Image: Image: Supplied
Brighton Council on Hobart’s northern outskirts has launched its first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, with community advocates welcoming commitments to improve safety, strengthen services and help residents feel they belong.
The council marked the launch this morning, Friday November 13, by raising the Transgender Pride Flag outside Brighton Community Centre on the first day of Transgender Awareness Week.
Developed through consultation with the local LGBTIQA+ community and endorsed by council, the plan addresses discrimination, exclusion and barriers to participation through staff training, safer public spaces, community education and greater representation.
“Visibility Matters. Representation Matters.”
Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray said public displays of support could make a difference to people questioning whether their community accepted them.
“Visibility matters. Representation matters. And sometimes, a simple public gesture like raising a flag can send a powerful message to someone who may be wondering whether they are accepted, whether they belong, or whether their community stands with them.
“Today is particularly significant because we are also presenting Brighton Council’s LGBTIQA+ Action Plan to our community.”
Gray said residents’ experiences had guided the council’s approach.
“This plan has been shaped by listening to LGBTIQA+ community members, their families, friends and allies. Through that consultation, we heard about the positive experiences many people have in Brighton, but also about the ongoing challenges around safety, discrimination and inclusion, particularly for trans and non-binary residents.”
“The Action Plan gives Council a practical way forward. It sets out actions to strengthen inclusion within our organisation, increase visibility and representation, improve the safety and accessibility of public spaces, promote access to support services and, importantly, ensure the voices of LGBTIQA+ community members continue to inform the decisions we make.”
The plan includes inclusion training for staff and elected representatives, an audit of public amenities, planning for additional all-gender toilets in future developments and upgrades, and partnerships to create safe spaces for young LGBTIQA+ people.
Community Voices Shape Brighton’s Plan
Michael Williams, spokesperson for local advocacy group Under One Rainbow, said the plan recognised the place of LGBTIQA+ residents in everyday community life.
“The development of this plan was an important step in recognising that LGBTQIA+ people are part of the fabric of Brighton. We live here, work here, raise our families here and contribute to this community.”
“The community consultation provided an opportunity to listen directly to LGBTQIA+ residents, their families, friends and allies. It highlighted the importance of education and inclusion training for Councillors and Council staff, greater visibility and representation in our public spaces, and more gender-inclusive facilities.”
“Importantly, it also reinforced that we cannot talk about inclusion without addressing the safety, wellbeing and experiences of our trans and gender-diverse community members.”
“These recommendations are not unreasonable requests. They are about ensuring that every person can access community facilities, participate in local life and walk through our streets without feeling that they need to hide who they are.”
Under One Rainbow and Rosemary Harwood, mother of the late Tasmanian trans woman Marjorie Harwood, raised the flag, which will remain flying until Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20.
Students from Gagebrook Primary School also participated, making and distributing inclusion themed badges and bookmarks through Brighton Council’s Community Creators Program.
A Model For Other Communities
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome said the plan’s influence could extend beyond the municipality.
“The Brighton LGBTIQA+ Action Plan will improve safety, mental health and access to services for LGBTIQA+ people.”
“It will foster a better understanding, among Council staff and in the wider community, of the issues we face.”
“It will help young LGBTIQA+ people, trans and gender diverse people, and their families feel less isolated and more a part of the community.”
“It will provide a model for other outer urban areas across the nation.”
“It will encourage them to embark on Brighton’s journey of consultation, education, policy development and the improvement of services.”
“It will ensure everyone in communities like Brighton feel they belong, have a place and are valued.”
Brighton joins Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingborough, Burnie and Launceston among Tasmanian councils with LGBTIQA+ action plans.
The launch follows Glenorchy City Council’s unanimous endorsement of its first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and Statement of Commitment earlier this year. Brighton’s plan schedules quarterly implementation updates through to the second quarter of 2029.
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