September 2025
TCG September Community Update
September Update
“Florals? In Spring? Groundbreaking.” - Miranda Priestly
Spring has sprung! With it comes longer days, blossoming gardens, and a welcome touch of warmth after the winter chill. It’s the perfect time to reconnect, refresh, and look forward to all the opportunities this new season brings.
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
🏈TCG Grand Final Party - You’re invited!
🎖️Michael celebrates a win
🆕Make our new DSWs feel welcome!
🙋♂️Farewell to Martin
🥗Where to eat in Geelong
🖼️Archibald Prize
🎨Glowfest - Anime Style
🎮DadLAN Dad's Social Group
TCG Presents: AFL Grand Final Sausage Sizzle!
Footy fans, it’s time to celebrate in style! We’re bringing the community together for an AFL Grand Final Sausage Sizzle at the beautiful Cobbin Homestead in Grovedale, packed with fun, food, and footy vibes.
Location: Cobbin Homestead, Grovedale Date: Sunday, 4th October Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Prizes presented at 3:00pm FREE to attend!
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Grand Final highlights on the screen BBQ sausage sizzle (grab a snag and enjoy!) Games & activities for everyone Prizes galore including Best Dressed (deck yourself out in your team colours and show your spirit!)
If you’ve been part of our footy tipping competition, you won’t want to miss this one. Come along and see if you’ll be walking away with a prize!
This event is open to all clients, staff, family, friends and support coordinators. Everyone’s welcome!
Need a hand getting there? If you’d like a support worker to help you attend, just mention it in the registration form and we’ll help organise one for you.
Congratulations Michael!
Congratulations Michael for winning the Season Two online "AFL Statchat Creator Classic"
Michael is an avid Adelaide Crows fan and has a great wealth of knowledge of all AFL statistics. Michael competed in multiple rounds online against other contestants and it was clear from the first round that Michael was going to be the person to beat. Michael's exceptional memory and quiet confidence throughout the competition helped him secure the win and an amazing trophy.
Well done Michael on your fantastic achievement
If interested, you can watch Michael's journey to success on Youtube: Creator Classic Season 2 (StatChat)
Meet our newest Companions!
Please make our newest disability support workers feel welcome as they join The Companion Group. To get to know them a little better, I asked them these three questions:
What is your favourite thing about being a disability support worker?
“Doing my best to be the 'Highlight of their Day" with everyone I look after. I love to listen while getting to know you, and what you like and don't like. I like to help my clients meet their personal goals, no matter how small or big the goal is Hopefully we can have a lot of fun together.” - Pete
“Being a DSW is amazing because you get to make a real difference, build meaningful relationships, see clients grow, have variety in your day, and feel proud of the impact you have.” - Martina
“I love making real connections with people. Seeing someone smile because they feel supported or understood that is what makes this work so rewarding for me. Every small win feels big, and I am grateful to be part of that journey.” - Sanuj
“What I love most about being a DSW is the people! Every day is different and full of laughs, stories, and shared experiences. I really enjoy getting to know each person’s unique personality and finding fun ways to brighten their day, whether that’s working towards a goal together or cracking a terrible dad joke. For me, it’s not just about providing support, but also making sure people feel seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.” - Candice
What are your qualifications and experience?
“I have been a disability support worker for 20 years with a few companies and looking after a lot of different happy clients and their needs.” - Pete
“I have nearly three years of experience working in disability support and as an educator in a special needs school. I hold certifications in first aid/CPR, asthma first aid for schools, manual handling, food safety, police check, Working With Children, and child protection training. I’m experienced, reliable, and passionate about supporting people to reach their goals.” - Martina
“I am a qualified early childhood teacher with experience in disability support. I have worked with diverse clients including neurodiverse children and elderly individuals providing empathetic, practical support. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Education and have all relevant clearances including First Aid, WWCC, Police Check, and NDIS Worker Screening.” - Sanuj
“I have a Cert III in Education Support and am currently studying Primary Education at Deakin University. Alongside my studies, I’ve been working as a peer mentor for the past 12 months. In this role I’ve supported learning, well-being, and goal setting, which has helped me grow skills in patience, communication, and encouragement, all of which I bring into my role as a DSW.” - Candice
What are your interests and hobbies?
“Music, walks on the beach, animals, keeping fit, my 3 kids, travelling, road trips, any sport, watching movies and a good series on Netflix, BBQ's I'm a Foodie and love eating and cooking yum food!” - Pete
“I love spending time outdoors—surfing, going to the beach, and camping. I’m also really into painting, crafting, and anything creative. Plus, I have a big love for plants and animals!” - Martina
“Outside of work, I am passionate about fitness. I enjoy playing tennis, going to the gym, and long walks to clear my mind. I am also really into tech, anime, and all things finance and business. Whether I am watching a new series, learning about markets, or exploring gadgets, I love staying curious and active.” - Sanuj
“I’m a creative person, so in my spare time I love doing hands-on things like arts, crafts, and little projects that let me use my imagination. I’m also a big dog lover (I’ll never say no to puppy cuddles!) and a proud Western Bulldogs fan, so you’ll often catch me cheering them on during the footy season.” - Candice
Farewell Martin!
