Eight First Nations artists will adorn seven NBN boxes with art celebrating the culture of indigenous Australians by the end of this year.

The successful artists are Ricky Abrahams, Bri Apma Hayes, Djamari and Lowell Hunter, Nikki McKenzie, Michelle Searle, Billy Jay OToole and Chloe Wegener.

The First Nations NBN Box Design Commissions project, a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, First Nations artists and NBN Co., was developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Artists tendered expressions of interest and then underwent a selection process during May and June.

Their work will form a route as part of a new arts trail leading from Marshall Reserve into central Geelong.

Nikki McKenzie said she was honoured to be chosen to have her work featured on the NBN boxes.

I see them as a reminder to the wider public that this is Aboriginal land, Ms McKenzie said.

Wherever you go, you see constant reminders in the forms of artwork Always was and always will be.

Fellow artist Chloe Wegener said that this was the first time that she had expressed her interest for a commission and she felt excited to have her artwork selected.

It is such a great opportunity for First Nations artists to show their work publicly, Ms Wegener said.

My art is influenced by colours and feelings and speaks to the interconnectedness to land, featuring the connection to Country and greenery around us.

NBN Co. general manager of national stakeholder engagement Andrea Appleby said the project prompted important conversations and enhanced the broader communitys understanding of Geelongs First Nations community.

Greater Geelong has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Victoria, all with different perspectives and stories, and the series offers the opportunity to share a part of that, Ms Appleby said.

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The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade has been completed six months ahead of schedule, delivering drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safer and more reliable travel.

Stage one of the $365-million project has added close to four kilometres of extra lanes between Belmont and Charlemont to accommodate close to 44,000 daily journeys by 2031.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said the project included intersection upgrades, shared pedestrian and cyclist paths, and the Marshall rail line improvements.

The removal of the level crossing is a particularly welcome improvement to Barwon Heads Road, he said.

The replacement of the level crossing with the bridge over the rail line at Marshall is a major boost to both the safety and the reliability of travel on the road.

The level crossings removal is especially beneficial to the increasing number of drivers who use Barwon Heads Road at peak travel times.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the completion announcement followed the opening of the Geelong-bound carriageway over the bridge at Marshall on May 24.

This upgrade will have long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, she said.

It is an important investment in vital infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing community of the Geelong region now and into the future.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the project provided improved traffic conditions and encouraged people to consider active transport options.

I am pleased the community and travellers are now reaping the full benefits of the upgrade, she said.

Im pleased that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can now use these terrific new community assets.

The projects second stage will upgrade Barwon Heads Road from Reserve Road, Charlemont, to Lower Duneed Road to ensure the link between Geelong and the Bellarine is fit for purpose.

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The Melbourne Renegades will host their 10th BBL clash at GMHBA Stadium this December.

The BB13 has been shortened, but the Renegades confirmed their partnership with Geelong this week and will play their season opener against reigning champs the Perth Scorchers on Sunday December 10.

The Renegades have hosted nine BBL matches at GMHBA Stadium since the first in January 2018.

Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said the support from the region is a key focus for the club.

We are thrilled to show our commitment to Geelong with our first home match of the season for BBL13, Rosengarten said.

Our membership and fan base in Geelong is strong and continually growing, so we cannot wait to play our first home game at GMHBA Stadium. We thank the Victorian government and the City of Greater Geelong for their support of this match and the Renegades.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin was thrilled with the Renegades return to Geelong.

Its fantastic to have the Melbourne Renegades return to GMHBA Stadium for the upcoming season, he said.

The Renegades have a great presence in the region, and we look forward to hosting a sea of red in the stands.

Local fans will once again enjoy free family sporting fun and entertainment with the Festival of Sport, leading into an exciting BBL cricket game.

In addition to the Geelong home opener, the club is scheduled to host four home matches at Marvel Stadium.

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Ceramicist Lauren McQuade has joined the lineup of artists presenting their works at the Surf Coast Arts Trail Taster Show this weekend.

The Bellbrae artist is involved in the preview exhibition at Torquays HOOP Gallery, launching on Friday, July 7, from 5.30pm to 7pm before the 2023 Surf Coast Arts Trail begins on August 5 and 6.

Ms McQuade said she looked forward to being involved with the Taster Show and people seeing her ceramics.

