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THE CITY GEARS UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH ONE SPECTACULAR WEEKEND Geelong’s Christmas celebrations will kick off with a bang as the City hosts a weekend full of free festive attractions and visual delights to mark the start of the festive season. It all starts from Friday 10 November, when Geelong’s floating Christmas tree will return to the bay. One lucky local child – chosen through a City-wide colouring competition - will have the honour of flicking the switch to officially kick start the City’s celebrations.

Families who mark the annual tradition of lighting the tree at the waterfront will also be treated to the biggest Christmas entertainment line-up yet, starting from 7.00pm with performances from the Mik Maks and culminating in a colourful lighting and pyrotechnic display at 9.00pm.

The festive atmosphere continues with a short walk past the glow of the Catenary Star and lights on Moorabool and Malop St, and on to City Hall to witness the stunning new light projection show starting at 9.30pm, created by local artist Matt Bonner.

Saturday 11 November will see Malop Street come alive for the twilight Gala Parade, beginning with the unveiling of the Myer Christmas windows at 5.00pm. This year’s theme is based on the classic children’s book Little Dog and the Christmas Wish by Corinne Fenton. For the first time,

engineering students from Deakin University have partnered with the City to add animatronic movement to the characters – a partnership fit for our clever and creative city!

Then later join thousands of people lining Geelong’s streets for the twilight Gala parade as costumes, LED floats and glittering lights trace a magical path through central Geelong.

All of the events during this spectacular Christmas weekend are free and perfect for the whole family. The City would like to thank the Port of Geelong, Myer, Westfield, and Deakin University for their support and involvement and also local companies, Hanlon Industries, Total Events and Elstones.

5 POTHOLES

4 BETTER BIKE CONNECTIONS

IN THIS EDITION

3 MAKING A SPLASH

@GreaterGeelong CityofGreaterGeelongCityofGreaterGeelong

CHRISTMAS IN GEELONG

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COMMUNITY UPDATE OCT–NOV 2017 2 @GreaterGeelong CityofGreaterGeelongCityofGreaterGeelong

As the October election gets closer, the organisation is making final preparations to welcome the return of elected councillors.

We’ve worked closely with Administrators Kathy Alexander, Laurinda Gardner and Peter Dorling over the past 18 months to implement the Commission of Inquiry recommendations to assist the new council.

There’s been intense work underway to overhaul governance arrangements with new policies and procedures covering conduct, decision making, meetings, committee representation, expenses and other aspects of life as a Councillor. The aim is to protect

Councillors and provide clearer expectations. This has been further strengthened by the revamped Local Government Act. Good governance however is about more than checks and balances. It’s also about the right culture, good communications and capable Councillors and staff.

We’ve strengthened advisory and administrative support for the Mayor and Councillors in recognition of the demands of the role in a major regional city, and the eight largest council in Australia.

The 30 year Clever and Creative vision will guide the organisation and the new Council as we work in partnership to achieve the community’s aspirations. We haven’t before had this clarity of long term focus.

Top of our mind is the need to provide high quality advice for informed decision making. Organisational performance, risk and audit will be

reported on regularly to the team of Councillors elected to oversee the $450 m budget.

Other positive changes include:

• a healthier workplace culture based on new organisational values and shared purpose

• sharpened focus on strategic, long term financial planning

• investment in technology to improve productivity and responsiveness to customers a restructured and refreshed organisation.

The City of Greater Geelong is a complex organisation delivering more than 126 services. Be assured that on top of business as usual, we continue to progress organisational change and improve the way we do things – to deliver the services needed by our growing community of 235,000 people.

CEOS’ MESSAGE STREET ADDRESS:100 Brougham Street, Geelong

POSTAL ADDRESS:PO BOX 104, Geelong 3220

TELEPHONE:03 5272 5272

FAX:03 5272 4277

WEBSITE:www.geelongaustralia.com.au

EMAIL:contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE TTY VOICE:133 677

SPEAK AND LISTEN:1300 555 727

CONTACT INFORMATION

MEET THE TEAMCOUNCIL MEETINGS14 November 2017, 06:30pm City Hall

Meetings are open to the public.

