City of Greater Geelong

16/09/2026

Still bringing the festa 🎊

From a crowd of 12,000 people in 1983 to more than 100,000 people this year, Pako Festa has been bringing Greater Geelong together for 45 years.

What started as a celebration of the cultures that make up our community has grown into Victoria’s largest free multicultural festival. 🌏

Along the way, it’s welcomed new communities, celebrated generations of cultural traditions, filled Pakington Street with music, dance and food, and become a tradition for so many locals. 💃

These photos are a little trip down memory lane, and a reminder of how much Pako has grown with our community over the decades.

As part of this year’s Budget, we’ve increased our support for Pako Festa to $120,000, helping Cultura prepare for the landmark 45th festival in February 2027. 🙌

Pako Festa returns to Pakington Street on Saturday 27 February.

Do you remember your first Pako Festa? Or have a favourite memory from over the years? We’d love to hear it. 👇

15/09/2026

Lights on. Game on. 💡

More training, more games and more opportunities are in store for the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club, Ocean Grove Cricket Club, Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club and Collendina Cobras Cricket Club.

Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve has had a $1.16 million upgrade, including brand new LED sports lighting and upgraded changerooms for senior men's, women's and junior teams, plus improved umpire facilities.

It means local teams can fit in more training sessions and games with access to the ground later into the evening, while modern, more inclusive changerooms make it easier for more players and officials to participate. That's especially important as local clubs continue to grow.

These upgrades help make community sport safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone who wants to get involved.

The Australian Government contributed $800,000 towards the project, alongside $363,000 from us through our Community Infrastructure Grant program.

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

New page in Chilwell Library’s story 📚

Chilwell Library in Newtown is getting ready to welcome you back following an upgrade.

The refreshed library includes new toilets, improved community spaces, a new deck area, better connections to neighbouring Sladen Park, and a more welcoming, accessible space for everyone to enjoy.

The project was designed in collaboration with Geelong Regional Libraries and the Chilwell Library Group, and made possible with support from a $150,000 Victorian Government grant.

14/09/2026

The future of AI should work for communities too 🤖

AI data centres are becoming an important part of Australia's digital future. But if Greater Geelong hosts this infrastructure, it's fair to ask: how will our community benefit?

In today's Geelong Advertiser, our CEO Ali Wastie shares why we're calling for a national Community Benefits Infrastructure Levy for major data centres.

If a community hosts a data centre for decades, it should share in the long-term value it creates through investment in local infrastructure and community facilities.

It's about supporting innovation while making sure community voices and community benefits are part of the conversation.

👉 Read Ali's opinion piece at https://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/news-and-updates/take-breath-and-re-design-data-centre-approvals-system

12/09/2026

Your spring school holiday guide is here 🌸

Spring into family adventures across central Geelong and the waterfront. 🐝

We’ve rounded up free, low-cost and ticketed activities happening across the city, with something for every age and interest – from crafty creations and live shows to outdoor fun and festival favourites. 🎭

Make some memories, try something new and let the fun bloom these school holidays. 🌼

👉 Buzz over to the full Spring School Holiday Fun Guide at geelong.link/SPSHFG

11/09/2026

Getting the garden party started 🌸

Celebrate 175 years of one of the oldest botanic gardens in Australia with a blooming good day out at the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Join us for a free community celebration packed with nature, history and family fun.

What’s growing on:

🌿 Walks, talks and garden stories
🦖 Family fun and nature activities
🌱 Plant, art and book sales
🐝 Local community groups and nature experts

Bring the family and spend the day exploring one of our most loved places.

📍 Geelong Botanic Gardens
🗓️ Saturday 3 October | 10am–3pm
👉 Dig into the full program at geelong.link/175GBG

11/09/2026

Different and delicious 🍎

Great food doesn’t have to look perfect!

The popular local produce section at Geelong City Market is serving up seasonal goodness with a sustainable story.

Market favourite Laura from Pindatoes Fresh Produce calls her special offering of fruit and vegetables “imperfectly perfect” – making healthy eating more accessible while saving precious food from landfill.

It’s good for your plate, good for your pocket and good for the planet. 🥕

Find Laura and so many more passionate stallholders at the market every weekend.

📍 Geelong City Market, Little Malop Central
🗓️ Saturdays, 9am–2pm

08/09/2026

On the home stretch 🏃‍♀️

Two weeks to go until the Geelong Running Festival hits our city streets, including Geelong’s first-ever marathon!

Local legend and Olympian Lee Troop talks us through the final stretch of the marathon, where to catch the action, and what to expect at the post-race party.

There’s still time to sign up, with distances and events to suit a range of abilities.

👉 Registrations, course maps and program schedule at geelongrunningfestival.com.au