Apollo Bay Calendar

2025   JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN   JUL   AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   DEC

 

DateEvent
JANUARY 2025

Sun. 19th
- 9am-1pm

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

See here for further details.

FEBRUARY 2025

Wed. 12th
 - 5.30pm

Discussion Group Feb 25 - Women's CricketApollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speaker - Two ex-Australian Cricket Captains in Conversation

For our first ABDG event of the year, we are lucky to have 2 former Australian Women's Cricket Captains, Sharon Tredrea and Raelee Thompson in conversation with Karen O'Sullivan.

Sharon is a local and VC of the Successful Apollo Bay Sharks Cricket team, and has experience at all levels of the game. See this week's Age article about Sharon

Sharon is a hall-of-famer, but lost her love for cricket. Now she’s back playing – at 70.

This will be a fascinating event, even for those who aren't cricket buffs!

Date - Wednesday 12th February
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.30pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats by Sunday 9th February by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text Vicky on 0417 127 401.

abrar logoEntry 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. 16th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Mon. 24,
Thu. 27
4.00-5.30pm

Tourism Reimagined and the Great Ocean Road Webinars via Zoom

A free online webinar series to debate the future of tourism along the GOR.

Time: 4.00-5.30pm
Dates: Mon. 24th & Thu. 27th February and Mon. 3rd, Wed. 12th & Wed. 19th March

2502 tourism reimaginedOrganised by Great Ocean Road Communities Network (GORCN) of which we Apollo Bay Community Voice are a member group, the series will explore the opportunities for tourism along the GOR to transition from an unsustainable 'industrial' model that encourages increasing numbers of visitors, to a regenerative & resilient model that will enhance our communities and tourists’ experiences, as it sustains the character and cultures of our region.

Internationally renowned and experienced practitioners will share their learnings about regenerative tourism as it is currently happening in Australia and overseas.

Registrations are necessary, click here, on the poster or scan the QR code.  

Many thanks to the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce for their contribution to assist with funding this event.

Tue. 25th
- 3pm

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 2025

Mon. 3,
Wed 12., Wed. 19
4.00-5.30pm

Tourism Reimagined and the Great Ocean Road Webinars via Zoom

A free online webinar series to debate the future of tourism along the GOR.

Time: 4.00-5.30pm
Dates: Mon. 24th & Thu. 27th February and Mon. 3rd, Wed. 12th & Wed. 19th March

2502 tourism reimaginedOrganised by Great Ocean Road Communities Network (GORCN) of which we Apollo Bay Community Voice are a member group, the series will explore the opportunities for tourism along the GOR to transition from an unsustainable 'industrial' model that encourages increasing numbers of visitors, to a regenerative & resilient model that will enhance our communities and tourists’ experiences, as it sustains the character and cultures of our region.

Internationally renowned and experienced practitioners will share their learnings about regenerative tourism as it is currently happening in Australia and overseas.

Registrations are necessary, click here, on the poster or scan the QR code.  

Many thanks to the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce for their contribution to assist with funding this event.

Wed. 12th
- 5.30pm

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

Guest Speaker - Josh Thorburn
Subject - Online misogyny, incels and the manosphere

From misogynistic incels to Andrew Tate. What is driving online misogyny and what can we do about it?

Date - Wednesday 12th March
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.30pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats by Sunday 9th February by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text Vicky on 0417 127 401.

abrar logoEntry 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. 15th
- 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.

See here for full details.

Sun. 16th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Thu. 20th
- 10am-2.45pm

wellbeing day for women with cancerApollo Bay Wellbeing Day for Women with Cancer

Please register your interest of this FREE event.

We are excited to be partnering with Counter Part for the Apollo Bay Wellbeing Day for women with cancer.

Open to women at any stage of their cancer diagnosis (whether recent or many years ago), and they are welcome to bring a supportive friend, family member or carer along to enjoy the activities.

Join us at the Mechanics Hall on 20th March 2025 for a day filled with support, connection, and self-care.

The program features Qigong, information session with a dietician, art therapy, lunch and the opportunity to connect with other women who understand the challenges of living with cancer.

Please note that although this event is free registration is required for catering purposes.

See full details and register here.

Hope to see you there.