Living in the local area and seeing the buzz that the Trail brings around town with all the local artists opening their doors seems really special, she said.

Its not often you get to see someones space where the magic is created, so I see it as a nice opportunity for people to come and discover where it all happens.

I am excited to meet people who have an interest in what I do, and to come try their hand on the wheel or just pop in for a chat.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor Rose Hodge said the Taster Show was the perfect way for people to help plan their Arts Trail weekend.

There are a diverse range of mediums and demonstrations from painting, ceramics and textiles, to glassware, jewellery and even aerial dance performance, she said.

I always love getting out and about on the Trail weekend, which showcases why the Surf Coast is known as one of Australias top creative hotspots.

The Taster Show will be featured at the HOOP Gallery on 77 Beach Road from July 6 to 30 from 10am to 4pm and includes the work of 45 Arts Trail artists.

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Geelong and Armstrong Creek cricketer Grace Jones will train with the Melbourne Renegades WBBL squad after winning The Recruit this week.

The 18-year-old leg-spinner won the final after making her way through the initial 11 and then six and then final three in a three-part miniseries to find the best player in community cricket competitions across the state with the potential to play at a higher level.

The final episode was aired on Tuesday night July 4, but Grace knew the result beforehand.

I actually already knew the outcome before the airing of the episode, Id been told yesterday morning, she said.

But I didnt realise how nervous I was until Helmo (coach Simon Helmot) called me to let me know the result.

Playing for Geelong Cricket Club and Armstrong Creek Cricket Club (Mens) in Victorian Premier Cricket and the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association, respectively, Grace takes great pride in looking to outsmart her opponents and taking key wickets.

Im hoping that it is another opportunity to challenge myself, and look at how the squad prepares and conducts themselves, Grace said.

Im definitely really excited, so Im sure it (training) will be on my mind until I can get stuck into it.

Id like to thank and shout out, everyone at (Armstrong Creek Cricket Club) ACCC, Geelong CC, my immediate and extended family. And also, most importantly, my specialist coaches Neil Gray and Scott Lindsey, for all their support in my cricket journey up to this point.

In addition to training with the WBBL squad for the upcoming season, Grace also received $1000 worth of Kookaburra merchandise, $2000 for her local club, a 55-inch TCL LED Smart TV and more.

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Geelong Cats Mitch Duncan, Sam De Koning and Mark Blicavs werent too sure what they were in for when they found themselves in front of a junior media conference at Armstrong Mount Duneed this week.

A throng of tyro reporters tackled them high and low during a school hols visit to Club Armstrong, peppering them with a barrage of queries about their performance, their teammates, skills tips, diet and self-assessment and thats before they warmed up.

Mark, whats it like being the second-best athlete in your family? quizzed one, delivering a solid hip and shoulder to the star all-rounder before following up with:

Mark, do you think you should have stuck with athletics instead of footy?

Blicavs fended the knocks off bravely, citing his sister Saras Olympic selection and his parents Olympic and world-level basketball legacy. Hed be happy to be number two, he says.

Mitch, whos your most annoying teammate? prompted another youngster, to which Duncan smartly felled tall timber Sam De Koning with a gleeful spray about his uber-enthusiasm and non-stop energy.

Whats something we dont know about you? another youngster quizzed Sam, learning the backman is one of a 10-kid family. And yeah, they scrap occasionally.

The questions kept rolling and smarting.

Sam, what was it like growing up in your brothers shadow?

Sam, is there any chance Geelong could do a player swap for your brother Tom next year?

Ouch!

Mitch, do you think it would have been a better decision to retire on a high after the grand final?

More ducking and weaving.

Which teammate has the funniest nickname? What is it?

The boys quickly turned their attention to Zach Touhy, aka Reg, after the Harry Potter character Reginald Cattermole with his drooping moustache.

Evidently, Zach didnt like the name at first but its grown on him and hes taken full ownership of it, his teammates laughed, breathing a sigh of relief the focus was finally off them.

He even calls himself Reg now, Blicavs said.

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The Geelong Arts Centre is celebrating its grand opening with a golden ticket giveaway the biggest giveaway in the centres history.

One lucky winner will receive premium double passes to 13 performances (and more) during its four-week grand opening festival, valued at $4000.

