Tuesday, 6 February 2024

Geelong electorate events

Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (13:20): It was fantastic to have the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events visit Geelong for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club Festival of Sails over the long weekend. The two events welcomed record-breaking crowds over the weekend and were broadcast to 83 countries around the world, showcasing our magnificent Geelong region. With over 140,000 fans in attendance, I am proud that the Victorian government has continued to deliver significant benefits to local businesses and created an electric festive atmosphere right across the Geelong region. Transforming our beautiful waterfront, the cycling and sailing festivals provided plenty of action for fans, families and riders. With fans lining the streets and quickly filling the barricades, the ever-popular vantage points were again in full force with banners, flags and chalk drawings. The 181st year of the Festival of Sails saw the bay full of yachts racing to the finish line.

A huge thankyou to all the volunteers who again put their exceptional work on show. Over 400 friendly faces welcomed the crowds and made the 2024 event possible. The Festival of Sails included family entertainment that spilled out onto the waterfront for everyone to enjoy. Steampacket Gardens welcomed the new velo village, which allowed spectators to get up close to the elite riders while following the action.