MEET WITH US

COMMUNICATIONS SURVEYHave your say on Community Update.

SETTLEMENT STRATEGY FOR GREATER GEELONG SURVEYHave your say on the future housing needs of our region.

www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay

HAVE YOUR SAY

This publication is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improve our communication and engagement with residents. We make every effort to ensure the information included is accurate at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change.

If you have any ideas to improve Community Update we would love to hear them.

Please email: communityupdate@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Sue started out with the City some 28 years ago as a Family Day Care Educator looking after other people’s children in her own home.

Now she runs parent education sessions and organises events for National Playgroup Week and National Children’s Week, which is on 21 to 29 October.

“The City is a big supporter of Children’s Week. Our role is to involve the community by providing some funding through community grants and encouragement so community organisations can become involved.”

“This is the 13th year Geelong has held events. We’re hosting 77 individual

events with participation from schools, playgroups, kindergartens, child care, libraries, leisure centres and community groups.“

Sue said the main event would be The Big Play Day being held 10.00am–1.00pm on Tuesday 24 October at Geelong Botanic Gardens. She said a highlight for her had been watching the event grow in popularity over the past eight years.

“In 2009, I started a small event in Children’s Week named Play in the Park, which attracted 300 people. At the time, I thought that was an enormous number of people attending one event. This event has grown to become

The Big Play Day which now attracts 4,000 people. Families look forward to the event all year and my delight is watching the children’s faces as they sing and dance with The Mik Maks and join in the range of art experiences provided at the event.”

Sue loves the diversity the job offers with no two days ever the same.

“I get to work with some amazing families who really appreciate advice and guidance in their parenting role. I learn something new almost every day and I count myself as lucky to work as a member of a supportive, people-focused team and to have made some lifelong friends.”

Kelvin Spiller

Chief Executive Officer

SUE WELLS FAMILY SERVICES

Working with kids is more than a job for our Parent Educator Sue Wells;

it’s her lifelong passion.

www.geelongaustralia.com.au 3DID YOU KNOW?

GEELONG’S GARAGE SALE TRAIL BUILDING OR RENOVATING?

ENVIRONMENT AND WASTE

SWIM, SPORT AND LEISURE

MAKING A SPLASH

See our region’s most sustainable properties at Geelong Sustainable House Day on Sunday 15 October. Discover how smarter homes can save you money, help the environment and improve your well-being as 10 houses across Geelong and the Bellarine open their doors to the public.

See how these homes use unique features such as straw bale construction, solar design, rammed earth walls, polished concrete floors, salvaged and recycled materials to boost their energy ratings well above 6 stars.

So if you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, want some DIY ideas or just

to take a sneak peek at some amazing homes and productive gardens, come along and prepare to be informed and inspired.

Entry is a gold coin donation for adults and children are free.

Geelong Sustainable House Day is presented by Geelong Sustainability and supported by the City and Future Proofing Geelong.

For more information, visit www.geelongsustainability.org.au/shd

GEELONG SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY

It’s spring clean time! De-clutter your house, see your unwanted goods re-used and make some cash at the same time.

Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s biggest weekend of garage sales; it’s happening 21 and 22 October.

It’s free to get involved and registration is open to households, schools, community groups, makers and creators, cultural institutions and charities.

Register your sale online and you’ll receive support and promo material, like ready-made posters and social media tools, to get shoppers flocking to your sale!

And for the thrifty shoppers out there, keep this weekend free and snare a bargain!

To register your sale or find out where all the garage sales will be in your local area go to www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Learn how you can save money on energy bills and running costs with simple design tips for your new home or renovation.

We can also arrange a free appointment with a sustainability specialist.

For more information, visit www.smarterhomessmarterliving.com.au

Splashdown celebrated its 30th birthday in September by unveiling a new $850,000 splash park catering for toddlers and young children. It features two small waterslides, ideal for children who aren’t yet tall enough to ride the existing four-storey waterslide, as well as water fountains and a larger enclosed slide.

