ON PAKO and beyond...GEELONG #015 Spring/Summer 2022/23

Welcome to ON PAKO and beyond...

Issue #15, 2022.

We are so very pleased to be presenting to you our fifteenth publication of this passionately received and greatly supported magazine, designed to showcase our much-loved Pakington Street and our beautiful region beyond.

We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to every one of the businesses who have contributed to and supported this issue. Our gratitude also extends to our team members and contributors for all their efforts and input. Without their amazing support and involvement, the presentation and publication of this magazine would once again, not have been possible.

As this publication presents in the lead-up to Christmas, and includes a selection of businesses where you may discover the perfect gift for those on your Christmas gift giving list, flowers to brighten your home or that of someone else as well as a choice of dining options for those festive season outings, we’d like to also acknowledge our readers who may be facing their first Christmas without a precious loved one and wish you a season filled with treasured memories that bring you a smile.

We hope you all enjoy reading the wonderful articles presented in this complimentary publication and we would also like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family, and friends a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Additional copies of this magazine can be sourced from participating businesses throughout the Geelong region and beyond.

Mark & Donna Wilkins

ON PAKO ISSUE #15 SPRING/SUMMER 2022/23

PUBLISHED BY EDEN ENTERPRISES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD P.O. Box 2065, Indented Head, VIC 3223

PRINTED BY Printgraphics Pty Ltd

PUBLISHER/SALES – Mark Wilkins

EDITOR/ACCOUNTS – Donna Wilkins

DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Donna Sceney, Iconography

WRITERS – Mackenzie Pennycook, Amanda Sherring, Donna Wilkins

CONTRIBUTORS – Lou O’Neill, Deb Gill, Katrina Harmon

PHOTOGRAPHY – Mark Wilkins & supplied

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement of Country

Eden Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and country on which we publish, the Wadawurrung

of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Ancestors, to

to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their

connection to land, water, culture, and community.

protected, and enforced.

CHRISTINE COUZENS MP

I grew up in public housing in Corio, in the northern suburbs of Geelong. My family didn’t have a lot of money but I always felt safe and secure.

Living in public housing showed me the real impact the government could have on people’s lives.

And it led me to a lifetime of commitment fighting for our most vulnerable people.

I’ve worked with homeless young people, assisted in the public housing sector and represented people on consumer law issues.

I’ve stood up for people’s rights at work through the union movement, where I served as President of the Geelong Trades Hall.

But nothing can compare to the honour of representing our community in the Parliament of Victoria since 2014.

I’m working every day for a stronger, fairer Geelong.

And as Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, I’m fighting for better outcomes for all Aboriginal Victorians.

Christine Couzens MP

STATE MEMBER FOR GEELONG

Growing up in public housing in Corio, in the northern suburbs of Geelong, Christine experienced first-hand the transformative impact the government could have on people’s lives.

Christine’s formative years led to a lifetime of commitment fighting for the most vulnerable people in her community. She has worked with homeless young people, assisted in the public housing sector and represented people on consumer law issues.

A leading figure in the union movement, Christine has always stood up for people’s rights at work serving as President of the Geelong Trades Hall.

Christine works every day to help build an even a stronger, fairer Geelong. As Labor’s Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, she continues to fight

Email: christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au

Phone: 03 5221 4821

9/95 Pakington Street, Geelong West Christine Couzens MP

Authorised by C. Ford, ALP, 438 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008.Authorised by C. Ford, ALP, 438 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008. Authorised by C. Ford, ALP, 438 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008.

Christine Couzens has proudly represented Geelong since 2014.

Authorised by C. Ford, ALP, 438 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008

CHRISTINE COUZENS MP

Our community deserves the same quality of care as anyone in Melbourne.

If you’re feeling unwell, help should be just around the corner. If you’ve had an accident, an ambulance should arrive quickly. And if you’re experiencing poor mental health, professional support should be there in the community we call home.

But the pandemic has put more pressure on our healthcare workforce than ever before. And our rural and regional health services are working through a backlog of treatment and care delayed by the pandemic.

To address this, we’re putting the health of Victorian’s first with new and expanded hospitals throughout the state. We’re investing in improved access to specialist health services for women, and a stronger workforce to support our hospitals.

It will ensure that every Victorian has access to the healthcare they need and deserve, closer to where they live.

B ARWON W OMEN’S AND C HILDREN’S H OSPITAL

The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital will give local families the world-class maternity and paediatric services they need close to home.

The more than $500 million project will include paediatric and maternity services including multi-day beds, birthing suites, induction spaces, operating theatres, and outpatient clinic rooms.

A neonatal and parent care unit that provides care for sick and preterm babies in the first few weeks and months of life will also be included, ensuring local mums can stay close to their loved ones after giving birth.

It will also feature overnight and same-day beds, outpatient clinic rooms and dedicated theatres that make medical care less intimidating.

B ARWON H EALTH’S M C K ELLAR C ENTRE

Hundreds of Geelong and Barwon residents will have better access to mental health support, with the Labor Government opening a new mental health facility for Greater Geelong, easing pressure on the health system.

The new 16-bed acute mental health facility at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre will support an extra 355 Victorians each year.

The facility – which supported more than 230 construction jobs – includes inpatient acute mental health services and community-based care in a contemporary, safe, and highquality hospital setting, easing pressure on the emergency department at University Hospital Geelong.

The McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre is part of our $801 million Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, which is delivering 260 new mental health inpatient beds across Victoria.

E ARLY PARENTING C ENTRE

New mums and dads will soon have better access to early parenting support in a purpose-built facility, with construction now underway for a new multi-million-dollar Early Parenting Centre in Geelong.

The new Early Parenting Centre will provide parents and carers with the advice and care they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.

This new centre will deliver flexible, targeted services to help parents in Geelong and the surrounding areas with sleep and settling issues, supporting hundreds of local families a year.

N EW M ENTAL H EALTH AND W ELLBEING B ILL

The New Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill recently passed parliament, marking a historic milestone in our work to build a mental health system that delivers tailored care to all Victorians, close to home.

This was prompted by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing System recommendations.

Under the Youth Strategy, young people with lived experience of mental ill-health will be directly involved in the design and delivery of a new mental health system that responds to the needs of young Victorians.

M ENTAL H EALTH S UPPORTS IN S CHOOLS

The Labor Government has made unprecedented investments in mental health supports in schools to make sure students have the support they need throughout their education.

This year’s Budget invested $200 million to expand the successful Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot program to every single government and low-fee nongovernment primary school in Victoria.

This builds on our accelerated rollout of the $51.2 million Mental Health Practitioners in secondary schools’ program, meaning every government secondary school campus in the state has been supported to employ a qualified mental health professional since Term 4, 2021.

Christine Couzens MP

M ENTAL H EALTH AND D RUG AND A LCOHOL

S ERv ICES C OMMUNITY H UB

The Victorian Government is investing $16 million to deliver a Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services Community Hub in central Geelong.

The five-storey hub on Moorabool Street will provide greater access to treatment and support services for members of the community experiencing mental ill-health and addiction. With extended operating hours, including over the weekend and public holidays, services offered at the hub will include assessment, care planning, treatment, wellbeing support, and education.

The hub will also include space for clinicians and researchers to come together and drive mental health service improvement through a learning health care system.

M ORE Y OUTH B EDS IN E AST G EELONG

A dedicated inpatient youth mental health service, catering specifically for young people aged 16-25.

The site will be one of five across the state and is expected to reduce pressure on hospital beds by providing early intervention care and an alternative to hospital admission with recovery-focused treatment.

More mental health beds in Geelong will mean more Victorians can access the care and treatment they need sooner, while easing pressure on our hospitals.

P UBLIC F ERTILITY C ARE FOR M ORE vICTORIAN FAMILIES

Thousands more Victorians trying to start or grow their families would be able to access public fertility care under a re-elected Andrews Government.

A re-elected Labor Government will invest an additional $13.6 million into our Australian-first public IVF service, to help further expand access for women and families, including more availability for Victorians living in regional areas.

Couzens

Shop 9 Pakington Strand 95 Pakington Street, Geelong West VIC 3218

(03) 5221 4821

The investment means up to 5,000 people each year will have access to the services once fully operational, providing up to 3,375 treatment cycles and delivering savings of up to $10,000 to eligible Victorians – easing some of the financial pressure during what is already a challenging experience for many.

We’re making the investments to help our health system meet growing demand, and ensure our community can access the specialist care they need.

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System told us that when it comes to mental healthcare, many Victorians don’t know where to turn, or who to turn to.

It’s why we’re building a new mental health system from the ground up – so Victorians get the care they need sooner, and closer to their homes and communities.

Geelong is well on the road to recovery – we are building big and we’re bouncing back.

And we’re backing our community to grow and succeed.

Just as we always have, and just as we always will.

christinecouzens.com

christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au

Business Hours: mon – Fri: 9am–5pm

PAkO fESTA

40 yEARS yOUNG

REFLECTING ON 1983-1992

Pako Festa is the brainchild of what was the former Geelong West City Council, The Pakington Street Traders, and The Geelong Ethnic Communities Council. First staged in 1983, this event allowed diverse communities to dance in full cultural costumes to an audience of 12,000 people taking over Pakington Street.

The street was closed to traffic for the afternoon to allow the city’s mix of cultures to congregate in Geelong West. A highlight of the day was a ‘Parade of Nations’ with 19 communities represented: including Croatia, Holland, the Philippines, Greece, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Wales, and Ukraine.

Much of the inaugural event was a family affair, with many creative nostalgic activities such as the best-dressed, and wheelbarrow and bike competitions. Suburban strength was put to the test in a tug of war, while food was high on the agenda for much of the day, most noticeably during a local pizza eating competition!

The second festival saw the audience increase to 20,000 people and this

number continued to grow over the proceeding years with the audience increasing to 30,000 for the 1988 event.

Geelong’s Pako Festa not only highlights the region’s diverse cultures, but it also provides an opportunity for people to understand and learn more about the unique mix of cultures in the community. Since the inception of the festival, dozens of community groups have used the event to proudly showcase their heritage and invite visitors to sample their culture.

Joan Kirner who was the Premier of Victoria at the time, praised Pako Festa organisers as she opened the 1991 festival to the delight of more than 35,000 visitors with over 30 diverse communities participating in the event.

The then Victorian Premier declared, “Geelong’s multicultural extravaganza was equal if not bigger than Melbourne’s Lygon Street Festival and should be used as a major tourist attraction.”

REFLECTING ON 1993-2002

Popular 1990s television star ‘Effie‘, and ‘Comanche Indian Lightning Bear’ were both highlights of Pako Festa 1993. While the two might have been worlds apart, both added an extra touch of cultural diversity to Victoria’s foremost multicultural festival.

Along with the traditional parade, food stalls and dancing, a Tai Chi demonstration featured in West Park, while the Town Hall played host to a fashion parade.

Virginia Todd who was the Geelong West Mayor at the time said, “The suburb had a history of providing a focus for migrants. Cultural diversity was the ingredient that made Pako Festa such a special event.”

The Carmen Miranda design debuted as the face of Pako Festa in 1994. Moving forward to 1995 the event day was met with a scorching 40-degree heat that failed to stop the Bosnian community from taking part in their first Pako Festa. For the first time, the festa party carried over to the following Sunday when the Geelong West Traders Association took over with Pako Alfresco.

While the festival wound up on the Saturday with an open-air rock concert in West Park featuring bands including

Hurricane Kenna, Plenty and Angel Pavement, the entertainment continued on Sunday with Pako Festa’s first Battle of the Youth Bands.

No matter where you originate from, what language you speak, or what your socioeconomical background is, you are an integral part of the community. That was the message of Pako Festa 2001.

The then Geelong Ethnic Communities Council Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Mavros, said that the festa would continue to aim toward developing a collective appreciation of the cultural diversity of Geelong. With approximately 75,000 visitors and 80 floats in the annual Saturday parade, his words rang true.

Mr Mavros said, “The Festa is about bringing all the human resources in the region - the community groups, the cultural groups, the business sector, the media, the schools - to show the community the human assets we have in the region.”

“We are encouraged by the fact that the most recently arrived ethnics are willing to be involved in the festa. We have groups like the Bosnians and the Fijians, groups that are essentially small in number but are saying ‘we are part of this community, we want to be accepted and we want to contribute.’”

REFLECTING ON 2003-2012

A Decade of Milestones

2003 - 21st Birthday Event - The Coming of Age

The 2003 Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, was among a host of dignitaries and celebrities to take part in the Pako Festa’s 21st birthday bash. The festa, which has been helping Geelong’s multicultural populations expose their heritages since 1983, celebrated its 21st birthday in style. Ethnic groups, schools, religious and volunteer groups all took part in the two-day event, which attracted approximately 100,000 visitors.

Channel 7 became a major broadcast partner and for the first time TV show ‘Home and Away’ stars, Ada Nicodemou and Danny Raco, along with ‘The Big Arvo’ team took to the street during the annual parade before signing autographs for a host of adoring fans.

Old favourites returned to the festa in celebration of its 21st birthday. The perennially popular African Royal Drummers returned to entertain crowds, while the Russian Matryoshka dolls were restored to their original glory to take part once again in the parade.

2012 - Happy 30th Birthday Party

Thirty Carmen Miranda’s kicked off the parade along ‘Pako’ creating colour

and movement representing each of the years the great procession has transpired. The great Pako Festa Parade winners included St Patricks Primary School, the Chinese Community, and the Slovenian Community.

Thirty-three communities were represented in the parade and on stage: Afghan, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Congolese, Croatian, Dutch, Filipino, French, Greek, Hungarian, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Italian, Karen, Karenni, Liberian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Maori, Mexican, Polish, Russian, Scottish, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Sudanese, Ukrainian, Welsh, and Zimbabwean.

A further 30 local community groups such as local schools, social clubs, music groups and bands, and sports clubs were also involved on the day, with many participating in the muchloved Pako Parade. Audience numbers attending the event have now grown to more than 100,000 people from across the region.

The Pako Festa celebrations continued into the night with an after party in the Geelong West Town Hall. The night included Latin sounds of Combo La Revelacion supported by the soulful sounds of Sabrina and the Red Vans.

REFLECTING ON 2013-2022

In 2015, Pakington Street turned into a sea of colour, as thousands packed the street to celebrate the 33rd year of the festival. The theme of the event was “Different Therefore Equal” and showcased 35 ethnic community groups, community services, local schools, and organisations.

This theme allowed Pako Festa to attract attention and then reinforce the core idea that difference is something to be celebrated. By celebrating difference, the event emphasised equality and the need for respect for all human beings. We are all the same and it’s our experiences that make us different irrespective of cultural backgrounds, religious belief, or economic status.

In 2017, Pako Festa celebrated its 35th year with the largest crowds ever (police estimated 110,000). The day was filled with colour, music and most importantly a diversity of food from around the world. ‘Food of the World’ was the theme for the event, which inspired the creation of the community Recipe Cards. Once again, the street parade did not disappoint with more than 90 floats parading a sea of colour.

Free recipe cards were available from the local community group food stalls on the event day, featuring 17 signature dishes from Bosnian, Croatian, Dutch, Filipino, French, Greek, Indonesian, Iranian, Irish, Lao Thai, Macedonian,

Maori, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovenian and Ukrainian cuisines.

Pako Festa Event Manager, Luisa LaFornara, is proud of the success and recognition Pako Festa has achieved, both state-wide and nationally.

Ms LaFornara said, “Pako Festa has been recognised as Victoria’s largest free multicultural celebration, receiving a number of awards in the 2004 Premier’s Award for Harmony in the Community and Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.”

In 2009, the event was a finalist in the Australian Event Awards in the Best Community Event category. In 2015, Pako Festa won the Best Community Event category for the State of Victoria in the Australian Event Awards, which is a fantastic achievement for a not-forprofit organisation with an event that keeps growing every year!

According to Ms LaFornara, during the COVID-19 period, 2021-2022 stayed true to presenting an event that highlighted the local diverse communities, staging two reimagined Pako Festa events.

Ms LaFornara said, “During this time, we had the opportunity to develop an online history project reflecting on the event’s 40-year history. The online project, launching in 2023, features an amazing collection of images from our archives, footage, and community interviews.”

2023 EvENT 40+1 YEARS

Pako Festa is going home on Saturday 25 February 2023

After two years of dealing with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and adapting our major events and businesses accordingly, it’s time to bring Pako Festa back home!

According to Cultura CEO, Joy Leggo, Cultura is thrilled to be bringing the 2023 Pako Festa back home to Pakington Street.

Ms Leggo said, “That’s right, we are bringing Pako Festa back to Pako! The team, led by Luisa LaFornara, are currently planning the 2023 event to be staged on Saturday 25th February along Pakington Street, between Gordon Avenue and Waterloo Street.”

“The theme for 2023 will be ‘Sharing and Connecting Cultures: The Reunion’. This is about human reconnection, not

only within the diverse communities, but with the broader Geelong community as well.”

