Apollo Bay Calendar

JANUARY 2020

Thu. 26th Dec
- Sun. 5th Jan
- 10am-4pm daily

43rd Apollo Bay Art Show
@ Apollo Bay Senior Citizens Centre, 4 Whelan Street
& Arts Inc. Gallery, Mechanics Hall

Apollo Bay Arts Inc. is hosting its 43rd annual Art Show.

Painting, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture.

apollobayartshow.com 

Sat. 4th
- 2pm

Community Fireguard Meeting
@ Marrar Woorn, 6 Pengilley Ave, Apollo Bay

Wild Dog Rd, Tiger Lane, Barham River Groups or anyone else, all welcome!

CFA Community Fireguard Facilitator Kylie McLaren will conduct the session.

Take this opportunity to review your Bushfire plans, update resources and connect with new neighbours.

Enquiries: Jane (03) 5237 6335

Sun. 5th
- 9am-1pm

MONSTER BOOK SALE 
@ Apollo Bay P-12 College Leisure Centre
Costin St, Apollo Bay

Cakes and coffee available

Cash only

Tue. 7th - Sat. 11th

 Learn to Sail @ the Apollo Bay Sailing Club

Learn to sail, right here in Apollo Bay!

Courses for kids, teenagers and adults delivered by experienced and friendly qualified Australian Sailing instructors.

For more information and to register go to www.theboatshed.net.au/apollo-bay 

Sat. 11th
- 7pm

RAGA SHAMBHALA – Bridging the Himalayas @ Apollo Bay Senior Citizens Centre

A magical musical collaboration with celebrated musicians Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet), Taro Terahara (Japan) and Ayako Ikeda (Japan).

Tenzin is a master of traditional Tibetan instruments and is well-known for his extraordinary vocal ability. Taro and Ayako are leading musicians in the Indian classical music scene. With all three artists drawing on their rich musical traditions, audiences are transported to the vastness of space and the beauty of the high Tibetan plateau.

See here for further details.

Sun. 12th
- 3pm

Otway Forum Meeting @ Marrar Woorn

Get involved and find out what’s really going on!

Mon. 13th
Tue. 14th

Summer by the Sea on the Otway Coast

Free activities

KENNETT RIVER - Mon. 13th, 6.30pm

ROCKPOOL RAMBLE or guided beach walk (depending on conditions). 

Limit 20 – bookings required

WYE RIVER - Tue. 14th, 9.00-10.30am

‘SHORELINE SECRETS’ (guided beach walk). 

Meet at carpark west of bridge – look for Coastcare flag.

For further information and to book go to summerbythesea.vic.gov.au.

Sat. 18th
- 10am-1pm

Community Bushfire Planning Workshop
@ Apollo Bay Fire Station, 28 Pascoe St

You are invited on behalf of the Apollo Bay Fire Brigade and CFA to join in the Bushfire Planning Workshop.

Where: Apollo Bay Fire Station, 28 Pascoe St, Apollo Bay
When: Saturday 18th January 2020, 10am-1pm

Planning for bushfire can be tough, so why do it alone? Develop your fire plan step-by-step at one of CFA's bushfire planning workshops.

During these small group sessions you will:-

Use local knowledge to prepare for a range of fire scenarios

Receive practical, hands-on guidance from CFA to help you start, improve or review your plan

Work alongside others and share ideas

Bushfire Planning Workshops run for between 2-3 hours. That might seem like a long session, but taking a bit of time now will help you to think clearly and make decisions when it really counts.

Remember - if you are caught in a bushfire it will be noisy, smoky, hot and extremely stressful. A well-thought-out plan can make all the difference.

Sun. 19th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club

See here for further details

Mon. 20th
Tue. 21st

Summer by the Sea on the Otway Coast

Free activities

MARENGO - Mon. 20th, 12.00-1.30pm

ROCKPOOL RAMBLE or guided beach walk (depending on conditions).

Limit 20 - MUST BOOK

APOLLO BAY - Mon. 20th, 7.30-9pm

‘Sardines and Sharks!’ @ the Senior Citizen's Centre, Whelan Street

No limit

Come along and enjoy a presentation by Shannon Hurley. Recently returned from one of the oceans most incredible spectacles, the sardine run along the South East coast of Africa, Shannon will share her experiences and her passion for sharks!

BLANKET BAY DAY - Tue. 21^st

10am-11.30am - ‘COAST KIDS’

Touch table, craft, games

Meet at day visitor area. No limit.

12.30–2.00pm - ROCKPOOL RAMBLE

Lookout for coastcare leader on beach in front of campground.

