Wollongong's rainbow crossing is back brighter than ever, after the first version was worn away and then disappeared for several weeks.
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Deputy lord mayor Tania Brown led the charge to have the crossing painted last year to counteract homophobia and hate speech, and said the council always planned to rejuvenate the crossing and make it permanent.
"We knew when we went in that it was a test, of sorts, and it was always on the cards that they would need to go back and give it another treatment," she said.
"We've now used more durable paint and it's not going anywhere."
Unveiled for the first time on Christmas Eve, the crossing became a popular photo spot and widely support by the community.
However, it was also marred by tyre marks, and due to the type of paint used, could not be easily cleaned. Efforts to restore it were then hampered by rain, causing it to be removed completely for several weeks.
Cr Brown said she was contacted by many people concerned the crossing had been removed in the time it was out of action.
"I've been surprised by how many people, not just from the queer community, who were concerned it wasn't coming back," she said.
"But this morning by Facebook messages were flooded with pictures of the crossing and the beautiful sunrise."
"I've said all along that symbols matter, and so many people have been grateful for this visible sign of support to show that everyone is welcome here."
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
