WANGARATTA is now host to the only Pride Hub operating in regional Victoria and it will officially open this week with all welcome to celebrate the event.

LINE (LGBTQIA+ In the North East) Wangaratta Inc. announced the opening of the new regional Pride Hub, located at the Wangaratta Woollen Mills, which will see free giveaways, local organisations hosting stalls, music and more this Friday.

The hub, supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta, GLOBE Victoria and the Pride Foundation Australia, provides a safe and accessible space for LGBTQIA+ people, families, and allies to gather for social inclusion and peer support programs, such as the Parents Peer Support Group and recent self–portrait art workshops.

The hub also includes a pride shop, which offers LGBTQIA+ books, rainbow clothing and accessories, with free gender affirming clothing, footwear and toiletries available for community members.

President and founder of LINE Wangaratta, Al Winters (they/them), said the new hub was a "game changer" for the community.

"This space has been created by and for LGBTQIA+ people," Al said.

"We know the poor health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people in regional areas, and the Pride Hub is about creating a space for people to gather, connect, learn, and grow.

"Having a venue available for people to safely express their gender identity is so incredibly important for our community, and we're really proud to offer community members the opportunity to try on, and take–home gender affirming clothing and accessories."

LGBTQIA+ community members, their families and allies are invited to attend the grand opening of the Pride Hub at 18 Textile Avenue this Friday from 2pm.