Brimbank City Council’s

LGBTQIA+ Action Plan

2024-2028

Vision

Recognition of our

LGBTQIA+ community

Brimbank City Council acknowledges those amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual+, trans, queer/questioning,

intersex and ace+ communities (LGBTQIA+) who have worked to support the improved health and wellbeing

of their peers, children, families, friends, and country.

We recognise the communities of which we are a part and we celebrate the extraordinary diversity of

people’s bodies, ages, genders, sexualities, and relationships that they represent.

Acknowledgment of Country

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong People as the Traditional Custodians

of this land and pay respect to their Elders, past, present and future. Council recognises the longstanding care

Traditional Custodians have provided to the land and waters on which the Brimbank municipality sits.

Council acknowledges and thanks Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for their ongoing contribution

and solidarity.

Black Field: #585858 (80, 80, 80)

Red Stripe: #CF7280 (207, 114, 123)

Yellow Stripe: #EEDF77 (238, 223, 119)

White Stripe: #E9E9E9 (233, 233, 233)

Blue Stripe: #7AC1E0 (122, 193, 224)

Green Stripe: #3AAF7D (58, 175, 125)

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Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Understanding LGBTQIA+

As communities become more comfortable identifying their sexuality, gender identity and sex characteristics, the

language and terms used to describe themselves has also shifted.

Language Statement

Brimbank City Council understands that certain

terms, words and acronyms have changed over

time due to the sensitive nature this may have

for some cultures and communities as well as the

inclusion of other diverse sexualities and gender

identities.

Council has found the most inclusive, respectful

and progressive way to refer to community

members who identify as being part of this

community, is to use the LGBTQIA+ acronym. This

stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual+, Transgender,

Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Ace+. The plus

sign is an inclusive symbol that refers to other

identities that people may use to describe their

gender and/or sexuality. (See glossary in the

Additional Resources section of this document)

Use of Pronouns

Traditionally the most common way to refer to

a person’s gender identity has been to use the

pronouns He/Him or She/Her. Over time, more

gender inclusive terms such as They/Them and

Xe/Xer have been welcomed to better describe

how people would prefer to be recognised. This

encourages respect and allows individuals to affirm

their gender identity. (See pronoun explainer in

the Additional Resources section of this document)

Intersectionality

There are many social identities that a person

can use to describe themselves, such as, but

not limited to, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, faith,

age, disability, socioeconomic and/or residency

status. Intersectionality describes how multiple

social identities can overlap to create diverse

experiences of discrimination and inequity.

The development of the Brimbank LGBTQIA+

Action Plan 2024-2028 supports Council’s vision:

A transformed Brimbank that is beautiful, thriving,

healthy and connected. The plan will demonstrate

Council’s commitments to its Social Justice Charter

principles of access, equity, participation and

human rights and strive to achieve the aspirations

of the LGBTQIA+ community in the municipality.

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

3

Contents

Vision

Recognition of our LGBTQIA+ community

Acknowledgment of Country

Understanding LGBTQIA+

Language Statement

Intersectionality

Use of Pronouns

Contents

Executive Summary

Spencers Story

Brimbank LGBTQIA+ Timeline

LGBTQIA+ Snapshot

Australian Human Rights Commission

Writing Themselves in Report 4

Impact of COVID-19

Council’s Role

Guiding Principles

Access, Fairness and Equity

Valuing and Respecting Diversity

Social Wellbeing and Connectedness

Intersectionality

Continuous Improvement and Sustainability

Stakeholder Engagement

What We Heard from The Community

Daniel’s Story

Four Key Focus Areas

Action Plan

Focus Area One: Health and Wellbeing

Focus Area Two: Safety and Safe Spaces

Focus Area Three: Inclusive and Empowered

Focus Area Four: Organisational Leadership

and Advocacy

John’s Story

Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting

Support

References

Additional Resources

Legislation and Policy Context

Creating an inclusive and accessible Brimbank

Council Achievements

Glossary

The LGBTQIA+ Progress Pride Flag

Pronouns

4

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Executive Summary

Brimbank City Council is a diverse and thriving local

government area that prides itself on its commitment

to social justice and human rights. Council believes the

diversity of people’s sexualities, genders, ages, ethnicities,

cultures and abilities is a strength in its own right.

Our commitment

Council recognises the long and difficult history faced by

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual+, Transgender, Queer/Questioning,

Intersex, Ace+ (LGBTQIA+) and the continued

experience of actual and perceived discrimination and

marginalisation. This experience can be associated with

economic disadvantage, poorer mental and physical

health outcomes, and reduced community engagement

and social connections.

Council is committed to creating a safe and inclusive

community that values and celebrates diversity in sexuality,

gender, age, ethnicity, faith, culture and/or disability.

Individuals, like communities have unique nuances and

characteristics that through an intersectional lens, Council

aims to address systemic injustice and social inequality.

Our approach

Our approach is built on inclusivity and diversity,

recognising the unique needs, challenges and aspirations

of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel empowered, safe

and supported. Council will work with key stakeholders

to create an environment free from all forms of violence

irrespective of sexuality, gender identity, or expression.

Our plan

The LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028 is the first of its

kind for Brimbank and has been informed by a series of

community engagement undertakings that occurred

over a 15-month period in collaboration with members

of the LGBTQIA+ community, service providers, various

organisations, staff, young people, general community

and allies.

The collation of this information has identified four key

focus areas:

1. Health and Wellbeing

2. Safety and Safe Spaces

3. Inclusion and Empowerment

4. Organisational Leadership and Advocacy

The LGBTQIA+ Action Plan complies with the Victorian

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006

and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 which guides Council

on ‘how to make Victoria a safer, fairer and more inclusive

state’. It also complies with the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights.

All actions have been developed to align with the four

priority areas of the

and support the state’s vision and

plan to “

.

The Plan details the role Council can play in this space -

Advocate, Facilitate, Plan and Partner. Council can benefit

from its extensive networks, meaningful connections to

the community and local service providers as well as the

ability to foster strong collaborations and relationships.

These roles will support all actions listed.

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

5

Hello and the kindest of welcomes to anyone happening to be reading this.

My name is Spencer Atlas Morgan and I am a trans identifying man under the use of He/Him

pronouns. Not only am I gender diverse but I am also queer, and more specifically I am pansexual,

which means my heart holds no preference for gender, but rather falls in love for the sake of

falling in love.

The term queer throughout time has meant many different things, and will continue to adapt and

blanket immerging terms, as does the LGBTQIA+ community.

The term Queer is never ending, nor is confiding or permanent, and to me it is home. Queer is

the expression and the umbrella. It is a safe house and a warm hug and it is simply just what

it is; queer. I feel like there is a lot of pressure to know exactly who and what you are, whether

you’re cisgender and heterosexual, or gay and trans, if you like girls, or guys, or girls who dress

like guys, or nonbinary folk, there are millions of terms to express and define yourself, and there’s

a lot of pressure to find the correct term. Not only is it a lot of pressure, but it seems as soon

as you decide you can’t change your mind. Before I came out as trans I was a lesbian. Now my

entire gender and sexuality expression has changed, and I couldn’t be happier. But during that

identifying period, trying to figure out who I was, what I was, who I could be, the term Queer

suited me best, as it does now. As lovely as it is having a million terms, it’s quite lovely knowing

you don’t need to find such a defined label.

Queer is my identity, and the Queer community is who I stand with and defend and will fight for,

because we’re all family here, in the Queer community, and we have each other’s backs. But with

this action plan, I hope that it isn’t just us backing each other up and fighting. This action plan

is the next steps into finding a safer community, it is the first step in allowing the youth a safer

childhood, and it is the opening and understanding that the past is wrong and difficult, was hard

and horrible, but our future doesn’t need to be. It is the brick thrown during stonewall, and it is the

first flag raised in 1978.

This plan to me, is safety.

Safety of expression and pride, safety of children in schools, adults in old age, it is raising our flag

high and with pride for the first time but not the last. It is raising awareness that wasn’t there

before, drawing out the extremes that people overlook, page eight alone points out statistics of

domestic violence and the impact of mental health on those who grow up queer. It’s not easy and

for the longest time we were fighting alone, but through initiatives like this action plan, these

kinds of documents, the olive branch, is going to change the future, for the better of children teens

adults and elderly everywhere. It means we’re no longer alone, nor are we fighting alone, we have

a chance to change the future. And I am so incredibly amazed to not only see it grow, but to have

been given the chance to write this quote, as years ago we weren’t even allowed to get married.

I hope that this quote changes the future, as I know it will, and I cannot wait to see the next pride

march, for the only butterflies we should feel should be from love and not fear.

He/Him,

Brimbank Community Member

6

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Brimbank LGBTQIA

+ Timeline

Brimbank City Council recognises that the LGBTQIA+ community’s history predates colonialism and shares strong

ties with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This historical significance is evident in various forms

of storytelling and is reflected in terms such as ‘Brotherboys’ and ‘Sistergirls’ (Refer to the glossary in the Additional

Resources section of this document).

Leigh Bowery born in Sunshine

Homosexuality decriminalised in Victoria

Same sex attracted identifying people

allowed to serve in military

The Bowery Theatre opens in St Albans

named after Leigh Bowery

LGBTQIA+ Pride Flag first painted outside of

the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine

LGBTQIA+ Conversion Therapy banned

in Victoria

One of the first international Mardi Gras festivals

featured at the 1975 Cooinda Festival in Sunshine

The HIV and AIDS epidemic begins in Victoria

Victoria abolishes the ‘gay panic’ defense

Same-sex marriage legalised in Australia

Brimbank City Council wins four awards

as part of the Western Rainbow Awards

presented by Hobsons Bay

The Brimbank City Council marches under its

own banner, as part the Midsumma Pride March

for the first time

Brimbank hosts its first IDAHOBIT

Flag-raising ceremony

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

7

LGBTQIA

+ Snapshot

Up to

11 in 100

Australians

may have a

diverse sexual orientation,

sex or gender identity

Transgender men and women

experience significantly higher

rates

non-physical and

physical abuse

compared with

gay men and women:

In 2011 there were

6,300

children

living in same-sex

couple families,

9 of 10

are in

female same-sex

couple

families

1.7%

of

children

born

in Australia are

estimated to be

intersex

The reported number of

same-sex

couples

has more than tripled between

2011-2016

80%

of

homophobia

begins in school

Percentage of

LGBTQIA+ people who

hide their sexual or

gender identity

at

certain events:

experience

verbal homophobia

experience

physical

homophobia

experience

other forms of

homophobia

Accessing Services

Social and

Community

Events

Work

Gay Men

Gay Women

Trans Men

Trans Women

34%

26% 23% 47% 37%

6 in 10

2 in 10

1 in 10 42% 39%

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people are

more likely to

experience depression

3x

Reference: 2014 Face the Facts by the Australian Human Rights Commission

8

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

1

Approval to use infographics has been received from the Rainbow Network.

