GEELONG CALENDAR 2025
The City of Greater Geelong is proudly on Wadawurrung Country
Louise, Edebone Eastern Beach Sea Baths, Waterfront Geelong
JANUARY
Cunningham Pier, Eastern Beach
Covering an area of 1,247 square kilometres, our region is characterised by the multi-award winning Waterfront overlooking Corio
the
Bay,
picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, the Barwon River, You Yangs Regional Park, wetlands, beautiful parklands and wildlife sanctuaries.
The Carousel is located on Waterfront Geelong, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. Experience the magic of this fully restored c.1892 Armitage-Herschell, hand-carved Carousel, one of just 200 still in operation worldwide.
JANUARY EVENTS
11 Portarlington Mussel Festival WG Little Reserve, Portarlington 14-16 Cinderella (School Holiday Show), Potato Shed 15 Summer Family Fun Day, Geelong Botanic Gardens 17-19 Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo, Geelong Showgrounds 18 Geelong Beer Festival, Johnstone Park, Geelong 22 Wellness Day, Geelong Botanic Gardens 25-27 Festival of Sails, Waterfront Geelong 26 Free Childrens Fun Day, Rippleside Park, Rippleside 31 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Family Ride, Waterfront Geelong
For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
FEBRUARY
Pako Festa, Geelong West
We’re proud to support a diverse array of events, helping to foster a vibrant, inclusive local culture. One standout event funded by the City in 2024 was the much-loved Pako Festa, which brought together a dynamic mix of cultures and celebrations.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 12 events funded by Geelong Major Events in 2023–24 generated an estimated economic benefit of $51,054,254 to our local economy.
Drawing inspiration from Europe’s renowned one-day classics, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is Australia’s inaugural event of its kind. It has rapidly gained recognition both locally and internationally, showcasing Geelong on the global stage.
2024–25 RATES: FULL PAYMENT DUE (non-instalment payees) (pay by 17 Feb)
FEBRUARY EVENTS
1 A Day on the GreenThe Script, Mt Duneed Estate
1-2 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, various locations
6-9 2025 Vic Open Golf Championships, Barwon Heads
8 Georgia Fields (Summer Series), Potato Shed
22 Pako Festa, Geelong West
22 Americana on the Bellarine ‘25 (Summer Series), Potato Shed
2024–25 RATES: 3RD INSTALMENT DUE
RAMADAN COMMENCES (until 29 Mar)
25 The songs of John Denver and Kenny Rogers (Morning Showtime), Potato Shed For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
MARCH
Lake Connewarre, Connewarre
Our environment is a unique blend of urban, rural, and coastal settings. We are home to significant conservation reserves and diverse ecosystems, including the Ramsar-listed wetlands, the You Yangs, and the Barwon and Moorabool river systems. These areas support a variety of flora and fauna, including many protected species.
Sparrovale Wetlands Reserve (Ngubitj yoorree) covers 500 hectares near the Barwon River and Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve. The area hosts diverse bird species, including sharp-tailed sandpipers, whiskered terns, ducks, herons, stilts, and brolgas, along with frogs and fish.
MARCH EVENTS
2 Wildlife Photographer of the Year #59 (until 19 May), National Wool Museum
9 Bellarine Agricultural Show, Portarlington Recreation Reserve 14-16 Head of the School Girls Rowing Regatta, Barwon River, Geelong 15 It’s De-lovelya celebration of Cole Porter, Potato Shed
23 IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong Pro-Series, Waterfront Geelong and various locations
25 Issi Dye-Barbara and Bette (Morning Showtime), Potato Shed
For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
APRIL
Moorabool River, Fyansford
We’re improving access to key destinations like schools, parks, and community hubs by expanding trail links, including a seamless route connecting the Ted Wilson Trail, Cowies Creek Trail, and Barwon River. This initiative promotes physical activity and strengthens community connections across the region.
MAY
Shannon Avenue Bridge and Balyang Sanctuary, Newtown
Balyang
and a
Sanctuary is one of Geelong’s most popular picnic venues
haven for water birds. Located at the river-end of Shannon Avenue in Newtown, beside Princes Bridge, the sanctuary covers nine hectares of lake and native bushland.
DID YOU KNOW?
We’re responsible for maintaining civil infrastructure like roads, curbs and gutters, bridges, drainage systems, and footpaths, along with social infrastructure including buildings, public spaces, arts and culture venues, and recreational facilities.
