Our heritage is a part of who we are; it's what we inherit, appreciate today and think is important to protect and pass on to future generations.
We're updating our Geelong Heritage Strategy to reflect First Nations values, embrace diversity, and focus on sustainability, ensuring that the Geelong Heritage Strategy is inclusive, forward thinking and recognises all aspects of our community's rich heritage and culture.
The objective of the strategy to is preserve and enhance the region's heritage places; current and future. The strategy will guide policies and actions over the next decade, ensuring Geelong's rich history remains an integral part of its future growth and development.
Heritage can be something that you can see and feel, like buildings and objects, or something that is non-physical and abstract, like traditions and beliefs. Heritage is not always old and can include places and objects used in everyday life.
We want to hear about a range of heritage across our region such as spaces and traditions significant to our Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, a hub built by a migrant community and spaces that have played a part in gender equality and LGBTIQA+ history.
The Corio Bowls Skatepark is an unexpected example of heritage for some, but it is nationally and internationally recognised by skateboarders and was one of the earliest in Australia when it opened in 1980. The skatepark became a reality thanks to a community campaign by the Corio Skateboard Club of 12–16-year-olds and their parents.
Buildings are often what we typically think of when it comes to heritage, such as our waterfront woolstores – one from 1872 is now the National Wool Museum, Gordon Technical College (opened 1887), Fyansford Paper Mill (opened 1878) and the T&G Building (opened 1934).
However, heritage is more than just buildings. Our local heritage includes Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs), The Carousel (circa 1892), Eastern Beach Reserve (circa 1930s), and Kardinia Park.
Consultation on the strategy via our Have Your Say survey is open until Monday 16 September.
We're also holding 'Come Chat to Us' sessions at:
- Geelong Library & Heritage Centre – 11am-1pm on Thursday 15 August
- Corio Village Customer Service Centre – 2-4pm on Saturday 17 August
- Waurn Ponds Library – 5-7pm on Monday 19 August
- Boronggook Drysdale Library – 10am-12pm on Wednesday 11 September
Registrations are encouraged. We want locals to share their stories of existing or potential heritage places.
The City of Greater Geelong has made significant progress in preserving and promoting the City's rich heritage through its previous heritage strategy.
Key achievements include:
- Establishment of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which has provided valuable advice and support, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the City's heritage among residents and stakeholders.
- Successful publication and launch in 2021 of About Corayo: a thematic history of Greater Geelong, by Dr David Rowe, which has deepened understanding of Indigenous heritage and places and people that have shaped the region.
- Collaboration with Geelong & Region Branch of the National Trust (Vic) on the Heritage Awards recognising and honouring outstanding contributions in categories including conservation, sustainability, and creative reuse of a heritage places.
- An annual heritage grants program providing financial support to property owners and community groups for the conservation of heritage places.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
The engagement will help to shape the sustainable future of heritage in Geelong.We have a wealth of heritage in Greater Geelong, from 25,000 years' worth of Wadawurrung history, through to colonial and industrial buildings, migrant housing and monuments.
We invite you to have a think about the meaning and significance of heritage to our cultural and design landscape, and your views on challenges and opportunities.
The City wants to hear about our rich and evolving heritage from buildings and experiences, to events, traditions and beliefs.
Councillor Jim Mason, Chair of City Planning and Heritage
Heritage is important to our region's social fabric, cultural identity and economy.By identifying what is significant to our region and our diverse community, we can deliver a roadmap of medium-and long-term heritage priorities for Greater Geelong.
Please tell us what's important to you.
