Festivals and fireworks bring fun times to the city

I DON’T know about you but my calendar for December is filling up rapidly with engagements, quite the opposite to my schedule during lockdown.

Mind you, I’ll take being happily busy any day!

There is just so much going at council as the year wraps up so I’ll give you some of the highlights:

Going out with a bang!

What better way to start 2022 on a positive note than fireworks at the Waterfront?

Council has been working hard to make sure this free community event can go ahead after another tough year and similar events being cancelled in other regions.

Like in previous years, there will be two eight-minute shows – one at 9.30pm for the kiddies and the traditional display at midnight.

The event will no doubt encourage the community to make a real night of it by giving our city’s restaurants, bars and music venues a boost after months of lockdown.

With the fireworks being safely discharged from a barge on Corio Bay, there are so many vantage points to choose from.

As always, we ask that revellers please stick to all COVIDSafe directions throughout the night.

Money, money, money …

Now that you’ve got ABBA in your head, I’m excited to announce that the Brownbill Ward has been awarded many thousands of dollars as part of council’s Community Grants program.

This really is the best part of being a councillor, supporting hard working community groups, clubs and organisations funding to put on events, help them buy equipment and get a project off the ground.

One in particular that I’m looking forward to is the Le Festival Français, held by the National Trust Australia – Victoria.

With a $5,000 grant, the festival will bring a celebration of all things French – food, wine, language and culture – to our great city.

Then there’s the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong next year, helped along by a $13,950 allocation.

The biennial event along the Waterfront is always a winner for people of all ages.

I encourage anyone who hasn’t been along before to discover our nation’s rich maritime history, culture and craftsmanship through this festival.

Council’s also supported Greater Geelong Creative with a $10,000 grant to hold four-month, re-enactment style installation at the Old Geelong Gaol.

The historically rich installation will delve into the many fascinating stories and images from the gaol, presented in a new and clever way.

If you think your club might benefit from a grant, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to see what options are available.

COVID-19 support

On top of our usual grants program, council has announced $590,000 in further grants as part of our latest COVID support package.

The extra cash is all about accelerating the recovery of community groups and the arts, culture and heritage sectors as we open back up again.

The package is valued at $2.04 million and also includes an extension in fee and rent relief for sporting and community groups until March next year, totalling $919,000-plus.

We’re also funding tourism marketing campaigns, aimed at encouraging visitors back to the region, including the friends and family of our residents.

Overall, this package builds on the $16.9 million council has provided in previous support packages.

We recognise that recovery doesn’t immediately follow after a lockdown ends; it takes time, community effort and support from all levels of government.

The show goes on

Have you spotted our roving performers at some of Greater Geelong’s dining precincts?

Funded through the Victorian Government, we have musicians, puppets, circus theatre and street performances hitting the pavement to attract more diners and shoppers to our local strips and encourage them to stay longer.

It’s also a great way to support local musicians and artists who have had a rocky 21 months of on-off gigs.

Next Monday the 13th, Possums on the Porch will be playing their brand of country and bluegrass on Pako in Geelong West from 10am to midday.

Or if you’re more into jazz, the Juliarna Clark Trio will be along the same strip from midday on the 15th.

To view the full schedule, head to www.geelongaustralia.com.au/itsourbackyard and click on ‘Entertainment program’.

And finally, wishing everyone a safe and merry Christmas with loved ones.

Cr Peter Murrihy