Be Bold, Be Heard.

Did you know there are 15 schools in Geelong, working together to build voice in teen girls to instigate positive change over a range of social justice issues? They are facilitating assertive behaviour training and goal setting that promotes greater gender equality and empowers young women to speak up for all kinds of scenarios later in life. This initiative has grown to include over 140 students. This exciting venture is called ‘Be Bold, Be Heard’.

The first of 4 forums was held on the 5th March at GMHBA Stadium. The session started with Nya Tut (North Geelong Secondary College student leader and member of BBBH) giving an enthralling speech about her journey in BBBH and her completion of the Kokoda Trek that impressed students, staff, and community leaders immensely. 

The first Forum inspired students to start identifying changes they can make in class, college, and community, for example, to tackle gender difference in student engagement, voice and agency. Students were then given guidance and advice on starting to allocate roles within working teams and some team building activities, led by Respectful Relationships leaders.

The group then heard from a panel of 7 experts, who then went from table to table answering all the questions the students had conjured up. This was an excellent opportunity for the students to form some positive potential partnerships to support their actions going forward.

The Be Bold, Be Heard initiative is led by Brad Headlam, Assistant Principal of the Middle School at North Geelong Secondary College. You might be able to help out, they’re looking for further sponsorship and affordable venues. 

In addition to this, they are constantly looking for inspiring guest speakers, mentors and coaches.

You can contact Brad at +613 5240 5800bradley.headlam@education.vic.gov.au

The Be Bold, Be Heard (BBBH) donation handover photo is part of the Newcomb Secondary College BBBH initiative, where they raised money to donate to the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Louise Tracey (community Relations Officers is in photo accepting the donation).

Let’s Celebrate Spring Creek being saved.

Thanks to all those who helped, the fight to save Spring Creek, in Torquay, is finally over. The Supreme Court decision wasn’t appealed, so it is time to celebrate!

This is the time for everyone to come together to recognize all the individuals, businesses, community groups and elected representatives that united to stand up for the collective aspirations of our coastal community. All the petitions, letters, submissions, events, actions and spreading of awareness over seventeen years have finally paid off!

Surf Coast Energy Group has a 100 year plan to restore the ecology of Spring Creek and they need your help so come along to the celebration to find out what the next steps are.

There will be discussions about how the campaign was won, how the Spring Creek valley can be rehabilitated and what is possible. The event will feature a preview of a film about the Spring Creek story and great speakers including;

  • Professor David Lindenmayer, a world-renowned expert on Australian ecology who has exposed the skullduggery of Victorian native forests continuing to be logged, will talk about the significance of woodlands in Spring Creek,
  • Jim Phillipson who is leading the charge to restore private land holdings and re-create wildlife corridors in Gippsland via the not for profit Biodiversity Legacy, and
  • Graeme Stockton who has been the main driver to save Spring Creek from start to finish will present SCEG’s vision for the Spring Creek valley.

When: Saturday 13th April 2024, 4-6pm

Where: Common Ground Cafe, 675 Anglesea Road, Freshwater Creek.

Cost $20 entry, includes light refreshments

Tickets https://events.humanitix.com/sceg-with-prof-david-lindenmayer  

The Surfrider Foundation hope to see you there and please share this! Photos: Darren Noyes-Brown.

Paddle Out.

Our friends at Surfrider Foundation Victoria are hoping you’ll join them at the beach this Saturday, to take action against Seismic Blasting in our oceans. Bring your board and paddle out, or just show your support from the sand! 

11.30-2pm

March 23rd

Cosy Corner Torquay

Here’s what they have to say: Multinational corporations (TGS and Schlumberger) are threatening to blast 4.5 million hectares of pristine ocean off the Victorian coastline. Blasts are as loud as an ATOMIC BOMB and endanger species such as whales and dolphins. Scientists and fishing communities are clear—this practice is incredibly damaging to local ecosystems. All species studied including rock lobster, zooplankton, scallops and octopus have been found to have permanent detrimental impacts.

Saturday the 23rd of March—join us on Wadawurrung Country to paddle out in support of our ocean. Meet at Cosy Corner, Torquay at 11:30 AM for a midday start.

Bring your board of choice, your signs and your voice—this is the chance for our community to stand united and show decision-makers that we do not want seismic blasting and offshore oil & gas exploration on our coasts.

This is an inclusive family-friendly event. You don’t need to be a surfer … paddle out on a kayak, a boogie board, or show your support from the beach!

Details:

– Meet at 11:30 AM at Cosy Corner, Torquay

– Parking available at nearby Point Danger and Front Beach.

– BYO signs, tee shirts and something to paddle on

– Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and water

So we can get an idea of numbers, please register here, its FREE, but also fun!

www.surfrider.org.au

Fight for the Bight photo 2019, Cosy Corner, by Phil Hines.

The Angels.

Aussie rock band the Angels will be celebrating their 50th Birthday mid this year. They formed in Adelaide in 1974. Their performance Thursday night at Costa Hall was exhilarating. They played alongside Cheap Trick.

Cheap Trick from Rockford Illinois, America formed in 1973.

Life is for living & dancing! Thanks guys. #humansingeelong #geelong #angels #cheaptrick #livemusic

More footage on our Instagram. x

Feed Me Geelong.

“Feed Me Geelong is one of the largest food rescue and relief charities in our region, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. Each week, we deliver pre-cooked meals, pantry items and fresh fruit & veg to over 1500 homes for people who are unable to visit our locations.

“Our wasted market is a community initiative that relies on donations to provide a variety of rescued products to the public, helping to reduce landfill. The items vary daily. We weigh items upon exit to record the amount of food waste the community has helped save.

“Our markets are open to everyone and whatever you can contribute helps.

“If you find yourself in need of food relief, please reach out to one of our volunteers. Together we can continue making a difference.”

44 Westmoreland St, St Albans Park, Geelong. Mon – Sat 10-2pm. www.feedme.org.au With One Voice Choir sang at the open day on Saturday.

Chemical Brothers.

The Chemical Brothers played their only Victorian gig at Mt Duneed Winery, Geelong, last night. It was positively electric!

They are an English electronic duo, Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands from Manchester, who formed in 1989.

The beat travelled through the earth, up from through the soles of your feet, to your heart then radiated out into the world. Thanks guys, I’m sure Geelong will be buzzing with all that positive electric energy for quite some time.

Pako Festa 2024

The Pako Festa is held to celebrate cultural diversity and show appreciation for the artwork and fashion designed by the Geelong community.

The first festival was held in 1983, and currently attracts the participation of around 30 cultural community groups, up to 60 community groups. It is the largest multicultural festival in Victoria.

Dawn Service at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op.

Archie Roach in “It’s Not Too Late” sings “it’s not too late to turn it round, we have to find some common ground… not too late for peace and love.

Team member Jacinta Foster-Raimondo attended this morning’s first dawn service at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op. This is what she writes: This morning’s first dawn service at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op. was so poignant and so powerful… I cried.

CEO Simon Flagg cried too, as he spoke to the large crowd of First Nation People, their allies and friends. He was so buoyed by the large crowd and the tangible support…. so was I.

His message was simple.

This is not verbatim, but in essence Simon was saying, we are not blaming anyone, we want unity, we want to find common ground, we want to walk forward in love and respect, we love Australia, we love everyone who has made Australia their home, we want to celebrate Australia Day…. but this date triggers us.

Continue reading “Dawn Service at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op.” →