In May 2024, the Council unanimously resolved to develop an LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, later renamed to the Rainbow Action Plan to be more inclusive of all genders, sexual identities, and sex characteristics. This initiative aligns with the community's aspiration for Geelong to be “an inclusive, diverse, healthy, and socially connected community” and supports the principles of the Council-endorsed Social Equity Framework, which aims to address barriers faced by disadvantaged groups. The goal is to understand the unique challenges experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and foster a community built on respect, equity, and inclusion for all.

The community was consulted during August and September 2024 to gather input on how the City can make the LGBTQIA+ community feel more included in Greater Geelong. This consultation included an online survey which received 220 responses and four workshops with a total of 39 attendees. 26% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The engagement identified key barriers such as a lack of safety, challenges in finding connection and community, and experiences of discrimination. Priority areas for action were identified as leadership and cultural change, coordination and networking, education and awareness, and celebration and connection.
Read the Community Engagement Summary Report here.

The Draft Rainbow Action Plan is currently available for public comment before it goes to Council for adoption. The community's feedback highlighted priority areas for action, including leadership and cultural change, coordination and networking, education and awareness, and celebration and connection. Council resolved to endorse the Draft Rainbow Action Plan 2025-2029 for Community Consultation for a period of two weeks from 17 May to 31 May 2025.

The Draft Rainbow Action Plan will be viewable to the public from May 17 for a two-week period. We encourage interested parties to read the draft action plan and take the survey below to have your say.