![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/StLeonardsfootpathst_96801.jpg\")
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Bellarine Community Health chief executive, Kathy Russell, said the collaborative nature of the mural was key to making the initiative exciting for students.<\/p>\n
“When active travel feels fun, safe and welcoming, children are more likely to participate,” she said.<\/p>\n
The two-year program aims to encourage active travel and safer ways for children to get to school for children, and is supported by a $110,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria and $10,000 from the City of Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
Similar initiatives have also been introduced at Portarlington, Leopold and Newcomb primary schools as part of the program.<\/p>\n
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the initiative was a great example of encouraging children to get active on their way to school.<\/p>\n
“It’s fantastic to see Bellarine kids getting active on their way to school, whether that’s on foot, on a bike or on a scooter,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Projects like this show how investment in active travel helps kids build healthy habits, strengthens school communities and delivers practical outcomes for families.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ST LEONARDS Primary School has brought the ocean to its gate, with a new footpath mural encouraging students to find active ways to get to school. The ‘Ocean Water Way’ mural features a four-section oceanscape co-designed by students and painted by artist Carla Gottgens. St Leonards Primary School principal, Melissa Smith, said the mural had […]<\/p>\n