La Vida Salsa is joyously celebrating its 20th anniversary with Geelong’s Latin Band ‘Son Geelong’ tomorrow night. Come & dance the night away at the Geelong West Neighbourhood House from 6.30pm. Aloy Junco will teach Rueda at 7pm followed by the live band.
All are welcome. For more details, contact Club La Vida Salsa Geelong Inc.
Zonta Club of Geelong Leads 16 Days of Activism
The Zonta Club of Geelong is once again stepping forward to shine a light on gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism (25 November – 10 December). This international campaign unites communities across the globe, and here in Geelong, Zonta is leading with passion, collaboration, and hope.
Throughout the 16 days, Geelong will be awash in orange—the colour chosen to symbolize a brighter future free from violence. Local landmarks will be lit up, reminding us all of the importance of standing together.
💛 Community events and highlights include:
• Orange the World: Lighting up and Yarnbombing Geelong landmarks to spark conversations and raise awareness.
• Zonta Says No to Violence against Women Walk: Bringing people together in solidarity, showing that our community will not tolerate violence.
• Advocacy and Education: Sharing resources, stories, and practical ways we can all take action to support women and girls.
President Nicole Sanders says the campaign is about more than awareness—it’s about action. “Every event is an opportunity to show support, learn, and help create a safer community. Together, we can make a difference.”
The Zonta Club of Geelong invites everyone to join in, whether by attending events, sharing the message, or simply wearing orange to show solidarity. By uniting voices, we amplify the call for change and help build a future where women and girls can live free from violence.
📣 Get involved, spread the word, and be part of the change. #ZontaGeelong #16DaysOfActivism #OrangeTheWorld #EndGenderBasedViolence
Geelong Gallery’s major summer exhibition Richard Lewer—I Only Talk to God When I Want Something opens on Saturday 15 November 2025 and will include the premiere of new works by Richard Lewer commissioned by Geelong Gallery.
Richard Lewer is a critically acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist working across painting, drawing and animation to explore everyday experiences, infusing them with his distinctive wit and observant humour. Through his highly autobiographical practice, Lewer examines universal and often confronting subjects including crime, religion, health and grief.
Richard Lewer says: ‘It’s exciting to see these series come together for the first time and for people to spend time with them. Globally we’re facing so many extremes from the politics of the far right and left, catastrophic climate events resulting in fires and floods, an increasing disparity between the rich and poor and all set against a barrage of noise and the idealisation of social media. At a time of great social upheaval, my focus on religion is a reflection on how its narratives and moral framework have provided comfort and inspiration for millennia. This exhibition is a reminder to moderate, to pause, and to empathise.’
His candid and authentic reflections—often presented with humour and honesty—resonate deeply with audiences who find their own lives and experiences mirrored in his works.
The exhibition runs until March 1st 2026.
[Story and Picture Supplied]
Geelong Gourmet Goodies – Support local this Christmas!
This Christmas, treat your loved ones, friends or colleagues to a delicious hamper packed with the best local produce all from the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions, with all proceeds going directly to Kardinia Rotary projects. Choose from three gourmet hamper options: $65, $85, or $125, beautifully packaged and delivered free straight to your door (within 50km of Geelong).
Order yours today and make your Christmas gift one that truly gives back!
https://events.humanitix.com/geelong-gourmet-goodies-2025
Enter here to win a free $125 hamper
Michael Lawrence and Dr. Fabio D’Agostin have written the Book: ‘Creating Schools Where Students and Teachers Want To Be‘.
Michael tells us, “We worked together many years ago at Chanel College. In the following decades we both taught at other schools before fate brought us back together.
“Like most Australian educators, I knew that what we were doing was far from perfect, but I simply accepted that it was the best possible practice. On my first visit to Finland my host left me outside a classroom. I sat in a quiet corridor for 20 minutes, the teacher arrived and we entered the class where I was stunned to see 20 students all quietly working away. As I was going through the reasons why this would not happen in Australia he gave me a look akin to pity and said, ‘So you have had the students at school for 10 years and you cannot leave them to work in the class without a teacher… So what have you been teaching in all that time?
“I was lost for words.
“This visit was the first of many visits to Finland and led to writing the book ‘Testing 3,2,1 What Australian Education Can Learn From Finland’ (Melbourne Books, 2020). Fab was mid-way through a PhD on Emotions in Education.
“In 2023 I took a group of educators from Australia and Greece to Finland, including Fab. When Testing 3,2,1,… was published there was no talk of teacher shortages or an education crisis but things took a rapid turn for the worse. Almost daily media reports tell of increasing numbers of teachers leaving the profession and record numbers of students reporting mental health issues amidst classroom disengagement and flat-lining results.
“Finland performs consistently high in international education rankings while teaching is one of the most popular career choices and student disengagement and mental health issues are rare.
“Fab and I pledged to investigate elements of the Finnish system such as student engagement and ‘behaviour’, with a view to seeking ways of implementing anything which could help our own ailing system.
“Education is too important to risk pushing students away from it. A Finnish teacher who taught in Australia described it in a professional journal as ‘30 to 40 years behind’. The Finnish teachers are told to study best practice, then see if they can improve it.”
‘Creating Schools Where Students and Teachers Want To Be‘ is available at bookstores or from Melbourne Books.
Dr. Fab (left) and Michael have been speaking about education at schools, libraries and bookstores around the country.
“I am an Author/Illustrator of Children’s Picture Books. I have also been a Learning Support Officer in the Catholic Primary School system for seven years. Since I was a child, it has been my dream to illustrate children’s picture books. In 2010 my dream came true when my first book “Gina the Dancing Queen” was published. This popular book is still selling now.
