2022 Community Update November edition

UPDATE

WELCOME

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 PETER MURRIHY Mayor

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

CR TRENT SULLIVAN Deputy Mayor Bellarine Ward 0434 307 050 tsullivan@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

CR ANTHONY AITKEN

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

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

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Summer is a great time to be in Greater Geelong.

We have an extensive and diverse events calendar, a huge Christmas in Geelong program, beautiful beaches, the welcoming bay and a burgeoning hospitality scene.

But the busy festive and holiday season does come with some risks.

Whether it is around the water or on the land, we want our residents to keep themselves and others safe, so they can enjoy all our great region has to offer.

Following our International Smart City of the Year award, Geelong is being more widely recognised for its innovative work to support its community and environment.

In this edition, you can learn more about our clever and creative projects to protect our endangered species, and to restore marine communities while reducing erosion along the Bellarine coast.

There are also articles looking at our work to support strong local economies, and our investments in key facilities in our growing communities.

Making Geelong a better place to live, work and learn in, is central to everything we do.

Breaking it down, that is the smart city ethos.

Improving the quality of life that our residents enjoy, and enhancing our built and natural environment.

Cr Peter Murrihy Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

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

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

CR SARAH MANSFIELD Brownbill Ward 0436 343 642 smansfield@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 RON NELSON Kardinia Ward 0429 531 875 rnelson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

SENIORS FESTIVAL

For many of our community members aged over 60, the 40th anniversary of the Victorian Seniors Festival was a cause for celebration.

We joined forces with the Borough of Queenscliffe, presenting legendary rocker Wilbur Wilde and the Bring it on Home band in a free concert at Geelong West Town Hall. Reflecting our positive ageing strategy, a week of free public transport for seniors was part of our commitment to the month-long celebration.

GEELONG-MADE COMPOST READY FOR SPRING PLANTING

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

The compost is used exclusively in local parks, sporting grounds and community gardens and is now available to purchase for your home gardening needs.

Better for Geelong Compost is a high-quality soil conditioner that is suitable for a range of uses at home and beyond, and is currently available from four different garden suppliers in the region. Depending on the supplier, it is being sold as both a straight compost and a composite product.

PROGRAMS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

FIRE READY

Our fire prevention work begins well before summer.

Ahead of the fire season, we’re on track to have grass and vegetation on rural roadsides cleared.

We’ll then turn our attention to residential areas.

Starting in the north, we inspect every property in our region for fire hazards.

MANAGING MOZZIES

We have a dedicated program to reduce mosquito levels in our community and to minimise the health risks and the impact of biting insects on our enjoyment of the environment.

Outside of our treatment program, our community can help protect themselves by ensuring their properties do not harbour mosquitoes.

We carry out inspections to make sure properties are maintained for the safety of our community.

If properties are not maintained, landowners are given a Fire Prevention Notice.

Remember, prevention is the key, so make sure your property is fire ready.

Scan this QR code to get fire ready

Our region is blessed with some of the best beaches, rivers and pools in Australia, so it’s important for everyone to learn how to swim and to practice water safety.

Water safety is particularly important now that the weather is warming up, especially with our residents and visitors flocking to popular destinations including Eastern Beach, the beautiful beaches on the Bellarine and our six aquatic facilities.

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we expect our pools and beaches to be popular this summer as swimmers get back into the water.

We urge everyone across the community to recognise the value of swimming lessons and water safety to reduce the risk of drowning.

Remember that when you’re attending our aquatic facilities, always keep children aged under five within arm’s reach. If they are swimming, children under ten must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian.

Lifeguard, Shanaye Smith said keeping children supervised is an important way to stay safe around the water.

“I keep cards about our Watch Around Water policy with me at work so I can help explain the policy about supervising kids,” Shanaye said.

Shanaye has worked at our aquatic facilities since 2019, doing summer shifts at Lara Pool and Kardinia Aquatic Centre and working at our indoor pools at Splashdown and Waterworld for the rest of the year.

“Another thing we always say is to pay attention to the signs about the water’s depth, because some people don’t read them and they can get a shock.”

