Perth City Council has knocked back a proposal to permanently rename the Northbridge Piazza the Pride Piazza.

The space is the location where many members of Perth’s LGBTIQA+ community gathered in 2017 to hear the result of the national postal survey on marriage equality, and the council recently leased the building at the Piazza to Pride WA.

When it was announced that Pride WA would take up residence at the Piazza Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas referred to the space as the Pride Piazza.

“The City’s Pride Piazza reaffirms Perth as a national leader for celebrating and championing diversity and inclusion – and I can’t think of a better, more vibrant neighborhood for Pride WA to call home.” the Lord Mayor said. The name was repeated at the opening of the 2022 PrideFEST where Zempalis said the space was now known by the Perth community at “Pride Piazza”.

While the council has regularly referred to the space as the Pride Piazza in their marketing materials, the name change is not official.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting Councillor Sandy Anghie put forward a proposal to officially rename the space, but it was knocked back with three councillors voicing support and five voting against the idea.

Councillor Brent Fleeton viced his opposition to the proposal saying it was completely an utterly unnecessary.

“And of all the things we should be spending time on debating in this chamber, I mean – really and truly – if we’re trying to hint to rate payers that we’ve lost sight of what really matters this is an awesome way of going about it.

“This is completely and utterly unnecessary.” Councillor Fleeton said. “and it’s also counter to the theme of being inclusive. All of the attributes and developments we’ve made as a city over the past two and a bit years together and the wonderful results from the investment that rate payers made into the Pride Parade is testament to that because, guess what – it happened when it wasn’t called the Pride Piazza.”

“I also don’t like the connotation that I’ve felt through this debate that if we don’t do this we’re somehow un-supportive of the Pride community. It’s almost as if we don’t rename the City of Perth to the City of Pride the entire city is also being divisive.”

Councillor Fleeton said rate payers are missing out on having use of the building in the piazza because it had been given to Pride WA in a peppercorn lease for a long period, and while the city had developed an extensive LGBTIQA+ plan, renaming the piazza was not one of it’s recommendations.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas also voiced his opposition to the proposal saying he supported the nickname ‘Pride Piazza’ he was not in favour of a permanent name change. The Lord Mayor listed a long list of achievement that the council had achieved in recent years.

The proposal was supported was Deputy Lord Mayor Liam Gobbert, Councillors Sandy Anghie and Dr Viktor Ko, but knocked back by Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and Councillors Di Bain, Rebecca Gordon, Brent Fleeton and Di Bain.

Earlier during the meeting Pride WA CEO had addressed the council and spoke about how the piazza had been the location of many events during the recent PrideFEST and people had reported feeling more safe in Northbridge than in previous years.

Choon Tan said the LGBTIQA+ community had been a part of the Northbridge community for many decades but for many decades had been hidden behind nightclub doors. Choon said the council had the opportunity to make a public space that acknowledge the LGBTIQA+ community similar to those found in other cities.

OIP Staff

You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post Perth City Council knocks back formal name change for 'Pride Piazza' appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The City of Perth has officially launched their LGBTQIA+ inclusion plan this week, after adopting the initiative at a council meeting in late October.

The plan is dedicated to improving the experience and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community in the city, developed by an LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group made up of lived-experience community member.

The three-year plan will focus on the City of Perth’s role as a service provider, partner and facilitator in increasing the visibility, social inclusion and health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The plan outlines actions in seven key areas including safety, education, homelessness and healthcare.

Some of the actions in the plan include ensuring training is rolled out across the organisation, increasing the number of gender-neutral bathrooms, regular engagement with LGBTQIA+ stakeholders and a review of LGBTQIA+ inclusion among City of Perth services.

The plan was launched by City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds, Advisory Group co-chairs Paul-Alain Van Lieshout-Hunt & David Goncalves and Perth’s Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.

“The City of Perth has a rich LGBTQIA+ history,” Van Lieshout-Hunt said at the launch, “This plan puts that culture, that lived experience, our community’s struggles and aspirations, front and centre.”

“It builds bridges and gives meaning to decades of stories with practical commitments. I’m tremendously proud of the approach – a co-design and co-development approach – that we took in developing this plan.”

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas also welcomed the plan, acknowledging the initiative grew from offensive comments he made on live radio that hurt and incensed our community last year.

“When I reflect on what happened that day, and perhaps the effect of what took place that day, what I was most reminded of in my own mind is the way that I was brought up,” Mayor Zempilas said.