MUST wear suitable shoes.

Limit 20 - bookings required.

For further information and to book go to summerbythesea.vic.gov.au.

Fri. 24th
- 5.45pm

YOGATHON for Bushfire Relief
@ the Grass Ampitheatre opposite Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

6.00-7.30pm (please arrive by 5.45pm)

Join the yoga teachers of Apollo Bay to raise money for bushfire reflief.

All proceeds will go to the Bendigo Bank National Bushfire Appeal, Animal Rescue Guild and Wildlife Victoria.

Bring your love, support & your own mat or towel.

Minimum donation $20.

You are welcome to make a donation even if you can’t make it to this event.

This class is suitable for all levels and ages.

Wet weather venue: Senior Citizen’s Centre Apollo Bay, 4 Whelan St.

Enquires: Natasha 0409 944 878    Liz: 0418 331 168

Wed. 29th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

FEBRUARY 2020

Sun. 9th
- 3pm

Otway Forum Meeting @ Marrar Woorn

Latest news on the Barham resort proposal, coastal erosion and the harbour redevelopment.

Get involved and find out what’s really going on!

Sat 15th

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival

See full details on the website.

Sun. 16th
 - 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club

See here for further details

Thu. 20th
 - 6.30pm

Apollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel
Guest Speaker: Simona Grippi
Topic: Fossils and Dinosaurs Hunting Year! How to get involved!!!

Simona’s work began on the Jurassic Coast of England, searching for Ichtyosaurs.  Her interest in dinosaurs started when she found her first dinosaur bone at ‘The Arch’ (Kilkunda) in Victoria. She has travelled in search of dinosaurs to Patagonia, Argentina, the Jurassic Coast of England, and several sites in southern Victoria. She worked at the MEF Museum in Patagonia and Natural History Museum in Buenos Aires, and in Greece, Italy, Ireland, Argentina and Australia. On a recent trip to Argentina she discovered a Hadrosaurus dinosaur!

She has worked at the Eric The Red West site near Cape Otway and has recently been upgrading her skills in the delicate task of removing the dinosaur bones from the encasing rock. Simona is part of the prospecting and preparation group of Pat and Tom Rich and will be exploring the west coast of Victoria in 2020.

Simona is a scientist from Sicily, Italy, has a Bachelor degree (Hons) in Zoology, and she has been working in education for the last twenty years. She will review her work for 2019 and will demonstrate how to prepare fossils, how to recognise one and how you can get involved in the amazing experience of fossil hunting!

The meeting opens at 6.30pm to allow you to place your food order and be seated for Andrew to commence at 7pm. The Hotel offers a fixed price menu of $20 but you may order from the regular menu. Pink bowls are on each table for donations. Donations are optional but all received are distributed back into the local community.

This event is open to everybody.  If you would like to attend, please contact Margaret Murphy by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (03) 5237 6640.

See here for further details about the Discussion Group meetings.

Wed. 26th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

MARCH 2020

Sun. 8th
- 3pm

Otway Forum Meeting @ Marrar Woorn

Get involved and find out what’s really going on!

Fri. 13th
- 12-4pm

Caring for Coast Coastal Forum
@ Mantra Hotel Lorne, 35 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Adapting to climate change and growth challenges.

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee invites local communities to a coastal forum.

An opportunity to hear how the challenges related to coastal adaptation and growth are being considered and addressed in Victoria. Hear insights from experts on the challenges and responses to:

• the demands of increased visitation

• the impacts of climate change

• increased community expectations

• protecting and managing cultural heritage

RSVP by Friday 6 March at www.coastalforum.eventbrite.com.au. 

Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Join us for a light lunch and Welcome to Country from 12pm.

Wed. 25th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ Apollo Bay - CANCELLED

See the full agenda here.

APRIL 2020

Wed. 22nd
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

MAY 2020

Sat. 16th May
- Sat. 16th
- Sun. 17th

Great Ocean Road Running Festival
POSTPONED TO 22-23 AUGUST (COVID-19 restrictions permitting)

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.

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.

Wed. 27th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

JUNE 2020

Wed. 24th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

JULY 2020

Wed. 22nd
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

Fri. 24th
- Sun. 26th

Apollo Bay Word Fest

Apollo Bay Word Fest is a festival that celebrates words in all their forms: written, spoken, debated, workshopped.  It is about books, writing and ideas.  It is a festival for our town, but also for those who’d like to experience an intimate literary festival strongly embedded in place and community.

Apollo Bay has a 27-year history of bringing writers to our town to discuss their writing and their craft.  Past writers have included Bruce Pascoe, Clementine Ford, Michael Leunig, Alexis Wright, Julian Burnside, Martin Flanagan, Alice Pung, John Marsden… to name a few. 