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 found there were 294 drowning deaths across Australia’s coastline, inland waterways and pools, which is 20 per cent higher than in 2020.

Studies show that men are overrepresented in drowning deaths, alcohol is a key risk factor and drowning is more common in the summer months and in the afternoon.

Rivers remain the leading location for drowning deaths, and people born overseas are at an increased risk of drowning.

For these reasons, we are committed to providing swimming lessons for the whole community and are subsidising the cost of training for new swim teachers.

We have recruited more than 120 new swim teachers over the past 12 months to help meet the demand for swimming lessons from school groups and the wider community.

This includes 100 new swim teachers who received subsidised training and clocked up their Life Saving Victoria training hours at our Swim Sport and Leisure facilities.

We’ve also employed an extra 37 lifeguards this year to meet the increased demand.

Shanaye said being a Lifeguard is a flexible and rewarding role, but there’s a lot more to it than standing around the water.

“I like being a lifeguard because it keeps me active and being outdoors in the summer is awesome!”

Shanaye said the role involves staying fit, training in CPR and First Aid, using good judgement, and communicating any issues that occur over the radio.

“I walk laps of the pool so that I pay attention, reduce the glare from the water, and because if you’re constantly moving, you’re seeing all areas of the pool.”

Our next Swim Teacher training program will start in February 2023.

Scan this QR code to find out more about our learn to swim programs

“IT’S PHYSICALLY DEMANDING TO SUPERVISE ALL THE TIME, BUT IT’S REWARDING TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND BE THE PERSON AT THE POOL YOU GO TO FOR HELP,” SHANAYE SAID

Pictured:

HELPING OUR FLYING FOXES TO STAY COOL

Up to 25,000 flying foxes nest in Eastern Park, however their overall population is declining. This is because they’re susceptible to extreme heat as well as habitat loss, and entanglement in man-made objects such as powerlines, fruit netting and barbed wire.

To help track changes in the flying foxes’ environment, we’ve installed climate sensors in five radiata pine trees to monitor temperature and humidity patterns in the foxes’ nesting sites.

We’ve invested $17,000 to connect water supplies to the flying fox colony and further funding from the Victorian Government could see sprinklers installed next year.

The automated sprinklers can be linked to the climate sensors to help cool down foxes during dangerous summer heat waves.

Friends of Bats and Bushcare respond to each heat stress event at the colony by establishing a triage team to keep sick foxes hydrated.

Veterinary nurse and volunteer wildlife carer, Leila Moody, said there are flying fox colonies at Eastern Park, Yarra Bend, Werribee, Colac and Warrnambool.

Veterinary nurse and wildlife carer, Jarrah Wadsworth said plans are also underway to install thermal imaging cameras to understand how climate change is impacting the foxes’ behaviour.

“They’re as cute as anything when you see them up close. We call them sky puppies because they have a little puppy dog face,” Jarrah said.

“I can’t thank the City enough because they’ve been so proactive in looking after the bats and supporting the work we’re doing.”

What can you do?

Flying foxes can become trapped in fruit trees draped with netting, so please use shadecloth that’s wildlifefriendly when protecting fruit in your backyard.

Want to view temperature and humidity monitoring for the flying fox colony?

Scan this QR code

KIDS GET CREATIVE WITH CHRISTMAS TREES

LEILA SAID

“Currently we have pups coming into care because they lose their Mum to heat stress. Having sprinklers will help build up the population and create less work for wildlife carers.”

Primary school students from across our region will see their creative skills on show in our School Christmas Tree program.

Artist Kathleen Hyland believes the secret to decorating a Christmas tree is being creative and making use of everyday objects you might normally recycle or throw away.

This year, Kathleen helped students from Newcomb Primary School and Ashby Primary School in Geelong West to decorate their School Christmas Tree, an annual feature of Christmas in Geelong.

“We decorate the tree with whatever we can find. We will use bottles, puzzle pieces from jigsaws and old CDs are always shiny and festive.”

Thirty trees will be displayed from Monday 14 November in the forecourt at Johnstone Park and along Little Malop Street.

