Monash sets LGBTIQA+ priorities with draft Action Plan
Published on 05 October 2022
Monash Council is proud to release its inaugural draft LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2023-2027, representing a deliberate and significant commitment in our journey towards raising awareness of, and support for, our LGBTIQA+ community.
The Plan sets out four key priorities for the next five years, identifying clear goals and actions to improve the safety, visibility, social inclusion and health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people in Monash. Including Welcoming and Celebrating Diversity; Enhancing Safety, Access and Participation; Inclusive Organisation Reflective of its Diverse Community; and Equitable Inclusive and Accessible Services and Facilities.
The first stage of consultation included a community survey, focus groups and stakeholder engagement, with input from around 150 community representatives who reflected a diverse spectrum of ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Feedback received from the first stage highlighted the importance of the Plan, with one resident stating: “I'm starting to feel more valued as a queer resident of Monash after many years of feeling less visible.”
Council is now seeking further feedback on whether the Plan adequately captures the community’s vision and ideas for improving the lives of LGBTIQA+ people in Monash.
Mayor Stuart James said the draft Plan was an important step in ensuring Council’s services, programs and policies catered to the needs of all community members.
“LGBTIQA+ people are valued members of our community who add to our diversity and make Monash a better place to live, work and recreate,” Cr James said.
“As with everyone in our community, the LGBTIQA+ community deserves to have full and equal participation in community life, and we want to ensure this Plan reflects and elevates their voices and builds upon our ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
“I’m proud of the journey that Council has been on to develop this Plan over the last two years and thank our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee for their work in developing it. I now look forward to hearing from our community in the final stage of consultation.”
Consultation is open until Sunday 23 October 2022. A final version of the Action Plan will be presented to Council for endorsement later this year.
More information can be found at: shape.monash.vic.gov.au/LGBTIQA