Grand Final win to bring joy for “years to come”

Premiers

I don’t know about you, but I’m still celebrating Geelong’s Grand Final win – and plan to do so for some time!

Last week’s decisive victory was a pure triumph for our region and will bring us joy for years to come.

I’ve been a Cats supporter since I was seven years old and some readers might recall my favourite heroes from when I was a kid: Norm Sharp, Peter Pianto, Bob Gazzard and Fred Le Deux.

Fred was actually my former school teacher who facilitated our learn to swim campaign.

Congratulations to the Cats on bringing the cup back home!

Remembering those who served

Recently, I had the honour of attending a dedication service at St Helens Park in North Geelong.

Veterans converged on the Malaya Borneo memorial there, which has been refurbished recently and peacefully overlooks the Corio Bay.

The memorial commemorates the Malayan Campaign (1941-1942), the Battle of Singapore (1942), the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963- 1966).

I think it’s fair to say that there is more awareness of other wars in Australia’s history, than these conflicts.

Would you believe that more than 10,000 Australians served in these conflicts, including community members from our region?

The Malayan Emergency was one of the longest continuing military commitments in Australian history.

I’m thrilled that this memorial has been upgraded, so that we can increase understanding of the sacrifices that these defence personnel made.

As part of the works, the City team consolidated the memorial’s original plaques into the groundwork and onto three new pillars.

The new garden beds and retaining walls, and associated landscaping around the existing rotunda, make the space welcoming.

The original signage and flagpoles were also replaced to replicate the original memorial.

Council was proud to contribute $20,000 and I thank the Australian Government for its $10,000 in funding through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

It was an honour to speak with the Malaya Borneo veterans that day and to hear firsthand of their experiences.

I told them that the memorial will carry their stories and legacy into the future, for younger generations to learn from.

I hope this memorial will continue to be a place to pause and reflect for them and their families.

Our community has every reason to be proud of the Malaya Borneo veterans’ contributions.

Equality in Greater Geelong

Another event I was proud to attend was the City’s launch of its Gender Equality Action Plan last week.

The plan was created following the introduction of the Victorian Government’s Gender Equality Act 2020 and applies a gender inclusive lens to internal City processes, how policies are created and programs and services that are delivered for the community.

Dr Niki Vincent, Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector spoke engagingly about how these plans can provide a guide to develop, implement and monitor actions that support all community members.

Everyone across Greater Geelong should have the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and the adoption of this action plan can play a part in making that a reality.

We want every person to have the same access to programs, services and leadership opportunities.

I’m looking forward to seeing this action plan, in action!

Reconnect with nature

As chair of council’s Environment portfolio, it would be remiss of me not to reference the recent 2021 State of Environment report, which highlighted the dire threats facing Australia’s biodiversity.

A five-yearly review by scientists found at least 19 ecosystems are displaying signs of collapse or near collapse, and Australia has lost more species to extinction than any other continent.

In light of this report, the annual Geelong Nature Month (now underway) is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on our rivers, wetlands and nature reserves.

Mother Nature has given us many diverse natural landscapes on the Bellarine and further afield in the broader Geelong region to choose from!

There are multiple activities, tours and planting sessions that will increase awareness about our environment and empower community members to take action.

Check out the program here: geelong.link/NatureMonth

Exploring nature can sometimes take a backseat when life gets busy, so I encourage readers to set aside some time to bird watch, learn about our unique biodiversity or connect with flora and fauna in your own special way.

With these lovely Spring days back on the agenda, I can assure you that it will do you a world of good.

Cr Jim Mason

Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong