Haven is a collaboration between Brophy and the Warrnambool City Council, and will host a series of events focused on “education, community and celebration”, Brophy’s Safe In The South-west co-ordinator Lyn Eales said.

Safe In The South-west project worker Shane Hernan said the marriage equality postal vote had increased the number of gay people seeking support and counselling, making a place like Haven important.

Lighthouse Theatre service manager Mik Frawley said he was hoping to bring members of the performing arts community to the space for performances and workshops, adding that Haven was a “logical next step” after Warrnambool City Council’s recent flag-raising as a show of support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

The WAG’s curator of exhibitions and outreach Ren Gregoric said the safe space was “a really wonderful way for (the gallery) to connect with the community”.