Meet some of Geelong’s wonderful humans

THE varied and remarkable human face of Geelong is about to be showcased in all its glory at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus.
From Bollywood and Salsa dancing to Medimime, from Piano Bar to mediaeval crusaders, the Humans in Geelong Expo will be a colourful pantheon of the city’s human resources, assets, changemakers and talents.

Songwriters, pet lovers, wild drummers, artists, authors, social entrepreneurs, community groups – all up, 50 exhibitors, 12 thought-provoking speakers and another 12 uplifting culturally diverse performances.

On top of that, the Humans in Geelong Expo will have free face-painting, henna, apples, the Geelong Crusaders, the CRAG (Combined Refugee Action Group) conversation tent, the Orange Sky Laundry van and the St Leonards Men’s Shed making free bird-boxes with kids.

“This is going to be another absolutely fabulous event celebrating Geelong’s amazing wealth of human beings,” expo organiser Jacqui Bennett said.

“It’s like a huge party, with everyone welcome and something for everyone.”

She said the chief idea of the event was to inspire, connect, and strengthen the community.

“Chris Lytas is from The Man Walk Geelong. He’ll be talking on making people comfortable with speaking about the uncomfortable and why storytelling is key to normalising the conversation around mental health.

“We also have Cathy Roth talking about PALZ – Professionals with Alzheimer’s – along with Louise Day from Dementia Australia.

“The wonderful Chloe Hayden, aka Princess Aspien, is talking on autism and creating a fairytale within your circumstances, and also helping others to find their happily ever after.

“At 11am hear from the Human Library, made up of refugees and new arrivals. They’ll share their heart-warming experiences.”

Kim Cooper will be the courtyard MC.

“Performances will cover all sorts of music, song and dance – Lithuanian, Bollywood, Wild Moves on the Surfcoast Drumming, Indonesian, With One Voice Choir, GSODA, Rachel Brennan, Macedonian, you name it,” Ms Bennett said.

“And as usual, the Humans in Geelong team will be performing a surprise dance at 1pm and giving out free HuGs once again.”

Humans in Geelong will be held at Deakin’s Waterfront Campus on October 6 from 10am-3pm.

For more information, head to humansingeelong.com/humans-in-geelong-expo-2019.