Barwon Heads works on target

ONE of the many enjoyable aspects of being on Council is seeing projects that come together as a result of collaboration between all tiers of government.

While a lot of our projects are self-funded, there are occasions when Council has funded a project that we will receive additional funding from either the Commonwealth government or Victorian government to assist with the works.

In other instances, we are fortunate enough to receive funding from both.

One such example is the recently opened Barwon Heads Bowling Club pavilion.

Council contributed $500,000 to this project, and was extremely grateful for the additional $500,000 from the Commonwealth, and $200,000 from the Victorian government.

These collaborative efforts ultimately give the greatest benefit to the community, which is after all the purpose of what we do.

The Barwon Heads Bowling Club’s new pavilion features a kitchen, bar, amenities and office space, as well as a social area, storage space, and an undercover verandah for spectators.

Having spoken with members of Barwon Heads Bowling Club on a number of occasions I know how much they pride themselves on being a gathering place for the community.

This new facility will help go a long way to catering for everyone in the bowls community as well as those who use the club for socialising.

As with any sport, having a safe and inclusive space to relax after a day of competing is vital to the ongoing enjoyment of playing.

So whether it is a complete newcomer or the most experienced player in the region, Barwon Heads Bowling Club can now offer that to their community.

The club was also recently successful in its application for a $32,000 community grant for the provision of new security fencing.

Council is proud to be funding this through the latest round of our 2023-24 Community Grants program, which will see $2,764,000 distributed to 31 projects across the region.

I know how passionate the Barwon Heads community is when it comes to sport.

The football and cricket clubs compete for premiership success each year in their respective competitions, and Barwon Heads is home to some of the best golf courses in Australia.

Only just last week the attention of the golf world was fixed on our beautiful region thanks to the Vic Open, which was held here for the 11th straight year.

And last month we saw some of the world’s best cyclists riding on our streets as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

But I also know how passionate the Barwon Heads community is about ensuring the people of their town get a fair go from all tiers of government.

Council is always looking for ways to partner with the federal and state governments to help provide the infrastructure our growing population needs, and as part of my role as Mayor I will be back in Canberra to advocate for the interests of Greater Geelong in the months ahead.

Additionally, Council will continue to hold discussions with politicians in Spring Street to seek their support for our region.

Because as the Barwon Heads Bowling Club pavilion project demonstrates, when the three tiers of government in our country join forces, everyone benefits.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong