A small-town RSL has used its Anzac Day service to distance itself from "offensive" comments made by the local mayor and support the LGBTQI community.
Last week, West Wimmera Mayor Bruce Meyer was urged to apologise for comments made while discussing the council's decision not to fly the rainbow flag for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Mr Meyer told ABC Radio the council should not be making "moral judgements", and equated a decision about flying the flag to a decision about legalising paedophilia, saying both were not the domain of local government.
Victoria's Minister for Equality Martin Foley called the comments "offensive and wrong".
Edenhope RSL secretary Malcolm Hunting, 65, said it left him dumbfounded.
"I was absolutely livid," he told Jonathon Kendall on ABC Mornings.
"I don't believe the comments were representative of this community.
"It just completely and utterly went against what I believe and what the Edenhope RSL believes the country is all about."
After consulting with the RSL committee, Mr Hunting used part of his speech during the Anzac Day service to address the issue.
"I just read a small speech saying that … [this is] a day when there is no distinction of colour, creed, sexuality or gender," he said.
"It was just to show that we, as a community … we support you, and everything you hear and everything that is said, not everyone believes that."
Mr Hunting said the speech seemed to be well received by the estimated 180 people who were in attendance.
Mr Meyer has been contacted by the ABC for comment.
Pride flags hit town
While council voted against flying the pride flag, other West Wimmera residents have started displaying their own.
Someone who wished to remain anonymous showed the ABC a printed picture of a pride flag hung in the West Wimmera Shire offices, with the text "West Wimmera Shire Staff support our LGBTQ friends and colleges [sic]."
Edenhope resident Diana Lee Saville began selling pride flags from her local gallery after she was left "fuming" at Mr Meyer's comments.
"A lot of people are really upset," she said.
Ms Saville said she had sold 10 flags so far, with the money going to a local charity.
Group offers free flag
In association with a Chillout Festival initiative, Wimmera Pride Project treasurer Patrick Quaine has also written to the council offering to donate a free flag, flag pole and construction costs.
Wimmera Pride Project, the Limestone Coast Connect and Art for Action will also be hosting an event in Edenhope for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
"We want to show that Edenhope and the West Wimmera doesn't reflect what Bruce said," Mr Quaine said.
"The people I've spoken to in the West Wimmera are frightened of becoming targeted if they speak up.
Additional reporting by Amber Irving-Guthrie.
