Councillor Column: Cr Trent Sullivan from the City of Greater Geelong, June 25

More facilities reopening
THE easing of some COVID-19 restrictions reminds me a bit of being a teen – stick with me here – in that we’re earning more freedoms as a result of being responsible and patient during lockdown.
The simple things that we once took for granted, like going out for brunch with a mate or training with your sporting team, now bring a jolt of excitement.
The weekend’s news that some measures have been put on hold following a rise in cases is no doubt a bit of a setback, but I believe it’s a good reminder about the importance of following physical distancing and hygiene guidelines very closely.
I can assure you the rules will be rigorously followed at City-owned gyms and sport and recreation stadiums, when they re-open from Wednesday, July 1.
Returning staff are being trained before the gym re-opening, to ensure patrons and staff are protected by strict hygiene and
safety practices.
The re-openings mean Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre gym trainers and group exercise instructors who were redeployed will be heading back to their normal gigs, joining their swimming pool colleagues who returned at the start of June.
Bookings are essential at ssl.geelongaustralia.com.au as facilities will be operating at limited capacity, due to state directions. This will see gyms limited to no more than 20 adults and up to 10 adults in each group exercise class.
Earlier this month, libraries, Swim, Sport and Leisure swimming pools, the National Wool Museum shop and Visitor Information Centre also threw open their doors to patrons.
The wellbeing of our community will continue to improve as each facility re-opens and we reconnect more with others (safely of course!).
If you need more info about facilities and coronavirus restrictions, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19

Community cash
Council’s distributed $304,698 in funding from the final round of the 2019-20 Community Grants program, reinvesting back into the community.
The left-over money from the first round was shared between 45 clubs and organisations, in the hope of providing a much-needed lift and speeding up our social and economic recovery from coronavirus.
In the Bellarine ward, the Portarlington Football Club’s new women’s team has been given a leg up with a $2,000 grant for
new equipment.
Over in Clifton Springs, the Community Men’s Shed there can now buy $2,000 worth of power and hand tools for their crafty projects.
And down the road, the Drysdale Senior Citizens Club was also successful in its application, receiving $1,425 for a new utility chair. Check out the full list of recipients here: geelongaustralia.com.au/grants. You might be wondering how some grants went ahead when applications were submitted before restrictions started. The City’s contacted all applicants to make sure projects can still be delivered in line with restrictions, including moving some events from in-person to online.
I’m proud to say that a total of more than $4 million in funding from the 2019-20 program has now been given to 223 clubs, organisations and groups.
The 2020-21 program was temporarily suspended in April but council will be making a decision soon on how best to move forward with this. An update will be posted on the Geelong Australia website, so keep an eye out.

Get snapping!
In February, I had the opportunity to meet Luke David, Kasey Bubb, Jules Willoughby and Lesley Naomi Hanson, whose photos were featured in the 2020 Geelong Calendar Exhibition.
It was great to see who was behind the camera and discuss their shot, as well as what they love most about Greater Geelong.
The Geelong Calendar is an institution; it hangs in thousands of homes and offices and captures just how special our region is.
Entries have opened for the 2021 calendar. I strongly urge photographers of all skill levels, including amateurs, to enter a photo that is “Uniquely Geelong”.
As we know, the Bellarine Peninsular is home to stunning landscapes, beloved native animals, meaningful gatherings and beautiful architecture.
With so many fantastic subjects on offer, I have no doubt photos from our ward will be impressive enough to make it into the calendar.
Entries close on August 28, so there’s plenty of time to take that winning shot if you don’t already have one in your archives.
Head to the Geelong Australia website to enter.

Cr Trent Sullivan
Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong