VICTORIA's first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner has seen a positive change in Bendigo.
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Ro Allen returned to the city today for a workshop on LGBTIQ inclusion - the last in a series of 10, statewide.
About 75 people attended - a third more than the event's organisers had expected.
Commissioner Allen said the number of groups involved in LGBTIQ inclusion in Bendigo had increased in the past three years.
And, whereas people had been hesitant to identify as members of the LGBTIQ community three years ago, "now they're just coming out".
"It's exciting to see the changes," the commissioner said.
They believed some of the positive change could be attributed to local initiatives such as Bendigo Says Yes, now LOUD Loddon Murray.
LGBTIQ community leaders were among the attendees at today's workshop.
Also represented were service providers and organisations including local government - a blend of attendees Commissioner Allen said they had hoped for.
They said one of the themes to emerge from the Bendigo workshop was how to get all the groups working together.
"We've all got to work together," Commissioner Allen said.
"It's not one group's responsibility."
They said it was also important LGBTIQ inclusion efforts encompassed everyone within the community, including elders, people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians and young people.
"We can't leave anyone behind," they said.
LGBTIQ people in central Victoria still faced barriers, the commissioner said.
Part of today's workshop included consultation with rural and regional people about Victoria's first LGBTIQ strategy.
Commissioner Allen said the community's feedback would help shape the strategy, which is under development.
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