26 Apr, 2016

Council Honours Rainbow Walk Commitment

The Rainbow Walk project was endorsed by City of Adelaide last night and construction will commence in September in time for Adelaide’s Feast Festival.

Council endorsed a permanent option which will include a timeline to highlight significant South Australian milestones, people and events in our state’s history.

The timeline will be included within the unique colour bands, providing meaning and further connection with the LGBTIQ community.

The project is proposed for the north western quadrant of Light Square adjacent the Adelaide College of the Arts and is set to include new trees, relocated seating and other amenities.

The final name for the project will be decided after consultation with the community.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said that the City of Adelaide is proud to be a diverse, inclusive city and that Council was determined to honour its commitment to recognise this through the Rainbow Walk.

“Adelaide has a long history of legal, social and cultural innovation and reform, leading the way in celebrating diversity within the community,” said Martin.

“In 1975, South Australia made history by becoming the first state in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality under Premier Don Dunstan.

“Last year we celebrated the 40th anniversary of gay law reform, and we’re proud to celebrate our local LGBTIQ community which, collectively, makes a major contribution to the vibrancy of our city.

“Using the rainbow colours in a public space such as Light Square, along with flying the rainbow flag from the Town Hall during the Feast Festival, are just two of the ways we can demonstrate our support for and commitment to diversity.”

Installation of the project would cost $86,000 and is expected to be ready for the Feast Festival and Pride March in October this year.

The timing of the installation coincides with the Adelaide College of the Arts capital works project ‘ACARTS Plaza and environment for pedestrian passing’ – artwork supported by Splash Adelaide.

Matthew Halliwell