COMMUNITY NEWS
Get Active Kids Voucher Program
We’re excited to announce that Round 7 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open! In this round, applications for a voucher or a reimbursement will close when the allocation has been exhausted. Vouchers expire 30 April 2024 so you can use your voucher for a summer sport, winter sport or term-based activity. Eligible families can apply for $200 vouchers and use them at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider without having to worry about upfront costs. Children aged 0 to 18 years and named on a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card are eligible. Special consideration is available if your child/dependent is residing in Victorian Care Services, a temporary or provisional visa holder, undocumented migrant or international student. Apply now at getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers to receive your voucher. Choose your Activity Provider carefully as there are no cancellations for change of mind. Present the voucher code to your Activity Provider when you pay and get up to $200 off the registration and membership fee (as well as any included uniforms and/or equipment).If you have already paid for your child’s activity, you can apply for a reimbursement subject to availability. You can only apply for either one voucher or reimbursement per child in Round 7. IMPORTANT DATES Round 7 opens for applications for a voucher or reimbursement: 10:00 amTuesday 10 October 2023until allocation is exhausted Reimbursement expenditure dates: from8 May 2023 until allocation is exhausted Vouchers expiry date: Tuesday 30 April 2024.For more information and to apply visit: getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers If you have any questions, email our dedicated support team at getactivekids@sport.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 325 206, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Kind regards Get Active Kids Voucher Program Team Sport and Recreation Victoria
Second Hand Uniforms and Text Books
The Second-Hand School Specialists shop in has moved to 4 Beauford Avenue, Bell Post Hill. It has been selling NGSC uniforms and textbooks for the last nine years. The shop is located approximately 5 minutes, by car, from NGSC.
They currently have approximately 500 pairs of trousers and 300 pairs of NGSC shorts in stock; and around 800 shirts. Being close to our school, they receive NGSC uniforms all the time. Families can leave a list of what they need, and they will text them as soon as the items are available. They sell on consignment at approximately half the cost of new prices, providing the item is in very good condition.
Second Hand School Specialists
4 Beauford Avenue, Bell Post Hill.
Ph: 0422 402 458
Local Support Services
Barwon Health Immunisation Centres and Hours
Where You Can Eat – Open Over Christmas/New Year
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | DETAILS |
| Geelong CBD | The OutPost Corner of Clare Street and Transit Place, Geelong | Remaining open over Christmas/ New Year period. Open 7 nights per week 7:30pm - 9:30pm Open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 10:30am - 1:30pm
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| Geelong CBD | Christ Church Community Meals Christ Church Parish Hall Corner of Moorabool and McKillop Street, Geelong | Operating as normal Breakfast everyday - 7:30am – 9:00am
Evening Meal Monday and Wednesday - 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Food Parcels Monday – Friday (closed public holidays) 12:00pm – 2:00pm
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| Geelong CBD | Christ Church Christmas Day Lunch Christ Church Parish Hall Cnr Moorabool and McKillop Street, Geelong | Christmas Day Lunch 11.30am - 2pm Dine in and Takeaway Available Pre-book for Christmas Day Lunch by visiting the Parish Hall during regular mealtimes (listed above)
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | DETAILS |
| Geelong CBD | Lazarus Community Centre 202 Myers Street, Geelong | Monday – Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm Public holidays 10am-2pm (Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year) Remaining open of the holiday period.
Lunch is served at 12pm.
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| Geelong | Feed Me Geelong
| Emergency Food Relief: available every day. Please contact: Phone 0422 798 791 Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details
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| Ocean Grove | Feed Me Bellarine 24 Sinclair Street, Ocean Grove
| FOOD MARKET open to everyone Tuesdays – Saturdays - 10am-4pm – by donation
WASTED Café Friday nights via online bookings (Dinner Reservations | Feed Me Bellarine's Friday Night Wasted Dinner Service) Saturday 10am-2pm Cafe and market open Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am-4pm
Emergency Food Relief: available daily. Please contact: Phone 0422 798 791 Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details Online form click here
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | DETAILS |
| Torquay | Feed Me Surf Coast 7-9 Cylinders Drive, Torquay | FOOD MARKET open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10am – 7pm
Emergency Food Relief: available every day. Please contact: Phone 0422 798 791 Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details
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| Colac | St Marys Church 1-5 Gellibrand Street, Colac Victoria 3250 P: 52312177 | December 11th 2023, Free Christmas Lunch for residents of Colac and district. Also, the church can provide meals delivered to homes; or has meals for collection by those who can.
Dinner (sit-down) on Christmas Day in the Church. Often dinner includes musical entertainment.