Joy Leggo reiterated that Pako Festa was established in 1983 and has been one of the highlights on the Geelong Events Calendar for more than 40 years. The 2023 event will be a great opportunity to truly celebrate the 40+1 years of staging Pako Festa.

Ms Leggo said, “This successful event attracts crowds of over 100,000 people and fulfils its purpose, which is to celebrate local diversity. The event brings diverse community groups together and offers a safe environment in which to share their culture with the broader community while fostering a spectacular cultural experience full of music, colour, food, costumes, dance, and movement.”

Cultura - the vibrant new organisation that has emerged from the merger of Diversitat and Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) will deliver the 2023 event. Cultura combines more than 70 years of knowledge and experience from Diversitat and MACS – which have historically been two of the Geelong region’s largest and longest serving multicultural organisations.

Ms Leggo added, “We have an ambitious intent to connect, inspire and embrace culturally diverse individuals throughout their entire life journey, and after 70 years, I think we’re just getting started.”

Come join us in celebrating our local diversity!

Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5pm

SALTy bITCHES SEAS THE DAy

There is a place that is quiet and calms the mind. It is sometimes cold and crisp, sometimes warm, and balmy. There are days when it throws you around in space and others when it holds you gently, letting you drift along in a mindless embrace. No matter how it turns up, once you immerse your head and body inside it, there is almost silence – a warm, fuzzy, buzzy silence.

… the world was trapped in coronavirus and a small group of joyous women at the eastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, found calm and quiet but also friendship, safety, and encouragement in that place.

So, what happens when the world stops, when life changes in ways that no-one will ever be able to reconcile completely? It was the transition from winter to spring of 2020, the world was trapped in coronavirus and a small group of joyous women at the eastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, found calm and quiet but also friendship, safety, and encouragement in that place.

During that crazy time each of the women were adjusting to their own circumstances. The group grew from two to four and then six and eight.

Sarah was struggling with the prospect of a new hip and the pain she was already encountering. She decided to start walking in the water as therapy and so she, and Jen, who was adapting to managing work remotely, started taking early morning dips in the generally calm sea at St Leonards.

One clear morning they came upon Ros on the beach. Ros, who was nearing her decision on imminent retirement, had been dipping in the water on her own for many months and was keen to swim with others. Kaye, another friend who was leading a team through the pandemic, joined them.

By October, Julie, who with unwavering persistence is beating a cancer that has followed her for decades, had joined the

line-up. She then enlisted Lou, a start-up CEO who attended her Pilates class, and who during a discussion lamented living near the sea and not having others to swim with.

Sarah’s beloved dog Lucy was also a regular swimmer, group mascot and namesake of sorts. The Salty Bitches of the Bellarine were born!!

Sarah underwent her hip replacement in early 2021 and returned to walking along the shoreline while the rest of the squad kept swimming. By the month of May there were a few other newcomers including Gab, the lady from the letterbox, and Stella.

The tribe swam regularly through the late part of 2020 and early 2021. There was a little green boat moored along the shoreline not 250 metres from where they entered the water - the first challenge was set, “Swim to the green boat!” From there the challenges grew. Swim to the first yellow pole (a beacon for boats 200 metres out in the bay). Swim to the next pole, etc.

Ros’ brother in Queensland dared her to swim every day for 30 days and so on 1 June 2021 she set out, with Lou joining her four days later. Together and sometimes apart they swam for more than 30 consecutive days through rain, hail, and shine.

Together and sometimes apart they swam for more than 30 consecutive days through rain, hail, and shine.

Then Sarah decided they should swim the notorious Rip across the heads of Port Phillip Bay (more on that later)!!

What resulted from the original early morning rendezvous was not just a dip in the sea. This act of well-being soon developed into a bringing together of great minds, solving world issues, workshopping lives, supporting, relaxing, and encouraging. There were times of great dissent, but mostly it was celebration, laughter, acknowledgement, and a collective feeling of safety.

The mind can do strange things at any time, but during the height of a pandemic when the usual social paths are severed or deferred then the mind can escape and travel in an entirely different direction. The Salty Bitches became a sanctuary, a beacon during this sometimes-empty stage in life.

Each new morning there was someone to talk to, confide in but most importantly laugh with. Covid mornings always began with laughter, cursing at cold water, making jokes about and with each other!! Those mornings of glee were the greatest gift of the SBs and a saving grace during the ongoing pandemic.

A Facebook page was established, along with Instagram. A steady trickle of people began to join, some swimming with most living vicariously through the images, videos and stories posted. While the women were “salty bitches”, blokes became “numb nuts” of their own volition.

The date for the 3.2km Rip swim had been set but only Gab, Julie, Lou, Ros, and Sarah had signed up. A sixth swimmer was needed – and who better than a super fit 25-year-old physio –welcome Alex!!

The lead up to the open water swim was less than ideal with the date being brought forward from March to 5 February 2022. There was Christmas, interstate travel, family weddings and bloody coronavirus to contend with. Training happened in fits and starts for most. Lou and Sarah caught Covid during the first week of January and both suffered quite an impact on their breathing, but they ploughed on.

Saturday 5 February dawned warm, still, and sunny! The intrepid six met at Queenscliff South Pier and boarded their boat to destiny. With the knowledge of each other’s abilities and limitations, it was decided that Alex and Ros would swim separately to cross the powerful Rip more quickly and avoid hypothermia. The remaining four undertook to swim the unpredictable stretch together, and so off they went on their most adventurous challenge to date.

The Salty Bitches B group – Sarah, Lou, Julie, and Gab – were first to enter the treacherous water and last to leave, ensuring they got their money’s worth. Rip Yoga was coined on that day with a yogic humming session in the middle of the destination swim. There were doubts at times that some would make it but mostly there was sheer determination and camaraderie which

G’day

salty Bitches ™ was born out of my need to find a way to manage my physical and mental health during lockdown and was also named after Lucy our rescue dog who loves water.

What started as eight women swimming in st Leonards, has now grown to a private Facebook group with more than 1,200 members across the Bellarine, Melbourne, and Australia.

i decided to develop swimwear and the brand after completing The rip swim in February 2022. During the swim, i had to roll my bathers down and swim topless to stop them acting like a sea anchor. i am a size 20 and found it very difficult to find swimwear suitable for being active in larger sizes.

While the swimwear is still in production phase, we currently have a range or beanies, scarves, gloves and sports and beach towels. The towels made from 80% recycled materials, are made with a high quality microfibre that dries quickly, is light weight and grass and sand doesn’t stick to it. What great presents for Christmas!

sarah Fenton - The Original salty Bitch salty Bitches pty Ltd

SALTY BITCHES

I’m Sarah Fenton founder and owner of Salty Bitches ™

drove all six women, aged from 26 to 67, to complete the swim. Ros and Alex made it across the 3,200 metres in just under one hour. The second group landed in euphoria after 65 minutes afloat. There was a fantastic celebration amid great relief.

What happened next was unexpected and special. At the time of the Rip there were a few hundred members on the SBs Facebook page and approximately 20 regular swimmers. After the Rip, Gab teed up a radio interview and everything snowballed from there with constant requests to join and more and more interviews.

There is now more than 1,100 members and over 30 regular swimmers. Some swim seriously, others paddle, while some walk in the shallows - then there’s the pier jumping, snorkelling under jetties and prolonged snorkels out to see the spider crab phenomenon, accompanied sometimes by large smooth rays and even the odd seal. Swimming the Bellarine with the Salty Bitches is a joy, an awakening, and a positive experience that gets under your skin and becomes a thankful obsession.

The effect of the group’s formation is enduring but what makes it so great? For me it’s the opportunity to experience childhood again, to jump from piers, to be one with nature and to listen to the underwater silence. Socially and mentally, it’s the friendships and the peace that it brings to the conscious mind. The power of cold water!

Anyone is welcome to join the Salty Bitches who swim daily at various locations across the Bellarine Peninsula including Indented Head, Springs Beach at Point Lonsdale, and Harley’s Beach at Clifton Springs. Don’t delay, take the plunge today and join these fun loving salties for a play in the bay!

If you’d like to connect with this salty tribe but prefer to keep yourself dry, then be sure to dip into their website and check out their range of accessories including beanies, scarves, and gloves in preparation for the cooler months. Towels and swimwear for curvy bods are in the pipeline and sure to be tops!

For me it’s the opportunity to experience childhood again, to jump from piers, to be one with nature and to listen to the underwater silence.

