The conversations in late 2021 informed a working document circulated in March to sense check our initial thinking around a vision, principles, and key priorities.

We received 16 responses to the associated questionnaire:

• The majority supported the content of the working document.
• There was agreement Council was working well already in this space, but:
• ‘Greater Advocacy on key issues impacting the LGBTIQA+ community’ and ‘Creating secure and welcoming spaces and places’ were identified as ways Council could continue to grow relationships with the LGBTIQA+ community.
• There was a view the community also needed to play a role in supporting the LGBTIQA+ community visibility and inclusion – that this was not just Council’s role.
• People from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as trans and gender diverse people, were identified as groups within the LGBTIQA+ community who needed to be supported in a safe, equitable, inclusive municipality.

We started the conversation in late 2021 by asking our community to identify the most positive things about Maribyrnong - and the least positive things that could be improved to support LGBTIQA+ people and their families.

We also asked what role Council could play to support LGBTIQA+ safety, participation and inclusion, health and well-being.

250 community members engaged through workshops and surveys.

Some of the things we heard during this initial engagement included:

• Diversity and community attitudes are the most positive thing that supports LGBTIQA+ people and their families in Maribyrnong
• Support, events, and facilities provided by Council received the second highest ranking for positive contributions.
• The need for more inclusive support services and businesses was highlighted as the least positive thing that could be improved to better support LGBTIQA+ people and their families
• In line with this, there was also a desire for more inclusive support services and businesses.

You also told us:

• Maribyrnong is a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community
• It has a vibrant venue, pub, and club culture
• There are a growing number of locally accessible groups, clubs, online networks, accessible health services and sporting clubs.
• Council's work to support and acknowledge LGBTIQA+ people, families and communities was also recognised - including its policy work, support for business, youth services, libraries, family supports, and recreational opportunities, among other things - though there was a view it could potentially do more.

A summary report is available here.

This feedback led to the creation of a working document, outlining a draft vision, principles and objectives, which was then shared for further comment in early 2022. You can read the working document here.