In 2021, the City of Ballarat worked with the community to develop its first four‑year LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan (2022–2026). As this plan comes to a close, we are creating the next plan for 2027–2031 and want to hear your ideas and experiences to help shape inclusive priorities for the future.

The previous plan can be found here: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/LGBTIQA%2B%20Inclusion%20Plan%202022%E2%80%932026_June2025.pdf

About the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan

We want your feedback to help shape our next LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan (2027–2031). This four‑year plan is about making Ballarat a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
The plan focuses on creating a community where LGBTIQA+ people feel respected, supported, and able to belong and participate in everyday life.
Over the next four years, the plan will guide Council’s work across buildings and public spaces, services, jobs, events, and programs.

What to expect

This will be a focused and interactive 2‑hour session. We’ll talk together about:

Your ideas for how the City of Ballarat can better support inclusion for LGBTIQA+ people within its role and responsibilities
Barriers that LGBTIQA+ people experience in Ballarat
What is already working well for LGBTIQA+ people in Ballarat

Why your input matters

We want to hear directly from LGBTIQA+ people to help shape the next Inclusion Plan.

Your lived experience, ideas, and perspectives are important and will help guide our work.

What you share will help make sure the Plan:

Reflects what LGBTIQA+ people need, value, and care about
Helps us understand what inclusion looks like for you
Guides what we can do to create a more welcoming and supportive city, now and into the future

Why do we need an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan?

Around 1 in 10 people in the Ballarat community identify as LGBTIQA+, this is double the Regional Victorian average.
LGBTIQA+ people are more likely to experience discrimination and exclusion, which can negatively affect their health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
When communities are inclusive and welcoming, everyone benefits from the diverse experiences, skills, and contributions that LGBTIQA+ people bring.

Contact the host of City of Ballarat LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan Workshop - weekend session