I AM THRILLED to be writing my first column to you in my new position as Deputy Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I offer my sincere congratulations to our new Mayor, Trent Sullivan.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Many people also do not know I am a person living with a disability.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Despite our challenges, my northern suburbs friends have much to be proud of.<\/p>\n
The north Geelong growth corridor is rapidly expanding, and there is unprecedented investment in the area.<\/p>\n
Thousands of visitors are accessing the northern suburbs daily via the Spirit of Tasmania’s hub in Corio Quay.<\/p>\n
The Spirit’s relocation offers myriad opportunities in the tourism, hospitality, freight and agribusiness sectors.<\/p>\n
Construction on our landmark community facility \u00ad- the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) – is well underway.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The project is anticipated to result in $111 million worth of preventative health benefits during its first ten years of operation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Building work on a new $3.5 million changeroom development at Shell Reserve in Corio is scheduled to be completed in February 2023.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The second stage of the master plan, focusing on the baseball precinct, will follow later in 2023.<\/p>\n
Our Council continues to lobby other levels of government for stage three of the master plan, which proposes the Lara Tan walking \/ running tracks.<\/p>\n
We’re also seeking funding and support for:<\/p>\n