Geelong Column

The Greater Geelong region boasts a vast selection of delicious, fresh, locally grown produce.

I am proud of the fact that we are also home to some of the country’s best wineries, boutique distilleries and craft breweries.

If you have been out in Melbourne, Regional Victoria, and indeed across Australia, you may have seen some of these food and drink offerings served by top venues outside of Geelong.

But the beauty of living here is that all these products are readily available at our top restaurants, bars and cafes, waiting for you to come and try.

This year, the festival offers experiences for all ages across 11 days.

It includes many free activities such as an afternoon tea with a celebrity chef at The Pier, a cupcake decorating session with Baked By Us, a Native Australia and Indigenous tasting event hosted by The Gordon, as well as cooking classes, workshops and more.

The Tastes of Central Geelong is all about indulging your senses, so I encourage you to get out and explore our many fine restaurants, wine bars and tourist attractions.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

Exciting announcement today that formal proceedings have commenced to gain consent to sell the property known as ‘The Paddock’ to the Give Where You Live Foundation.

Foundation CEO, Bill Mithen said, “we are committed to retaining The Paddock as a community asset. This strongly aligns with our goals relating to education and employment and our purpose of building a fairer G21 community.”

The Paddock, a seven-acre farm in Leopold, has been an important community resource for over 15 years, offering opportunities for people of all abilities to explore new experiences and learn new skills. It has been a base for disability support, employment and training services, as well as a range of community events and farmers markets.

If approved, the Give Where You Live Foundation will seek to operate The Paddock as a social enterprise and broaden the connection the community has with the property.