2022 | Issue 15 | SJC Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

This is the final week for the graduating class of 2022. On Monday the students said farewell at a full school assembly where our Year 12 students exited through a Year 7 guard of honour. On Monday evening the Graduation Mass was celebrated by Old Collegian, Fr Matt Thomas. It was a beautiful and moving celebration. Wednesday was Celebration Day with fancy dress and parade and tomorrow night the graduates and their families will gather for a valedictory dinner. Next week is ‘swot vac’ with VCE exams commencing the following week.

The final half of our graduates’ St Joseph’s education has been undertaken in a COVID impacted environment with the first lockdown having occurred during term one of Year 10. It has been a really challenging three years for them and they are an exceptionally unified group with some outstanding individuals. The author and poet Khalil Gibran reminds us; “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” We can’t see most of the scars we do know that these are outstanding young men with strong souls. Perhaps because, as Oprah Winfrey claims, “where there is no struggle, there is no strength”.

The Class of 22 is impressive, collectively and individually. We wish them every blessing in their bright futures.

Last week the Geelong Advertiser carried a front-page headline based on an article which referenced a report into the operation of Edmund Rice Education Australia from a governance perspective. While EREA is St Joseph’s governing body the headline suggested that there were shocking failings at St Joseph's. While we were offered the opportunity to respond by contributing to a follow-up article we respectfully declined on the basis that this would give the issue more prominence than it deserved, particularly in relation to St Joseph’s.

I would like to provide an accurate update to you in relation to governance and EREA.

Following a review into St Kevin’s College the state regulating body (VRQA) and the trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA) entered into an enforceable undertaking which required reviews of EREA and all Victorian schools governed by TEREA.

The first phase of review focused on child safety and St Joseph’s was found to be fully compliant (with the term ‘exemplary’ used in feedback). The second phase was a governance review which found that TEREA had inadequate ‘line of sight’ regarding the operation of schools. Thirdly a ‘culture and capabilities’ report was conducted on EREA. The final version of this report contained six main recommendations for areas of improvement at EREA and these are detailed in the letter posted on our website and referenced in my email to families last week.

It is pertinent to note that the report does not include changes which have been made in the last 18 months. These have been substantial and go a long way towards meeting the recommendations of the report and the expectation of the VRQA.

One of these changes is the creation of five legal entities from the 50+ EREA schools across Australia. Five of the six Victorian EREA schools, (St Patrick’s Ballarat, Parade Bundoora, St Bernard’s Essendon, St Mary’s College and ourselves), will be governed as a separate entity within EREA. The sixth (St Kevin’s Toorak), will be governed as a separate EREA entity. I am delighted to announce that Mr Andy Kuppe, current Principal of Parade College, has been appointed as the inaugural director of our Victorian entity.

As you may also be aware we are currently operating in an unsettled industrial environment with the Independent Education Union (IEU) representing teachers, and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria, (CECV) representing employers, have been unable to finalise negotiations on a new agreement as to salary and working conditions for school staff. College leadership are supportive of improved salary and conditions for our staff. There is currently a ‘no freebies’ campaign being followed by some of our staff which will see them choosing not to be involved in tasks outside the direct requirements of their role.

Many elements of the College run solely on the goodwill of staff most of whom are generous with their time and talents. I have confidence in the professionalism and student focus of our staff and hence I am confident that, while there will be some inconvenience, there will be little or no impact on student learning. The College leadership team and staff union representatives have been advocating with the IEU and the CECV respectively for a rapid resolution to the current impasse.

Last week we wrote to all families detailing our high expectations of student behaviour on buses. May I reiterate our request that you discuss these expectations and reinforce them with your son. Any behaviour which runs the risk of distracting the driver places all those on board at risk. Following the tragic bus accident involving Loretto College Ballarat students, we are even more acutely aware of the possible ramifications of an accident. I thank you in anticipation for your ongoing support in this matter.

God Bless

Daly River Reflections

During the first weekend of the school holidays our group of 16 Year 9 students returned renewed in spirit accompanied by Year 9 Staff members Annalee McKew and Luke Parsons from their immersion in Naiyu - Daly River. They felt extremely lucky and grateful to have the chance to go on this immersion experience to this small aboriginal community, located a few hours south of Darwin.

