Share ideas, find the solution

WE CAN achieve amazing things when we share ideas and listen to each other!

Recently, I was thrilled to celebrate the opening of the brand new playground at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park – just in time for the summer holidays.

The playground features a large tower complete with slides, swings, a ninja course and a double flying fox – which Mayor Stretch Kontelj and I were happy to road-test recently.

The new playground is the latest component in the transformation of Aldershot Reserve, which has been nothing short of remarkable.

We’ve also sealed the carpark, resurfaced the basketball half courts, installed new solar lighting bollards and bike-parking hoops, planted trees and built new widened footpaths and a fenced dog park for all our four-legged friends.

And I’m excited for what’s yet to come, with a new public toilet block, seating, public fitness equipment, drinking fountains and a pump track all on the way.

The City has funded $1.5 million of this work, while the Victorian Government contributed $1 million, and the Australian Government contributed almost $1 million to build the fenced dog park.

But the best part is that the local community has played a key role in shaping these upgrades, which will enhance access to free, inclusive physical activity for all ages and abilities in our local neighbourhood.

As a councillor, nothing is more rewarding than being able to help turn our community’s aspirations and vision into a reality.

Meeting local residents face-to-face and listening to your ideas is a crucial step in this process.

That’s why I’ll be attending a ‘Neighbourhood Conversation’ at Whittington Neighbourhood House next Wednesday, December 3.

Neighbourhood Conversations are bi-monthly visits to communities across Geelong, giving residents the chance to chat with councillors about what matters most to them.

I’ll be joined by City staff from 10am to 12pm at next Wednesday’s session, so come along to talk to us about local projects, ask questions and provide feedback.

The City’s Customer Service team will also be on site for you to lodge service requests and to help you with downloading and using the City’s app.

We’ll also discuss our community engagements currently open on the City’s Have Your Say page, including applications for the following Council advisory committees:

· Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee

· LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

· Women in Community Life Advisory Committee

· Environment and Circular Economy Advisory Committee.

I’m proud to be a member of both the LGBTQIA+ and Women in Community Life advisory committees, and I can’t stress enough how important all our committees are in guiding Council to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

If you’d like to make a difference, I encourage you to visit yoursay geelongaustralia.com.au to apply or find out more.

I’m also saying hello to the community tomorrow at Aldershot Reserve, St Albans Park from 10.30am to 12.30pm and next Saturday 6 December at Thomson Reserve, Thomson from 10.30am to12.30pm.

As your Cheetham Ward Councillor, I’m passionate about representing you and ensuring your voice is heard, both on local matters and issues that affect our entire region.

I love connecting with the community, and I hope to see you at next Wednesday’s Neighbourhood Conversation, or one of my Councillor pop-ups.

So stop by, have a chat and let’s work together to find solutions and shape the future of Cheetham Ward and Greater Geelong for us all.

For more information, head to yoursay geelongaustralia.com.au/neighbourhood-conversations