedule, which were adopted at the May 2023 Council Meeting.

“Council looks forward to working with the community regarding requests to fly flags in the municipality, with this new policy providing guidance regarding how these requests can be addressed,” Mayor Gillingham said.

ABOVE: Mayor Charlie Gillingham (standing, fourth from right) with Northern District Community Health Chief Executive, Mandy Hutchinson (standing, second from right) and NDCH staff at the Bendigo Road median strip flag pole at Kerang.