Yarra City Council champions inclusivity with renewed Pride footpaths

Yarra City Council
Photo of Yarra's pride festival, showing a crowd of people milling around in front of an inflated rainbow

This week Yarra City Council resolved to refresh the iconic rainbow footpaths at the corner of Peel Street and Smith Street in Collingwood, and the corner of Gertrude Street and Smith Street in Fitzroy. In a celebration of inclusivity, Yarra City Council will update the footpaths to include the Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag.

The decision was made at this week’s Council Meeting, with Councillors supporting a recommendation to refresh the iconic rainbow footpaths.

The refresh, which will be completed in time for Victoria’s Pride as part of Midsumma Festival in February 2024, demonstrates Council’s continued support for the LGBTIQA+ community, and Council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Yarra.

First painted at the corner of Peel Street and Smith Street, and the corner of Gertrude Street and Smith Street in 2014, the rainbow footpaths have evolved from a temporary treatment into a permanent community landmark.

As Yarra gears up for Midsumma Festival and the return of the Victoria’s Pride Street Party on Sunday 11 February 2024, this renewal is a bold affirmation of Yarra’s values and a celebration of diversity.

“The rainbow footpaths at the corner of Peel Street and Smith Street; and the corner of Gertrude Street and Smith Street are symbolic of the community and businesses that thrive here,” said Yarra Mayor Edward Crossland.

“By updating these iconic paths to include the Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag we’re reaffirming our commitment to inclusivity and respect for the LGBTIQA+ community, while renewing a beloved landmark that enhances the vitality of the precinct.”

/Public Release. View in full here.