Proudly supported by the Victorian Government, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

The online Rainbow Local Government Conference will help support elected councillors to achieve real change for LGBTIQA+ people in their community. It will also support the council officers who are responsible for both raising community issues with council, and implementing council decisions.

Attendees will hear from advocates and experts on a wide range of topics including how to:

engage with the LGBTIQA+ community appropriately and raise LGBTIQA+ priorities
use evidence and human stories to support proposals
plan for LGBTIQA+ inclusion at the local level and develop action plans
create visible displays of inclusion and garner support for local pride events, and
nurture a culture of safety and acceptance in the workplace and community.

With 25 speakers, our line up includes:

Todd Fernando, Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities
Shaun Leane, Minister for Local Government
Dr Niki Vincent, Commissioner for Public Sector Gender Equality
Anna Bernasochi, Switchboard Victoria
Karen Bryant, Chief Executive Midsumma - and more.

View the full agenda online here.

Our history

In 2016 and 2020, the Rainbow Local Government campaign worked to increase the number of openly LGBTIQA+ candidates, and identify candidates who will stand for the rights of LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

As a result there is now far greater LGBTIQA+ representation and awareness at councils across Victoria.

Now it’s time to help those councils deliver – through meaningful action – on their pledge to promote and uphold the rights, safety, and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ Victorians in their local community.

FAQs

What accessibility services are available for this event?

The online event will be held on Zoom. Participants can opt to turn on live captioning. If you have other requirements to ensure you can attend and participate, please email rainbowlocalgov@gmail.com to discuss.

Who should attend this event?

This conference is open to current councillors and council officers of Victorian local governments. Community members who sit on council LGBTIQA+ advisory committees are also welcome to attend.

I'd like to attend but cost is a barrier. Who can I talk to?

Please email the conference team at rainbowlocalgov@gmail.com so we can discuss options to help you attend.

Why did you move the event from in-person to online, with a new date?

On 14 January we made the decision to move the Rainbow Local Government Conference online, with a new date: Friday 20 May. With the current COVID-19 situation in Victoria, including rising case numbers, we felt it was in the best interests of everyone to make this change. Moving online alleviates some concerns people were having about attending an indoor event, and also makes it easier for those from regional and rural councils to attend.

I can't make the new date. Can I get a refund?

The new format and date was announced on 14 January. If you can't make the new date (20 May) you can request a full refund (including booking fee) until 15 February 10am. After this date, all refund requests - for any reason - will be processed for the ticket amount less a $5 admin/processing fee until 5pm on Monday 2 May. After that date, no refunds will be processed. We encourage you to transfer your ticket to a colleague if you wish to cancel after 2 May. You can email us to arrange this at rainbowlocalgov@gmail.com

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land that we live and work on across the Kulin Nations and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal peoples across the land known as Victoria. Sovereignty was never unceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Contact the host of Rainbow Local Government Conference