Reference: Writing Themselves in Report (2021) that was conducted by

Latrobe University and the Rainbow Network.

These following statistics are from the Writing Themselves in Report (2021) that was conducted by Latrobe

University and the Rainbow Network.

1

60

.2%

had felt unsafe or

uncomfortable at secondary

school in the past 12 months

27.3%

Said LGBTIQA+ people

were never mentioned in a

supportive or inclusive way

in their schooling

40.3%

of participants felt unsafe

or uncomfortable

at work in the past

12 months

33.9%

had stood up for LGBTIQA+

rights in the past 12 months

25.6%

attempted suicide

at some point

in their lifetime

10.5%

of participants from

multicultural backgrounds

reported physical

harassment or assault in

the past 12 months

62.9%

had accessed counselling or

other professional support

service in their lifetime

11.5%

had experienced

homelessness in the past

12 months

26.0%

who had experienced

homelessness felt that this

experience was related to

being LGBTIQA+

26.5%

of those aged 14-17 used

illicit drugs

in the previous

6 months

86.8%

of trans and gender

diverse participants had

been misgendered by

others in the past

12 months

40.8%

had experienced verbal

harassment in the

past 12 months

based on

their

sexuality

or gender

identity

67.9%

of participants with a disability reported very high levels of

psychological distress

56.7%

had felt unsafe or uncomfortable in the past 12 months at

their educational setting

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

9

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging and difficult

time for the entire Victorian community.

Studies undertaken by LGBTQIA+ health services on the

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic found:

• During the lockdowns, individuals who were not able to

express or affirm themselves in their identity

positively in a safe environment due to fears of

discrimination, harassment and/or abuse were at an

increased risk of poor mental health and family violence

2

• A spike in drug and alcohol use

• Increased risk of economic disadvantage and

homelessness

• A lack of access to gender related medications and/or

medications for those living with HIV

3

• Older LGBTQIA+ Australians struggled with social

isolation due to low digital literacy; limited social

services being offered for their age range and a lack of

physical intimacy and social connectedness

These factors along with fears around economic

situations, lack of work availability and housing

situations were identified as the main causes of

increased poor mental health in LGBTQIA+ Australians

over the age of 50 years.

4

Despite this, the United Nation’s General Assembly

Report on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on

Human Rights of LGBT Persons recognised a strong

focus around empowerment with many LGBTQIA+

people volunteering their time to give back to those

in need and LGBTQIA+ performers hosting free live

performances and events online.

2

Rainbow Health Australia

3

Thorne Harbour Australia

4

Silver Rainbow Australia

10

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Young people living in Victoria and NSW reported

high numbers of multiple impacts across a broad

range of life domains (70% of young people

in Victoria and 57% of young people in NSW

reported multiple and diverse negative impacts).

Both groups were

experiencing lockdowns

during the time survey

responses were being collected.

57

%

70

%

Experienced

more negative

impacts

across almost all domains.

Were

twice as likely as males

to report a

negative impact

of the COVID-19

pandemic on

x

2

their

mental health

.

Students reported

greater

negative impact on mental

health

when

education

was

negatively impacted by COVID-19.

More young people currently studying

reported

negative impacts, and across multiple

domains

, than those not studying.

!

Those that experienced longer

lockdowns and lockdowns at

the time of survey completion

(Victoria and NSW); and

Students

Gender diverse

young people

Guiding

Principles

Guiding principles have been developed in accordance

with the Brimbank Social Justice Charter and Council’s

legislative and human rights obligations, as seen by the

subheadings below. They aim to uphold the work of

Council when addressing the aspirations of LGBTQIA+

community members in Brimbank.

Access, Fairness and Equity

Recognising that a safe, inclusive and accessible

environment can provide the same opportunities

for everyone.

Valuing and

Respecting Diversity

Providing welcoming environments that embrace and

promote diversity. This includes diversity of language,

religion, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status,

geographic location, sexuality, ability and age.

Social Wellbeing and

Connectedness

Creating opportunities for people to build greater skills,

community connections and learning pathways that

promote physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Intersectionality

Acknowledging the impact intersecting identities of people

based on gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender

identity, disability, language and religion plays in creating

inequality and inequity.

Continuous Improvement

and Sustainability

Seeking and encouraging feedback from community

members and groups about programs, activities and

facilities as subject matter experts and supporting

initiatives that encourage self-sustainability in the

longer term.

Council’s Role

Many organisations work to support, connect and

uplift members of Brimbank’s LGBTQIA+ community,

it is therefore important that the role Council plays

is well defined and realistic. Based on our initial

engagement, we acknowledge four distinctive roles

that Council can play.

Our role is as an ally, supporter and driver

for change.

The capacity to deliver programs, services,

activities and events using a collaborative

approach. Ensuring our Council facilities are

safe and welcoming and staff are trained in

inclusivity awareness, with a focus on the

LGBTQIA+ community.

Work alongside LGBTQIA+ service providers

to ensure services are safe, accessible and

inclusive and that they meet the needs of the

LGBTQIA+ community.

Events and programs planned are safe,

accessible and inclusive of the LGBTQIA+

community. This includes those who are part of

the community being involved in the planning,

development and implementation of programs.