Here are some of the student’s reflections they have shared on the immersion:

I have truly been immersed into a different culture and lifestyle. I have tried new things and broken boundaries that I never would has thought about before the trip. I have found out what living in the outback is like. I have discovered that I don’t need to be someone else to be liked.

Jack R

This immersion has opened my eyes to Aboriginal culture, customs and traditions. It has been an amazing experience. I have gained a greater knowledge of the life of an Aboriginal community in a remote part of Australia.

Hunter D

This immersion has increased my knowledge of Aboriginal community life, just from entering their community and working with the kids at St Francis Xavier Catholic School. I have also seen rich culture and respect for each other. I learnt this from our cultural awareness session at Nungalinya College in Darwin on our first night.

Lincoln B

I learnt that the education of Aboriginal students was different to ours. The way they learn is different to how we structure our school day. It is more hands on and the connection to the bush is very strong. The pure excitement shown by some of the kids especially the younger kids towards our visit was surprising. They wanted to hang out with us and spend time getting to know one another whilst welcoming to their home, their country and their spirit.

Lincoln B

I have bonded new friendships with other students on the trip. This immersion has taught me laws and traditions of Aboriginal culture. The immersion has showed me the contrast to how Aboriginal people and white people are buried. The Adelaide River War Cemetery was manicured green gardens and soldiers were commemorated. In contrast, we were shown bush sites of Aboriginal massacres and no one would even know that they happened. The Nauiyu community made us feel welcome and accepted. We were baptised into their Country.

Calan P

Meeting Miriam for the first time was different. She seemed a lot happier than I thought. And she inspired me with her words: “Find a place of relaxation and talk to yourself, making sure you are okay. Even if you look crazy doing it, it is for your own good”.

Jack R

This immersion has been the best and most amazing experience that is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It has brought me closer to the Aboriginal world. It has also made me appreciate less time on my phone and to live in the moment.

Thomas S

Year 12 Graduation

It was with much excitement that we joyfully gathered together on Monday evening to celebrate the class of 2022 at our Graduation Mass supported by the voices from the vocal ensemble accompanied by the college band. The Head of Mt Sion Wellbeing, Meleah Zanos as MC, began proceedings by inviting our House Leaders Matt Walsh, Pat Prendergast, Aaron Westgarth and Jackson Langhorne and our Principal Tony Paatsch, to present the certificates to the Graduating students of 2022.

To begin our Mass attended by Year 12 students, their parents, care givers, family members and staff, our College Captain Patrick F processed in with the Cross, followed by Deputy Captains Seamus R holding the book of the Gospels and Arden C with a candle.

To celebrate our mass, we welcomed back Fr Matthew Thomas, an Old Collegian from the Parish of Mildura who also graduated from the College 29 years ago. We are grateful that he could travel to be with us while also visiting his family connections in Geelong. Fr Matt in his homily shared memories of the lasting impact his teachers, some still teaching here today, and his fellow classmates had on him. He reminded the Graduating students of four important F words to carry with them and be grateful for moving forward; family, friends, fun and faith and to take the opportunities as they arise when doors are opened to them.

Our Gospel and Spirituality Touchstone leader Tane B, reflected on and challenged the group by sharing: ‘We have approached our final years as a journey, and as we reach our destination, we know that what lies on the other side of exams is another exciting journey. Tonight, we come to give thanks for all those who journeyed with us and ask God to strengthen our faith to be with us on that journey in the years to come. Let us heed the words from St Paul, may we have faith to trust in our ability to live out the gospel values we have witnessed and to achieve what we have set out to do with integrity as we continue on the journey we have begun at St Joseph’s.’

To conclude the evening in the Principal’s address Tony Paatsch reminded the students, to ‘…have an understanding of your obligation and responsibility for improving the lives of others, particularly those most in need. You graduate today with an understanding, as St Mary MacKillop reminds us, that we find happiness in making others happy.’

World Youth Day 2023

Archbishop Peter Comensoli is inviting young people aged 16 to 35, across the Archdiocese to journey with him to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day in 2023.

This is a life changing opportunity for our youth to experience their Catholic faith with more than a million young people from around the world.

Regional Information Session at St Francis Xavier Parish, 143 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio on 27th October from 7.30pm. A life changing trip to Lisbon, Portugal, joining with 500 other young Catholics. If interested, go along to hear how Parishes and Schools will aim to support this event.