“Since then I have written and illustrated five more books and have illustrated another author’s book. My books include ‘Gina the Dancing Queen’, ‘There Was One in the Bed’, ‘Cheeky Missy’, ‘Isabella Bella’, ‘The Tooth Fairy’, ‘Who’s in The Tub?’ and ‘Where Are You Now Dad?’
“I aim to incorporate valuable messages with bright illustrations to engage children with their reading. My latest picture book ‘Where Are You Now Dad?’ is written from my own personal experience of dealing with grief, in the hope of helping others who have lost a loved one to focus on the same comforting thoughts and words that I focused on to be able to be happy again. The book is written for both children and adults. The story is about a boy named Billy, who since losing his dad, lost his smile and had so many unanswered questions about his father’s passing. While his family visits for his birthday, Billy’s questions are answered and he is able to smile again.”
Marisa’s new book ‘Where Are You Now Dad?’ has a beautiful way of helping children find peace during a very traumatic time in their lives. The book has been recently published on Amazon and ranked No 8 Best Seller and No 2 Hot New Release in the Christian Emotion and Feelings category within the first two weeks of publication. This book is currently available on Amazon and if you do find it to be amazing, please leave a review on Amazon. All of Marisa’s other books and contact details are available at her Website www.marisaalo.com
This book made me laugh, cry and very importantly, think! Tony is my friend and I’ve been entertained by his online stories. I was very proud to read his book.
Tony tells us “This book is a collection of my personal stories, from sucking a nut off a waiter’s fingers, to getting a piping hot pig face branded on my belly. These stories are often awkward but entertaining at my own expense. They also give a glimpse into the life of a first generation immigrant to Australia and my lived experience as an outsider.”
This insightful book is a fundraiser and All proceeds goes to these three charities: Childrenfirst Foundation, Doctors Against Violence Towards Women, South Geelong Primary School Fund.
Here’s where you can purchase it:
Collections – Tony Gibbs Chens Bookstore
“The Christ Church Community Meals Program was established by Father Barry Smith almost 35 years ago with the Breakfast Program. Some months later, the Wednesday evening meal was introduced and later the Monday eveningmeal. From the very early days when you could count the guests on the fingers of one hand it has evolved into a thriving program where it’s not unusual to have over 70 guests for breakfast and úsually around the 50 for the evening meals.
Everyone is welcome, we never send anyone home empty handed and we don’t ask questions; if people come to us we believe they must have a need of some kind- if it isn’t the food perhaps is the need to talk to someone. With the onset of Covid we transitioned from sit down meals to take away as required by government regulations. The emphasis remained on nutrition so that we continued to serve healthy meals- toasties made of eggs, bacon, cheese etc. In lieu of cereal we çontinue to offer Up and Go because of its nutritional value. Fruit is offered with every meal and tea, coffee and milo are served, as many as they like. The Breakfast Program runs every day of the year from 7.30 am – 9.00 am. The Monday and Wednesday eveningmeals operate between 4.30 pm and 6 pm all year. Monday is pie night, with soup and dessert served as well. On Wednesday a cooked meal is prepared by volunteers and local businesses. We also operate an emergency Food Cupboard in the Church each day from 12 noon to 2 pm and deliver hampers to families in need once a week.
We have the most wonderful team of volunteers coming from far and wide. There are currently in excess of 50 volunteers onsite each week with many moreinvolved in preparation elsewhere. We are a true community program as funding comes entirely from the community. Our supporters include local trusts and foundations, service clubs (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis) as well as Food Share, Give Where You Live, St John of God, churches of all denominations, businesses, sporting groups, schools and individuals, some of whom wish to remain anonymous”.
Jan McGowan is currently one of the Geelong finalists in the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes award. She has been involved with and coordinates this exceptional program for over three decades and we encourage people to vote for Jan to support the Christ Church Community Meals Program. The winner will receive $20,000 towards their community. If you would like to vote, google Westfield Local Heroes and follow the prompts. Voting closes on Monday, 8th September 2025.
Local Alli Sinclair has written 6 books in 8 years. No 7, A Woman’s Voice, was launched at Books in Bars last night. She was interviewed by Craig and Phil from
@happyvalley_books read. Violinist Meya Vincent entertained the close to 100 attendees.
Alli tells us about this historical fiction, set over dual timeframes, 1912 & 1965 “When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen, more than just her celebrated European career disintegrates.
Her rare gift of seeing music in colour fades to grey, crushing the sense of self she’s always expressed through her performances.
“Fleeing to her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, Laura discovers an extraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music – a powerful symphony born from the revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced, their defiant voices rising above the doomed decks of the Titanic.
“But as Laura traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece, she uncovers more than just music. She finds a story of women who dared to smash society’s chains, claim their own destiny and fight for a world where every voice can be heard.
“When scandal rocks the tight-knit community of Gungderring, Laura must confront the question that has haunted generations of women before her: will she remain safely in the wings, or step forward and fight?”
@alli_sinclair
A wave that formed in Melbourne in early 2018 is now rolling over Geelong and the peninsula.
If you love live music, dancing, socialising and meeting new fun people, perhaps this wave, is one you should be on.
Called the Cool Cats Club, we organize inexpensive Rock n Roll & Swing music dance events and free social get-togethers at several great venues in and around Geelong.
Our next function is a (live band) Rock n Roll dance at Newtown’s Bareena Bowls Club on Sunday July 13th at 2.00pm.
The event runs for 4 hours and the cost is $20 cash at the door on arrival.
It’s an indoor seated event with a live band, the bar will be open, free Tea & Coffee is provided and you can bring along any food or snacks you choose.
Absolutely everyone is welcome and Children under 16 receive free admission.
Come along and enjoy the music, perhaps have a dance, enjoy the company of fun and friendly people.
For details on all upcoming events why not join our “Cool Cats Club – Geelong” Facebook group site.
HuG 