pixeld – Northerly Aspects

Reduce your risk of falling victim

The following information was provided by Victoria Police …
Latest statewide police intelligence indicates that as many as 65 per cent of all aggravated
burglaries in key hotspots are through unlocked doors or windows. Police implore the
community to take simple steps to dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to a home
break-in.
This includes locking doors, internal and external garage doors, windows, gates, sheds, pet
doors, skylights and other access point, and your mailbox. Further steps include removing
any spare keys hidden outside your home. Do not leave keys in window locks.
Install deadlocks on all external doors and windows. Remember to unlock the deadlock
when you are inside, so you can get out if there is a fire. Install a security screen door,
monitored alarm system, cameras, and sensor lighting.
A full list of burglary prevention measures can be found on the Victoria Police website:
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-home-burglaries.
Car thefts:
We know the vast majority of car thefts and break-ins occur through opportunity, so if there’s
less opportunity for an offender to commit a crime, it’s less likely to occur. Offenders tell us
that they actively target and seek unlocked vehicles.
There are simple measures people can take to prevent opportunistic thefts. That includes
always locking your vehicle, especially at nighttime, even if it’s in a secure driveway.
Get in the habit of physically checking it’s locked even if parking at home or leaving your car
for a moment. Always remove items from plain sight.
Even having coins in your console can attract a thief. Too many times we see people lose
valuable items like laptops, phones and handbags. If you’re a tradie carrying tools – always
remove them and bring them inside. Tools are the second most common item stolen from
cars.
Car owners are also encouraged to install anti-theft measures such as on-board diagnostic
port locks. These devices significantly decrease the effectiveness of key mimicking tools.
A full list of anti-theft measures can be found on the Victoria Police website:
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-motor-vehicle-theft.
Reporting crime:
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
For non-urgent reports, such as stolen or lost property, call the Police Assistance Line on
131-444 or visit https://onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au/.

To submit anonymous information or suspicious behaviour call Crime Stoppers on 1800-
333-000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Stay informed about refinery

Viva Energy has created an easy way for the community to receive important alerts if there’s
activity at the Geelong Refinery that might look or sound different to usual, or to provide
initial information if a Refinery alarm sounds.
To start receiving these alerts, simply email a request to join the Refinery Alert Service to
[email protected] to receive alerts via SMS.
Viva Energy will only ask for your mobile number, email address, and suburb. Your
information will only be used to keep you informed about the Geelong Refinery.
The refinery’s safety alarm system is intended for on-site personnel only. If a siren sounds, it
does not mean the community needs to take action.
The safety alarm sirens are tested every Tuesday at 9am. A minor alarm is a one-minute
sound that is a flat, even noise. A major alarm it is a one-minute sound that rises and falls.
The all-clear alarm sounds for 15 seconds and is a flat, even noise.

If you hear a siren at any other time and want to find out more, call 1800-651-818.

Supporting families to feel safe

A new program is supporting people in the Geelong region who are experiencing family
violence. Safe at Home aims to help before the situation reaches crisis point.
Family violence is common, but often not spoken about. It’s not just physical violence. It can
show up as anger, verbal abuse, threats, fear, or controlling behaviours – such as limiting
access to money, isolating someone from others, or dictating what they do.
Safe at Home aims to intervene much earlier, to keep people safe and prevent the violence
from escalating to a point where homelessness becomes a risk.
“It’s important to know the signs of family violence and act early, before it reaches crisis
point,” said Poppy Bottrell, Team Leader of the program.
“We want people in Geelong and Barwon region to know that if they are experiencing early
signs of family violence, Safe at Home can support them in many ways. It’s so important to
reach out early because help is available.”
What makes Safe at Home unique is it’s a whole-of-household approach. The program
offers up to two years of tailored support, helping each family member set and achieve goals
across all areas of life. This includes safety planning, legal, financial and employment
assistance, home security upgrades and alternative accommodation if needed.
To find out more or have a confidential chat with a Safe at Home team member, visit
www.safeathome.org.au and fill out a contact form, or phone 5246-7599.

New bus service to help local workers

Real Deal Geelong Alliance is pleased that the State Government has announced that a new
seven day a week bus service between Lara Station and the Avalon Airport and employment
precinct will be established soon.
The Alliance has been campaigning to see this service established for two years because it
is critical that local workers are able to access local work in Geelong. Local workers using
public transport to access the precinct have been paying up to $60 a day in taxi fares to
make the connection between Lara and Avalon employment precinct.
More than 400 locals signed the Alliance’s petition to the Minister for Transport regarding the
issue, including many Lara and northern suburbs residents who were very familiar with the
access/cost issue.
“We have raised the issue at local, state and federal government levels and within the
community via our Alliance given its critical impact upon workers and potential workers to
access employment nearby and reduce the cost of accessing jobs to them,” the Alliance’s
Community Organiser, Sally Fisher said.
“We are very glad to see the State Government respond to our call for better public transport
to the site, this will make a big difference for a lot of people and help more people access
jobs in Geelong.