Info at https://udisciple.melbournecatholic.org/wyd

"After a long period of social distancing and isolation, we will all rediscover in Lisbon with God's help the joy of a fraternal embrace between peoples and generations, an embrace of reconciliation and peace, an embrace of new missionary fraternity!"
- Pope Francis

October Month of Mary

The Church has set aside this month of October as a time for praying the Rosary.
Pope Francis encourages us to learn about and pray the Rosary.
He says ‘The Rosary is a school of prayer; the Rosary is a school of faith!’ We will have a focus on the Rosary in our homeroom Daily Prayers this week. Many of the major religions have for centuries advocated the use of prayer beads as an aid to prayer. Since the earliest of times, people have used pebbles or a string of knots or beads on a cord to keep track of prayers offered to God. Muslims use a set of 99 beads with each bead representing a name for God in the Islamic faith tradition. Other examples are the Hindu ‘Mala beads’ and the Buddhist prayer beads. Does your family have a beloved pair of Rosary Beads gifted to your child for one of their sacraments or handed down from a Grandparent or Godparent you could remind them of this month?

May God’s love and peace surround us as it did Mary and her family and friends.

Uniform

Term 4 sees the return of the summer uniform so students can opt for shorts and the summer shirt and can leave the tie and blazer at home. Please be mindful that if students do elect to continue to wear their winter uniform the tie and blazer remain compulsory items. Black runners have crept in and are not appropriate but black, leather, lace up, polishable shoes with a heel are.

Year 12

Term 4 is a busy time at St Joseph’s with a number of key events taking place. The Year 12s are fast approaching one of the most significant milestones in their educational journey. For students, families and staff it is a time of reflection and celebration. We held a farewell assembly for our Year 12 students at a whole College Assembly on Monday with a terrific Graduation Mass that evening. The Year 12s will then take part in a Celebration Day on Wednesday and will then all gather on Friday evening for their Valedictory dinner at the GMHBA stadium. We wish all students the very best as they enter this phase and as we do they all aim to finish strong and in a respectful and positive manner.

Student Leadership

Our Investiture of Leaders ceremony is taking place on Wednesday 19 October. I would like to take this time to congratulate all these remarkable students who were elected by their peers to these important positions. We certainly look forward to formally recognising them in front of the entire school population as well as their families. These boys will officially commence their duties in Week 3, once the current Year 12s have finished official classes. Thanks must go to our Student Leadership coordinators Cassandra Coogan and Ash Crook who led the entire process.

Westcourt Camp week

A big congratulations to Director of Westcourt Cassie Gleeson and the staff and students who embarked on a range of camps last week. Central Australia and the Grampians were greeted by over 300 Year 9 St Joseph’s students and all reports suggest that everyone benefited from the experience whilst having a lot of fun together.

Bus Behavioural norms

I sent a letter to all families last week sharing our key messages surrounding expected behaviours on the bus. Highlighting the importance of respecting the bus drivers, respecting the buses and respecting other passengers is extremely important and the norms listed will go a long way to ensure the safety of the drivers and passengers. Empowering our young ones to report inappropriate behaviours to someone at school, either face to face or by email will go a long way to improving the bus travel culture as well.

Vape Sensors

We have recently installed vape sensors inside our bathrooms at school. The sensors detect smoke and notify our CCT cameras which are located outside of the bathrooms. These notifications then allow us to identify the students who happen to be in the bathrooms at the time someone is vaping. We have seen an incredible decrease in notifications since we have declared this with our students and we are keen to continue this type of education and prevention. We will send home letters to support families when your son happens to be in the bathroom at the same time that the vape sensor goes off. If however, a student is caught with a vape on them they will be facing firm consequences from the College. This has been a big issue in all secondary schools and we are confident that with the right education, the right detection and the appropriate follow up we will see an improvement in vaping use.

The Victorian Government has announced the end of the pandemic declaration and associated pandemic orders with new settings applying from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Please note the following:

• Students who test positive for COVID-19
  • Should stay home and isolate from school for five days advising the school through the absence procedure.
  • If a student has a scheduled VCE exam during this time they should contact the College immediately for advice.
  • Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
• Students who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school as is expected for all health conditions.
• Students who are symptomatic at school should be sent to reception where:
  • parents/carers will be required to collected the student; and
  • undergo testing for COVID-19.

To date the College has successfully navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and we thank all families in anticipation of your continued cooperation in this important matter.