Mayor, Cr Peter Murrihy said the annual program has been so popular in recent years, that schools outside our region have asked to participate.

“It’s fantastic that our local students get so involved during this exciting time of the year and they do an outstanding job decorating their trees. Each tree has its own character and is a demonstration of the creativity and artistic talent of the young people in our region,” the Mayor said.

Kathleen said the students love coming into central Geelong to see all the trees on display.

“They enjoy Christmas and they love having their family and friends come into Geelong to see their tree,” she said.

Scan this QR code to find out more about Christmas in Geelong

Pictured: (L-R) Artist Kathleen and students Ari, Faith, Eshaal and Sebastian are getting into the festive spirit

Volunteers protecting our grey-headed flying fox colony will have more support thanks to our investment in smart technology.

“THEY’RE ONE OF OUR MOST MISUNDERSTOOD ANIMALS BECAUSE THEY PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN DISPERSING SEEDS AND POLLINATING TREES SUCH AS EUCALYPTS,”

Pictured: Veterinary nurse and volunteer wildlife carer, Leila Moody, with Daphne the flying fox

“ IT’S A GREAT WAY FOR KIDS TO BE CREATIVE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS AND RUN WILD WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLOUR PALETTE,” KATHLEEN SAID

DELL-IGHTFUL NEW ATTRACTION FOR THE BELLARINE

The Dell Eco Reef at Clifton Springs is our latest initiative in helping to combat the effects of climate change.

With calm, shallow waters and protected parkland, The Dell at Clifton Springs is a relaxing and popular family friendly space.

However, swirling currents and shifting sands have forced us to work hard to minimise coastal erosion, maintain safe access to the beach and stabilise the towering cliffs.

A new clever and creative project tackles these issues at The Dell, while providing a distinctive feature for the area.

Installed during spring, The Dell Eco Reef combines cutting-edge technology, knowledge of intertidal ecosystems and artistic flair. Forty-six sculptural wave units help shellfish restoration by creating an artificial reef, allowing oysters, mussels and other native species to thrive.

Designed and manufactured by Alex Goad, from Reef Design Lab, the undulating units also provide a much-needed wave break, reducing wave energy and sand erosion.

Mayor, Cr Peter Murrihy said the initiative would help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Beachgoers and local school groups will be able to wade around the Dell Eco Reef when it sits above the water line at low tide, or snorkel among the marine life at high tide.

We’ve invested in the project to meet our local community’s interest in protecting and enhancing The Dell’s natural assets. At the same location, the Victorian Governmentfunded The Dell Historic Mineral Springs Boardwalk providing safe pedestrian access around to the next beach.

Scan this QR code to find out more about The Dell Eco Reef

“It also offers a unique educational and sculptural feature that will draw visitors to the beach.”

OUR SMART TREES

We are utilising the latest technology to help manage trees in our region.

Our 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 2,700 trees across our region.

We’re now sharing data on the more than 165,000 trees we manage in our parks, reserves and streets via our new Urban Forest Dashboard.

The dashboard features a map that allows you to zoom in on any citymanaged tree to view the location, species, age, health and size.

The map also provides valuable data for our residents to learn more about older trees across our region.

The new dashboard was delivered under the Smart City Strategic Framework to improve data-driven

decision making and increase our ability to plan, monitor, predict and manage the local environment.

Scan this QR code to sign up to the Geelong Data Exchange to access the Urban Forest Dashboard

We received more than 1,000 entries in our 2023 Geelong calendar competition.

The new Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Geelong has seen a 51 per cent increase in annual new business registrations in the past five years.

We have formed a new advisory committee to advocate for equality and social inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community. We manage more than 330 parks within Greater Geelong.

Pictured: An artist impression of The Dell Eco Reef which will complement The Dell Historic Mineral Springs Boardwalk completed in 2020

Pictured: Johnstone Park There’s a lot to see with its extensive grass areas and mature trees

“THE INNOVATIVE DESIGN WILL PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE DELL’S SENSITIVE COASTLINE AND PROVIDE NEW HABITAT FOR VULNERABLE MARINE LIFE,” PETER SAID

HELLENIC HALL BENEFITS FROM UPGRADE

A Community Infrastructure grant has enhanced the social wellbeing of our local Greek and Cypriot community.