Sat. 22nd

storm the bayStorm The Bay

Come together in celebration of our town, our people, and the simple joy of swimming. Join us on March 22nd 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!

Tue. 25th
- 1pm

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.

APRIL 2025

Wed. 9th
- 5.30pm

Discussion Group Apr 25 - Michelle TuckerApollo Bay Discussion Group @ the SS Casino Room, Apollo Bay Hotel

Guest Speaker - Michelle Tucker from Deakin Law School and Deakin Law Clinic

Michele Tucker is a Clinical Solicitor and Academic at Deakin Law School. Michele is the Principal Solicitor and Coordinator at Deakin Law Clinic and has over 30 years’ experience in the legal industry, working as a law clerk and in management prior to being admitted to practise law in 2008.  

Michele has practised in the areas of Family Law, Child Protection, Family Violence Intervention Orders, Property Law, Civil Litigation and Wills and Estates.

Deakin Law Clinic is a community legal service offering free legal advice and assistance to people experiencing disadvantage in their access to justice.  Set up as a teaching law firm, students at Deakin Law School work on real client matters under the supervision of Clinical Solicitors. 

Michele will speak about her pathway to the law, about Deakin Law Clinic, its services and its positive impact on both students and the community.  Michele will also discuss the project and policy work undertaken in recent years by the Clinic.

Date - Wednesday 9th April
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.30pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats by Sunday 9th February by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text Vicky on 0417 127 401.

abrar logoEntry 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. 12th
- Sun. 20th Apr
- 10am-4pm daily

2025 art showApollo Bay Art Show @ 4 Whelan St & Online

The Apollo Bay Art Show will run from the 12th to the 20th of April 2025.

10am to 4pm daily and online.

See full details here.

Sun. 20th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 29th
- 1pm

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 2025

7 May to 1 Jun

2505 have your sayHave Your Say on the Apollo Bay Harbour Draft Precinct Plan

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) are meeting with the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and its members to discuss the draft Precinct Plan for the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment project.

For further information on the Harbour Redvelopment project visit the GORCAPA website.

If you are unable to attend the dedicated meeting GORCAPA has granted the ABCC, they are offering the following oppertunities for community and businesses to provide feedback:

Community Engagement for Harbour Redevelopment
Public feedback will be open from May 7 to June 1, 2025. We've organised multiple information sessions to maximise community participation:

      • Wednesday May 14: Online session (6:00-7:00pm)
      • Friday, May 23: Apollo Bay Golf Club (3:00-6:00pm)
      • Saturday, May 24: Apollo Bay Market (9:00am-1:00pm)
      • Tuesday, May 27: Online session (12:00-1:00pm) 

Further to this, the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Office will be open for the public to drop in and chat to the project team over three Wednesday mornings between 9am-12pm.
In-person Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Office:

      • Wednesday May 14, 9am-12pm
      • Wednesday May 21, 9am-12pm
      • Wednesday May 28, 9am-12pm

Sat. 17th May
- Sun. 18th

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. 

Thu. 22nd
- 5.30pm

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

Discussion GroupGuest Speakers - Emma White & Kevin Hayley

Apollo Bay residents, travellers (and hydrogeologists) Emma and Kev talking to Karen O’Sullivan about disability, love, life and travel.

Twenty years ago, and just 4 1/2 months after Kev fell from a cliff in Canada and became a paraplegic. he and Emma flew to Australia and embarked upon an 18,000-kilometre camping and backpacking trip.

At a time when many people with spinal injuries remained in rehab hospital, they navigated the outback, dealing with tents, sketchy bush toilets, and the emotional turmoil of lives radically changed.

Later, Emma wrote a memoir about the trip, describing her struggle to accept Kev’s paralysis and the changes it brought to their relationship, as Kev tried to learn how to live in a wheelchair in harsh and challenging country. There's also an article about the book.

Broken

Date - Thursday 22nd May
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.30pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats by Sunday 18th May by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text Vicky on 0417 127 401.

abrar logoEntry 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. 25th
- 2-5.30pm

Sweet Sound of the OtwaysSweet Sounds of the Otways @ Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Are you a supporter of live local music and the environment?  

If your answer is yes, there's a very special and sugarplum-sweet afternoon of music in Ballarat that raises funds for the ecosystems of Victoria’s precious Otway Ranges.