“

“

ONPAkO

& ARTS CULTURE

bRINGING THE bEST Of THE bEST TO GEELONG

This must-see season features works from a multitude of the nation’s most highly regarded companies, including Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Griffin Theatre Company and many more.

Experience entertainment excellence as Geelong Arts Centre prepares to dazzle in 2023 with extraordinary arts experiences to suit everyone. Launching December 1, 2022, and supported by Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management, Geelong Arts Centre Presents 2023 is designed to offer something for everyone across four outstanding programs that break boundaries, start conversations, and celebrate innovation.

Geelong Arts Centre believes in the power of the arts to provide new perspectives, challenge our thinking, and reveal otherwise hidden sides to the stories we tell ourselves and one another. Seeking out and embracing creativity can transform minds, shift ideas, and encourage us to reconsider our preconceptions.

Our Season 2023 features high calibre works, fit for Victoria’s fastest growing city. The must-see season features performances from a multitude of the nation’s most highly regarded companies, including Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Griffin Theatre Company and many more. Putting the spotlight on those with a reputation for producing outstanding work, Our Season 2023 celebrates both internationally acclaimed talent and rising homegrown powerhouses.

“

“

Geelong Arts Centre invites you to experience an amazing array of carefully curated performances that are nothing short of extraordinary.

OUR SEASON 2023

From contemporary dance and ballet, right through to musical theatre, comedy and orchestral extravaganzas, Geelong Arts Centre is bending genres, sharing stories, and raising the bar with Our Season 2023

Highlighting the country’s most celebrated artists as well as the brightest rising stars of the stage, Geelong Arts Centre is extremely proud to play a part in navigating the way forward for bold entertainment experiences and unique opportunities across our region.

Covering a diverse and timely range of subject matter, including the #MeToo movement and First Nations perspectives, Geelong Arts Centre is committed to platforming the voices of those with important stories to be shared.

FAMILY MAGIC

Back by popular demand in 2023, Geelong Arts Centre’s Family Magic program will continue to captivate, inspire, and entertain children under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, and carers. For many children, the Family Magic program provides their first theatrical experience and gives families an opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of the performing arts. Sometimes fantastical and funny, and always engaging, Geelong Arts Centre’s Family Magic program will have the young (and young at heart!) leaving the theatre with sore cheeks and full hearts.

DELIGHTFUL DAYS & MATINEES

It’s finally time to re-welcome an essential part of Geelong Arts Centre’s daytime entertainment calendar, Delightful Days & Matinees, to the party. Bringing some of Australia’s best-loved performers to Geelong, Delightful Days & Matinees (formerly Musical Mornings) returns to Geelong Arts Centre with two unmissable performances. Due to be revealed very soon, you can trust Geelong Arts Centre to make daytime events at your Arts Centre as memorable, engaging and utterly delightful as possible.

Image: Pedro Greig

REWIRE

Solidifying their place as the creative heart of the G21 region, Geelong Arts Centre is absolutely thrilled to announce a brand-new program of genre-bending performances and unique experiences with REWIRE. A celebration of new works, contemporary Australian voice, new mediums, immersive experiences and shows that are seriously great fun. Staging works that challenge, thrill, and delight all at once, REWIRE will deliver an assortment of acts that encourage interaction and exploration with a modern edge. Learn what it means to REWIRE your brain and adapt to the ever-evolving world. REWIRE is the home of bold, curious, creative and a little bit crazy within Geelong Arts Centre’s 2023 line up.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE

To experience any or all performances within Geelong Arts Centre Presents 2023, Geelong Arts Centre will open five flexible subscription package options on December 1, 2022, to include shows across all programs, from Our Season 2023, REWIRE, Family Magic and Delightful Days & Matinees! Whether you’re after shows to cover date night, mate night or a fabulous family day, with an extensive line up of incredible arts experiences on offer next year, there truly is something for everyone, and any occasion.

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

But that’s not all! Devoted to supporting the Greater Geelong community, from

students and teachers, right through to emerging local artists, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Learning education program and Creative Engine artistic development program are set to return bigger and better than ever in 2023.

CREATIVE ENGINE

Equally dedicated to lining up the next big thing to hit Geelong and supporting local artists and people working in the creative industries, Geelong Arts Centre is committed to growing their spirit for experimentation through its Creative Engine program, supported by Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management. Bringing new content and cultural experiences to Geelong, embracing a desire to extend the boundaries of the artform and create a community of shared practice, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine relishes the opportunity to facilitate connections

and bring together the creative community. Launched in October 2019, no matter what artform you practise, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine offers a place for locally based creatives to test their work, develop new projects, and then share them with the world.

In 2023, Creative Engine will continue to offer regular grant rounds to invest in emerging projects and provide professional development opportunities to assist artists on their journey to building sustainable, thriving practice and careers in the creative arts.

CREATIVE LEARNING

What about the teachers? We hear you! Supported by APCO Foundation, the Creative Learning program is designed to spark a love for the creative industries among students and open them to a world of opportunity, and is supported

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder

by professional theatre makers, technicians, and artists. Educators from across the G21 region are invited to browse the Creative Learning program and submit an expression of interest form on the website to get ahead of their 2023 planning. Creative Learning offerings include performances and workshops embedded within the Victorian curriculum, festivals for all ages, and engaging professional development for teachers. With the aim of offering a diverse suite of programs ranging from music to movement, puppetry, and theatre, the 2023 Creative Learning program offers affordable and enriching educational arts experiences that are immersive and fun for students in kindergarten right through to Year 12.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Big enough to attract the world’s best talent, but small enough to remain friendly and local, Geelong Arts Centre is a one-of-a-kind venue providing endless opportunity for the G21 community to witness incredible live performance that breathes freshness and challenges the notion of traditional theatre.

Make 2023 your most entertainment-filled year yet! Sign up to one of five subscription packages on offer, allowing all arts-lovers to save big and reserve the best seats in the house to their favourite shows, no matter their taste.

With so many more exciting details to come, make sure you are up to date with the latest Geelong Arts Centre announcements by signing up to the What’s On e-Newsletter via the Geelong Arts Centre website.

Image: Brett Boardman

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS

Your arts centre’s exciting range of performances can be discovered online at... geelongartscentre.org.au

ONPAkO

TASTE DESTINATION

- Virginia Woolf

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

CLASSES ARE BACK!

Greg Holt highlights THE ARRAy Of PRODUCE AT OUR fINGERTIPS

Geelong and the surrounding regions are brimming with some of the finest, freshest, and tastiest produce available, and best of all, it’s right at our fingertips.

These days 90% of the products we stock here are local and only 10% are imported and that’s mainly because that’s the only place you can actually get the products from.

There’s no better feeling than knowing exactly where your food comes from, whether it’s dairy, meat, fruit and veggies or any other edibles your heart desires, Geelong and surrounding regions have just about everything to satisfy your palate and it’s all local!

Greg Holt, who has been in the industry for 30 years and owned East Fruit Market for the last 15 years, knows the importance of supporting local farmers and producers when shopping for your fruit, veg, meat, seafood, dairy and bakery products.

“Over the years I’ve seen the focus of customers switch to wanting to support more local businesses,” says Greg. “Particularly young families who are really wanting to support local and focus on buying local products.”

The shift to buying local and supporting local farms and producers has been a long time in the making, with consumers beginning to place real emphasis on knowing exactly where the food they’re providing their families comes from.

“When I started at East Fruit Market all those years ago, 90% of products

were primarily imported, whereas that has now flipped around,” adds Greg. “So, these days 90% of the products we stock here are local and only 10% are imported and that’s mainly because that’s the only place you can actually get the products from.”

Customers are wanting to support smaller business rather than giving their hard-earned money to supermarket chains and multimillion dollar corporations.

“Milk is a really good example,” says Greg. “Some people simply don’t want to purchase milk from these big multinational brands, they’d rather purchase locally.”

Shoppers that are choosing to make the switch to locally sourced produce are doing so for a multitude of reasons, but Greg says this switch has nothing to do with money.

“It’s not about price, it’s about looking after the environment, looking after food miles, looking after local small business and of course local suppliers and local farmers,” explains Greg.

Fruit and vegetables are essentials most families would be purchasing

“

every week, sometimes multiple times a week, and it’s important to know just where they’re coming from. There are many local growers in and around Geelong that will have your fruit and veg picked in the morning and in your fridge in time for dinner.

“There are so many local fruit and veg growers around,” says Greg.

Even though the weather dictates when a lot of fruit and veg is currently in season, you can still have your pick of the bunch from local growers.

