By Lisa Field
Geoff Mitchelmore is widely recognised for his contributions to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the development of green corridors. As a result he has garnered many awards, including an OAM in 2007.
As the founder of Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FOLKC) in 2001, Geoff has been instrumental in advocating for urban greening and infrastructure improvements in the area.
A former industrial chemist, Geoff retired at the age of 51 and quickly dedicated himself to addressing local concerns. One of his early advocacy efforts focused on a new crossing over Kororoit Creek at Barnes Road to ease increasing traffic congestion. Although his initial appeals went unheard, his persistence paid off, and a bridge was installed and he’s been speaking out on community concerns ever since.
In 2000, a community meeting was organised to discuss local road congestion and that led to the establishment of the FOLKC — a Landcare group with two primary objectives: restoring the creek corridor through revegetation, and developing a shared pathway from Cherry Lake in Altona to Old Geelong Road in Brooklyn.
Fast forward to 2025 and this vision has largely been realised. The previously barren drainage corridor has been transformed into a vibrant green space featuring thousands of indigenous plants, a shared-use trail, artistic installations, and wayfinding signage.
Further to the vision, in February 2025, the federal government announced a $5 million investment toward completing the final section of the trail between Barnes Road and Cherry Lake. Hobsons Bay City Council has also committed to co-funding this active transport project.
The creek restoration has been a long-term endeavour, supported by hundreds of volunteers, schools, Scouts, service organizations, and corporate partners such as Mobil, Toyota, and Santos. Securing funding and fostering partnerships with local businesses and the broader community have been critical to the project’s sustained success.
The lower Kororoit Creek trail is about 2-3 kilometres in length, and well worth a visit. There are picnic and seating facilities along the trail and full amenities at the upgraded Austin Reserve.
Another improvement Geoff helped establish is the sealing of Old Geelong Rd in Brooklyn. Previously an unsealed thoroughfare for heavy vehicles, the road was a steady source of dust pollution, right on the edge of the creek and Brooklyn community.
FOLKC is now preparing for an upcoming community tree-planting event along this newly sealed section of road on Friday, June 6, from 9am to 12noon. The Brooklyn community and businesses are encouraged to participate.
Geoff says further improvements are still needed for the area; the option to relocate the offensive industries away from residential areas, the need for more trees, and for businesses to have completely enclosed areas to prevent dust and odour travelling.
The Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG) is keen to make a difference to their operations, and have united under a joint Better Environment Plan, approved by the EPA, to reduce dust emissions.
The companies involved in the BRG include Delta Recycling, ResourceCo, EcoGypsum and City Circle, and jointly they provide recycled materials to government and housing projects turning waste into resources, and understand the need for ongoing improvements to reduce environmental impacts.
Geoff is highly experienced in speaking up about the local issues affecting Brooklyn and Altona North, and in delivering practical solutions, like tree planting. He is not so comfortable with drawing attention to himself or to his multitude of awards, but it has to be mentioned all the same. His efforts have been truly commendable.
For those who can support Geoff’s work, please get along to the next planting event on Friday 6 June, at 174 Old Geelong Rd, Brooklyn, along with FOLKC.
For more information on the Brooklyn Recycling Group’s Better Environment Plan, visit www.brooklynrg.com.au
