Cr Stretch Kontelj has welcomed the announcement that an AFL practice match will be held at Skilled Stadium on 10 March with all proceeds going to the initiative to cart water to selected sportsgrounds in the Geelong region.

Junior baseballers will have a chance to learn from one of the world's best coaches on Saturday morning.

Local primary and secondary school students were given the opportunity to meet the Dutch swim stars today as part of an adopt an athlete program.

Cr Jan Farrell announced that the schematic design for the new Bellarine Aquatic Centre would be completed in April, with the detail design completed in June.

Cr Rod Macdonald said the naming of the John Hansen Memorial Skate would maintain the memory of the one of the Leopold community's outstanding citizens.

Council tonight acknowledged the success of the Youthlinx program and called on the Federal Government for increased funding to expand the program.

From 1 October to 31 December 2006 $67,220 was provided to 51 community groups through the Councillor Community Grants Program.

Cr Jan Farrell said the new Ocean Grove Structure Plan aimed to enhance the character and conservation values of the town while providing areas for growth.

Cr Jan Farrell and Cr Peter McMullin today launched the new 2007 Seasons Program for the Potato Shed Bellarine Multi-Arts Centre in Drysdale.

Cr Jan Farrell said Council's introduction of two electric trikes would mean fewer irritations for motorists parking in Central Geelong.

In this time of severe water shortage and heightened community awareness, two new exhibitions at the National Wool Museum focus on our most precious resource - water.

The City and the Victorian Government have joined forces to support the growth of local small businesses, by hosting a subsidised strategic marketing program.

The Dutch Swimming Team arrived in Geelong today for the team's training camp in the lead up to the World Swimming Championships - Melbourne 2007.

A strategic plan for Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanic Gardens will be launched tonight at a public meeting.

Cr Stretch Kontelj today announced Shell Geelong Refinery as Industry Partner for a sportsperson's night being held to raise money towards drought relief for local sport.

Cr Stretch Kontelj said he was delighted with the Victorian Country Football League's $50,000 contribution to drought relief for local sports grounds.

Calling all 12 to 18 year olds. On Sunday 11 March the City will host the fourth annual Get on Board day at Ocean Grove beach - a day to surf, skate and cheer on your mates.

Geelong's Chroming Local Response Committee - a Victorian first - hosted a community forum at City Hall today.

Geelong runners Evelyn Christou and Steve Peatling will represent the City of Greater Geelong at the annual Senshu International Marathon in Osaka on 18 February this year.

Cr John Mitchell said a four week trial involving the use of two way radios to help maintain late night safety has begun successfully.

Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood said the Marines had been oustanding ambassadors during their visit and the large and enthusiastic crowds at the friendship games confirmed the impact thay've had.

Council tonight congratulated the commitment and contribution of the Brisbane communities in the response to, and recovery from, the Brisbane Ranges fires.

A new integrated community fire management plan was tonight adopted by Council.

The City will investigate options for the recovery and recycling of waste with the aim of minimising the amount that is sent to landfill.

Cr Rod Macdonald said he was pleased the long-running Ropeworks issue had been resolved, and that the significant site in Pakington Street was to be put to good use.

Geelong's food and fashion precinct has a new addition - a street mural measuring 14 metres by six metres.

Mayor Bruce Harwood joined Regional and Rural Development Minister John Brumby to open the final stage of the $25 million Central Geelong revitalisation program.

Cr Rod Macdonald said Council would wait for the release of the Port Land Use Strategy and the Geelong Port Structure Plan before considering the proposed Hometown development.

Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood said the inclusion of the Central Geelong Safety Prtition in local newspapers last week would help boost the campaign to increase the police presence on Central Geelong streets.

A tank expected to save more than 2250 litres of water a day has been installed at City Hall.

Cr Tom O'Connor said contractors had carried out a series of aerial mosquito control treatments in the Ocean Grove and Point Henry areas, following the detection of a number of infestations after recent rainfalls.

The City of Greater Geelong gave a presentation on the Leisurelink replacement centre to senior officials of the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Chiba Lotte Marines star pitcher Shunsuke Watanabe won't just be pitching baseballs this year - he will also be pitching Geelong region wines.

Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood said officers were 'pulling out all stops' in attempts to keep the alive some of the municipality's most significant trees during the current drought conditions.

Deputy Mayor Cr John Mitchell said the City had asked the local football associations to provide a list of their priority grounds, in a move aimed at enabling them to start their 2007 season on 5 May.

A free park and ride service will commence on Monday to assist commuters affected by the reduction in commercial car parking spaces in Central Geelong.

The Marines, resplendent in white and black team strip, stood beneath a perfect blue sky today while anthems of Japan and Australia floated on a gentle sea breeze.