Community Update E-Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

PG: 3 INSIDE OUR LOCAL FOOD SCENE

PG 8: KALEIDOSCOPE

PG 11: GARDEN CLASSROOM

PG 15: SIGN UP TO WIN!

WELCOME TO COMMUNITY UPDATE

Please enjoy our community newsletter featuring stories about the people, places, projects and events that make our region such a great place to live.

YOUR COUNCILLORS

For more information, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/councillors

CR TRENT SULLIVAN

Mayor Bellarine Ward 0466 565 004 mayoraloffice@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR ANTHONY AITKEN

Deputy Mayor Windermere Ward 0434 307 044 aaitken@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR STEPHANIE ASHER Bellarine Ward 0413 369 719 sasher@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR MELISSA CADWELL Brownbill Ward 0403 821 309 mcadwell@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

MAYOR’S MESSAGE CR TRENT SULLIVAN

What an incredible summer we’ve just had in Greater Geelong.

Our major events, such as the Australian International Airshow, Festival of Sails and Pako Festa, returned bigger and better than ever after forced hiatuses or disruptions.

Our visitor economy is booming, and there is a range of exciting new developments underway or on the horizon.

The event highlights just keep on coming in autumn. The City-funded Tastes of Central Geelong is back for its 12th edition, showcasing the best of our local food and wine scene.

Geelong’s reputation as a hospitality destination continues to grow, and the Tastes program gives residents and visitors a great insight into the variety and diversity on offer in Geelong.

PET REGISTRATIONS

A reminder to all pet lovers that cat and dog registrations are due by 10 April.

To make the registration process easier next year, go online and register to receive your renewals via email.

Scan the QR code to register.

PROGRAMS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

CR KYLIE GRZYBEK Windermere Ward 0434 307 043 kgrzybek@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR BRUCE HARWOOD Kardinia Ward 0434 307 042 bharwood@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

In this edition of Community Update, you can learn more about our grants program. The program is worth $4.4 million this financial year and will include our second round of Climate Change Partnership grants. These grants are one of the ways we’re helping to reduce carbon emissions as we progress towards a net-zero community.

You can also read about how we are preparing for the Commonwealth Games in 2026, and find out about part-time wetland residents, the Latham’s Snipe. Enhancing our natural environment is a key priority as we seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Cr Trent Sullivan Mayor City of Greater Geelong

GALA AWARDS CELEBRATE YOUTH

CR EDDY KONTELJ Brownbill Ward 0455 532 006 ekontelj@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR JIM MASON AM Bellarine Ward 0434 307 048 jmason@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR BELINDA MOLONEY

Kardinia Ward 0435 219 198 bmoloney@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR PETER MURRIHY Brownbill Ward 0434 307 045 pmurrihy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR RON NELSON Kardinia Ward 0429 531 875 rnelson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Young people making Greater Geelong a terrific place to live will be celebrated at a Gala Awards ceremony.

The Geelong Youth Awards event celebrates young people aged 12 to 25 years who are making a positive difference in areas including leadership, cultural awareness, community work, sport, arts, music and youth development.

Scan the QR code after 31 March to read about the winners.

REDUCE NAPPY WASTE AND SAVE

Sign up for our Modern Cloth Reusable Nappies Program and save 60 per cent off a reusable nappy pack.

This program is designed to challenge misconceptions about reusable nappies, reduce nappy waste and help protect our environment.

Building on the 2022 trial program, families will complete a free online workshop to become eligible for the subsidised nappy pack.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Looking for activities to keep the kids entertained and fight off holiday boredom?

We’ve got you covered with our Love Central Geelong Fun Guide. The program is a collection of activities, events and exhibitions for young people aged 3 to 16 years.

Scan the QR code to plan your school holiday activities.

Scan the QR code for more information.

Pictured: Examples of modern reusable nappies available for purchase

Pictured: 2019 Youth Award nominee, Mutheinchri Ra

Pictured: Remember to renew your pet registration by 10 April

TABLE SET FOR GEELONG TO BE A FOODIE CITY

Our growing region is becoming a destination of choice for food lovers and producers.

