November 2025
November Update
Welcome to November! This month signifies the end of spring and the start of warmer weather as we gear up for the last stretch of 2025. November is a great time to reflect on your year, wrap up those loose ends and start making social plans!
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
🖼️Sean’s Success at the Platform Arts
🏆Celebrating Our Bowling Champions
🧹Housekeeping: December Preparation
👋Introducing Jade
🌷Remembrance Day
🚗Geelong Revival Motoring Festival
🎶Queenscliff Music Festival
🎄Christmas in Geelong Opening Night
🧺New Geelong City Market
Sean’s Success at Platform Arts
We’re so proud to share that Sean has achieved an incredible milestone. His artwork, “A Four Hat Costume”, featured in the After Walter Hopps exhibition at Platform Arts, has officially been sold, a fantastic accomplishment that puts him right alongside some of our region’s talented community artists.
This is a wonderful recognition of Sean’s creativity, hard work, and passion for artistic expression. It’s inspiring to see his talent celebrated within such a vibrant exhibition that highlights diverse and local voices.
A big thank you to Taylah for capturing the great photo of Sean standing proudly with his artwork, and to Art Gusto for their amazing support in helping him with his exhibition entry.
The After Walter Hopps exhibition runs throughout November, so there’s still plenty of time to visit, explore the amazing works on display, and join us in congratulating Sean on this well-deserved success.
Celebrating Our Bowling Champions!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the recent Ten Pin Bowling State Championships! Traci and her team delivered an outstanding performance, securing 1st place and bringing home the top prize.
It was an incredible effort from all participants, and we also want to acknowledge Scott’s team, who played exceptionally well and finished in 2nd place. What a fantastic achievement for both teams and a proud moment for our community.
Congratulations to Traci, Scott, and all team members for their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Housekeeping: December Preparations
The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning ahead! To ensure everything runs smoothly over Christmas and New Year, we ask that all staff update their unavailability for the holiday period as soon as possible. This will help us coordinate rosters and ensure everyone gets the break they need.
We also encourage clients to make their support plans for this time early. By letting us know what support you require, we can make sure services continue seamlessly and everyone enjoys a stress-free holiday period.
Please note that the TCG office will be closed from Friday 22nd December until Thursday 2nd January, returning on Monday 5th January. While invoices and pay will go out as usual, bank closures may affect processing times.
If you need assistance during the office closure, you can still reach us via the out-of-hours number. Planning ahead now will help make this holiday season smooth and enjoyable for everyone!
Introducing New Support Worker Jade
We’re thrilled to welcome Jade as the newest member of the TCG support worker family! With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Jade brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong dedication to helping people achieve their goals. Their qualifications include Cert IV in Allied Health Assistance, Cert IV in Aged Care, a Diploma in Community Services, and Mental Health First Aid, providing a fantastic foundation for the care and support they provide.
Jade’s favourite part of being a disability support worker is seeing the joy on people’s faces as they reach their goals. They love connecting with people, hearing their life stories, and sharing a laugh, making every interaction meaningful and enjoyable.
Outside of work, Jade is full of energy and curiosity. They enjoy hiking, camping, photography, craft (any and all, they will try it!), travelling, baking, spending time with their cats, theatre, live shows, music, and even deep diving into researching weird and wonderful facts about people and the world.
We’re excited to have Jade on board and can’t wait for our clients and community to meet them. Welcome to the team, Jade!
Remembrance Day
On November 11, we pause to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have fought for peace and freedom. Remembrance Day is a time for reflection, to acknowledge the bravery of the men and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions, and to recognise the lasting impact their service has had on our lives today.
At 11 a.m., we observe a minute of silence to pay our respects. This simple act unites people across Australia and around the world, reminding us that peace comes at a great cost and should never be taken for granted.
Here in Geelong, there are opportunities to come together as a community to honour those who served. A Remembrance Day service will be held at the Cenotaph in Drysdale (High Street) beginning at 11:00 a.m., and another service will take place at the Geelong West Town Hall Cenotaph (153 Pakington Street) on Saturday, 8 November, starting at 10:30 a.m. with the minute of silence at 11:00 a.m.
Let us wear our red poppies with pride and take a moment to reflect, remember, and give thanks for those who gave so much.
Lest we forget.
Geelong Revival Motoring Festival
Mark your calendars! From 28–30 November 2025, the stunning waterfront of Geelong will roar to life with vintage engines, classic style, and high-octane action at this year’s Geelong Revival Motoring Festival.
What’s on the Agenda
Quarter Mile Sprint: Over 300 two- and four-wheel vehicles will race along a curved quarter-mile track, battling for that coveted trophy.
The Pits: Get up close to the action with unrestricted viewing. Chat with drivers, inspect race-ready bikes and cars, and be in the thick of the excitement.
Shannons Classic Motorshow: More than 1,000 display vehicles, from Model T’s and Maseratis to rare motorcycles, will line the waterfront.
Revival Fashion Awards, Motorcycle Mecca, food vendors, trade sites, and more make this a full-on festival rather than just a car show.
Why You Should Go
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, a motorcycle fan, or simply someone looking for a fun and family-friendly outing, this event delivers. The blend of motorsport, retro fashions, and seaside ambience makes it uniquely Geelong.
Visitor Info at a Glance
Dates: 28–30 November 2025.
Location: Geelong waterfront (details on official website).
Tickets start from approximately $25 for entry.
Want a premium experience? VIP tickets give you trackside marquees, food & drink, and the best vantage points.
Queenscliff Music Festival
The Queenscliff Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of live music held annually in the charming seaside township of Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 35 km from Geelong.
Since its founding in 1997 by locals looking to spotlight the town’s unique character and boost tourism, QMF has grown into a major event that draws thousands of music lovers, families, and visitors each year.
Event Details
Dates: Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November 2025
Location: Princess Park, Queenscliff and surrounding foreshore and streets on Wadawurrung Country
Focus & Mission: Bringing together great contemporary Australian music, arts, community spirit, and sustainability in one coastal setting
Why You Should Go
Amazing lineup: Headliners include The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, King Stingray, The Waifs, and more
More than just music: There is a dedicated kids program, street performers, buskers, immersive art installations, and new venues including a floating ferry performance space
Stunning setting: Listen to live music under towering cypress trees, with the Bay behind you and the town’s historic charm around you
Community driven and inclusive: QMF is run as a not-for-profit with strong values around creativity, community, and social responsibility
Christmas in Geelong Opening Night
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the heart of Geelong as two festive favourites unite for a free family event at the waterfront!
The City of Greater Geelong is partnering with Denis Walter OAM to deliver double the cheer at Steampacket Gardens on Saturday 22 November, with a sparkling evening of carols and lights.
Come along and enjoy:
Big screens and singalongs
Santa and special guests
Delicious food and drink from local eateries and food trucks
Or bring your own picnic and enjoy the festive atmosphere
The programme consists of:
7:30pm Preshow
8:00pm Main event
9:00pm The lighting of the tree and fireworks display
9:10pm Santa arrives and carols continue
9:30pm Event concludes
This event is free!
Discover the Vibrant Geelong City Market
There’s a new market to explore in town! Every Saturday morning, central Geelong transforms into a lively celebration of local food, creativity, and community at the Geelong City Market. Little Malop Street between Yarra and Moorabool Streets comes alive from 9 am to 2 pm, except the Saturday after Christmas.
What Makes It Special
Local produce front and centre. Growers, fishermen, and farmers from the Geelong and Barwon region bring fresh vegetables, seafood, deli cut‑goods, and other authentic offerings.
Artisans and makers. The market features handmade goods, florals, design pieces, specialty beverages, and creative works by regional talent.
Eat, drink, and learn. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, sipping local coffee, enjoying live music, or watching a cooking demonstration, the atmosphere is more than shopping; it’s an experience.
A community hub. Designed as a safe, inclusive space for locals and visitors alike, the market connects people, supports small business, and brings energy back into the city’s heart.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re looking for a Saturday outing that combines fresh food, fun, and city vibes, the Geelong City Market delivers. Stroll through stalls, find something new to taste, discover local talent, and soak up the buzz of the city in the early hours. It’s perfect whether you’re doing your weekly shop, meeting friends for brunch, or simply exploring the city.
Practical Details
When: Every Saturday 9 am to 2 pm, except December 27th
Where: Little Malop Street, Central Geelong, between Yarra and Moorabool
Parking: Free weekend parking applies in central Geelong according to signed limits
What to bring: A reusable bag, some time to explore, maybe some cash for smaller vendors, and comfortable walking shoes
Tip: Arrive early for the best parking and first pick of fresh produce, and take time to chat with stallholders, who are often happy to share stories behind their craft
Whether you’re seeking something tasty, creative, or simply wanting to enjoy a Saturday in Geelong, the Geelong City Market is a destination worth adding to your weekend.