Many of us have driven around Canberra’s Rainbow Roundabout but what does it mean to the community? Ali Khan finds out.
Located at the heart of Braddon’s café and bar strip on Lonsdale St, the Rainbow Roundabout is unmissable. Adorned with the Progress Pride flag, it was established seven years ago to celebrate Australians saying ‘Yes’ in the marriage equality plebiscite. But in 2025, does it still have significance to the LGBTIAQ+ community? Wanniassa resident Jo Kamira certainly thinks so. “It is a visceral example of queerness. The optics for our young people is immeasurable. They need to know they are seen and belong.”
Melba local Andrew Bell agrees. “It is a glorious expression of our existence,” he says. “Its colours anchor the centre of Braddon and should be a source of pride and reminder that we should never think our battles are all won.”
Joshua Bishop from Tuggeranong views the Rainbow Roundabout as a message to LGBTIAQ+ people that they are seen and respected. “It shows that, at a community level, we are striving to celebrate and respect diversity.”
Belconnen’s Astrid Watts shares similar sentiments. “To me the Rainbow Roundabout symbolises safety and a place that is welcoming no matter where you fall on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It also represents community and strength.”
The Rainbow Roundabout has also been recognised by surrounding businesses in Braddon as not only a feature that drives interest to the area but as something much more significant. Braddon’s United Retailers and Traders spokesperson Kel Watt says it is a Canberra landmark which stands for inclusion and supporting diversity. “At any given day you can see locals and tourists taking photos and selfies and there have been a huge number of proposals on the Rainbow Roundabout. We are all aware of its importance and value,” Kel says.
An ACT Government spokesperson said the Rainbow Roundabout was a representation of Canberra’s values of acceptance, equality and pride. “It serves as a daily reminder of the progress we’ve made and the importance of continuing to support and uplift all members of the LGBTIQA+ community. The ACT Government remains committed to our long-term vision for Canberra to be the most LGBTIQA+ welcoming and inclusive city in Australia.”
University of Canberra Clinical Psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis says the Rainbow Roundabout represents an important visual feature of inclusion for the Canberra community. “Even though marriage equality was achieved seven years ago, symbols like the Rainbow Roundabout remain critically important. It’s a powerful symbol of psychological safety (feeling free to express yourself and be who you are) and inclusion.”
Dr Lewis says this is especially relevant among her clients from diverse backgrounds, who may be questioning their identity or navigating the coming out process. “These symbols are especially vital for those still grappling with self-acceptance, offering a sense of hope and solidarity.”
