Councillor Column: Ron Nelson from the City of Greater Geelong, July 9

Recovery
WITH the spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne recently, I’ll admit it can be difficult at times to keep morale up and continue looking positively to the future.
Our region has been hit hard by the pandemic and we’re not out of the woods just yet, but our people are resilient and innovative. We will get through this together.
The council group is fully aware of the challenges the community’s facing and has responded with a ‘recovery budget’ worth more than $560 million.
The 2020-21 Budget is strategically focused on propelling the region’s economic and social recovery from the pandemic.
We’re investing more than $160 million in a capital works program that will support local employment and direct investment to our fantastic part of the world.
Council’s got quite a bit in store for Armstrong Creek, including $595,000 to build and fit out a community shed and garden.
This shed will become home to a range of community groups including the Grovedale Men’s Shed, which has about 30 members and has moved around over a number of years in search of a permanent home.
This men’s shed does so much in the way of offering connection, a place to get your hands dirty and the opportunity to learn new skills.
There’s been quite a bit of interest among residents in having a community garden, so we thought the shed site would be the perfect spot.
Being chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation Board, I’m particularly excited about a $300,000 allocation for an Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library and Learning Hub.
For those of you who have kids at Geelong Lutheran College, you’ll be pleased to read that we’re spending half a million dollars on footpath, kerb and channel works on Burvilles Road, from the school to the Surf Coast Highway.
As part of efforts to drive recovery, council’s also put together a $5.2 million medium to long-term COVID-19 support package.
This is in addition to the $5.6 million in immediate relief we’ve already announced.
The new package includes $490,000 towards skills and training, employment opportunities and grants for the struggling heritage, arts and culture sector.
If you’re part of a community group, I encourage you to check out the $250,000 in grants on offer, to help groups get their venues and programs up and running again.
The grants process opens on 17 July, so make sure to head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to apply.
The COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy is being continued as well. Businesses and individuals doing it tough can phone 5272 5272 or email [email protected] to discuss their options.
Given so many are struggling with income loss in our region, the council group decided to freeze our allowances until the end of our term in late October, as a show of respect.
To learn more about the projects that have been earmarked for the Kardinia Ward and support measures, head to geelongaustralia.com.au.

Honouring a legend
Many current and former Belmont residents are all too aware of Bob Price’s contribution to Morris Reserve (corner of Morris Street and The Avenue).
The 92-year-old is well-loved in the neighbourhood for taking it upon himself to mow the grass at the park, clean up graffiti and rubbish and keep the City informed about repairs that are needed.
He’s done this over a whopping 65 years, meaning many locals affectionately call the reserve ‘Bob’s Park’.
To thank him for his unwavering community service, the City’s planted a Norfolk Island Pine in the centre of the reserve, with a permanent sign recognising his efforts.
This came about thanks to a submission from resident Barbara Jehu calling for this local legend to be honoured. There were also many letters of support for Bob and a petition.
I feel really grateful to have recently had the opportunity to meet the man himself and Barbara for an unveiling of the tree and sign, with my fellow Kardinia Ward councillors Bruce Harwood and Pat Murnane.
It was really quite special to meet such a selfless bloke who has made this reserve an even more special place to visit.
Thanks Bob for your efforts over the years, we really appreciate everything you’ve done for the community. Well done!
And finally, if you have any questions, concerns or topics of interest to discuss, please call or email me directly on 0429 531 875 or [email protected].

Cr Ron Nelson
Kardinia Ward, City of Greater Geelong