The Hellenic Community Hall in Hamlyn Heights has been a focal point for the local Greek and Cypriot community since the 1960s.

Last upgraded in the 1990s, an $11,100 community infrastructure grant from the City has helped to improve kitchen facilities, with the installation of energy efficient lighting, new cabinets, storage facilities and a dishwasher.

Hellenic Community of Geelong Secretary George Ballas OAM said the refurbished kitchen provides an improved work environment for those using the facilities for events such as lunches, weddings, wakes and baptisms.

“The value of social connections is very strong in Greek culture, and the hall is a really important place for us culturally,” Mr Ballas said.

A group of elderly Greek citizens host a community lunch at the hall on a Monday each fortnight, between 11.30am and 2.30pm. The community lunch is a chance to gather to enjoy favourite dishes including moussaka, spanakopita, pastichio, souvlaki and baklava.

Volunteers from the Geelong Greek Community School use the hall for a range of activities including dance classes, cooking lessons and other gatherings.

The hall is also used for preparing for major community events such as Pako Festa, Greek Independence Day and other culturally significant dates.

Our 2022–23 community grants have provided more than $4 million in grant funding to assist the community, arts, cultural, sporting, recreation, heritage and environment sectors.

Scan this QR code for information on our Community Grants Program

A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY IN ST LEONARDS

St Leonards local Marie Reed is the driving force behind a new community Yarn Bombing Christmas tradition.

Two years ago, Marie Reed didn’t need to search too far to find inspiration to keep her busy during lockdown.

In 2013, Marie initiated a Christmasinspired community yarn bombing project in her community of St Leonards to bring colour to the main street.

While it was only a one-off, with more time on her hands, and the desire to once again brighten up her neighbourhood, Marie decided in 2020 to put a call out on social media for yarn bombers. The response was overwhelming.

“I resurrected it in Christmas 2020 and 2021 and we are going to do

it again this year because it has been so popular,” Marie said.

“We wanted to do it to brighten up the street for Christmas. I put a post on our community Facebook page asking if there was any interest in covering 28 trees down the main street on Murradoc Road and I was overwhelmed with replies.”

Yarn bombing is a form of art that involves covering objects or structures in public places with decorative knitted or crocheted material.

Marie and her team measure up the trees and then knit pieces at home, before attaching the decorations on location. Many people spend weeks planning their individual pieces, taking anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours to complete.

The local celebration of Christmas has proved so popular, the decorating of St Leonards has moved beyond the main street to other community locations.

“There is excellent feedback from the community and tourists, they just love it,” Marie said.

“And I love walking down the street and seeing kids being photographed by their mum and dad near one of our yarn bombings.”

“THERE IS EXCELLENT FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY AND TOURISTS, THEY JUST LOVE IT.”

Pictured: (L-R) Sandra McDonald, Kathleen Adams and Marie Reed (front)

An environmental sustainability grant for solar panels is helping this food relief organisation do a whole lot more than just keep the lights on.

“THERE ARE SO MANY HEALTH BENEFITS TO SOCIALISING, AND THE HALL IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT FEEL ISOLATED CAN RECONNECT”

Pictured: President Peter Mantzaris (far right) with other members of the Hellenic Orthodox Community Group.

BIN QUIZ: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

When it comes to what you should put in your garden waste bin, the name says it all. Or does it?

Test your knowledge about what goes into your garden waste bin with the following true or false statements.

True or false: Green waste means anything associated with the garden.

False. Grass, leaves, clippings, twigs, branches and small logs are all fine. However, other gardening-related items, such as plant pots, empty potting mix bags and hoses, must go into your landfill bin. Always remember: if it doesn’t grow, it doesn’t go.

True or false: Pet poo shouldn’t go into your garden waste bin.

