May 2026
May Community Update
Did you know that the First Peoples of Australia recognise seven seasons, rather than the four typically used in Western calendars? These seasons are defined by subtle shifts in climate and changes in the natural environment, meaning they vary across different regions of Australia. For the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation (where we are), May falls within Waring, also known as Wombat Season (April to July). This time of year is marked by misty mornings, longer nights, and the reappearance of wombats as they emerge from their burrows.
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
🗣️ State Disability Plan and Autism Plan consultations
👋 Welcome new Support Workers
🚗 Erin’s Adelaide Adventure
🦆The Companion Duck
🐻 Bellarine Bears - All abilities baseball 2026 season
📖 Secondhand Book Fair
😎 Lara Community Centre Open Day
🚵🏾 You Yangs Off-Road Festival
❄️ Big Freeze Geelong
🫱🏿🫲🏽 Reconciliation in the Park
🚶 A Walk in the Park Geelong
State Disability Plan and Autism Plan consultations
Consultation is now open for the next State Disability Plan and Victorian Autism Plan. The Victorian Government is inviting people to share their ideas to help create a more inclusive, accessible, and fair community.
Update: Forum Registration Extended
The deadline to register interest in attending a consultation forum has been extended to Monday 4 May at 11:59pm. These forums are a great way to share your experiences and ideas directly.
Who Can Participate
Feedback is welcome from:
People with disability
Autistic people
Families, carers, and friends
Advocates and allies
Community and disability organisations
Local government
What to Share
You can provide input on:
What is working well
What needs improvement
Priorities for the future
Ideas for the next plans
How to Get Involved
There are several ways to participate:
Attend an in-person or online forum
Complete the online survey
Share ideas on the Engage Victoria website
Email feedback, including voice or video recordings
Mail your submission
Accessible formats and support are available to ensure everyone can take part.
Why It Matters
The new plans, due in mid-2027, will guide actions for the next four years and align with national disability reforms, including changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
To learn more or have your say, visit the Engage Victoria website and share this opportunity with your networks.
Introducing Hally and Faith
In April we welcomed two new support workers to the roster, introducing Hally and Faith!
Hally joins the group with 13+ years of experience supporting others across various roles, with his most recent one being as an NDIS Support Coordinator, making him an expert in quality support. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Masters of Humanitarian Assistance, both from Deakin University. He is also a current member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. In his spare time, Hally likes music, movies, walking, going to the gym, reading and more.
Faith comes to us with three years of experience in childcare, followed by one year of aged care, giving her amazing range! She’s now been in disability support work for three years and is loving it. She currently holds a certificate three in Early Childhood Education and is studying towards a certificate four in Mental Health at Victoria University. In her spare time, Faith plays the trumpet (and has done so for 15 years!), enjoys crafting, playing video and board games and exploring Geelong.
Please make them feel welcome!
Erin’s Adelaide Adventure
It’s not everyday that you’re invited to a family interstate trip to Adelaide! Bella was lucky enough to support Erin on her adventure to Adelaide with her family.
A highlight of the trip was the AFL Gather Round Footy Festival, a large fan event filled with football activities and opportunities to meet players. Erin and Bella lined up for Western Bulldogs signatures, where Erin appeared very happy, chatting and listening to other supporters while they waited. She met Marcus Bontempelli, Buku Khamis, Ed Richards, Arty Jones, Sam Darcy and Bailey Dale. Erin was supported to say hello, collect signatures and take photos. She also shared a giggle with Sam Darcy and Marcus Bontempelli about Sam being the new favourite!
The trip was full of football, connection and shared experiences, with Erin’s happiness clear throughout. A big thanks to Erin and her family for inviting Bella along. We’re so proud to support Erin and always love to see her smile.
Did you spot The Companion Duck?
In our last Community Update I hinted at the possibility of spotting a very special duck at this year’s Great Barwon River Duck Race, introducing The Companion Duck!
I have been local to the coast for most of my life and the Great Barwon River Duck Race has always held a special place in my heart. This year The Companion Group made a donation to the Rotary Club, securing us a company duck for the race!
Unfortunately our little blind Companion Duck didn’t win any awards, but we had a fantastic day of being out in the community supporting a worthy cause. Do you have any ideas for decorating our duck next year? Suggestions are very welcome! - Sas
Bellarine Bears - All abilities baseball 2026 season
The Bellarine Bears are bringing the community together with a 12-week Tee Ball and All Abilities program open to all skill levels.
