17 November 2018
With this week marking the first anniversary of the ‘Yes’ vote for marriage equality, Braddon will again be the focus of celebrations as it hosts Yes Fest this weekend.
The anniversary inspires memories of last year’s impromptu celebrations in Lonsdale Street and creation of Braddon’s iconic Rainbow Roundabout, which has become one of Canberra’s best-known landmarks in just 12 months.
With the Rainbow Roundabout beloved by locals and visitors alike, Braddon’s United Retailers & Traders (BURT) is calling for the ACT Government to give nearby roundabouts a similar makeover.
Spokesperson for BURT, Kel Watt, said the Rainbow Roundabout should be the first, and not the only, roundabout to recognise important causes and movements.
“There are multiple roundabouts in Braddon, with two less than 100 metres away from the Rainbow Roundabout,” Kel Watt said.
“They could also become symbols of adversity, challenges and triumphs for causes like Reconciliation, women’s suffrage, the environmental movement and multiculturalism.
“Public engagement to determine what we recognise on Braddon’s roundabouts will be a success if the recent struggle between Rhonda the Rock Wallaby and Brian Bettong is anything to go by.”
BURT-affiliated businesses say an expansion of roundabout tributes will be a positive addition to the business and residential precinct, ensuring the Rainbow Roundabout is not a lonely landmark.
“On any given night you will find locals and tourists posing for photographs on the roundabout. The Rainbow Roundabout has become a destination and a defining Braddon landmark.
“Other important social movements could benefit and be celebrated the way marriage equality and the LGBTQI community has.
“Wouldn't it be great if Braddon became the reason Canberra’s ubiquitous roundabouts were celebrated icons, rather than just being the butt of jokes by the rest of the country?”
Contact: Kel Watt (Watt Advocacy & Communications) 0411 707 489 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