Each year students in Year 10 and VCE have the opportunity to purchase their English novels early. It is recommended by the SJC English teachers that students purchase their novels early for reading during the holiday period. This is particularly important for 2023 Year 12 English and Literature students as they will be using some of these texts during Headstart in 2022.

Order Online

Please order your novels online by Friday 4 November by visiting the Campion website and using the code MH3J.

Please provide any MYKI receipts for 6 or 12 month passes to Lisa McDine ([email protected]) by Monday 21 November 2022 to claim your Student Conveyance Allowance for bus travel in 2022.

Please note this is the last chance to claim for the 2022 school year, in 2023 you can only claim for the 2023 school year.

TERM 4 UPCOMING EVENTS

16 October World Food Day

17-23 October National Water Week

19 October National Ride 2 Work Day

22-28 October National Enviroweek

27 October Enviroservice

7-13 November National Recycling Week

21 November World Fisheries Day

INTRODUCING “EDDIE COIN”

We are excited to announce the arrival of our "Eddie Coin" mould and first production of "Eddie Coin" last week.

In alignment with our Sustainability goals and in a bid to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, with the introduction of our Polymer Reforming Plant in the Applied Learning Centre, the idea of a more sustainable approach to using food vouchers was incepted by Lauren Sedgman, posing the notion of using recycled plastic tokens as an alternative to paper vouchers each term.

After collaboration regarding images that encapsulate the “Edmund Rice spirit”, the design with an SJC Logo and the Mt Sion Water feature statue on the flip side was incepted.

Injection mould designer Taylor Hay (The Old Alaska) was enlisted to produce a mould to fit our CR Clarke Injection Moulding machine and on Thursday 6 October the first “coins” were created.

Each Eddie Coin holds a value of $5 and may be utilized as a currency at the canteen or VCafe.

Moving forward, it is envisaged that house-coloured tokens could also be introduced to showcase the number of house points earned by students across each house at each stage throughout the year.

“Eddie Coin” will be brought into circulation once approximately 100 coins have been created. We aim to achieve this over the coming fortnight. The date for “Eddie Coin” to commence circulation will be announced via the student bulletin.

CALLING FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO COLLECT PLASTIC ITEMS (NUMBERS 2 AND 4 ONLY)

In order to keep the production line running, we are calling on all members of our community to assist in the collection of raw materials needed - Number 2 and 4 recycled plastics!

Common items made of Number 2 and 4 plastic include; Sauce bottles, Milk bottles and plastic bottle lids. Please ensure donated items are washed before donating. Items may be delivered to Reception at either campus.

YEAR 7 NUMBERS 2 AND 4 PLASTIC ITEM COLLECTION COMPETITION

In support of our circular economy endeavours with reformed plastics, Year 7 students are currently participating in a class competition collecting numbers 2 and 4 plastic items. This competition will run throughout the month of October. The class with the greatest number of items collected will receive a pizza lunch!

RECYCLING REGIME

On Monday 17 October, several of our recycling initiatives will be re-instated for junior levels and some will be introduced to Mt Sion levels for the first time. We will recommence paper and cardboard recycling using the blue Paper Ecobins situated in classrooms and offices REDcycling bins will be introduced to Mt Sion homerooms for the purpose of recycling soft plastic wrappers. White compost buckets will be distributed throughout all eating areas around the college grounds for the collection of all food waste.

To minimise waste being brought into the College necessitating subsequent recycling, we implore all families to adopt our CUT THE WRAP approach to making lunches by bringing plastic “wrap free” lunches to school and reusable drink container.

As it is every individual’s responsibility to recycle their waste in an appropriate manner, all students are required to familiarise themselves with the new regime. Access relevant information on the Sustainability page on the St Joseph’s College Website.

JANE PERKINS SENTIMENTAL PLASTIC ITEM COLLECTION

We are calling all students to collect one or two plastic items with sentiment from home, to send to UK Artist Jane Perkins, to help create an inspired upcycled artwork in alignment with our Laudato Si goals, encapsulating an image representative our faith and identity.

Our new image designed by Year 9 students; Harris H, Kade H, Jhayferson J and Calan P, will feature images of Edmund Rice, Bunjil Eagle, You Yangs, Corio Bay, Barwon River, Mt Sion and our Touchstones images.

Students may wish to select an item from their childhood animal collection, or include something sentimental from their achievement in younger years. As we aim for the artwork to be colourful, items may be any colour.

