Local youth worker Geraldine Pompei has called Geelong home for more than a decade. But as the 43-year-old tells Natalee Kerr, settling down in the region happened unexpectedly.
What is your connection to Geelong?
I ended up in Geelong in 2006 while I was traveling around Australia with my partner and my two young kids. We came across a house for rent in Geelong West so we went for it and got it. We then brought a house in 2011 in Highton and have been living there since. It’s probably the longest place I’ve lived in since moving out of home, I normally last two or three years in a place before I move on to the next. I didn’t arrive thinking I would be here for a long time, but we decided to stick around and we’ve been really comfortable here since.
What is your favourite thing about Geelong?
It’s a great central location, right between the bush, ocean and the city – it’s so easy to get to everything.
It’s just a good place to live with a good community. I’m involved with a few community things, like a poetry group where I’ve made some really good friends.
What is it like working in Geelong?
Working in the Geelong community has been really good, but it’s certainly been challenging too.
I’ve had 90 referrals since March as part of Centacare’s Youth Power Program – everyone that gets referred to me I make contact with – about 45 kids have come through the program. They’re a good bunch of young people here – they’re diverse with different personalities. I always find the work interesting, they teach me something new every day.
What are the biggest challenges facing Geelong’s youth?
The biggest hurdle for our youth has probably got to do with them trying to find work. The lack of entry-level positions poses a challenge because everyone is competing for them. Everywhere now is asking for experience too so it’s become really difficult to enter the workforce.
What inspires you the most about the youth in Geelong community?
Probably their willingness to give things a go. Also, there’s a lot of talent here. There are so many young people that are so artistically talented and passionate about social issues – it’s great to get on board with what they are doing.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love hiking and getting out in the bush so it’s great living so close to the Otway’s and the Surf Coast. I’m also a yoga and meditation teacher. I run a couple classes a week and I also teach yoga at a local aged care centre fortnightly and to the Headspace staff, which has been really fun.