Council infrastructure planning is responsive

and provides facilities that meet the needs of

the whole community.

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

11

Stakeholder Engagement

The consultation process, to inform the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan was held between April 2022 and July 2023 and captured a

range of voices from all life stages, CALD communities, disabilities, families, carers and allies.

Throughout the consultation period, measures were in put place to ensure LGBTQIA+ community members and allies could

participate in a safe and inclusive way.

Phase One:

A series of benchmarking processes and preliminary

consultations with other Victorian local governments and

LGBTQIA+ specific organisations. This phase included:

• Four consultations with Victorian Local Governments

• Three consultations with LGBTQIA+ specific organisations

Phase Two:

Following the preliminary consultation process, more

consultations were held with 123 internal staff and

volunteers. This phase included:

• One initial internal staff

• One Brimbank Volunteer survey

• 15 focus group sessions

• One drop in consultation session

Phase Three:

A series of safe and inclusive targeted community

consultations with LGBTQIA+ community members and

allies. This phase of consultations included:

• Follow up internal staff and volunteer surveys

• One external community consultation survey, and

• Eight external community consultations

More than 300 people who identify as part of the

LGBTQIA+ community, allies, staff, school staff and industry

representatives actively contributed to the process.

Phase Four:

In the final phase, the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan was endorsed

for public consultation over a four-week period from 29

June – 27 July 2023. Council offered safe and inclusive

online and face to face engagement sessions that included:

• The Your Say Brimbank Online Engagement Platform, and

• Two external focused community consultation sessions

• Targeted discussions with various programs and

service providers

12

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

• Enable access to inclusive

programs, services and

opportunities

• Increase participation of LGBTQIA+ people in Council

programs, activities and events

• Provide accessible information on services, programs

and events in a range of formats

• Raise the profile of community representation

through positive stories and community events

• Provide LGBTQIA+ safe opportunities

for participation

• Work with others to provide accessible, safe and

inclusive public transport

• Empowerment needs to be a key theme for

the community

• There should be some sort of database of

local businesses

• Support health and wellbeing in local schools for staff

and students

• Improve awareness of LGBTQIA+ health

and wellbeing, with a focus on sexual and

reproductive health

• Explore employment, volunteering and

education opportunities

• Increase participation of LGBTQIA+ people in

Council’s community engagement processes

• Create awareness of intersectionality within the

LGBTQIA+ community

• Provide staff training around LGBTQIA+

inclusive practices

• Educate staff on the LGBTQIA+ communities, their

families and allies

Other comments

• The Action Plan is beyond the scope of Council’s

responsibilities and functions

• Opposition based on religious beliefs, privacy, and

medical considerations, with some feeling that it may

not be fully representative of the entire community.

When I was a young person I left home at 17

because, well, being gay and living at home,

weren’t exactly compatible with my Mum and

Dad’s religious beliefs. After a long period, Dad

changed his attitudes and has a new family

with a more modern outlook now. I’m 42 and my

sister Pipi is 16. I won’t tell how old Dad is.

When Dad heard I was marching with Brimbank

at the Midsumma Pride March, he was fully

committed to marching - to show his pride and

acceptance. He has been waiting forever to

march with me and we’ve even been on JOY

radio talking about our journey to personal

reconciliation and rebuilding our relationship.

It was wonderful to be there together at the

Pride March and talk to young people from

Brimbank who I suspect might be in a similar

situation right now to what we were 20+ years

ago. I remember being in that position and

remembering how powerful it was to know

there was community – and workplaces – where

there was LGBTI safety.

I was very proud to march under the Brimbank

banner and to be in such great company of

community, great colleagues and family.

What We Heard from

The Community

,

Brimbank City Council

staff member

Daniel

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

13

Four Key Focus Areas

Following a robust community consultation process, four key priority areas have been identified to ensure the

Brimbank LGBTQIA+ community is included, empowered, safe and supported. This is the first Action Plan of its

kind for Brimbank City Council.

• Strengthening social cohesion and connectedness

• Enabling greater understanding and awareness of the

LGBTQIA+ community

• Improving the quality of standards and practices

• Building strong systems and partnerships

• Encouraging leadership and

participation opportunities

• Celebrating and recognising contributions made

to the community

• Understanding the value of data collection

• Fostering a diverse, respectful and inclusive

organisational culture

14

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Action Plan

The list of actions below is in addition to those actions endorsed through Council’s existing plans and strategies.

(I) Immediate, Year 1

(S) Short, Years 2-3 years

(O) Ongoing

The LGBTQIA+ Action Plan maintains the four core roles that Council can play: Advocate, Deliver, Partner and Plan. These

roles allow Council to adapt different approaches in response to identified priorities and emerging trends to support the

four key focus areas and 27 actions listed below.

Within existing resources – action may be implemented using existing resources committed by Council

Additional resources required – additional resources may be required to implement the action (through

Council’s future budget processes and/or external funding opportunities)

We will work to strengthen social cohesion and connectedness and enable greater understanding and

awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community.

1.1.1

Provide a safe and welcoming first point of contact through

inclusive signage and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity trained staff at front

facing Council services.

Deliver

I,O Within existing

resources

1.1.2

Ensure information, images and the language used in our

promotional materials, websites and resources are LGBTQIA+

inclusive and respectful.

Deliver

I,O Within existing

resources

1.1.3

Include LGBTQIA+ communities in the development and

implementation of culturally safe and inclusive programs and

activities across all life-stages and intersectionalities including:

•

Rainbow families and families of LGBTQIA+ identifying people,

First Nations, CALD, refugees, asylum seekers, people with

disability, children, young people and seniors.