Spotted a pothole or a road issue that needs attention? Don’t worry – reporting it is quick and easy! Simply head to geelong.link/ReportRoad and let us know. Your feedback helps keep our roads safe.
Mothers Day Classic, Eastern Park, Geelong
The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez, Potato Shed
Wonder Women of Geelong, (Morning Showtime), Potato Shed
For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
JUNE
Norlane ARC, Norlane
The new $65.6 million Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) officially opened on 9 February 2024, replacing the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall. The centre features a 25-metre pool, warm water pool, learn-to-swim pool, water play area, waterslide, gym, multi-purpose hall, childcare facilities, and health consulting suites.
1 Reconciliation in the Park, Johnstone Park, Geelong 6-9 National Celtic Folk Festival, Portarlington 20-21 The Winter Solstice One Act Plays, Potato Shed 24 All You Need is Love, (Morning Showtime), Potato Shed For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
JULY
Waurn Ponds Skate Park, Waurn Ponds
The redevelopment of the Waurn Ponds Skate Park was a standout project of 2023. After two rounds of community feedback, the upgrade kept all the favourite features of the old park while adding a new space to make it easier to move between the skate and play areas.
AUGUST
Boronggook Library, Drysdale
Our Boronggook Drysdale Library received a Public Architecture award from the Australian Institute of Architects. The building is the first of its kind in Greater Geelong, with its innovative circular design, planted roofscape and amphitheatre.
DID YOU KNOW?
Birds, bees and butterflies have found habitat on the rooftop of Boronggook Library among the 4,300 plants, including 18 different native species.
SEPTEMBER
You Yangs Regional Park, Lara
Part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung People, the distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat volcanic plains below, giving a gorgeous, picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
OCTOBER
Geelong Botanic Gardens, East Geelong
The 170-year-old Geelong Botanic Gardens is home to over 4,000 plant species from 400 genera and 100 plant families. Spanning 20 acres, the gardens showcase a diverse range of flora, including rare and endangered species. With its beautiful landscapes, historic collections, and curated displays, the gardens serve as a sanctuary for plant conservation and an educational resource for visitors.
DID YOU KNOW?
Trees provide a vast array of environmental, social and economic benefits to the local community. They improve liveability, support biodiversity, capture carbon and cool our streets. Last year we planted more than 2,800 trees across our region.
NOVEMBER
Dell Eco Reef, Clifton Springs
Made of eco-friendly concrete and recycled shells, the units at the Dell Eco Reef are helping to reduce coastal erosion by creating a permeable barrier in shallow water. They’ve also created habitat for marine life and become a tourist destination for recreational snorkelled and swimmers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Geelong has a long and proud history as a creative city and a leader in design. On 31 October 2017 Geelong was designated a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Greater Geelong is renowned for its exceptional lifestyle, blending urban amenities with natural beauty. The region offers everything from classic ‘Boom Time’ civic buildings to revitalised urban areas. As Australia’s first UNESCO City of Design, we use creativity and innovation to build sustainable, resilient, inclusive communities.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
9 Run4Geelong, Eastern Park, Geelong
25 Rockin’ All Over the World, Potato Shed
28-30 Geelong Revival Motoring Festival, Waterfront Geelong 22 Christmas Opening Night –Denis Walter Carols by the Bay, Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach
For markets and sporting fixtures see page 26 or visit eventsgeelong.com.au
DECEMBER
13th Beach, Barwon Heads
Our role is to keep our beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone! We team up with Barwon Coast to educate visitors on how to protect our beautiful natural environment and the amazing native species that call it home. Next time you visit the beach, we encourage you to leave it as you found it and enjoy it alongside other visitors.
2025 WASTE COLLECTION CALENDAR
AREA TWO
5
S
S
* Bins due for collection 1 January 2025 will be collected on 4 January instead. Bins due for collection on 25 - 26 December 2025 and 1 - 2 January 2026 will be collected one day later on the Friday or Saturday. Please leave your bins out until they are emptied.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WASTE SERVICES
Report a missed or broken bin.
Find out if aerosols can be recycled in our Waste & Recycling Guide.
Start composting at home.
Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Waste for more.
