Labor is backing LGBTIQA+ Victorians in Northern Victoria to connect, celebrate and be proud.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes welcomed funding for LINE Wangaratta and Oot and Aboot Outdoors in Healesville through Labor’s $400,000 Pride Events and Festivals Fund.

Thirty events and festivals will share in Labor’s $400,000 Pride Events and Festivals Fund.

LINE Wangaratta will receive $10,000 to deliver the 2027 Wangaratta Pride Festival, a multi-day festival aiming to create a welcoming, accessible and community-led space for LGBTIQA+ people and their allies to connect and celebrate.

Oot and Aboot Outdoors will receive $9,000 to deliver Camp & Connect in Healesville, an overnight event combining camping, campfire connection and a guided cultural walk for LGBTIQA+ community.

Since 2018, the fund has backed more than 260 events and festivals across Victoria.

What’s at risk

Labor banned conversion practices and passed strong anti-vilification reform to ensure that all Victorians can live free from hate.

Now One Nation wants to roll back Safe Schools and ban LGBTIQA+ student groups. Jess Wilson won’t rule out governing with their support.

Only Labor will stand with LGBTIQA+ Victorians – and protect the rights they fought so hard to win.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“In Victoria, our Labor government will make sure everyone can live safely, as their authentic selves – without fear.”

“LGBTIQA+ Victorians fought hard for these rights. One Nation wants to turn back the clock – and Jess Wilson won’t rule out governing with their support.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos

“Pride isn’t just a parade in the city. It’s a roller derby cup in Gippsland, a festival in Wangaratta, a formal where a teenager can finally dance as themselves.”