May 2025
TCG Community Update May 2025
May Update
May I interest you in some community content from Companion Group? Things are starting to finally cool off as we prepare for the winter months
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
Support Coordination Update
Flu Season Update
Bellarine Bears - All abilities baseball 2025 season
International Museum Day
Adobo & BBQ: Philippine Independence Festival
Million Paws Walk
FREE hair cuts at Eastern Hub
Rainbow Coffee Catch-ups with Geelong Rainbow
Support Coordination Update
We're excited to welcome Michelle to our team as our new Support Coordinator, taking over from the wonderful Tali. Michelle brings a wealth of experience in support coordination, with a deep understanding of the NDIS and a genuine passion for helping people navigate the system with confidence. Her person-centred approach and warm, practical support make her a fantastic addition to our community.
We're also continuing to grow our Support Coordination team! If you're a support coordinator who shares our values and would like to learn more about joining us, we’d love to have a chat.
And if you're a participant who feels your current support coordination isn’t quite the right fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're always here for a friendly, obligation-free conversation to explore how we might be able to support you better.
Flu Season Update
As we move into flu season, we want to remind everyone of a few important steps we take to keep both clients and staff safe.
Please remember our 48-hour cancellation policy is in place year-round. If you're feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms, it’s essential that you let us know as early as possible. With enough notice, we can often adjust or modify shifts to ensure services continue safely however, your early communication makes all the difference.
We also ask for your patience during this time, as staff absences may increase due to illness. Our service coordinators are working hard behind the scenes to minimise disruptions, but we prioritise the health of our team to prevent the spread of illness within the community.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe, healthy, and supported this season.
Bellarine Bears - All Abilities Baseball
We’re thrilled to share that the Bellarine Bears Baseball Club is running their All Abilities Skills Program again this season! This fun, inclusive, and adaptive program is designed especially for people with disabilities to build skills, confidence, and friendships through baseball.
When: Sundays from 4th May to 29th June, 11AM–12PM
Where: Wallington Reserve, Wallington
What to Bring: A hat and a water bottle
What to Wear: Comfortable leisure wear and runners
There’s no need to register—just turn up and join the fun!
For more information, you can contact: info@bellarinebears.org.au
International Museum Day
You're invited to a full day of discovery and creativity at the National Wool Museum on Saturday, 18 May, as part of International Museum Day and the Australian Heritage Festival 2025.
This free, family-friendly event is a great opportunity to explore Geelong’s rich heritage collections and get hands-on with textile crafts. Whether you're a history lover, a creative soul, or just looking for an accessible day out, there’s something for everyone.
Highlights include:
Guided wool-themed tours at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm
Heritage loom demonstrations at 11:00am and 2:00pm
Studio craft activities with wool, fibre, and textile materials
New acquisitions showcase, featuring recently added items and their stories
Where: National Wool Museum, 26–32 Moorabool St, Geelong (Wadawurrung Country)
When: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 18 May
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, family-friendly facilities, seating and first aid available
Come along and celebrate our community’s culture and creativity in a welcoming and inclusive space!
Adobo & BBQ: Celebrate Philippine Independence in Geelong
Mark your calendars for a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage at the Adobo & BBQ: Philippine Independence Festival—a free, family-friendly event filled with food, music, culture, and community connection.
Held in honour of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, this festival pays tribute to Adobo, the Philippines’ beloved national dish, and invites everyone to share in the rich stories, traditions, and flavours that make Filipino culture so unique.
What to expect:
Delicious Filipino cuisine including traditional Adobo and BBQ
Live cultural performances and music
A dynamic business and cultural expo
A welcoming space to connect with multicultural communities
Where: Geelong Racing Club, 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater (Wadawurrung Country)
When: Sunday 25 May, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, undercover areas, parking, first aid, and family-friendly facilities
Proudly supported by the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, this event promises a warm and joyful celebration for all.
Million Paws Walk
The much-loved Million Paws Walk is returning to Geelong one final time! After 30 amazing years, this is your chance to be part of the last official walk in support of the RSPCA’s mission to end animal cruelty.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Eastern Park Ovals, Geelong (Wadawurrung Country)
Walk Starts: 11:00 AM (3km route)
Tickets: Online discounts available; on-the-day pricing – Adult $25, Child/Concession $15, Family $45
This community event features a fun-filled morning of:
Pet-friendly market stalls
Doggy competitions and prizes
Food trucks and entertainment
Raffles, giveaways, and more
All funds raised go directly toward helping animals in need—supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts across Victoria. Whether you're walking your own dog or just love being around them, it’s a fantastic day out for a great cause.
Free Haircuts at Eastern Hub
Looking to freshen up your look? Head down to the Eastern Hub Community Centre on Tuesday, 20 May, where Gordon TAFE’s Barbering Students, in partnership with MatchWorks, will be offering free haircuts for community members.
What’s on:
Free haircuts provided by student barbers
Delicious coffee and food available for purchase at Seasons Café
A great chance to connect with others and explore what's happening at the Eastern Hub
Where: 285a McKillop Street, East Geelong (Wadawurrung Country)
When: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Bookings essential: Call 5249 6100
Facilities include wheelchair access, parking, toilets, and undercover areas.
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a free service and support local students in training!
Rainbow Coffee Catch-ups with Geelong Rainbow
Looking for a welcoming space to connect with others over a cuppa? Geelong Rainbow is hosting fortnightly morning catch-ups at the Geelong West Neighbourhood House offering coffee, tea, light refreshments, and meaningful connection in a safe, inclusive environment.
Everyone is welcome to attend - whether you're a regular or new to the community!
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Geelong West Neighbourhood House, 89 Autumn St, Geelong West (Wadawurrung Country)
Cost:
$5 suggested donation (if affordable)
$10 includes annual Geelong Rainbow membership
Free for those who can’t afford to pay
Memberships can be arranged at the event (cash or bank transfer). If you have any dietary needs, accessibility requirements, or questions, you're encouraged to get in touch beforehand.
A reminder: Geelong Rainbow is a zero-tolerance space for bullying, discrimination, hate speech, or exclusionary views.
Come along, be yourself, and meet like-minded people in a supportive space!
The Companion Group, PO Box 4246, Geelong, Australia
