Counting down to festive cheer

CAN you believe we’re less than two months off Christmas?

My sense of time during this pandemic is a bit off, what with the lockdowns and some days that seemed to stretch for an eternity.

We’ve all missed out on so much since March 2020 and so I plan to safely make the most of our hard-fought freedoms this festive season.

I’m particularly looking forward to seeing friends and family for a proper catch up and enjoying the warmer weather against the backdrop of our beautiful region.

Another highlight will be council’s expanded Christmas program of free activities and events across the Geelong region.

Cheerful artwork will feature in Armstrong Creek, Waurn Ponds and Belmont for the Giant Christmas Selfie Trail, which is made up of 22 destinations in total.

This trail is a chance to capture some fun memories with the kids and take some great family shots, whether that’s turning into an angel with giant wings or jumping into a snow globe.

It’s your call on whether to hang local or pack the family or friends in the car and head to every destination on the map.

The trail and other activities in Armstrong Creek and our ward will encourage more people to the area, who might then pop into our shops and cafes and make a purchase.

I’m sure local businesses will appreciate the leg up.

We’re hoping that the program will provide a bit of a boost to the spirits that many of us need and light up the kids’ faces.

And of course, there’s plenty happening across Central Geelong, with the Floating Christmas Tree already in Corio Bay for an earlier than usual arrival.

Local business Total Events is putting the finishing touches on the new sound and light show.

A sneak peek video on the ‘Geelong Mayor’ Facebook page of the testing the team has been doing is sure to give you a little jolt of excitement, as it did for me.

A giant Christmas tree has also been rolled out on the wall of the Civic Car Park opposite City Hall.

We’ll of course have the traditional projections at City Hall, festive street entertainment, Santa’s Letterbox and the creatively decorated Christmas Trees in Johnstone Park – thanks to the work of local school kids.

Prior to COVID-19, our Christmas program generated an estimated $18.5 million in economic activity for the region and attracted more than 330,000 visitors. In fact, the floating tree alone brought in 193,000 visitors.

There really is a lot to look forward to when it comes to Christmas – plenty of activities for people of all ages and a welcome boost for our local economy.

Last month, I went down to Mount Duneed to meet with the local men’s shed (formerly the Grovedale Men’s Shed). We had a look at the site of what will become a new community shed and their new home at Sovereign Drive Sporting Reserve.

The group of around 30 members has moved around over the years in search of a permanent location.

Members are eagerly awaiting the community shed, which is now under construction thanks to a council budget allocation of $595,000.

Men’s sheds do an incredible job of bringing men together to work on community projects and to have frank and personal discussions about men’s health, while developing new skills and friendships.

I look forward to seeing the Mt Duneed Men’s Shed get on the tools in their new home early next year and the wonderful creations and projects they’ll work on together.

Cr Ron Nelson