I’M incredibly proud of local community groups and grassroots projects making a positive impact in Geelong’s eastern suburbs.<\/p>\n
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing up close many of these organisations dedicated to serving our community, particularly our residents most in need of support.<\/p>\n
The need is certainly there. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Whittington is one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas in Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
It’s great to meet with many volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver projects that directly help local families doing it tough.<\/p>\n
A shining example of this is Whittington Neighbourhood House, which conducts a wide range of programs that help local residents.<\/p>\n
One program that stands out for me is its food security program, bringing people together through cooking, gardening and collaborative workshops.<\/p>\n
By cooking and sharing meals together, participants build meaningful relationships, reduce isolation and support positive health outcomes.<\/p>\n
Through this program, the Neighbourhood House runs a highly successful foodbank, open to the public every Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
Residents of 3219 can drop in to collect a range of fresh produce and pantry items, ensuring the most vulnerable people in our community have access to healthy and nutritious food, and nobody gets turned away.<\/p>\n
In the last financial year, the foodbank served an impressive 7,240 meals to nearly 4,000 participants, a massive achievement that cannot be understated.<\/p>\n
Whittington Neighbourhood House is also proud to promote nutrition and the importance of fresh produce through its community garden at Grinter Reserve.<\/p>\n
The produce harvested goes directly to the facility’s kitchen for cooking workshops, drawing a tangible link between gardening and a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n
A similar gardening initiative at Whittington Primary School has proven to be a tremendous success with our young people.<\/p>\n
The school recently partnered with Geelong Botanic Gardens, providing students a valuable opportunity to take their learning outdoors to explore healthy living, food value and sustainable choices.<\/p>\n
Year 3 and 4 students participated in a hands-on program maintaining sections of the vegetable garden on-site in East Geelong.<\/p>\n
The partnership offered a fantastic opportunity for our local students to get out of the classroom, connect with nature and learn how to care for it.<\/p>\n
It focused on enhancing students’ access to food literacy and sustainability education, community engagement and creating new pathways for nature-based learning.<\/p>\n
Importantly, participants in the program were motivated to come to school, with teachers reporting an increase in student attendance on programmed days.<\/p>\n
It’s a stellar example of how innovative learning can make a positive impact while teaching life-long, practical skills.<\/p>\n
Programs like this also help our youngest residents gain confidence and a stronger sense of connection to their community.<\/p>\n
I am pleased to hear that, following the success of this program, the City and the Geelong Botanic Gardens team are looking at more opportunities to partner with local schools and diverse community groups to take part in similar programs.<\/p>\n
I look forward to seeing more exciting initiatives like this taking root in eastern Geelong.<\/p>\n
Cr Melissa Cadwell<\/p>\n
Cheetham Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I’M incredibly proud of local community groups and grassroots projects making a positive impact in Geelong’s eastern suburbs. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing up close many of these organisations dedicated to serving our community, particularly our residents most in need of support. The need is certainly there. According to data from the Australian Bureau […]<\/p>\n