Sunday 25th May, 2 - 5.30pm, Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, Ballarat. 

It's a sublime Sunday afternoon event that is (almost!) as good as Otways bird song or Autumn rains filling water tanks.  Featuring Irish-laced folk and acoustic bliss by songwriter Enda Kenny, vintage soul and old-fashioned continental sophistication and swing by Amie Brûlée & Her Jazz Trio, and retro-style rockabilly/honkytonk by Rhiz & The Sugarplums this musical afternoon has something for everyone to enjoy.

This is a benefit concert for the Conservation Ecology Centre, an independent non-profit conservation and applied research organisation who’ve been working hard for Australian wildlife and landscapes for 25 years.  

Ticket sales contribute to musicians’ costs, venue hire, and this very worthy conservation organisation. 

events.humanitix.com/sweet-sounds-for-the-otways

Tickets: $60 for adults; $30 for children under 16 years.

Includes tea, coffee and sweet treats.

Alcoholic beverages available at bar prices.

Running time: 3.5 hrs, including 3 performance sets and 2 intervals.

Find out more about the Conservation Ecology Centre here: conservationecologycentre.org.

Tue. 27th
- 1pm

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 2025

Sun. 15th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Thu. 19th
- 5.30pm

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

Discussion GroupGuest Speaker - Josh Bornstein

Our speaker for June is lawyer Josh Bornstein - Head of the National Employment and Industrial Relations group at Maurice Blackburn lawyers

We are delighted to have such a leader in this field coming to speak with us about his work on many high profile cases (see below) and his book Working for the Brand: how corporations are destroying free speech”.

Josh will be interviewed by Naomi Halpern, local resident and Director of Delphi Training and Consulting where Naomi provides specialist trauma consultation for mental health professionals, lawyers and related professions, in-house training and workshops.

Copies of Josh Bornstein's book will be available to buy and get signed at the event.

JOSH BORNSTEIN BIO

Josh Bornstein is Head of the National Employment and Industrial Relations group at Maurice Blackburn lawyers. He was included in Best Lawyers 2024 as “Lawyer of the Year” for Labour and Employment Law in Melbourne.

Josh has fought and won many high-profile cases:

  • Representing 1800 Qantas baggage handlers who were illegally laid off
  • Representing Antoinette Latouf in her unlawful sacking by the ABC
  • Representing 3 female junior court staff who were sexually harassed by former High Court Judge, Dyson Heydon
  • Representing the Maritime Union of Australia in their fight against Patrick Stevedore (1998 Waterfront dispute)
  • Representing the Australian Workers Union and Larry Knight’s family over the Beaconsfield mine collapse
  • Representing the Wilderness Society against Gunns Limited
  • Representing Australian Council of Trade Unions and Ansett Australia employees

Josh is author of the highly acclaimed book, “Working for the Brand: how corporations are destroying free speech”, Scribe (2024), a wild ride exploring:

  • Brand management
  • Free speech
  • Cancel culture
  • Whistleblowers
  • Ethics washing
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s)
  • Big Tech

This will be a very popular event, so we are promoting it early to give you a chance to juggle your calendar and book a seat early - this is free event, but space is limited so please RSVP as soon as you can (and also let us know if you are subsequently unable to attend).

Date - Thursday 19th June
Arrive - Apollo Bay Hotel, 5.30pm to order dinner
Start - 6pm sharp

Please book your seats as soon as possible by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text Vicky on 0417 127 401.

abrar logoEntry 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).

Tue. 24th
- 1pm

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 2025

Sun. 20th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 22nd
- 1pm

COSColac Otway Shire Council Meeting @ COPACC

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. 25th
- Sun. 27th
Apollo Bay WORDFestApollo Bay WORDfest

See apollobaywordfest.com for full details.

AUGUST 2025

Sun. 17th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 26th
- 1pm

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 2025

Sun. 21st
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 23rd
- 1pm

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 2025

Sun. 19th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 28th
- 1pm

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.

NOVEMBER 2025

Sun. 16th
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.

Tue. 25th
- 1pm

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 2025

Tue. 9th
- 1pm

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. 21st
- 9am-1pm

Apollo Bay Farmers Market @ The Youth Club ab farmers marketsofc

See here for further details.