Meet Wendy and her dancers.
Maybe before this project began not all of them would have used the word 'dancer' to describe themselves, but now after workshopping, improvising and learning together, dancers they are.

Their performance, Holdfast,  on November 11th 2023 at The Potato Shed in Drysdale is much more than music, movement and images, its community.

Grab your ticket here: https://tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/event/hold-fast
If you come upon this after the performance date be sure to follow their happenings on social media.: FB Creaky Dance Theatre

Sometimes all it takes is one person to ask a question and others to act to bring about something very special.  Listen to the story of how this creative group began and why they love it so much.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Bellarine Women's Workshop today and let me tell you they are buzzing and creating in the Portarlington Girl Guides hall.  They meet one Saturday and two Thursdays a month from 10am-1pm.

If you would love to join them please request to join their FB group Bellarine Women's Workshop Inc to find out more.  Not on FB, head to their website for more info.

They describe themselves as: a group of women based on the Bellarine Peninsula, getting together for social interaction, to learn new skills, to impart their wisdom and help each other to be our best.

A Bit Of Everything Bellarine was founded by Virginia Cooke after she returned to the Bellarine from Canberra in 2020.  It's a social meet up group who dine, walk, laugh and most anything else someone is willing to organise!

They are always welcoming new members to join in their events. Head over to https://www.meetup.com/a-bit-of-everything-bellarine/events/ to find out more.

This episode was recorded at OneDay Estate winery with Grieg McInerney playing his acoustic set in the background.  At times the crowd noise erupts and drowns out a few words here and there, but I hope you get the sense of joy that surrounds this group.

One of the most iconic natural features on the Bellarine, the Barwon Heads Bluff is always full of activity.
On my Sunday morning stroll with my friend Liz, I chanced upon Mark and Paul, two fellas dressed in high-vis and helping people use the iNaturalist app to record all manner of natural wonders.  They were volunteers with the Friends of the Bluff and not only are they always looking to welcome new members but are keen for you to be involved in documenting the environment up on the Bluff.

You, your kids, your neighbour, whoever can use the iNaturalist app to help build a library of images, which in turn helps those in charge manage this beautiful area for now and into the future.

I asked Mark if he would mind me recording our chat and he kindly agreed. What followed was his passionate and knowledgable account of all things Barwon Heads Bluff - listen for yourself, this is exactly the sort of person we want looking out for our environment.  But of course all our efforts make a difference.

If you'd like to find out more about Friends of the Bluff head to : Friends of the Bluff on FB
To start helping build the library of images head to : iNaturalist: Living on the Edge Reimagined

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!
These ladies very much like to be beside and in the seaside and they are always happy to welcome new comers.
Since Covid restrictions meant a group of Ocean Grove women couldn't travel to Pt Lonsdale for a regular swim the Salty Dogs begun early morning swimming at Ocean Grove front beach.
From 6:30am onwards these brave big hearted women bob, dive and laugh as they enjoy the effects of an ocean swim.

If you'd like to join them please Dm me @ Bellarinebitespodcast on Instagram and I can hook you up.

Did you know that the Bellarine Training and Community Hub hosts an artist of the month each month?
The hallways of the John Dory Drive centre are given over to a new artist each month to display their art.  I had the pleasure of viewing the work of  and catching up with August 2022 Artist of the Month David Keating.
David has been painting since the age of 18 but still regularly attends Art classes at the local neighbour houses and training centres.  He is proud of being asked to display his work and hopes many other local artists take up the opportunity.

Bellarine Training and Community Hub in Ocean Grove was established in 2006 and provides nationally recognised training throughout Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surfcoast, from Certificate III to Diploma level courses.  It also runs community classes and engagement programs.

https://www.btach.com.au/

A taste of the Bellarine Farmers Market
I caught up with Will Evans aka The Egg Man who has been running the market for the last 5 years.  He is quick with a friendly word for all his customers and seems to know most people who pass by his egg stall.
Along side Will I speak with Kim Ward, from Coastal Air Creations about her reuse, recycle, reduce philosophy and products.  The rain was beginning to come in sideways but it didn't deter those lining up for coffee, pastries, vegies, meat and pasta!!

Community groups are also represented and in this episode we hear from Fran McAloon who is staffing the Rural Australian Refugee  stand selling kusindi and having meaningful conversations... in the rain.

I also caught up with Andrew from the Ocean Grove Community Garden who was raising the awareness of the group as well as selling a few winter greens from the plots.

To keep up to date with all the goings on, head to https://www.facebook.com/BellarineFarmersMarket/ for the latest stallholders and news.  The market is held on the third Saturday of each month in the Ocean Grove park.