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Extensive list of Where You Can Eat Organisations Dec-Jan
Geelong
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Geelong | Geelong Food Relief Centre 1 Little Smythe Street, Geelong P: 5278 6588
| Last day Friday 22nd December, 3pm closure. Lt Smythe St Mini-mart close at 3pm.
Monday 8th January Lt Smythe St trading as usual from this day forward.
| Customers must have a voucher from a support agency.
Monday 10am-3pm Tuesday 10am – 7pm Wednesday 10am – 3pm Thursday 10am – 7pm Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 12.30pm
admin@geelongfoodrelief.org
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| Geelong | Meli Community Support Emergency Relief P:5278 8122
| Closed Public Holidays and 25th / 26th December 2023, Monday 1st January 2024.
| Email emergencyrelief@bethany.org.au ; info@bethany.org.au
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| Geelong | CatholicCare Emergency Relief is currently running remotely. P: 1800 123 228
| Closes on 21st December 2023 and reopens 2nd January 2024.
| Phone 1800 123 228 – select option 1 for Emergency Relief. Monday to Friday between 9:30am – 11:30am to make an appointment.
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Geelong | St. Vincent De Paul Society P: 5277 2046 | Call centre closed Friday 15th December Open Monday 15th January
| Food parcels and/or vouchers and other support and welfare assistance available.
If assistance is required, please call into one of our stores for assistance.
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| Geelong | Wesley Asylum Seeker Welcome Place 100 Yarra Street, Geelong P: 0437 439 667 | Foodbank open Fridays 2-5pm Last Foodbank on Friday 17th Dec Reopen Friday 13th Jan | Food support ONLY for people seeking asylum or people with Temporary Protection and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas
Phone or text 0437 439 667 or email wesleycentrewelcomeplace@gmail.com
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| Geelong CBD | Christ Church Community Meals Christ Church Parish Hall Corner of Moorabool and McKillop Street, Geelong P: 5221 8055
| Operating as normal Breakfast everyday - 7:30am – 9:00am
Evening Meal Monday and Wednesday - 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Food Parcels Monday – Friday (closed public holidays) 12:00pm – 2:00pm
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Geelong CBD | Christ Church Christmas Day Lunch Christ Church Parish Hall Cnr Moorabool and McKillop Street, Geelong P: 5221 8055
| Christmas Day Lunch 11.30am - 2pm Dine in and Takeaway Available Pre-book for Christmas Day Lunch by visiting the Parish Hall during regular mealtimes (listed above)
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| Geelong CBD | Lazarus Community Centre 202 Myers Street, Geelong P: 0438 376 759 | During public holidays 10am-2pm (Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year) Remaining open of the holiday period. Monday – Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm
| Lunch is served at 12pm.
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| Geelong CBD | Salvation Army - Doorways Community Support Services 28 Bellarine Street, Geelong P: 5223 5400 | Emergency Relief available throughout December and January except weekends and public holidays 9:00am - 3:30pm. Call the Salvos phone assistance line PAL 88735288.
| Geelong CBD Call the Salvos phone assistance line PAL 88735288 from 9:00am - 3:30pm.
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Geelong CBD | St. Mary's Parish Pantry 150 Yarra Street, Geelong (Roller Door) P: 5222 1977 | Open Tue/Wed/Fri 1-3pm until 22nd Dec. Reopening Tues 9th January.
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| Geelong CBD | The OutPost Corner of Clare Street and Transit Place, Geelong P: 5223 1201
| Remaining open over Christmas/ New Year period. Open 7 nights per week 7:30pm - 9:30pm Open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 10:30am - 1:30pm
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| Geelong West | OneHope Community Care Geelong 61 Candover Street, Geelong West Contact 5229 2133 | M: +61 492 880 861 | Community Food bank Last community meal for 2023 Tuesday 19th Dec First community meal for 2024 Tuesday 16th Jan
Community Meal Last community foodbank for 2023 Thursday 21st Dec First community foodbank for 2024 Thursday 25th Jan
Christmas Lunch – Thursday 21st December 3 course meal, games, carols, lots of fun.
| E: simone@onehope.org.au |
| Newtown | Feed Me Geelong 24 Lambert Ave, Newtown Phone 0422 798 791
| FOOD MARKET open Tuesdays – Fridays (10am-4pm) Saturdays (10am – 2pm)
Emergency Food Relief: available every day. Please contact: Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details
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Northern Suburbs and Lara
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| North Geelong | Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative 62 Morgan Street North Geelong P:5277 0044 | Closed Public Holidays. Closing from Friday 22nd December to Tuesday 2nd January.
| Food relief vouchers available Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm |
| North Geelong | Geelong Food Relief Centre 37 – 41 Morgan Street, North Geelong P: 5278 6588
| Last day Friday 22nd December, 3pm closure.
