WATTLE Range Council will provide tangible support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community by purchasing six rainbow flags for use during the annual Feast Arts and Cultural Festival in November.
Furthermore, council has directed its librarian to establish a display in the Millicent Public Library during the festival, with the special exhibition to highlight diversity and feature a rainbow flag.
The decision to back the state’s preeminent queer arts and cultural festival was taken at the marathon three and a half hour monthly council meeting on Tuesday.
Council had considered a written request to fly the rainbow flag from its premises from the Feast Festival general manager Helen Sheldon.
She said the festival promoted pride, community identity, inclusion and celebration.
“Our aim will develop artistically excellent, ground-breaking arts projects involving LGBTIQ artists and allies with a focus on youth, Indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Ms Sheldon said.
During debate on the request, Cr Peter Dunnicliff said it was not appropriate for the council to support a particular group by flying their flag.
According to Cr Dunnicliff, council should only be flying the Australian, South Australian and Wattle Range Council flags.
However, he moved a motion for council to purchase six rainbow flags for use by community groups on request during the Feast Festival.
Cr Dunnicliff agreed to an amendment from Cr John Drew that council also stage a related display in the Millicent Public Library.
Speaking as a former teacher, Cr Drew spoke on the sexuality issues faced by some his past students which followed them through life.
Strong support for the council to adopt a tangible stance on diversity came from its two most senior elected members.
Mayor Des Noll indicated he supported Cr Dunnicliff’s motion and said council must be relevant to its community.
“I know that students at Millicent High School are being proactive,” Mr Noll said.
“They are our future leaders.
“They know that this matter is on the agenda and they are watching us.
“Conservatism is not the way forward.”
Cr Moira Neagle supported the sentiments of the Feast Festival request.
She pointed out that matters relating to sexuality were linked to suicide and backed measures such as flying the rainbow flag which could prevent this outcome.
However, Cr Dean Burrow opposed the motion as he felt council should not be supporting a minority group.
Cr Dunnicliff’s motion was passed and then Cr Burrow called for a division.
It again showed that Cr Burrow was the only councillor to oppose the motion.
Last year, 22 of the 69 councils in South Australia – including Grant District and Mount Gambier City Council – flew the rainbow flag which is an international symbol of the lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, inter-sex and queer communities.
Each Feast Festival flag costs $22.
