Category: Community

Celebrate new community centre

Norlane West Scouts are inviting the community to join them to celebrate their brand-new community centre as they begin an exciting new chapter for Scouting and community connection in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

The group’s Community Open Day is on Saturday, August 22 from 2pm until 4pm.

The new centre, in Dunloe Avenue, has been purpose-built as a welcoming, accessible space where young people can learn, grow and thrive, while also providing a valuable community resource for local groups and residents. 

The facility replaces the former Scout hall and has been designed to support adventure, learning, community connection and lifelong friendships for generations to come.

Group Leader Kim Upston said the open day is a chance for the community to: 

• Tour the new facility.

• Meet local Scouts and volunteers.
• Learn about Scouting programs for young people aged 5–25.
• Discover how community groups can use the centre.
• Enjoy family-friendly activities.
• Connect with local community organisations.
• Celebrate this exciting milestone with us.

“Whether you’re interested in Scouting, looking for community opportunities, or simply curious to see the new building, everyone is welcome,” Kim said.

“Come and help us celebrate Norlane’s newest community hub.”

The Norlane West Scout and Community Centre is at 84–86 Dunloe Avenue, Norlane.

For information about membership or venue hire inquiries, emailed:

[email protected]

Justice of the Peace service in Corio

Justice of the Peace volunteers are available to support the community at two sites in Corio – at Corio Police Station and Corio Village Shopping Centre.

 A Justice of the Peace is a volunteer who plays an important role in the Justice system. They can help with certifying copies of original documents – you need to take both with you; Statutory Declarations; witness your signature on documents, including affidavits – don’t sign the document before you get there; setting up a Power of Attorney. 

The JP service at Corio Police Station is available from 9.30am until 1pm every Monday, Tuesday and Friday; and at Corio Village from 10am until 1pm on Thursdays, near Prouds. 

Additional volunteers are available at Geelong Police Station every Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 1pm; Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm; and Biyal-A Armstrong Creek Library, on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

They can also be found out of hours via the Department of Justice website: https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/justice system/legal-assistance/find-a-justice-of the-peace-by-appointment

New year begins for Lions

Corio Norlane Lions Club inducted its officers for the 2026-27 Lions Year at its annual Changeover Dinner in June. 

Key office bearers President Margaret Foley, Secretary Melanie Rivett and Treasurer Jane Third remain unchanged from last year, while there are some new officers elected from among the newer members of the club.

The Lions Club runs a full programs of activities throughout the year, combining regular projects and events. Many of the upcoming events are associated with and run through the club’s Lions Op Shop in Alkira Avenue, Norlane. 

The club also holds events at the North Shore Football Netball Club, where Lions members assist with parking management during the football season.

Events coming up include:

Christmas In July celebrations in the Lions Op Shop, from July 1 to 31, featuring shop specials, including Christmas decorations. Lions Christmas cakes and puddings will also be available to buy.

The Op Shop will also run the annual Father’s Day raffle – drawn on September 2 – and a Guess How Many Lollies In The Jar competition. The jar is on display in the Op Shop, entry is $1 per guess and the winner will be announced at a free Halloween barbecue on September 30, from 11am until 1pm.

The club’s annual fashion parade will be held at North Shore Football Netball Club on Saturday, September 5 at 6pm. The format will be bring your own nibbles/snacks platter and purchase drinks at the bar.

The fashion parade will feature upcycled and refashioned clothing. Tickets are $10 and available from the Op Shop or phone 0404-444-613. 

Also at North Shore Football Netball Club on Saturday, October 31 the Lions club will hold its annual Trivia and Auction Night, starting at 6.30pm. 

The night will feature prizes and raffles and a large collection of auction items. Bring your own snacks; drinks will be available at bar prices. Tickets are $10, available at the door or from the Op Shop.

Charity’s new home in north

A Geelong charity that provides free computers to eligible children, for educational purposes, has moved into the northern suburbs.

PCs for Kids, a self-funded charity run entirely by volunteers, recently moved to Douro Street in North Geelong after many years in Newtown.

PCs for Kids accepts donations of computers, laptops, cables, other IT and small electrical equipment from businesses, schools and the general public. They can arrange pick-up from businesses and schools within an hour’s drive from Geelong.

At their site in North Geelong, volunteers refurbish equipment where possible and have a small shop to sell second-hand computers, laptops, and various computer components and accessories, at reasonable prices.

Computers and equipment that are not suitable for refurbishment are deconstructed and recycled as e-waste so that very little needs to go to landfill.

Importantly, PCs for Kids donates refurbished computers to children or youth under 18 years who are in personal or family circumstances that prevent them having the required access to a suitable computer for their schooling.

Applications must come from a support organisation or a school, and applicants must have a valid health care or pension card which includes the child’s name.

