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.
The City of Greater Geelong has begun removing makeshift bike jumps in Armstrong Creek, citing safety and environmental concerns. Four jumps had been taken down by midday on Monday, and temporary fencing was installed around part of the site near Dooliebeal Reserve. City chief executive Ali Wastie said the jumps were in hard-to-reach areas, making access difficult for emergency responders. Local father Rhett Bardon described the children's efforts as resourceful and called for a dedicated bike park. A petition has been launched seeking a park closer to the growing suburb.
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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.
Volunteer emergency services across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Geelong will share in $31 million from the state government. Torquay's services receive the largest allocations, including $543,000 for the CFA brigade's vehicles and appliances. Queenscliff Coast Guard will receive $80,000 for a heavy-duty rigid inflatable boat. Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was proud to support local volunteers and the work they do to keep communities safe.
The City of Greater Geelong is asking Victorian election candidates to fund a $5 million shortfall for the Devlins Road soccer precinct at Ocean Grove. The council has committed $8 million and the federal government has contributed $5 million. The council wants the winner of November's state election to cover the gap and wants candidates to pledge support before the result. Ocean Grove Soccer Club would move from Shell Road to the new precinct, which would include a second football and cricket oval. Council says works could start in coming months once the funding is secured.
Tom Kent's tight final over helped Ocean Grove beat Inverleigh in their opening round match at Ray Menzies Oval. Inverleigh needed 23 runs from 12 deliveries when Kent bowled it, conceding only three runs as Kai Spiby caught David Peel on the deep mid-wicket boundary. Captain Fletcher Long praised Kent's spell in windy conditions. Ocean Grove had made 7/206 batting first, with Elijah Baran scoring 45. Ben Ricardo made an unbeaten 96 to steer Collendina to victory over St Leonards.
Graham Mulroney has been awarded the Melvin Jones Diamond Lapel Pin for 53 years of community support in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. The Lions Club of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads member and former president said the honour was a big surprise. He credited the achievements to teams working together. Mr Mulroney joined Lions in 1974 and took part in many community projects, including bushfire relief after the 2009 Victorian bushfires, which earned him an Australian Government Award.
