The multi-million dollar Centre will be bigger than San Francisco’s LGBTI Community Centre.
The Victorian government is pledging $15 million towards the establishment of Australia’s first LGBTI Pride Centre as part of its 2016 budget.
The centre, which is set to rival San Francisco’s LGBTI Community Centre, will showcase LGBTI art and history, and bring together health and support services.
Equality Minister Martin Foley said the establishment of the centre is "long overdue."
"It will be a great gathering place for the LGBTI community and allow for much greater collaboration between services and community organisations," Mr Foley said.
The State government intends for the centre to serve as a hub for LGBTI groups and organisations to further their work in supporting equality, diversity and inclusion across Victoria.
The final design, location and timeframe for the establishment of the Pride Centre will be confirmed after consultation with the local LGBTI community.
Advocacy groups have praised the announcement for the centre, with Rainbow Families Victoria congratulating State Premier Daniel Andrews, Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Rowena Allen, and Martin Foley for their work.
“Great news for rainbow families and our LGBTI communities,” the volunteer group tweeted.
The 2016 state budget will also include $6.4 million in funding for gender dysphoria health services. It is also believed the upcoming budget may confirm support for the Safe Schools program, with funding to bring the program to every Victorian public school.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, a long-time advocate for LGBTI rights, has voiced his support for the centre.
“Equality is not negotiable in Victoria,” he said. “Victoria’s LGBTI community has a lot to be proud of and I congratulate everyone who has worked hard to make Australia’s first Pride Centre a reality.”
The pre-budget announcement comes ahead of the formal State apology to the LGBTI community in Parliament on 24 May for those convicted under unjust laws against homosexual acts.