LGBTIQA+ support
We are proud to be a campus that supports our LGBTIQA+ students and staff to feel safe and supported.
We take responsibility to assure we meet any unique and specific needs to help our LGBTIQA+ students and staff to feel safe, supported, included and celebrated as part of the La Trobe University Bendigo community.
The following list of supports have been put together specifically for LGBTIQA+ people who attend the Bendigo Campus and includes supports both on campus and within the community.
On campus support
Be it a big or small problem, or simply wanting a safe person to connect on campus who understands, our Queer Counsellor on the Bendigo Campus is a specialist counsellor in the area of sex, gender, sexual health and sexuality.
Our counselling service is a free service available for all La Trobe students. Sessions are available in person, online or over the telephone.
The Rainbow Eagles is the Bendigo Campus student run LGBTIQA+ club that provides a welcoming and supportive space for all LGBTIQA+ people. Students can get involved on a social level or more in-depth with opportunities to get involved with events management, volunteering or begin on the executive.
View Rainbow Eagles Facebook Find queer social groups on campus
Every year the La Trobe Student Association collaborates with the Student Wellbeing Team and the Rainbow Eagles to celebrate PRIDE on campus. Historically this has included an array of events ranging from one day events to a fun packed week, celebrating, honouring and showing our support for the current and historical relevance of PRIDE.
Keep an eye on the Bendigo Student Services page for the many LGBTIQA+ days and events celebrated by our students and the University.
The ALLY Network is a program designed to help the La Trobe community better understand the lived experience of LGBTIQA+ staff and students.
In the community
Bendigo has a thriving LGBTIQA+ community with many opportunities to connect, collaborate, celebrate and have fun. Take a look at some of the links below or feel free to reach out and we’ll connect you.
Bendigo PRIDE Festival is a 2-3-week annual LGBTIQA+ festival that celebrates and supports LGBTIQA+ expression in regional and rural areas. With everything from music events, film, stand-up comedy, family days workshops and much more, PRIDE in Bendigo is rapidly forming itself to be one of the best events in the region. Many opportunities exist to get involved including performing, volunteering, participating on the committee or contributing in any way you know how.
As an extension of the annual Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the Bendigo Queer Film Festival chooses the best and most popular films in the festival (alongside a few bonus local films!) screening them in the heart of Bendigo surrounded by an array of events.
Thorne Harbour Health is the main LGBTIQA+ support service in Victoria and we are very lucky to have their country branch right here in Bendigo. Thorne Harbour offers an array of supports from counselling, case management, health, community and social connection support.
Bendigo Community Health are one of the leading local health agencies supporting the LGBTIQA+ community in the Greater Bendigo Region. If you’re looking for an LGBTIQA+ friendly GP, have a chat to reception and let them know what you need, and they will book you in with the right person. Bendigo Community Health also has a specific sexual health service with staff who are knowledgeable and supportive of all LGBTIQA+ communities.
Headspace Bendigo is an awarding winning headspace centre, receiving awards specifically for their LGBTIQA support services. Supporting young people between the ages of 12 – 25, Headspace runs two diversity grounds, the Tadpoles and the Frogs, proving and safe and supportive environments for LGBTIQA+ young people (and their parents) to meet, connect and gain support.