Humbled, thrilled and ready to serve as your Deputy Mayor

I AM THRILLED to be writing my first column to you in my new position as Deputy Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong.

I am humbled by the trust this Council has placed in me, and I am excited by the prospect of all we can achieve together over the next two years.

I offer my sincere congratulations to our new Mayor, Trent Sullivan.

I very much look forward to supporting Mayor Sullivan and the rest of our councillors to be a highly successful Council that represents the wishes of the entire Greater Geelong community we serve.

I was born and bred in Corio. I am a fervent supporter of the northern suburbs, and I plan to use my role to champion the challenges and successes of my fellow community members.

Many people also do not know I am a person living with a disability.

I am deaf, and with the incredible Australian invention of a cochlear implant which I am a recipient of, I am able to hear and lead what most would call a normal life.

The Northern suburbs of Geelong are an incredible place to live, we have a strong community with heart, and we’ve always embraced multiculturalism and support for others; however, our challenges are well-documented.

According to ABS Census data from 2021, Corio’s median weekly income was $1,115 compared to $1,625 for the wider Greater Geelong region.

Also, Corio’s unemployment rate (while trending down almost 4% since the 2016 census) was 8.6% compared to 4.4% for the Greater Geelong region, so double the Geelong average.

Despite our challenges, my northern suburbs friends have much to be proud of.

The north Geelong growth corridor is rapidly expanding, and there is unprecedented investment in the area.

Thousands of visitors are accessing the northern suburbs daily via the Spirit of Tasmania’s hub in Corio Quay.

The Spirit’s relocation offers myriad opportunities in the tourism, hospitality, freight and agribusiness sectors.

Construction on our landmark community facility ­- the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) – is well underway.

Once completed, NACH will be a first-class facility that will address significant health issues of our northern residents through aquatic, wellbeing and community services and experiences.

The project is anticipated to result in $111 million worth of preventative health benefits during its first ten years of operation.

The Council felt so strongly about this project that we provided the majority of funding ($44.84 million) to get this off the ground, supported by funding from the Victorian and Australian governments.

Building work on a new $3.5 million changeroom development at Shell Reserve in Corio is scheduled to be completed in February 2023.

The project will provide members and players of the Corio Sports Club and Corio Cricket Club with a modern, accessible space to support their current operations and future participation growth.

Stage One of the Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan is scheduled to be completed in January 2023 and includes the construction of a new multi-use pavilion for netball and tennis clubs.

The second stage of the master plan, focusing on the baseball precinct, will follow later in 2023.

Our Council continues to lobby other levels of government for stage three of the master plan, which proposes the Lara Tan walking / running tracks.

We’re also seeking funding and support for:

• Upgraded facilities at Windsor Reserve and Norlane Community Centre
• A public transport connection from Lara Station to Avalon Airport
• A new Lara Early Years, Library and Community Hub, and
• The delivery of the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary Precinct Masterplan.

The northern suburbs haven’t produced too many leaders over the last 25 years, but I hope my elevation to the Deputy Mayor’s position proves inspiring for my community.

I hope to also show people living with a disability that they, too, can reach leadership positions and make Geelong a better place.

As always, if there is an issue you’d like to discuss, please get in touch. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 0434 307 044.

Cr Anthony Aitken,

Windermere Ward