History of
GEELONG DEAF SOCIAL GROUP
1968-------2008
Geelong Regional Committee(GRC) of Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria had been running since 1920`s. Deaf Sporting Activities in Geelong were popular around 1960`s to 1980`s and GRC were responsible with a lot of younger deaf people plus a lot of "NIGHT" outings. In 1960`s Geelong Deaf Auxiliary was formed through "TRUST" friends (Mrs M
yra Batson, Mrs Gert Hennessy and Mrs Margo Stewart) and hoped that GDA would be accepted under GRC on one condition that they were for "DAY" activities only and Ladies only. That time no committee was made because of low numbers to join up but More Deaf "MEN" were noticeable. Myra ,Gert and Margo were Secretary , President and Treasurer - Unofficially. In 1968,Geelong Deaf Auxiliary`s "Trust" friends changed the name to GEELONG DEAF SOCIAL GROUP. First President Gert Hennessy, First Secretary Nola Morland and First Treasurer Margo Stewart. GDSG became popular with more members because they can come out during the day only and meet every second Tuesday of each month. They come from 10am to 3pm where they feel comfortable in their Deaf culture and Australian Sign Language known as AUSLAN. Any hearing people are welcome if they can sign. ONE big rule is see that Our Deaf Culture is respected. Only 6 hours in AUSLAN every month for those Deaf and hearing impaired members to meet and share their problems such with Health, Transport, Isolation, Communication and many different lectures from Law, Burial, Health, Banking etc. which are translated into AUSLAN by Interpreting Services through VICDEAF (4 Little Fenwick St Geelong). They do some outings visiting around Melbourne and regions in Victoria to keep in touch with their Deaf friends. In 2008 GDSG`S 40th celebrations were a great success and large numbers came and some from Perth, WA, Gosford , NSW. They were ex committee people and it was most atmosphere for everyone plus Board members from VICDEAF, Melbourne. Mrs Myra Batson was presented with a beautiful Wathauran glass plate for her loyal establishment of 40 years service. For more information, Have a look with a book called "No Light by Gaslight" written by John W.