True. We employ people to pick through garden waste and remove contaminants before it is processed. You can make their job safer and more pleasant by putting pet poo either into your landfill bin, or composting it in a dedicated compost bin. Visit geelong. wormlovers.com.au for information about our subsidised home compost scheme.

True or false: You can put timber of any kind into your garden waste bin. False. Only wood from garden clippings should go in your garden bin. Treated timber and broken-up

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE?

What can I do with unwanted paint? Are coffee pods recyclable? Can I compost my dog’s poo?

Subscribe to Rethink Your Rubbish for monthly tips that will help you live a low-waste lifestyle.

pieces of furniture contain chemicals that are a contaminant, so must go into your landfill bin.

True or false: It doesn’t matter what goes into your green waste bin as it all ends up in landfill anyway.

False. All collected green waste is turned into compost in our processing facility in Anakie. This compost is either used on local parks and sporting grounds, or sold to the public via local garden suppliers.

Still got questions about garden waste? Scan this QR code to find out more

THE GEELONG BOTANIC GARDEN FERNERY 1892-1902

Our Geelong Botanic Gardens once boasted an impressive Fernery. Built in 1875, with foundation stone procured from the Bluff at Barwon Heads, the Fernery was home to an avenue of Variegated Elm trees that marked the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

Want to know more about the Fernery? Scan this QR code to watch a video that brings history to life!

BRIEF BUSINESS CONCIERGE

Our business concierge service provides information and advice to help businesses to grow and succeed. Did you know there are more than 19,000 small businesses in Greater Geelong, making up 97% of all business and generating $7 billion in annual revenue?

MT DUNEED MEN’S SHED

A multipurpose creative space is a feature of the recently opened Mt Duneed Community Shed. The $650,000 facility is home to the Mt Duneed Men’s Shed group and was fitted out thanks to an $80,000 Victorian Government grant.

For more Geelong history, follow us on social media #greatergeelonghistory.

TAKING SOLAR POWER LIGHTS TO NEW HEIGHTS

We recently installed new solarpowered lights and CCTV cameras at a range of locations around Leopold, including Gateway Sanctuary, the Bellarine Rail Trail and selected bus stops.

GROWING UP IN GEELONG

Our Youth Council was selected to take part in Deakin University’s ‘Growing Up in Cities’ project. The study examines the perspectives of adolescents from 18 countries on the design of urban spaces. Our Youth Council consists of 12 members including a Junior Mayor.

THE QUEEN PROJECTIONS

We created and displayed projections on City Hall to pay our respect to Her Majesty The Queen as she was laid to rest at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, Monday 19 September.

Pictured: Ihab Housaiki from 9 Grams cafe

Pictured: Mt Duneed Community Shed

Photo: Find out the connection between your garden waste bin and this pile of compost by doing our bin quiz

Pictured: The 2022 Youth Council

Pictured: City Hall projections

OUR THRIVING WETLAND RESERVE

A 500-hectare nature reserve we’re creating near Armstrong Creek has been recognised as one of Victoria’s best environmental projects.

The Sparrovale-Nubitj yoorree Wetlands lie on the eastern edge of the Armstrong Creek Growth Area.

We’re in the early stages of a 20-year plan to create a world class nature reserve at the site, also serving as a drainage solution for the local population.

The wetlands will be an ideal environment for habitat and wildlife, and a great place for the community to connect with nature.

We’re looking to partner with other levels of government to fund facilities such as boardwalks and viewing platforms.

A finalist in the ‘Thriving Environment’ category at the 2022 Premier’s Sustainability Awards, a section of the reserve will open next year.

RESTORING THE HEARTBEAT OF NORLANE

The planned renewal of Labuan Square has been hailed as a win for the north. Norlane Community Initiatives Co-Director Simon Reeves believes the renewal will restore the community’s ‘heartbeat’.

Public art, alfresco dining, street furniture and a community-focused drop-in centre are part of a revamped Labuan Square that Simon Reeves believes will revitalise the region.

“It’s been the heartbeat of the Norlane community in terms of the economic and social community space in the past, so it will be critical for the community of Norlane to have this upgrade completed,” Mr Reeves said.