“Rhubarb’s a really good local product at the moment, it’s grown 10km down the road (from East Fruit Market),” says Greg. “It’s picked in the morning, delivered an hour or so later and it’s for sale at that time. There really isn’t that much time between picking the produce and you having it on the table if you’re buying from local growers.”

ZERO GRAvITy HEALTH LIfTS Off

INTRODUCING AN INNOvATIvE NEW HEALTH, WELLNESS AND RECOvERy CLINIC IN PORTARLINGTON

Ellina Armstrong

Ellina Armstrong is spearheading the health and wellness space with her endeavour Zero Gravity Health.

Zero Gravity Health is a health, wellness and recovery clinic located in Portarlington. The clinic is providing locals with a number of physical therapy options that owner, Ellina Armstrong, noticed the area was lacking.

A local to the Bellarine Peninsula, Ellina has been practicing as a myotherapist for a number of years. She felt there was a demand within Portarlington for a health and wellness space that catered to a whole range of different people with differing needs.

Ellina says, “I grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula so I’m a local down here. I’m a qualified myotherapist and I’ve been practicing for about 10 years on the Bellarine Peninsula.”

Conscious that there wasn’t already such a service in the area, Ellina really wanted to bring a recovery and wellness space to Portarlington so that locals can reap the health benefits without the added travel to places like Geelong.

Ellina explains, “I really wanted to bring something to the community that they can utilise down this way (Portarlington). The next closest thing really is either Geelong or Ocean Grove, so I really wanted to bring something down here for the local community to benefit from.”

Zero Gravity Health is a recovery-based clinic, with the main goal of recovery first and foremost for Ellina and her team.

“We are a health and recovery clinic first and foremost, health, wellness and recovery is always our primary focus. That’s what the entire business is based on.”

Ellina, who is a qualified myotherapist, has been spearheading the business since they opened in April of this year. Myotherapy is a form of musculoskeletal therapy that helps identify and get to the root cause of people’s pain.

Ellina explains, “Myotherapists are health practitioners. We work in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It incorporates a mix of hands-on therapy and take-home advice including exercises and stretching to help clients overcome pain and dysfunction.”

The clinic provides a number of state-of-the-art recovery and wellness services, including float therapy, an infrared sauna, their signature fire and ice room, and of course myotherapy services provided by Ellina.

Ellina says, “The services we offer have been specifically selected by me because of their recovery and their health benefits. It’s very research based and the services we offer are based completely on new research coming out about how effective they are at treating a range of issues.”

The services are exclusive to Zero Gravity Health, the float therapy pods in particular are state of the art Dreampod float pods. With both single and double floats available, so you have the option to float alone or have a friend keep you company.

The float therapy experience is completely customisable, which often isn’t found within health and wellness spaces. You can choose to leave the light on or off, lid open, closed or partially open, music throughout the session or just at the start and end of the session. Make the experience your own and enjoy that post float feeling for the rest of the day.

One of their most popular therapies is their signature fire and ice therapy, which is a hot and cold therapy room. The room contains two baths, one set to 40 degrees and one set to 10 degrees.

There are three different fire and ice therapies to choose from, fire and ice contrast bathing where you alternate between the hot and cold baths, a fire with ice plunge, involves soaking in the warm toasty water before plunging into the ice bath, or alternatively you can have an invigorating ice bath. The choice is yours!

The clinic also has opportunities for expansion, with more allied health practitioners making Zero Gravity their home in the coming months.

Ellina says, “We also have another treatment room, and we will be getting more allied health practitioners in the near future. It’s very exciting that we have room to grow our allied health practices.”

Having a true passion for her job, Ellina started in the industry as a remedial massage therapist in Ocean Grove. Her years of experience within the health industry on the Bellarine Peninsula inspired her to open her dream health, wellness, and recovery clinic.

She says, “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school, but I knew I loved health and PE. I ended up doing some work experience with a remedial massage therapist in Geelong, I spent a week watching people walk into the clinic in pain and walk out feeling heaps better.”

Speaking to Ellina it’s obvious that she loves her job. Zero Gravity Health is her baby, and she truly loves to help people on their recovery journey every step of the way. Ellina explains, “For me, the most rewarding aspect of my job is really being able to help people. I love people coming in and being able to get the results they’ve been looking for.”

Zero Gravity Health oozes comfort, the entire space is based around making sure Ellina’s clients always feel comfortable. Zero Gravity Health caters to everyone. No recovery journey is too big or too small. Clients from all walks of life are welcomed at Zero Gravity Health, if you’re wanting to begin your recovery journey, or continue it in a space that is calming and professional, Zero Gravity Health is the place.

As a sufferer of chronic pain herself, Ellina has a drive for helping people get real results from the services offered at Zero Gravity Health.

Ellina says, “I suffer from chronic pain myself, so I find it really beneficial for me to be able to see people get the health benefits that they are seeking.”

Feel free to contact Ellina and her team for a chat to confirm if their services are right for you.

Contact Zero Gravity Health via phone, or book online, to get your health, wellness, and recovery journey off to the right start.

ONPAkO

& fASHION bEAUTy

spring - summer 22/23

PERfUMERy

SCENTS fOR SELf AND HOME

As gardens throughout Geelong and beyond were beginning to display colourful fragrant blooms in the early spring of 2017, a new and exclusive retail space, ironically located on Garden Street in East Geelong, was also about to blossom.

Like a beautifully scented rose opening for the first time, Snif Perfumery opened for business on Thursday, September 14. The Parisian-esque boutique with its distinctive range of niche fragrances was established by Geelong local, Diana Cooper.

Having once managed the Yves Saint Laurent counter at Myer and inspired by her desire, though inability to source a new and unique quality perfume locally, Diana set about bringing a long-held idea to fruition, resulting in a place of sensory pleasure while also being steeped in history and stories, just waiting to be written upon the skin.

The highly anticipated opening day of Snif Perfumery brought with it many excited visitors keen to support the

charming fresh addition to the street and discover their very own special bottle of liquid luxury.

Lining the glass shelves of the perfumery were divine scents from international perfume houses including English houses Floris and Penhaligon’s and French houses Frapin, Lubin, Juliette has a gun and Robert Piguet.

Visitor numbers continued to grow throughout the weeks that followed with each gifted a lovely complimentary black or white fan generously scented with their newfound favourite fragrance.

With Christmas of that year quickly approaching, Diana and her specialised team of fragrance advisors found themselves continuously replenishing the shelves of the sweet-smelling

SNIf team (left to right) Lateisha Laney, Sarah Grigg, Olivia Hope, Lucy borland, Diana Cooper, Dale Cooper

perfumery which was already introducing additional prestigious perfume houses to its selection. New arrivals included French houses Fragonard and Histoires de Parfums.

Along with the exclusive fragrances, complementing bath and body products also occupied the shelves of the boutique as well as room sprays, wax sculptures and deluxe hand poured Cire Trudon candles from the oldest and finest wax house in the world. Gift vouchers were also introduced.

Before the year ended, Spanish perfume house Carner Barcelona joined the growing collection of magnificent fragrances and was the Mediterranean star of the boutique’s first perfume workshop scheduled for the new year of 2018.

So well embraced was the perfumery by both the local and wider community, Snif’s client base continued to expand as did the fragrance offerings for the region.

The iconic French perfume house Eight & Bob soon arrived in the boutique and its fascinating history linked to JFK was shared at a workshop to celebrate its arrival.

Soon afterwards, Compaignie de Provence bath and body products were introduced as were Cire Trudon fragrances and special events to launch new Cire Trudon candles.

The illustrious French perfume house of Creed was next to join the line-up. It was originally exclusively distributed to the rich and famous and prides itself on being entirely handmade.

Throughout what had become an extraordinary journey for Diana and her dedicated team, one of the most rewarding experiences for them all was assisting customers with selecting a scent that they would not only wear but also love and that would evoke pleasant memories in time to come.

COMPAGNIE DE PROVENCE CHRISTMAS from $44

Murkani Jewellery, Made in Melbourne. The Connected Collection from $169

Juliette Has a Gun Lady Vengeance from $49

This process was enhanced because of valuable knowledge gained by Diana and her store manager Olivia, upon having had the good fortune to attend a fragrance class delivered by Michael Edwards, developer of the perfume wheel.

Come spring, European perfume house Nasomatto was Snif’s newest family member and was officially launched at a fragrance class dedicated to the new modern, rich, and spirited range which just happened to coincide with the boutique’s first anniversary.

