So, you know how Australia loves its big things? As a country, we really do, there’s no denying that. So much so that we counted 165 Big Things across Australia. But, up until now, we haven’t had a big landmark to celebrate regional LGBTQIA+ pride. That’s where The Big Rainbow comes in.
Back in March, dating app Tinder unveiled The Big Rainbow in Sydney, and announced their intentions to put it somewhere in regional Australia. Towns on the shortlist included Broome (WA), Hay (NSW) and Katherine (NT). And now, after 16, 000 votes, Daylesford has been chosen as the future home for The Big Rainbow.
The Big Rainbow
This will be Australia’s first “big” landmark that is dedicated to celebrating regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion. The Big Rainbow was designed with members of the LGBTIQA+ and First Nations communities.
“We are so grateful for the support that people across the country have hown us in voting for Daylesford to be the home of The Big Rainbow,” said Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council Tim Drylie. “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.”
Daylesford is the home of Chillout Festival, which started in 1997. This festival is the longest running and largest queer country pride festival in Australia.
The Big Rainbow is 12 metres wide and 6 metres high. Over the next few months, Hepburn Shire Council will work with Tinder on the logistics of installing this new landmark. In addition, Tinder will donate $100, 000 to support regional LGBTIQA+ organisations around Australia.
“This impressive landmark will live in the town as a beacon for diversity, inclusion and self-expression for the regional LGBTIQA+ community,” said Kirsten Hardeman, Tinder Australia Director. “We’re really looking forward to working closely with the passionate people of Daylesford to bring The Big Rainbow home over the coming months.”
The exact location for The Big Rainbow will be decided in consultation with the Daylesford community. The four shortlisted sites are Lake Daylesford, Lost Children’s Park, Victoria Park and Daylesford Community Skate Park.
Members of the community are invited to have their say here. The survey will close on October 30.