Another Queer Organisation Folds: The Story of Limestone Coast Connect
Originally part of a media release in 2023. Updated and expanded for this blog.
Living in regional areas, we know firsthand how difficult it can be to establish and sustain community initiatives—especially those aimed at the LGBTIQA+ community. Limestone Coast Connect (LCC) was one such effort, a grassroots attempt to make the region a little bit gayer, a little bit brighter, and a whole lot more inclusive.
Like many regional queer organisations before it, LCC faced familiar challenges: a small handful of passionate volunteers trying to create safe spaces and visibility in an area dominated by conservative values. It was an uphill battle to prove that queer people exist, belong, and, at the very least, should be able to have a quiet drink at the pub without fearing harassment for holding their partner’s hand.
Despite these challenges, LCC had some notable successes:
Hosting inclusive social events that fostered connection and a sense of belonging.
Advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and raising awareness in a region where visibility mattered.
Building collaborative partnerships to strengthen support networks for queer people in the Limestone Coast.
Providing vital resources and information for individuals navigating their identity and seeking community support.
Welcoming memberships and donations that allowed LCC to make a tangible impact.
LCC even attempted to create social spaces specifically for gay and bi men, a move that raised more questions than answers. Where do gay and bi men go in rural areas if not relying on dating apps, parks, or hidden meeting places? Where are the safe, affirming spaces for connection outside of the major cities?
In the end, the same story played out as it had for many before—burnout, lack of volunteers, and difficulty in sustaining long-term engagement led to the final winding-up of LCC by the end of 2023. The demand for queer community groups, events, and services in regional areas is always high, but for some reason, these initiatives struggle to gain the long-term support needed to survive.
One exception is Country Network, which has been operating for over 40 years, proving that longevity is possible with the right foundation. Let’s hope it continues, ensuring that queer community spaces in rural Australia don’t become a thing of the past.
What Comes Next? Connecting to the Future of Pat Smith Art
The closure of Limestone Coast Connect reinforces the importance of sustainable, accessible spaces for queer and neurodivergent people—something I aim to foster through Pat Smith Art. While traditional community groups may struggle, creative spaces can offer alternative ways to connect, heal, and celebrate identity.
Through upcoming projects such as mobile mentoring programs, guided social art groups, and storytelling through art, I hope to create spaces where people can come together outside of traditional structures. The need for community remains—how we build and sustain it may just need to evolve.
As LCC fades into history, the work is far from over. We must continue finding ways to uplift and support one another, ensuring that regional queer stories, identities, and voices are not just acknowledged but celebrated.
