Marles to speak at coming Real Deal forum

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles has been included in the lineup of the next event to be held by the Real Deal Geelong Alliance.

To be held on Thursday, October 31, the Real Deal Geelong Action Forum will bring together community members, local leaders and members of the alliance to focus on the key issues of secure housing, meaningful work and the cost of living in the face of climate change.

Formed in mid-2021, the alliance has been meeting with local researchers, community leaders and experts to determine the best methods for the community of Geelong to move forward in a fairer way.

Norlane Community Centre chief executive officer and organiser Esther Koning-Oakes said next week’s event was a rare opportunity to directly engage with Mr Marles and seek real commitment to addressing concerns.

“This is a chance for community members to hear directly from the deputy PM and his responses to questions we’ll ask him about the most pressing issues our consultation has highlighted,” she said.

“Secure housing, creating and accessing meaningful work and addressing cost of living issues such as energy bills are at the top of the agenda. Our Real Deal Geelong Alliance has researched and endorsed a number of solutions that we believe will make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We hope that we can secure Mr Marles’s support for these solutions and to see a diversity of people attending from across the membership of our alliance and beyond.”

Ms Koning-Oakes said the issues were becoming more urgent as Greater Geelong underwent a climate and energy transition.

She said the forum was a chance for Geelong residents to stand in solidarity with neighbours and civil society groups, including faith organisations, unions and community bodies, to make their voices heard.

The Real Deal Geelong Action Forum will be held at North Shore Football Club, 39 Rose Avenue, Norlane, from 5.45pm until 7.30pm.

Registration is essential by noon on Monday October 29 at events.humanitix.com/real-deal-geelong-alliance-action-forum.

Registrants’ names will be shared with security as part of normal security protocols for the Deputy Prime Minister.

Photo identification will be required at the door.

For more information on Real Deal Geelong, head to arealdeal.org/geelong.