The grand opening festival will feature performances by Jessica Mauboy, Missy Higgins, Ross Noble and more.

Plus, prepare to don your finest attire because you and your lucky plus-one will be graced with a coveted invitation to the black tie VIP grand opening gala event.

Also on offer is a spot on the very first backstage tour at the centre, taking you behind the curtain to witness the magic that brings performances to life.

The centre will also provide two $500 gift vouchers to spend at its cafes and bars, allowing you to treat yourself and a friend to an unforgettable night out filled with applause, laughter, and memories that will be etched in your minds forever.

And the icing on this spectacular cake? An ultimate subscription to Geelong Arts Centres Our Season 2024 for you and your equally artsy accomplice! Thats a whole year of shows, events, and cultural delights.

To be in the running, you must sign up to the Geelong Arts Centres Whats On e-newsletter before July 11.

All will be revealed on how to find the golden ticket entry in an email sent on July 12.

Details: www.geelongartscentre.org.au

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Gobata means take care in the Wadawurrung language and its there for all to see along the Surf Coast Highway.

Gobota is the NAIDOC Week message posted at Mount Duneed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).

WTOAC joined forces with Armstrongs Villawood Properties on Wadawurrung Country to highlight the annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples history, culture and achievements.

NAIDOC, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, is driving the theme For Our Elders in its 2023 showcase, blending neatly with the Wadawurrung gobata message.

Our Elders shape and guide each generation, passing on cultural knowledge to ensure we all understand our cultural obligation to take care of Wadawurrung Country, Wadawurrung woman and WTOAC recognition and negotiations general manager Rebekah Devlin said.

In Wadawurrung language, we do not have a word for goodbye as we hope to see you again, we say gobata instead.

Gobata means take care, but it can be used in many contexts: take care of each other, of yourself, of Country but it is up to all of us to take care of our Elders.

This is something we can all aspire to, not just during NAIDOC Week, but every week ensuring our Elders are cared for and treated with the respect they so dearly deserve.

WTOAC CEO Liam Murphy thanked Villawood Properties for its support in giving more visibility to Wadawurrung language on the Surf Coast Highway, adding that hed love to see a permanent installation of Wadawurrung Country letters in the region one day.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said the Gobata signage, in giant corten steel lettering, was an important message by the community for the community.

NAIDOC Week is a great time for people to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, he said.

The gobata message is a warm and welcoming message, an invitation to acknowledge one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on the planet. Our First Nations are an integral part of Australia a part we can share and celebrate.

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Ocean Grove Cobras hosted Glebe Greyhounds in their annual State of Origin weekend for Rivers Gift. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Collendina Reserve to capture the spirit of the day.

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Motorists travelling along the Barwon Heads Road at Marshall will notice Wadawurrung cultural heritage art and design on their journey.

Wadawurrung contributions feature prominently around the road upgrades Marshall railway line bridge, 4km shared-use path and retaining wall near Settlement Road.

Its approach ramps feature 810 wall panels patterned to represent vertically broken boomerang flanks. BKK Architects collaborated with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation on the panel design.

Acrylic screens atop the bridge depict a kunuwarra (black swan) flying like movie reel slides as drivers pass. The kunuwarra images are the work of Wadawurrung artist Stephanie (Anie) Skinner.

The retaining wall coloured to reflect the regions soil is also lined with fins designed so the word Jerringot appears as drivers pass in either direction. Wadawurrung for water all around or place of billabongs, Jerringot is the name given to adjacent wetlands that are habitat for species including migratory wading birds, including Lathams snipe.

Its wonderful to think that as you cross over the bridge as a traveller, whether as a pedestrian or in a vehicle, youre travelling alongside kunuwarra, Ms Skinner said.

Kunuwarra is a significant creature to Wadawurrung, and to walk beside her as you move through the landscape honours her story and the importance of the living things that live in and surround the Barwon.

The path also includes etched tracks of native bird species including kunawarra, porronggitj (brolga), ibis, pelican and egret. Traditional owner BJ OToole designed the footprints, which appear in the vicinity of the relevant species habitat.

Along the path, two interpretive signage structures will provide information about the area, its native flora, fauna and Wadawurrung cultural significance. One signage structure will be built near Settlement Road, the other near the rail line bridge.

