By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
TWO groups of demonstrators took to the streets on Belgrave last week to voice their opinions on the Safe Schools Program.
The Australian Christians Party marched to the office Victorian Education Minister James Merlino in Belgrave on Wednesday 16 March to submit a petition against the Safe Schools Program.
The Australian Christians Victorian Senate candidate Vickie Janson said the rally went well and she was happy with the turnout.
“For mid-week in Belgrave, 150 people turning up for our march is pretty good,” she said.
Mr Merlino’s office estimates the turnout at closer to 50 people in the group who were marching against the program along Burwood Highway in Belgrave.
In preparation for the Australian Christians’ anti-Safe Schools rally, local action group ‘Safe in Belgrave’ decorated the township in rainbow colours.
Traders along the main thoroughfare of Belgrave decorated their shop fronts with rainbow flags, ‘Safe in Belgrave’ posters, and one kilometre of rainbow bunting.
The town of Belgrave was decorated in rainbow colours last week where demonstations focusing on the Safe Schools program took place
. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
Local bar Sooki Lounge, located across the road from Mr Merlino’s office, had a 7.5 metre wide ‘Safe in Belgrave’ banner on their roof and played music such as YMCA, It’s Raining Men and Dancing Queen as the Australian Christians delivered their petition.
The music and festivities reportedly caused many observers and passers-by to break out in song and dance.
“We hope that our anti-Safe Schools guests enjoyed their trip to Belgrave, and were able to see firsthand how much of an inclusive, vibrant, diverse and joyous community we are,” representatives of Safe in Belgrave said in a statement.
Ms Janson said the rainbow decorations were not a deterrent to the group for the most part and both the anti and pro safe schools groups were respectful of each other.
“When we got there the whole town was covered in rainbow posters, even the area we had a permit for,” she said.
“They had a big banner above the stage area we had to take down and hand back but it was all very well behaved and we got on well.”
The Safe in Belgrave team then held their community gathering in support of the Safe Schools program and creating safe communities for LGTBQI people on Saturday 19 March.
Despite the wet weather, hundreds of people came out to the Belgrave Town Centre to show their support for the inclusive nature of the hills community.
Members of the Belgrave Community turned out in wet weather to support the Safe School Program
. Picture: DARREN CLARKE
Mr Merlino confirmed there was no violence or hostility at either of the demonstrations which he was very pleased about.
“I am very proud of how Belgrave community has come together to show its support for the Safe Schools Coalition,” he said.
“We know how vital the Safe Schools program is, and we’re hearing it loud and clear from kids and parents, uncles and aunties, teachers and principals, all across Victoria.
“Saturday’s rally will send a clear message – when kids’ lives are at risk, we won’t walk away.”
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also extended a message of support to the team at Safe in Belgrave, expressing his support for the actions of the group.
“I commend the dynamic community of Belgrave and surrounds for their efforts this week and congratulate those who stood up for the health safety and wellbeing of our children,” Mr Shorten said.
“Discrimination against LGBTI Australians is wrong in all its forms. Yet 80 per cent of Australian same-sex attracted and transgender students face verbal abuse and bullying at school.
“The Safe Schools program protects and supports these students, which is why I stand by this program and the Australian Labor party will always support the LGBTI community.”