Splashdown centre manager Troy Baker said the new equipment would greatly improve the range of aquatic facilities offered at the centre for toddlers and children.

“The new facilities will help young children continue to build their confidence around water in a fun and interactive environment,” he said.

“We have more than 1000 children currently enrolled in our weekly Swim and Survive lessons at Splashdown

and the splash park will help more young children learn to be safe around water, while also having fun.”

8.2 star retirement home on Highton hill, built by Homes with Integrity which won the 2017 Master Builders Award Winner – Beautiful Passive Solar Design Home.

COMMUNITY UPDATE OCT–NOV 2017 4 @GreaterGeelong CityofGreaterGeelongCityofGreaterGeelong

REVITALISING CENTRAL GEELONG

The City Arrivals and Waterfront Linkages project has delivered eight new sculptural pieces at key entrances to Geelong’s CBD helping improve links between the waterfront and the CBD.

This is a priority for Revitalising Central Geelong and delivers on the Victorian Government’s commitment to enhancing creativity and vibrancy across Central Geelong and aligns with the City’s Clever and Creative vision for the future of Geelong.

PUBLIC ART CONNECTS CENTRAL GEELONG

Cnr Moorabool and Brougham Streets

Cnr Cunningham St and Western Beach Rd

Me, Myself, Iphone by Anne Anderson

This sculpture aims to address the community’s current obsession with social media.

Sphere by Lachlan Ross

With his intricate welding, Ross guides the viewer to contemplate the internal ‘den’ of the sphere and to experience an intricate pattern of shapes that can be seen in nature.

Tranquillity by Andrew Kasper

A striking sculpture, the artist was looking for beauty and simplicity. He is looking to pass on a feeling of tranquillity to the viewer.

Shared Journey – Rescue by Julie Collins and Derek John

Rescue is comprised of seven ships symbolising the seven continents being plucked from the sea in an act of rescue.

Cnr Ryrie St, Bellarine St and Sydney ParadeJohnstone Park

Infinity II by Lachlan Ross

The artist uses the ancient symbol of infinity in an urban setting to represent the past, present and future and the inevitable amalgamation of all three.

Cnr of Moorabool and Myers streets

CENTRALGEELONG.com.au

www.geelongaustralia.com.au 55DID YOU KNOW?

CAPITAL PROJECTS

As the largest regional Council in Victoria, the City maintains more than 2000 km of roads throughout Greater Geelong.

Rainfall, traffic and excess moisture can significantly degrade our roads causing cracks and pot holes to appear – literally overnight.

Maintaining such an extensive road system is a major challenge. The City has dedicated road inspectors but with so many roads to look after, we can’t fix what we don’t know about.

Once you report an issue, we‘ll inspect the road and determine what type of repair is needed, including providing immediate temporary solutions after hours.

If you see a pothole or other road safety issue that you believe is a safety concern, please report it to

the City at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/roads or on 5272 5272.

You can also report a road issue on your smart phone using the ‘Geelong City’ app – simply take a photo and add the location – it only takes about 20 seconds.

The City shares the responsibility of maintaining our roads with VicRoads.

VicRoads maintains our region’s main connector roads and highways. If you’re not sure who manages the road with the problem, report it to the City and we’ll pass it on to VicRoads or you can contact VicRoads directly on 13 11 70 or at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

WHAT CAUSES POT HOLES?

Pot holes form when the supporting layers below the asphalt collapse. Water pooling next to roads results in water draining into the ground underneath and causes movement from below. Water can also seep through cracks on the road surface due to regular traffic wear and tear.

HOW ARE POT HOLES REPAIRED?

First, pot holes are cleaned out and then a compacted base is formed and sealed with a bitumen mix. The edges are then sealed using an asphalt mix and a gravel spread is added to give greater durability to the area.

GHERINGHAP ST MAIN DRAIN FOR CENTRAL GEELONGA new main drain for Central Geelong is being designed to give the City’s CBD drain network additional capacity to cope with high volumes of water during major storms or flash flooding.

