Category: Community

Getting creative at Corio library

Sewing equipment and a 3D printer are among exciting new additions at Corio Library – and they’re available for all library members to use.

The new equipment is the result of funding from Geelong Regional Library Corporation to create a Makerspace in Corio. Head librarian Subha Simpson said the space aims to help members understand the use of a range of digital devices, build community and provide a learning environment for all ages.

A pilot program has been run with students from St Francis Xavier Primary School to teach them engineering concepts using the 3D printer, making and modifying racing cars from recycled materials and building paper towers that can hold weight.

The 3D printer was installed in July and is proving popular with library staff and members. Librarian Tim Symons is available to guide members through designing and printing with the equipment. It is already being used for practical items like name tags for staff.

“You can book a session with Tim and he’ll guide you through the design software,” Subha said. “You can also print your items, within reason, while you’re here.”

The sewing machine and overlocker are available for use during library hours. Classes are also being held fortnightly for those wanting to learn how to use the equipment.

“We’ve already had one member come and make new curtains for her home on the machines,” Subha said. “We’re expecting January will be a busy time for them too, when parents need to alter new school uniforms.”

Subha said use of the equipment is for all library members, and membership is free.

“We don’t want people to be shy about sewing,” she said. “Come in and book a time to use the equipment or, if you want to learn, we’ll put you in a class.”

Corio Library is in Cox Road, corner of Moa Street. The library is open Monday to Saturday. For more information call in and speak to the library staff or phone 5275-2388.

Grant for new big band

Cloverdale Community Centre is moving ahead with plans to grow the newly-formed North Geelong Community Big Band thanks to support from the Geelong Community Foundation.

The Centre received a grant for $10,100 to enable more people to join the band. The grant was among $932,500 allocated to 46 Geelong groups and organisations, thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters of Geelong Community Foundation.

Other grant recipients supporting programs in 3214 included Kids Thrive ($35,000), Ardoch ($15,000), Bluebird Foundation ($30,000) and Norlane Community Initiatives ($40,000).

The North Geelong Community Big Band is a newly formed group of music enthusiasts, in particular northern suburbs residents, from as young as 13. The band formalises the involvement of musicians and performers who are regular participants in Cloverdale Community Centre programs.

Cloverdale manager Liz Bonner said the band’s aim is to encourage participation and performance, as well as provide opportunities for skill development for musicians.

“The band is under the leadership of our Preparing to Perform tutor Ian Burrowes (pictured) and has continued to grow since the start of this year. It has performed at other centre functions, as well as community activities including Music from the Neighbourhood.

“There is no other similar band or program in the northern suburbs, possibly Geelong, and we are delighted to have received the grant. It will be used to formalise the band, buy equipment and employ a local music director.”

The band meets at 10 Wendover Avenue, Norlane, every Thursday from 6.30pm-9pm. For more information phone Liz Bonner, 5275-4415.

Brandon’s support rewarded

Norlane’s Brandon Dellow was among six outstanding young people recently honoured at the Geelong Youth Awards.

Brandon, 21, won the Community Citizenship Award for his work in mental health, cultural diversity, equal opportunities, human rights, education, the community and Type 1 diabetes.

Brandon was instrumental in growing and contributing to the 3214 Faces & Places facebook page, which aims to promote the positive aspects of the northern suburbs. He has also been working at grass roots levels at The fOrT youth centre.

The former Northern Bay P-12 College student is also a member of Humans in Geelong, a voluntary team offering a young perspective, spreading positivity and hope to all members of the community. He contributes stories in a professional and reliable manner, often highlighting Geelong’s rich multicultural element.

Over the past three years Brandon has been working at Northern Bay P-12 College in education support, community engagement, and as media and reporting co-ordinator for Northern Bay Promise. He also provides education support for the college’s English as an Additional Language students and worked with organisers of cultural celebrations including Harmony Day, Cultural Diversity Week, Refugee Week and NAIDOC Week.

Brandon’s long-term goal is to obtain his teaching degree, teaching EAL, to eventually travel overseas to teach in classrooms for refugees.

Little Birdie Pop-Up Cafe is open

The Little Birdie Pop-up Café, is now open for business from 7am to 1pm Monday to Friday on the Baptcare site at 39 Robin Avenue, Norlane.

Residents and visitors to the area can grab a coffee and something to eat all while helping the local community. All profits from the café are supporting neighbourhood initiatives in Norlane.

The Little Birdie is mobile and can also be hired on weekends and weeknights to provide coffees or to cater events in and around Geelong.

For more information visit http://littlebirdie.org.au/

New council gets to work

Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek are Corio and Norlane’s representatives on the newly-elected City of Greater Geelong Council.

Cr Aitken and Cr Grzybek were the successful candidates elected for Windermere Ward in the postal ballot held in October. Their Ward includes Norlane, Corio, Lara, Anakie and Batesford.

Cr Aitken has previously served as a councillor on the former Shire of Corio and was a City of Greater Geelong 16 years ago, while Cr Grzybek is new to local government. They will serve on the council for the next three years.

