2026. HOW did that happen already?! I hope you’ve had a chance to slow down, relax and reflect over the break.<\/p>\n
Last year marked my first year as a City of Greater Geelong Councillor, and it really felt like hitting the ground running. Working alongside you all, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time.<\/p>\n
One of the most enjoyable and important parts of being a councillor is listening and learning from the community.<\/p>\n
I’ve really loved getting out and meeting you all at my monthly Meet Your Councillor sessions at Armstrong Creek East Community Hub, Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library and Belmont Library, and I look forward to continuing these in 2026.<\/p>\n
I have spoken to members of the community on a range of issues including aged care, community gardens, Marshall’s bluestone cottage, roadworks and rates.<\/p>\n
These conversations have given me valuable insights into what our residents care about and what affects them the most and have shaped how I go about my role as a councillor.<\/p>\n
The Armstrong Creek Road Works Community Forum in June provided another key opportunity to listen to my fellow residents and their concerns. This was set up in response to feedback that more information about upcoming works was needed in our rapidly growing community.<\/p>\n
The forum was an avenue for residents ask questions, learn more about the planning behind the works and find out more about key works in their area.<\/p>\n
The City always strives to sequence these works to minimise disruption, working closely with developers and state roadworks to do this. We’re always looking for ways to improve how we do this and how we communicate with residents.<\/p>\n
We also had plenty to celebrate in our growing community, with the City breaking ground on new community centres and kindergartens.<\/p>\n
Using locally built modular buildings, the Biyala Community Hub on Warralilly Blvd is set to open this month, providing 99 extra kindergarten places.<\/p>\n
More than 10 per cent of residents in Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed are babies or preschoolers, nearly twice the Greater Geelong average.<\/p>\n
And we estimate the area will become home to another 410 children under four years old this year, so its vital we and all levels of government continue to invest in these services.<\/p>\n
I was also delighted lead the unanimous endorsement of the City of Greater Geelong’s first Rainbow Action Plan in August.<\/p>\n
In Greater Geelong, at least 9.6 per cent of adults identify as LGBTQIA+ and face unique challenges and barriers that are often overlooked by general policy and inclusion efforts.<\/p>\n
The Rainbow Action Plan 2025-29 sends a strong message of support to this community, and outlines plans to create a fairer and more inclusive Greater Geelong for all.<\/p>\n
Homelessness continues to be a key issue in our region, and we all have a role to play in solving this complex problem.<\/p>\n
Which is why I was proud in last November’s council meeting to propose an alternative motion to retain land at Dean Street, Belmont, for split usage as both social housing and open space.<\/p>\n
Council supported this, instead of selling the land, responding to local residents’ calls to keep the land as an open space while also providing opportunities for social housing for our most vulnerable community members.<\/p>\n
As we begin the new year, I want to thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to represent our community. I can’t wait to see you all and continue our momentum in 2026!<\/p>\n
Cr Emma Sinclair<\/p>\n
Charlemont Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
2026. HOW did that happen already?! I hope you’ve had a chance to slow down, relax and reflect over the break. Last year marked my first year as a City of Greater Geelong Councillor, and it really felt like hitting the ground running. Working alongside you all, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in […]<\/p>\n