We have an even longer history of storytelling through our indigenous Australians, particularly the Gadubanud people, whose country we live and gather on in Apollo Bay.

In 2020, COVID-19 hijacked our festival plans of gathering under one roof in the middle of winter, discussing writing and sharing food, as we like to do in Apollo Bay.  A lot of festivals and public institutions were forced to cancel or close.  We didn’t want to be another festival that fell silent, particularly when great uncertainty and isolation found us yearning for community and connection more than ever.

So, we brought out Plan B.  Moving things online but still encouraging our community and our wider Victorian audience to engage in considered words and books, providing them with opportunities to express themselves and support Victorian authors.

In 2020, Apollo Bay Word Fest is 5 main events.  Download the program here.

Word Quest by Word Fest

Opens 12 noon, Friday 24th July, closes 12 noon, Sunday 26th July

Apollo Bay Word Fest is sending our wordloving fans on a quest … a word quest of course!

8 photos revealed on our website at midday, FRIDAY 24TH JULY, each of something you’ve walked past a zillion times. Use these clues to locate the hidden word & take a selfie. Find all 8 words & piece together to reveal our Word Quest quote.

Email us the quote & the photographic evidence of you in all 8 locations. The first email received containing all the right information WINS $100!!! It’s cerebral, in a Kodak-COVID-camera kinda way!

Perceptible, a spoken word event for our town, by our town

FRIDAY 24^th JULY - aired 7pm at www.apollobaywordfest.com

We still want to gather for poetry & pies, but we’re doing it in a spatially-distanced way!  Choose the poetic words that mean the most to you right now, record yourself speaking/performing them, and email to us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by July 1^st.  The wonderful Holly Munday Bespoke Catering has put together a festival menu for us, so pre-order your pies & cakes.  Collect your soul-warming food from Holly, settle in front of your fire, crack open a screen, and listen to Perceptible. 

A short story competition, The Pen is Mightier When Its Bored

Open to all Victorian writers with prizes awarded in 3 categories:

Open (max. 3000 words), 12-18s (max. 1000 words), Under 12s (max. 500 words)

All details found at www.apollobaywordfest.com, but the winner of the Open category will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a 12-month membership to Writers Victoria. 

Entries close July 1^st

Winners announced via our website on SATURDAY 25^th JULY

Night Light

SATURDAY 26^TH JULY at 5PM

We’ve been thinking of things that sustain us when (parts of) our worlds darken. So, for awe, wonder, words and community togetherness, we’re asking you to step out, look up, and shine a light!

Apollo Bay’s capturing an eagle-eye image of how we shine when things go dark. Emitting light for one another; telling the rest of the state that we’re still here when all this ends. OUR light, projected back to us for posterity…

At DUSK. Step OUT. Look UP. SHINE.

AND if you send us an image of your light in the dark, you could win a scenic flight with Apollo Bay Aviation to the Twelve Apostles for you & some friends!!!

Most AWEsome image WINS

Warm Winter Words

SUNDAY 26^TH JULY, 2pm, at www.apollobaywordfest.com

Our cosy Sunday afternoon chat with authors that is being delivered straight into your living room this year, via podcast, to be enjoyed with a cuppa and a decadent Holly Munday cake.

Join us as one of Australia’s rising literary stars, Kate Mildenhall (Skylarking, The Mother Fault), interviews Tony Birch (The White Girl, Common People, Shadowboxing, The Promise), Lucy Treloar (Wolfe Island, Salt Creek) and Michael Veitch (Hell Ship, Heroes of the Skies, 44 days, Southern Surveyor) in a series of podcasts to be aired on our website. 

This event is made possible by Writers Victoria and The Grace Marion Wilson Trust.

See www.apollobaywordfest.com for full details.

AUGUST 2020

Tue. 4th
- 5-7pm

MAV Stand for Council - Community and Candidate Information Session

Are you interested in standing for Local Government at the upcoming election? Colac Otway Shire Council and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) are hosting an online Stand for Council Community and Candidate Information Session which will provide prospective candidates with information about

• The role and purpose of local government

• The new Local Government Act 2020

• Introduction to your council and information on the municipal area

• Roles, responsibilities and expectations of a councillor

• The experience of being a councillor

• The electoral process and campaigning including key dates and information provided by the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2020

Time: 5pm – 7pm

To register for the online information session visit the following link: cvent.me/GVlyRQ  

For more information visit www.viccouncils.asn.au or www.colacotway.vic.gov.au

Wed. 26th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Fri. 11th
 - 6.30pm

COVID Friendly Music Event

It’s no secret. The emergence of COVID-19 was a major blow for the world of the creative arts. Not to be outdone, a plan was hatched.

Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood House, in association with Matty Orchard Music, Jackson Hayat Films and Show, Don’t Tell present a covid friendly gig to bring some music to your soul. All Apollo Bay home-grown talent and recorded live at the newly refurbished Apollo Bay Seniors Hall. The gig will be freely available online and through local radio 3ABR in the weeks to come – it’s a gift from us to you, to help soothe the covid blues.

Featuring local Apollo Bay singer songwriters: Ella Summers, Outtatime, Jack Fillmore, Katie Maxwell, Georgia Howell, Seamus Fillmore and Oscar Lalor.

Release Date: Friday 11th September, 6.30pm at www.mwnh.org or Facebook@MarrarWoorn

All our performers developed their craft at the Apollo Bay P-12 College’s ‘House of Rock’ and all but one had returned home to ride out Victoria’s Stage 3 lockdown with their families in August, 2020. Having them back in town represented an opportunity to showcase their awesome talents in a COVID friendly manner and to help reconnect our community through music and stories. Like so many people around the world during these unusual times, we miss music as well as each other. For now, stay safe and plan to enjoy these seriously talented people doing what they do best.

Wed. 16th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ Apollo Bay Senior Citizens Centre

See the full agenda here.

OCTOBER 2020

Sat. 3rd
 - 2pm

Apollo Bay Community Market AGM @ Apollo Bay Youth Club Hall, Moore St, Apollo Bay

Certain Covid 19 restrictions may stil apply, so would all those wishing to attend please notify the secretary, so that we can prepare for expected attendees whilst stil following the rules.

Anyone not wishing to attend, but who want to have an item discussed should send the secretary the information beforehand. Thank you for your cooperation in these difficult times. ABCM Committee.

Sun. 4th
 - 2pm

Apollo Bay Landcare Group AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Apollo Bay Landcare Group will be held on Sunday October 4th at 2pm via Zoom.

We encourage all members to come along.

New members are always most welcome.

If you are a landholder in or around the Wild Dog or Skene’s Creek Valleys please do think about joining.

RSVP to Sue Twigg stwigg(at)skymesh.com.au to obtain the Zoom link.

Mon. 5th

Apollo Bay News AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Apollo Bay News will be held on Monday 5th October on-line / via phone / and even by post - if necessary (Freda!).

If not yet a member/worker, please let us know if you want to be involved.

See here for further details.

Fri. 16th
 - 6pm

Apollo Bay Arts Inc AGM

Please join us for a zoom gathering in celebration of the arts in our community.

RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for zoom details/venue update (Senior Cits possibility).

All Welcome.

NOVEMBER 2020

Sun. 8th
 - 3pm

Mindful with Matt Runnalls & Guests

A free online mental health and mindfulness talk.

See further details here.

Wed. 25th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

DECEMBER 2020

Wed. 16th
 - 4pm

Colac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

See the full agenda here.

Wed. 23rd
- 5.30-7.30pm

Jingle at the Bay @ Apollo Bay Youth Club, 19-21 Moore St

Christmas Carols done differently. We love the festive season here at ABR and it’s widely known that the Apollo Bay community love live music, so our Christmas sing-along is an Open Mic event.

BYO Picnic and a Smile!

Jingle at the Bay is an annual Open Mic Christmas Celebration, brought to you by Apollo Bay Radio. This year it will take place on the lawn outside the Apollo Bay Youth Club (19-21 Moore Street, Apollo Bay) on Wednesday 23rd from 5.30 to 7.30pm.

It will be the same format as always – each Open Mic entrant plays 3 songs – at least one of those must be a Christmas song.

You need to register to perform at the Open Mic so please either

email the radio station at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

send us a message via Facebook

or let Nat Morrow, Ngaira or Claire Smith, Bill Fraser or Jo Birley know

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Open Mic Performances – a selection of local musicians, experienced and emerging

* An appearance from Santa

* No food or drinks will be available at the event – Please bring your own, plus a picnic blanket and chairs to relax on the lawn

* Festive cheer aplenty!

Jingle at the Bay will be a COVID safe event. We’ve worked hard to meet the necessary obligations with DHHS to run a public event and those attending will need to register their details on arrival and keep physically distanced according to current government requirements. The event will only take place outside (besides use of Youth Club Bathrooms) and will be cancelled if the weather is unpleasant.

DO NOT ATTEND IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY COVID LIKE SYMPTOMS.