Exciting times ahead for region

TWO things have made me particularly excited in the past fortnight: the arrival of our magnificent floating Christmas tree on Corio Bay, and news that The Killers, one of the world’s best live bands, will be playing at Mount Duneed in 2022.

These two events are emblematic of the positive and exciting time Greater Geelong is now entering: we are opening up, live music is returning, and Christmas is just around the corner.

The floating tree is the undisputed highlight of council’s extensive program of Christmas attractions.

This year, we arranged to have it towed into Steampacket Quay a little earlier than usual, in an attempt to lift morale coming out of lockdown and encourage people back into central Geelong.

Normally assembled at the port, for the first time it was put together and tested after being moved into place.

It is now lighting up with an amazing sound and light show from 8.30pm each evening.

The lighting sequence is accompanied by classic Christmas soundtracks and runs every 15 minutes, lasting for six minutes.

I encourage you to come in and experience it at least once. It’s brilliant free, family-friendly entertainment.

For those wanting to see the tree from the comfort of home, it is live streamed at geelongchristmastree.com – an interactive website that even lets you change the lights and colours in between each show.

Alongside the tree, the Christmas projections on City Hall are as spectacular, colourful and clever as ever.

These animated light shows have been created by talented artists Alex Evans, Matt Bonner and Olaf Meyer.

As with the tree, City Hall will be lighting up every night from 8.30pm.

And at the Moorabool-Malop street intersection, our Catanery Star is also shining brightly each night.

It will be accompanied by around 90 banners and 150 stars across the region, giving Greater Geelong a true festive feel and helping us live up to our reputation as the Christmas Capital.

We’ll also have the traditional schools Christmas trees (decorated by students) in Johnstone Park, and a Giant Selfie Trail – taking you on a journey to 22 different Christmas artworks or attractions region-wide.

To see the full program, please visit geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas.

By investing in such an extensive Christmas program, the council aims to create economic benefit for the region by helping to generate spending in local hospitality venues and retail stores.

Retail outlets can make as much as two thirds of their yearly profit in the lead-up to Christmas, and this year more than ever it’s important that we support them however we can to have a successful period.

As chair of the council’s recently formed Arts, Live Entertainment and Hospitality portfolio, I’m also incredibly excited about the announcement that The Killers are coming to town next year to headline A Day on the Green.

I hope this will be the first of many major announcements like this as our region re-opens and we can hold major events once again.

The council is working hard to support the regeneration of our music scene and of live music.

We are running an expansive program of roving music and live entertainment at key precincts around the region until December 31, including at the Geelong Waterfront, Pako Street, Highton and Belmont.

Our live music program in Little Malop Central is also continuing every weekday from midday until 2pm, featuring a range of local musicians and bands.

Next year we’ll be introducing the Surround Sounds – Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival.

Running from April 14 to May 8, it will feature concerts, workshops, multi-arts collaborations, and exclusive events.

It’ll be designed to cater for a wide range of music styles and interests, and will feature gigs in both established venues and new ‘secluded’ locations.

An Expressions of Interest process is open at the moment for anyone wishing to host or stage an event – please visit geelongaustralia.com.au/arts.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, December 7.

As always, if there are any issue you’d like to discuss, please get in touch: 0455 532 006 or [email protected].

Best wishes to everyone and here’s to an enjoyable and successful beginning to summer.

Cr Eddy Kontelj