2026 Annual General Meeting Wrap-Up | Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk
The Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk held its 2026 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at Lara Sporting Club, marking our 12th AGM.
This year also marked a small AGM first for FKHW, with our President’s and Treasurer’s reports supported by a PowerPoint presentation. It was very well received and looks like it may become a regular part of future AGMs.
The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the work carried out over the past twelve months, acknowledge the many people and organisations who support the Walk, and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the Kevin Hoffman Walk for the Lara community and future generations.
Preserving and caring for the Walk
Throughout the year, our small band of volunteers, committee members and part-time gardener have continued to care for the Walk through regular maintenance, planting, pruning, raking, mulching and general tidying.
FKHW also continued working closely with the City of Greater Geelong on larger maintenance priorities, including the stair replacement project and ongoing care of key features along the Walk.
Volunteers and community support
Our volunteer activities continued through regular Working Bees and Ramblin’ Rakers sessions, with 12 active volunteers helping support the ongoing care of the Walk.
We were also fortunate to have two successful collaborative working bees during the year. Volunteers from Cobram Estate Olives helped mulch garden areas near the Station Lake Road end of the Walk, while Lara Health & Fitness Centre volunteers assisted with top dressing pathways between Wingara Drive and Walkers Road.
These sessions are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local businesses and community members come together to support a shared community space.
Sponsors, grants and fundraising
We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, grant providers and community partners. Their contribution helps support the ongoing preservation of the Walk, including the work of our part-time gardener and other important maintenance needs.
Our annual calendar, blank cards, raffles and community fundraising activities also continued to play an important role in supporting FKHW’s work.
Events, tours and community engagement
Community connection remained an important focus throughout the year.
Highlights included our Calendar Photo Competition Winners Event, guided walks, community stalls, sponsor engagement and opportunities to share Kevin’s story with new audiences.
The annual calendar and blank cards also continued to help raise awareness of the Walk while showcasing the beautiful images captured by our local photography community.
Strengthening FKHW behind the scenes
While much of the visible work happens along the Walk, the committee has also continued strengthening FKHW behind the scenes.
This has included improvements to our website, communications, administration systems, digital tools, governance processes, policies and record keeping.
These improvements help FKHW work more efficiently, communicate more professionally, support future committee succession, and better record and preserve the Walk’s story.
Looking ahead
As we move into the year ahead, FKHW remains focused on sustainably managing and preserving the Walk. This includes continuing our volunteer programs, supporting the work of our part-time gardener, seeking further grant opportunities, strengthening sponsor and community partnerships, and progressing important maintenance priorities.
The incoming committee will continue this work with the support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, partners and the wider community.
You can meet the current FKHW committee here:
[Meet our Committee]
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk — our members, volunteers, sponsors, City of Greater Geelong, community partners, Beverley Hoffman, committee members and local supporters.
Together, we continue the important work of:
Preserving the Walk. Preserving the story