With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve found myself doing a bit of reflecting and it turns out 2025 has been a big year for the Bellarine.
From major infrastructure projects to world-class events, we’ve had plenty to celebrate.
One moment that captured that sense of progress came earlier this month, when I joined local MPs and fellow councillor Rowan Story to mark the start of construction of our new indoor pool in Drysdale.
This project didn’t just happen – it’s the result of years of passionate advocacy from local residents. And it’s going to be worth the wait.
When it opens in 2027, the facility will feature a 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, a gym, a cafe and fully accessible ramps and changerooms – meaning everyone can enjoy the water safely and comfortably.
With $20 million each from the Australian and Victorian governments and an additional $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong, it’s a huge investment in the wellbeing of our community.
The Ocean Grove District Ride Centre is set to make a similarly profound impact, with construction underway at Kingston Park.
Again, the local community played a key role in shaping this facility which, once complete, will be able to accommodate about 100 riders at a time.
The layout and features reflect the feedback raised throughout the community consultation process, meaning our region’s riders have had their say in what matters most to them.
This centre is the result of advocacy from young local riders, particularly those in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, who approached council wanting more places to let loose on the pedals.
We thank them for their passion and commitment.
In my own ward, I was thrilled to witness the transformation of Leopold Memorial Reserve, made possible by a $3.25 million Australian government investment.
The City managed the project, delivering a new asphalt car park with improved drainage and a brand-new changeroom at oval two.
The multipurpose courts have also had a serious upgrade with new fencing, resurfaced courts, improved sports lighting and a new netball warm-up court.
Even better, careful project management has delivered savings, meaning more improvements are on the way.
Planning is underway for a major upgrade of the cricket nets, CCTV for the reserve, new Australian Rules football-compliant shelters and a new electronic scoreboard at oval one, with completion anticipated by mid-2026.
There were plenty more bright spots throughout 2025. The inaugural ROAM Geelong transformed our cultural precinct into a kaleidoscope of art, colour and creativity, attracting 16,000 people.
In the 2024–25 financial year, 12 events sponsored by Geelong Major Events generated an impressive $93 million for our local economy and attracted almost half a million spectators and participants.
The City’s $1.5 million investment delivered a remarkable return on investment of 56 to 1. As a representative on the Geelong Major Events and Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine committees, I was thrilled to see the impact these events are having on our region.
The Bellarine Peninsula will again take centre stage next year, with several world-class events including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the National Celtic Festival and the Victorian Open.
Looking back, 2025 has been a year of collaboration and real progress – and it’s left me excited for what’s ahead in 2026.
