We are committed to creating a community that embraces inclusiveness and equality.
Our community members' health is addressed through our 6 health priorities and our wellbeing commitment identified in the Boroondara Community Plan 2021–31.
Our health priorities focus on addressing inequities experienced by different groups within our community including LGBTIQ+ community members.
The use of the acronym LGBTIQ+ is consistent with Victorian Government standards and stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning people. People, organisations and groups may use different acronyms.

Council initiatives
We are rolling out the following initiatives:
- Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAP) outline the actions we'll take to ensure Boroondara continues to build a safe culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work.
- Gender Impact Assessments (GIA) consider how our actions meet the needs of people in our community and how we're enabling all people to have equal access to opportunities and resources.
- Actively participate in the the Q-East Alliance, a network of community development and youth workers working to enhance the inclusion, health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ young people.
- Boroondara Community Plan and Health and Wellbeing priorities, especially those addressing inequities experienced by different groups including LGBTIQ+ communities.
- Inclusive sports program, a partnership between Access Health and Community, Manningham Council, Women’s Health East and Leisure Networks that deliver the Inclusive Clubs project.
- Making public toilets in Boroondara gender-neutral.
Events and activities
Skittles Program
Open to young people aged 12 to 18 who identify as LGBTQI+, this support group meets fortnightly on Wednesday afternoon from 4 pm to 5:30 pm for a fun, relaxed and supportive group including activities, workshops and group discussions.
For more information and how to join, see our Join a youth program page.
IDAHOBIT
We celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) annually. Explore our events and activities to celebrate IDAHOBIT.
Resources
Council resources
Libraries
Read the top LGBTQIA+ fiction and non-fiction titles from our collection, or explore our Booklist of LGBTQIA+ picture books.
Mental health
Find information about mental health services.
Rainbow families
Rainbow families are made up of parents, carers and prospective parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, gender diverse or intersex and their children. Find resources for rainbow families on our Diverse families page.
Community grants
We offer a range of grants to community groups and organisations in Boroondara to support activities and events.
Other resources
Pride Centre
Pride Centre-external site is a purpose-built centre for Australia’s LGBTIQ+ communities. It is home to practical and supportive services and includes a Resource Directory-external site.
Call (03) 7035 3592 for more information.
Rainbow Network
Rainbow Network-external site is a directory to connect with LGBTIQA+ groups and services for young people all over Victoria.
Proud 2 Play
Proud 2 Play-external site focuses on increasing LGBTIQ+ engagement in sport, exercise and active recreation.
Pride Foundation Australia - Small Grants
Individuals, community groups and/or organisations can apply to Pride Foundation Australia-external site for up to $750 to support projects that benefit either LGBTQIA+ individuals or community or strengthen LGBTQIA+ organisational capacity.
Support services
headspace Hawthorn
headspace-external site offers counselling and support to young people from 12 to 25 years, including providing a safe environment for the LGBTIQA+ community.
For more information call (03) 9006 6500.
Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard Victoria-external site is a community-based not for profit organisation providing peer-driven support services for the LGBTIQA+ community, their allies, friends, support workers and families. For more information call 1800 184 527.
Switchboard's Out & About-external site service facilitates friendship between LGBTI seniors and peer volunteer visitors. Their staff match participants and volunteers based on shared interests and hobbies, and support both people to stay engaged and connected over time.
Access Health and Community
Access Health-external site offers a range of medical and allied health services. For more information, call (03) 9810 3000.
Minus-18
Minus-18-external site tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ young people belong and are celebrated.