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

1.1.4

Use Council communication channels to amplify Council’s Position

Statement for the Prevention of all forms of

Violence against the Person.

Deliver

I,O Within existing

resources

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

15

1.2.1

Promote accessible and inclusive LGBTQIA+ specific information and

resources at front facing Council services regarding:

• specific health resources

• employment and further education

• support services, organisations and businesses

• community events and activities

• Key messaging relevant to dedicated dates

Deliver,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

1.2.2

Create a dedicated section within the Brimbank City Council

website to raise community awareness and education on

LGBTQIA+ challenges and encourage community members to

become allies.

Partner,

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

1.2.3

Develop a LGBTQIA+ inclusive engagement toolkit that integrates

an intersectional approach to the safe, inclusive and accessible

planning and delivery of Council events and consultations.

Plan, Partner S,O Within existing

resources

We will work to ensure that Brimbank is safe for all communities. Our community infrastructure,

programs and planning will be responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and we will build

strong systems and partnerships to ensure ongoing safety.

2.1.1

Explore the Rainbow Tick accreditation process with front facing

Council services to demonstrate Council’s commitment and ability

to deliver LGBTQIA+ inclusive services.

Deliver,

Partner

I,O Additional

resources

required

2.1.2

Raise awareness and understanding of child safe standards that

ensure the safety of all children and young people identifying as

being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Deliver

I,O Within existing

resources

2.1.3

Support and facilitate community infrastructure and planning to be

responsive to LGBTQIA+ community needs by creating inclusive,

safe and affirming spaces in Council facilities.

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.1

Strengthen relationships with community services,

organisations and government departments to promote and

create a more inclusive and safer Brimbank community for

LGBTQIA+ people and allies.

Advocate,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.2

Review relevant Council policies, processes and referral systems

to ensure they are responsive to LGBTQIA+ people at risk of

experiencing homelessness and/or family violence.

Advocate,

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.3

Advocate for the provision of culturally safe, accessible and

inclusive LGBTQIA+ health and support services in Brimbank

thereby reducing barriers to participation.

Advocate,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

16

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

1.2.1

Promote accessible and inclusive LGBTQIA+ specific information and

resources at front facing Council services regarding:

• specific health resources

• employment and further education

• support services, organisations and businesses

• community events and activities

• Key messaging relevant to dedicated dates

Deliver,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

1.2.2

Create a dedicated section within the Brimbank City Council

website to raise community awareness and education on

LGBTQIA+ challenges and encourage community members to

become allies.

Partner,

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

1.2.3

Develop a LGBTQIA+ inclusive engagement toolkit that integrates

an intersectional approach to the safe, inclusive and accessible

planning and delivery of Council events and consultations.

Plan, Partner S,O Within existing

resources

We will work to ensure that Brimbank is safe for all communities. Our community infrastructure,

programs and planning will be responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and we will build

strong systems and partnerships to ensure ongoing safety.

2.1.1

Explore the Rainbow Tick accreditation process with front facing

Council services to demonstrate Council’s commitment and ability

to deliver LGBTQIA+ inclusive services.

Deliver,

Partner

I,O Additional

resources

required

2.1.2

Raise awareness and understanding of child safe standards that

ensure the safety of all children and young people identifying as

being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Deliver

I,O Within existing

resources

2.1.3

Support and facilitate community infrastructure and planning to be

responsive to LGBTQIA+ community needs by creating inclusive,

safe and affirming spaces in Council facilities.

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.1

Strengthen relationships with community services,

organisations and government departments to promote and

create a more inclusive and safer Brimbank community for

LGBTQIA+ people and allies.

Advocate,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.2

Review relevant Council policies, processes and referral systems

to ensure they are responsive to LGBTQIA+ people at risk of

experiencing homelessness and/or family violence.

Advocate,

Deliver

S,O Within existing

resources

2.2.3

Advocate for the provision of culturally safe, accessible and

inclusive LGBTQIA+ health and support services in Brimbank

thereby reducing barriers to participation.

Advocate,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

We will ensure inclusion and empowerment of our LGBTQIA+ community, by encouraging leadership

and partnership opportunities in our council, workplace and community and recognising and

celebrating the contributions that LGBTQIA+ people make to Brimbank.

3.1.1

Build the capacity of local organisations to develop inclusive

and safe pathways and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people to

volunteer in Brimbank.

Deliver,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

3.1.2

Promote inclusive, accessible and diverse best practice

models for local businesses that includes:

• The benefits of a LGBTQIA+ friendly workplace

• Recruitment and retention tips

• Good news stories

• Safe and inclusive premises

• Supporting LGBTQIA+ specific events and activities

Advocate,

Partner

S,O Within existing

resources

3.1.3

Increase LGBTQIA+ community representation on Council

committees and working groups to ensure their voices are

amplified to accurately reflect the changing demographic

and needs.

Deliver,

Partner

O Within existing

resources

3.1.4

Investigate opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ communities

to contribute, collaborate and guide the delivery of the

Action Plan.

