Category: Community

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.

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.

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).

Brass band is at home in the north

Geelong Memorial Brass Band has found a new home at Cloverdale Community Centre, where members rehearse weekly to prepare to perform at a broad range of community events.

The band is under the musical direction of northern suburbs music teacher Christina Bowden and plays music ranging from 100-year-old traditional pieces to modern classics. 

Band secretary Colin Whitehand said the band provides the music for Anzac Day in the Geelong region and plays other events including Pako Festa, The Festival of Sails at Geelong Yacht Club, community events and nursing homes. Colin said the band recently played a two-hour concert in Portarlington, where its broad range of music was well-received. 

The band is always looking for new members and invites anyone interested to attend rehearsals at Cloverdale Community Centre (167-169 Purnell Road, Corio), held every Wednesday from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

“Instruments and uniforms are supplied and lessons are available to help people learn,” Colin said. “We’re a friendly group and a broad age range and we welcome newcomers.”

Joel’s journey from participant to mentor

At just 19, Joel Smith is already making a meaningful impact in his community.

The Corio local knows how important it is to have positive role models in your life – especially when you’re young and finding your way. For Joel, that guiding presence came through the youth programs at Rosewall Community Centre. Now, he’s paying it forward.

Joel’s story with Rosewall began in early childhood. “I went to playgroup and three-year-old kinder here,” he recalled with a smile. “Even then, it was a place where I felt safe and part of something.” That sense of belonging stuck with him, and years later, he returned as a teenager to join the Rosewall Youth Group.

During his two years as a participant, Joel built friendships, explored creative outlets and received support that helped shape his confidence and outlook. “The mentors I had there made a big difference,” he says. “They gave me someone to talk to and encouraged me to try new things.”

Recently, while undertaking job search activities, Joel reconnected with Rosewall and heard about an opportunity to volunteer with the youth group. He didn’t hesitate. “It’s like a second home to me,” he says. “It really feels like I’ve come home again.”

In his new role, Joel supports the facilitator and acts as a connector for the group. He knows many of the young people from his own time in the program and helps them feel welcome and involved. 

“I encourage them to get into the activities – whether it’s cooking, art, music, or just chatting. I want them to get the same support I did.”

Joel’s journey from participant to peer mentor has been one of growth. Volunteering has strengthened his communication and leadership skills, boosted his self-confidence, and expanded his sense of purpose. “You’re giving back to the community,” he says, “but you’re gaining a lot too.”

Joel is also taking part in other Rosewall programs, including the café skills course, where he’s learning the basics of hospitality. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says. “I’m thinking about looking for work in a café soon.”

He encourages other young people to get involved, either as participants or volunteers. “It’s a great way to build your confidence, learn new things, and make connections,” he says.

The Youth Group at Rosewall runs every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and is open to 12 to 18-year-olds. The sessions are free, youth-led, supervised, and always come with a snack.

For Joel, it’s more than just a weekly group – it’s a space that’s helped shape who he is. “Rosewall gave me something to believe in,” he says. “Now, I get to do that for someone else.”