The Spice Girls promoted “girl power” in the ’90s but their mantra seems to have taken two decades to fully capture Geelong.
In the age of equality, the city’s now right out in front with women at the helm of the vast majority of public and civic institutions.
Consider just some of the list: Kathy Alexander as chair of Geelong’s council administrators; Jan den Hollander, vice-chancellor at Deakin University; Jo Plummer and Tracey Slatter, chair and managing director of Barwon Water respectively; Kylie Warne and Bernadette Uzelac similarly positioned at Geelong Chamber of Commerce; and Rebecca Casson heading up Committee for Geelong.
The sisterhood had almost a clean sweep until Belinda Moyes recently departed the top job at Barwon Health – and she’s yet to be replaced.
Then it’s just a few holdouts to go – look out, Cats chief Brian Cook and City Hall CEO Kelvin Spiller!
Meanwhile, a bloke of lesser public profile but no less community service will be honoured in memoriam this weekend.
Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway will dedicate a replica Victoria Railways Platform seat to Arthur Sweatman, who passed away in 2012.
As one of its founders, Arthur was a hard-working volunteer for the miniature railway – and a very handy one too, building five electric locomotives for the line and donating some model engines for use as well.
Arthur’s widow, Monica Sweatman, donated the platform seat, which miniature railway secretary Brian Coleman welcomed as a “a thoughtful gift and … very much appreciated”.
Anyone who’s enjoyed Athur’s handiwork while riding the miniature railway can attend the dedication at noon on Sunday.
The Cats’ dismal performance against the Bombers produced some long local faces Sunday morning.
Not so one infuriating Bombers fan as he continued provoking a Geelong-mad mate, homing in on the Cats’ remarkable tackling deficit.
“My new cat’s just like your Cats,” the happy Bomber grinned to his sulking friend.
“Oh yeah, why?” our Geelongite enquired warily.
“Well, he went to the vet last week,” the Bomber explained, “and now his tackle’s gone, too!”
