Geelong
A Look at the City of Geelong:
The city of Geelong is a port city based in the state of Victoria, Australia. The second largest Victorian city, Geelong is located on the Corio Bay and the Barwon River. Geelong is popularly known as the “Gateway City” since it is centrally located with regards to its placement to the various Victorian regional centers such as Ballarat, Torquay, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Colac and Winchelsea.
The city of Geelong has taken its name from the native word “Jillong”, which essentially means “land or cliffs”. Geelong is viewed as a shipping and rail hub for the region, which is why this city is also referred to as “The Pivot”. People residing in the city of Geelong are known as Geelongites or Pivotonians. This city has positioned itself as one of the leading non capital cities of Australia.
In the city of Geelong, the manufacturing industry has seen a decline. However, on the other hand, the service industry is seen growing at a rapid rate. This is one of the vital reasons, which has contributed to the population rise in Geelong. Similarly, there has been a shift in the economy of this city in spite of having faced drawbacks from the heavy manufacturing sector.
A number of raw materials that are used in the construction business are quarried from Geelong. Two items that are quarried at a massive level are nothing but, bluestone and sandstone. Apart from this, limestone, which is used for cement production is also quarried from this city. This city is known to contain huge deposits of brown coal as well.
Climate in the city of Geelong is somewhat temperate oceanic in nature. Geelong has four distinct seasons, in spite of sporting stable climatic conditions. February is the hottest month in the city, while the month of July is the coldest. Summers in this city are warm. However, winters range from mild to cool. The level of precipitation is moderate in this city. One can witness heavy domination of westerly winds in Geelong. In this city, rainfall portrays a strong incline from south to north.
The median age of people residing in the city of Geelong is 37 years. Around 78% of people living in this city were born in Australia. Residents of this city, who were born overseas, belong to countries such as Italy, England, Croatia, Netherlands and Scotland. The very commonly spoken language in this city is English. A majority of Geelong residents are followers of Catholicism. The northern suburbs of this city house plenty of Traditional Christian and Orthodox Christian churches. Around 20% population of this city does not practice any religion at all.
Governance, Media & Entertainment in Geelong:
As far as the area of governance is concerned, this city is covered by the City of Greater Geelong. This city is made up of 12 wards, each of which is headed by a councilor, who are elected once in every four years by postal voting. From the year 2012, the Mayor of Geelong is appointed for a period of four years by the electorate of the City of Greater Geelong.
The Geelong Advertiser, one of the oldest newspapers in Victoria, which is also the second oldest newspaper of Australia, was established in the city of Geelong. Two important newspapers of this city are the Geelong Independent and Geelong News. Cable and satellite television services are made available in this city by operators such as Foxtel and Neighbourhood Cable. Free to air stations from Melbourne, which include ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, Ten and the community channel C31 are broadcasted in Geelong. As far as the radio arena is concerned, local radio stations such as K-Rock, Rhema FM, Hot Country Radio, The Pulse, 3GPH and Bay FM are active in this city.
In the city of Geelong, nightlife is worth witnessing. You are sure to bump into various pubs, nightclubs and live music venues in this city. Geelong is the birthplace of many popular Australian bands and musicians including, Barry Crocker, Gyan Evans, Magic Dirt, Jeff Lang, Denis Walter and Chrissy Amphlett. This city is home to many prominent cultural centres such as Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Costa Hall Auditorium and the Geelong Art Gallery.
Places to See in Geelong:
Eastern Beach: You can get a 360 degree view of the Corio Bay by heading to Eastern Beach. Be it a walking trail that you wish to set out on or simply enter the water for a swim, you can experience all of this at the Eastern Beach.
Geelong Botanic Gardens: Geelong Botanic Gardens is the fourth oldest botanic garden in Australia. You will be introduced to a variety of local and exotic plants on your visit to these gardens. You can take a break for some refreshments at The Tea House. Similarly, you can buy plants of your choice at this place.
National Wool Museum: You will be in a better position to acquaint yourself with Australian culture by paying a visit to the National Wool Museum. The displays at this museum put forth the story associated with the Australian wool industry from the time it was first unveiled to its present day transformation. This place is a hit among both adults and kids.
Geelong Art Gallery: Locals as well as visitors to the city of Geelong, who are avid art enthusiasts, should avoid giving the Geelong Art Gallery a miss. This regional gallery has a number of art pieces and quality exhibits on display. Entry to this gallery is free.