Please forward items to the Reception of either Campus by Tuesday 18 October.

YEAR 7 JANE PERKINS SENTIMENTAL PLASTIC ITEM COLLECTION COMPETITION!

Year 7 students are currently participating in a class competition regarding the collection of these items. Please note that the Year 7 competition concludes on Friday 14 October. The class with the greatest number of items collected will receive an icy-pole for each student.

ENERGY MONITORING

During the end of Term 3, Mondo Power in collaboration with RACV Solar, installed Ubi software devices to existing solar installations at three locations across both campuses including; Edmund Rice Campus (D and F Block - 89.1 kW installation) the Trade Training Centre (11kW installation) and Westcourt (85.4kW installation), enabling simultaneous real time “capture” of energy production and consumption across each campus. Community members may access the portal to view energy production using the following Logon: [email protected] and password: ubisjc2022

We will be adding this link to the Sustainability page on our website so our community can view the College energy production. 

St Joseph’s was lucky enough to enjoy the company of renowned author George Ivanoff. A selected group of students from Year 7 and 8 were invited to take part in a Writer’s Workshop for the day, working with George to develop a story idea. They spent the day in the Library working in various workshops exploring different creative writing activities. The ideas were extraordinary and the talent of our young writers presents a very exciting future. Congratulations to the boys who were selected to be part of this day. We can’t wait to read your finished pieces!

Everyone in the College community is most welcome to join us at the SJC Foundation Spring Soiree at 1915 (Federal Mills) on 24 November.

To be part of this enjoyable social evening please click the link below to purchase your tickets. We hope to see you there!

Well done to all the boys who represented the College this year, it has been our most successful year ever taking home the two team events and the three individual awards.

The first win was at the ACC Open Tournament at Northern Golf Club in May where the boys won by 12 shots and Louis V (Year 10) shot the best individual score for the day with an even par 72. The second win of the year was an individual event where Edward S (Year 10) won the GISSA Golf Tournament at Lonsdale Links shooting 2 over par 72. 

The third and final win of the year was at the ACC Junior Golf event on Monday the 10 October at Northern again where our team of students from Year 7 to Year 10 won by 7 shots and Edward S collected another individual win with the best round of the day with a score of 2 over par 74. Special mention for William N who had a great round with 6 over par 78. 

Students who played in the Junior event :

Louis V

Edward S

William N

Fletch G

Tom H

James H

Christopher F

Hamish M

Lucas Y

PLUS Ben W & Charlie W who played in the Open Event.

In 2019 Emanuel College in Warrnambool and St Joseph’s College in Geelong played the first game of AFL, fielding separate matches at Year 7 and at Year 8. An “away” game over at Warrnambool followed by a “home game” in Geelong is held. Matches are always competitive yet played in excellent sportsmanship with Best on Ground awards after each match plus a chance to chat with opposing players. It was decided that these matches will be played for the Brown-Ling Cup. Jonathan Brown completed Year 12 at Emmanuel College in Warrnambool in 1999 and Cameron Ling completed Year 12 at St Joseph’s College in Geelong in 1999.

A combined school score will decide who will hold the Brown-Ling Cup with the most wins out of the four games for the year-deciding glory!!

Jonathan Brown: Widely regarded as one of the premier players in the competition, Brown is a three-time club Best and fairest winner, two-time All Australian (2007 and 2009), one-time Coleman Medallist and three-time AFL premiership player.

Cameron Ling: Hard running midfield who had dogged determination, Ling is a one-time club Best and Fairest winner, one time All Australian (2007) and three-time AFL premiership player.

Past Winners

2019: Emmanuel College

2020: Covid 19

2021: Covid 19

2022: St Joseph’s College

Match Reports

“Away Game”

Year 7

Emmanuel College 4.8 (32) def SJC Geelong 4.4 (28)

GOALS: Charlie M 2, James S, Liam W

BEST: Charlie M, Will B, Noah S, Xavier M, Nick L, Nick S

Played at Warrnambool.

