How we work

Our driving force is to empower LGBTIQA+ communities by addressing the isolation often experienced in rural, regional, and remote areas. We equip communities with knowledge and connections, working together to enhance individual’s well-being.

Our approach centres on local workers, partnerships, and advocacy, driving the transformation of the rural LGBTIQA+ narrative. We have developed a two-sector system—place-based and settings-based—to ensure we add real value to services and organisations at state, territory, and national levels.

Where we work

RPA delivers better outcomes by understanding the distinct needs of regional, rural, and remote communities—so change works at every level.

Regional centres sit outside the capitals but still host a small ecosystem of queer support. In most of these towns you’ll find at least one dedicated LGBTIQA+ service, several community-run groups and a mix of established and emerging local leaders. Because people have more than one place to connect, the main hurdle is simply coordinating time, energy and funding so those groups can work together.

Rural towns are smaller and more dispersed. Here, very few openly LGBTIQA+ residents and allies are available, so individuals often “wear multiple hats,” running the one group or project the community can sustain. Limited leadership, safety concerns and scant resources shape almost every decision.

Remote settlements face the same constraints as rural areas, amplified by steep geographic isolation. With only a handful of LGBTIQA+ people and allies, everyone shoulders several roles and relies heavily on visiting programs and in-kind support. Spending time on the ground with locals is essential; it’s the only way to understand their circumstances and offer life-changing, life-saving connections.

RPA ProcessRural Pride Australia delivers evidence-based, stage-appropriate LGBTIQA+ inclusion across communities and organisations—tailoring services at every step to achieve impact that exceeds effort.

Cuppa Consultation

At this stage, we'll get to know your group, service, or community, assess your LGBTIQA+ readiness, and guide you toward the next steps for thriving LGBTIQA+ inclusion. We focus on co-designed action plans that are practical, evidence-based, and low-cost or no-cost.

For LGBTIQA+ leaders, community members, and allies, we help gather key people, determine what's needed for immediate and short-term local change, and ensure your input shapes long-term LGBTIQA+ action plans.

For local services, settings, and organisations, we bring together key stakeholders-including those with lived experience—to identify immediate and short-term goals for local LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and use proven processes to co-design

Inclusion Readiness

At this stage, we’ll get to know your group, service, or community, assess your LGBTIQA+ readiness, and guide you toward the next steps for thriving LGBTIQA+ inclusion. We focus on co-designed action plans that are practical, evidence-based, and low-cost or no-cost.

For LGBTIQA+ leaders, community members, and allies, we help gather key people, determine what’s needed for immediate and short-term local change, and ensure your input shapes long-term LGBTIQA+ action plans.

For local services, settings, and organizations, we bring together key stakeholders—including those with lived experience—to identify immediate and short-term goals for local LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and use proven processes to co-design sustainable, long-term LGBTIQA+ action plans.

Inclusion Development

At this stage, we tailor and deliver workshops and programs that turn anecdotal and research evidence into real-world practice—taking your LGBTIQA+ work to the next level. We focus on enhancing individual and collective capacity, strengthening skills, knowledge, and confidence in meeting everyday challenges, and providing better support for local practitioners, leaders, and changemakers.

For LGBTIQA+ leaders, community members, and allies, we help elevate local advocacy, leadership, and community confidence. We ensure you have the tools and strategies to address resistance, hate, and vilification, as well as practical steps to make your community safer, more supportive, welcoming, and inclusive.

For local services, settings, and organisations, we provide up-to-date, rural-specific, and LGBTIQA+-designed professional development for staff and volunteers. We equip key practitioners and leaders with the competence, confidence, and a practical plan to respond to resistance, hate, and vilification that may arise from local LGBTIQA+ inclusion efforts—ensuring they play a proactive role in creating safer, more supportive, welcoming, and inclusive communities.

Thriving Ecosystem

At this stage, we focus on establishing, strengthening, or deepening a connected, collaborative LGBTIQA+ ecosystem that supports practitioners, leaders, and changemakers. We share best practices, address rural LGBTIQA+ challenges, and coordinate strategic efforts. Crucially, this brings together groups, services, and settings that might not otherwise collaborate. Whether at a local, regional, state or territory, or national level, we understand what LGBTIQA+ and allied professionals need from a Community of Practice.

For LGBTIQA+ leaders, community members, and allies, we help you secure a seat at the table with decision-makers and influencers who are vital for local LGBTIQA+ inclusion. We connect you with others doing similar work—locally, regionally, or nationwide—to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.

For local services, settings, and organizations, we bring you together with LGBTIQA+ and allied practitioners, leaders, and changemakers. By taking part in a Community of Practice—locally, regionally, or nationwide—you can form new connections and reinforce existing partnerships to enhance your impact.

Stages Services
we offer tailored services to addresses the challenges communities face in every stage.
Stages Services
we offer tailored services to addresses the challenges communities face in every stage.
Stages Services
we offer tailored services to addresses the challenges communities face in every stage.
Stages Services
we offer tailored services to addresses the challenges communities face in every stage.

The work to be done

Despite real progress, rural and remote LGBTIQA+ communities still face steep barriers to connection, wellbeing, and acceptance. Our work continues to progress communities and create real change.

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Only 50% of rural and remote LGBTIQA+ adults feel connected to Australia’s broader rainbow community (Private Lives 3, 2020).
Psychological distress: 62% of regional and 56% of remote LGBTIQA+ people score “high or very high,” nearly 5× the national average of 13 % (ABS, 2018).

Just 41% in regional centres and 43% in rural/remote areas feel “always” or “often” accepted when using health or support services (Private Lives 3, 2020).