Project to bring bollards to life in augmented reality

GEELONG’S bollards will come to life in augmented reality through funding from the state government.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren visited the Geelong waterfront last week to announce Geelong and the Bellarine had received a grant for the Say Hello to the Geelong Bollards project through the $2 million Regional Events and Innovation Fund.

Created by artist Jan Mitchell in 1999, the 103 bollards carved from pier pylons are located around Corio Bay.

The painted figures represent a range of local characters from the original indigenous inhabitants to explorers, opera singers and life savers, with each telling the story of a historic local event.

This project will use augmented reality to animate the bollards and bring to life their stories.

Visitors will be able to use their smartphones to watch animated content of the bollards as they walk around the bay.

Labor’s $2 million Regional Events and Innovation Fund adds to the $20 million Regional Events Fund, which has helped deliver more than 180 local events throughout regional Victoria.

For nearly two decades Geelong’s bollards have been a key tourist attraction for the region, which welcomed 5.1 million total visitors who spent an estimated $936 million in the 12 months to March.

“Geelong and the Bellarine offer so much to see and do,” Mr Eren said.

“This project will give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore the area and learn more about the local history.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the project would breathe new life into the already popular Baywalk Bollards, attracting a new generation of visitors to the region and reminding people to take a second look at a beloved local attraction.