Rainbow Ball postponed due to negative commentary on social media

THE Rainbow Ball that was scheduled to be held on Saturday at the Wangaratta Turf Club has been postponed after "confronting commentary" about the event was made on social media this week. Rural City of Wangaratta released a statement on Thursday afternoon following discussions with Victoria Police about the safety of participants the previous night. The decision to delay the event was made for the safety of event participants due to the event being targeted by groups with radical views. "Rural City of Wangaratta strongly supports our LGBTIQA+ community," council Mayor Dean Rees said. "There has been some confronting commentary around the Rainbow Ball circulated on social media, and because of this, we have chosen to prioritise the safety of all attendees and staff and delay the event. "We are extremely disappointed that there has been some hateful narrative around this event, we do not accept this but we cannot risk an event that is about fun and celebration posing a risk to anyone attending. "Prioritising the safety of our community, especially our youth, is not negotiable but we will aim to reschedule this event to enable all LGBTQIA+ young people, allies, and friends across the greater North East region of Victoria to celebrate together. "Rural City of Wangaratta is proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people. "We have a diverse and vibrant community and all members of our community have the right to feel safe and be themselves here." Cr Rees said council is working with partner organisations and the community of the North East to support people affected by these circumstances. The ball has been held several times in the region as a celebration for LGBTIQA+ young people and their friends. The event was marketed to have a dancefloor, DJ, face painting, performer, runway, live band – YNOT, and photobooth. It is a fully supervised, alcohol, drug, vape and smoke free event. In a statement from Victoria Police they said the decision to cancel a planned event in Wangaratta was made by the Rural City of Wangaratta. "Ahead of the planned event, Victoria Police was asked to provide information to help inform the Rural City of Wangaratta's risk assessment," the statement read. "Victoria Police's role ahead of all planned major public events is to provide information and intelligence to event organisers so they can make informed decisions. "Police will always allocate resources to local community events based on the level of risk when required." If this article causes any distress or you would like support at this time please reach out to Q Life 1800 184 527 between 3pm–12am, call Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367 or text 0480 017 246 between 10am–5pm, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Rainbow Ball postponed due to negative commentary on social media

Wangaratta Chronicle, Wednesday, 9 September, 2026

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