Geog Vic - much to celebrate in 2023 and looking forward to 2024!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As 2023 comes to a close, it's a great time to reflect on all the achievements of the year and plan for the new one. 

In 2023 we officially became a registered NFP organisation and an affiliate of the Royal Society of Victoria. The small band of dedicated volunteers who make up the Geography Victoria steering group and the Interim Board have been working very diligently behind the scenes to establish the organisation and cement its future. We're working on setting up the website in preparation for accepting members in 2024. We hope you will consider becoming one of Geography Victoria's founding members and help us thrive into the future.

 In 2023, we held five very successful, sell-out Geography Victoria events! 

It has been a year to get out and to explore, enjoy and learn about the world in which we live.

Everyone is welcome to participate in a Geography Victoria fieldtrip and it is wonderful to see the eclectic groups who have enjoyed the diverse array of 2023 fieldtrips. 

• In May the focus was to discover Docklands with a Space Aero drone forum followed by a boat trip which explored the Port of Melbourne.
• Fortunately the Melbourne sun shone on the June coastal fieldtrip led by Dr James Driscoll and Rob Gell AM around Port Phillip Bay.
• The Thornbury Picture House was a great winter venue for our private screening of The Lost City of Melbourne.
• Our Science Week field trip was inspirational, as conservationist Gio Fitzpatrick outlined the extraordinary transformation from Elsternwick Golf course to the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve and Matt Chester shared the sustainability practices which have been in place for over 100 years at the National Trust property Rippon Lea.
• In November Rob Adams AM, City of Melbourne Architect provided a totally engaging CBD walking tour which focussed on the ongoing transformation of Melbourne in response to the changing climate. 

These fieldtrips proved to be very popular and all available places filled quickly. We hope to run some again next year in order to accommodate all those on a waitlist.

 

2023 Christmas Treasure Hunts - a great day for all!

 

 

The year certainly ended on a high note with the City of Melbourne Treasure Hunt Day. As part of the City of Melbourne Christmas Festival, Geography Victoria (supported by Spatial Vision) produced the Melbourne Christmas Decorations Walking tour maps for the Festival and held two concurrent treasure hunts across the CBD on Sunday December 10. The event was a huge success with over 1650 participants. It was wonderful to see so many people from such a diverse range of backgrounds and ages with maps in their hands exploring the city. 

 

Our sincere thanks to Rob Gell AM for his ongoing support and the Royal Society of Victoria for auspicing these events.

 

What is on the horizon for 2024?

In addition to being able to celebrate an official launch, our events team has been busy exploring the possibility of running a series of exciting events throughout Victoria in the new year including:

·  How will climate change impact Port Phillip Bay?

·  Where are all those tunnels going - CBD Melbourne.

·  Heading out west - the Western Treatment Plant

·  More CBD Treasure Hunt Adventure Challenges

·  Yalukit Willam for littlies and those a little bit older.

·  The Goldfields is not just history!

·  Hot rocks in western Victoria - exploring the volcanic plains

Keep your eye on your inbox for details.

 

As we look forward to the new year, we hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy festive season and we look forward to seeing you at a Geography Victoria event in 2024.

 

The Geography Victoria Team