Rainbow banner replaced thanks to generous crowdfunding
An uprising of support for Marriage Equality has seen the Hawkesbury community and Council unite to replace the Marriage Equality banner that was stolen from Council’s Administration Building on Sunday, 17 September 2017.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett was particularly moved by the Hawkesbury community’s good will and constructive response.
“My heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Hawkesbury community for their generous and immediate support in crowdfunding for the stolen Marriage Equality banner. Over $1000 was raised and it meant that we could quickly replace the banner and re-install it.,” Mayor Lyons-Buckett said.
Council is proud to support Marriage Equality, and, along with the banner, which states: ‘Hawkesbury City Council supports Marriage Equality. Vote Yes’, a rainbow flag is also flying outside Council Chambers until the postal survey for same sex marriage concludes on 7 November.
Council has Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) enabled around its Administration Building for security and that police are investigating the theft.
Background
On 29 August 2017, Council resolved to engage with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual community to assist with the ‘Yes’ campaign in a respectful manner; to hold a community event in support of Marriage Equality; to fly the rainbow flag until 7 November; and to display a rainbow banner supporting Marriage Equality.
On 28 February 2017, Council also resolved to fly the rainbow flag for the Mardi Gras Festival period each year, as well as investigate ways in which Council can demonstrate support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual community.
Following this, Council staff commenced consultation with representative groups in the Hawkesbury and the results of this consultation will be reported back to Council in due course.