“I was brought up to have some fundamental principles in my mind. Respect, kindness, compassion… and on that particular morning I went against my own values and my own principles. In doing so I realised I caused a lot of people a great deal of pain, and of course I’m truly sorry for that.”

“Out of something as disappointing as that, what we have been able to do collectively – and I guess by corralling our emotions in the one direction – has been to grow from that experience, and there is no doubt that I have grown from that experience.”

The LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group will continue to participate in the rollout of the plan over the next three years.

Find out more about the plan at perth.wa.gov.au

OIP Staff

You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post City of Perth officially launch LGBTQIA+ inclusion plan appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The City of Perth Council has unanimously voted in favour of adopting an LGBTQIA+ inclusion plan put forward by their community advisory group.

The group was formed in the wake of newly elected Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas making disparaging remarks about people who are transgender. Now the group has presented the council with a 34 point plan to improve inclusion within the city.

Speaking ahead of the council’s vote, David Goncalves, the co-chair of the advisory body, said the creation of the advisory body and subsequent proposal marked a new era of true collaboration between the city and the local LGBTQIA+ communities.

“The environment of the past perhaps left the City hesitant and even unknowing how to “deal or manage the community” – but with this new approach of embracing community outreach – no matter the uncertainty – can lead to real positive change with a far more firmer platform for the kind of legacy that lasts.” Gonvalves said.

“Now that this draft plan is out for further public consultation I hope that the City of Perth can witness the benefits of this kind of genuine engagement. Not everything has to be a tightly controlled checkbox exercise. With real, genuine and wide reaching engagement you can bring along people to create solutions that not may not even be visible and surely would never have had the kind of support without such efforts.”

Councillors spoke positively about the new proposal ahead of the vote with Councillor Dr. Viktor Ko describing it as a “great document” and a great starting point for ongoing development.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Sandy Anghie, as Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is currently away due to his broadcasting commitments to the Tokyo Olympics.

On Wednesday Anghie said she was proud of the great work the City was doing through the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and the Reconciliation Action Plan, as well as the soon-to-be-completed LGBTQIA+ Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan.

“We are committed to celebrating and valuing the strength of our diverse community. This framework means we champion equity to ensure everyone can participate in the City of Perth equally, creating meaningful inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging.” Anghie said.

Among the proposals in the 34 point plan are support for the establishment of a Pride Hub in Perth, along similar lines to Melbourne’s recently opened Pride Centre.

The three-year plan that outlines action in seven key areas: Safety; Education; Homelessness; Healthcare; Organisational Capability; Welcoming and Accessible Services and Visibility, following the guiding principles of recognising intersectionality, creating safe spaces, delivering through co-design and capital city leadership.

Just some of the actions in the plan include training security and law enforcement to be LGBTQIA+ allies, increasing the number of gender-neutral bathrooms, including existing research on LGBTQIA+ homelessness in future plans, promoting Community Wellbeing Grants to LGBTQIA+ groups, regular engagement with LGBTQIA+ stakeholders and a review of LGBTQIA+ inclusion among City of Perth services.

Graeme Watson 2-07-21 1:50pm Comment from Sandy Anghie added. 

You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post City of Perth unanimously votes in favour of LGBTQIA+ inclusion plan appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The City of Perth council will this evening vote on the city’s LGBTQIA+ Plan, developed by the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group formed earlier this year.

The Advisory Group was formed in the wake of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas’ offensive comments on trans, gender diverse and intersex bodies and identities made in October last year, with the aim of developing policies to improve inclusion and diversity.

The plan was produced with over 500 engagements between the community and the Advisory Group. From those engagements, data was compiled to better understand Perth’s LGBTQIA+ communities and our needs to inform the development of the plan.

Alarmingly, 49% of respondents said they feared for their safety, while 46% were uncertain the City of Perth was a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people. 41% of respondents said they had experienced discrimination or harassment because of their LGBTQIA+ identity, and 73% believed discrimination or harassment was likely.

The three-year plan that outlines action in seven key areas: Safety; Education; Homelessness; Healthcare; Organisational Capability; Welcoming and Accessible Services and Visibility, following the guiding principles of recognising intersectionality, creating safe spaces, delivering through co-design and capital city leadership.

Just some of the actions proposed in the plan include training security and law enforcement to be LGBTQIA+ allies, increasing the number of gender-neutral bathrooms, including existing research on LGBTQIA+ homelessness in future plans, promoting Community Wellbeing Grants to LGBTQIA+ groups, regular engagement with LGBTQIA+  stakeholders and a review of LGBTQIA+ inclusion among City of Perth services.

