Inclusion in Melbourne’s west

Inclusion in Melbourne’s west

Hobsons Bay Council in Melbourne’s west has appointed its first LGBTI community advisory group.

Group chair Cr Tony Briffa said council had received 15 nominations from community members and organisations to advocate for the local LGBTI community.

“The committee will advise the council of the needs and interests of the GLBTIQ community within Hobsons Bay, contribute to the development of policies and assist in the review and evaluation of council services,” Briffa said.

“It is wonderful that the GLBTIQ Advisory Committee has been established as it will promote understanding of the issues facing the GLBTIQ community and enhance community pride and a sense of belonging.”

The committee was announced at a council meeting last week and includes Adrian Masterman-Smith, Asiel Yair Adan Sanchez, Danae Gibson, Dominic Smith, Eilis Hughes, Gai Mooney, Lisa King, Michael O’Hanlon, Russell Brown and Wayne Elliott.
Committee members will serve for a period of three years.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Michael Raffoul welcomed the new group as one of several groups in the council area working for better inclusion of residents.

“We were particularly impressed with the quality of the applicants for the advisory group,” Raffoul said.

“Hobsons Bay actively celebrates its diversity and the council recognises the importance of ensuring that our community is all the better for this inclusiveness.”

Hobsons Bay Council has undertaken a number of LGBTI initiatves in recent years. The area, which takes in Altona, Laverton and Williamstown, has hosted events for Melbourne queer cultural festival Midsumma.

In 2010 Briffa, an outspoken advocate for intersex rights, led an inter-council liaison group on LGBTI issues and released a report including recommendations that local libraries stock LGBTI literature and council staff receive diversity training.

Hobsons Bay Council has also funded the development of a rainbow families resource for primary school students.

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