A rainbow road celebrating diversity and inclusion was officially launched in the heart of St Kilda
Port Phillip Council Mayor Bernadene Voss is encouraging people to come along and see the colourful new Council-funded landmark and to share its important message on social media.
“Running 35 metres along Jackson Street to the Fitzroy Street intersection, this fantastic symbol of diversity and inclusion will be in pride of place for the annual Midsumma Pride March along Fitzroy Street for the next two years,” Cr Voss said after cutting a rainbow ribbon at the launch.
“It’s also a fitting curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated Victorian Pride Centre to be built around the corner.”
Council originally wanted to launch a rainbow-themed landmark during the marriage equality debate as a public show of support for inclusion.
“While logistics prevented us from doing this on State Government assets during this campaign, we are excited that everyone can now come and enjoy this colourful representation of the diversity for which St Kilda is famous. Hopefully we can do another rainbow-themed celebration in partnership with the State Government when the Pride Centre opens,” she said.
Council believes its St Kilda rainbow road is the only one in Australia until its precursor in Sydney is reborn later this year.
“We hope our road will be enjoyed by many visitors over the next few years, and that they will share this important message of love and equality through selfies with the hashtag stkildaisforlove,” Cr Voss said.
Adding to the celebration, a Snapchat filter will cover the site for a month.
Cr Voss invited rainbow road visitors to take the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic dining and entertainment venues in the Fitzroy Street precinct.
“The reopening of the Espy, the interest generated by the current series of The Block, the foreshadowed redevelopment of the Novotel site and the future cultural and economic benefits of the Pride Centre are all contributing to the optimism and excitement surrounding this famous destination.
“The resurgence of St Kilda is well and truly underway and we couldn’t be happier that its long-standing reputation as a welcoming place for the LGBTIQ community continues with our rainbow road.”
Background
The rainbow road cost Council about $28,000 (excluding GST) to construct. The paint meets VicRoads’ standards and is expected to last about two years. As Jackson Street is a local road, Council did not need to gain permission from other authorities.