The plan also includes a recommendation for the establishment of a Pride Hub, in the vein of Melbourne’s recently opened multi-million dollar Pride Centre.

“Perth has a rich and lengthy LGBTQIA+ history. It is, and has been, a meeting place for LGBTQIA+ people across the State and as the City of Perth Council, we have a role to play in protecting and enhancing the lives of those who live, work and visit our city,” Lord Mayor Zempilas said of the plan.

“I acknowledge that we are on a journey of learning and, through close collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ community, we will be more visible in our leadership towards making Perth a safer place for LGBTQIA+ people.”

City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds says they have heard the feedback of Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and thanks for Advisory Group for their dedication.

“This three-year plan is ambitious, however it demonstrates our commitment to improving the experience of LGBTQIA+ people in the city,” Reynolds said.

“We look forward to sharing the progress made with, and for, the community through this plan over the next three years.”

More to come.

Leigh Andrew Hill

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: 9364 6909 / waamh.org.au / wearedischarged@gmail.com
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post City of Perth to vote on LGBTQIA+ plan as data shows safety concerns appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The City of Perth are calling for feedback from the local LGBTQIA+ community after the establishment of the council’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group.

The group of sixteen was formed following a commitment from the City of Perth in response to community concern over Basil Zempilas’ election as Mayor in the wake of his transphobic comments last year.

The LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group includes a number of high-profile community members: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Indigenous) and Head of Kurongkurl Katitjin at ECU Professor Braden Hill, Pride WA President Curtis Ward, Chair of TransFolk of WA Hunter Gurevich, A/CEO for Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing Kedy Kristal, former Pride WA President Paul-Alain Van Lieshout Hunt and a shared seat for Perth Inner City Youth Service represented by Andrew Hall and Dani Wright Toussaint.

The City of Perth is extremely appreciative to the Advisory Group for offering their time, experience and expertise to support the city as a safe, welcoming and inclusive place,” City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds said.

“The LGBTQIA+ plan will help increase the visibility, social inclusion and health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The Advisory Group, in partnership with the City, are inviting the broader LGBTQIA+ community, as well as community groups and service providers, to participate in consultation to better understand the experiences and needs of the Perth LGBTQIA+ community.

The community can participate via an anonymous online questionnaire or face-to-face workshops.

Relevant LGTBQIA+ organisations and groups will also be invited to participate in workshops.

For more information on the questionnaire, or to attend a community consultation session, head to Engage Perth.

OIP Staff

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post City of Perth seek feedback from LGBTQIA+ community appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Perth’s Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has added another media job to his schedule, signing on to host the new Triple M Breakfast Show in 2020.

Long running station Mix92.9 recently transformed into rock and sport focused station Triple M and it’s long been speculated that Zempilas would be part of their line up of announcers.

He’ll be joined by Jenna Clarke from The West Australian, who is also a regular commentator on Sky News. The third member of the team will be ex-footballer Xavier Ellis who was part of the previous breakfast team.

In a statement from the station Zempilas shared his excitement about his new role.

“I love Perth, I love to have a laugh and I love sport – so when Triple M arrived, it was the perfect fit. I’m a local through and through, and the opportunity to take that even further with Triple M is really exciting – and I’m so thrilled to share the experience with Xav and Jenna.”

“Xav has the footy banter covered, and Jenna is one of the most accomplished journalists in the business. We’re locals so we’re looking forward to giving our listeners a show that is important to our community. It’ll be a great ride,” he said.

Speaking to The West Australian, Zempilas said he wanted the show to be the number one program in its slot within five years.

“In five years, we want to be number one, and that is what we are here for,” Zempilas told the Seven-run paper.

“Triple M is here to make a big mark, to have the loudest voice, to attract the most attention, to get people thinking.

“Ultimately, you come into these contests to be number one.” Zempilas said.

The Lord Mayor recently ended his long run on talkback station 6PR. He has previously been the host of Weekend Sunrise and also currently part of the Seven Nightly News team and writes a regular column in The West Australian.

The new breakfast team will get to work from 18th January 2021.

OIP Staff

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas to head new Triple M Breakfast show appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Guerilla artists highlighting the plight of homeless people in the Perth city centre have installed another Shelter Seat.

The park bench that can be transformed into a sleeping shelter for homeless people first appeared in Perth back in October. On the outside it features comments made by Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas back in 2019, where he outlined his plan to rid the city of homeless people.

Before he gained international attention for his comments about transgender people, Zempilas was widely criticised for his simplistic suggestions on how homeless should be addressed.

