Apollo Bay Calendar

2024   JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN   JUL   AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   DEC

 

DateEvent
JANUARY 2024

Sun. 7th
- 9am-2pm

220109 book saleMONSTER BOOK SALE
@ Apollo Bay P-12 College Leisure Centre
Costin St, Apollo Bay

Books, Cakes, Sausages.

Sat. 13th
- 7.30pm

2401 southern blast wrSouthern Blast @ Wye River SLSC

Film screening of the Surfrider Foundation's 'Southern Blast'.

This incredible film is a cinematic celebration of the wild landscapes, abundant marine ecosystems, and local communities that call the Southern Ocean coastlines home.

Featuring footage shot on location in Lutruwita (Tasmania), the film connects with local personalities: from surfers to crayfishers, sustainable ocean businesses, and Traditional Custodians - it covers the unique and diverse communities that co-exist alongside marine life and wild landscapes. Southern Blast is a powerful look into the relatively untouched charm of Lutruwita (Tasmania) and the threat posed by a looming fossil fuel industry.

The night will also include guest speakers and a Q&A, as well as some nibble food.

OCEANSee here for further information and to book tickets.

Sun. 14th
- 7pm

Southern BlastSouthern Blast @ Apollo Bay Community Hall, 4 Whelan St

Film screening of the Surfrider Foundation's 'Southern Blast'.

This incredible film is a cinematic celebration of the wild landscapes, abundant marine ecosystems, and local communities that call the Southern Ocean coastlines home.

Featuring footage shot on location in Lutruwita (Tasmania), the film connects with local personalities: from surfers to crayfishers, sustainable ocean businesses, and Traditional Custodians - it covers the unique and diverse communities that co-exist alongside marine life and wild landscapes. Southern Blast is a powerful look into the relatively untouched charm of Lutruwita (Tasmania) and the threat posed by a looming fossil fuel industry.

The night will also include guest speakers and a Q&A, as well as some nibble food.

OCEANSee here for further information and to book tickets.

Sat. 20th
- 6.30pm

The Big Bush DanceThe Big Bay Bush Dance @ Apollo Bay Mechanics Hall

Fundraiser for the Mechanics Hall.

Live music and dance calling featuring Bushwahzee and friends.

Doors open 6.30 - music & dancing 7.30.

Bring picnic snacks.

Beer & wine available - no byo alcohol.

Tickets available at the door or from the Mech Hall website.

Adults $30, Concession $20, Under 15yo FREE (accompanied by an adult).

Sun. 21st
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club apollo bay farmers marketSouthern Otways Food Cooperative

See here for further details.

Sun. 21st
- 3pm

Cemetery TourApollo Bay Cemetery Tour

Take a guided walk with Historical Society members around the final resting places of some of Apollo Bay's pioneers. Hear stories of their hardship and determination.

Wear sturdy shoes and suitable attire for the variable weather.

Book online here or call 0419 891 685 - $25pp

Limited places.

FEBRUARY 2024

Sun. 18th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Thu. 22nd
 - 5.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speaker - Jill Giese
Subject - The world of Victoria’s early lunatic asylums

At our last Discussion Group, we were introduced to the people of Melanesia and their music. This month we journey to 19th century Victoria, a place with the highest rates of insanity in the world at that time!

Join award-winning author and psychologist, Jill Giese, to time travel back to a remarkable chapter in our history – the world of Victoria’s early lunatic asylums. Immerse yourself in the 1800s when our growing colony grappled with massive numbers of mentally ill people and embarked on a revolutionary treatment to cure many of them.

Jill Giese is a Melbourne-based writer and psychologist with an extensive career in mental health that encompassed many years of clinical practice and executive roles in policy and advocacy. Her book illuminating the world of Victoria’s early lunatic asylums, The Maddest Place on Earth, won the Victorian Premier’s History Award in 2018.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear Jill talk about her research and how she went about translating her findings into a fascinating book.

Date - Thursday 22nd February
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.15pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats before Sunday 18th February by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Nick on 0438 088 485.

Entry is free but we invite attendees to make a donation. Every dollar raised at Discussion Group will be directed to families and individuals in Afghanistan who are being supported by ABRAR (Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees).

Wed. 28th
 - 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

MARCH 2024

Fri. 1st
- 10am-1pm

cec1Women in Conversation Breakfast

We invite you to join the women of the Conservation Ecology Centre as we mark International Women's Day and celebrate the women of the Otways (and beyond) who are making a difference to the ecosystems that sustain us.