Between 2020 and 2025 the charity provided 457 computers free of charge to eligible applicants. They also donated $185,000 to 20 schools in the Geelong region and $12,000 to the Barwon Health Foundation for items in children’s wards.

PCs for Kids has recently started supporting the Youth Life Skills program run by Rosewall Neighbourhood House and the playgroup program run by Anakie Community House. 

Funds are raised from sales in the shop, payments from computer and laptop repairs and payment from recyclers for dismantled e-waste. Items for the repair service do not have to have been purchased from or provided by PCs for Kids.

PCs for Kids hosts volunteers from 16 to 80 from various backgrounds, including work experience students, NDIS participants accompanied by support workers, retirees keen to keep busy and people between jobs.

PCs for Kids is at 1 Douro Street, North Geelong. Phone 5221-9211 for information or go to www.pcsforkids.com.au.

Creative approach to history

Local writer Chi Vu (pictured) has been awarded City of Greater Geelong grants for her professional
development and to help her write a play inspired by early Chinese migrants to Geelong.
Last year, a Professional Development and Skills Share grant enabled Chi to travel to Southern
Taiwan to work with New Vision New Voices Youth Theater to foster skills and undertake a cultural
exchange. This year, an Arts Projects grant will enable her to develop a script inspired by early
Chinese migrants to Geelong in 1910, Ham Hop and Poon Gooey.
Chi is a writer, drama facilitator and researcher with an interest in bilingual creativity.
“I love all things to do with storytelling and creativity,” she said. “I’ve worked with a wide range of
cultural institutions, including Arts Centre Melbourne, La Mama, Multicultural Arts Victoria,
Contemporary Asian Australian Performance, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Arts House, Theatre
Works, Platform Arts (Geelong), Cloud Gate Theater (Taipei).”
Chi has designed and co-facilitated workshops for the participants of Back to Back Theatre’s Theatre
of Speed and CAMP and Geelong Arts Centre. She also taught scriptwriting at Deakin University and
holds a PhD in creative writing from Victoria University. 
“I grew up in Melbourne and moved to Geelong about a decade ago,” Chi said. “Like many people
who move to a new city as an adult, I became fascinated with my new hometown and began reading
about its history. 
“With the support of GAC’s Launchpad 2.0 and the City of Greater Geelong, I’m writing a new play,
1910 The Charm Campaign. It’s wildly anachronistic, with plenty of nods to contemporary society. I
hope my play contributes to Geelong’s vibrant arts scene and provides opportunities for diverse
actors.
“While the play centres on a Chinese-Australian couple trying to resist the White Australia Policy, in
my version their story unfolds in an Australia that’s populated by all sorts of folk who are diverse in
terms of ethnicity, class, sexuality, ability or neurodiversity – even if our history books tend to show
otherwise. 
“I hope it gives us a chance to share stories and reflect on how far we may have come, or not. And to
be in the same space experiencing the same performance.”

New spaces at Norlane CommunityCentre

Norlane Community Centre has undergone an upgrade to its building, which has introduced
several new spaces designed to better support the community.
The new multi-purpose room serves as the home of the Food Share program, providing a
welcoming and functional space where community members can access food support. The
room is also for hire for workshops, community activities and classes.
Two small interview rooms were also added that offer private, comfortable spaces for
meetings, consultations and one-on-one support services. These rooms are also available
for hire.
A highlight of the upgrade is the large open outdoor public garden space. The community
garden is open to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy the space, pick fresh food and fruit
from the plants and trees once they are established, and connect with nature.
Community members are also encouraged to get involved in maintaining the garden so that
it can continue to grow and thrive for everyone to enjoy.
The upgrade was made possible through funding from the City of Greater Geelong, and
centre staff and volunteers are grateful for the support.
“While this development is an important step forward for the centre and those who access it,
it represents just one part of a broader vision for the space,” a centre spokesperson said.
“To continue improving the facilities and expanding the services offered to the community,
the centre will need to secure additional funding in the future. The team at Norlane
Community Centre looks forward to seeing the many ways the community will use and
benefit from the new spaces.”

Leading the way in the north

The following was provided by Corio Police …
The Corio and northern Geelong community is supported by the Corio police station and its
hardworking members. 
Senior Sergeant David Reynolds and Senior Sergeant Margi McDonald (pictured) have the
privilege of leading this team who bring a strong mix of frontline, specialist and community
policing experience to Geelong’s northern suburbs.
Both Senior Sergeant Reynolds and Senior Sergeant McDonald began their policing careers
in Geelong, and each has spoken of how pleased they are to have returned to the region.
Coming back to where their careers started has been a meaningful step for both, and they
are looking forward to giving back to the community that played an important role in shaping
their early policing experiences.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds has had a varied career, including time working as a detective in
Melbourne’s northwestern suburbs, where he was involved in a wide range of investigations.
He has also served with the Public Order Response Team, contributing to major operations
and public safety responses.
In addition, he spent time in a corporate role at the Victoria Police Centre, gaining valuable
insight into policing at an organisational level. This broad background helps him balance
operational demands with strong leadership and community focus.
Senior Sergeant McDonald also brings experience from the northwest suburbs of
Melbourne, along with specialist roles working in youth crime, youth proactive engagement,
and as a training officer. Her career has focused on prevention, early intervention, and
supporting young people, as well as developing police members through education and
mentoring.

