Geelong Office
Article
Meet the Geelong Team
Date
3.3.23
Ratio established its Geelong office in September 2019, an opportune time as Geelong and Regional Victoria continue to experience a period of exceptional growth and renewal.
Director Aaron Walley
Aaron joined Ratio in 2016 and provides expert transport advice across a wide range of greenfield and redevelopment projects.
How long have you lived in Geelong and what drew you to the area? I was born and raised in Geelong and the surrounding area, with most of my extended family still in the Geelong region. I left after Uni to pursue my engineering career and chose to return to Geelong after a short stint in Tasmania about 6 years ago. Sometimes you don’t realise what you miss until you leave and come back and Geelong is on the doorstep to so much.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? This all depends on what you want from lunch! A long afternoon at a Peninsula winery is pretty good.
Your go-to coffee haunt? I like my coffee, but I don’t have a regular. That said I do tend to bypass that unique Geelong phenomena that is the drive through coffee shop. Not because of the coffee itself, but because I’d rather enjoy it from somewhere other than the inside of my car!
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? At the moment, anywhere along the coast that I can take the dog for a walk along the beach. She loves it as much as I do and there’s plenty of options.
What are your summertime plans? It will be a family and friends driven summer break this year given the last 18 months have limited our ability to properly catch-up. So probably staying near home and enjoying the local area.
James Hamilton joined Ratio in 2022 where he delivers planning advice to clients and specialises in statutory and strategic frameworks.
How long have you lived in the Geelong area and what drew you to the area? I’ve lived in Torquay since 2018 and have worked in the region since 2012. There are many great things to living in the Geelong region but my family was ultimately drawn to the Surf Coast for its stunning coastline and quality of life.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? One of my favourite places for a good sandwich is the James Street Bakery.
Your go-to coffee haunt? Can’t beat a coffee from our local 7 Origins Café in Geelong and Ocean Grind in Torquay.
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? You cant beat a day trip down the coast to any of the coastal towns and soaking up the stunning landscape and beautiful beaches.
What are your summertime plans?
Ben Krastins joined Ratio in 2020 and works on a diverse range of transport projects to reach land use objectives that are linked to a sense of place.
How long have you lived in Geelong and what drew you to the area? I’m a lifelong resident of the Geelong region and have never thought about leaving. In recent years though, I’ve moved to Leopold and I’m really enjoying the community and everything that the town and Bellarine has to offer nearby.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? Family Pho at the top of Moorabool Street.
Your go-to coffee haunt? I’m an early morning coffee drinker and I’ve been known to frequent Bean Squeeze several times a week for the better part of the last decade!
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? Apollo Bay or anywhere in the Otways.
What are your summertime plans? Spending time with the family at home and down the coast.
Lee Shaw joined Ratio in 2021 and enjoys working on impactful planning projects that elevate areas.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? If it’s a Friday, Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues, Hot Chicken Project or Bubble Bar.
Your go-to coffee haunt? Moo-mouth on the weekdays, and That Place in Belmont on the weekends.
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? Is there any alternative to a drive down the Great Ocean Road?
What are your summertime plans? Using Jetstar routes from Avalon Airport as much as possible.
Chun joined Ratio in 2018 and holds local and international qualifications in town planning.
How long have you lived in Geelong and what drew you to the area? I moved down this way earlier this year because I want to be close to nature and escape from the busy city.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? My favourite places in Geelong are Sumi and El Santo Mexican.
Your go-to coffee haunt? Café Go on Bellarine Street.
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? A hike to Lorne waterfalls followed by dining in at a restaurant in the town.
What are your summertime plans? Master my Stand-up paddle boarding skills so I can take my board to Barwon River and Anglesea to enjoy the summer.
Anna joined Ratio as consultant in 2021 and provides specialist traffic engineering support to the Melbourne and Geelong teams.
How long have you lived in Geelong and what drew you to the area? I moved from Melbourne to Geelong in 2018 because my partner is based here. I love the beaches and the mountain biking.
Where’s the best place to get lunch? I can’t walk past A.D Charcoal Chicken at Warralily without a fried chicken burger ending up in my hands.
Your go-to coffee haunt? Laurie Lee and his Coffee Guy van. The man’s memory is unbelievable.
What’s your favourite local day-trip in the region? The mountain bike trails at Forrest or a trip down the Great Ocean Road.
What are your summertime plans? Hopefully a visit to see my family back in New Zealand, lots of rides in the You Yangs, and plenty of time on the beach at Torquay.
Reach out to Ratio’s Geelong office here or subscribe to our Geelong newsletter.