“This result shows how our community can win solutions to problems we are facing by
advocating together for just outcomes which benefit everyone. Thank you to those who
supported our advocacy and the State Government for responding.”

Animal lovers with real impact

A Geelong region charity that helps people keep their pets in times of need is having a
positive impact. Don’t Forget My Pet founder Alysha said the charity believes that no one
should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their beloved pet.
Since March 2024 it has provided 30,020 pet meals, helped with veterinary care for 26 pets
and companion animals in its care, provided safety net fostering and in home services for 40
people and their 51 pets, and diverted 4.8 tonnes of pet food from landfill.
“Our services provide practical, compassionate support to help keep people and their
animals together, even through life’s toughest moments,” Alysha said.

One of the organisation’s volunteers is Corio resident Mel, who Alysha describes as “a
bright, compassionate soul whose kindness and commitment have touched countless lives,
both human and furry”.
Mel first reached out to Don’t Forget My Pet in April 2024 when she needed help with a
family pet, Teddy, after life had thrown some unimaginable challenges her family’s way.
Alysha didn’t just offer food for Teddy; she offered hope.
Alysha walked alongside Mel and her daughter every step of the way, providing training
support, emotional support, and reassuring them that they weren’t alone.
Mel saw first-hand what Don’t Forget My Pet stood for – genuine, personal care for both
people and their pets – and she knew she had to be part of it. Not long after, the team
needed safety-net foster care for a 17-year-old cat, Sebastian, whose owner was moving
into aged care.
“Mel was the perfect person to offer safety-net foster care – calm, patient, and deeply
compassionate,” Alysha said. “When Sebastian came into care, he was frail, underweight,
and missing his mum terribly. But with Mel’s love, care, and gentle persistence, he began to
recover.
“Today, Mel is one of the most instrumental people in the organisation. She designs and
creates uniforms, attends every event, and is a constant source of positivity and strength
during the hard times.
“There are so many ways to get involved, from volunteering or fostering, to donating pet food
or funds to help families and their furry friends stay together during tough times.”
To learn more or donate go to www.dontforgetmypet.org.au.

Drivers in the north can help learners

Geelong’s L2P Program is on the hunt for fully licensed drivers aged over 21 to volunteer to
support young learner drivers as they work towards achieving their P plates.
The program has a volunteer shortfall from Corio, Norlane, Lara and North Geelong,
meaning local learner drivers are waiting up to six months longer than those in other suburbs
to gain experience behind the wheel.
Volunteer mentors are integral to supporting young people to drive safely and achieve their P
plates when they don’t have access to a supervising driver or vehicle. Driver mentors receive
a full day of training from the Department of Transport and Planning.
In 2024-25, 110 volunteers across Greater Geelong contributed to 76 drivers passing their
probationary licence test. A total of 621 local drivers have become P-platers in the program’s
16 years of operation.
Driver mentor Sylvia Brown said she became a mentor in a time in her life where she
needed to have purpose again.
“That has definitely happened. Like in most things, when you invest your time and efforts into
something you believe in, the rewards are tenfold,” Sylvia said.
“I have always enjoyed spending time with youth but being able to help them in a more
tangible way and see the benefits of their learning and the development of their skills in
driving is so rewarding.
“It’s easy to fit into your life but you do need to be committed to allowing enough time for a
drive session each week and to see a young person through to the achievement of their
licence.”
The L2P program is funded by the TAC, administered by DTP, and coordinated by the City of
Greater Geelong. Community Bank – Lara District proudly sponsors our two vehicles in
Corio.
To express interest in volunteering for the program, email [email protected].

Sport is teaching life skills too

Northern Bay College is celebrating the success of its SEED (Sports, Empowerment,
Education, Development) program which now has almost every student at the school
participating in some way.
SEED manager Steve ‘Stoofa’ Lewry said the program is about teaching students the skills
that they can use in every part of their life and when they leave the college.
“They are the skills that they can take with them,” he said. “We teach them about
accountability, resilience, respect, and we teach them with sport. We have specialised
coaches that come in and train the kids and get the best out of themselves.SEED provides
access to baseball, softball, netball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, AFL, netball.
“At the moment is we’re working on a working on specialist academy for volleyball and
badminton. So that would be an extended program for students who are good at those
sports.
“We have some very talented students. We’ll have professional coaches and will run after
school. Our Sports Co-ordinator Ben Lowery is doing a lot of work on growing the specialist
program opportunities.”
In addition to SEED, a SEEDLINGS program has been created for Year 5 and 6 students
under the guidance of Gordana Krsul to experience a ‘taste’ of all the sports they’ll
participate in when they get to senior school.
“Every Friday, all the junior campuses come together for a transition program,” Stoofa said.
“The rules have same concept as ABC – attendance, behaviour, character. It’s been great for
students know what the SEED program is as early as Year 5 and 6 and has increased
students attending SEED in senior years.”
Northern Bay College has achieved some outstanding results in volleyball, badminton,
soccer while interest in cricket and golf is growing. A new golf complex was recently
completed and is used by up to 50 students each lunch time.
On an individual level, SEED is also achieving and has employed about 13 former students
to work as coaches in the program. Jessie Blackney, a former student, worked as a trainee
after finishing school and is now studying teaching. Another is Jack Hall who has done well
in football and Lauren Kelly, who is excelling in cricket.  
Stoofa is confident the future of the program is bright. “I hope that when I’m finished at the
college there will be a succession plan. Someone will sit in this seat, and they’ll be able to
continue what I do and what Ben does.”
Term 4 events for SEED participants include a soccer friendly, and resumption of the track
club and fit club, including about 23 students competing in the Essendon Gift.