When Simon Toohey and his partner were looking for somewhere to settle, they felt Geelong ticked a lot of boxes.

“My partner and I wanted to buy,” he said. “We wanted to be close to the beach and train line. We wanted to have room for our golden retriever, Lentil.”

But most of all, the MasterChef Australia grand finalist, YouTube personality and host of Channel 10’s Freshly Picked wanted to live somewhere that would support his passion for amazing food.

“I needed to grow food and be closer to the soil,” he said. While Simon said the region featured many natural attributes that would be attractive to any passionate foodie, the people were also a key part of the attraction.

According to Simon, the amazing produce that comes out of the region – in particular stone fruits, lettuce, olives, grapes, strawberries and apples – says a lot about the people who live here. In his words: “where there’s great food, there’s great people.”

“When people are focusing on what’s so beautiful about the soil – organic growing, biodynamic growing and permaculture – and sharing that knowledge with others, then people actually get drawn to that because there’s a level of kindness that’s involved,” he said.

Simon is particularly interested in how food brings people together across different cultures in our city.

“I want to be part of a culture that I feel I am learning from.”

Simon is far from the only one that feels they’ve been drawn in by Geelong’s evolving food culture. It’s also inspiring the next generation of chefs, culinary professionals, and general food lovers.

Pippa Macpherson, The Culinary Collective apprentice at The Davidson restaurant, says she has always been passionate about food.

“For the evolution of Geelong’s food culture, I would like to see more plant-based and vegetarian places, and more cool dessert spots.”

Explore our celebration of food and flavours at Tastes of Central Geelong Festival 23 March to 2 April.

Scan the QR code to see the foodie events on offer.

SAID.

“They were always telling me: ‘go be a chef.’”

In her final year at The Gordon, the 21-year-old has been enjoying the brand-new, state-of-the-art $23.5 million culinary school and training restaurant. It features training kitchens, exquisite bakery and patisserie spaces, and a barista school.

When asked about the new space, Pippa was very enthusiastic. “We get to use all the cool equipment and, after the renovations, it looks really modern,” she said.

Pippa is excited for the future and has her own goals she would like to achieve.

“I want to study patisserie and I also want to become an industry leader and encourage other young women to join the industry,” she said.

Simon’s favourite foodie spots

• Funk Café – 152 Shannon Ave, Geelong West

• Union Street Wine Bar –8 Union St, Geelong

• Eastside Wholefoods –269 Myers St, East Geelong

• Feast Geelong –5 Ormond Rd, East Geelong

• Fresh Land Food Asian Supermarket – 153–161

Shannon Ave, Manifold Heights

• Il Bolognese Pasta and The Mushroom Connection, South Geelong Farmers Market –200 Yarra St, South Geelong (first and third Sunday of each month)

Pippa’s favourite foodie spots

• That Place Patisserie and Café – 110B Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont

• Miss Gina Gelato Geelong – 47 Centaurus Ave, Clifton Springs

• Geelong Fresh Foods – 171 Pakington St, Geelong West

• Valerie’s Pantry – 138 High St, Belmont

“I GUESS MY NAN PROBABLY STARTED IT, WATCHING HER COOK, HELPING HER, HELPING MY AUNTY AT HER CAFÉ AND THEN DOING HEAPS AT HOME,” PIPPA

“I WANT TO BE PART OF A CULTURE THAT I FEEL I AM LEARNING FROM.”

Pictured: One of Simon’s favourite spots is Funk Cafe, Geelong West

Pictured: Former MasterChef Australia finalist, Simon Toohey

Pictured: Culinary Collective student, Pippa Macpherson

AN INTERNATIONAL BIRD OF MYSTERY

FAST FACTS

Did you know?

In 2022, the number of charging sessions on our public electric vehicle charger network increased by 113 per cent.

There are over 100 individual wetlands in the Greater Geelong region covering 11,630 hectares.

In 2022, we planted 5,058 trees in local streets and parks.

