Surf Coast Shire Council will celebrate IDAHOBIT 2026 with a flag-raising ceremony and community morning tea, recognising the importance of inclusion, respect and equality for LGBTQIA+ people.
As part of the Council’s adopted awareness-raising events calendar, community members are invited to a flag-raising ceremony outside the Surf Coast Shire Council office, followed by a morning tea.
The rainbow flag raising ceremony and morning tea will be held:
Date: Monday 11 May
Time: 10 am – 11.30 am
Where: Surf Coast Shire Council office, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay
Guest speaker Rueben Whyte will share his experience in creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ young people and what it means to be an ally.
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Phoebe Crockett said the event is an important opportunity for the community to come together in support of LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
“IDAHOBIT is a meaningful day for recognising the progress made towards equality, while also acknowledging there is more work to be done,” said Cr Crockett.
“By hosting this event and flying the rainbow flag throughout May, we are showing our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.”
“We encourage the community to attend the flag raising and morning tea and show their support,” she said.
Guest speaker Rueben Whyte said creating safe and supportive environments is vital for young people.
“Everyone deserves to feel seen, safe and supported for who they are,” Mr Whyte said.
“Allyship for me is about listening, learning and standing alongside my fellow humans in everyday moments, being willing to try, even when I’m scared I might get it wrong.”
Council flies the rainbow flag in accordance with its flag policy and events calendar for the entire month of May in recognition of IDAHOBIT.
IDAHOBIT, observed on 17 May, marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s removal of homosexuality from its classifications of diseases. The day now stands against LGBTQIA+ discrimination and celebrates progress towards LGBTQIA+ equality.
Find more information and to register for the morning tea (for catering purposes), go to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IDAHOBIT