The City of Casey has since endorsed their Rainbow Action Plan 2024-2028, which aims to improve the lives of the council’s LGBTQIA+ residents and families.
The plan, which first entered the council’s agenda on _______ was developed in consultation with the local community throughout 2023 and 2024, providing a roadmap for actions and initiatives that promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion, equality and protection from discrimination.
Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said that the plan is vital in improving outcomes for the community.
“Every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, deserves to feel safe and respected in their community,” she said.
The Action Plan itself focuses on three main components, which are inclusion, leadership and safety with actions such as:
– Embedding policies, programs and services that support LGBTQIA+ communities
– Ensuring LGBTQIA+ inclusion is publicly promoted throughout the community
– Providing staff and volunteers with learning opportunities to increase awareness about LGBTQIA+ inclusion
– Collaborating with other organisations to develop resources to support inclusion and safety for LGBTQIA+ people
– Developing and leading inclusion initiatives across the local government sector
– Strengthening the cultural safety of existing programs, events and facilities
“As an advocate and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, council is committed to improving the lives of people and families from our rainbow community by reducing discrimination and exclusion and increasing access to local support services.
“We are immensely grateful to our community members who provided feedback and shared their experiences which has helped shape this Action Plan,” Ms Duff said.
Moving forward, the action plan will use a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the council’s efforts are effective and accountable.
The cycle will undergo a process of monitoring performance and evaluating outcomes; bi-annual updates; an annual comprehensive report; and consulting with the Rainbow Advisory Committee, which continues with future endeavours.
