Council wants to ensure we’re providing access to spaces and services where people need them the most.
In recent years, we’ve sought to place more focus on creating community facilities that can be used by a wide range of residents and groups.
Whether it be organised sport, regular cultural activities, or passive recreation, we want our facilities to be inclusive and to improve access for as many people as possible.
Shared use of places and spaces builds stronger and more diverse communities, improves health outcomes and deepens our social ties.
Council this week released draft master plans for two recreation reserves, which have a clear focus on catering to a variety of users.
Both Hamlyn Park (Hamlyn Heights) and Myers Reserve (Bell Post Hill) draft master plans are out for public comment, and we are welcoming input from all corners of the community.
We want your feedback on priorities identified for the refurbishment of Hamlyn Park, such as the development of fit-for-purpose change rooms to support netball, and the upgrade of other facilities, including the Geelong Ballroom Dance Club building.
There are also plans to improve pedestrian safety, linkages throughout the reserve and open space, to cater to more casual users of the reserve.
The draft also supports Western Heights College’s aim to develop sporting facilities that will provide greater opportunities.
The master plan aims to meet increasing participation demands, including the rise in female members, and the desire for more passive open space.
Multiple initiatives have been identified in the draft Myers Reserve Master Plan.
This includes the relocation of the netball courts and bowls greens, refurbishment of the existing pavilion, new facilities for soccer and bowls, and additional sporting fields.
Retaining the existing tree canopy and undertaking additional plantings, including a vegetation buffer between the reserve and the Ring Road, is also on the agenda.
These projects aim to provide more opportunities for children in formal sport, and less structured recreation, while increasing use of the reserve by all members of the community.
I encourage you to visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au and view the plans, and to have your say during this consultation period.
We are fortunate to have so many women who go to extraordinary lengths to make our community a better place for others.
Council recognises and celebrates the contributions of women across Greater Geelong, at the annual Women in Community Life Awards.
Nominations are open until 18 November for the 2023 edition of the awards.
The awards will be presented as part of our International Women’s Day celebrations on 8 March 2023.
Gender equity is one of the Council’s five health and wellbeing priorities.
Our gender equity framework, called ‘Ba-gurrk’, outlines our ongoing commitment to eliminate barriers, and to celebrate the crucial role that women and girls play in our community.
So please, if you know a woman who has had a big impact on the Geelong community, review the awards information and consider nominating them.
For more details visit geelongaustralia.com.au/wiclawards
