Community News
Connecting our community.
Geelong Indy Enrolments Guide
In 2026 many parents will still need to make decisions regarding their child's education for 2027 and beyond.
To assist in their decision making, the Geelong Indy has provided a direct link to the Feb 2026 edition of the Enrolments (GBCSO - Geelong, Bellarine, Colac, Surf Coast & Otways) Guide. CLICK HERE: https://victoriaschoolguides.starcommunity.com.au/geelong-education/
Information for Students Using Public Transport
From 1 January 2026, public transport is now free for children aged between 5 and 17 years. To access free travel, all young people need to carry a Youth myki card and tap on and off each time they travel.
Youth myki can be purchased for $5 online via the Transport Victoria website or from a staffed station or from the PTV hub.
- Youth myki cards purchased online will be registered to the customer and will expire when they turn 18
- Youth myki cards purchased in person from a staffed station or the PTV hub aren't registered and will expire in 4 years. For a list of staffed stations and their operating hours, visit the Transport Victoria website.
Children under 18 travelling on ticketed V/Line services require a paper ticket or e-ticket and must present their Youth myki to obtain a $0 ticket. On booked V/Line services, the Youth myki card number can be used to access free travel.
For more information about Youth myki, please visit Youth myki.
The Geelong Youth Choir are hoping to attract new singers to their choirs in 2026, with choirs suitable for children from to 8-18 years.
Joining the Geelong Youth Choir offers students a wide range of benefits, including:
- Extension opportunities for students who love to sing
- The chance to learn to read music and develop strong vocal technique
- Regular performance opportunities within the community
- Special collaborations including with Opera Australia and ANCA Choral Fest
- Musicianship training based on the renowned Kodály method
- A confidence-building, supportive, and inclusive learning environment
- Choirs available for both primary and secondary students
- Open to young people aged 8–18
We have had a really successful year in 2025, with highlights including
- Performing with Opera Australia in their touring production of La Boheme
- Collaborations with Orchestra Geelong and Geelong Youth Orchestra
- Singing at the Highton Christmas Carols
- Performing for family, friends and the community in our own choir showcase concert.
You can find out more about Geelong Youth Choir at https://geelongyouthchoir.com/
We are grateful for the great support of the Geelong community in helping to keep our affordable, community choirs running for the next generation of singers.
HELP AND SUPPORT
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/telephone-and-online-services
Telephone and online services
There are telephone and online support services for people affected by mental health issues, with targeted services on particular issues or for particular groups in the community.
| Service | Focus | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Emergency assistance | 000 | 24 hours/7 days |
| NURSE-ON-CALL | Expert health advice from a nurse | 1300 60 60 24 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Area Mental Health Services Triage | Generally the first point of contact for people seeking a specialist mental health response that will identify the urgency and nature of response required | Phone numbers are available in each area | 24 hours/7 days |
| Beyondblue | Depression, anxiety and related disorders | 1300 22 4636 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Lifeline | Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services | 13 11 14 | 24 hours/7 days |
| SANE | People affected by complex mental health issues | 1800 187 263 | 10am – 10pm weekdays |
| ARAFEMI Carer Helpline | People affected by mental illness | 1300 550 265 | 9am – 5pm weekdays |
For specific groups in the community
| Service | Focus | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
| Kids HelpLine | Telephone counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25 / 24-hour service | 1800 55 1800 | 24 hours/7days |
| headspace | Young people aged 12–25 | 1800 650 890 | Telephone: 10pm to 1am Online counselling: 1pm to 1am |
| Parentline | Parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years | 13 22 89 | 8 am–midnight/7 days |
| Safe Steps (Family Violence Response Centre) | Family violence support | 1800 015 188 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Gay and Lesbian Switchboard | Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities. | 9663 2939 or 1800 184 527 | Mon–Thurs 6 pm–10 pm Fri–Sun 6pm–9pm |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria | Victims/survivors of past and recent sexual assault | 1800 806 292 | 5 pm–9 am/7 days |
| Griefline | Support for experiencing loss and grief, Lines open from Midday to 3am 7 days per week | 1300 845 745 | 12 noon–3 am/7 days |
| DirectLine | People impacted by drug use | 1800 888 236 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Family Drug Help | People impacted by drug use | 1300 660 068 | 9am–9pm weekdays |
| SuicideLine VIC | People affected by suicide | 1300 651 251 | 24 hours/7 days |
| PANDA | Post or ante natal depression | 1300 726 306 | 9 am–7 pm weekdays |
| Gambling helpline | Gambling | 1800 858 858 | 24 hours/7 days |
| OCD and Anxiety helpline | Anxiety disorders and depression | 1300 269 438 or 9830 0533 | 10am–4pm weekdays |
| Mensline | Men dealing with relationship problems | 1300 78 99 78 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Bush support line | People in rural and remote areas | 1800 805 391 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Suicide call back | 24-hour crisis support and counselling | 1300 659 467 | 24 hours/7 days |