By Danielle Kutchel
Casey’s first Midsumma event was a sell-out, highlighting the need for more events for the local LGBTQI+ community.
The inclusive and much-anticipated event on Sunday 18 April at Selandra Community Hub saw waiting lists form as people strove to book in.
Jobi Petty, community organiser at Casey Rainbow Community, said feedback after the event had been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing it as “stunning”.
“There is demand for events in our community in this region,” she said.
“People are really keen, asking ‘what are we going to do next?’”
She thanked the Casey Council for making the event possible, and LifeView, a Rainbow Tick accredited provider of residential care, for putting on a stand-out line dance.
She also expressed gratitude to the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council and Casey Multifaith Network for being at the event, Headspace for providing a break-out room for those who needed it, and Casey-Cardinia Rotaract for providing a sausage sizzle that really made the event feel like a true picnic.
“I think some strong connections were made on Sunday,” Ms Petty said.
She said the Casey Rainbow Community is focused on improving connections for LGBTQI+ community members in Casey and surrounds, with regular social events like movie and book groups, dog walks and lunch dates.
The group is now exploring what more can be done in Casey in the queer space.
A second event – also part of the Midsumma Festival – will be held at Bunjil Place on Wednesday 28 April.
‘The Queer Lens’ will be a panel discussion featuring digital artists speaking about how queerness has shaped their work.
Tickets are available on the Bunjil Place website.
Find Casey Rainbow Community on Facebook for upcoming events for the local LGBTQI+ community.
