By Cr Trent Sullivan
As councillors we have the honour and privilege of serving and shaping our community.
But being a councillor is not the only way to make a meaningful impact in our beautiful and unique part of the world.
Everyone in Greater Geelong has a role to play in guiding our city’s future.
So, if you are passionate about making a difference, I urge you to have your say on our upcoming Council Plan.
This four-yearly document underpins everything we do as a council, from investing in new infrastructure for our growing community to the more than 130 services that we provide.
With the current plan set to expire in June 2025, the City of Greater Geelong is beginning work on the Council Plan 2025-2029.
Perhaps the most impactful way community members can contribute to this important strategy is by being part of the Community Plan’s deliberative engagement panel.
There is still time to join this important community reference group by visiting geelong.link/CPEOI, with expressions of interest closing at 11.59pm this Sunday August 4.
I encourage everyone to consider applying for the panel, which we want to be a representative sample of the Greater Geelong community.
In particular, we are looking for people:
from the Bellarine and Windermere wards,
from one-parent households,
under 34 or over 85,
identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander,
identifying as non-binary, and/or
with an education of Year 11 or below.
Panel members will participate in four independently facilitated workshops this month, where they will gain a greater understanding of Council operations and play a collaborative role in the design of the new Council Plan.
Participating on the panel is a rewarding way to give back to your community and ensure a diverse range of voices is heard.
Successful applicants will be notified on August 6, with the first session planned for August 14. Panel members will receive a stipend as compensation for their time.
Another way to get involved is to complete one or both surveys on our Council Plan Have Your Say webpage at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CP202529
The Community Survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and gives people a say on council’s priorities.
The second survey asks community members how they would allocate council’s available funding across 11 key areas using a budget of $100.
I am also pleased to advise that Bellarine ward residents can still have their say in person at one of three community engagement sessions on Saturday September 7 at:
Frank Ellis Reserve Playground, 2-60 Flinders Parade, Barwon Heads, 9am-10am;
Boronggook Drysdale Library forecourt, 2-8 Wyndham Street, 10.30am-11.30am; and
Portarlington Rotunda, Newcombe Street, 12.30pm-1.30pm.
Another session is also planned on September 7 for Brownbill ward residents at Geelong West Town Hall forecourt, 153 Pakington Street from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Another 10 sessions took place last month at various locations within the Brownbill, Windermere and Kardinia wards.
Combined, these sessions will help give City officers a clearer picture of the priorities of our wider community.
The Council Plan 2025-2029 is a vision for all of Greater Geelong for the next four years, so it is important that as many people as possible contribute their ideas.
I encourage everyone to get involved and join us in developing a plan that truly reflects the values and aspirations of the people of Greater Geelong.
