THE UNIVERSITY of Ballarat has unveiled its plan to provide support for gay and lesbian students and staff.
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The plan also comes as a second Gay and Lesbian Liaison Police Officer has been appointed in the Ballarat district.
In its invitation to the launch event at Mt Helen last week, the university pitched the plan to those who were concerned about homophobic crime in Ballarat.
The university said the plan outlines actions that it would take to improve social inclusion for the gay and lesbian community.
Explaining the plan at the Safety and Support Showcase, University of Ballarat vice-chancellor David Battersby said inclusion, access, support and empathy were core university values.
“The Showcase you are attending is an important expression of the university’s values and principles,” he said.
Ballarat Police Inspector Bruce Thomas said supporting gay and lesbian members of the Ballarat community was a core business for Victoria Police.
He said the appointment of two Gay and Lesbian Liaison Police Officers was an important step to demonstrate this support.
University of Ballarat Student Connect director Jeannie King said rainbow flag stickers given out were a visible sign to be place on doors to show support to people who were LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex).
“Visibility of our support is a critical factor for members of the LGBTI community, as they can’t assume who is and who is not supportive,” she said.
The University of Ballarat is a member of the City of Ballarat Safety Advisory Committee which has been investigating incidents of potential homophobic violence in Ballarat.
tom.cowie@fairfaxmedia.com.au