Weeks of wonder

THE stunning natural beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula and the work we are doing to preserve it is worth celebrating.

Which is why I was thrilled to hear about our Dell Eco Reef winning at the Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards this month.

The reef won the Excellence in Marine and Coastal Design or Development award, which recognises initiative and leading practice in this field.

Located off the coast of Clifton Springs, the reef consists of 46 erosion mitigation units made of eco-friendly concrete and recycled shells, and has become an attraction for snorkelers and recreational swimmers.

The structure mimics natural reefs, providing essential habitats for marine life and enhancing biodiversity while protecting vulnerable species.

The structure also protects the coast from severe wave action and can withstand various environmental conditions.

Congratulations to our Strategic Coastal Planner Ralph Roob, who came up with the concept for the reef and designed the layout.

Ralph worked closely with Reef Design Lab’s Alex Goad, who completed the detailed design for the project.

I also applaud everyone else involved in this project, from City of Greater Geelong staff to contractors and community members.

The Dell Eco Reef has also won various other accolades such as the international Dezeen Award for Sustainable Design (Building Product) of the Year 2023 and at the 2024 Victorian LGPro Awards for Excellence.

And now our community has chance to discover the intricate details and engineering behind this award-winning project in a free exhibition.

The exhibition features a wave tank, sculptures, rolling videos of the reef’s construction and more at 52 Corio Street, central Geelong, from 10am to 4pm each day until 30 November.

This event is among more than 70 exhibitions, workshops, talks, tours and unique experiences in the biggest Geelong Design Week yet.

Now underway until 30 November, Geelong Design Week celebrates excellence, innovation and creativity in design across our region.

The week is a chance for the broader community to get involved in design, learn more about how it impacts our lives and see how talented locals are shaping our future.

Geelong Design Week 2024 also features a range of events focussing on sustainability and our environment including Design for Nature – Rewild Public Urban Spaces.

This event looks at how we can use building designs and our nature strips to reintroduce biodiversity to our city.

And, coincidently, it’s also part of Geelong Nature Week, which begins next Monday and runs until November 30.

Geelong Nature Week features seven free events including three right here on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Get immersed in our environment and citizen science while searching for wetland birds and frogs in the Lake Lorne Nature Walk at Drysdale.

Or witness one of the best wildflower shows on the Bellarine in the Charles McCarthy Reserve Nature Walk at St Leonards.

And our local pooches can also get in on the action in the Ocean Grove Dog’s Breakfast.

This event is a great opportunity to pick up dog behaviour tips from expert trainers while learning how to share our shores and help threatened beach-nesting birds, such as the hooded plover.

For a full list of all the fantastic events on offer for Geelong Design Week and Geelong Nature Week, head to geelongdesignweek.com.au and geelong.link/GNW

For more information about the Dell Eco Reef exhibition, head to geelongdesignweek.com.au/events/dell-eco-reef-exhibition

Ali Wastie

Chief executive officer,

City of Greater Geelong