Fast forward to 2022 and Snif Perfumery has continued to evolve so much so that in August of this year, just one month prior to its fifth anniversary, the business relocated. When a chance to upsize the boutique presented, Diana seized the opportunity, especially given that it was a retail space directly next door to Snif’s original location.

The new and improved concept store is nothing short of stunning. It boasts floor

to ceiling windows across the entire frontage of the bespoke perfumery which allows for natural light to fill the inside space. A polished concrete floor is the base for a white stylish fit out with mosaic stone accents and a variety of lighting further highlights the modern sleek interior.

This classy and elegant new boutique features an extensive and impressive scent library which includes several new brands such as Bond No. 9 from the US, Keiko Mecheri from the US, Amouage from Oman, Nishane from Instanbul, Lumira from Australia, and La Perla from Italy. Diana and her passionate team are delighted to offer Geelong and the surrounding region the largest range of niche fragrances for self and home.

The collection continues to include bath and body products, candles, and room sprays as well as amazing lipsticks and eyebrow/lash products. In

FLORIS London

Matiere Premier $349 100ml

Creed Aventus for him 100ml $499

addition to these and to complement the fragrance offerings, the new store also stocks a bespoke range of fine jewellery and products from local, European, and Asian artisans.

Snif Perfumery aims to enhance their customers sensory experience and fulfil their desire for quality brands that tell a story, smell amazing and last, which for Diana equals sustainability.

Be sure to visit this beautiful boutique for a Snif and a complimentary fragrance

consultation. Record your favourite scent in their data base and join their mailing list for exclusive event notifications. It’s through attending these exclusive events that you will learn of the history and stories behind many of the fragrances. An event is usually scheduled once a month, caters for up to 15 attendees and includes a glass of wine. The perfumery is also well renowned for their annual Mother’s

Day High Tea event and are more than happy to discuss private, corporate, or special occasion bookings.

Follow Snif Perfumery on Instagram or Facebook and keep an eye out for their competitions, they love to reward their customers and followers.

Business Hours: Tue–Sat: 10am-5pm

5222

Nishane EGE from $308

Carner Barcelona Dream Collection $176 each

Trudon Candles from $65

ARE yOU AND yOUR CHILDREN READy fOR SUMMER IN AND AROUND THE WATER?

With summer approaching it is inevitable that families will be spending more time around the pool or open water, so it is absolutely crucial that parents remain vigilant and are aware of the risks and reinforce simple safety rules in and around the water with their children such as: never swim alone; swimming to their ability; remaining in eye contact.

These layers of protection are simple to implement into everyday life, reducing the risk of anything untoward happening to precious family members and friends. With many adults having retired earlier or working from home at reduced hours, and having more spare time on their hands, these rules also apply to them.

While there has been a decrease in the drowning statistics over the past ten years through education and advertising campaigns, the challenge is to create and maintain a water safety culture in Victoria while increasing participation in aquatic activity.

Of the 1,230 kilometres of Victorian coastline, there are 538 ocean beaches and approximately 500 public and commercial swimming pools throughout the state, and an estimated 139,000 plus backyard pools. Add this to our inland water ways of rivers, lakes, dams, canals etc.

Learning how to swim and cope in these many varied water environments is essential as it increases the ability to react confidently and survive in stressful situations that one may find themselves in. The journey begins with all ages learning how to swim and respecting the water and its dangers.

A child’s life is not a material thing. It cannot be replaced. Children slip out of sight so quickly and silently and incidents can occur in a matter of seconds. Take a long look at your children and realise just how precious they are. KEEP WATCH & SUPERvISE!

As the days become longer and warmer, it’s vital that we reinforce basic water-safety rules

kEy WATER SAfETy TIPS fOR THIS SUMMER

AT THE BEACH

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags.

• If caught in a rip, do not try to swim against it, stay calm and swim parallel to the beach or float.

• Look for, read, and obey all signs.

• If the beach is unpatrolled, check for hazards, particularly rips or reconsider entering the water.

• Never swim alone, always swim with a friend.

• Join a Nippers beach safety and surf awareness program if old enough.

INLAND WATERWAYS

• Check with the locals that it’s OK to swim.

• Inland waters can be very cold. If you are cold, get out of the water. Hypothermia can occur.

• Be aware of currents and watch for unstable and crumbling banks.

• Always enter feet first and be aware of submerged objects including rocks, branches, and rubbish.

USING WATERCRAFT

• Make sure that every person on board wears an approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

• Ensure all required safety equipment is on board and is in working order.

• Do not overload the watercraft or boat.

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

• Keep careful watch on the weather and tides.

• Carry sufficient water, fuel, food and a first aid kit.

PUBLIC POOLS

• Always obey the pool’s safety rules and listen to the lifeguard’s instructions.

• Be sure to always check for other swimmers before you jump or dive into the pool.

HOME POOL

• Supervise children at all timeswhen in or near the water.

• Install and maintain a pool or spa fence that is safety approved.

• Ensure the gate is self-closing and latching and is never propped open.

• Familiarise children with water and build confidence at an early age.

SUN SMART

Most aquatic activities are outdoors and consequently in an environment where participants can be exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and therefore at risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Even when it is cool or cloudy, the sun’s radiation is at its strongest. So, cover up and apply sunscreen throughout the day. Always remember to SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen, SLAP on a hat, SEEK shade and SLIDE on sunnies.

Geelong Aquatic Centre is a purpose-built centre which provides swimming lessons for those aged from four months through to adults as well as a squad program every evening and a Swordfish program for children with a disability on Saturday afternoons. Students learn to swim in a developmentally, sequential program which caters for all.

The centre is a highly professional operation with two 25-metre pools and a beginner’s pool across two buildings, each of which are appropriately heated to an ideal temperature for those using them.

All staff are at a minimum AUSTSWIM trained, and it’s evident that they are all passionate about passing on their skills to every child in their care in a warm and friendly atmosphere which is full of colour, movement and fun that stimulates the senses and encourages all to learn to swim.

Children learn through repetition and skills are taught in each group that are appropriate to the ability level of the class. Importantly, ample practice time is given for them to master a skill before moving on to the next progression.

If children are to improve and master skills, it’s important that they have regular and on-going swimming lessons throughout the year until they reach the desired level of skill. This will enable them to retain skills and build techniques quicker.

The basis for all strokes is a streamlined body position, an efficient leg kick, good balance and breathing pattern. If they are a confident and efficient swimmer, then they are more likely to be able to make the right decision and save themselves

if they find that they’re out of their depth or in a stressful situation.

Also, studies have shown that children who attend regular swimming lessons from an early age perform better at school.

Should you have a child who is already participating in swimming lessons, please remember that when the approaching summer eventually transitions to the cooler months of autumn, a warm hat and shoes will ensure that they are protected from the elements when they leave the pool.

Geelong Aquatic Centre owners Debbie and Geoff believe that children learn best without the distractions of water slides, aqua aerobics and the noise associated with public pools. All babies, children, and adults, whether in a lesson or squad, are always under the supervision of a teacher or coach, who believe that their students are their lives, as well as their living, and therefore they strive to do small things with great love and passion throughout each lesson.

Children learn best in a structured, colourful, fun, positive and encouraging environment. This is certainly evident at Geelong Aquatic Centre where they believe that they have “Quality Water, Quality Facilities and Quality Staff”.

Their motto is “Swimming Lessons – A Gift for Life”.

Feel free to stop by and discuss your needs or those of your child with the friendly and helpful reception staff or stay and watch or even take a dip and try a lesson. There is no time like the present to prepare yourself and your precious young family for a safe summer in and around the water.

Geelong Aquatic Centre

3 Bridge Street, Newtown VIC 3220

V (03) 5222 5530

M admin@geelongaquaticcentre.com.au

O geelongaquaticcentre.com.au

F OfficialGeelongAquaticCentre

I geelongaquaticcentre

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7.30am–6pm Sat: 7.30am–3.30pm Sun: Closed

TALkING REAL ESTATE

WITH JASON bARNETT

Jason Barnett, Managing Director of Barnett Real Estate certainly knows his stuff when it comes to the property market.

Barnett Real Estate is a boutique real estate agency located on Ryrie Street in Geelong with decades of real estate experience at its helm.

Jason, who has been involved with the real estate sector for more than 20 years, has immense passion, coupled with an extensive understanding of the industry.

Barnett Real Estate was born approximately a decade ago following Jason’s acquisition and rebranding of the company he was previously employed by for the same period.

He says, “I’ve worked in this business for over 20 years. I became the owner about 10 years ago, we used to be The Professionals and then we rebranded to Barnett Real Estate.”

