Celebrating the old and the young

DURING October, we are celebrating the oldest and youngest members of our community with both Children’s Week and the Geelong Seniors Festival.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Geelong Children’s Week, which runs from 11 to 26 October and the program is packed with opportunities for families to explore, play and learn together.

Events take place across the Geelong region and there are plenty of highlights close to home.

On Saturday, October 11, the Ocean Grove Toy Library will host a Stay and Play and Kids Yoga event, offering movement, play zones and fun for children aged two to six.

On Wednesday, October 22, families can choose between two fantastic events: a ride on the miniature trains at Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway, or a wild and muddy adventure with Born Wild Community in Wallington, complete with rope swings, bushwalks and campfire cooking.

The City’s signature event, Kids FunFest, will also return on Thursday, October 23, with high-energy performances from the popular Mik Maks and plenty of hands-on activities to keep little ones busy at Norlane ARC.

To round out celebrations, Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club will host the Safe, Strong and Confident: Nippers Come and Try Day on Sunday, October 26, giving children aged five to twelve a chance to learn surf safety while having fun on the beach.

Many of these events are made possible through the City’s Children’s Week Grants Program, which provides $20,000 to support local groups in creating playful and inclusive activities.

By creating spaces where families can connect and discover new opportunities, we are helping to give our youngest residents the best possible start in life.

At the same time, October celebrates older residents through the Geelong Seniors Festival.

People aged 55 and over now make up almost a third of Greater Geelong’s population and this festival encourages healthy, active living at every age.

There are events right across the region, including many on the Bellarine.

You might like to try your hand at a seniors pickleball session or try the javelin, shot put or discus with Geelong Throwers Club.

Meanwhile, in Wallington, the Intergenerational Forest School will bring grandparents and grandchildren together for nature-based activities, including art and craft, bushwalks, and campfires.

At the Potato Shed in Drysdale, music lovers can enjoy a selection of shows, including a Tom Jones tribute, or performances of songs by Dusty Springfield and Dean Martin.

Over in Leopold, you could participate in a ballroom dancing session or embrace your creative side at an art class with drinks and nibbles at the Leopold Community and Learning Centre.

These two festivals may focus on different age groups, but together they reflect the same goal.

Through the Council Plan 2025–29 and the Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–29, the City of Greater Geelong is committed to advancing community outcomes for a thriving Greater Geelong.

From children discovering new skills to seniors enjoying friendship and activity, October is a month that celebrates our vibrant community.

I encourage Bellarine residents to explore both programs, find some events that appeal and join in the festivities.

For details on Children’s Week events, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/childrensweek and for Seniors Festival events, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/apa

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward,

City of Greater Geelong