
2 minute read
Belerren – a new era of sport and wellbeing
NICOLE ROACHE, MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT MANAGER
On Friday 25 July, Her Excellency Professor, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, officially opened the new Sports and Wellbeing Centre, ‘Belerren’, at The Geelong College. With nearly 1,600 attendees, including students from Years 3 to 12, staff, College Council members, the Foundation Board, donors, and special guests, the grand scale of the new facility was evident.
The opening ceremony of Belerren began with a traditional Welcome to Country, led by Waddawurrung elder Corrina Eccles and Year 3 students Yasmina Kurul and Ned Galbraith.
Following the national anthem, performed by the College Symphony Orchestra and choir, speeches from Principal Dr Peter Miller and Chair of Council, Prof. Richard Page, highlighted the significance of the new space.
The Governor addressed the crowd before unveiling the commemorative plaque. The event concluded with the premiere of ‘Stories of Change: Celebrating 50 Years of Co-Education’ video, followed by a stirring rendition of the School Song, Sic Itur Ad Astra.
Belerren—meaning “to shine” in the Wadawurrung language—is a state-ofthe-art facility featuring a double-court gymnasium, elite training spaces, four classrooms, and an events area overlooking Mackie Oval. It also includes an underground car park and houses the maintenance and grounds departments. The Centre will serve as a hub for sports training, school events, APS competitions, and various learning activities, providing a space where students and the broader College community can thrive in both sport and life.
Dr Peter Miller shared his excitement for the project:
“Belerren will be an amazing and iconic space for our students and community to gather, prioritise fitness and health. Projects like this don’t happen without philanthropic support, and we are very grateful to the College community for their generous donations that have made Belerren a reality.”
Designed by Old Collegian John Wardle (OGC 1971), Belerren seamlessly integrates with both the College’s heritage and modern buildings.
The opening of this new space marks the beginning of a transformative era for sport and wellbeing at The Geelong College. Already we have seen a State Netball Championship, the Geelong Cats AFLW team training in the space and a growing performance pathway program. At lunchtime and after school the weights space is full of students prioritising their fitness and wellbeing.
Build it and they will come and play.