A place for families to connect

Families are invited to connect with the Northern Bay College Community Hub, which is
located at the Family Learning Centre, Goldsworthy Road campus.
Community Hubs are welcoming places where families from diverse backgrounds,
particularly mothers with pre-school children, come to connect, share and learn.
The Community Hub offers a variety of activities and information sessions connecting
women and their children with each other, their school, and the wider community.
Activities include:
Monday, 9am-10.30am: Chat and sew – bring along a sewing project or start a new creation.
Monday, 11am-noon: Women’s yoga.
Monday, 2pm-3pm: Free toy library.
Tuesday, 10am-11.30am: English classes (pre-beginner and conversational English).
Tuesday, 11.30am-noon: Book Bag Program.
Tuesday, Noon-1.30pm: English classes (beginner to intermediate).
Thursday, 9.30am-11.30am: English class (AMEP, pre-beginner).
Thursday, Noon-2pm: English class (AMEP, beginner to intermediate).
Friday. 9.30am-11am: Multicultural playgroup.
Friday, 11am-noon: Free toy library.
All activities are free and children are welcome.
Narelle said volunteers are needed to help run the toy library. The Hub also hosts Services
Australia drop-in sessions covering different topics.
The Northern Bay College Community Hub is at Gate 6, 3-25 Goldsworthy Road, Corio.
For more information contact Narelle Smith-Haslett, phone 0483-385-376 or email
[email protected]

New era for Douro Street centre

The City of Greater Geelong has announced that the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre
and Transfer Station (GRRC) in Douro Street will be transformed into a brand-new, state-of-
the-art facility, designed to meet the region’s needs over the coming decades.
The former GRRC, which was initially built in the 1970s, has been closed to the public since
March this year. After careful consideration and expert analysis, it was determined that the
best course of action was to invest in a new, purpose-built facility designed with best
practices in mind, given that fixes to the current structure would be costly and short-term in
nature.
The announcement brings forward existing plans for the future of the centre, and funding
was already allocated in the City’s budget for a new facility.
While construction of the new GRRC is underway over the coming years, a temporary site
will open near Douro Street from late September for drop-offs. Operated by GDP Industries,
the pop-up site will initially accept cardboard, polystyrene, e-waste, gas bottles, car and truck
batteries (wet cell), which were the most common items received at the former GRRC.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said this was a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to upgrade recycling in the region.
“The former Douro Street facility was never purpose-built as a recycling centre back in the
1970s,” Cr Kontelj said. “It’s clear that over the past 50 years, construction, recycling and
resource recovery have come a long way.

“While plans were already underway for a new centre to replace the Douro Street facility as
it reached the end of its life, these plans can now be brought forward to build the world-class
facility that Greater Geelong deserves. This is a big project, and it will take time, but we
know it’s absolutely going to be worth it when the new GRRC opens.”

Clothing help launches in Geelong

Thread Together has launched a new mobile wardrobe service to provide brand new clothing
to people doing it tough across the greater Geelong region.
The launch, held at Cloverdale Community Centre, celebrated the Geelong Community
Foundation 25-year anniversary grant that enabled expansion of the service to Geelong.
Using data insights, Thread Together identified Geelong as a region with high levels of need
but limited access to new clothing support. Over the past 12 months, Thread Together has
taken steps to address this by:

Onboarding a network of 47 local community agencies.
Strengthening relationships with community leaders and foundations.
Facilitating access to brand new quality clothing for 2500 Geelong residents experiencing disadvantage.

Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler said: “For individuals and families facing financial
hardship, domestic violence, or homelessness, access to essential clothing is often an
unmet need and one that directly impacts confidence, dignity and well-being.
“This grant from Geelong Community Foundation will allow Thread Together to respond to
this urgent gap with a scalable, community led solution via the launch of a dedicated Mobile
Wardrobe in Geelong that ensures no one goes without.
“The mobile wardrobe launch in July marks a major step forward in delivering practical,
dignified support to Geelong’s most vulnerable residents. This is a story of local giving
creating real, measurable change.”
Thread Together partners who share its beliefs contribute their time, expertise, networks and
funds. The generosity of supporters enables the charity to continue to save new clothing
from landfill and to clothe individuals, families and communities in need.
The Thread Together services are accessed via registered charities. Individuals in need of
clothing, will need to contact their case worker and ask them to sign up with Thread Together
(if they are not already signed up).