Mayor's Message 30 June, 2023
Hello everyone,
In previous editions of YOUR INDIGO, the CEO and I have made very strong statements about our strong stance on diversity and inclusion and zero tolerance for discriminatory or racist behaviour.
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, all seven councillors voted unanimously to support a motion stating our unequivocal commitment to diversity, inclusion and the right of LGBTIQA+ communities across Indigo Shire.
The statement reads; Council strongly believes our Shire is healthier, happier, safer and a better place to live when our residents feel a strong sense of belonging and the ability to express their identity freely without fear of discrimination.
The actions and behaviour of those who intend to exclude, intimidate and marginalise others have no place in our society and will not be tolerated by this Council. Council will not reduce our commitment to advocate for and elevate the voices of LGBTIQA+ residents.
Indigo Shire Council is proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ community and we will continue to show our support to ensure our residents of all ages feel safe, welcomed and loved regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Indigo Shire Council is a proud signatory of the North East Pride Network MOU. Council advocates for our regional neighbouring Councils to collaborate to demonstrate a shared strategic interest in this essential work for and with LGBTIQA+ residents.
I am incredibly proud of this Council and the position it has taken. It not only demonstrates leadership, but sends a very clear message to those that seek to disrupt, intimidate and inject fear, that we will not stand for it.
Also on Tuesday night, we adopted the 2023/24 budget, which you can read about further in this edition, as well as backed plans to apply for significant government funding for both the Rutherglen Silos Art Project and the Chiltern Destination Playground development. These are both bold and ambitious projects that we could not possibly fund with government grants, so we’re putting our best foot forward to try and attract funding. We’ll keep you posted on the outcome.
It was a very lengthy meeting with a number of important items debated. I particularly want to thank all community members who contributed to both the budget engagement and also the playground and other projects.
Despite some community sentiment that we are not listening, I can assure you that we are and we will continue to listen and act on what is best for our Shire.
Take care and stay safe.
Regards
Sophie Price