It’s more than just pumpkins

ONE thing the world never seems short of is bad news.

Pandemics, invasions, political upheaval, economic turmoil and natural disasters have become staples of our news feeds – it’s nearly impossible not to find yourself doom-scrolling lately.

Things have hardly been rosy here in Geelong either. Recent reports in this paper have documented some of the challenges the region is facing.

Flooding and storms have affected many of us, damaging property, closing roads and throwing grassroots sporting fixtures into disarray.

Local families continue to battle with the cost of living and relief measures in this week’s federal budget will be slow to take effect.

Rental affordability has never been worse and our under-resourced health system continues to feel the strain as locals, including our most vulnerable, face huge waits to get medical and mental health help.

But amid the gloom – which has been quite literal this soggy, grey week – there are little beacons.

Like five-year-old Charlotte O’Brien, who inspired by Nedd Brockmann, has vowed to run a kilometre every day for a month to raise funds for Geelong homelessness charity The Outpost.

Her kindness and enthusiasm are heartwarming.

And then there is Halloween, a celebration that has fast become a family favourite here in Geelong.

While some still resist what they describe as an “American” tradition, for an increasing number of locals it’s a time filled with fun.

And it’s far more than just costumes, pumpkins and lollies. Part of the joy of Halloween is the sense of community and connection it brings, a sentiment echoed by the locals we spoke to ahead of the day.

And a little joy and neighbourly interaction feels like a frightfully good thing right now.