Jason, who has always enjoyed working with people, initially became involved in real estate by coincidence more than anything else through the suggestion of a friend.

He adds with a laugh, “I started real estate thanks to a friend at the time. I was speaking to him, and he told me he reckoned I’d be good at real estate, 24 years later and I’m still good at real estate.”

Barnett Real Estate is a very small line-up, comprising Jason and his property manager Donna, who has worked alongside him for numerous years. In a post-covid world the team shrunk drastically, with Jason and Donna now holding down the fort.

Jason says, “It’s a small team, and it really did condense postcovid. It’s really just me and my property manager, Donna, who’s been with me for over 15 years.”

Jason has absolute enthusiasm for what he does, speaking to him it’s clear that he loves every aspect, from interacting with people to offering advice.

He says, “It’s all the usual things really. I like people, I like houses, I like architecture. Most of all I like selling houses and I really like helping people.”

Jason interacts with a whole host of different people including, young people wishing to break into the property market, families hoping to sell their homes and, couples that have spent the better part of their lives investing in properties and securing their own portfolio of real estate.

Every one of these people are a reminder to Jason as to how fortunate he is to have the opportunity to assist them on their real estate journey.

Jason adds, “You deal with so many different people from so many walks of life. You really get to help out all different kinds of people.”

The profession itself is extremely fulfilling for Jason, with being of service to people always at the forefront of his priorities. He especially enjoys helping first home buyers secure their first home, or existing owners sell their first property.

He finds the whole experience incredibly exciting, and he prides himself on being able to play a part (even if it’s a minor one) in such life changing milestones for his clients.

Jason says, “One of the most rewarding aspects for me are first home buyers when they buy their houses. Or first-time sellers as well, it’s nice to see the excitement and to really help guide people through such a huge step in their life.”

Jason Barnett, Managing Director of Barnett Real Estate certainly knows his stuff when it comes to the property market.

It’s no secret that the property market right now can seem rather treacherous. House prices are on the decline for the first time in a while and it’s greatly impacting the way prospective buyers and sellers alike are interacting with the property market.

If there’s one thing you can almost always count on, it’s that there is never a ‘perfect time’ to enter the world of real estate. The market is constantly changing, interest rates are forever on the rise or decline and nothing is ever certain when it comes to the property market.

Jason’s advice is to make sure you’re not missing out through fear. Seek advice, do your research and act.

He says, “The market obviously is always going up and down and interest rates are always changing.”

While it’s a daunting and uncertain time for aspiring home buyers, Jason views the declining property value in a more positive light.

Drawing on his real estate expertise he concludes that while it could be looked upon as being a discouraging time to undertake bold moves in the real estate world, it’s actually the perfect time to

upgrade if you’ve been contemplating the idea.

Jason adds, “One piece of advice I can give is that often people don’t think about this as a really good time to buy if you’re looking to upgrade.”

The maths is simple when you put it in layman’s terms, now is essentially the ideal time to buy a house that’s worth more than its sale price.

Jason explains, “For example, if your house was worth $800,000 and it dropped 10 percent, it’s dropped $80,000. But the thing is now, to get into that $800,000 house is now $80,000 cheaper than it was, and you can purchase houses for less than what they’re worth in this current market.”

Theoretically, if you had a desire to upgrade to a 1-million-dollar home, you could now buy that property for $100,000 less than the peak of the market.

This is the best way to look at the current property climate if you’ve been feeling a little uneasy with all the recent news surrounding the downward turn in the real estate market.

While rising markets are naturally better for those who wish to sell, downward markets are the ultimate time for potential buyers to get the maximum amount of bang for their buck.

Jason adds, “What tends to happen in these environments is people get scared and then don’t do anything. If you look at it logically, in a rising market, yes you get more for your house when you sell but you also have to pay a lot more, so the reverse of that is of course true.”

If you’ve been in two minds about finally acquiring that property upgrade, there’s no better time than right now according to Jason Barnett.

He says, “If you’re looking to upgrade, now is the perfect time. Downward markets are perfect for homeowners that are looking to upgrade their homes.”

If you’d like to secure your dream property, or you’re in need of some real estate advice from one of the best in the business, then Jason Barnett should be your go to.

His professional and considerate nature combined with his overarching love for his field makes him the ideal person to connect with to help buy or sell your chosen home!

Barnett Real Estate

2A/242 Ryrie Street

V

M info@barnettproperty.com.au

O barnettproperty.com.au

F barnettproperty

I barnettrealestate

Business Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am-5:30pm Sat: 9am-12pm

Jason uses his years of experience to focus on adding value to your real estate needs. With over 730 sales, he has built a reputation of delivering for his clients. if you are looking for an agent that offers honest advice, professional service and takes the time to listen to your needs, contact Jason for a no-pressure, friendly conversation to see if he can help.

fEEL GOOD WITH My MAINTENANCE CREW

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic identified the inevitability of change. One of the insights for many local businesses was recognising the importance of reviewing some of their processes and making them more sustainable.

Now is the time for real action by the people of Geelong and beyond, a time to contribute to the community at large. Sustainable community infrastructure is vital for creating and maintaining strong communities, as they act as a catalyst for expanding social and economic opportunities.

It comes as no surprise that many local businesses have already reviewed their suppliers and contractors due to the effects of the world supply-chain crisis. It becomes more and more prominent that only through actions to address social injustice, businesses severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can stay afloat.

Cultura is a regional leader which instigates positive change in the community by addressing many aspects of social injustice. My Maintenance Crew was established in 2018 as a social enterprise arm of Cultura through the Try Test and Learn funding provided by the Department of Social Services to curb youth unemployment and provide meaningful skills.

Being a new organisation created as a result of the merger of Diversitat and Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) in 2022, Cultura is a registered charity and a not-for-profit community organisation with a long history of caring for and supporting our local community. Cultura is known for its ambitious intent to connect, inspire and embrace

culturally diverse individuals throughout their life journey. It provides a support network and a unified voice for multicultural communities in Greater Geelong.

Well-known for its commitment to making a real difference through addressing disadvantage in our region, Cultura is a not-for-profit organisation that creates employment opportunities for the Geelong community, and it is Social Traders certified.

This means that by simply using the services of My Maintenance Crew, you instantly become a part of this mission too and contribute to fighting social injustice.

All the profits are reinvested into My Maintenance Crew to provide ongoing benefits to the public and community rather than being distributed to owners and shareholders. By using services provided by a social enterprise, positive social change is also created. And the good news is that now you can be involved as well!

By choosing My Maintenance Crew you can tick one of your home or corporate maintenance boxes while creating opportunities for some of your local most vulnerable cohort – unemployed youth!

My Maintenance Crew offers a wide range of domestic and commercial services in areas such as land care,

gardening, commercial and residential cleaning, and maintenance. No job is too big or too small for them. MMC team are armed with thoroughly maintained equipment to provide quality services in all areas, including any minor carpentry and plumbing, all interior and exterior painting, graffiti removal, office fit-outs, courier service, soft demolition, testand-tag and much more!

According to Cultura CEO, Joy Leggo, “Our team consists of highly skilled tradesmen with formal qualifications and over 40 years’ experience in their fields to train and support the lower skilled workforce to build their expertise and confidence and obtain full-time employment.”

Joy explains, “This means our senior staff with over 15 years longevity with the company support and help with training of our less-skilled staff.”

“We trade to intentionally address and tackle social deficiencies, improve communities, and provide young people (aged 17 to 25) across Geelong with access to employment and training. We focus on developing work and life skills in young people through mentoring, internships, and genuine employment opportunities.”

At the same time, Cultura is confident that you don’t need to compromise on the quality of cleaning or any other services that they provide to support locals – their trained and experienced

supervisors on-site at every job ensures client confidence in the quality of work that they deliver. In fact, My Maintenance Crew’s work sets a standard above many of the ‘for profit’ services which would usually charge you more.

Joy adds, “As a non-profit, Geelongbased organisation, My Maintenance Crew provides professional residential and commercial services at extremely competitive rates while maintaining a high standard of work. We set a high benchmark for ourselves and know that our work rivals the ‘for profit’ services that charge considerably more.”

“For example, when you hire a residential cleaner, you want someone affordable, respectful to your home and who will work to the standard that only a professional cleaner can provide. This is the excellence we strive for while always remembering we are creating positive change in the lives of many local young people.”

Cultura’s My Maintenance Crew does not just employ vulnerable youth, they also focus on building work readiness skills, both personal and professional. Working for My Maintenance Crew can become a truly life-changing experience.

