Home building approvals in Geelong have risen 34 per cent over the past year to August, close to levels last seen in the 2022 Covid boom, according to KPMG analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. The pipeline now sits at around 4000 new homes. KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said the rise shows growing confidence in the city's long-term growth, but stressed that approved projects must now move through to construction. Lara has overtaken Armstrong Creek as the region's top approval area, with the activity shifting north.
More than 25 free and low-cost events for children up to 12 will run across Greater Geelong from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. The program spans Ocean Grove, Armstrong Creek, Waurn Ponds, Lara and Norlane. A highlight is a Halloween dance party at Lara Community Centre on Friday 30 October, with music, games, costumes and spooky surprises. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated more than $20,000 through its 2026–27 Children's Week Grants program to help local organisations run activities.
AFL Barwon has refused to readmit Lara to the Geelong Football League for next season. The league said the club did not meet requirements, including having a senior coach and 45 signed-up players. Lara had 29 players signed by the extended deadline and had not appointed a coach. AFL Barwon said the club's governance arrangements are still developing. It plans an 11-team seniors and reserves competition for 2027. The league said Lara could return in 2028 or beyond. The future of Lara's A Grade netball side is unclear.
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Greater Geelong will host more than 25 free and low-cost activities for children aged up to 12 during Children's Week, running from 24 October to 1 November. The program spans sport, music, dance, crafts, train rides, cultural experiences and playgroups across suburbs including Ocean Grove, Lara and Norlane. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated $20,343 to local organisations through its Children's Week Grants for 2026–27. A Halloween Dance Party at Lara Community Centre on Friday, 30 October, starting at 5pm, is one planned event. The full program is available online.
Lara beat Torquay 88 to 71 in round 1 of the Geelong Bowls Region Premier Division, winning three of four rinks at home. Hedger's rink recovered from 4-14 down after 11 ends to win 22-17. Coach Jeff Tyley said the team had nothing to lose and wanted to win. Lara now faces Drysdale this Saturday, which Tyley described as the sleeping giants of the competition.
East Belmont again looks like one of the teams to beat in the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 competition. The club accounted for Lara in its latest match.
Socialist Alliance will appear on the ballot paper for the Victorian election on November 28, after its registration lapsed in 2019. Party candidate Sue Bolton said the party will run with its name and logo, promoting progressive, pro-worker policies. The party is fielding candidates in Melbourne's Northern Metropolitan Region and in Geelong, and is calling for public sector rebuilding and 100,000 new public houses. Candidate Sarah Hathway said the party gives workers an alternative to right-wing parties such as One Nation.
The Association of Bengalis in Geelong will host the Hindu festival Durga Puja at Lara Hall on Saturday 17 October. The day will feature traditional rituals, music, dance and food, and is open to everyone across the Greater Geelong community. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the worship of Maa Durga, the supreme Hindu goddess of Shakti. Cultural secretary Arnab Dasgupta said the event aims to bring people together and encourage greater cultural understanding. The family-friendly event starts at 8am.
A four-bedroom luxury home at 80 Balcombe Rd, Newtown, sold after one week on the market. The property was a knockdown rebuild on a 613sq m block opposite the Barwon River. Agent John Moran said a young local family bought the house. He said the price was set accurately, with five inspections in the first two days and two offers. Newtown's median house price rose 3.6 per cent to $1.135m over the past year, while selling times fell from 51 to 38 days.
House values in several Geelong suburbs have dropped over the past three months, according to new PropTrack figures. Corio, Norlane, St Albans Park and Whittington had grown 10 to 14 per cent over the past year, but their median house values fell in the latest quarter. The decline followed a fourth Reserve Bank interest rate rise this year. Maxwell Collins director Nick Lord said investors and self-managed super funds had been pulling back as borrowing became harder. Buyers agent John O’Brien said investors were now focused on rental yields of about 4 per cent.
Victoria Police's Professional Standards unit is investigating after a police car collided with a 14-year-old e-bike rider in a carpark near Geelong. The incident occurred on Waverley Road in Lara about 5.15pm on Wednesday. Police allege a group of three youths were riding e-bikes erratically and failed to stop before entering the carpark, where the collision happened. The e-bike rider was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Social media users criticised the police's actions, with some expressing concern for the welfare of the injured rider and bystanders.
Melbourne unit rents have hit a record high, rising $25 a week over the past year to $600. House rents also climbed $20 to the same median price. Experts say a lack of available properties is driving competition and keeping rents high. Declan Kelly, a 22-year-old carpenter, has applied for at least 15 rental properties in Melbourne’s west without success and faces living in a campervan if he cannot find a home.
One Nation has announced its candidates for the Geelong and Lara electorates ahead of next month’s state election. Police officer Stephen Spyros will contest Lara, focusing on law and order and cost-of-living relief. John De Lorenzo, a former federal independent candidate, will stand in Geelong, campaigning on easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting local industries. Both candidates are running on platforms that include reducing bureaucracy and ensuring their communities have a strong voice in parliament.
Two Greater Geelong fire brigades held Get Fire Ready open days on Sunday, as the Country Fire Authority urges Victorians to prepare for a high-risk fire season. More than 175 brigades in the South West region will host open days across October and November. Community members can discuss local fire risks, create fire plans, and prepare properties with CFA volunteers.
