Flagging intentions: John Mitchell dresses up to raise a centenary banner. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 56596
COUNCILLOR John Mitchell has dusted off his historic mayoral robes and 18-carat-gold chain to launch celebrations of Geelong’s centenary since proclamation as a city.
He wore the finery of many mayors past outside City Hall on Tuesday while raising one of 40 banners to fly around the city during the celebrations.
Council would also mark the centenary with a mayoral ball next week as well as reproduction of photos from the past 100 years in the City’s annual calendar, he announced.
“The 100th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on all that has occurred in the past 100 years in Geelong,” Cr Mitchell said.
“While our city has grown considerably, I think there is something about the spirit of Geelong that is unchanging.
“When you look at the photographs from 100 years ago you see that many of the things we enjoy today were just as popular back then, including our love affair with our coastal environment and our obsession with football.”
Cr Mitchell said the Blue Ribbon Mayoral Ball at Geelong Arena on November 20 would celebrate the centenary while raising money for a new children’s ward at the city’s public hospital.
“Needless to say Geelong Hospital has played a central role in the history of the city, so I can think of no more fitting focal point during the anniversary celebrations.”
