Explore the Bellarine this Easter

EASTER is almost upon us for another year, which provides a wonderful opportunity to relax and spend time with friends and family.

For some of us we will hit the road to do that and get out of town, while for others it will mean staying local.

Of course, for many outside of our region it will mean packing the car and making their way here along the beautiful Bellarine.

What always strikes me as one of the most attractive parts of living in this part of the world is that there is always something new happening that gives locals a reason to be proud, and visitors something different to explore.

For example, our region is an established golf haven, with some of the best courses in the country right on our doorstep.

These include Barwon Heads, the Beach and Creek courses at Thirteenth Beach – home to the Vic Open, backed by the City of Greater Geelong – and Portarlington, and attract golfers from across the state and the country.

But the recent construction of accommodation facilities at Curlewis Golf Club has added another wonderful reason for golfers to come and check out the Bellarine and will encourage them to stay here for even longer.

The works that have been done to reimagine the course in recent years is testament to the passion of the members and wider Curlewis community, and with new clubrooms and dining facilities just a few hundred metres down the road from the fabulous driving range and function area, there is something for all to enjoy.

I was heartened as a councillor for Bellarine that businesses in the region continued to find ways to thrive throughout the pandemic, so I congratulate the team at Curlewis for their dedication and hard work in completing this project.

In addition, I am equally proud of how council supported local businesses during one of the toughest two-year periods they have ever faced.

Since the emergence of the COVID pandemic, council has provided ongoing financial assistance to the tourism and art sectors, as well as many others, to help see them through the many challenges that confronted them.

Among our support packages, budgeted at an estimated $19 million, to assist businesses, community groups and residents impacted by the pandemic, council delivered more than $1.5 million towards arts, culture and tourism initiatives and projects.

So, having come through what will hopefully be reflected upon as the most difficult phase of the pandemic, I would encourage everyone who lives along the Bellarine – and welcome all visitors to the area – to use the Easter break to get out and show their support to the businesses that make our region what it is.

We have so much to offer, from world-class wineries and restaurants, to family-friendly attractions such as the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway or taking surfing lessons through Go Ride A Wave in Ocean Grove.

We are also now a week into the inaugural Surround Sounds music festival, which has a program packed full of entertaining acts.

Many of these artists will be performing at venues along the Bellarine, further showcasing our capacity to host major events such as the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

I was not surprised when the 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021 saw the Bellarine take out 25th spot, although that is just a testament to our ability to attract visitors from around the world to our region.

So happy Easter, stay safe, and have fun finding something new – or old – to enjoy along the Bellarine.

Cr Jim Mason
Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong