Geelong projects reach international audience

TWO Geelong design projects are on show in France and Portugal, showcasing local innovation and creativity on the world stage.

The Dell Eco Reef, an artificial reef structure developed to combat coastal erosion and habitat loss, is being exhibited at the Trienal de Design de Covilhã in Portugal.

In France, Perpetual Pigments – a research project exploring pigment extraction from textile waste – is featured at the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne 2025.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said both projects demonstrated how local designers were tackling environmental and social challenges.

“The Dell Eco Reef and Perpetual Pigments projects are outstanding examples of how Geelong designers are using creativity to address environmental and social challenges,” he said.

“Exhibiting in Portugal and France places Geelong on the world stage, forging global connections and creating new pathways for collaboration, investment and shared learning.”

The Dell Eco Reef was created by Australian designer Alex Goad in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong and trialled at Clifton Springs using modular, marine-friendly structures to support biodiversity and environmental restoration.

Perpetual Pigments was developed by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials with support from Sustainability Victoria. The project extracts colour from discarded textiles to produce micropigments for use in art, fashion and design.

Environment and Circular Economy chair Cr Elise Wilkinson said the projects reflected Geelong’s status as a UNESCO City of Design.

“Together, these international exhibitions strengthen ties with other UNESCO Creative Cities and demonstrate Geelong’s ongoing commitment to innovation-led economic development, cultural diplomacy and global design leadership,” she said.