“I make no apologies for this, the homeless need to be moved out of the Hay and Murray Street malls and the surrounding areas,” he wrote in his column in the West Australian.

“Forcibly, if that’s what it takes. I’m sick of being told by people who don’t live and work in the city like I do that it’s not that bad — actually, it’s worse.

“The look, the smell, the language, the fights — it’s disgusting. A blight on our city.”

Previously the bench featuring the comments appeared in the Perth Cultural Centre, now a new one has been installed on the corner of Barrack and Wellington Street in city, a spot that was until recently a meeting place of homeless people.

In recent weeks the newly elected City of Perth council has clamped down on non-approved charities providing food to the homeless. Among those being forced to stop their services is a long running service delivered by the Salvation Army which had operated since 2013.

The City of Perth introduced a new approach to dealing with homelessness in 2019 which tries to focus all services in a single location. However due to the impact of Covid-19 it subsequently asked the Salvation Army to resume their service, but now the permission has once again been removed.

“In February 2020, the Salvation Army were approved to deliver a roving outreach service on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in the City of Perth, this approval did not include the provision of food,” a spokeswoman for the city told WA Today.

“During the height of COVID-19 in Perth, the Salvation Army were approved to offer a breakfast service between 7am-9am for people experiencing homelessness – this service was for a short period of time.

“However, the Salvation Army extended food service delivery to Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings without prior approval and co-ordination with the city.

“The Salvation Army, once made aware, are ceasing the food service.”

Art group Heavy Duty said their installation was in response to public furniture being removed from parks and an dramatic increase in the number of ‘move on’ noticed being issued by police.

Update:  07-12-20 10:00 Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has highlighted that the Salvation Army were not asked to stop providing their food service. In what appears to be a contrary statement made by a City of Perth spokesperson, Zempilas said the the Salvation Army were simply asked to relocated their service.

Posting to his Twitter account, Zempilas said some of the comments being circulated were simply incorrect or flat out misleading. Zempilas said the Salvation Army and other providers had been asked to relocate their services to Moore Street.

OIP Staff

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post The Shelter Seat is back highlighting support for homeless people appeared first on OUTinPerth.

TransFolk of WA are holding a community consultation, seeking input on their ongoing conversations with the City of Perth and the Lord Mayor.

“It has been a challenging few weeks in the wake of Mr. Zempilas’ comments on 6PR radio,” TransFolk of WA said of the initiative.

“TransFolk of WA has been in conversation with the Lord Mayor, City of Perth and other impacted organisations to establish the most productive course of action.

“We are here to represent the community. We appreciate every comment and message you have sent us and we are confident there will be an outcome that empowers you as community members, TransFolk of WA as an organisation, and the City of Perth to learn to be more inclusive and support diversity.

“We are reaching out to ask for your feedback. We want to know how this situation has impacted you and how you are feeling, as well as your ideas and thoughts on the best course of action from here.”

Hosted digitally on Slido, the consultation includes a series of posed questions, as well as space to ask your own questions for TransFolk of WA or the wider community.

“This is especially relevant now, during Pride Month and just post Trans Awareness Week, where we have pledged to Celebrate, Educate, and Advocate,” the statement continues.

“This is a space to be heard, and contribute, and appreciate the enormous strength and beauty of the trans and gender diverse community. TransFolk of WA will continue to agitate and advocate for change, and for better recognition and support for our community.”

TransFolk of WA also shared with us some anonymous preliminary answers from the consultation, to give a guide on what issues are in the community consciousness.

“I was in the waiting room for top surgery when I heard the news on the TV,” one respondent said of the Lord Mayor’s comments.

“It made me feel angry and frustrated that another person in a position of power, with a loud voice and many eyes on them, could be so transphobic and ignorant.”

Another said they “felt like the people of Perth wouldn’t support my identity as a trans person.”

“Luckily, I have been shown lots of kindness from others in Perth.”

As well as their opinions on the Lord Mayor’s statements from 6PR, respondents have submitted advice on what could help and support them during this time.

“People given more of an opportunity to share their story,” one answer read.

“A more genuine commitment and plan by the City about how they plan to engage and learn from the trans community – include how they will tackle discrimination on their social media pages and in the general community that they govern,” they continued.

Another respondent called for more cisgender allies to speak up.

“Especially those in positions of power, publicly fighting against transphobia and helping to normalise trans experiences.”

TransFolk of WA’s Community Consultation is open until Sunday 6th December. For more information head to Facebook.

