Southern Grampians Stands Proud

Published on 04 June 2026

Southern Grampians Shire Council will proudly celebrate Pride Month this June, with a series of colourful, community-focused events designed to celebrate inclusion, identity and belonging.

Celebrations will begin in mid-June and continue through to the end of the month, with a range of activities and initiatives planned across the Shire.

One of the central initiatives, “Mardi Gray”, will encourage local businesses and Council’s public-facing spaces to bring a burst of colour and creativity to shopfronts and windows in celebration of Pride. Similar to the popular Christmas window competition, prizes will be awarded for the best displays.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said Council was proud to stand alongside every member of the community.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Pride throughout June and creating opportunities for people to come together in a spirit of inclusion and respect.”

“We want everyone in our community to know they are valued, supported and welcome here. Everybody deserves the opportunity to celebrate who they are.”

Council will also support a local football match at Melville Oval on Sunday 21 June, with both the Senior Women’s Branxholme and Hamilton teams set to wear rainbow football socks during the game.

Council is enormously grateful to both clubs for embracing the initiative and helping create visible support and inclusion within local sport.

Local youth rainbow group YUMCHA will also launch its new mascot, Bowie, during Pride Month celebrations.

The project, funded through a grant from Youth Affairs Council Victoria’s HEY program, saw young people work closely with One Day Studios in Warrnambool to create an animated spokesperson designed to promote messages of diversity, inclusion and understanding.

“Everyone deserves respect and the chance to feel proud of who they are,” Cr Heslin said.

“We’re very happy to show our support, and we look forward to the broader community joining us in celebrating Pride Month together.”

For a full list of upcoming events and activities, keep an eye on our socials or subscribe to Council’s monthly newsletter.

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