Year 8

SJC Geelong 13.15 (93) def Emmanuel College 4.2(30)

GOALS: Oliver C 4, Jack K 3, Darcy H 2, Dominic P 2, Jaxon C 2

BEST: Jaxon C, Domenic P, Darcy H, Bodhi H, Jack K, Henry W

Played at Warrnambool

Year 8

Emmanuel College 9.9 (63) def SJC Geelong 7.4 (46)

GOALS: Marcus B 2, Tom T 1, Jack S 1, Lucas D 1, Charlie G 1, Riley E 1

BEST: Charlie G, Riley E, Marcus B, Heath E, Archie T, Jack S

Played at Herne Hill

Year 7 Football Ling/Brown Cup vs Emmanuel College

Wednesday 16/9/22
SJC Geelong 17.11 (113) def Emmanuel College 4.4 (28)
GOALS: Noah C 2, Noah S 2, Nick L 2, Toby D 2, Kai C 2, Charlie P 2, Archie F 1, Xavier M 1, Otis Ryan 1, Tai M 1, Andrew O 1
BEST: Noah S, Andrew O, Archie C, Riley M, Nick Lo P, Charlie M, Lenny I

St Joseph's College is a proud supporter of Music at the Basilica, and we are excited to see past student Maximillian Rudd is performing "The Magnificent Seven" with Doug De Vries as part of the Windfire Music Festival on 15 October. 

Jam for Refugees 2022

A ten-hour concert, to benefit refugees in our area.
Saturday 29 October, 11.00am to 9.00pm

St. Paul’s Church, Latrobe Terrace, Geelong.

“Jam for Refugees” has as its aim to raise both money and awareness to aid the plight of refugees, especially considering Australia’s record in the treatment of refugees, and the policies espoused by both major parties, although with the election of the Albanese government, the future for refugees looks a bit brighter. However recent events, especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have only added to the refugee problem and the enormous suffering being experienced by so many people.

As the number of refugees worldwide increases daily, the situation becomes almost overwhelming. We in Geelong cannot hope to solve the world refugee problem, but we can make our own contribution to the refugees in our area. All funds raised at our “Jam” will be donated to CRAG (the Combined Refugee Action group of Geelong) for their legal fund. Neither “Jam for Refugees” nor CRAG has any overheads, so every cent donated will go directly to assist refugees.

Our committee has been trying to run a Jam in Geelong for two years, but have had to cancel due to COVID, although last year we ran a “Radio Jam” which raised slightly over four thousand dollars. This year, however, we are confident that the Jam will go ahead as a live event. The “Jam” in Geelong will occur on Saturday 29 October from 11.00am to 9.00pm at St. Paul’s Church in La Trobe Terrace. It will consist of a series of 30-minute time slots featuring local musicians, groups, choirs and school groups.

About every 2 hours we will have a short talk (5-10 minutes) by a prominent person, or someone working with refugees, or a refugee. This will include a recorded talk by the eminent author Hugh Mackay, our patron. The Jam will be opened by well-known Geelong figure Keith Fagg and will be closed by another well-known figure Libby Coker. Another speaker will be a refugee who will relate some of his experiences.

Entrance is by donation, and people are encouraged to “come when you can, leave when you must.”

For at least part of the time there will be a barbecue in the church grounds, so people are encouraged to buy a sausage after they have heard some music. Once again all proceeds from the barbecue will be donated to CRAG.

If you cannot get to the Jam in person, you can still make a donation on line by going to the CRAG website and following the prompts.

Please come along to the “Jam” and help those most vulnerable members of our community. And please pass this message on to your friends and contacts.

Bad things happen when good people do nothing.

St Thomas is celebrating its 25th year and is inviting past families to come and celebrate with us on 27 October 2022.

We are Community  

Vinnies are holding a community initiative called We are Community. It will be an immersive event that shines an emotional light on how they support the Geelong community, and will ask you to open their ears, tap into your heart and ask yourselves “How can Vinnies help me be an advocate for change?”

Attendees can look forward to:

• Hearing an in-conversation chat with Vinnies leaders in the Geelong region
• Stories of the lived experience
• Taste the nutritional food offerings provided daily by Vinnies
• Activities demonstrating social justice and disadvantage
• A taste of what is in store for Geelong Community Sleepout 2023

Today, Vinnies has an active network of 1,070+ volunteers in the local Geelong area providing localised, practical support in the local community. They are looking forward in depth and meaningful conversations as well as introducing the community to more of the ‘Good Works’ that they do in Greater Geelong and how you can be part of it on the night!

This is a FREE event. 

Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/we-are-community

Tuesday 18 October, 6.30-8.00pm

Geelong West Town Hall