Morgan Street and Lt Smythe St Mini-mart close at 3pm.
Reopen Tuesday 2nd January 2024 Morgan Street warehouse only.
Reopen Wednesday 3rd January 2024 Morgan Street Warehouse and Morgan Street Mini-mart open.
Monday 8th January Lt Smythe St trading as usual from this day forward.
| Customers must have a voucher from a support agency.
Monday 10am-3pm Tuesday 10am – 7pm Wednesday 10am – 3pm Thursday 10am – 7pm Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 12.30pm
CAR - Parking is available at the Mini-mart entrance. BUS – Closest Bus Stop is on Thompsons Road, only a short walk
admin@geelongfoodrelief.org
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Norlane | Norlane Community Initiatives
Aviary Café 4-8 Spruhan Avenue, Norlane P: 0421 391 388
Labuan Square Commons Forster Street, Norlane
| Aviary Café and People Pantry: Last day open 14th December. Reopens 15th January. Weekly Community Dinners reopen 5th February.
Weekly Community Dinners – Mondays 5pm
Labuan Square Commons Café/Drop In centre Tues, Wed & Thurs 10am-1pm Weekly Community Lunch Wednesdays – gold coin donation
Christmas Dinner: Monday 18th December
| For further information call The Aviary Cafe Monday -Thursday 9am-2.30pm.
Labuan Square Commons Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am1pm.
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| Norlane | Uniting Norlane 10 Wendover Avenue, Norlane P: 5278 8492. | Closed from Thursday 21st December. Open again Tuesday 2nd January 2024
| Emergency Relief Available
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 9:30am – 1:00pm
Neighbourhood Dinne (outside of the holiday period) – 5pm Monday nights, come along at 3pm to help prepare dinner and dinner served at 5pm.
For appointments, please contact the office on 03 5278 8492.
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Lara | Lara Food Relief Holy Trinity Hall, Corner Flinders Avenue and Curletts Road, Lara Parish Office: 03 5282 6487
| Closed from Tuesday 19th December 2023
Reopening Monday 8th January 2024 | Mondays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Closed on Public Holiday's
At other times by appointment call
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Corio
| Food Share Programme St Andrews Church 104-108 Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio P: 5277 0044 | Closed from Wednesday 20th December 3pm Reopen Tuesday 9th January 2024 10am.
| Basic food parcels are provided (monthly basis) to Centrelink card holders in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
Normal hours food share shed Tuesday-Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm (03) 5275 4597
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
Corio
| Salvation Army Northside Community Centre 92-96 Cox Road, Corio P: 5275 7771
| Northside Geelong will close at 11.00am on Friday, 22nd December - Reopen Monday, 15th January at 8.30am. The last Nutritional Food Market (available to those living in the Northern Suburbs) will be held on Friday, 8th December.
Markets will recommence on Wednesday, 8th February.
| Office open Mon- Friday 9am12midday & 1pm-3pm
Nutritional Food Market closed from 9th December- 8th February.
Nutritional Food Market available to those living in the Northern Suburbs, access is once per week on either Wednesday or Friday afternoon 1.30pm2.30pm.
Northern Suburbs: Anakie, Avalon, Balliang, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Corio, Drumcondra, Lara, Lethbridge, Little River, Lovely Banks, Maude, Meredith, Moorabool, Norlane, North Geelong, North Shore, Point Wilson, Rippleside, Russells Bridge, Staughton Vale, She Oaks, Steiglitz, Sutherlands Creek.
Other food available as per our Facebook page (The Salvation Army Northside Geelong Church and Community Centre).
Pickup of pre-approved Doorways eftpos vouchers available Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am-12.00pm and 1.00pm-2.00pm. |
Grovedale & Whittington
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Grovedale | 3216 Connect 2 Dendle Street, Grovedale 0439 362 833 | Last day; Wednesday 20th December - 10.30am-11.30am Closed 21st December until Jan 31st.
Regular hours resume from 31st January - Wednesdays 10.30am-11.30am.
| Our last day for appointments for Community Choice vouchers will be 20th Dec 2023.
Appointments for Community Choice Vouchers Wednesdays and Thursday afternoons.
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| Grovedale | Empower Food Relief Centre 16/147 Marshalltown Road, Grovedale | Closed from 18th December 2023 Open 21st January 2024
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| Grovedale | Uniting Grovedale 272 Torquay Road, corner Reserve and Torquay Roads, Grovedale Phone 4210 1100
| Last day of service is Friday 22nd December 2023 Open Wednesday 3rd January 2024
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| Whittington | Bellarine Living & Learning Centre 20 Worden Court, Whittington Phone 03 5248 1926 | Last Foodbank Wednesday 20th December 2023 Reopens Wednesday 31st January 2024.