Every year we transform 35,000 tonnes of material from garden bins into high-quality compost.

COLLABORATION KEY TO EMISSIONS REDUCTION

A new approach to grant funding is driving action for climate change in Greater Geelong.

Our Council’s inaugural round of Climate Change Partnership Grants were awarded in 2022 to kickstart climate action undertaken by community groups.

The first of the partnership grants was awarded to 100% Clean Bellarine for a pilot program to promote renewable energy to around 50 commercial and industrial businesses in Ocean Grove.

According to Karen Weaver from 100% Clean Bellarine, the $50,000 grant will help small businesses see the benefits of switching to renewables.

“Every small business that switches to renewable energy helps reduce the greenhouse gas emissions profile across Greater Geelong. If successful, there’s potential for the program to be scaled up and applied to other industrial and commercial businesses across the municipality,” she said.

The second grant, also for $50,000, was awarded to Geelong

Sustainability for an All-Electric Homes program. The program is designed to not only educate residents about the benefits of an all-electric, zero-emissions home, but also support them to make the switch through a participant-only discount purchasing program. This program is expected to be launched later in 2023.

Based on a co-design approach to climate action, the Climate Change Partnership Grants are a unique way that we’re supporting the community to work collaboratively to reach net-zero community emissions by 2035. The grants are most suited to established groups with the experience and capacity to deliver larger-scale projects.

The grants will re-open for applications in mid-2023.

Scan the QR code for more information about Climate Change Partnership Grants.

The Latham’s Snipe fly from Japan each year to forage for food in local wetlands. But there’s more to this bird than meets the eye.

Visit Lake Lorne Reserve in Drysdale on any given afternoon and you’ll probably bump into Jeff Dagg, a Geelong Field Naturalists Club member.

“I’m normally here about two o’clock…I either walk right around or basically just walk a section of the lake,” he said.

While the freshwater lake and wetland is a haven for over 30 bird species, Jeff particularly loves the Latham’s Snipe, a bird that migrates over 8,000 km from Japan between breeding seasons.

Although they are shy, and therefore difficult to spot, the curious migratory behaviour of the birds make them a local favourite. While we know they come here to forage in spring and summer, there are some questions about their behaviour that remain unanswered.

“MY QUESTION IS, HOW DO THEY KNOW THAT THERE’S FOOD HERE? THERE’S SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW THAT WE DON’T,” JEFF SAID.

We recently completed plans to enhance the Jerringot and Begola wetlands. As part of a greater network of across the region, these wetlands provide vital habitat for many species, including the Latham’s Snipe.

“To increase habitat for the Latham’s Snipe, we need tall reeds and rushes, tussocks planted in the sheltered areas, under the trees in the water and on the bank,” Jeff said. “They like getting in little spots in the long grass areas near the water and they just squat.”

Although World Migratory Bird Day isn’t until Saturday 13 May, Jeff knows from his regular walks that there’s never a bad time to go birdwatching. For those keen to give it a try, he recommends a reasonable pair of binoculars and a bird watching guide.

“You know a lot of people just look at this and go, ‘it’s just water.’ But when you really get into the biosphere that’s here, it’s amazing.”

Want to know more about our local wetlands? Scan the QR code.

Pictured: Madison Harper from Auto Care Ocean Grove, Mayor Trent Sullivan, Karen Weaver from 100% Clean Bellarine and Damien George from Auto Care Ocean Grove

Pictured: Latham’s Snipe in flight Photo: Geoff Gates

Pictured: Latham’s Snipe

Photo: Geoff Gates

Pictured: Jeff Dagg birdwatching at Lake Lorne Reserve in Drysdale

A 700 square-metre kaleidoscope weighing 70 tonnes is arriving in Geelong to delight and disorientate people of all ages.

Renowned Melbourne installation artist, Keith Courtney, has toured his work around Australia and the world.

Now, he is bringing his critically acclaimed Kaleidoscope – made of glass, mirrors, steel and moving prisms – to the Johnstone Park Forecourt this May.

