So when headspace's LGBTIQA+ social group, Spectrum, approached its board to raise the rainbow flag in celebration of same-sex attracted and gender-diverse communities, the club was happy to come on board. Paul Haysom, from the Lions Club, said he's proud the club "is so progressive."

He said, as a community service club, the Lions Club of Bathurst try and help the whole community, without exception.

He said the club was ultimately about recognising the best in everyone.

"At our club everyone is welcome, it's inclusive, and we're proud of it.

"There's no agenda" he said, adding a generation ago, the club was one of the first in the district to welcome female members.

Mr Haysom said it was the second time the club has flown the rainbow flag (the last was in celebration of the same-sex marriage legislation) and the club was "pleased to be flying it again."

Thursday's flag raising ceremony, at the Lions flag poles in Kelso, was organised by the young people who make up Spectrum, as a way to bring awareness and foster an inclusive society. The group hope to raise the flag in support of other LGBTIQA+ awareness days.

Nick Matthews, who is part of the group, said he hoped the flag would be the basis of conversations to create an influence of inclusion within the city, for both residents and visitors.