Media release – Working It Out and the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), 17 May 2023
Winners announced for the 2023 Dorothies Awards
Working It Out and the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) are pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2023 Dorothies Awards.
The theme for this year’s awards was “Excellence in LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in Local Government”. Due to the diverse nature of the nominations received, the judging panel decided to give out awards across three categories:
– Pioneering Change
– Most Inspiring
– Best Practice.
The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Nic Street, announced the winners at Working It Out’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Breakfast this morning in Hobart.
City of Hobart won the award for Pioneering Change. This award is for the role City of Hobart has played over a considerable period of time in engaging with LGBTIQ+ communities and showing visible and public support when it matters.
The award for Most Inspiring was won by the Central Coast Council. This award recognises the significant change that has been seen in the northwest, from hosting anti-gay rallies in the 1990’s to publicly making amends and apologising to the community for these past events. In 2018 Central Coast Council undertook range of initiatives, including installing a commemorative plaque, plantings and lighting the Leven Bridge in rainbow colours to mark Pride Week. In November 2021, it was the second Tasmanian council outside of City of Hobart to fly the Rainbow flag over a town hall.
The Best Practice award was won by Kingborough Council and recognises their efforts in undertaking a holistic process, beginning with educating themselves and engaging community, to developing and implementing a specific LGBTIQ+ action plan for the municipality. Kingborough Council engaged Working it Out to run two training sessions with council staff, management and elected representatives, and formed a LGBTIQA+ Working Group which comprised of eight community members and two council staff. The Working Group developed an online community survey seeking demographic information, perceptions of Kingborough, experiences in Kingborough, and experiences with Kingborough Council. The survey received 162 responses.
Other notable nominees were Clarence City Council, Derwent Valley Council and Huon Valley Council.
Working It Out CEO, Lynn Jarvis, said “These awards showcase the progress some Tasmanian Councils have made in ensuring LGBTIQ+ people can live safely, openly and proudly in their local communities. The call now is for other councils to take up the challenge, to learn from these leaders and to make their own commitment to inclusion”.
LGAT President, Mayor Christina Holmdahl, said “We appreciate Working It Out highlighting the great work the local government sector is doing to increase diversity and inclusion in our community and congratulate those councils who were recognised with awards”.
The theme for next year’s Dorothies Awards will be “Government Agencies”. The Secretary for the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Jenny Gale, spoke this morning of the important role that government agencies have in LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
The Dorothies promote excellence and build awareness of the need for all Tasmanians to receive respectful and appropriate services that are informed by best practice.
Media release – City of Hobart, 17 May 2023
Hobart recognised again as a welcoming city
The City of Hobart’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city has been further enhanced at today’s IDAHOBIT Dorothies Awards.
Hobart was presented with the Excellence in LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in Local Government (pioneering Leadership) at a breakfast to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
The Dorothies are Tasmania’s premier LGBTIQ+ inclusivity awards presented by Working It Out, the state’s only dedicated LGBTIQ+ support, advocacy and education service.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was wonderful the work done by the City was being recognised.
“This recognition of the demonstrated positive change in the City’s relationship with the LGBTIQ+ community over the past few years is testament to the work that the City has undertaken in this area,” Cr Reynolds said.
“The development and implementation of the Hobart A City for All; Community Inclusion and Equity Framework and the LGBTIQ+ Commitment 2022-23 has provided a strong strategic framework to guide the City’s LGBTIQ+ programs and advocacy.”
Hobart Welcoming and Inclusive City Portfolio Chair Councillor Dr Zelinda Sherlock said this follows on from the City’s official accreditation as a Welcoming City by the Welcoming Cities Organisation last December and the continued close work undertaken with Hobart’s First Nations and multicultural communities.
“It is an honour to be recognised as a place that welcomes such diversity,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.
“I take great pride in such awards, but we must continue to be vigilant and strive to make Hobart a place for all to live, work, visit and play in.”
