Mount Alexander Shire Council, Victoria, has adopted a new flag policy that will allow community flags to be flown on a designated flagpole at the historic Market Building in the centre of Castlemaine.
Mayor, Bronwen Machin, said, “A community request to fly the rainbow flag last year highlighted a lack of Council policy in this area.
“The new policy was initiated by councillors to provide clarity and enable community flags to be flown in a high profile central location in Mount Alexander Shire.
“Community requests for flying a flag at the Market Building will now be considered via an application process.
“When reviewing an application Council will consider how the proposed flag supports Council’s vision, values and strategies, how it encourages respect and a sense of belonging, and if it supports a recognised social, cultural, environmental, economic, political or historic matter relevant to our local community.”
Under the policy community groups or individuals must provide at least eight weeks’ notice as part of their application. The flag may remain in place for up to seven days.
Only the Australian, Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander flags will fly on the three flagpoles at the Civic Centre.
The policy does not include flagpoles managed by Section 86 Committees of Council. Council will continue to follow the guidelines set out by the state and federal government to ensure official protocols are met.
Last month the Rainbow flag was raised in an emotional ceremony at the historic Market Building in Castlemaine in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
