Rainbow Inclusion

Sacred Heart Mission believes that the diversity of abilities, genders, sexualities, relationship identities, bodies and cultures in our community enriches us all and should be celebrated.

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At Sacred Heart Mission, we believe that the rich diversity of genders, sexualities, bodies, relationship identities, cultures and abilities in our community is something to be celebrated.

We know that many people in the Rainbow community – especially young people and trans and gender-diverse folk – face higher risks of homelessness, discrimination and exclusion. We also recognise the unique challenges faced by older Rainbow folk, who sometimes find themselves hiding their identities to secure housing.

We’re committed to creating services that are safe, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

We also know that our strength lies in our people – and many of our staff and volunteers are proud members of the Rainbow community. We’re working to make SHM not just a place of safety, but a place of affirmation, joy, pride and belonging.

Our Roadmap to Rainbow Inclusion

We’re proud members of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, which give us access to expert support and guidance as we build more inclusive practices across SHM.

In 2025–26, we will take part in both the:

Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), and
Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI)

These national benchmarks will help us understand how we’re doing – and where we need to do better – for both our workforce and the people we support.

Together, these steps will lay the foundation for us to work towards achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation – a formal recognition of safe and inclusive service delivery for LGBTIQA+ communities.

About the Rainbow Collective Working Group

Our Rainbow Collective (formerly the LGBTIQA+ Working Group) has been active since 2015 and continues to lead the way in making SHM a safer, more inclusive place.

The Collective includes both Rainbow community members and allies from across the organisation, reflecting that Rainbow inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. The Collective is also chaired by a member of our Executive Leadership Team demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to this work.

Together, the Collective works to:

Foster a workplace culture where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, valued and celebrated
Build inclusive, affirming and culturally safe services
Embed Rainbow voices in decision-making
Create space for learning, listening, celebration and growth

Whether it’s celebrating Wear It Purple Day, reviewing policy language, or designing inclusive intake processes – the Rainbow Collective is at the heart of our progress.

Hear from Rainbow collective member, Corina!

“When I joined Sacred Heart Mission earlier this year, from day one during my interview process, I was welcomed with visual inclusivity of this organisations commitment to creating a safe space for people who identify with the Rainbow community. I proudly identify with this community, and continue to feel welcomed coming to work, as I am. I jumped at the opportunity to join The Rainbow Collective, as I strongly recognise the barriers people from this community can face, especially towards safe housing. I am an open minded person who loves to talk about the complexities of these issues, and continued questions a lot of people have, who may not know where to find answers. So if you see me around, please come say hi for a chat!”