Deliver,

Partner, Plan

S Within existing

resources

3.2.1

Provide opportunities to celebrate, engage with and reflect on

the LGBTQIA+ community through events including, but not

limited to:

• Midsumma Festival

• International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia,

Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

• Pride Month

• Wear It Purple Day

• Transgender Awareness Week

Deliver,

Partner, Plan

O Within existing

resources

3.2.2

Work collaboratively with local sports organisations to

promote and celebrate inclusivity and accessibility in

sports for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Advocate,

Partner, Plan

S,O Within

existing

resources

3.2.3

Create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ businesses,

artists, authors and performers to actively participate

in community events and activities by creating and

promoting a community/business database or guide.

Deliver,

Partner

S,O Within

existing

resources

3.2.4

Investigate and explore opportunities to display the

LGBTQIA+ Intersex Progress Pride flag on council flagpoles,

in council facilities and publications, as a demonstration of

Council’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Deliver

I,O Within

existing

resources

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

17

We will embed strong organisational leadership and advocacy, making sure we have sound data

to back up our actions, initiatives and decisions and fostering a diverse, respectful and inclusive

organisational culture.

4.1.1

Undertake Privacy Impact Assessments where

relevant within Council, to ensure organisational

information management practices are inclusive,

respectful and compliant.

Deliver S, O

Within

existing

resources

4.1.2

Explore ethical and inclusive LGBTQIA+ data collection

methods for sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics

and sexual orientation variables. This can provide a

comprehensive understanding of the Brimbank LGBTQIA+

community to assist in policy development and in the

planning of inclusive program and service delivery.

Deliver O

Within

existing

resources

4.1.3

Implement relevant LGBTQIA+ inclusive questions into the

data collection standards, policies and procedures to ensure

the effective delivery of programs and services for LGBTQIA+

communities.

Deliver

I,O

Within

existing

resources

4.2.1

Undertake a review of staff and volunteer strategies, policies

and procedures, including recruitment and staff entitlements

to ensure they are LGBTQIA+ and ally inclusive.

Deliver S,O

Within

existing

resources

4.2.2

Build the knowledge and awareness of Councillors, staff

and volunteers through the delivery and promotion of

LGBTQIA+ inclusion awareness training and professional

development opportunities.

Deliver O

Within

existing

resources

4.2.3

Establish a LGBTQIA+ internal working group to provide

support to LGBTQIA+ staff and allies and progress the

gender equality and inclusion workplace agenda.

Deliver O

Within

existing

resources

Accepting our differences makes for a

stronger and better Community.

Being a parent of three boys and a proud gay

man, I hope that one day they are proud of who

they are and where they have come from.

, He/Him,

Brimbank Community Member

18

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Implementation, Monitoring

and Reporting

Implementation

An implementation plan will sit alongside the LGBTQIA+

Action Plan to ensure the outcomes and actions are

being delivered. The following guidelines will be applied

when developing and revising the implementation plan:

• Work across Council to develop, revise and update the

implementation plan annually. Identify departments

that will hold responsibility for the delivery of each

action in the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan and establish clear

reporting frameworks and timelines.

• Identify and action opportunities to integrate and

align the goals and objectives agreed to in the

LGBTQIA+ Action Plan with those in current Council

owned plans and strategies, addressing any gaps that

might be evident.

• Ensure that all new Council plans and strategies

include an LGBTQIA+ lens and align with the goals and

actions of the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan.

Monitoring, review and reporting

Ongoing monitoring, evaluation and improvement of

the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan will be important in achieving

Council’s commitment to create a safe and inclusive

Brimbank for all.

The implementation plan will be reviewed on an annual

basis with successes and challenges reported via an

annual community report card. Progress will also be

reported where applicable via the Council Plan - Annual

Action Plans and/or Council’s Annual Report.

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

19

Support

If you need additional support please contact the following support

services below:



and

(LGBTQIA+ specific support -

3pm-midnight, everyday)

(24/7)

(24/7)

(24/7)



an online

LGBTQIA+ specific suicide mental

health hub

Ÿ

https://rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au/media/pages/research

resources/research-matters-covid-19-and-lgbtiq-communiti

es/3033295656-1655786504/research-matters-covid-lgbtiq.pdf

Ÿ

https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/publications/youth

survey/2574-clusters-of-covid-19-impact-identifying-the-impact

of-covid-19-on-young-australians-in-2021/file

Ÿ

https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/impact_of_covid_19_on_older_

lgbti_australians

Ÿ

https://www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for-input/report-impact-covid-19-

pandemic-human-rights-lgbt-persons-0

20

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Additional Resources:

The development of the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan is guided and informed by current international, federal and state

legislation and policy in respect of gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness.

International

• World Health Organisation

Ÿ

https://www.who.int/activities/improving-the-health-and-well-being-of-lgbtqi-people

• United Nations

Ÿ

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

• Office of the High Commissioner and the Human Rights of LGBTI people

Ÿ

https://www.ohchr.org/en/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity

Federal

• Australian Human Rights Commission

Ÿ

https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/lgbti

• Sex Discrimination Act 1984

Ÿ

https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australian-government

guidelines-recognition-sex-and-gender

State

• Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Ÿ

https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/legal-and-policy/victorias-human-rights-laws/the-charter/

• Local Government Act

Ÿ

https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/local-government-act-2020/017

• Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022-32

Ÿ

https://www.vic.gov.au/pride-our-future-victorias-lgbtiq-strategy-2022-32

• Victorian Child Safe Standards

Ÿ

- https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

21

LGBTQIA+ work sits across a number of Council plans and

strategies. The Together we are Brimbank, Council Plan

includes a Strategic Direction titled People and Community

-

Council developed the Brimbank Community Vision 2040

with more than 1,000 members of our community. The

Vision includes the statement: “Our city will be inclusive,

resilient, innovative and vibrant and our people will share

equally in the City’s prosperity and opportunity”.

