Rainbow pride flags have been painted on roads and footways in cities around Australia and all over the world as a symbol of LGBTIQA+ pride and solidarity in the community. They create focal points in our neighbourhoods, attract visitors and contribute to a sense of place and pride for the local community.
Earlier this year Council agreed that it was time for Merri-bek to have 2 rainbow paths of our very own and we want your help to decide where they should go!
Step out with Pride in Merri-bek
Merri-bek Council is proud to share two new installations that celebrate our large and diverse LGBTIQA+ communities ahead of IDAHOBIT on May 17.
These two initiatives celebrate the important social, historical and cultural impacts that LGBTIQA+ communities continue to make in Merri-bek.
Pride Pathway - Brunswick
Why this location?
The southern site (Brunswick Town Hall precinct)
Community feedback celebrated the central, visible and high traffic location on Sydney Road, and the strong social and historical connections Brunswick has with LGBTIQA+ communities. Careful consideration was given to the heritage precinct, as well as the scale and design of the pride installation proposed.
It was recommended that the pride flag installation be painted on the footpath adjacent to Michelle Guglielmo Park (260 Sydney Road) – directly opposite Brunswick Town Hall.
The footpath adjacent to Michelle Guglielmo Park on Sydney Road has increased visibility with a large amount of foot traffic, while also meeting the technical requirements of the project. This location was relatively straightforward to install, requiring footpath but not road closures. Litter bins were relocated.
Michelle Guglielmo Park is used for a variety of events and community gatherings from diverse groups. The recommended location offered a possible meeting spot or place of connection before using the park or visiting the local retail strip.
Pride Mural - Glenroy Hub
Mural by Marco Pennacchia
Why this location?
The northern site (Glenroy Hub)
Several northern locations received positive feedback, including CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner, the Glenroy Hub and Waterloo Road / Snell Grove. Working through a range of feedback the Glenroy Hub was recommended.
Council heard from a diverse group of LGBTIQA+ community members living in the Glenroy area or using the Glenroy Hub. The location is seen as a safe space that celebrates our LGBTIQA+ communities through social events, library collections and displays.
There was general support from stakeholders at the Glenroy Hub site for the flag. The design responds to the local community and diverse users in a sensitive manner. The Glenroy installation celebrates the local LGBTIQA+ community. This installations was delivered through Council’s annual public art program.
About the mural
Marco Pennacchia's new mural at the Glenroy Hub is inspired by the intersex-inclusive progress pride flag and focuses on a quiet, everyday moment: reading a book, a subtle reference to the presence of the Glenroy Hub library.
Detail of mural by Marco Pennacchia
Why do this?
Merri-bek Council has a responsibility to help our communities feel safe and inclusive for everyone. We do this through our policies that guide our programs and projects, like our LGBTIQA+ action plan.
We know that public celebrations of LGBTIQA+ communities improve mental health and wellbeing and foster respect and visibility in our neighbourhoods. Actions like the rainbow crossings are just one creative way Merri-bek works to create a feeling of safety and inclusion in our communities.
Possible locations
We have identified 8 possible locations around Merri-bek, shown below. A Progress Pride Flag will be painted on a road or footpath in 2 locations:
- One north of Bell Street
- One south of Bell Street.
The flags will be painted for symbolic purposes only. They will not be functional crossings or shared zones.
Click on the markers to find out more about each location. Let us know your preferred locations in the form further down the page.
Map view
List view
List of locations and more information
- Relative cost: Lower
- Environmental impact of material: Very low
About
A large number of community members use the library, leisure centre and neighbourhood house which are all within the precinct.
- Relative cost: Lower
- Environmental impact of material: Low
About
Vibrant mall with cafes and Coburg library. Merri-bek libraries champions LGBTIQA+ communities through events, the collection and programs.
- Relative cost: Lower
- Environmental impact of material: Very low
About
Glenroy Hub provides a range of inclusive services to the local community. The library holds a range of events with the growing LGBTIQA+ communities in the area. The hub regularly displays signs of support on its digital screens.
- Relative cost: Higher
- Environmental impact of material: Low
About
This location experiences high levels of pedestrian activity and public transport users accessing Oak Park Station.
- Relative cost: Lower
- Environmental impact of material: Very low
About
Sydney Road has a proud history of LGBTIQA+ activism, creativity and small business. This location would complement other queer installations such as the Wilson Street Mural: Rainbow Warriors. Brunswick has a proud LGBTIQA+ history and this location could build on those stories.
- Relative cost: Lower
- Environmental impact of material: Low
About
A flag in this location will complement Bulleke-bek Park, which provides space for people to connect, socialise and share space. Brunswick has a proud LGBTIQA+ history and this location could build on those stories.
- Relative cost: Higher
- Environmental impact of material: Low
About
The new Yubup park provides space for people to connect, socialise and share space. Brunswick has a proud LGBTIQA+ history and this location could build on those stories.
- Relative cost: Higher
- Environmental impact of material: Low
About
Being immediately off Lygon Street there is significant pedestrian activity with in the area. A flag in this location would compliment outdoor dinning and retail on Lygon Street.
Join the Conversation
Where would you like to see a Pride Flag footway?
At the April 2025 meeting, council resolved to investigate opportunities to install 2 rainbow crossings or paths in Merri-bek and to ask the community which locations are best to have them installed.
We’ve identified 8 locations and we'd like to understand your preferred location in the north and in the south of Merri-bek. This is not a vote, but your preferences will be considered when making our final decision.
- Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
- Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
- To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
- You can now continue with your submission
We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation. Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose.
About the design - Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride flag
The Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride flag is the most recent version of the LGBTIQA+ Pride flag. Designed In 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK. The design includes elements that represent LGBTIQA+ identities including Trans and Intersex people and People of Colour.
Learn more about different Pride flags on the IDAHOBIT website.
- Location: your submissions will help us understand community preference for the location of the Pride flags.
- Council has resolved to install 2 Progress Pride flags at 2 locations, one north and one south of Bell Street.
- The Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag has been endorsed by Council as the design to be used.