Joy says, “Young people can learn for the first time in their lives what being a valued team member can mean and what positive shift it is able to create. This experience teaches our young employees about workplace resilience and responsibility. It helps them to build selfesteem and develop valuable work and professional communication skills, but most importantly, this experience creates a sense of pride, value and belonging.”

“We help our My Maintenance Crew staff to build their resumes, help with job and interview skills and techniques and teach them how to achieve financial independence. It all, in its turn, helps us achieve our main goal to strengthen our community.”

What can this mean for your business?

Having your services provided by My Maintenance Crew certainly has the ‘feelgood’ factor! You have the power to help break the cycle of disadvantage and create social change. This is a great way to start addressing your personal and/or business social responsibility goals by contributing to the creation of positive change within your community.

Many well-known businesses have already experienced the benefits of the services My Maintenance Crew provides. The ongoing relationship with clients such as WorkSafe, Fulton Hogan, Gen U, Hanlon Industries, Shell Club, SES, Sinclair Brook, VicRoads, and Xtreme Technology demonstrates the professionalism and quality service provided by My Maintenance Crew.

By choosing to engage with this business, not only do you receive outstanding service, but you also contribute to creating jobs and opportunities for young people in Geelong. To date, My Maintenance Crew has successfully provided employment, upskilling and improved futures for more than 100 of Geelong’s young people who are supervised at all times by experienced and qualified mentors that provide support and on-the-job skills training.

Discover that feel-good factor for yourself and contact My Maintenance Crew, you’ll be glad you did!

WATHAURONG GLASS

Set against a wall in the kitchen of a family home in Bellbrae, is a splashback by Wathaurong Glass. With kangaroo prints, wind motifs and a Gathering motif, it tells the story of the family through Indigenous art, who live day-to-day and use their kitchen every morning to cook breakfast.

matter. At the end of the day what we do is bespoke. It’s individualised and customised.”

With everything designed in-house, splashbacks have seen designs of butterflies and lizards grace their surfaces with much more on offer in addition to the Indigenous themes the business specialises in.

But the real appeal of glass used in the kitchen and also the bathroom, is its cost-effectiveness and ease to clean. With no lines and its non-porous texture, it means dirt and grime doesn’t adhere to grout or the edges of tiles.

“This customer was looking for a pattern and a texture [on their splashback] and I said, ‘We can tell your story in glass, if you like?’,” says Mark Edwards, Manager of Wathaurong Glass & Arts. And that he did.

Beyond the business’ work with Aboriginal motifs, what Wathaurong Glass really specialise in, is creating a truly unique addition to your home. With each piece of work custom-made to your design suggestions, it’s simple assurance your home will have something genuinely exclusive.

“We’re completely and utterly unique,” Mark says. “You’re getting something with character, with texture and design for that

For the past 22 plus years, Mark has been educating customers on the benefits of glass and its use in the home and Wathaurong Glass & Arts has been a leader of bespoke design during this time.

“We came into business at a really ripe time and we’ve been in business for 23 years, we’re probably one of the forefront movers in custom design kiln formed glass domestically, and probably the leader in the commercial sector too,” he says.

Whether it’s Indigenous art or a simple texture, Mark sees the beauty in every custom glass design and is happy to rise to the challenge of a unique design.

Wathaurong Glass also produce other unique high quality works of art including glass doors and windows to Australian standards; privacy screens; dividing walls; indoor and alfresco feature panels; free standing, wall and memorial plaques; corporate signage; mirrors and furnishings; boomerang and platter style awards; customised trophies and serving ware. Example images of these are available for viewing by visiting www.wathaurongglass.com.au Enquires regarding Australia wide delivery are also welcome.

Wathaurong

Road

Geelong VIC 3215

5272 2881

Arts

O wathaurongglass.com.au

M info@wathaurongglass.com.au

F Wathaurong-Glass_Arts

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

ONPAkO

& INTERIOR TRENDS

by Design & Decorate

kATRINA HARMON & MACkENZIE PENNyCOOk

C HATTING FABRIC WITH INTERIOR DESIGN E x PERT, K ATRINA H ARMON

Looking at drapery, sheers, upholstery, and cushions with Katrina Harmon of Design & Decorate Interiors, in Shannon Avenue, Geelong West.

Katrina is the perfect go-to for anyone looking to spruce up their home with a little bit of guidance from an expert. She’s an Interior Decorator with a passion for transforming people’s spaces and she has some tips and tricks for fabric newbies.

Design & Decorate specialises in four main fabrics, and Katrina shares some thoughts here about what might be right for you!

D RAPERY

If you’re on the lookout for a simple way to transform your home, drapery is the perfect thing. Curtains are a low maintenance way to make a major impact and they are also fairly low commitment with most styles able to be easily switched out whenever you desire something different.

Katrina says, “We create quality curtains and drapes for you that will deliver texture, warmth and style to your space.”

At Design & Decorate, there is a range of drapery options that cater to every home aesthetic.

Katrina adds, “Whether you desire elegant or cosy, dramatic or subtle. I’m always more than happy to help customers choose from our massive range of fabrics.”

No matter your home style, Katrina’s interior design expertise will have your home decked out in drapery in no time!

Katrina says, “Lace, linen, sheer and block out curtains all have a place in contemporary homes. They help to create an elegant undulating layer of colour, texture, and interest.”

fabrics have the ability to completely spruce up your home. If you’re wanting to have a big change with little effort look no further than adding fabrics.

Katrina says:

Upholstery can revitalise favourite old chairs, stools, window seats and ottomans with fresh new coverings.

S HEERS

Another curtain-esque option perfect for street facing homes is sheers. If you value your privacy and are aiming to shut out the outside world without shutting out too much light, sheers are the option for you.

Katrina describes the way that sheers have both a practical and aesthetic use, making them the perfect addition to any home.

She says, “Sheer curtains provide an elegance and style while at the same time reducing excess sunlight and providing that much needed element of privacy.”

“Sheer curtains add softness and texture to a room and can easily be draped to beautify any window or door that needs a bit of a face lift. Make the best use of sheer curtains and your home will look beautiful from the outside as well as the inside.”

U PHOLSTERY

Katrina knows the importance of upholstery and has seen many a sombre space come alive with a stunningly reupholstered piece of existing furniture.

She explains, “Upholstery can revitalise favourite old chairs, stools, window seats and ottomans with fresh new coverings. You can even add padded bed heads to beds to provide both a decorative and functional element in bedrooms. We have a number of fabric samples in store which are suitable for light and medium domestic upholstery use.”

If it all seems a bit overwhelming, fear not. Katrina works closely with clients providing her expertise and guidance to ensure you get the most out of your upholstery.

She says, “As part of our interior decoration service we can also work with you to identify fabrics for that special lounge or other item you wish to recover.”

It’s time to stop putting off that upholstery project, and Design & Decorate is the perfect place to get started.

8/130

V

Design & Decorate goes above and beyond when it comes to ensuring they have the cushions, lampshades, or bedding items to suit your space and add the finishing touches to any room in your home.

“We stock a range of cushions or can custom make them from your chosen fabric.”

Katrina truly believes personalised cushions are the perfect way to inject your individual style into your home.

The bedroom is the ideal room for “transformation by homewares”. Bed valances are often overlooked, but in Katrina’s eyes they are a perfect way to make your room feel extra warm and cosy.

“Bed valances cover the bed base as a decorative finish and provide a softer feel to the room. They can even be tailor-made to complement your bedding linen.”

C USHIONS

One of the simplest ways to breathe life into your home and make it seem like a whole new space is through homewares. Cushions and pillows especially, allow you to really personalise your space, and you can change them up as frequently as you like to keep things feeling fresh and new.

Katrina says, “Homewares offer the perfect opportunity to add a bit of personality to your space, through use of pattern, colour, and texture. You can add luxury, warmth, and a bespoke touch to your interiors with our large selection of designer fabrics.”

The sky’s the limit when it comes to personalised homewares – who would have thought of matching your bedspread to your lampshades to add extra cohesion? But it’s true, lampshades can be created with your chosen fabric – surely the ultimate in bespoke bedding!

Fabrics are just one element of what’s on offer at Design & Decorate Interiors. You can find wallpaper, blinds, shutters and more. If you’re wanting to breathe new life into your space and infuse aspects of your personality into your home, visit Katrina today!

Business Hours:

Mon – Tue: 10am–4pm

Wed: Closed for consultations

Thu – Fri: 10am–4pm

Sat: By appointment

Homewares offer the perfect opportunity to add a bit of personality to your space, through use of pattern, colour, and texture.

“ “