We want our diverse community to be involved in creating the next LGBTIQA+ Strategy, every step of the way.
At Yarra, we believe that everyone has the right to freely express themselves and to feel safe in doing so. We are historically a proud LGBTIQA+ precinct of Melbourne where 15% of residents identify as LGBTIQA+.
That’s why we’ve made a commitment to work together with the community to create an LGBTIQA+ strategy for 2026-2030 that is relevant to their ongoing and emerging needs.
In 2024, we reviewed the existing LGBTIQA+ strategy, together with Yarra's Rainbow Advisory Committee. This included an audit of our programs and actions as well as an assessment of ongoing and emerging community needs.
Yarra's current LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2021-2024 [PDF 16.6MB] has focused on welcoming and celebrating diversity and building an inclusive Yarra through supporting, participating and connecting with our diverse LGBTIQA+ community.
The strategy achieved some fantastic outcomes, including:
- establishing Yarra's first Rainbow Advisory Committee
- creating the Rainbow Yarra visibility campaign
- participating in pride festivals such as Midsumma Carnival and Victoria’s Pride
- building the Queerways mural, LGBTIQA+ historical walking tours
- recognising the heritage value of places and artefacts of social and cultural significance to the LGBTIQA+ community.
Be part of the next LGBTIQA+ Strategy
We've identified 4 key themes which will help guide our priorities and actions for the next LGBTIQA+ Strategy. They are:
- Heritage and Celebration: We acknowledge and celebrate our history and proudly support Yarra's LGBTIQA+ precinct and businesses.
- Inclusion and participation: We advocate for LGBTIQA+ people in Yarra, foster community connection & work towards reducing social isolation.
- Safer Spaces: We promote visibility and maintain accessible LGBTIQA+ spaces.
- Wellbeing: We focus on improving LGBTIQA+ mental health, supporting young people, promoting alcohol-free activities & volunteering.
Share your ideas
Now it’s time to step up and start building the next ambitious LGBTIQA+ strategy for 2026-2030. Your ideas will help shape the priorities and actions we take over the next 5 years in the next LGBTIQA+ Strategy.
Visit Your Say Yarra to share your idea, comment or suggestion.
Join us at Midsumma and Victoria's Pride
You can also chat to the team and share your thoughts in person at the Midsumma and Victoria’s Pride festivals:
- Sunday 19 January at Midsumma Carnival (Alexandra Gardens) from 11am to 5pm
- Sunday 9 February at Victoria’s Pride Festival (Gertrude and Smith Streets in Fitzroy and Collingwood) from 11am to 5pm.