Living locally and with Lake Connewarre wetlands just down the road, I see these birds regularly flying over me when Im working on Country, Mr OToole said.

It was a real honour to create their footprints and to share my story. I have three children, so for them to be able to go where their fathers artwork appears will be special and theyll hold that connection for the rest of their lives.

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A Geelong-based koala conservation organisation has planted its 100,000th tree beside a creek in Teesdale.

Koala Clancy Foundation president Janine Duffy said that its a huge milestone for the small charity, which started by planting just 300 trees in 2016. They planted over 9000 trees in 2020, despite difficulties with lockdowns restricting volunteers, then reached 25,000 in 2021 and 27,000 in 2022, with the bonus of several wet winter seasons in a row.

Weve pressed on, growing and growing every year, because our local koalas need these trees urgently, Duffy said.

Climate change is threatening our regions koalas, but a tree can grow large enough to feed a koala in just four years.

Action taken now could mean the difference between life or death for Geelong koalas, and theres never been a better time to plant koala trees the years of good rainfall means that growth will be rapid.

Even with flooding to contend with, our tree survival rate is massive. On one farm at Little River, tree survival is 93 percent after four years, and on another near Mount Rothwell, tree survival is 87 percent after three years.

The foundation has plans to plant 300,000 koala trees by 2030. Dozens of landowners and farmers from all across the region have offered their fertile riverside habitat for revegetation, in the valleys of the Barwon, Moorabool and Little River.

Koala Clancy Foundation planted on our property in 2021, they were so organised and great to work with, and even returned to collect all the tree guards for recycling two years later, Mark and Heike Dunn from Stonehaven said.

Some of the trees they planted are already four metres high, Heike said.

Koala Clancy Foundation planted 5500 trees on my property in 2022, and are planting another 10,500 this year, Teesdales Brian OShannassy said.

Im impressed by their knowledge, determination and work ethic.

We love watching the wildlife return to these properties as the native vegetation is replaced, Duffy said.

Property owners with fertile river flats, creeks or drainage lines who are keen to revegetate are encouraged to register interest at koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/landowners/

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Five 2023 Wathaurong Community NAIDOC Awards winners were announced at the Flag Raising and Community Day held at Wathaurong Aboriginal co-operative on Monday July 3.

The event marked the official start of NAIDOC Week, which began on Sunday July 2 and runs until Sunday July 9.

The NAIDOC 2023 theme For Our Elders celebrates the important role that Elders have played, and continue to play, in communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.

Nedok Yoongga (Elder/Respected Person)

Winner Aunty Sandra Manning

Aunty Sandra Manning was nominated for going above and beyond for the Wathaurong community, in her role as a community strengthening facilitator and local justice liaison. Aunty Sandy never stops, her heart and soul are all for community. She is described as young at heart and respects everyone no matter their age and is a positive influence and hard worker.

Ngarrwa Ngitj (Community Person)

Joint Winners Jay Hickey and Nicole Kirby

Jay Hickey was nominated for his outstanding support for community and his engagement with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Jay goes above and beyond lending a hand to people. Jay shares his passion and skills such as art or skating with community, and has a positive influence on those around him.

Nicole Kirby was nominated for her dedication and support in being actively involved in the running of the Wathaurong Womens Group. As well as being a regular attendee and volunteer for Womens Group, Nicole and her family are always involved in Wathaurong community events and willing to put up a hand to help out with whatever is needed.

Koolay Goopma (Young Male Achiever)

Winner Vaughan Gray

Vaughan Gray was nominated for His passion and dedication to his work with the

Wathaurong youth. Vaughan goes above and beyond for community, outside of what is required in his Youth Justice role, and connects with the young mob. Vaughan is described as a caring and loving person.

Moordeemoondeek Goopma (Young Female achiever)

Winner Layla Boseley

Layla Boseley was nominated for her outstanding work in organising and participating in community events. Her hard work has been recognised and appreciated by many community members, and she was honoured earlier this year by winning the Victorian First Nations Trainee of the Year Award. Many staff and community members have watched Layla grow in various aspects over the past year and her work and commitment has been rewarded. Layla is such a positive influence on community and her happy smiling face is always a joy to see at community events and activities.

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