Macedon ranges celebrates inaugural puppy pride in the park

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is celebrating the inaugural Macedon Ranges Puppy Pride In The Park in isolation, with her beloved pooch Robbie.

"I am so disappointed that I am currently in isolation and cannot attend this fantastic event,’ Ms Thomas said. “I support our LGTBIQA+ community and everyone involved in the inaugural Puppy Pride for the Macedon Ranges."

Puppy Pride 2022 is a project from Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s (SCCH)’s CLIP – Country LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Program and WayOut program that continues a longstanding commitment to connect the LGBTIQA+ community and allies, increase LGBTIQA+ visibility, champion positive health and wellbeing outcomes, and celebrate PRIDE in the Macedon Ranges.

SCCH hopes that Puppy Pride will be added to the annual LGBTiQA+ calendar of events in Central Victoria. In partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Puppy Pride will also form part of SCCH’s broader response to the Healthy Heart of Victoria 2019 Active living Census results that showed that people who identify as LGBTIQA+ were less likely to meet the national recommended guidelines for exercise and physical activity.

Beginning with a dog walk from the Kyneton Velodrome to the Botanical Gardens for the official launch, the community walked to celebrate the event and show their support for the LGBTIQA+ community in the Macedon Ranges.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"I am so proud to stand with the local LGBTIQA+ community of the Macedon Ranges and even though I am sadly unable to attend, I wholeheartedly support the inaugural Macedon Ranges Puppy Pride In The Park"

"In showing our solidarity and support for events like this, we encourage others to reach out and know that there is support and friendship within our community."

"Robbie is very proud to wear his rainbow flag, for special occasions and every other day too."