Superb shows at the Shed

MANY people who know me know I am passionate about the arts.

It has been a lifelong love that has grown with me through the years, and it has been so wonderful to be out and about attending different arts events since joining Council.

Recently there was the North Bellarine Film Festival, which is an increasingly popular event aimed at providing a platform for emerging filmmakers in our region.

Being among so many creative minds was inspiring and gave me a great reminder of the many talented people living and working on the Bellarine.

Earlier this week we saw the launch of the 2024 Potato Shed program.

This marks the 22nd year of the Potato Shed programming the very best in live entertainment for the Bellarine and Greater Geelong communities, and there is no shortage of offerings for people across all demographics.

Be it theatre, music, dance, comedy or other forms of entertainment, the Potato Shed plays a crucial role in the cultural, social and educational development of our local community.

The 2024 Season features shows from Melbourne Theatre Company, as well as shows from resident theatre company Theatre 3triple2.

It is important that the Shed attracts productions from outside the region for a number of reasons, but it is also imperative that it continues to showcase local talent as well.

The support of all Australian playwrights, actors and directors plays a big role in the ongoing success of the facility.

For those who might not have seen the program for next year, some of the highlights include soul sensation Emma Dononvan in Songs, Stories and Soul from Family and Country; New Zealand tour de force, A Slightly Isolated Dog, with their outrageous take on Don Juan; and the return of Spookfest, with a spooky new adults-only performance from cabaret provocateur Dolly Diamond.

Memories of The Seekers, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and more are also kept alive with the ever-popular Morning Showtime Shows.

Young theatre patrons will also be served, with 321….Blast Off! The Next Chapter among the shows sure to attract plenty of interest.

I look forward to another sensational year at The Potato Shed and urge you to get along and support our local arts community.

St Leonards Skate Park

While the arts are a passion of mine, so too is engaging with young people in our community.

The St Leonards Skate Park is a prime example of what can happen when community leaders listen to the younger generation of our society.

The community has actively supported the skate park upgrade, but I want to give a particularly special acknowledgment to Ethan Coleman, a Bellarine Secondary College student.

Ethan spearheaded an 800-signature petition, which was presented to the Council, before works commenced.

I am pleased to say that these works are complete and the St Leonards Skate Park looks amazing.

The $670,000 upgrade was funded with $310,000 from Council and $360,000 from the Victorian Government.

Key features of the upgrade include: new skate area featuring a mini-ramp, quarter pipes, flat banks, rails, and a manual pad; plaza and park features; new shelter and seating areas; ENE Hub smart pole; drinking fountain and a multi-sport court.

As deputy chair of Council’s Active Spaces portfolio, I am proud of the work the City’s staff do in ensuring the community has access to modern, safe and accessible facilities like this.

I commend the team on their efforts and look forward to seeing the St Leonards Skate Park put to good use for many years to come.

Cr Elise Wilkinson

Bellarine Ward, City of Greater Geelong