Mayor's Message 24 November, 2023

Hello everyone,

When I reflect on what our Shire has to offer, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start and stop as we have so much; stunning historic streetscapes, amazing landscapes, festivals, events and immense community participation and pride.

It’s the participation and pride that really shone last weekend, with Drag'D Out Beechworth taking centre stage, attracting huge crowds to celebrate all people within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Indigo Shire is a proud supporter and sponsor of Drag'D Out Beechworth and we are thrilled that we can offer a safe and positive place for this event.

I was particularly pleased that the event also included the staging of the Rainbow Ball, thanks to the support of the Northeast Pride Collective Network. Around 60 young people attended and from all accounts it was a huge success.

We are a council that embraces diversity and inclusion, and we are very fortunate that the strong relationship we have forged with Victoria Police through our local police safety committee means we can collaborate and stand up to hate, which sadly has forced some councils to cancel events.

I’m pleased that the state government is taking steps to strengthen its protections against violence and hate conduct, which have no place in our community. 

We also have zero tolerance for any form of gender violence, which is why we fully support the 16 days of activism global campaign, which kicks off tomorrow. This campaign begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends with International Human Rights Day on 10 December, highlighting that violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights.

I encourage all community members to get behind this campaign and join the world-wide movement to end violence against women and girls.

Enjoy your weekend and take care.

Cr Sophie Price