The drain line will run from Johnstone Park along Gheringhap Street and out to the Bay.

The need for a new drain was identified following the Central Geelong Drainage and Flood Study undertaken in 2016 to look at ways to protect the CBD area from major flood or storm events.

The study included modelling from past major flooding and storm events to help identify what type of drainage system would be most beneficial.

Once the drain is completed it will ease major flooding events in the CBD area in future.

The project is jointly funded by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong through the Revitalising Central Geelong partnership.

OCEAN GROVE’S PRINCIPAL PEDESTRIAN NETWORKAs Ocean Grove grows as a thriving coastal suburb, so too does the demand for a safe footpath network. The City is working to meet this demand by finalising plans to build and connect new footpaths across the area.

There are many streets in Ocean Grove without footpaths and other areas with gaps. The City’s Principal Pedestrian Network will deliver a coordinated network of footpaths that will allow users to access key destinations without leaving the network of paths.

Access to a continuous network of footpaths promotes a healthy lifestyle, improves safety and accessibility to key destinations and reduces car dependence.

The new footpaths will allow Ocean Grove to become a more walkable community and for residents in all parts of town to enjoy the social, economic and environmental benefits of walking.

The project also includes rest stops, pedestrian crossing and lighting upgrades.

Further community consultations will be happening in early 2018.

ROADS AND ENGINEERING UPDATES

A HOLE LOT OF ROAD

GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATORYA new tropical jungle is coming to Geelong with the Botanic Gardens Conservatory set to reopen later this year.

Since the 1960’s the conservatory has been a tropical paradise for visitors. Half a century later a renovation has given the building a

fresh contemporary look. It now has a modern climate control system managing temperature and humidity in an indoor environment. Plants which would not survive the cold Geelong winters will thrive in these conditions.

The landscape surrounding the

conservatory has been updated and features a collection of hedges. There are new seating areas around the conservatory with views to the rose garden and beyond. Innovative displays and education programs will showcase the gardens diverse plant collection and tell the stories of these amazing plants.

OUR NEW SOLAR SYSTEMSThe City is harnessing the power of the sun to reduce our environmental footprint. Six of the City’s buildings will have solar panels installed as part of our Zero Carbon Buildings Program.

The program includes installing solar systems, ranging from 30kW

to 100kW, at the National Wool Museum, Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre, The Grove Community Centre (Ocean Grove Library), Leisurelink, Anakie Road Depot and the Arena.

The program will reduce our electricity bills for these sites, which

will benefit the City and the broader Geelong community.

The new solar systems will help deliver an emission reduction target of fifty per cent by 2020 set as part of our Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy.

Works will start in October.

DID YOU KNOW? • Our road crews complete

about 5000 sealed road repairs each year using 2,300 tonnes of asphalt

• The City resurfaces 45 km of roads each year

• The working temperature of asphalt is 180 degrees

• Geelong’s rapid growth means we’re responsible for about an extra 25 km of new roads every year.

COMMUNITY UPDATE OCT–NOV 2017 6 @GreaterGeelong CityofGreaterGeelongCityofGreaterGeelong

SPORT AND RECREATION

NEWS

Are you planning on building a pergola, shed or other structure on your property? Or perhaps you’re looking to alter or demolish an existing building?

If so, you will need a building permit before works start.

It’s your choice - and responsibility - to appoint either a private Building Surveyor or one of our City Building Surveyors to issue a building permit and undertake mandatory inspections during construction.

Applications for building permits need to include relevant architectural plans, specifications, engineering design plans along with a design of the stormwater system proposed.

It’s your Building Surveyor’s job to check all documentation to make sure it complies with relevant regulations and standards. This is to make sure the building considers the amenity of the area and is safe, structurally sound and energy efficient.

Make sure you get advice before you start any projects as building work that’s done without a permit can result in enforcement action and penalties.

