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“The best exercise that you can do is to help someone else who is down, to get up”.  Tony McManus, beyondblue Ambassador, never forgot this much needed advice from personal trainer Steve Lewry.

“That phrase is now a guiding principle for my current focus on overcoming the Mental Health issue of Isolation with the solution of Social Connection through volunteering and mentoring. It can actually be a very simple and positive philosophy to help build connections and resilience in communities.”

Tony is one of the many inspiring people speaking at the Humans in Geelong Expo next week.  He shares his story with the intention of encouraging people with depression and anxiety to seek help.

Continue reading “Tony McManus, Beyondblue & RUOK?” →

It’s not okay. After we rescued and gave a home to our beautiful Ruby (Cookie Moo), I knew I had to make a difference. Seeing photos and hearing many statements about various puppy farms, it’s one of the times in my life I’ve felt the most downhearted and useless because all I thought about was all of the dogs living there, receiving no love, no attention, no care. It was absolutely horrifying.

I’m Rachael and my small biz, Cookie Moo Bath, Body & Home started back in 2014 from our home in Geelong. Originally, I began just to assist Kaya’s Mission in raising much needed funds so they could continue to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home puppy farm dogs. But it was also something that my heart was so drawn towards doing, as a result of us rescuing our beautiful dog Ruby (Cookie Moo) and Minnie Woo.

Continue reading “Cookie Moo, Rachael” →

“Seriously, no stupid people allowed beyond this point!” This was the warning that Phil and I encountered when we arrived for our interview with Liam O’Neil. It looked like we might have to conduct the interview on the front lawn, but fortunately Liam and his mother Ailsa were gracious enough to let us inside.

What we found when we entered was a celebration of art which covered every inch of the space. Cheerfully coloured canvases, bedazzled mannequins and two bright, friendly smiles lit up the suburban home which houses Liam’s studio. At the time of our visit, Liam was working on a portrait of a woman holding a camera in graphic yellow and purples. As Phil and Ailsa discussed the best location for our photo shoot, I chatted with Liam about his favourite shows such as Doctor Who and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Continue reading “Liam’s Art Geelong” →

“I realised a long time ago that we are all so different. We have different passions, interests and idiosyncrasies. It’s important to create a life where they are pursued because we all have something special to serve our slice of the community with. Which means no one can do it like you can!”

Kim Cooper grew up in Melbourne where she lived for 17 years, moved to Townsville for 11 years, and has been living in Geelong for 3 years. Former contestant of Australian Idol in 2009, Kim is now a carer for her Dad since moving back to Geelong. “This is one of my biggest achievements…almost 90% of disability carers that care for family member’s drop out in the first 12 months so I knew the odds were hugely against me. Thanks to the amazing people in the Geelong community, I’ve been able to create a wonderful life here which has helped me remain as a carer for dad as long as I have.”

Continue reading “This Hot Mess, Kim” →

Pauley decided to come out as a transgender person a couple of years ago while she and her family were living in the small country town of Simpson. Some people had suggested she should wait until she was back in Geelong. But she knows she made the right decision when a mother from Simpson primary school, told her, “Thank you for making the change in our small community. Up until now, the kids had two choices, to leave or to take their lives. Now they know, they can be accepted in our community, like you have been.”

Pauley Johnson has lots of positive stories to tell. Like the fact her dirt bike club, the Otway Trail Riders, still call her ‘Johno’ and proudly ride behind her when she leads the annual “Tomahawk” ride. These positive experiences have enabled her to be empowered to support others.

Continue reading “Geelong Gender Group, Pauley” →

Humans in Geelong Expo 2018

Sunday 7^th October, 10 – 3pm, Deakin Waterfront Campus.

FREE Community event highlighting our amazing locals.

Prizes just for turning up, including our grand prize of a $250 voucher from Helloworld Travel Waurn Ponds. PLEASE SHARE.

Something for everyone! 17 speakers, 10 live performances, 45 Exhibitors. There will be music, dancing and diversity. Come along and join in the fun! 1,500 attended our first inspirational event last year.

For the kids – Free face-painting, henna, craft activities and the St Leonards Men’s Shed will be making wooden tic tac toe games with them. Be marvelled by Dazzling Dan the Magic Man on the stage at 10.30am.