Friday 1st March, 2024 7.30am to 10am
Apollo Bay Community Hall
4 Whelan Street, Apollo Bay, 3233

Connect over coffee and a great local breakfast with a roomful of fabulous women all doing their bit for the environment and conservation.

We'll be live-streaming Bush Heritage & Trust For Nature's Women in Conservation event in Melbourne and we hope to provide you with a morning of inspiration and networking.

The event will commence with a welcome by CEO Lizzie Corke OAM, who'll then introduce you to two new women in the Conservation Ecology Centre team: Dr. Kay Welz and Dr. Claire Feniuk. You'll hear what brought Kay and Claire to the Otways, the conservation projects they're excited about, and women leaders who have shaped or inspired their journeys.

Then take time for some conversations around the table as you enjoy your local breakfast by the Wildlife Wonders team.

After breakfast, our (virtual) keynote speaker is Anna Rose, CEO of Environmental Leadership Australia. In the face of accelerating climate change and nature loss, our communication and leadership styles must evolve. Anna will share unique insights from over two decades as a leader in conservation on how we can move beyond divisions to create a more bipartisan approach, with examples of unusual alliances leading to lasting impact.

Places are limited for this celebratory breakfast, please book yours here.
You can choose from a number of ticketing options for this Pay What You Can event, including an option to contribute to our research and conservation programs.
Also, the 'Take Me On a Special Tour' ticket includes a 90-minute walk through our sanctuary at Wildlife Wonders with Lizzie, hearing of her vision for this social enterprise, its challenges over the last few years, and future plans.

We do hope you can join us for this celebratory breakfast!

Warmly, Andrea, Lizzie and the Conservation Ecology Centre team.

Sat. 2nd
- 10am-1pm

Phytophthora cinnamomi hygiene trainingFREE Phytophthora cinnamomi Hygiene Training
@ Forrest Public Hall

Help protect the Otways.

Date:   Saturday 2nd March 2024
Time:  10am-12pm - theory session (inc morning tea)
            12-1pm - optional walk
Place:  Forrest Public Hall, 14 Grant Street, Forrest

Please join the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority for an information & training session on Phytophthora cinnamomi hygiene and management (also known as dieback disease or cinnamon fungus). Learn how to prevent the spread of this devastating disease to your gardens or bushland. Bring a notebook and weather appropriate clothing for an optional walk though Phytophthora impacted heathlands.

RSVP This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sun. 3rd
- 3-5pm

2403 vintage fashion paradeVintage Fashion Parade @ Apollo Bay Community Hall

An entertaining and informative afternoon of vintage fashion, featuring clothes from the 1930's through to the 1980's. The collection will be sourced from both Apollo Bay residents and the museum collection.

A museum fun......draiser!

Tickets: $30.   Book here.

Sat. 16th
- 10am-3pm

abodas showApollo Bay & District Agricultural Show
@ Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Admire the horses and their riders as they compete for Best in Show, watch the highly anticipated dog jump, the speed knitting and find out who has risen victorious in the always hotly contested Industrial Hall classes.

Free hearing checks on-site with Hearing Australia (no bookings necessary) and plenty of entertainment for the whole family!

 See here for full details.

Sun. 17th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Fri. 22nd
& Sat. 23rd

gorcapaApollo Bay Coastal Projects Open Days
@ Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative

Join us for the second series of Apollo Bay Coastal Projects Open Days.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is excited to announce its second series of Coastal Projects Open Days in Apollo Bay on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March.

This two-day event, hosted at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative, promises to be a fantastic opportunity for community members to connect with our team and learn more about a range of active projects that are underway in the Apollo Bay area.

We'll be at the Apollo Fishermen’s Co-operative from 2-6pm on Friday 22 March and 10am–1pm on Saturday 23 March and community members are encouraged to drop-in anytime. Our team will be on hand to answer your questions and chat about a variety of projects including:

  • Land Management transfers in Apollo Bay
  • Point Bunbury Path
  • Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment
  • Mounts Bay Adaptation Plan (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action)
  • Coastal Environment Education Interactive Display

Representatives from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will also be present to speak to projects we’re working on together to deliver.

Light refreshments will be available.

To register for the event, please head to our Have Your Say website.

Apollo Bay Coastal Projects Open Day | Your Great Ocean Road (greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au).

Sat. 23rd

storm the bayStorm The Bay

Come together in celebration of our town, our people, and the simple joy of swimming. Join us on March 23rd as we celebrate the freedom of the outdoors at Apollo Bay. Our pristine piece of ocean will come alive as hundreds of swimmers take to the water to Storm the Bay!

