All the colours of the rainbow

I HAVE had the pleasure of being a City of Greater Geelong Councillor now for a little more than six months, and in that time I have seen some of the many ways the organisation aims to help our most vulnerable residents.

It can be big or little things, obvious or more subtle, but the City does great work to ensure it is inclusive and representative of the wider region as a whole.

As chair of the Inclusion and Care portfolio – which covers social equity, community health and aged care, volunteering and disability, and diversity, inclusion and LGBTQIA+ matters – I am in the fortunate position to work with an incredible group of people who have the best interests of our community at heart.

I was so proud of our community last Saturday when we celebrated the Geelong Rainbow Festival.

This event saw large crowds, including Councillors and many City staff, celebrate our region’s diversity.

The Geelong Rainbow Festival provides a safe, fun-filled space that engages our LGBTQIA+ community, and that level of visibility is so important.

This is why I was so pleased last year when the City unveiled its permanent rainbow crossing under the Yara Street flyover.

This serves as a colourful representation of our ongoing support for Greater Geelong’s rainbow community and is just one of the initiatives that signifies our commitment to celebrating the region’s beautiful diversity.

A big thanks to everyone who turned out on Saturday to celebrate.

NACH opening

Earlier this month the doors officially opened at the biggest infrastructure project the City has ever undertaken outside the CBD.

The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, which replaces the former Waterworld and Centenary Hall in Norlane, is testament to the advocacy of many people.

The project began before my time on Council, however, I have been privileged to be part of the most recent stages of this incredible facility’s development, and it is something the entire region can be proud of.

I particularly want to say well done to the people of the northern suburbs of Geelong, who can now lay claim to owning the most modern leisure facility within the City of Greater Geelong.

What stands out to me with this project is the fact all three tiers of government were willing to put their collective hands in their pockets to get it done.

It shows that with cooperation and a collaborative approach, great things can be achieved.

Thanks to Councillors both past and present for the $48.84 million contribution, the Victorian Government for its $8.5 million, and the Australian Government for its $8.26 million.

Pako Festa

One of the highlights on my events calendar each year is Pako Festa.

This amazing cultural experience, which dates back to 1983, has grown over four decades to become Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural party.

Pako Festa is a true celebration of the significant influence that our multicultural communities across the Greater Geelong region have had over many years.

As deputy chair of the Multicultural portfolio I am proud of the City of Greater Geelong’s ongoing support of this event, and I look forward to another fantastic day of colour, food, dance, education and reflection.

Now more than ever it is time we all come together to unite and celebrate our multicultural history.

Cr Sarah Hathway

Windermere Ward,

City of Greater Geelong