Geelong, Victoria

Only a stone’s throw away from the city of Melbourne, in the south-eastern part of Australia is a town commonly known as ‘sleepy-hollow.’ Geelong, a regional town of approximately 180,000 residents, was founded in 1803 by Matthew Flinders, and has held until recently a strong economic base in the manufacturing industry. But, with the closure of factories, in particular the iconic manufacturing giants, Ford and Alcoa, Geelong has turned its attention towards education, innovation and research for continued economic stimulus.
 
Although branded with the term ‘sleepy-hollow’ Geelong has always been a thriving, strong and resilient community, with a determination to succeed and evolve through any economic situation.  Growing up in Geelong in the 1980’s and 90’s was I thought, a blast with many adventures to be had on our bicycles in the surrounding parklands and countryside. As children we were blissfully unaware of the recession and the financial worries faced by our parents. High interest rates, the closure of a prominent building society and the down turn in manufacturing, just to name a few.
 
Today, Geelong boasts a surge of young, innovative, entrepreneurs, who are helping to shape the region into a creative hub of artisan culinary products, fused with exciting cultural offerings from local artists and musicians. In keeping with history and being true to its resilient spirit, Geelong has adapted to economic conditions and is on an upward journey. Many people are now relocating from Melbourne to take advantage of the regional town lifestyle, whilst still having access to award-winning educational facilities and a buzzing café and restaurant culture, promoting much of the regions fare.
 
If you are ever in Melbourne, take a drive down the Princes Highway to Geelong and discover what lies behind ‘sleepy-hollow.’