April 15, 2022
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Let the Games begin! By Ash Bolt The 2026 Commonwealth Games are coming to Geelong. The Commonwealth Games Federation announced Tuesday regional Victoria would host the games, with Geelong to be one of four hubs around the state, along with Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland. City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said hosting the games would be a major boon for the region. “The Games attract more than 5000 athletes from more than 70 nations, so the economic benefits for our tourism, events and hospitality industries will be enormous,” he said. “This is not just about sport – thousands of athletes and spectators will experience the growing buzz about Geelong, including our fabulous food, culture, and beaches. “We’re thrilled that Geelong has won the opportunity to host a regional hub for athletes and official and fans.” Under the multi-city model, Geelong will host an athletes’ village and several events. “After the Games the athletes’ hub could be turned into affordable housing and leave lasting benefits for our region,” Cr Sullivan said. Geelong will host the aquatic sports, including swimming, para-swimming and diving, beach volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, triathlon and para-triathlon, T20 cricket matches, table tennis and para-table tennis. “Some of the hottest competition will take place in the water so we’re thrilled that Geelong has been chosen to host the aquatic events,” Cr Sullivan said. “Our waterfront at Eastern Beach provides a world-class sporting landscape and is positioned well to host the triathlon and beach volleyball. “We want to use the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to deliver a legacy for our region for decades to come. “A Regional Indoor Sports and Events Centre is a priority project for council and we are developing a business case to advocate for funding from the Victorian and Australian governments for this critical facility.” It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, and create more than 7500 jobs.
Our family have been proudly conducting funerals in Geelong for four generations. We are honoured to still be serving the Geelong community as a family owned and operated business.
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Police urge Easter safety Easter is here and with families getting ready to enjoy their Easter eggs and get away for the long weekend, Geelong Police are urging everyone to stay safe on the roads. The Geelong Police Eyewatch Facebook shared police would be running Operation Compass over the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends to ensure families made it to their destinations safely. “The combination of school holidays and two consecutive long weekends is shaping up to create a dangerous period on Victoria’s roads, with hordes of drivers set to take advantage of the extended breaks and head to holiday destinations across the state,” police said. “As these long weekends are the last pre-winter, they will be utilised for holiday travel and police intelligence suggests that this is a high-risk time. “Statewide road policing Operation Compass will be conducted … to address the increased risk of road trauma. “The major focus for [Operation Compass] will be on impaired driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences and seat belt compliance. “The aim, in addition to detecting offences, is to provide highly visible police activity and enforcement to reinforce positive driving behaviours and lessen the incidence of road trauma.” Operation Compass will run from Thursday, April 14 to Monday, April 18 and Friday, April 22 to Monday, April 25.
Two-year-old Mila is looking forward to enjoying lots of chocolate eggs this Easter. (Ivan Kemp) 276278