Featuring a dazzling white mirror maze during the day, and everchanging, deep colours and light reflections from the surrounding environment at night, the work encourages the viewer to see the world in a different light.

According to Keith, the idea was born during a COVID-19 lockdown.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK – 27 MAY TO 3 JUNE

Keith teamed up with talented artists to get the multi-sensory and immersive work off the ground. The original soundscape, created

by Tamil Rogeon, was sung by the National Boys Choir of Australia. “I imagined the work almost like a non-denominational cathedral experience, so that’s where we landed with engaging the [choir],” Keith said.

Keith describes the experience of Kaleidoscope as being serene, meditative and joyful. “At times it’s a little haunting, but it’s very beautiful as well.”

Artist, Samantha Slicer, has collaborated with Keith previously and both agreed that they wanted to get people off their screens and with others. She said that creating a space where people can be disconnected from the challenges of the world to play, contemplate or find joy was a key goal.

“Bringing out that childlike awe and wow – to me, that’s what art is about,” she said.

Kaleidoscope was manufactured in South Geelong by Keith’s go-to fabricator, Robert Lange Engineering, and glazier, Menzel Glass. “To be able to present the work in the city that it was created in – it’s just a really wonderful opportunity,” he said.

For those wondering what to expect, Keith guarantees an experience that is magical and new. Keith says that the installation is unique because it appeals to all ages. “Kids come in and they just think it’s a giant kaleidoscope – they’re amazed,” he said. “But I think an older demographic can lose themselves in a vortex of serenity.”

Above everything else, Keith said that audiences should be prepared for an experience that is magical and new.

“I’ve actually designed it so that, just like a kaleidoscope changes infinitely, my Kaleidoscope will keep on changing and keep on evolving.

I’ll no doubt add some elements in [for] Geelong,” Keith said.

Kaleidoscope will be on display from 13 May to 18 June and tickets will go on sale from 10 April.

There are a number of ways to mark this year’s National Reconciliation Week in Geelong.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations. It is a reminder that everyone can be a voice for reconciliation in their everyday lives.

To support this theme, we will be partnering with Reconciliation Victoria to host an Uluru Statement from the Heart Community Forum entitled ‘The Heart, The Journey – The Story of Us’ on Tuesday 30 May from 11.30am to 3pm.

The forum will give everyone in the community an opportunity to listen, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding about the journey to referendum, as well as the constitutional changes that will formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by establishing a representative body called a Voice to Parliament.

We will also be marking National Reconciliation Week by featuring a new series of artworks by First Nations artists as part of our popular City Hall projections program nightly from 27 May to 3 June.

Other local events for National Reconciliation Week can be found on our online events calendar.

Scan the QR Code for upto-date information about Reconciliation Week.

“EVERYONE WAS EXPERIENCING AN EXTRAORDINARILY TOUGH TIME. I WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WAS JOYFUL,” HE SAID.

KALEIDOSCOPE WITH A LOCAL TWIST

“BRINGING OUT THAT CHILDLIKE AWE AND WOW – TO ME, THAT’S WHAT ART IS ABOUT.” SAMANTHA SLICER

Pictured: Artwork featured in the 2019 Reconciliation Week City Hall projections (Artist: Nathan Patterson)

Pictured (clockwise): The Kaleidoscope installation from different perspectives

Pictured: Artist impression of Kaleidoscope in Geelong

WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

GARDEN CLASSROOM SET FOR LEARNING

A new education program launched by the Geelong Botanic Gardens is helping students connect the dots between nature and academic learning.

Local primary schools can teach mathematics, science and humanities in a whole new way thanks to a new education program being offered by the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

There are lessons for students in Foundation through to Year 6 (see box inset), and each one aligns with the current Australian curriculum.

While some topics cross age boundaries, each program is tailored to meet the needs of the specific age group. To illustrate this, Geelong Botanic Gardens Education Officer Kim Whittaker described the programs for Foundation to Grade 2 as being more about using the senses:

A restoration project designed to bring a historic Montague Whaler back to its former glory is nearing completion.

