Mentions: humansingeelong

“They are my family – I have no one else. They all have their own personalities, give them the opportunity, they are very clever. They love photo shoots, learning fun things and going on any outing. Tuesday mornings, for 8am, we all go to Point Lonsdale. They receive endless comments on their best behaviour and people often ask why I do it. ‘It’s good for everyone’s Mental Health, is my reply.’” Hadeel and I had the pleasure of spending a scintillating morning with Elaine Janes, the chook lady, which included a tour of the Hilton Henhouse.

“During isolation, two chooks have mastered skateboard riding. Jekyll loves balancing on a medicine ball while being lifted overhead as Elaine performs straight leg situps.

“Flapper is the No 1 Madonna and she owns the car front seat, sitting in her own cane basket with a knitted blanket. If it is chilly, the heated seat is a must. She is always ready to go anywhere, no fussing around getting ready as girls do. She was picked up from the street over eight years ago, lives the best life ever, and has lots more interesting things to look forward to. Her can follow her and friends @elainejanes16 on Instagram.

Continue reading “The Chook Lady, Elaine.” →

‘Mangroves from the Water’ is a group multimedia art exhibition that would have been opening today, in Geelong, to celebrate Mangroves Day which is 26^th of July, https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/mangroveday.  Due to the coronavirus pandemic the exhibition has been postponed to the 26th July, 2021.

In celebration of the upcoming Mangroves Day exhibition, ‘Mangroves from the Water’ commissioned International Artist, Stephanie Neville, to design the poster. In collaboration, the Mangroves Fosters Community, Ocean Tree Studio (Maya Greven) in Florida designed a poster for the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

Continue reading “International Mangroves Day.” →

Whilst in isolation after returning from New Zealand, Deb Elliott, was contacted by the Rotary Club of Sunbury to see if she could make 1,000 nurse’s scrub caps for Royal Melbourne Hospital. Deb loves a challenge and in 4 weeks, she and her team have made over 12,000 caps for 25 Hospitals and clinics including Geelong Hospitals. Deb and friends started a Facebook Group ‘Helping Our Hospital Heroes Australia’.  There are 6 administrators and the group have 1,600 members made up of sewers from all over Australia. They’ve even had requests for caps from overseas.

Deb tells us “This volunteer project is about contributing, connecting, sharing, pride and trust.  The response from hospital staff who have received caps has been one of joy and feeling supported by the community.

“My mum was a volunteer, I’ve volunteered since I was in my 20s and I have the children next door making scrub bags. It is good for them to be introduced to the joys of volunteering.”

Continue reading “NVW 2020, Deb Elliott.” →

Meet Monica Winston, who comes up with all the brilliant ideas for Transition Streets Geelong’s workshops, speakers and too many other amazing things to list here. Transition Streets are hosting the Sustainable Living Festival at Deakin Waterfront this Sunday 11 – 4pm.

What concerns you most in our ecological and climate emergency?

“That we are headed towards extinction unless there is a massive concerted effort by everyone to reverse global warming, protect the vulnerable and to rehydrate and restore ecosystems.”

What is your vision for the future?

Continue reading “Transition Streets Geelong, Monica.” →

Let’s get the kids writing about locals who inspire them! Winners will have their stories published in @HumansinGeelong and receive a great prize. Due Sunday 8^th  September, the same day as our Book Launch, with winners announced at the Humans in Geelong Expo Sunday 6^th October, 10am at Deakin Waterfront Campus. The Expo is a free community event with everyone welcome and something for everyone. Competition details in poster. PLEASE SHARE!

“It has been confirmed by The Man Walk headquarters that yesterday’s The Man Walk Geelong, was the single largest group of walkers, ever to take place across the country since its inception. 26 amazing humans, including a 16-year-old who caught a bus at 6am to come along. Our Deputy Mayor Peter Murrihy also attended. But it’s not about the numbers for myself (Chris Lytas) or Luke Outerbridge – it’s about building community, habit and an opportunity to provide a sense of belonging and purpose to those that need it.

“This picture sums it up best for me. The Man Walk Geelong: Walk – Talk – Support. Every Saturday morning at 7am, meet at the Eastern Beach Fountain.”

Thank you to everyone who shared our original post about The Man Walk Geelong.

Quote and photo: Chris Lytas. We are thrilled to welcome Chris as part of the @humansingeelong team. Humans in Geelong aims to Inspire – Connect – Strengthen. Chris came along to the Waurn Ponds Library on Wednesday to meet us and to find out more about our positive community project.