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Surf Coast & Bellarine
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Anglesea | Anglesea & Airey’s Inlet Foodlink c/o Anglesea & District Community House, 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea P: 5263 2116
| Christmas Hamper will be provided to Foodlink link clients mid-December.
Centre closed December 21st to 8th January 2024. Fortnightly Foodlinks service will recommence end of Jan 2024.
Emergency Food Hampers available from Seaside Seconds (71 Great Ocean Road Anglesea) during closure of Anglesea & District Community House.
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| Torquay | Torquay Food Aid Torquay Christian Fellowship Building (behind the Church) 2 Pimelea Drive, Torquay Phone: 0409 614 630
| Open Wednesdays 1-3pm *Closed Wednesday 27th December
Christmas Treats available to regular clients on the Wed 20th December 2023 | In an emergency, contact by phone 0409 614 630 or email torquayfoodaid@gmail.com
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| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Torquay | Feed Me Surf Coast 7-9 Cylinders Drive, Torquay Phone: 0422 798 791
| FOOD MARKET open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10am – 7pm
Emergency Food Relief: available every day. Please contact: Phone 0422 798 791 Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details | Torquay |
| Ocean Grove | Feed Me Bellarine 24 Sinclair Street, Ocean Grove Phone P: 0422 798 791
| FOOD MARKET open to everyone Tuesdays – Saturdays - 10am-4pm – by donation
WASTED Café Friday nights via online bookings (Dinner Reservations | Feed Me Bellarine's Friday Night Wasted Saturday 10am-2pm Cafe and market open Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am-4pm
Emergency Food Relief: available daily. Please contact: Phone 0422 798 791 Email feedmebellarine@gmail.com Facebook Leave message with details Online form click here |
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Ocean Grove | Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Ocean Grove Uniting Church Corner Eggleston Street and The Parade, Ocean Grove
| Fridays 6:15pm to 7:00pm. Service not closing over Christmas/New Year.
| Food pantry for Pension and or Health Care card holders. |
Portarlington
| Food Assist 3223 Inc St. Andrew’s Church Hall 111 Newcombe Street (near corner of Fisher Street), Portarlington Ph: 0493 398 160
| Closed on Wednesday 27th December. Closed on Wednesday 23rd January.
Open every other Wednesday - 1pm to 3pm
| Supports all residents of the 3223 postcode (Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards) in need of food relief.
Email: foodassist3223@gmail.com |
| Curlewis | Drysdale Family Support Foodbank 276 Jetty Road, Curlewis Phone 5253 2099 Mobile 0492 875 069
| Closed from Tuesday 19th December. Open Tuesday 9th January
| Open Tuesdays 12.30pm-3.30pm
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Colac-Otway Region
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Colac | Colac Neighbourhood House 23 Miller Street, Colac
P: 5232 5210
| Closed December 22nd and January 8th. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
| Non-perishable foods available.
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| Colac | Colac Salvos 51-57 Dennis Street, Colac VIC 3250 P: 0425 765 304
| Closes 22nd December Re-Open 8th January
Open between 9-12pm the following days; Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January
| Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 9am- 2pm
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| Colac | St Marys Church 1-5 Gellibrand Street, Colac Victoria 3250 P: 5231 2177 | December 11th 2023, Free Christmas Lunch for residents of Colac and district.
Dinner on Christmas Day in the Church Gathering Space. Often dinner includes musical entertainment.
| The church can provide meals delivered to homes; meals collected by those who can.
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Christmas /Summer 23-24
| SUBURB | ORGANISATION | HOLIDAY SCHEDULE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| Colac | Colac Vinnies Welfare 41 Dennis Street, Colac Victoria 3250 P: 0400 181 779
| Our office will be closed from Thursday 21st December 2023 - reopening Tuesday 9th January 2024. Phone during normal hours on the dates below for emergencies: Thursday 28th December 2023 Tuesday 2nd January 2024 Thursday 4th January 2024
| Anybody requiring support can access our services. No requirements.
Opening Days and times; Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interview times between 1pm. and 4pm. Phone hours for interview bookings 10.30am to 12.30pm on a Tuesday or Thursday.
Our main services are Food Relief, but we can assist with; - small bill payments
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| Apollo Bay | The FoodShare Pantry 6 Pengilley Avenue, Apollo Bay 3233
| Closed from the 25th December 2023 Open the 8th January 2024 | Food Share Pantry is outdoors, available 24/7 at the back entrance of Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood House, nearest the library.
It gets re-stocked Wed/Thu/Fri at 4:30pm |
Local Support Services