Greater Dandenong City Council is proud to announce the endorsement of its LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026-28, a significant step towards creating a municipality where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, respected, included and valued.
Developed in partnership with the Greater Dandenong LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, community members, local organisations and key stakeholders, the Action Plan outlines a series of practical and achievable actions designed to strengthen inclusion across Council services, programs, facilities, events and community engagement activities. The Plan has been informed by community consultation, research and best practice approaches, ensuring it reflects the needs, experiences and aspirations of our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities.
The Action Plan focuses on improving access to information and services, fostering community connection and participation, building organisational capability, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing visibility and inclusion across the municipality. It supports Council's broader commitment to creating a socially connected, safe and healthy city that celebrates diversity and ensures all people can participate fully in community life.
This important milestone demonstrates Council's commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming Greater Dandenong for everyone.
Council extends its sincere thanks to the members of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, community representatives, stakeholders and Council staff whose insight, lived experience, expertise and dedication helped shape this important piece of work. Their contributions have been instrumental in developing a plan that will help guide positive and meaningful change across the municipality over the next three years.
Together, we are working towards a Greater Dandenong where diversity is respected, inclusion is actively promoted, and everyone can feel a sense of belonging.
LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026-28
The endorsed LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026-28 is available to view and download below:
LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026-28 - 1.9MB
Inclusion for everyone
Council is working towards improving inclusion of recognition of and community understanding of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, intersex, queer, asexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+) residents and visitors.
Our aim is to strengthen the participation of everyone in Greater Dandenong, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Diversity, Access and Equity Policy formalises Council’s acknowledgement and respect for the diversity of backgrounds, abilities, values, beliefs and lifestyles of all residents.
Diversity, Access and Equity Policy - 201KB
On 9 December 2019, Council endorsed the following recommendations to improve the inclusion of, recognition of and community understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community in Greater Dandenong.
That Council:
- Publishes an inclusion statement in relation to the LGBTIQA+ community;
- a) hosts celebrations of LGBTIQA+ events;
b) advocates with health service providers and peak bodies governing public and private health services to promote inclusion of LGBTIQA+ friendly service provision;
c) implements programs to improve community understanding and inclusion of the LGBTIQA+ community in partnership with relevant stakeholders; and - Continues to support the services of Greater Dandenong Libraries and Youth and Family Services.
We look forward to collaborating with members of the LGBTIQA+ community to implement these recommendations.
LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Statement
Greater Dandenong Council is proud to support the rights and ambitions of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities. As a diverse and vibrant municipality, we are enriched by the social, cultural and economic contributions made by LGBTIQA+ people who live in, work in and visit the City of Greater Dandenong.
As an inclusive organisation, Council is dedicated to ensuring our City is safe, respectful and welcoming for our LGBTIQA+ residents and visitors. Council recognises there are real struggles facing LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly by those who experience other forms of discrimination and marginalisation.
Council is a strong advocate for inclusion and equality and is committed to building a more equitable future for our LGBTIQA+ communities.
To this end, as your ally and partner, Council will:
- Challenge discriminatory and antagonistic behaviours towards LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Engage with LGBTIQA+ communities in a manner that provides genuine opportunities for:
a) participation in decision making;
b) providing input into the responsiveness of existing services;
c) finding solutions to current unmet needs;
d) developing community leaders to foster positive change; - Collaborate with service providers and organisations to support the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Advocate to state and federal governments for appropriate supports and services to meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities;
- Celebrate days of significance for LGBTIQA+ communities.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026
IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Observed annually on 17 May.
IDAHOBIT commemorates the date in 1990 the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its Classification of Diseases. Today, it is a global moment to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and stand together against discrimination experienced by LGBTIQA+ people.
The 2026 theme, “At the Heart of Democracy” reminds us that inclusion, visibility and safety are essential to building strong, connected communities where everyone feels they belong.
At Greater Dandenong, we are committed to creating a community where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, included and supported—so everyone can thrive and follow their chosen path.
To mark IDAHOBIT, the rainbow flag was flown in Dandenong and Springvale from Friday 15 May to Monday 18 May 2026.