Recycling bin fortnightly Garden organics bin fortnightly
Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ HardWaste
SPORTS FIXTURES
AFL GEELONG CATS FOOTBALL (home games)
Geelong Cats v Fremantle
Saturday 15 March, 1.20pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Melbourne Friday 4 April, 7.40pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v GWS Giants
Sunday 11 May, 3.20pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs
Thursday 22 May, 7.30pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 7 June, 4.15pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions Friday 20 June, 7.40pm
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Richmond Date and Time TBC
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v St Kilda Date and Time TBC
Geelong Cats v Port Adelaide Date and Time TBC
GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats v Essendon Date and Time TBC
GMHBA Stadium
WNBL GEELONG UNITED BASKETBALL (home games)
Geelong v Perth
Sunday 12 January, 12.30pm
Geelong Arena
Geelong v Sydney
Friday 17 January, 7.00pm
Geelong Arena
Geelong v Bendigo
Sunday 19 January, 4.00pm
Geelong Arena
Geelong v Bendigo
Wednesday 29 January, 7.00pm
Geelong Arena
Geelong v UC Capitals
Saturday 1 February, 7.30pm
Geelong Arena
AFLW GEELONG CATS FOOTBALL (home games)
AFLW fixture was not released at time of printing.
MARKETS
Barwon Heads
9.00am to 1.00pm
Every Saturday
December to January
Last Saturday February to November
Beckley Park
8.00am to 1.00pm
Every Saturday
Bellarine Farmers’
9.00am to 1.00pm
Third Saturday
Belmont
8.00am to 1.00pm
Every Sunday (except public holidays)
Drysdale Community
9.00am to 1.00pm
Third Sunday
October to May
Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers
10.00am to 3.00pm
Spring/Summer
10.00am to 2.00pm
Autumn/Winter
First Sunday includes public holidays
Lara Community
9.00am to 1.00pm
Second Sunday
February to December
Ocean Grove Rotary
9.00am to 1.00pm
First Sunday
October to March and Easter Monday
Point Lonsdale
9.00am to 2.00pm
Second Sunday
Portarlington Lions 9.00am to 2.00pm
Fourth Sunday September to April
Queenscliffe Community 9.00am to 2.00pm
Last Sunday September to May
South Geelong Farmers’ 9.00am to 1.00pm
First and third Sunday includes public holidays
St Leonards
9.00am to 2.00pm
Every Saturday in January
Third Saturday February to May
Labour Day, Easter and Melbourne Cup weekend
Surf Coast Highway Makers (Grovedale)
9.00am to 2.00pm
Third Saturday January to May
STREET ADDRESS
Wurriki Nyal
Wadawurrung Country 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong VIC 3220
POSTAL ADDRESS
Wadawurrung Country PO BOX 104, GEELONG VIC 3220
PHONE
03 5272 5272
WEBSITE geelongaustralia.com.au
EMAIL contactus @geelongcity.vic.gov.au
councillorenquiry@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE TTY VOICE 133 677
SPEAK AND LISTEN 1300 555 727
HAVE YOUR SAY
Have your say and help us make decisions that reflect the best interests of our diverse community. Visit geelong.link/HYS
REPORT AN ISSUE, REQUEST A SERVICE OR SUBMIT FEEDBACK?
Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Contact or call us on 5272 5272.
more at geelongaustralia.com.au
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information included is accurate at the time of printing, but information may be subject to change.
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Here are the City of Greater Geelong’s 11 councillors* and the wards they represent.
CR STRETCH KONTELJ
OAM
Mayor
Kardinia Ward 0419 327 303 stretch.kontelj@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR ELISE WILKINSON
Connewarre Ward 0458 769 380 elise.wilkinson@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR TRENT SULLIVAN
Leopold Ward 0434 307 050 trent.sullivan@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR RON NELSON
Deputy Mayor
Barrabool Hills Ward 0429 531 875 ron.nelson@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR ANTHONY AITKEN
Corio Ward 0434 307 044 anthony.aitken@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR ROWAN D. STORY
AM, RFD
Murradoc Ward 0475 987 029 rowan.story@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR EMMA SINCLAIR
Charlemont Ward 0486 012 721 emma.sinclair@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR ANDREW KATOS
Deakin Ward 0461 565 885 andrew.katos@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR CHRIS BURSON
You Yangs Ward 0488 071 668 chris.burson@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR MELISSA CADWELL
Cheetham Ward 0403 821 309 melissa.cadwell@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CR EDDY KONTELJ
Hamlyn Heights Ward 0455 532 006
eddy.kontelj@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG WARD MAP
For more information on your councillors, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Councillors
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Public attendance at Council meetings is welcome. To find out when Council meetings are on, and to live stream, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/CouncilMeetings