When the Royal Geelong Yacht Club Skiff Builders offered a partially restored Montague Whaler to members of the Western Beach Boat Club in 2022, they decided it would be a good project to take on.

According to boat club member, Bill Ethel, the Whalers once played a key role in our naval history. “The Whalers were used in conflict and also for transferring people from the ship to the shore,” he said. “They were certainly used at Gallipoli.”

The Whaler was built in New Zealand in 1942 from native Kauri timber and then transported to Australia on a New Zealand war ship. When inflatable boats were introduced in the seventies, the boat was retired from active service. While the Williamstown naval cadets used it for a period of time, the boat eventually

fell into a state of disrepair. Despite putting hundreds and hundreds of hours into restoring the boat, the project had reached a point where the club needed extra funds to complete it. “It was pretty far gone,” Bill said.

The club successfully applied for a grant from the City of Greater Geelong and, at the time of writing, were planning to complete the project by the end of summer.

While the boat will be one of only three operational naval Whalers in Australia, there are no plans to turn it into a museum piece. Instead, the club plan to invite interested community members in to learn how to row it.

“To row such a vessel involves skill and timing, while working together,”

fellow boat club member Paul Donnellan said. “It teaches the important skill of teamwork.

“It’s a special and unique way to bring people together and share a common goal, interact, and socialise in a healthy way,” he said.

The Western Beach Boat Club received a $10,000 grant to help complete the Montague Whaler as part of our Community Grants program. Application dates for the 2023 round of grants will be confirmed by early May.

Scan the QR code for more information about the different types of grants available.

“These programs focus on how gardens change throughout seasons and are really just about exploring different parts of plants, experiencing different textures, smells and handling them,” she said. Programs for middle primary are more conceptual, and Kim pointed to the Plant Geometry subject as being an example of this. She said that while mathematical concepts such as symmetry aren’t necessarily new to students, the way they’re being taught is.

“KIDS ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZED ABOUT THE FACT THAT THEY CAN COME TO A GARDEN TO LEARN ABOUT MATHS,” KIM SAID.

For students in upper primary, Going Underground is a great hands-on program that teaches students about how living things can not only adapt to their environment, but also help it thrive.

“Students get to make their own worm hotel, so they can actually see what happens with the worm and how it can mix the sand and soil together,” Kim said.

While the education programs are a great way to spark the curiosity of the students, Kim said that the gardens themselves are also a huge drawcard. She said that students seem to enjoy all aspects of the gardens – from the conservatory, which is “a building that they’re curious about,” to the expansive gardens outdoors.

“Having the time to notice the wildlife...as well as the many and varied colourful flowers, enormous trees and lush green lawn spaces…it is really special to be a part of.”

Geelong Botanic Gardens education programs (by year level)

Foundation to Grade 2

• Veggie patch explorers

• Seasons and cycles

Grade 3 and 4

• Plant Geometry

• Plant Hunters

• Decoding the Secrets of Plants

Grade 5 and 6

• Decoding the Secrets of Plants

• Going Underground

• Plant Hunters

Scan the QR code for more information about each program.

Pictured: Bill Ethel, Ingrid von Diebitsch (President), Paul Donnellan and Alan Gandy

Pictured: Geelong Botanic Gardens Education Officer, Kim Whittaker, in the Geelong Botanic Garden’s outdoor classroom

OUR HOME FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ON THE BELLARINE

The Potato Shed Drysdale is a thriving multi-purpose performance space that connects the local community to the best in performing arts.

A joint venture between the City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Secondary College and St Ignatius College, for the past 20 years the Potato Shed has played a crucial role in the cultural, social and educational development of the local community.

Local students use the space to hone their performance skills, and the venue is home to resident theatre company Theatre 3triple2. The company was established by the local performing arts community to support locals to write, direct, act and produce live theatre.

potatoshed.com.au

Some of the best touring shows in Australia head to the Shed, and upcoming shows include:

• April – Wallflowering, Desperate to Party

• May – After Birth – a Cabaret, Chameleon, Barbaroi

• June – I Wanna Be Yours, Winter Solstice One Act Plays, Tribute to Olivia Newton-John.

