Ports Victoria is celebrating a major milestone with the 20th anniversary of its incredibly popular Port of Geelong Education Program.
Originally established by Ports Victoria’s forerunner, the Victorian Regional Channels Authority in 2006, the program has now given more than 12,000 students from across the region an understanding of the role of the Port of Geelong, its long history and its significant importance to the local, state and national economy.
According to Ports Victoria Chief Strategy and Development Officer Jeff Bazelmans, the program has been undertaken by hundreds of Year 10 and 11 students each year for a half-day onboard a vessel, showing them up close how the port operates and why.
“Given the strategic and important role that the Port of Geelong plays in the local and Victorian economy, it’s important that our community – including local students – understand what a valuable asset we have on our doorstep,” he said.
“And very importantly, we want our young people to know that there a myriad of jobs and career opportunities associated with Victoria’s ports and their associated industries.
“This program is a terrific way to expose them to some of those possibilities.
“We are proud to be combining Port Victoria’s education and maritime expertise with GeelongPort’s operational knowledge and access to port facilities, giving students an engaging and practical understanding of how the port operates.
“We’re delighted to partner with GeelongPort and look forward to continuing to work together to build community awareness about our port and maritime sectors.”
The first 2026 program was held on Tuesday, September 1 with 230 students, and a second group of around 140 students from other schools across the region will head out on the water on Thursday, September 10.