Why IDAHOBIT matters?
While Australia has made important progress in equality and inclusion, many LGBTIQA+ people continue to experience discrimination, harassment and exclusion.
- 1 in 3 young people in Australia report experiencing harassment because of their sexuality or gender identity.
- In workplaces, fewer LGBTIQA+ employees feel comfortable being open about who they are compared to five years ago.
Internationally, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner, private, consensual same-sex relationships are still criminalised in over 60 countries.
These realities highlight why IDAHOBIT continues to be so important—both locally and around the world.
Want to discover something new in IDAHOBIT?
Looking for a great read? Explore IDAHOBIT booklist from our libraries.
PRIDE Month
June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and stand alongside LGBTIQA+ people in our community.
Pride is a celebration of identity, belonging and connection. It also recognises the ongoing journey toward equality, and the work still needed to ensure everyone feels safe, respected and included.
We acknowledge and celebrate the strength, diversity and contributions of LGBTIQA+ people, our friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues. When people feel seen and supported for who they are, our whole community is stronger.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all. This means continuing to listen, learn and work together to build places, services and experiences where everyone feels they belong and can be themselves.
Pride Month is an opportunity for all of us to come together, to celebrate diversity, show support, and play our part in creating a community where everyone is valued and can thrive.
External support services
This list provides links to relevant organisations and support materials for the LGBTQI community, their families and allies.
Black Rainbow
Australia's leading Indigenous suicide prevention and mental health support source for LGBTQ+ people.
Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council
Peak body for individuals/groups from a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer multicultural background.
Australian Asexuals
A place to connect with the Australian asexual community and find out more about asexuality.
Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives
Community group in Australia that actively collects and preserves LGBTIQ material from across the country, and makes it readily accessible.
Lifeline
Telephone 13 11 14. This is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Mind Australia
Supports people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to find help, hope and purpose in their lives.
National LGBTI Health Alliance
The national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
QLife
Provides anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. The services are for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.
Rainbow Families Victoria
Volunteer community organisation supporting and promoting equality for ‘rainbow’ families (parents and prospective parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, transgender or intersex, and their children).
Rainbow Health Victoria (formerly known as Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria - GLHV)
Promotes LGBTI Victorians’ health and wellbeing and has a range of programs, training and resources.
Rainbow Network
Membership based organisation that provides opportunities for people who work with same sex attracted, intersex, transgender and gender diverse young people to exchange information, discuss issues, hear from guest speakers, advocate, develop partnerships and engage with activities and initiatives.
Switchboard Victoria
A volunteer organisation which provides a telephone counselling, referral and information service for the Victorian and Tasmanian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities as well as family and friends of LGBTIQ individuals and health and welfare professionals with LGBTIQ clients. Switchboard is a partner in QLife.
Pride Disability Services
Tailored and specialised disability support services for members of the LGBTQI+ and gender diverse communities and their allies in Victoria.
Melbourne Bisexual Network
Mental health and advocacy professionals working to improve and promote bisexual+ inclusivity in LGBTIQA+ programs and services.
Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council)
Provides a range of services which include prevention education, treatment and care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and counselling services.
Transgender Victoria
Educates organisations and workplaces on how to provide better services for transgender people, and seeks ways to provide direct services to the transgender community. Transgender Victoria also works with and for the transgender community to create positive change in human rights and policy development.
Trans Pride Australia
Social and support group for trans and gender diverse people and their loved ones.
Transcend Australia
National peer support network and community for parents and carers supporting their trans, gender diverse and non-binary child in Australia.
Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers (QRASP)
A peer-led social support group for LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum. Based in Melbourne with members across Victoria.
Unite Alliance
Is available for young people aged 14-25 years old including same sex attracted, gender diverse or questioning young people and their alliances and meet weekly to learn about healthy relationships, mental health and wellbeing and take part in training opportunities and fun activities.
Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers (GLLO)
Police Stations in Greater Dandenong have specific GLLO officers who can assist by providing discrete, non-judgemental advice and assistance relating to safety, security and crime prevention.