Official opening at 10am with the Welcome to Country by Corrina Eccles, Norm Stanley on the didge and the Deadly Dancers.

 Check out the full line-up on our Facebook event page or our website in the menu under Humans in Geelong Expo 2018.

Humans in Geelong, a dedicated team of volunteers telling the stories of amazing locals in the aim to INSPIRE – CONNECT – STRENGTHEN our community.

 

Geelong based organisation Project Thrive are working with schools and organisations locally and globally. Disrupting the education system in Geelong and beyond, Project Thrive aim to create conditions that enable well-being and inspire educators to think differently. From getting a group of Geelong Principals in a mudpit in Bali to working with educators in Hong Kong, Project Thrive is challenging mindsets around how well-being is achieved and how resilience is cultivated.

Project thrive uses a systems approach and the science of Positive Psychology applied in a unique way that takes into account Andrea’s vast experience in education.

“We work with schools to integrate well-being not only into teaching but the wider school community. This produces a web of understanding and conditions where everyone can potentially thrive”.

Continue reading “Project Thrive, Andrea” →

Who’s coming to the Expo? And, have you VOTED yet? Last chance to vote for the Humans in Geelong Book in ‘Pick My Project’ State Government Grant. Voting closes Monday. PLEASE SHARE!
Go to https://bit.ly/2BRTqrC
Register with an email address & mobile number
Add ‘Humans in Geelong Book’ to shortlist (& 2 other projects!)
Vote + verify your vote.     Voting closes 5pm Mon Sept 17th

The Humans in Geelong Expo is Sun 7^th Oct 10-3pm at Deakin Waterfront Campus. It’s a FREE community event with something for everyone. E.g.

15 guest speakers: The Street’s Barber, Professor Steven Allender from GLOBE and a Geelong Youth Panel led by Kuranda Seyit, Director of FAIR.

45 exhibitors: Peter Robert’s, Liam’s Art, Fairwrap, Cherished Pets

8 Live Performances: Sweethearts, With One Voice Choir, Dazzling Dan

In the courtyard: St Leonard’s Men’s Shed making tic tac toe wooden games with the kids, Anita Qayyumi and friends providing free henna, free face painting.

Games and displays in the Foyer: Geelong Sustainability, Combined Refugee Action Group and B.O.E.

For the full program check out our website www.humansingeelong.com and share the event on Facebook.

Humans in Geelong – INSPIRE – CONNECT – STRENGTHEN our community.

 

 

 

Chagai grew up in South Sudan where women were to be seen and not heard. From seven years of age she had to carry heavy containers full of water on her head for kilometres back to her family in blistering heat. Although her dream was to be a Doctor, so she could help others, in Year 8 she was forced to leave school and focus on household chores. She narrowly avoided an arranged marriage. You can listen to Chagai tell her story of resilience at the Humans in Geelong Expo on Sunday 7^th October at 2.30pm in room D2.211 at Deakin Waterfront Campus. PLEASE SHARE.

Despite all this, Chagai has gone on to become a leader in her community, here in Geelong.

She and her family fled war-torn Sudan in early 2000s. They walked for days, then travelled by ship to Egypt and train to Cairo. Here the UN found them a position in Australia.

Continue reading “Chagai from South Sudan” →

Mother Teresa said “let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”  When I met Samantha Durney and Trish Redman-Collister during the community radio training at the Pulse I felt I had known them a long time.  Their smiles, their shiny and happy eyes and energetic souls gave a wonderful atmosphere to the class.  Immediately after the course Sam and Trish started their voluntary radio program ‘Breaky with the Gems’ at 94.7 the Pulse, each Monday morning from 7-9am.

Sam and Trish met 15 years ago by way of their kids.  “We learned guitar for two weeks and we practised a few cords, then we started our first gig and we called our band ‘The Gems’”, says Trish.  They both consider their band their first adventure and since then they have always looked for exciting projects hoping also to take friends along with them.  ‘The Gems’ duo play a range of instruments: guitar, drums, bass, harmonica and more.  The two friends are also organisers of the themed and fancy dress ‘Desperate Housewives Night Out’ party which has been running annually at the Potato Shed in Drysdale for 9 years, selling out each year.  Their band performances are just as often aimed at children as adults.  They organise ‘Funky Mummies’ and children’s pantomimes.

Continue reading “The Gems, Sam & Trish.” →