In addition to an annual calendar of community events including Spookfest, a Christmas Spectacular and the outdoor January Summer

Series, there are a number of performance spaces available for hire. Soon to undergo a long-awaited redevelopment, the Potato Shed will be renamed the Bellarine Arts Centre, acknowledging its significant contribution to the performing arts on the Bellarine.

Scan the QR code for the online booklet, sign up to receive news and show updates, and become a VIP member today.

Community engagement helps us to plan and make better decisions. Here’s a quick update on some of the topics we recently sought feedback about.

Kardinia Park Master Plan

We invited the local community to suggest ideas that will help Kardinia Park retain its position as a premier sport and recreation destination.

We received strong interest in this project and the feedback received will inform the development of a master plan for the precinct.

Once the draft plan is complete, user groups, key stakeholders and the community will be invited to comment on the recommendations.

The final plan will then be presented to Council for its consideration in late 2023.

Scan the QR code and search for updates to these and other projects.

A conversation about 26 January

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the conversation about 26 January, which is celebrated as Australia Day. We received a very strong response to this engagement.

Of the 957 survey responses received, 447 contributions were from First Nations People. This is the largest response from the First Nations community we’ve ever had on one issue.

We have reviewed the feedback and will use it to make recommendations to Council about future activities and commemorations on 26 January.

WIN A $50 GIFT CARD

Tell us what you think about this edition of Community Update and you could win one of four Coles Group & Myer $50 gift cards. Closes 1 May 2023.

Pictured: Kardinia Park

Pictured: Moira Finucane’s Dance Hall with community members performing

Photo: Ivan Kemp Photography

FAVOURITE PLACES: STEAD PARK HOCKEY GROUND

It’s the location of countless wins and losses, tough drills, and in-depth strategising. But most of all, Stead Park Hockey Ground is where lifelong friendships are made.

Stead Park Hockey Ground is about 300 metres from the Princes Highway on John Street, Corio. There are a range of competitions played there using two synthetic pitches under lights, including representative, local, masters and youth hockey.

Alex Humphrys plays for the Geelong Sharks in the Hockey Victoria Premier League Competition. She has been using the Stead Park facilities since moving to the region in 2017.

“Seeing players in their hometown on the telly, but also being able to go…to see these incredible women playing a really high level of sport, will be fantastic,” Alex said.

“[It will create] drawcards for higher level hockey tournaments to be down here, and really build the profile of hockey as a great sporting career pathway for young people.”

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 17 to 29 March 2026.

PHOTO GALLERY Wurriki Nyal Open Day

On Saturday 18 February 2023, over 1,000 people visited our new civic precinct, Wurriki Nyal.

If you missed out on all the fun, scan the QR code to take a look inside the building.

The Curlewis local describes the Stead Park community as tight-knit and, while she loves the game, it’s definitely the people who have helped her stick to her sport.

“They sort of adopted me as extra parents because I was away from [mine], so it was really lovely to have that sense of family through the hockey club.”

Alex says her new family is absolutely over the moon about Stead Park becoming the home of hockey in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old thinks plans to upgrade the existing pitches to an international standard, plus media coverage, will attract more players, including girls and women. She is also hoping it will help put both the sport and Geelong on the map.

“IT’S NICE TO HAVE A REALLY GREAT FACILITY WITHIN GEELONG AND NOT HAVE TO GO TO MELBOURNE TO PLAY A HIGH LEVEL OF HOCKEY. THAT’S DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT IT,” SHE SAID.

Pictured: Geelong Sharks mid-fielder, Alex Humphrys

FREE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS NOW AVAILABLE

All residents now have free access to COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) locally thanks to an initiative by the Victorian Government.

While there are no eligibility requirements to pick up a free test, please ask a family member or friend to collect the tests on your behalf if you already have symptoms.

