Bendigo's LGBTQIA+ community will be crossing its fingers over the weekend.
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In Monday evening's council meeting, members will be considering the installation of a Pride Progress Flag artwork to be painted on the forecourt of the Bendigo Town Hall at the top of Bull Street.
The City was approached by Bendigo Pride Festival organisers in February last year in an attempt to have the flag painted in time for Bendigo Pride in 2021.
Greater Bendigo youth mayor Jack Smith said the youth council are in full support of the Progress Pride flag mural.
"Place is an important part of identity," he said.
"As Bendigonians we have connections with the region and that impacts our individual identity.
"By painting this mural not only is the City making a statement of support and acceptance, but it is also allowing the LGBTQIA+ community to build positive memories and experiences to connect Greater Bendigo to their personal identity."
Mr Smith also noted the rates of mental health issues in Bendigo's queer community were significant.
"24.1 per cent of the young people Headscape provides services to identify as LGBTQIA+," he said.
"This demonstrates the need for young people in the community to get support and feel included, accepted and welcomed."
The recommendation is also supported by some of the Municipality's previously adopted strategic plans including an action in the Council Plan 2021-2025 and an action in the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan - Healthy Greater Bendigo 2021-2025.
However, the council holds fears of community backlash similar to that following the marriage equality postal vote in 2017.
Nevertheless, the Bendigo electorate returned one of the highest 'yes' votes in Australia during the 2017 Marriage Equality postal vote, with 68.7 per cent of respondents voting 'yes' to legalising same-sex marriage.
The council is also conscious that not completing the project could result in community calls of 'tokenism', particularly after the adoption of the actions in the council plan and healthy Greater Bendigo.
Council meetings have moved to the fourth Monday of the month for 2022, and the first meeting will be held online on January 24.
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