Held at Wallington Reserve, the program offers a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to learn the game, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team. All equipment is provided, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
Program details:
Fridays from May 1 to July 24
Tee Ball (ages 5 to 10): 5pm to 6pm
All abilities, all ages: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: 481–487 Wallington Road, Wallington
Whether you’re new to baseball or looking to reconnect with the game, this is a great opportunity to be part of a welcoming, family-friendly club.
For more information, visit the Bellarine Bears website or email juniorcoordinator@bellarinebears.org.au
Belmont Annual Secondhand Book Fair
On Sunday the 17th of May from 8am, St Bernard’s Church in Belmont will be running their annual secondhand book fair.
Over 10,000 books available in excellent condition in a wide variety of subjects - Fiction, sport, biography, cooking, gardening, war, politics, crime, art, royalty, history, literature and many more.
Good luck book hunting!
Lara Community Centre Open Day
Head on down to the Lara Community Centre for a welcoming and family-friendly Open Day on Saturday the 23rd of May.
This is a great opportunity to explore what’s happening at the Community Centre, connect with local groups, and discover new activities to get involved in. Enjoy a relaxed morning with a BBQ, face painting and a range of “come and try” experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re new to Lara or a long-time local, come along, meet others in the community, and share your ideas about what you’d like to see at your Community Centre in the future.
When: 23 May 2026, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Lara Community Centre - 9-11 Waverley Road, Lara
Cost: This is a free event
You Yangs Off-Road Festival
The You Yangs Off-Road Festival celebrates outdoor adventure, fitness, and the stunning You Yangs Regional Park. Featuring Trail Runs (4km, 7km, 10km) and exciting Duathlon (Run/MTB/Run) events, it offers achievable challenges for all ages and abilities.
With a welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on health, wellbeing, and community connection, the festival attracts locals and visitors while supporting regional tourism. It’s an inclusive, energetic event showcasing the best of our outdoor recreation opportunities.
When: 31st of May, first event starting at 9am
Where: You Yangs Regional Park
Cost: Entry starts at $50, price differs depending on what course you book for.
Big Freeze Geelong
This year will be the 5th Big Freeze Geelong; with new hosts Newtown @ Chilwell Football Netball Club held at Elderslie Reserve 1:00 PM on Sunday May 31st.
So far, the Big Freeze Geelong has raised over $360,000 towards Fight MND, and this year we hope to again pass the $100,000 mark.
There will be 15 of Geelong's sporting and community celebrities sliding into the icy waters and raising money, which will guarantee another fantastic Geelong community event.
When: Sunday 31 May 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Newtown @ Chilwell Football and Netball Club, Elderslie Reserve, Newtown VIC 3220
Cost: Free
Reconciliation in the Park
Reconciliation in the Park offers a meaningful day at Johnstone Park in the heart of Djilang/Geelong—a time for community to come together in respect, reflection, and shared responsibility. This free, family-friendly gathering invites people to walk alongside one another, grounded in truth, Culture, and connection.
This year’s theme, ALL IN, calls on each person to show up fully—to listen deeply, to learn, and to take part in the ongoing journey of reconciliation together.
Across the day, opportunities will be available to engage through music, stories, food, markets, and activities that honour the strength and continuity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to attend with open hearts. This is a space for walking together—ALL IN—acknowledging the past, standing in the present, and shaping a more respectful and connected future.
When: 31st of May 10am-3pm
Where: Johnstone Park - 24-28 Gheringhap Street Djilang/Geelong
Cost: Free
A Walk in the Park Geelong
A Walk in the Park takes place on Sunday 3 May 2026, inviting participants to take a walk through Eastern Park in Geelong and connect with the local Parkinson’s community.
This community event aims to provide an opportunity for people living in Geelong, the Bellarine, and the Surf Coast to show support, raise awareness, and contribute funds for Fight Parkinson’s, supporting those living with Parkinson’s disease.
There are approximately 57,000 people in Victoria living with Parkinson’s. The event acknowledges those affected, helps increase awareness of the condition, and raises funds to support the important work carried out by Fight Parkinson’s.
A Walk in the Park Geelong highlights the importance of a connected and supportive community, recognising that when the Parkinson’s community stands united, more can be said, more can be done, and greater impact can be achieved.
When: Sunday 3 May 2026 from 9:00am
Where: Eastern Park - 1-45 Garden Street Geelong East
Cost: Adult: $25 | Child: $10 | Concession: $20
