The Roadshow arrived in Stawell on Wednesday and aimed to reduce discrimination, share information and promote the importance of inclusion of LGBTI Victorians in regional communities.

Equal Love Ballarat co-convener Kirsten Holden attended the Stawell event and said it was pleasing to see the town community was inclusive towards the LGBTI community. 

“We talked among ourselves and members of the LGBTI community about ways in which the Stawell community could become even more inclusive and open to equality,” she said. 

“We had a planning session on how Stawell and Ararat could work together on equality because from the conversation both towns were different, there needs to be more communication among service providers.”

Ms Holden said about 30 people attended the event.

“The important message to come out of this is that Stawell as a community can become more accessible to the LGBTI community and conversation about this is important,” she said. 

The Roadshow also covered a range of issues such as family violence, health and well-being, promotion of regional and rural programs and awareness of the government’s inclusion and equality agenda. 

Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Ro Allen was leading the Roadshow and said it was an honour to be involved in such a project. 

“I am proud to be leading the roadshow and engaging with local LGBTI communities, supporting organisations and allies to progress LGBTI equality in regional areas.” Visit engage.vic.gov.au/lgbti for more.