Looking back on 2023

IT HAS been another big year for Geelong, although, not as successful as 2022 for the Cats.

At the City we have seen a lot of change, with a new chief executive coming on board, and three new Councillors beginning.

One of those Councillors is Sarah Hathway, who joined me after a count back in the Windermere Ward following the decision of my former colleague and now friend Kylie Grzybek to stand down.

I have written about Kylie before, but she did outstanding work in our community in her nearly six years of service.

The Windermere Ward has seen some wonderful initiatives completed in 2023, including the beautification of Labuan Square and major works on sporting facilities such as Anakie Reserve, Shell Oval and Lara Sports Precinct.

Council contributed $405,000 to the Labuan Square project and with the help of an additional $326,000 from the Victorian Government it has transformed this space into a welcoming and accessible area for people to gather.

It now stands as a real community asset for Norlane.

The $2.85 million upgrade to the Anakie Recreation Reserve was also opened this year.

This followed the completion of stand-alone change rooms in 2017.

The new facility includes a large club and social room, a kitchen, gym, cool room, unisex accessible amenities, a timekeepers’ space and administration office, and was funded entirely by Council.

A great flow-on effect of this has been the addition of Friday night community meals in the new space, which the people of Anakie are loving.

The redevelopment of the Shell Reserve changerooms to feature modern, gender-neutral and accessible facilities will support future participation growth in football, netball, and cricket at Corio Community Sports Club – go the Devils.

Council provided $3.081 million towards the redevelopment of this facility, while the Victorian Government contributed $500,000.

We also opened the long waited new home for tennis and the first home for netball in Lara with a $2.75 million pavilion and courts.

Council contributed $2.35m and to this project, and was grateful for the $400,000 from the state government.

So 2023 was a great year for community investment in our north but I am really looking forward to 2024.

A project that I have championed with all my heart and passion from day one, the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, will open in February.

The delivery of this facility will mark one of the proudest moments in our municipality’s history.

It cannot be overstated how significant this project is, which is reflected by the fact the total spend of $65.6 million is unprecedented in the northern suburbs of Geelong – I hope you love it as much I do.

At our most recent Council meeting we approved the release of four shortlisted permanent names for community consultation for this new facility: Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre (or Complex), and Aquatic Centre (or Complex) of Norlane.

These options were put forward following discussions with the Community Liaison Reference Group, that has helped guide the development of the facility.

Keep an eye out and put forward your views.

Finally I would like to thank Mayor Sullivan for his leadership and support to me as Deputy Mayor during 2023.

I also acknowledge my fellow councillors for their guidance and commitment to help me and the community from the northern suburbs of Geelong.

2023 has also been the first 12 months working with new state member for Lara Ella George MP.

Ella and I quickly formed a strong working relationship and partnership which benefits our community and continues the success I had with her predecessor John Eren.

I wish to also thank all the City of Greater Geelong employees past and present from 2023 who have worked tirelessly to help make Geelong Australia’s best regional city.

To you the reader and our community, please stay safe, have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and thank you for all your contact in 2023.

I look forward to a big 2024.

Cr Anthony Aitken

Deputy Mayor, City of Greater Geelong