Dragon Boating.

Are you a breast cancer survivor? Come and try Dragon Boating with the Geelong Juggarnauts. It’s lots of fun! April 2, 9, 23 and 30th at 12.30 followed by afternoon tea. Please Share.

Women, men and supporters, all fitness levels and ages are welcome. There is no previous experience required. The Geelong Juggarnauts are the face of breast cancer survivors enjoying fun, fitness and camaraderie.

Come and meet the team, have a paddle, a laugh and enjoy afternoon tea. Please wear comfortable clothes, a hat and covered in shoes. We’ll supply the Personal Floating Devices PFDs and paddles.

You’ll find us at the Geelong Canoe Club, 1/11 Marnock Rd Newtown.

@dragonsabreastgeelong-juggarnauts  Deb 0429948254 Traci 0417301228

Photo: from our story May 2018

Maps of the Heart

Take a journey into cultural complexity. ‘Maps of the Heart’ is written by Geelong-based artists North Youth Theatre, and tells the stories of eight characters from different times and countries, based on their lived experiences. Interwoven with these stories are the actors’ reflections on who they are, where they have come from and how it feels to be living in a society that sometimes struggles to embrace difference.

Showing over two nights, from 25–26 MARCH at Platform Arts, MOTH is a must-see performance. Tickets: https://platformarts.org.au/events/maps-of-the-heart

“Maps of the Heart is about the journey of coming of age and trying to find your place in the world.”
– Abraham Herasan, NYT Ensemble Member

safeTALK

Would you like to learn how to respond to people at risk of suicide?

If so, please see details of these two free upcoming accredited safeTALK workshops Hope Bereavement are running in Geelong, directed towards schools and community groups.  These training dates are targeted to people who have contact with young people in their roles, including teachers, well-being and school support staff, coaches, team managers, and community and parent volunteers.

Places are limited, so register now.  If you would like to find out more about running a specific safeTALK workshop for another group, or if you would like to go on a waitlist for future training dates, please get in contact Hope at melinda@bereavement.org.au

Training dates and booking links:

Tuesday 22nd March 2022 9.30am-12.30pm – safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training TUESDAY 22ND MARCH 9.30am- 12.30pm Tickets, Tue 22/03/2022 at 9:30 am | Eventbrite

Tuesday 29th March 2022 4.00pm -7.00pm –  safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training TUESDAY 29TH MARCH 4.00PM-7.00PM Tickets, Tue 29/03/2022 at 4:00 pm | Eventbrite

Photo Supplied.

De Niki Vincent to launch gender equity initiatives.

Hear Dr. Niki Vincent, Victoria’s Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, speak this Thursday on initiatives, issues and challenges in implementing Victoria’s trail blazing Gender Equality Act.

Dr Vincent will also launch both the Empowering Women Network and WILD’s (Women In Local Democracy) 3 year Gender Parity Strategy – copies of the Strategy will be available at the launch.

The evening also includes updates on the City of Greater Geelong’s gender equity initiatives, Young WILD training and a very special cameo appearance, courtesy of Drop of A Hat Productions.

It is an important occasion to demonstrate strong support for gender equality in our community and to begin the campaign for gender parity at the 2024 Council elections.

Note: all attendees over the age of 18 must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID.

The event is this Thursday 24th February at the Geelong Regional Library from 5-7pm. You must register to attend this free event here:

https://events.grlc.vic.gov.au/event/5987765


Photo of Dr Niki Vincent supplied.

Geelong West Rotary Book Fair.

Book Fair, with all proceeds going to community projects and causes, hosted by the Geelong West Rotary Club. You can pick up some marvelous books for just a couple of dollars and know that you are supporting some very worthy local charities. There is a huge variety of genres, fiction and non-fiction.

It’s on at the Geelong West Town Hall, today 9-6pm, Sat 9-5pm and Sun 9-2pm. Thanks to all involved!

Kindness Competition Winners.

These change maker artists look very pleased with their prizes! Poppy (left) and Georgia, from Oberon Primary School, won $100 vouchers to Adventure Park after winning the Kindness Art Competition at the Humans in Geelong Expo on December 5th, 2021.

The competition was a collaboration between Humans in Geelong and VALID’s peer action group, the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability. You might have seen their impressive ‘I AM’ sculpture at the Geelong Waterfront.

The student art pieces floated in the breeze from trees at the Racecourse on Expo day, spreading messages of inclusion and kindness. VALID’s peer action group judged the competition and will distribute these beautiful messages among their members.

Thanks to all who entered!

Dash Gym.

“My partner lives with a serious disability so our gym wanted to provide for her and members of the community in a similar situation. She was accessing a small exercise place before the pandemic struck and forced it to permanently close its doors, meaning a lot of its members went without a suitable place to maintain their health and fitness. So, we sprung into action, and created a gym for those identifying with a disability, our aged community and also members of our community who just feel uncomfortable accessing a regular gym or exercise facility.” We hear from Tony Rankin.

“Dash is a local family-owned gym and wellbeing center. Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive exercise environment to members of our community of all abilities and ages.

“We completely supported local businesses throughout the center fitout and development process, from equipment suppliers to all tradespeople… it has all been locally supported. We had zero assistance from any local or federal governments or grants relying upon only ourselves to turn this dream into a reality.

“We are extremely community minded and have immense understanding and compassion for the demographic we are focussed on providing for. We are taking membership enquiries before we officially open at the start of February.”

https://www.dashgw.com.au/    Photos supplied.

Rhonda Burchmore

Rhonda Burchmore and Jack Earle woo-ed audiences last night at the Piano Bar Geelong. Rhonda was in the original Australian Mumma Mia stage show.

She’s had a long, colourful, varied career. What an amazing voice and I loved her amusing stories too. Google her.