- Minister for Equality
Australia's first Pride Centre has reached another important milestone, with a ceremony and community celebration to kick off major construction works.
Minister for Equality Martin Foley today joined Victorian Pride Centre Board Chair Jude Munro AO and LGBTIQ community members in a ceremonial laying of the cornerstone for the centre.
The event marked the start of major construction works and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City - which began the Pride movement worldwide.
The centre will be the first of its kind in Australia and will serve as a hub for LGBTIQ groups, health service providers, youth groups and cultural organisations.
It will provide space for groups to share ideas and resources, and will support their work in delivering equality, diversity and inclusivity across Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government has contributed $15 million towards the project, which will be an enduring symbol of pride and acceptance for all Victorians.
We're building on our record investment in equality through the Victorian Budget 2019/20, with $10.65 million to provide additional support to LGBTIQ people dealing with stigma and exclusion.
This includes $800,000 to community radio station JOY 94.9 to support its relocation to the Victorian Pride Centre.
Other initiatives include $3 million to assist homelessness providers to improve the inclusiveness of their service, $3.25 million to boost mental health and family counselling services, and support survivors of conversion practices.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $82 million in initiatives to support LGBTIQ Victorians, compared with $5.4 million when the Liberals were in Government.
As noted by Minister for Equality Martin Foley
"It's fitting that we mark the beginning of construction for Australia's first Pride Centre on a day which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots - a day which birthed the LGBTIQ Pride movement."
"It gives us pause to reflect on how far we have come in the journey for true equality and inspires us to continue in that direction."
"The Victorian Pride Centre will stand tall for generations of LGBTIQ Victorians and a legacy of the Andrews Labor Government's commitment that in Victoria - equality is not negotiable."