The quick and convenient detection tests are available from these locations:

• Libraries – Barwon Heads, Belmont, Chilwell, Drysdale, Corio, Geelong, Geelong West, Highton, Lara Leopold, Newcomb, Ocean Grove and Waurn Ponds.

• Leisure centres – Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre, Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Leisuretime Sports Precinct, Splashdown Leisure Centre and Waterworld.

• Our customer service centres –Corio Shopping Centre, Drysdale Library and Wurriki Nyal. The distribution of free tests will continue until June 2023.

Testing is an important way we can all help protect others from COVID-19. Other ways to stay safe include wearing a face mask indoors, getting a COVID-19 vaccination or booster, and planning family get-togethers in well-ventilated spaces.

For Victorian Government advice on being COVID safe, scan the QR code.

FREE COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS (RAT s ) AVAILABLE

Scan the QR code for your nearest collection site

IN BRIEF

LEST WE FORGET

As well as visiting your local dawn service this Anzac Day, commemorate the sacrifice of those who served and fought in the First World War by viewing the Anzac Day City Hall projections. Held from 24 April to 30 April, the projections will feature images from Anzac Cove, the Australian War Memorial, and commemorative monuments in Australia and Gallipoli. Alternatively, visit Geelong Voices on the Victorian Collections website to find out more about Geelong residents who served overseas, as well as those who helped from home.

Scan the QR code to visit the Victorian Collections website and hear stories from the past.

NEW WEBSITE ON ITS WAY

Work on a new City website is underway that will help you find information and do things online. We’re hoping to launch mid-2023. We’ll keep you posted.

DRIVING TO NET ZERO

We have recently added our first passenger-only electric vehicle to our vehicle fleet. This vehicle is helping us move one step closer to our organisational goal of a netzero light fleet by 2027.

NORTHERN AQUATIC HUB PROGRESSING

Opening in 2024, the new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane will feature pools, waterslides, a gym, café, and 400-seat performance hall.

Scan the QR code for construction updates.

ST LEONARDS SPORTS PRECINCT

A project to resurface the multi-sport court in St Leonards is aiming to increase recreational opportunities for the local community. The resurfaced plex-pave court features basketball and futsal goals, along with two netball practice rings.

GEELONG YOUTH COUNCIL

The 2023 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council has been selected.

As an official advisory committee to Council, the Youth Council will be led by Junior Mayor, Irene Mulilo (right), and Deputy Junior Mayor, Aleena Eftikhari.

Pictured: Our first passenger-only electric vehicle charging up

Pictured: The Northern Aquatic Community Hub community hall in progress

Pictured: Resurfaced multi-sport court in St Leonards

Pictured: The 2023 Geelong Youth Council

Pictured: An image from the 2023 ANZAC Day projections

Photo: Ian de Gruchy

REDUCE YOUR WASTE BY RECYCLING MORE

Waste is the result of a big and complicated system that includes producers, manufacturers, consumers, recyclers and governments. The only way we can reduce what gets sent to landfill is by each playing our part.

One of the ways we help you do your bit is by offering resource recovery services in Drysdale and Geelong. These centres are drop-off points for a range of materials that either can’t be recycled through household recycling, or are unsafe to put in landfill.

There are some differences in what we can accept at the two centres. For example, we can only accept polystyrene at our resource recovery centre in Geelong. It therefore makes

ON NOW!

Until 7 May Wildlife Photographer of the Year, National Wool Museum

MARCH

31 March until 2 Apr Geelong Tiny Home Expo, Geelong Racecourse

APRIL

sense to always check our list of accepted items online before you visit. By sorting your load before you leave home, it will make the dropoff process much quicker and easier. Sorting your load means putting ‘like items’ together in your vehicle or trailer, and even household recycling items, such as cardboard and glass, must be sorted in this way.

We also suggest placing green and other waste at the bottom of your load and making sure your separated recyclables are on top.

To find out what you can drop-off for free at our resource recovery centres, scan the QR code.