Geelong’s northern suburbs are home to major infrastructure, including the Port of Geelong
Authority, Spirit of Tasmania, and Viva Energy. Police members at Corio Police Station work
hard to ensure these important sites remain safe and secure, while also maintaining a strong
focus on everyday community policing and supporting local residents and businesses.
Community involvement remains vital in keeping the area safe:

• For non-urgent reports call the Police Assistance Line anytime on 131-444.
• To report any suspicious activity contact Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
• In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) for an immediate police response.

Senior Sergeants Reynolds and McDonald look forward to reconnecting with the community
and continuing to work alongside residents to keep Northern Geelong safe, secure, and
supported.

Busy time for community helpers

Members of the Lions Club of Corio Norlane continue to make a difference to their
community, through a range of activities that help others and raise funds to help others.
In 2026 members are focused on ongoing projects including the club’s Op Shop at 55 Alkira
Avenue, Norlane. They encourage residents to call in and shop from the range of clothing
and household items. The shop offers regular specials and freebies.
Lions Club members have a long history of refurbishing bicycles and donating them to
community members of all ages. The club also runs regular barbecues at Bunnings and
helps out with barbecues at other community events.
A major project each year is supporting The Road Home, which aims to raise awareness of
homelessness and help provide dignity, warmth and identity to people experiencing
homelessness.
Corio Norlane Lions Club collects blankets and basic essential items for people experiencing
homelessness, in an annual appeal. Collection bins will be distributed in coming months so
that the community can support the appeal too.

A Mother’s Day Raffle is being conducted, with Bunnings vouchers among the prizes. It will
be drawn on Wednesday, May 10 and tickets are available at Lions Opportunity Shop in
Alkira Avenue, Norlane.
The 2026-27 Lions year will begin in June with a change of Executive. Activities planned for
the year include:

• A Fashion Parade on Saturday, September 5 at 6.30pm at North Shore Football Club (Rose Avenue).
• Trivia/Auction Night on Saturday, October 31, at 6.30pm at North Shore Football Club.
• A Halloween event, on Friday, October 30. Free barbecue at the Op Shop, 55 Alkira Ave Norlane.
• Father’s Day raffle, drawn on Wednesday, September 2.
• Christmas raffle, drawn on Wednesday, December 16.

For inquiries about Corio Norlane Lions Club activities, phone Jane 0404-444-613.

Call is out for new volunteers

Corio CFA is recruiting new volunteer firefighters and is asking anyone who has ever thought
about signing up to apply now.
In a call out for volunteers, the CFA said: “If you’ve ever thought about jumping on a fire
truck to help your own and other communities across Victoria, and you live in the northern
suburbs of Geelong, now is your chance.
“People from all walks of life are welcome, but if you have a good weekday, daytime
availability you are strongly encouraged to apply.”
Corio CFA members Jude Allport and Corey Lofthouse joined almost two years ago, when
they were 16 years old.
Corey said he joined because he wanted to do something that helps the community, but he
has also benefitted by learning resilience, patience and being able to connect with other
members of all ages.
First Lieutenant Jordan Grossman has been a Corio CFA volunteer for about eight years. He
said striving for a good outcome for people is important to him while doing “a job that needs
to be done”.
Jordan said the brigade supports Fire Rescue Victoria in the local area and is also a state
resource, meaning crews can and are sent anywhere they are needed to fight fires, including
interstate.
The CFA says: “There are many ways you can lend a hand. Fighting fires, educating your
community on fire safety or supporting the team from behind the scenes. With full training
and support from the local brigade, you can learn exciting new skills, connect with new
people and play a vital role in your community.”
An expression of interest can be submitted online – nominate Corio CFA as your brigade.
Candidates are screened by phone and may then proceed to an interview. After the interview
stage they are notified about the outcome of their application.

• If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll also need to provide or complete the following as part of the registration process:
• If you are over 18, you must have a current Working with Children Check unless an exemption applies i.e. you are a Police Officer or Teacher.
• If you are 16 and over, undertake National Police Record Check via CFA’s service provider.

Disclose any medical conditions that may impact your ability to undertake the role.
To apply, go to: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/come-join-
us

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