Rainbow Council Project

Project website: Rainbow Council Project

This project has delivered significant and measurable outcomes in strengthening LGBTIQA+ inclusion across South Australia’s local government sector.

The network engaged 19 member councils, with additional councils participating as observers, and delivered five structured meetings, which were complemented by targeted one-to-one support to councils.

Toolkit to enhance LGBTIQA+ inclusion

A major legacy of the project is the completion of the Rainbow Council Toolkit, now available to all councils.

View the toolkit (PDF 2.7 MB)

The toolkit includes:

• practical ways to embed LGBTIQA+ inclusion
• templates, checklists, and step‑by‑step resources
• case studies drawn from local government experiences
• tools to support both elected members and staff
• legislative and policy context for South Australian councils.

The toolkit makes sure the benefits of the project continue, providing councils with long‑term, practical support.

Project outcomes

Increased capability across councils

The project significantly lifted councils’ confidence and skills in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities.

Participants reported:

• greater knowledge of legislation, terminology, and good‑practice inclusion
• improved ability to champion inclusion internally
• stronger awareness of practical steps councils can take to improve visibility, access, and inclusion.

Strengthened collaboration and sector support

A major achievement of the project was the creation of a supportive network that brought councils together for the first time to focus on LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

The support network fostered:

• strong cross‑council collaboration
• peer support for both queer and allied staff
• opportunities to share what works, and what doesn’t
• reduced isolation for those working independently in this space.

Greater inclusion

A number of councils reported that they have taken steps toward inclusion, including:

• staff training and awareness‑raising initiatives
• new and improved equity and inclusion policies
• Pridevember and Feast Festival participation
• flying the Pride Flag and delivering queer cultural events
• stronger partnerships with LGBTIQA+ community organisations
• improvements in internal practices, such as pronoun inclusion.

For several councils, these were their first-ever steps toward structured LGBTIQA+ inclusion – an important milestone for the sector.

Rainbow Council Network will continue

Although the initial project is complete, the Rainbow Council Network will continue, with a growing community of practice.