Our website has plenty of practical advice at: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/building

Construction is underway on the new $2 million multi-purpose synthetic soccer pitch at the Leisuretime Centre in Corio. The new facility caters for the continued growth and popularity in soccer in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

The City has committed $1.4 million to the project and the remaining $600,000 has been sourced through a Victorian Government grant.

The pitch will help northern-based soccer clubs train and play matches when required, support regional programs and pathways and increase local opportunities for participation in a

number of sports and activities.

The pitch will be floodlit and primarily designed for soccer but has the versatility to be used for other sports such as touch football, ultimate frisbee and AFL 9s.

The multipurpose facility has been designed to complement and work in harmony with the surrounding parkland.

Cycling in and out of Central Geelong and some key suburbs will soon be much safer and easier thanks to a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong and the TAC in the new Building Better Bike Connections project.

The City has received a $4.7 million grant from the TAC’s Safer Pedestrian and Cyclist Fund to create two cycling routes that will connect Central Geelong with Geelong’s southern and western suburbs.

Using best practice from around the world, the cycling routes will include a combination of protected bike lanes (where bikes are separated from cars) and a shared user system (where cars and bikes share the road). Streetscape/beautification works, treatments, signage and

other changes will be made to roads as part of the project.

Residents and businesses on the routes will be consulted on the details of the plans. Once plans are finalised, works are expected to start in late 2017 and be finished by late 2018.

Every day 12,000 trips are made into the Central Geelong by workers, yet just two per cent of these trips made by bike.

A fast, reliable and connected transport network is part of our community-led 30-year vision for a clever and creative city region. Our goal is for 50 per cent of journeys to work to be made by public transport, walking or cycling. This will ease congestion for everyone.

Anakie’s football and netball pavilion upgrade is almost complete. The old pavilion’s change rooms have been completely overhauled as part of the $1.17 million redevelopment, with new unisex change rooms for football, netball and umpires.

It’s a vast improvement on the old facilities, which were very basic and outdated. The new modern change rooms were much-needed and will create more participation opportunities in Anakie.

The redevelopment was funded by the City ($1.07 million) and the Victoria Government ($100,000).

ANAKIE SPORTS PAVILION

$4.7M TO BUILD BETTER BIKE CONNECTIONS

DO YOU NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

CORIO’S NEW MULTI-PURPOSE SYNTHETIC SOCCER PITCH

www.geelongaustralia.com.au 7DID YOU KNOW?

SPORT AND RECREATION

Armstrong Creek residents will be pleased with the new reserve and playground at Warralilly Coast.

The recently installed playground on Warralily Boulevard is already proving a hit with families and children.

The playground features loads of all-ages play equipment, including music and water play, flying foxes, a basketball half court and skating area, rope play adventure tower and a traffic school.

The surrounding reserve is an ideal place for families to spend the day relaxing and includes a barbecue and picnic area with public toilets, and large open spaces next to the creek.

Contractors are currently putting the finishing touches on landscaping around the playground.

IT’S PLAYTIME AT WARRALILY

COLOUR TO WIN

COLOUR IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO LIGHT OUR FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE

NAME:

AGE:

SCHOOL:

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME:

CONTACT NUMBER:

Calling all kids 13 years and under! Colour in the picture above for your chance to win a chance to flick the switch and turn on Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree!* Once completed, return this page by mail to: Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree Competition, PO Box 104, Geelong 3220 or scan and email to: christmas@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or simply drop it off to any of the Customer Service Centre. *For terms and conditions visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au□ By ticking this box, I consent to my child’s name, age to be published. Entries close 31 October 2017.

COMMUNITY UPDATE OCT–NOV 2017 8 @GreaterGeelong CityofGreaterGeelongCityofGreaterGeelong

UPCOMING EVENTS

For info on these and many more events in our region: www.eventsgeelong.com.au follow

eventsgeelong

20–27 October at Geelong Botanic GardensFamilies are invited to the annual Children’s Week celebrations. There will be more than 52 events celebrating the unique contributions that children make in our community. Highlights include a free Family Fun Day at the Potato Shed on 22 October and Geelong’s Big Play Day at Geelong Botanic Gardens on 24 October. Download the event program at our website.