Many of our other Council plans and strategies are

also working to build positive outcomes for LGBTQIA+

community members in Brimbank. The following diagram

provides a sample of these plans and strategies.

Brimbank City Council’s first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan is

reflected in, and intersects with, the following policies

and strategies:

• Social Justice Charter

• Safe and Inclusive Brimbank

• Fairness, Equality and Respect Strategy

• Brimbank Youth Strategy

• Disability Action Plan

• Physical Activity Strategy

• Age Friendly City Plan

• Creating Better Parks Policy

• Children’s Strategy

• Culture Strategy

• Festivals and Events Policy and Strategy

• Reconciliation Action Plan

• Brimbank City Council Community Flag Policy

• Business Association Support Policy

• Community Engagement Policy

• Community Grants Policy

• Brimbank Life Long Learning Strategy

• Community Services and Infrastructure

Planning Major Policy

• Public Toilet Strategy

• Brimbank Public Art Policy and Plan

• Volunteer Strategy

22

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Council Achievements

Brimbank City Council supports, empowers and includes

the LGBTQIA+ community in a number of ways through

their current services and programs. These include but

are not limited to:

Crystal Queer

The Crystal Queer program is a social support

program aimed at providing a safe and fun

space for LGBTQIA+ identifying young people

and allies between the ages of 15 – 25 years of

age. It is run by Brimbank Youth Services.

The program provides opportunities for

young people to connect with like-minded

young people, explore their identities and

themselves, learn life skills, hear from guest

speakers and have a chance to help plan

events for the community.

Anonymous Crystal Queer program member

LGBTQIA+ Awareness Days

Brimbank City Council has a long history celebrating

LGBTQIA+ Awareness Days to bring awareness and

recognition towards the LGBTQIA+ community, their

history and the issues they still face today.

Some examples of events include:

• Brimbank City Council International Day Against

Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia

Flag Painting

• Brimbank City Council’s Transgender Awareness Week

Short Film Gala

• Brimbank Youth Services Annual Wear It Purple

Day Video

• Annual Brimbank City Council International Day

Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and

Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Flagraising

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

23

Midsumma Festival

Brimbank City Council has maintained a strong

relationship with the Midsumma Festival over

a number of years, working with neighbouring

municipalities to run the ‘Midsumma Westside’

campaign. Some examples of events in this

campaign include:

• Sunshine Midsumma Pool Party

• Mad hatters Tea Party (in collaboration with

the Queer Youth Alliance Network).

• Midsumma Pride March

Anonymous, Brimbank City Council Pride

March 2023 Evaluation Survey

Empowering the Rainbow

Empowering the Rainbow is a group of services on offer

for Brimbank Schools in the LGBTQIA+ space run by

Brimbank Youth Services. These services aim not only

to prevent social isolation for LGBTQIA+ young people

but also to assist teachers and schools in supporting

LGBTQIA+ young people. The services include, but are

not limited to:

• Empowering the Rainbow Schools Network

• Empowering the Rainbow Schools Workshops

• LGBTQIA+ Awareness Day and General School Support

• Crystal Queer Monthly Newsletter

• LGBTQIA+ School Holidays Activities

• LGBTQIA+ Teachers Breakfast (in collaboration with

Maribyrnong Youth Services).

Leadership

Brimbank City Council has a number of leadership

initiatives to promote inclusion and support for the

LGBTQIA+ community. These include:

- Delivering the Community Grants Program aimed at

supporting the community to implement innovative

local solutions needed to respond to ongoing and

emerging challenges and strengthen community

resilience.

- Implementing programs, services and initiatives

that are tailored to the needs of our local LGBTQIA+

communities.

- Encouraging staff to use and display their pronouns in

their electronic signatures and on video calls.

- Promoting an inclusive Council by using the LGBTQIA+

Progress Pride flag on various marketing materials and

displays.

- Appointing a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Project Officer to

develop the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan as well as offer

advice and guidance on LGBTQIA+ matters.

- Bringing staff and community together to participate

in the Midsumma Pride March, under the Brimbank

Council banner.

24

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

Glossary

–

a person who considers themselves an

active supporter and is inclusive of the LGBTQIA+

community. This term can be used for people who

identify as part of the community or those who are

non-LGBTQIA+ identifying.

–

an umbrella term used to describe a person

who identifies as having a lack of, or, little to no sexual,

emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people.

–

an umbrella term used to describe a person

who is physically, romantically and/or emotionally

attracted to 2 or more genders, or to a person of the

same gender or of another gender.

–

Aboriginal communities use this term to

describe male identifying transgender people and their

relationships as a way of validating and strengthening

their gender identities and relationships.

–

a person whose gender identity and

expression matches the biological sex they were

assigned by the doctor or nurse at birth.

–

There are many different kinds of disability

and they can result from accidents, illness or genetic

disorders. A disability may affect mobility, ability to learn

things, or ability to communicate easily, and some people

may have more than one. A disability may be visible or

hidden, may be permanent or temporary and may have

minimal or substantial impact on a person’s abilities.

–

a person, typically identifying as a man, who is

physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to

people of the same gender.

–

is a strategy of legal defence,

which refers to a situation in which a heterosexual

individual charged with a violent crime against a

homosexual (or bisexual) individual claims they lost

control and reacted violently because of an unwanted

sexual advance that was made upon them.