“To have this development and investment really shows the people of Norlane that the City of Greater Geelong and Victorian Government really care about its future and the people who live here.”

We have worked with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Norlane Community Initiatives and our local community to create the designs for the public space which will showcase features of nearby Cowies Creek.

With the physical appearance and functionality of the precinct to be transformed, Mr Reeves welcomes the prospect of Labuan Square supporting strong economic growth in the community.

“There’s no doubt we want to see the investment that the City and state government are putting in attract new businesses, social enterprises and anything that can benefit the local community,” he said.

“We’re really hoping to see 100 percent of the shops operating over the next year or so through this project, so there’s a lot of excitement around town with people checking on the progress.”

It’s expected the planned alfresco dining will be a source of attraction while the development of a drop-in

space will encourage all community members to contribute to the conversation.

“In recent times community events at Labuan Square have been a feature of the neighbourhood and there is potential to reactivate that space and see more gathering opportunities and different events pop up.”

“WE’RE REALLY HOPING PEOPLE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS CAN COME TOGETHER OVER A CUP OF TEA, GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND ENJOY THE COMMUNITY SPACES THAT ARE BUILT,” MR REEVES SAID

Pictured: Two artist impressions of the Labuan Square renewal (south side)

Pictured: (Above L-R) Councillors Bruce Harwood, Ron Nelson and Belinda Moloney at the Sparrovale-Nubitj yoorree Wetlands

THAN

National Wool Museum volunteer Pam Price has seen her favourite place transition from a working wool store to an exhibition space celebrating the story of Australian wool and the natural environment.

With two decades of volunteer service at the National Wool Museum, the heritage building is one of Pam Price’s favourite places.

Over the years, Pam has been on hand to guide the young and young-at-heart through a number of exhibitions, including the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year, on exclusive loan since 2012, from the Natural History Museum in London.

“I enjoy seeing the delight on people’s faces when they see the magnificent photos on display. To me, it’s fascinating to know that the time exposure is a big part of capturing the perfect moment,” Pam said.

“We are always inundated with people when the Wildlife exhibition is on. As volunteers, we are invited to

the official opening, which gives us a sneak peek as to what is in store.

“My favourite photo was the one of the green frog, with its splayed legs. A delight.”

The exhibition is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights.

Attracting over 49,000 entries from 100 countries, the National Wool Museum is the exclusive Victorian home of this world class exhibition and the place that launches the exhibition’s Australian tour.

Pam’s connection with the Museum began in 1958, working in the stock department, when the building was called Dennys Lascelles Woolstore.

“It was buzzing. You had all these different wool brokers in Geelong – Dalgety, Elders and Australian Mercantile Land. Every year we had a Wool Brokers Ball at the Palais Theatre” Pam said.

“I met my late husband there when he was working as an auctioneer. We were married for 45 years. Dennys has had a big role in my life.”

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has returned to the National Wool Museum and is on display until 7 March 2023.

Interested in volunteering?

Scan this QR code for more information

SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON 26 JANUARY

Community members have been sharing their views via our consultation about 26 January – which is recognised as Australia Day.

We have held forums with First Nations People and the broader Geelong community to gauge views about 26 January, Australia Day.

All feedback will be used to help guide our future approach to 26 January commemorations.

The forums have been moderated by First Nations broadcaster, Troy Benjamin (Wadi Wadi, Tati Tati, Mutti Mutti and Wamba Wamba/ Wemba Wemba) from 3KND.

We believe everyone’s voice should be heard about how Australia Day is marked and we encourage everyone to share their experiences and opinions.

In 1994, the Federal Government gazetted 26 January as a national holiday. Our current engagement does not propose any impact on the date or the conducting of Citizenship ceremonies.

Greater Geelong is one of many Councils across Australia that has sought feedback from the local community on this issue.

We will continue to seek feedback from across the community until Saturday 31 December 2022.

The results will be presented to Council to help guide the City’s future approach to 26 January activities and commemorations.

Please note, changes to commemorations are not proposed for 26 January 2023.

