We are a new group aiming to provide support, social connection, and promote awareness of the issues facing GLBTI people and their families in the Grampians and Wimmera region.
This temporary webspace is currently under construction. We will be opening a new site soon under the www.rainbowconnect.com.au space. Please bear with us in the construction phase.
We are still working out the finer details of how we hope to connect with one another but over the last few months have discussed a variety of issues that we hope to advocate change for, especially in in our area. We want to significantly improve the lives of our 'alpabet' people and rainbow families! Information on these issues is provided on the bottom of this page. We also aim to create a social calendar of events, outings, BBQ's, camping trips etc etc.
So... if you are interested in advocating for same sex marriage rights, local schools joining the safe schools coalition, organising an annual GLBTI pride festival, rural retreats (and much more!), then we meet on the first Wednesday night of each month at 6pm until about 7.30pm. We will rotate the venues between Stawell, Ararat and Horsham so stay tuned to the website to check our updated locations. Bring a plate (with something on it) to share.
Our social catchup is on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Venues will be uploaded as we work out where we will be kicking up our heels and what we will be kicking them doing. Bring your friends and spread the word. We know we arent the 'only gay's in the village'!
Useful Links
Equal Love - Same Sex Marriage Rights
This issue keeps gathering momentum in the press and political debate. Just recently, Daniel met with our local MP about this issue and presented the facts on behalf of rural same sex couples. Sign up with the Getup campaign to change legislation and legalize same sex marriage. Because to the groundwork and dedication to the cause that Daniel has put in on our behalf, Jules was invited to go to Canberra as part of the national marriage equality campaign. Selected representatives from each state were invited to Canberra to talk with MP's in parliament about changing the legislation to allow for the basic human right to marry. She was able to network with key players in the fight for equal rights for GLBTI marriages, many of whom have promised to come to our region over the coming months to share their experiences and to help advocate for change in our area. WELL DONE Daniel and Jules!!! Very exciting!
Cath's sculpture 'Rainbow Love' continues to tour regional Victoria generating awareness and support for same sex marriage rights. It had a wonderful opening night celebration at the brand new Courthouse Arts venue in Geelong. Representatives from GASP (Geelong Adolescent Support Project) MC'd the proceedings and gave frank accounts of their lives and desires for social and marriage equality. Geelong community have really got behind this sculpture and there has been a lot of media support and discussion forums are planned over the coming month. If you are off the Geelong to dip your toes in the salty fresh, then drop in and tie your ribbon of support.
Safe Schools Coalition
Helen has started discussions with the department of education... and they are keen to actively participate in changing local stereotypes and providing hands on help to develop a strategy to promote local schools inclusion into the safe schools coalition.
Rainbow Family Day
We had a Rainbow Family BBQ for gay and lesbian parents on Saturday 17th September at the Halls Gap BBQ area. Thanks to all those who attended.. the kids had a ball and the adults ate some 'posh'' BBQ tucker and got to talk about themselves and the unique issues facing us as rainbow families.
Rural Mens Health Workshop Weekend
Preliminary discussions with Country Action Network are really positive, and we are looking to run this men only weekend workshop in February 2012. If you are interested, or know someone who would really benefit from this workshop, please contact Jules or Helen and book your place.
Rainbow Shop Christmas Party
Daryl has encountered a small hiccup.. The Rainbow Warehouse has been taken over by a Western Australian company. We are looking into alternative companies and will let you know what we come up with soon. In the meantime, if you jave any fabulous ideas for a Rainbow Christmas 'do', then let us know and plan B might just be a goer.
Wimmera Grampians Pride Festival
Over the course of the next year we are planning a Grampians Wimmera Pride festival. We are looking for people who can volunteer there time and there contacts to make this happen. Please let us know if you would like to be involved or have any ideas how our festival can be the best and most inclusive time to be had in Victoria!