–

how a person understands who they are and

how they interact with other people. Gender can be

expressed in different ways, such as through behaviour

or physical appearance.

–

describes gender identities that may

not fit within the male and female binary.

–

a social framework to

understanding the various identities that intersect

within someone’s life (i.e. gender, LGBTQIA+, culturally

and linguistically diverse, disability etc.)

–

a person born with both male and female

sex markers.

These markers can include genitalia, chromosomes, and

reproductive organs.

–

a person identifying as a woman who is

physically, romantically and/or emotionally attracted

to other women (some lesbians may instead prefer to

identify as gay, or as gay women).

–

a male identifying person.

–

an umbrella term used to describe

someone who does not identify as part of the

gender binary.

–

is often used as an umbrella term for diverse

genders or sexualities. Some people use queer to

describe their own gender and/or sexuality if other

terms do not fit. For some people, especially older

LGBTIQ people, ‘queer’ has negative connotations,

because in the past it was used as a derogatory term.

–

a term used to refer to someone who

is questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender

identity. When using this term, the individual could refer

to themselves as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community,

from another community or not identify with a

community at all.

–

a safe and affirming environment that is a

welcoming and nonjudgmental space in which LGBTQIA+

community members can be certain that they will not

face discrimination based on their sexuality, gender

identity, and/or gender expression

–

a person’s biological sex characteristics. This has

historically been understood as either female or male.

–

describes a person’s romantic and/or

sexual attraction to others. A person’s gender does not

necessarily mean they have particular sex characteristics

or a particular sexuality, or vice versa.

–

Aboriginal communities use this term

to describe female identifying transgender people

and their relationships as a way of validating and

strengthening their gender identities and relationships.

–

a person whose gender identity differs

from the sex they were assigned at birth.

–

a female identifying person.

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

25

Yellow

and purple

triangle:

represents those

whoe are a part of the

intersex community

Pink, white

and blue:

represents those who

identify as trans and

gender diverse

Orange:

represents healing

Yellow:

represents new ideas

Green:

represents prosperity

Blue:

represents serenity

Violet:

represents spirit

Brown &

black:

represents people

of coulour

Red:

represents

life

The LGBTQIA+ Progress

Pride Flag

The new Progress Pride Flag was created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar and based on the iconic rainbow flag from 1978. The

new design is renowned for celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and calls for a more inclusive society.

26

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

You cannot tell someone’s

name or pronoun just by

looking at them.

are the ways we refer to each other in the third

person. People who are transitioning in some

way

If someone takes the time to

let you know their name and

pronoun, use and respect it.

It’s not up to you to decide

someone else’s identity.

If you have difficulty using

someone’s pronoun and name,

practice. Ask co-workers,

peers, and friends to point out

when you’ve made a mistake.

If you find yourself unsure

of someone’s pronoun, be

attentive to how others refer

to this person. If you are still unclear or

concerned that people might be using the

incorrect pronoun, politely and

Start meetings with

everyone introducing

themselves and stating

their pronoun.

Hi everyone, my

name is Lauren.

My pronouns are

she and her.

I saw Lauren come to work today and

seemed

really happy. I wonder if it has anything to do with

weekend. I hope I see

soon to hear all

about it!

I saw Lauren come to work today and

seemed

really happy. I wonder if it has anything to do with

weekend. I hope I see

soon to hear all

about it!

All name

tags and

name plates

can also

have a spot

to show

someone’s

pronouns.

LAUREN

She & Her

3

3

3

inspired by @stone

walluk

InfographIc desIgn by:

LIghtupthesky.ca

Pronouns

Gender-Specific & Gender-Neutral Pronouns

are they ways we refer to each other in the third

person. People who are transitioning in some

way might choose to change their pronouns.

She His He Hers

I saw Lauren come to work today and

they

seemed

really happy. I wonder if it has any thing to do with

their

weekend. I hope I see

them

soon to hear all about it!

I saw Lauren come to work today and

ze

seemed

really happy. I wonder if it has any thing to do with

hir

weekend. I hope I see

hir

soon to hear all about it!

Ze [Zee]

Sie [See]

Zie [Zee]

Hir [ Hear]

They

Them

Their

You cannot tell someone’s

name or pronoun just by

looking at them

If someone takes the time to

let you know their name and

pronoun, use and respect it.

It’s not up to you to decide

someone else’s identitiy.

If you have difficulty using

someone’s pronoun and name,

practice. Ask co-workers, peers,

and friends to point out when

you’ve made a mistake.

All name

tags and

name plates

can also

have a spot

to show

someone’s

pronouns.

HELLO

my name is

LAUREN

Pronouns:

She & Her

Hi everyone,

my name is

Lauren. My

pronouns are

she and her

Start meetings with

everyone introducing

themselves and stating

their pronoun

If you find yourself

unsure of someone’s

pronoun, be attentive

to how others refer to this person. If you are

still unclear or concerned that people might be using

the incorrect pronoun, politely and

.

Ask!

Brimbank City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028

27

9249 4000

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

• TTY dial

133 677

• Speak & Listen

1300 555 727

•

www.relayservice.gov.au

, then enter

03 9249 4000

www.facebook.com/brimbankcouncil

www.twitter.com/brimbankcouncil

www.youtube.com/brimbankcitycouncil

Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant

brimbank.vic.gov.au

317 - 1023