This month we say goodbye to Martin, who has been part of The Companion Group since 13 August 2020. Over the past five years, Martin has made an incredible contribution to The Companion Group, building positive relationships with both clients and staff.
Known for his professional attitude, down-to-earth nature, and positive work ethic, Martin has earned the highest respect from everyone he has worked alongside. His dedication and genuine care will be remembered by many of our clients, who will miss him greatly.
Martin is relocating to Central Victoria, and while we are sad to see him go, we are grateful for the time, energy, and compassion he has shared with our community. On behalf of all staff and clients, we wish Martin every success in this next chapter.
Where You Can Eat in Geelong & Surrounds (July–Dec 2025)
The cost of living is hitting hard, but across Geelong and the Surf Coast, countless groups are making sure no one goes hungry. From daily hot meals to community food pantries, here’s where you can find support between July and December 2025.
Geelong CBD
The OutPost: Hot meals 7 nights a week and weekday lunches.
Christ Church Community Meals: Daily breakfasts, Monday and Wednesday dinners, plus weekday emergency cupboard.
Lazarus Centre: Open every day of the year, with daily lunch and breakfast starting mid-2025.
Feed Me Network
Operating in Geelong, Ocean Grove and Torquay, Feed Me offers food markets by donation and emergency relief every day. Their pantries are stocked with fresh produce, pantry goods and essentials.
Suburbs & Towns
Geelong West, Norlane, Lara and Whittington: Foodbanks, emergency relief, and weekly community meals.
Surf Coast and Bellarine: Services in Torquay, Anglesea, Ocean Grove and Portarlington provide food pantries and weekly meals.
Colac and Otways: Colac, Winchelsea, Apollo Bay and Forrest each host foodbanks or pantries.
Golden Plains: Meredith and Linton community centres run discreet food relief services.
How to Access
Some services are open to all, while others may need a Healthcare or Centrelink card, proof of residency or an agency voucher. Always check times or call ahead.
A Community Effort
These food programs are about more than meals, they are about dignity, connection and care. If you need support, it’s here. If you can give, consider donating time, food or funds to keep this vital network thriving.
Archibald Prize
The Archibald Prize 2025 is touring to Geelong Gallery from 30 August to 9 November 2025. This nationally celebrated exhibition showcases 57 finalist portraits, including Julie Fragar’s winning work Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene).
Visitors can expect a mix of famous faces and local heroes, painted with bold creativity and powerful storytelling. Alongside the exhibition, Geelong Gallery will host artist talks, curator insights and community events.
As Victoria’s exclusive host venue, Geelong continues its proud tradition of bringing the Archibald Prize to regional audiences.
Where: Geelong Gallery, 55 Little Malop St When: 30 August – 9 November 2025 Open daily: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Ticket Prices
Adult: $24
Concession: $20
Child (5–15 years): $13
Under 5: Free
Gallery Members: $17
Family (2 adults + 3 children): $60
Groups 10+: $22 per person
Companion Card: Free
GLOWFEST - Anime Style
Get ready for GLOWFEST, Anime style!
Step into a blacklight anime dream – all supplies included!
On Saturday, 13th September as part of Pack Attack Geelong, a new pop culture and collectables event, you can join in this awesome, arty, anime experience.
Participants will create their own glow canvas anime style. Using fluro paints and other art supplies and a choice of stencils kids will bring their favourite characters to life.
Each attendee will also receive:
A mini black light torch to take their glow home
Use of non-toxic glow face paint sticks for the ultimate creative fun
Session Times:
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:15 PM -1:15 PM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Please Note:
All adults wanting to stay and watch the workshop are required to purchase a ticket.
Due to limited space, health and safety reasons and the fact that there will be limited light in these workshops, only adults who have purchased a ticket to participate themselves will be able to stay for the session.
Spots are limited – book now!
DadLAN Dad's Social Group
DadLAN Australia was established in 2023, bringing together Dads with a common interest in technology, computing, games, and family.
Come and join the DadLAN Geelong subnet.
This FREE social event aims to combat isolation, foster connections, and establish a friendly Third Space for fathers. This event is part of an Australia-wide LAN party. Between events, we keep the conversation going via our online community on Discord.
We play computer games together, so bring your computer / laptop along, or let us know if you need to use one of ours.
For more details, to register, or an invite to join the Discord, contact our volunteer coordinator Tim on +61 400 987 771 or email tim.johns@me.com
When:
21 September 2025, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
19 October 2025, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
16 November 2025, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
14 December 2025, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Where: Vines Road Community CentreWadawurrung Country, 37-61 Vines Rd, Hamlyn Heights
The Companion Group, PO Box 4246, Geelong, Australia
