M~M2016 AMBASSADORS
Be part of an 80km extreme arts journey of discovery over two days and 12 stages. M~M begins at the You Yangs mountain range, crosses Geelong’s industrial heartland at nightfall and arrives in the city centre to collide with Geelong After Dark, a night of extreme and unexpected arts.
At dawn the next day, follow the Barwon River through rolling Bellarine farmland, along ocean beach to reach river mouth at sunset for a spectacular closing ceremony. 80km. 12km. 3km. You choose the distance. You choose the challenge.
M~M celebrates the work of individuals, groups and organisations from the region through the appointment of M~M Ambassadors.
There are two types of Ambassadors - Canoe Carriers and Flag Bearers.
Canoe Carriers will carry Canoe, a soon-to-be-built ephemeral sculpture that will act as the timekeeper for the journey. There are 11 teams of Ambassadors that carry Canoe.
Canoe carrying teams will be comprised of individuals from groups or organisations - nominated by the M~M Project Team in recognition of their significant contribution to the City of Greater Geelong. These may include scouts, educational institutions, emergency services or sporting groups, for example.
Flag Bearers are residents of the region who have contributed to their municipality or neighbourhood in an important and/or meaningful way. Flag Bearers are nominated by fellow community members, with over 200 ambassadors ultimately selected to undertake flag carrying duties across the 12 stage 80km route. Flag Bearers will be positioned randomly along the route in stages and may be required to walk between 3-14km.
Each Flag Bearer will walk one stage, and flag bearers will represent either the ward in which they live, or the area in which they make their contribution. In longer stages the flag-bearing role may be shared among several ambassadors. All Ambassadors will receive a full briefing closer to the event.
Important Information:
Flag Bearers and Canoe Carriers must be in good physical health, and be able to walk a minimum of 3km, and possibly up to 14km. Whilst walking, Flag Bearers will be required to carry a flagpole, and Canoe Carriers will be required to carry a relatively lightweight (yet to be built) sculpture for the duration of a stage. All Ambassadors must be available to attend a briefing session (TBC), and be able to participate in the walk on 6th or 7th May 2016. If under 18 years of age, participants must be accompanied by a guardian or have sign off of a guardian, if walking alone.
Do you know of someone who has made a special community contribution to your ward who you would like to nominate as a Flag Bearer? Submit your nomination by clicking on the "Nominate an Ambassador" button above.
WARDS
Each with their own origins and stories, the 12 electoral wards of the City of Greater Geelong are integral to M~M. Flag bearers will represent each of the 12 electoral wards. Suburbs/towns in or partly in each Ward are reflected below.
AUSTIN - BREAKWATER, NEWCOMB, ST ALBANS PARK, THOMSON AND WHITTINGTON
The name Austin commemorates the contribution to Geelong by Elizabeth Austin, civic benefactor of homes and hospital.
BEANGALA - MANNERIM, OCEAN GROVE AND POINT LONSDALE
Beangala is the name of the homeland of the Bengali Clan of the Wathaurong Tribe.
BROWNBILL - EAST GEELONG, GEELONG AND SOUTH GEELONG
The name Brownbill commemorates the contribution of Fanny Brownbill who was the first female local member of the Legislative Assembly (1938-1946) and who was a tireless community worker for Geelong.
BUCKLEY - BARWON HEADS, BREAMLEA, CONNEWARRE, GROVEDALE AND MOUNT DUNEED
The name Buckley is after William Buckley, an escapee from Sorrento who is reputed to have lived with the local aboriginal tribespeople. Buckley built a permanent cottage with a chimney in this area and built a fixed kiddle across the creek to trap the mullet running out to sea.
CHEETHAM - CURLEWIS, DRYSDALE, LEOPOLD, MARCUS HILL AND WALLINGTON
The name Cheetham reflects the contribution to Geelong by Richard Cheetham, salt pioneer.
CORIO - CORIO, NORLANE AND NORTH SHORE
The name Corio was an aboriginal name for the area.
CORYULE - BELLARINE, CLIFTON SPRINGS, INDENTED HEADS, PORTARLINGTON AND ST LEONARDS
Coryule was the name of the home of Anne Drysdale, a pioneer squatter in this area.
COWIE - BATESFORD, BELL PARK, BELL POST HILL, HAMLYN HEIGHTS AND NORTH GEELONG
The name Cowie commemorates James Cowie an early land owner active in Local and State Government.
DEAKIN - CERES, HIGHTON, WANDANA HEIGHTS, WAURN PONDS
The name Deakin reflects the significant role played by Deakin University in the life of Geelong since its establishment in 1977.
KARDINIA - BELMONT
The name Kardinia is the aboriginal name for sunrise and was the name of the home of Alexander Thomson, first elected Mayor of Geelong.
KILDARE - HERNE HILL, FYANSFORD, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS AND NEWTOWN
Kildare was one of a three very small suburbs arising from the first plan of the Town of Geelong prepared in 1838. Although the three suburbs merged comparatively quickly, the sense of possessing an identity separate to the town of Geelong was never lost.
Windermere - Anakie, Balliang, Lara, Little River, Lovely Banks, Moorabool, Point Wilson and Staughton Vale
The name Windermere was the name of the home of the Fairbairn family of pioneers of this area.
