Creating space for connection on the Bellarine

TODAY is a very exciting day for young people living on the Bellarine, as the Ocean Grove Youth Program makes its highly anticipated return.

The much-loved program will run out of the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, offering a diverse range of inclusive, engaging and safe activities for young people in the Ocean Grove area aged 12 to 17.

This is a highly valuable opportunity for the youth of the region to connect, build new social networks, learn new skills and take part in a range of creative activities.

The program will operate on one Friday evening per month from 5pm–7pm, providing a casual drop-in and chill out space with access to basketball, table tennis and karaoke equipment, as well as a computer room.

To keep everyone fuelled, delicious meals will also be available, catered by Bellarine Feed Me.

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with skill-based sessions, with a jam-packed schedule already locked in for this year.

The program officially kicks off today (Friday 24 April) with a drop-in session and a chance to get to know the crew.

On Friday 22 May, the Neighbourhood House will host Reconciliation Week celebrations with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by representatives of the Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre.

Upcoming classes include self-defence, winter cooking workshops, zine making, scrapbooking and trivia, so there’s certainly something to draw any young person to the space.

It has been fantastic seeing our community embracing the offerings and services at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House since its return in February.

The return of these services highlights how vital local hubs are in delivering benefits across all generations.

Beyond the youth program, the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House has become a hive of activity.

Fitness classes for over 50s, mahjong, tai chi, yoga, local artist presentations, art lessons and a repair cafe have joined the schedule, in addition to jobseeker and counselling services.

Rooms are also available to hire for groups and individuals who offer activities and programs that have a positive impact on the community.

If you haven’t been to visit the space at 1 John Dory Drive, now is your chance!

The City of Greater Geelong is hosting two Neighbourhood Conversations on Tuesday 5 May.

Council team representatives will be joining me for my usual monthly community chat between 11am and 1pm as part of the Neighbourhood Conversations program to connect on local projects, priorities and hear what matters to you.

Neighbourhood Conversations are bi-monthly visits to communities across Greater Geelong, giving residents the chance to discuss what matters most in their area and provide feedback on projects open for community consultation.

They’re a valuable opportunity for us to hear directly from the people who live and work here – your ideas, challenges and aspirations.

If you have a concern you would like to raise, or you would like to pick our brains, I urge you to come along.

When everyone has a voice, we can deliver outcomes that truly strengthen our region.

To stay informed of all upcoming Neighbourhood Conversations, visit geelong.link/NC

I also encourage you to follow the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House on its new Facebook page to stay up to date on all upcoming activities and programs.