CHILDREN’S WEEK IN GEELONG

28 October–10 December at Geelong Gallery

The 2017 Archibald Prize exhibition will be on display in Geelong this year. The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards and definitely a crowd favourite. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture, with subjects often including politicians, celebrities, sporting heroes, authors and artists. Books tickets at www.geelonggallery.org.au

ARCHIBALD PRIZE

19–22 October at Geelong ShowgroundsEach year, memories are made at the Royal Geelong Show! This year’s show will not disappoint. Check out the nation’s best shearers, enjoy horse competitions, try your luck at a sideshow, grab a show bag, meet a furry friend and test your nerves on a fun-filled ride! There will be fantastic spectator competitions and displays in the main arena over the course of the weekend topped off with a fireworks display.

ROYAL GEELONG SHOW

17–19 November at Geelong Library and Heritage Centre

Australia’s only non-fiction writing festival returns this November. Word for Word showcases non-fiction writing in its many facets and forms with world-renowned writers. The 2017 program will feature more than 70 fascinating authors and personalities. Authors will cover topics including memoir, biography, journalism, blogs, history, song-writing and poetry.

WORD FOR WORD FESTIVAL

24–26 November at Geelong Waterfront

The Waterfront it set for an action-packed motoring festival. The event will include a cruise with more than 600 vehicles, a classic and valuable vehicle display and a historic quarter-mile sprint. Keep an eye on the seas and the skies as classic boats and vintage aircraft also feature at the event. Step back in time in the vintage zone featuring the National Vintage Fashion Awards, live music, trade stalls, delicious food and entertainment.

GEELONG TRIVIAL

30 November–1 December at Geelong Waterfront

See the Targa Florio in Geelong! In the event’s prestigious 101 year history, this will be the first time it has been raced outside of Sicily, Italy. The official start of the race will take place on our Waterfront. See classic cars from 1906-1971 and Ferraris from 1971 to current day on display before the race begins a tour of Victoria.

TARGA FLORIO AUSTRALIAN TRIBUTE OCTOBER13 WNBL Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Bendigo Spirit, The Geelong Arena

14 Geelong Annual Stamp and Coin Fair, Geelong West Town Hall

14–11 November The Bald Archy Prize, National Wool Museum, Geelong

15 Step Up for Downs Syndrome, Eastern Beach Reserve, Waterfront Geelong

19–22 Royal Geelong Show, Geelong Showgrounds

21–22 School Aerobics Spring Challenge, The Geelong Arena

22 Family Fun Day, The Potato Shed, Drysdale

24 Geelong’s Big Play Day, Geelong Botanic Gardens

25 Geelong Cup, Geelong Racecourse

26 The Art of Wool, National Wool Museum, Geelong

28 Oktoberfest Greater Geelong, Geelong Showgrounds

28–10 December Archibald Prize, Geelong Gallery

NOVEMBER4–5 Toast to the Coast, various wineries, Geelong region

4 Sidewalk Sales, Central Geelong

10 CHRISTMAS TITLE, Geelong Waterfront

11 Myer Window Reveal, Myer Geelong

11 Gala Twilight Parade, Malop and Moorbool Streets, Geelong

11 Remembrance Day, Peace Memorial, Johnstone Park Geelong

14 A Very Grumpy Christmas, The Potato Shed, Drysdale

17–19 Word for Word Festival, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre

17–19 North Bellarine Film Festival, The Potato Shed, Drysdale

19 Run Geelong, Eastern Park, Geelong

DECEMBER2 Denis Walter Carols by the Bay, Eastern Beach Reserve

10 Melbourne Renegades Family Day, Kardinia Park

4–5 November at various wineries around the Geelong region

Explore the picturesque wineries of the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley areas, tasting the best our epicurean region has to offer! More than 25 wineries will be showcasing their premium cool climate wines in a full weekend of sensational wine, food, music and fun. Tickets now on sale. Weekend pass is $40 and includes a commemorative Geelong wine glass.

TOAST TO THE COAST