Arboretum turns rainbow coloured to celebrate marriage equality
Canberra reaffirmed its position as the rainbow city on Saturday with Australia's largest rainbow painted onto the lawns of the Arboretum to celebrate marriage equality.
People took advantage of the exceptional wind with rainbow kites soaring into the sky.
Rainbow clad children, pets and a fair few adults too danced along thanks to a DJ, rolled down the enormous hill and enjoyed a sausage sizzle.
Local Shane McWhinney came to celebrate with a close friend and her children. Mr McWhinney, who is in a nine year same-sex relationship, said he volunteered with the Yes campaign as a strong believer in equality.
"It's not because I'm a huge fan of marriage, it's just about equality," he said.
"And I know it means a lot to a lot of people.
"It was about putting a stake through the heart of discrimination."
He said there was a "Canberra bubble" with the city one of the most progressive and accepting places in Australia, but it was important to remember people still experienced discrimination for many reasons in this country.
Operations manager at the Arboretum Matthew Parker decided after being involved in the planning of the event to bring his three-year-old daughter Gwen along for the festivities.
While his initial biggest concern was what effect recent high temperatures would have on the grass he thought the day was a good opportunity to show support for the cause.
"It's a chance to have a fun day and enjoy the good things in life," Mr Parker said.
"It's important for all of us to support diversity and equality for everyone."
Chief Minister Andrew Barr attended the event and Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr was seeking signatures to a petition she is sponsoring in the Legislative Assembly.
The petition is in support of safe and inclusive schools in the ACT and Ms Orr said the crowd at the Arboretum had been supportive.
"I think everyone here has experienced how much a little extra support can help in a big way," Ms Orr said.