FREE CARDBOARD RECYCLING

We accept household quantities of cardboard at our Geelong and Drysdale resource recovery centres. Make sure it is:

clean flattened free of polystyrene and plastic (sticky tape is OK)

BLUESTONE: 150 YEARS OF THE DENNYS LASCELLES WOOLSTORE

On now until 1 August 2023

National Wool Musuem

Bluestone tells the stories of those who have walked the halls of the Woolstore building and explores the progress of Geelong through the ages.

GEELONG HALF MARATHON

16 April 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

1 Clarice Beckett – Atmosphere, Geelong Gallery (until 9 July)

1 Wallflowering, Potato Shed

1 Mr Stink, Costa Hall

1 Piccadilly Market, Armstrong Creek

4 Legends of the 60s, Potato Shed

6–10 2023 Australian and Oceania Marathon Canoe Championships, Barwon River

14–15 The Imperfects, Costa Hall

20–30 Geelong Pride Film Festival, Pivotonian Cinema

23 Classic Cars and Machines Incorporated, Steampacket Gardens

25 Anzac Day marches and commemorative services, various locations

Items we accept for free in small quantities

• Sorted recyclable materials, such as cardboard, glass and paper

• Batteries, including car batteries

• Small electrical items, which are also known as e-waste

• Paint and paint tins (up to 100 litres)

• Machine and motor oils (up to 30 litres)

• Gas BBQ bottles (up to 9 kg)

• White goods, including fridges, ovens, dryers and dishwashers

• Scrap metal

For a full list of what you can drop-off for free, visit geelong.link/grrc

Barwon River Trail Belmont

This popular annual event and community gathering brings together runners, supporters and volunteers to celebrate all things running. There are course options for all ages and abilities.

MILLION PAWS WALK

28 May 2023

Eastern Park

Join fellow dog owners for a group walk around Eastern Park and make a difference to animals in need. This annual RSPCA-run event is the perfect opportunity to have fun while supporting a good cause.

NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL

9–12 June 2023

Portarlington

Come to Portarlington to enjoy four jam-packed days of activity as part of Australia’s largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic music, arts and culture.

Pictured: Geelong Half Marathon

28 Marshall McGuire and Paula Rae, McAuley Hall

29 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Geelong West Town Hall

30 Don McLean 50th Anniversary Tour, Costa Hall

MAY

13 Kaleidoscope, Johnstone Park Forecourt (until 18 June)

13 Shall We Dance, Costa Hall

14 Mother’s Day Classic, Eastern Park

21 Geelong Wedding Expo, Geelong Racecourse

28 Reconciliation in the Park, Johnstone Park

JUNE

1 I Wanna Be Yours, Potato Shed

16–17 Winter Solstice – One Act Plays, Potato Shed

17 The Geelong Doll, Teddy and Craft Show, Geelong Masonic Centre

WHAT’S ON?

For more information and events visit eventsgeelong.com.au

Pictured: National Celtic Festival

Pictured: The e-waste drop-off area at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre

The challenge of how to create less waste and recycle more is one that affects us all.

Photo: The Dennys Lascelles Woolstore, c1872, NWM Collection: 7148

Pictured: Million Paws Walk

SHARING #MYGEELONG

Have a cracker shot that showcases something uniquely Geelong?

Tag #MyGeelong for your chance to be featured here and on our social media.

1. Balloons over Barwon River, Belmont, photo by @notamandolin2

Wadawurrung Country

PO Box 104, Geelong VIC 3220

Cover image:L-R Rachel Bishop, Clare Holder, Sam Harvey, Cecilia Cabalquinto, Alison O’Connor, Terri Pollock, Benett Hernandez, Belinda Bellavista. Absent: Ayrlie Lane.

P: 5272 5272

E: contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

W: geelongaustralia.com.au

Congratulations to the following Community Update survey winners from the December edition of Community Update: I. Bilowus, Mount Duneed, M. Smith, Newcomb R. Evans Grovedale.

2. Fog in the You Yangs, Lara, photo by @akelly62_photography

3. The Dell, Clifton Springs, photo by @willkephoto

4. Moolap from above, photo by @activeloulou