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post TransFolk of WA hosting community consultation on City of Perth appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Perth’s Deputy Lord Mayor Sandy Anghie will be putting forward a proposal to improve the City of Perth’s relationship with members of the LGBTQIA+ communities at this week’s council meeting.

Anghie will propose the formation of an LGBTQIA+ advisory group to advise the council on matters of diversity and inclusion.

“Establishing an LGBTQIA+ advisory group would help guide the City of Perth on policy and other initiatives — to help the City better promote inclusivity and progress the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, so that we can continue to move forward together,” she told WA Today.

“We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion of all members of the community, and respect is a core value.”

Staffers have recommended that the proposal be broadened to include other minority groups including indigenous, youth, disadvantaged people, disability groups, seniors and migrants. If adopted the advisory group would have 12-15 members.

The move comes as the newly appointed council work to rebuild relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community members and organisations following controversy surrounding comments made by Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas. Just 10 days after taking up their roles the new councilors faced a barrage of criticism after their leader made a gaffe on his breakfast radio program.

The proposal has been welcomed by former Pride WA President Paul-Alain van Lieshout Hunt. He led Pride WA back in 2010 – 2012 and has remained a vocal commentator on LGBTQIA+ issues. Van Lieshount Hunt told WA Today that if he was offered one of the positions on the new advisory council he would consider taking up the role.

“The next step for us as residents is seeing who is actually in that inclusivity and advisory committee and just how much sway they will have on issues presented to council,” he said.

Current Pride President Curtis Ward welcomed the proposal highlighting that many LGBTQIA+ people lived within the City of Perth’s boundaries.

The proposal will be put to council on Tuesday night.

OIP Staff

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post Perth Deputy Lord Mayor has a plan for improving LGBTQIA+ inclusion appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Speculation has continued in the media industry this week that Perth’s new Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas might be the face of radio station Triple M when it launches in Perth in 2021.

Neither Zempilas or the station were commenting on the speculation this week, with the Lord Mayor telling The West Australian that he could not comment while still contracted to the Nine owned station 6PR.

“I’ve always said I enjoy radio and believe it can be an asset in my role as Lord Mayor but while I’m contracted to 6PR there is nothing to discuss,” Zempilas told The West Australian.

This week it was revealed that Hit92.9 would be axed and rebranded as Triple M which has a more rock and sports orientation. At the same time sister station Mix94.5 would be rebranded as Hit94.5.

Hit92.9’s current breakfast team of Xavier Ellis, Juelz Jarry and Pete Curulli will finish with the station at the end of November and a new Breakfast team will be announced. Speculation that Zempilas would be a central figure in the new team has been rumoured for months. He was previously a presenter on the station for 6 years, and has been winning the Breakfast ratings on his current station 6PR with co-presenter Steve Mills.

While Zempilas argues that there is many benefits to his role as Perth’s Lord Mayor if he is also a prominent figure in the media he continues to be asked about comments he made about gender continue to be raised when he makes public appearances.

Last week Zempilas pulled out of attending at an event run by TransFolk and Pride WA after discussions with the organisers. The Lord Mayor posted to his Twitter account saying that he would continue to strive to learn more about the issues faced by transgender people but that his presence at the event would not be productive.

At a recent town hall meeting the Lord Mayor was questioned about his comments by Pauli, a member of the local LGBTI community. Zempilas said his comments were an act of stupidity and he hoped that people could see that he had “owned” his mistake and he would be working hard to repair the damage.

“I’d like to think that people can see that I have owned my mistake and my error from that moment forward, and I’ve done that because I realised I’d made a mistake and done the wrong thing. So absolutely it’s my job now to repair that damage, and one of the things I’m doing is hosting forums like this where anyone can come along from our community and sit with me and talk to me.” the Lord Mayor said.

Zempilas said he realised that people would be skeptical of his statements for a long time and rebuilding trust with people in the community would take considerable work.

“Please give me a chance to show you.” Zempilas appealed to Pauli. “Please give me a chance to show you and other members of the trans community who I have had the pleasure to spend some time with over the last 10 days, because of the error of my ways, but I’m a better person already for what has taken place. I’m deeply regretful that it took an act of stupidity on my behalf to lead to that great communication.”

“It’s my job to be better. Please don’t judge me on the last two weeks solely, give me a chance to be better.” Zempilas said.

OIP Staff

Update: This article was updated for clarity.

Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

The post Will Basil Zempilas be the face of Triple M? appeared first on OUTinPerth.