Celebrating community initiatives big and small

IT’S always inspiring to see bold ideas come to life. Even better when they connect the community.

Thanks to the people of Armstrong Creek, your state-of-the-art library and social hub is taking shape.

By now I’m sure you’ve seen the designs.

A three-storey centrepiece that is environmentally sensitive, accessible and celebrates the diversity of local residents.

There will be thousands of books, of course, plus resources, meeting spaces and co-working amenities equipped with modern technology.

It really captures and reflects Greater Geelong’s clever and creative goals, and will be a focal point of the thriving town centre precinct.

I think the concept is fresh and dynamic, just like the growing Armstrong Creek community. There’s a confidence about the architecture that makes a proud statement.

You might be wondering about the circular, bubble effect of the facade.

This considered feature acknowledges the fluid waterways of the surrounding landscape that holds significant meaning for Wadawurrung People as a natural meeting place and source of sustenance, fertility and spirituality.

You can see this ‘Living Water’ narrative flow throughout the plans for the Armstrong Creek Library & Community Hub.

Thank you to everyone who shared ideas for the space earlier this year, and more recently provided feedback on the design.

It’s important we get this right.

Being the first social civic infrastructure in the suburb, it has to meet the needs of the community now and for future generations to come.

The next phase of this project will involve more detailed design work and a tender process.

At this stage, construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022 before opening early 2024.

While the latest round of engagement has closed, you can view the plans online at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ACLCH.

The library and community hub is a big ticket development.

But supporting smaller groups to make a difference can be equally beneficial.

This is particularly poignant as we recover from the pandemic.

On this note, I am delighted that Armstrong Creek Boomerang Bags has received funding via council’s 2021-22 Community Grants.

Their application was successful in the Environmental Sustainability category.

This initiative is backed by the South Barwon Community Centre and uses pre-loved fabric to create reusable bags, keeping the plastic alternative out of landfill.
But the benefits go further than that.

It brings people together, encourages creativity and starts a conversation about protecting the environment.

Boomerang Bags is a global movement with satellite groups popping up across the world, including many in our region.

The financial assistance will help Armstrong Creek volunteers purchase new sewing equipment to produce the bags.

Another of South Barwon Community Centre’s programs, Barwon Oil Barons, also received a grant to enable community members to pick locally grown olives and process them into olive oil.

These are just two examples of the many deserving Community Grants recipients.

A number of toy libraries, including services in Grovedale and Belmont, have also received grants.

Other recipients include Highton Bowls Club and Waurn Ponds Deakin Cricket Club.

The full list of allocations is online at geelongaustralia.com.au/grants.

You can also see current and future grant opportunities on that page.Before I sign off, I would like to wish readers a safe and happy festive season.

It’s been another challenging year for all of us, but hopefully brighter days are ahead.
I’m looking forward to our region coming alive this summer.

We’ve kick-started the fun with our Christmas in Geelong program, highlighted by the floating tree at the waterfront and projections at City Hall.

Be sure to check them out if you haven’t already! I also encourage you to buy local if you can, to help small businesses and operators get back on their feet.

A special thank you to Kardinia Ward residents for supporting me this year, and I look forward to representing you in 2022.

Cr Ron Nelson