Business as usual

Trent Sullivan

As it’s my first Ocean Grove Voice column for 2022, I wish readers a happy and healthy year ahead.

I’m feeling refreshed from being with loved ones over the holidays and have jumped straight back into my council work.

You may have seen the news that Mayor Stephanie Asher is on a leave of absence from the Council until this year’s federal election.

As deputy mayor, this means I’m now performing the role of the mayor during this time.

It’s a real honour to serve the community in this way and I’ll continue to listen to residents and make decisions with their needs firmly in mind.

With so many exciting projects underway, it really is business as usual for council.

In fact, we recently announced a whole heap of grants – worth more than $3.1 million – for our hard-working community groups, clubs and organisations.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Daniel Harvey and Matt Connell from the Bellarine Bears.

The baseball club is over the moon about receiving $350,000 to upgrade the Wallington Recreation Reserve facilities.

The fields, fencing, dugouts, scorers’ box and lighting will get a much-needed facelift, which will certainly result in a morale boost for the club’s seven senior teams, three junior teams and T-Bbll players.

Consider whether a grant might help the group you’re involved in – visit geelongaustralia.com.au/grants for further info.

Speaking of sport, local cricket aficionados are rejoicing at news that the world’s best cricketers will be playing in Geelong as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

This is a big coup for our regional city – the only one in Australia to be hosting matches – and reflects our reputation as a successful host of world-class and elite sporting competitions.

The global event kicks off on October 16 and Geelong’s fixtures can be found here: t20worldcup.com/fixtures