Norlane West Scout and Community Centre Open Day - You're Invited!

The wait is finally over!

Join us as we officially welcome the community into the brand-new Norlane West Scout and Community Centre and celebrate an exciting new chapter for Scouting and community connection in Geelong's northern suburbs.

Saturday 22nd August

84–86 Dunloe Avenue, Norlane

Open house 2-4pm

Come along and:

Tour the new facility
Meet local Scouts and volunteers
Learn about Scouting programs for young people aged 5–25
Discover how community groups can use the centre
Enjoy family-friendly activities
Connect with local community organisations
Celebrate this exciting milestone with us

The new centre has been purpose-built as a welcoming, accessible space where young people can learn, grow and thrive, while also providing a valuable community resource for local groups and residents. The facility replaces the former Scout hall and has been designed to support adventure, learning, community connection and lifelong friendships for generations to come.

Whether you're interested in Scouting, looking for community opportunities, or simply curious to see the new building, everyone is welcome.

Come and help us celebrate Norlane's newest community hub!

Membership or venue hire enquiries: gl.norlanewest@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Sensory Kingdom has recently moved to a new location at 205 Shannon Avenue, Manifold heights. They're excited to continue supporting families and children in the community with a range of sensory products.

"At Sensory Kingdom, we specialise in products such as chew necklaces, weighted teddies, fidget tools, and other sensory supports that many students and families find beneficial."

They are offering our school families a 5% discount if you just show them this discount in the newsletter and can be used in-store.

Their current opening hours are Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm & Saturdays: 10:00am -2:00pm.

Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club Hot Shots Tennis Program

All equipment provided and students can join any week. If you have any queries, contact Tennis Coach Evie Ryan via SMS at 0409 433 772 or email evieryan296@gmail.com

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

Nigel's Natter

From the Principal