Come and meet Chris at the Humans in Geelong Expo 2019 on Sunday 6^th October from 10-3pm at Deakin Uni Waterfront, 1 Gheringhap St. PLEASE SHARE. Chris will be delivering a talk titled: “Making people comfortable with speaking about the uncomfortable – why storytelling is key to normalising the conversation around Mental Health.” The time of this talk is yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on our website for updates to the program for the day. The Humans in Geelong Expo 2019 is a free community event with something for everyone and everyone welcome. There will be speakers, exhibitors, performances, fun for the kids and a whole lot more.

Story: Jacqui Bennett. Photo: supplied

@humansingeelong and region are taking action to protect our planet. Today is Earth Day. On Friday 3^rd May there will be another #schoolstrike4climate at 9.30am outside Geelong City Hall, with a March to @Richard Marles MP’s Office. PLEASE SHARE! Everyone is welcome/needed! If you’d like to help raise awareness of this event on Saturday 27th and/or Sunday 28th April at Market Square / Westfield Shopping Centre, contact Lisa Deppeler on lisajdeppeler@gmail.com with Climate Emergency in the subject line.

Extinction rebellion Geelong/Surfcoast displayed their #climateemergency sign (pictured here) from a local bridge over the ring road, today and at the start of Easter to raise awareness. #extinctionrebellion

Thousands of concerned people Paddled Out for the #fightforthebight on Saturday in Torquay. Photos on our facebook page by our photographer Phil Hines and the aerial shot here is by @mark.a.jager.

Continue reading “Earth Day 2019.” →

Over 1,000 concerned eco-warriors, young and old, turned out in #Geelong this morning urging for more action on climate change. The group, led by Kardinia students Laura Kelly, Noemi Walton and Jude Corbet, were vocal and determined. They met at 9am outside Richard Marles Office. Marles addressed the groups to shouts of “Stop Adani!” and “you need to do more!”

They marched, placards waving, to City Hall, accompanied by drumming and chanting by the Junk Yard Band from Geelong Sustainability. Here students addressed the passionate crowd. They spoke of hope and the need for continued pressure. Many went on to join the Melbourne #schoolstrike4future #gretathunberg inspired #fridaysforfuture It’s fantastic to hear that Greta has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Check out her new TED Talk. She reported an hour ago: 2,052 towns in 123 countries on all continents including Antarctica were involved in this global #climatestrike. #whateverittakes

Photo: Phil Hines Photography. More photos tinyurl.com/y59pwnd6  and Instagram @humansingeelong

“Henna and Art are my passion! I was born in Afghanistan, and at the age of 4, my Mum, 4 siblings and I had to flee to Pakistan.” Anita Qayummi is a makeup and henna artist living in Corio. Anita, who is a current 2^nd year apprentice completing her certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery at The Gordon, runs her own business called Geelong Henna Artist.

“I started in 2016. Henna and art are my passion. I gained inspiration from other cultural art stalls at community events. I owe many thanks to Danielle Parker from The fOrT as she helped me with starting my business. Geelong Henna Artist attends many community festivals; I have been part of Barwon Health, Diversitat, Pako Festa, Sunday Markets, SKAART, and Rosewall Community Centre and Cloverdale Community Centre’s Festivals.”

“When living in Pakistan my Mum owned a beauty salon where my sister and I worked. We lived in Pakistan for a total of 13 years. Unfortunately, being an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, I still faced difficulties, for example, I would not have been able to attend University.”

Continue reading “Henna Artist, Anita” →

“When I was 3 months old, my family who lived in Afghanistan, fled on foot across the country into Iran for a better life.” Asadollah Khaleghi (Asad) is a young bright Afghan refugee who has lived in Corio since day one of stepping on Australian soil. “When I was 3 or 4 years old, my father passed away. I grew up in Iran, going to school and started working at the age of 8 to help support the family.” Asad came to Australia in 2012 with his mother, brother and two sisters.

Asad is currently a 2^nd year apprentice with Bush To Beach Plumbing, where he also attends the Gordon to learn practical skills to further advance his knowledge and skill base. He enjoys both aspects of the apprenticeship. “In 5 years’ time, I see myself owning my plumbing business as well as continuing my singing performances”. He also participates in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), where he is extremely lucky to have Jamie Cockerell as a coach, describing him as “a really good man”.

Continue reading “Asadollah Khaleghi (Asad)” →