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FINALS HOPES ON THE ROPES, PAGE 22
10 - 23 FEBRUARY, 2023
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
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Big smiles on dials Disabled Surfers Association put smiles on plenty of dials on Sunday, February 5. The Ocean Grove branch of the much-loved organisation aims to provide a surfing experience for people with disabilities and the first event of the season was completely booked out. Linda Blaik (pictured) had a great time in the surf at Ocean Grove main beach, where volunteers and surfers converged to offer an unforgettable experience. Page 5
(Virginia Dickson-Swift)
■ Story:
First Nations school plan By Justin Flynn Ocean Grove Primary School will use a $29,100 grant to connect the town with its First Nations heritage. The school received the grant through the City of Greater Geelong’s 2022-23 Community Grants program. OGPS’s ‘Rekindling the Wadawurrung Spirit of Ocean Grove’ will be an intangible cultural heritage project to build Wadawurrung heritage of the Ocean Grove area. The front entrance of the school will be decorated with a mural in collaboration with Wadawurrung artists, pupils and
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We are trying to rekindle the Waduwurrung culture in Ocean Grove and we see this as being the first step - Jo Chapman
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Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Arts teacher Jo Chapman said a lot is known of the town’s Methodist heritage, but details on Wadawurrung history remained scant. “We applied for the grant to connect more with our First Nations heritage in Ocean
Grove,” she said. “We are in a great position to be able to connect with our local First Nations history. “Down the track long term we will look at building those relations by having the language spoken and taught at the school and create our own reconciliation action plan.” Ms Chapman said cultural and awareness workshops for pupils and staff are also on the agenda, as well as Waduwurrung language signage for the school’s Inclusion Garden. “We are trying to rekindle the Waduwurrung culture in Ocean Grove and we see this as being the first step,” she said. The school shared in $3.136 million from the Community Grants program.
A total of 44 community groups, clubs and organisations across Greater Geelong were awarded grants, including 35 Community Infrastructure Grant applications totalling more than $2.615 million. Bellarine Catchment Network will use $350,000 to update the Bellarine Environment Centre to be more accessible and comfortable. Clifton Springs Bowling Club’s $260,000 grant will fund a kitchen upgrade for members. Other Community Infrastructure Grant recipients include 1st Barwon Heads Scouts ($32,482) for a feasibility study into a new Barwon Heads Scout Hall. The full list of recipients can be found at geelong.link/grant-recipients