Cr Aitken said he and Cr Grzybek are both committed to working together, and with all levels of government, to get the best results for the northern suburbs.

“We hope to get out and about in the north to meet with as many community members and organisations as possible,” Cr Aitken said. “We want to promote the area and include the north in council decision making.”

The new council is:

Stephanie Asher, Jim Mason and Trent Sullivan (Bellarine Ward).

Eddy Kontelj, Sarah Mansfield and Peter Murrihy (Brownbill Ward).

Bruce Harwood, Ron Nelson and Pat Murnane (Kardinia Ward).

Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek (Windermere Ward).

The new council elected Cr Bruce Harwood to serve as Mayor for the next two years, while Cr Peter Murrihy was elected Deputy Mayor.

For general inquiries and to have staff pass on messages and invites to councillors, phone the Mayor and Councillor Office, 5272-5294, between 9am and 5pm.

To contact Cr Aitken, email  AAitken@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or phone 0434-307-044.

To contact Cr Grzybek, email KGrzybek@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or phone 0434-307-043.

All welcome at Corio library

Corio Library’s new branch librarian, Subha Simpson, wants to invite everyone in the community to get to know what the library service has to offer.

Subha started as branch librarian at Corio last August and is enthusiastically embracing the local community and planning for future opportunities to engage residents.

“It’s a busy library, with an average of 500 to 600 people coming in every day,” Subha said.

“Computer and wi-fi use is astronomical, which is great because it means we’re providing an important service for the local community. We know there are a lot of people in our area who don’t have computer or internet access at home and we’re happy to support them.”

Subha said the library aims to engage children from soon after birth and keep them coming back into adulthood.

“The babies come through the Maternal Child Health nurses who hold their sessions here,” Subha said. “They then move on to Toddler Time and Story Time. Once they start school we see them after school, on Saturdays and during holidays, when we often run special programs.”

Subha said the library aims to continue the life-long relationship by welcoming secondary and university students and helping with their study needs. Job seekers are regular visitors when updating and printing their resume, while adult learners, craft and general interest groups are also based there.

Subha leads seven staff at the library, including two specialist children’s librarians. She said she’s always looking for ways to involve the local community. “This is their space and we want them to take ownership, so please call in and talk to us about what you’d like to see here.”

Corio Library is open Monday to Saturday and is located in Cox Road, near the corner of Moa Street.

Highland Gathering in Corio

Goldsworthy Reserve in Corio will come to life with the sound of bagpipes, the sight of Scottish dancing and games, the smell of delicious food and lots of family fun when it hosts the 2018 Geelong Highland Gathering on Sunday, March 18.

The event will also host the Victorian Pipe Band Championships for the third time since 2009.  Organisers were happy with the Corio venue last year and hope creating a permanent home at Goldsworthy Reserve will see the Gathering enjoy growing support, especially from 3214 area residents.

The 2018 Gathering will include the South Pacific Heavy Scottish Games Championships, Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country dancing, 42^nd Highland Regiment and New Varangian Guard historic re-enactment groups and Clan and heritage associations.

It was also feature sword play demonstrations, Scottish-Celtic folk music, whisky tasting, haggis and other Scottish foods and a Scottish Dogs’ show.

The highlight of the day will be the massed pipe bands at the end of the day`s activities. There will also be a Scottish faire market with food, souvenir, clothing and other stalls, as well as free children’s activities.

Financial support by Geelong Major Events and Geelong Connected Communities, as well as in kind support from the Geelong Advertiser Group, is assisting organisers to stage the event.

The 2018 Highland Gathering will be held at Goldsworthy Reserve on Sunday, March 18. It will run from 9am and conclude with a massed pipe bands display at 5pm. Entry is $15 for adults, $10 concession, $8 children 5-16 years, $40 family ticket (two adults, two children) and free for children under five.

For more information go to www.geelonghighlandgathering.org.au.

Gifts for the community

The Lions Club of Corio Norlane recently celebrated its fifth birthday. To celebrate the milestone and in line with its community work, members decided that the best presents were the ones you give.

The club approached each of the local 3214 schools to ask if they would like a helping hand with initiatives to support their students or assist with community ideas.

Club secretary Richard Walter said: “It’s really important for us as a community group to be able to put any of our fundraising activities to locally identified areas of need.”

At St Thomas Aquinas and St Francis Xavier primary schools, help to improve their play areas was quickly identified and supported by the club.

The students at each of the Northern Bay College campuses were asked for input. Each campus had different ideas to make good use of the donation and club members were happy to deliver a cheque to each campus.

A $1000 donation was made to support Goldsworthy campus students who will undertake a two-week World Challenge in Thailand in 2018. At the Wexford Campus, the money will be used to buy gardening tools for the children to use in a big community garden project they have been developing. At the College’s Early Learning Centre the money was used for new toys and games, while leadership training, playgroup renovations and robotics programs were funded at other campuses.

Northern Bay College’s David Neilson said “The support this year from the Lions Club has been astonishing and The Lions Op Shop was also responsible for the provision of table tennis equipment at Wexford. Every campus will have the benefits from the work that the Lions Club of Corio Norlane does.”