Share your views:

• How do you feel about the 26 January?

• How can we be more inclusive of First Nation heritage and other communities in Greater Geelong?

• Following this six-month community conversation engagement, what would you hope Council could deliver or put in place?

To have your say, scan this QR code

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 12 December.

“I ENJOY SEEING THE DELIGHT ON PEOPLE’S FACES WHEN THEY SEE THE MAGNIFICENT PHOTOS ON DISPLAY”

Pictured: (L-R) Shane Gibbons, Aboriginal Programs Consultant at Worksafe, Libby Lesock, Tiiamanno Consultants, Tania Dalton, Tiiamanno Consultants and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Naomi Surtees, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner.

Pictured: Image courtesy of National History Museum.

Copyright Jaime Culebras

Pictured:

ADRENALIN CHARGED EVENTS ARE BACK!

Two popular, fast-paced major events book-end our exciting summer of events.

Geelong Revival Motoring Festival 2022

Returning this month to its traditional calendar spot from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November, a feature of the event is the Quarter Mile Sprint.

See nearly 300 cars and motorbikes compete for the coveted Geelong Revival Motoring Festival trophy in a range of vehicle classes. The Quarter Mile Sprint has become a staple of the Geelong event calendar and a must-do for many motorsport enthusiasts.

Enjoy an epic weekend of trackside action featuring motorsports, vintage fashion, boats and caravans as well as food and fun for the whole family on the picturesque Geelong Waterfront.

The 2023 Australian International Airshow is back and returning with a bang!

Showcasing the latest in aviation, aerospace, defence and space technologies, the Australian International Airshow returns to

Airport from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 March 2023.

weekend begins with the famous Night Alight, featuring live music, night-time aerobatics and the spectacular Wall of Fire.

weekend you are guaranteed to see the most potent assets in our air defence arsenal strut their awesome stuff at Australia’s world famous aviation spectacular.

an impressive Airshow fireworks display, free entry for children aged 15 and under, there will be plenty to see and do on the ground as well as in the air.

2023 is a weekend not to be missed… There’s no show like the Airshow!

Scan this QR code to find out more about these events and more coming up

FESTIVAL OF SAILS

26-29 January 2023

Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Geelong

Join the event’s 180th birthday celebrations! Soak up the familyfriendly atmosphere in this four-day festival, on water and shoreside, with world-class sailing, entertainment and activities for all ages.

CADEL EVANS GREAT OCEAN ROAD RACE

27-29 January 2023

Geelong Waterfront and various locations

See the world’s best cyclists in Geelong. Be part of the action and register to participate in the popular People’s Ride, joining thousands of cyclists with multiple courses to suit all abilities.

VIC OPEN (GOLF)

9-12 February 2023

13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads

Walk the course and see some of Australia’s best golfers and an array of international talent all on our doorstep.

PAKO FESTA

25 February 2023

Pakington Street, Geelong West

Victoria’s largest free cultural diversity celebration returns to Pakington Street in 2023, for the 41st edition of Geelong’s biggest outdoor street party!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

NOW!

23 Apr Bluestone: 150 Years of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore, National Wool Museum

Services,

Geelong Opening

Waterfront

Geelong

Return Home, Costa

Green - Crowded

Duneed Estate

Geelong-Korea

Series, Geelong

Centre

DECEMBER

the Green – The Killers,

Duneed Estate

Renegades vs

Heat, GMHBA Stadium

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers, GMHBA Stadium

Years Eve Celebrations,

Scan this QR

FEBRUARY

Walk,

Green

ON?

more events and the latest information, visit eventsgeelong.com.au

Credit:

Pictured:

Pictured: Pako Festa

Pictured: Vic Open

Pictured: Geelong Revival Motoring Festival

closes 13 December. T&Cs apply.

Photo: 2021 winner from Highton

the following

winning

It’s Our Backyard

a taste of our region from the July edition of Community Update: C. Rose, Hamlyn Heights, R. Carroll, Whittington, K. Hull, Belmont, S. Borg, Portarlington