Council is lighting up the Williamstown Town Hall purple from 26 to 30 August to show its support for safe, empowering and inclusive environments for young people.
Joint portfolio holder for Social Wellbeing and Community Services, Councillor Tony Briffa said Hobsons Bay UP, Council's youth services, are partnering with Victorian Police GLLO (Gay Lesbian Liaison Officers) and the Williamstown High School student-run Equality Committee, to light the Williamstown Town Hall up purple to raise awareness for Wear It Purple Day and celebrate diverse identities.
"Council and Hobsons Bay UP celebrate the creativity, diversity and freedom of young people and we are very proud to see this partnership flourish," said Cr Briffa.
"This initiative will help raise awareness of some of the issues our young people face and how we can facilitate inclusivity and discussion.
"Publicly showing our support and offering inclusive environments for all members of our community of all sexual orientations or gender identification is something I am very passionate about."
Wear It Purple Day was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of several rainbow young people taking their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
Joint portfolio holder for Social Wellbeing and Community Services, Councillor Colleen Gates said Council is committed to leading by example and constantly looking for new ways to inspire conversation and awareness.
"Supporting inclusion, diversity and equal rights for the entire community has been a long-standing commitment of Council," said Cr Gates.
"As articulated in our Gender Equity Statement, Council is dedicated to delivering on our vision of a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and provides opportunities for all.
"We encourage all community members of Hobsons Bay to tell anyone and everyone they know why the Williamstown Town Hall is lit up purple.
"Let's support the diverse young people of this city by inviting your friends and family to visit the Williamstown Town Hall lit up purple from Sunday 26 August to Friday 30 August."