Wed. 27th
 - 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

Fri. 29th Mar
- Sat. 6th Apr
- 10am-4pm daily

2024 art showApollo Bay Art Show @ 4 Whelan St & Online

Opening Good Friday, the Apollo Bay Art Show will run from the 29th March to 6th of April 2024.

10am to 4pm daily and online.

See full details here.

APRIL 2024

Fri. 29th Mar
- Sat. 6th Apr
- 10am-4pm daily

2024 art showApollo Bay Art Show @ 4 Whelan St & Online

Opening Good Friday, the Apollo Bay Art Show will run from the 29th March to 6th of April 2024.

10am to 4pm daily and online.

See full details here.

Thu. 18th
 - 5.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Panellists - Brian Massey, Shayne Neal and Dave Howell
Subject - JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth

This month we journey to JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth or, more specifically, Hobbiton™ Movie Set in New Zealand’s north island.

For many Kiwis and international tourists, Hobbiton™ has long been a bucket list experience, offering a window into the world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Brian Massey, Greensmaster of The Lord of the Rings, an Art Director of The Hobbit, Landscape Designer of Hobbiton and Project Manager of the new Bagshot Row development will share insights into just what it takes to build a Hobbit Hole. 

Apollo Bay locals, Shayne Neal and Dave Howell, put the Wildlife Wonders dream team back together when they joined Brian in NZ last year to assist with the Bagshot Row build. They will also share their experiences from venturing to Middle Earth. 

You don’t need to be a fan of Tolkien or the movie adaptations to enjoy this evening. In a short time Hobbiton™ has become almost as iconic as Disneyland and this latest subterranean expansion is a fascinating case study in international tourism.

Date - Thursday 18th April
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.15pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats before Sunday 14th April by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Nick on 0438 088 485.

Entry is free but we invite attendees to make a donation. Every dollar raised at Discussion Group will be directed to families and individuals in Afghanistan who are being supported by ABRAR (Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees).

Sun. 21st
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 24th
 - 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

MAY 2024

Thu. 16th
 - 5.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speaker - Paul Verwoert

This month we journey from the fantastical Middle Earth of Tolkien to the confronting reality of conflict zones and third world countries in receipt of Australian international aid funding.

Paul Verwoert has over 30 years international aid experience and has worked in 23 countries in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions. He has worked on humanitarian programs in Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, and PNG with CARE and in the former-Yugoslavia with the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

During his career he has managed aid programs on behalf of a range of international aid donor agencies including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, World Bank, UK Aid, the EU and others. 

Paul has a keen interest in the nexus between Australia’s aid, foreign trade and security policies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Paul will present and discuss:

    • working on humanitarian programs in conflict zones (Iraq, former Yugoslavia)
    • shifts in the nature of Australian aid from poverty reduction and humanitarian programs to promoting Australia's national interest  
    • aid in the context of geo-political competition with China in the Indo-Pacific, and the historically low Australian Aid budget.

Date - Thursday 16th May
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.15pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats before Sunday 12th May by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Nick on 0438 088 485.

Entry is free but we invite attendees to make a donation. Every dollar raised at Discussion Group will be directed to families and individuals in Afghanistan who are being supported by ABRAR (Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees).

Sat. 18th May
- Sun. 19th

GORRF logoGreat Ocean Road Running Festival

Formerly known as the Great Ocean Road Marathon, the event has grown to allow runners of all ages and fitness levels to participate in events ranging from the 1.5km Kid’s Gallop all the way up to the 60km Ultra Marathon. In order to make the event an even better weekend away for runners and their support crew, be it family or friends, we’re bringing you even more things to do in Apollo Bay & Lorne than ever before.

The spectacular setting of the iconic Great Ocean Road makes the Great Ocean Road Running Festival a must-do for your running checklist. Whether you’re travelling from regional Victoria, interstate or from around the world, this Festival based in Apollo Bay & Lorne is a great destination for a running weekend away.

abdhf

Participants rave about the friendly, local feel of the event, with many coming back year after year. If you’re looking for your next big challenge, this is it.

Fundraise for the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation while you enjoy your run.

Please note that some roads will be closed around Apollo Bay on Saturday and the Great Ocean Road will be closed on Sunday.  See the GORRF website for further information. 

