Daylesford has been named the home of The Big Rainbow, Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion, which was designed with members of the LGBTIQA+ and First Nations communities.
Daylesford was chosen after 16,000 public votes were cast ahead of fellow shortlisted towns Broome (WA), Hay (NSW) and Katherine (NT).
The Big Rainbow was first unveiled in its temporary home in Sydney in March ahead of a call for submissions to find its new home somewhere in regional Australia. The Big Rainbow Project is an initiative by Tinder Australia.
Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said it was brilliant to see The Big Rainbow coming to a town that is considered by many to be the rainbow capital of regional Australia.
“Daylesford is the home of the Chillout Festival, the longest running regional LGBTIQA+ festival in Australia, and home to many rainbow families,” said Cr Drylie.
“Council will soon initiate a period of community engagement to tap into the community’s local knowledge and perspectives about the best suited location for the Big Rainbow which will celebrate our vibrant and inclusive community.”
“We are so grateful for the support that people across the country have shown us in voting for Daylesford to be the home of The Big Rainbow. We have a long history of supporting our LGBTIQA+ community and visitors to our town, and we hope that The Big Rainbow will be an example of what it means to show love and support to everyone. We’re looking forward to having the community help us decide where the Big Rainbow will live,” said Cr Drylie.
Bradley Thomas, CEO, said that while the rainbow is a symbol of inclusion, he envisages it also being a tourism drawcard for Daylesford.
“We see people seeking out the Big Pineapple in Queensland and the Big Merino in New South Wales, we believe The Big Rainbow will continue to add to our visitor experience in the beautiful Daylesford and Hepburn Shire.”
Kirsten Hardeman, Tinder Australia Director said they are absolutely delighted that so many Aussies took part in the search for The Big Rainbow’s new home and that Daylesford has been named as the fitting regional home.
“This impressive landmark will live in the town as a beacon for diversity, inclusion and self-expression for the regional LGBTIQA+ community. We’re really looking forward to working closely with the passionate people of Daylesford to bring The Big Rainbow home over the coming months.”
Over the coming months, council will be working with Tinder on the logistics of installing The Big Rainbow, which is 12 metres wide and six metres high. As part of The Big Rainbow Project, Tinder has also pledged to donate $100,000 to support regional organisations who deliver services to LGBTIQA+ people across Australia.