Wed. 22nd
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

JUNE 2024

Thu. 13th
 - 5.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speakers - Hayden Walsh & Karen O'Sullivan

Hayden is a disability advocate who lives with cerebral palsy. He is a father to five-year-old Shanaya and a full-time employee at John Holland Construction where he is an IT Procurement Analyst.

More recently Hayden has worked as a consultant with the Dylan Alcott Foundation and Get Skilled Access as a consultant. He has also assisted the local Macedon Ranges Shire Council with their inclusion commitment, judging a photographic competition to recognise International Day of People with Disability.

Hayden lives in Kyneton in Central Victoria where he has been a volunteer at the local football club, a committee member and time keeper. He also volunteers at the Kangaroo Flat football club as a time-keeper.

Hayden’s biography “If I can, you can” by author Karen O’Sullivan was published in 2022. AFL Hall of Famer Nathan Buckley provided the foreword. Hayden and Nathan have been good friends since meeting at the Royal Children’s Hospital when Hayden was a young boy undergoing surgery.

Karen is a writer and storyteller whose craft has developed over a three-decade career in journalism, first in radio then television, where Karen was Channel 7’s Health reporter for thirteen years.  During this period, Karen won the National Luminous Award for Excellence in Oncology reporting three times and the Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Media Award.

In 2022 Karen published her first non-fiction book through a small run publisher. ‘If I can, you can’ the biography of Hayden Walsh. It became a best-seller on Amazon in its category.

Karen and husband Martin raised four sons in central Victoria. She was a non-Executive Director for 5 years on the Board of Management at Central Highlands Rural Health, she is a former Committee member of the Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club and was the first female President of the Kyneton Football Netball Club. Karen and Martin recently moved to Wongarra.

Date - Thursday 13th June
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.15pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats before Sunday 9th June by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Nick on 0438 088 485.

Entry is free but we invite attendees to make a donation. Every dollar raised at Discussion Group will be directed to families and individuals in Afghanistan who are being supported by ABRAR (Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees).

Fri. 14th
- 5.30pm daily

Community DinnerTable of Plenty Community Dinner
@ Apollo Bay Community Hall, 4 Whelan St

There is nothing better than coming together and having a meal!

Please join us at the first Table of Plenty community dinner!

On a Friday night we’ll get together in the Apollo Bay Community Hall and have a meal.

The dinner is donation based, you’re welcome to join free of charge! If you can cover your own cost, we ask our dinner guests to donate $15, to pay for yourself and a fellow community member, it’s $30.

The dinner will be a soup, metze-style main meal and dessert.

Presented by Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood House.

Doors open from 5.30pm.
Dinner served from 5.30pm 'til 7pm.

Please book here.

Sun. 16th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 26th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

JULY 2024

Thu. 18th
 - 5.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speakers - Geoff Schmidt and Helen Cocks
Topic - Experiences of an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Geoff Schmidt & Helen Cocks moved to Apollo Bay at the start of 2022 after living in Arthurs Creek, north of Melbourne, for over 20 years. Tree-change to sea-change! Helen, now retired, was a project manager with the Department of Health and Geoff worked in IT as a project manager and other roles for Coles Supermarkets for 20 years. 

Since moving to Apollo Bay, Geoff & Helen have enjoyed working with many of the local groups including CFA, ABRAR, Landcare, water watch, Community Bank Apollo Bay and the pottery club.

Geoff and Helen were extremely fortunate to be able to join an expedition cruise to Antarctica in January 2024. The cruise did a loop via the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas if you are in Argentina), South Georgia Islands and Antarctica. They will be presenting on some of the interesting things they learned and discovered during this awe-inspiring trip.

Date - Thursday 18th July
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.15pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats before Sunday 9th June by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Nick on 0438 088 485.

Entry is free but we invite attendees to make a donation. Every dollar raised at Discussion Group will be directed to families and individuals in Afghanistan who are being supported by ABRAR (Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees).

Sun. 21st
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 24th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ Apollo Bay Bowls Club

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

Fri. 26th
- Sun. 28th
Apollo Bay WORDFestApollo Bay WORDfest

See apollobaywordfest.com for full details.

AUGUST 2024

Sun. 18th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 28th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sun. 15th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 18th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

OCTOBER 2024

Sun. 20th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

NOVEMBER 2024

Sun. 17th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Wed. 27th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

DECEMBER 2024

Wed. 11th
- 4pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting

The meetings will be livestreamed to the public via Council’s You Tube channel (search Colac Otway Shire Council at www.youtube.com).

Council meetings are open to the public and interested people are welcome to attend.

See the full agenda here.

Sun. 15th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.