Ocean Grove Voice 8 January 2014 by Ocean Grove Voice

WE FAREWELL 2013, PAGE 9 Jan 8-21 2014

OCEAN GROVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER

FREE FORTNIGHTLY

BLAZE DRAMA AT CAMP SITE Mellow vibes in the park

Caravan ablaze, see page 5 Wendy Young and Christine Houston enjoy the annual Tranquility Fair at Ocean Grove Park on Saturday. For all the colour and fun, see pages 16 and 17.

News desk and Advertising 5255 3233

Picture: Reace Kevich

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grove news

No injuries in car collision A SHOPPER is believed to have been returning to her car when another vehicle collided with her stationary Mazda in Presidents Ave. The Mazda was parked on the west side of Presidents Ave

opposite the main car park when the collision happened at 2pm on December 23. The impact pushed the Mazda forward into the rear of a stationary Daihatsu Terios. Nobody was

believed to have been hurt. Police attended the scene but inquiries suggest reports were not made. A police media spokesperson said this wasn't necessary if there were no injuries.

Rare sight The Antonov 2 takes off from Collendina. It was flown by Capt Pauli Saario and Capt Vesa Saario (inset).

THE sight of microlights, helicopters and a green Japanese aerobatic trainer are fairly common over Ocean Grove. But the appearance of a giant yellow bi-plane sparked some interest as it flew in and landed on the old Collendina airstrip just before Christmas . The aircraft was a rare Antonov 2 – the world’s biggest single engine biplane. It operates as an

adventure aircraft and seats nine. It is also set up for parachute jumps. It used the usually unaccessible emergency runway to give Darren, the son of Collendina Caravan Park owner Billy, a chance to look over the aircraft ahead of a possible project to Mongolia. Bringing the aircraft over to the Bellarine saved a drive over to Lilydale Airport. Some last minute repairs

to the gravel runway allowed the big bird to touch down for a few hours last month. During World War II, the Soviet Union made extremely good use of the little Polikarpov Po-2 biplane, which was at heart a trainer but was pressed into a wide range of other roles, including liaison aircraft, light attack aircraft, cropduster, and air ambulance.

The aircraft was piloted by Capt Pauli Saario and Capt. Vesa Saario, who are both Virgin Australia pilots and colleagues of Darren. After a good look around the aircraft it spun on a penny and then taxied to the east of the run before taking off towards Ocean Grove and then banking left over the bay. More information on the aircraft can be found at www.an2.com.au.

Wreck buoy breaks free A 2m marker buoy from the wreck of HMAS Canberra was salvaged from the beach last week after being ripped from its moorings by stormy seas. Mooring Buoy number 2, which was one of four mooring buoys and two navigation buoys

marking the location of the dive site, was found by Ocean Grove Surf Club lifeguards washed up 4km west of Point Lonsdale. A spokesperson from Parks Victoria said: “The situation can arise when there are strong winds, big ocean swells and high wave action,

as were the conditions on Saturday, and also as the HMAS Canberra is located in 29m of water and in Bass Strait (open ocean waters).” The spokesperson said Barwon Coast helped move the buoyo a truck to be transported back to Elstone Diving depot for repairs.

Chainsaw vandalism

VANDALS have taken a chainsaw to the barbecue ground at Kingston Park. On New Year’s Eve the shelter area close to Adco Grove, was felled when a chainsaw was used to cut through its supports. The area has now been cordoned off while the City of Greater Geelong assesses the repairs. Surfside Probus Club was due to use the barbecue and shelter on Friday for its monthly summer meeting. They put a sign telling members that the meeting would be shifted to a member’s house. One member, Max Crosthwaite said: “I just can’t understand some people. We are bringing up a nation of ratbags somewhere along the line.” Beangala Ward councillor Jan Farrell said a separate, smaller shelter in a nearby section of in Kingston Park had been badly damaged in a storm in late November.

Outdoor film

FREE Outdoor cinema is on again this year on Saturday 18 January, in Ocean Grove Park. Family movie – Monsters University. Free face painting from 7.15pm. Movie starts around 9.15pm or when it gets dark. Organised by the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise and the Ocean Grove Voice.

Blue groper returns

A MATURING blue groper has been discovered in Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary – the first sighting in the area for more than 10 years. The protected fish was one of a number identified during Reef Watch Victoria’s Great Victorian Fish Count run by Parks Victoria staff and Friends of the Bluff in early December.

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grove news

Wallington fire doused A POWER surge caused by residents switching on air conditioners on a hot day is believed to have overloaded systems and sparked a fire in a Rhinds Road paddock.

No properties were damaged but two paddocks and a number of boundary trees were scorched by the fire on the south side of the Wallington road.

Pictures: Reace Kevich, Jaiden Ambrus and Alan Barber

Blaze rips through caravan FIREFIGHTERS managed to contain a dramatic caravan fire and stop it spreading through Riverside Camp Site on Saturday evening. No one was hurt in the incident but the caravan was described as ‘fully engulfed’ by the time crews arrived at the camp site on the river side of the Ocean Grove to Barwon Heads ‘Spit’ road. Crews received the call

just after 8pm on Saturday evening and were greeted by palls of black smoke and flames billowing from the 15ft caravan and awning. Although the fire had spread to overhanging teatrees, crews acted quickly to ensure the damage was confined to the relatively small footprint of the caravan. Crews remained on the scene ensuring there were

no hidden gas canisters inside the remains of the caravan. The owner was away from the van at the time of the fire but returned shortly after crews had extinguished flames. General Manager Bob Jordan said the fire should be a reminder to campers to ensure that gas is disconnected when they are not on site.

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grove news

Rev James Douglas with daughter Lily at Uniting Chuch Ocean Grove.

Minister says farewell to OG POPULAR Ocean Grove minister Rev James Douglas has moved from the area to take up a new challenge on the other side of the bay. James, who is popular for his relaxed and friendly demeanour, was farewelled by his flock at Ocean Grove Uniting Church at the end of December. He has been Ocean Grove and district Uniting Church minister, which also includes Barwon Heads and Wallington, for 10 years. James will be taking over

as minister for St Lukes Uniting Church in Mount Waverley. “We arrived (James and his wife Susan) arrived on a motorbike with a dog. We are leaving with two children and an older dog. “I remember the first day I arrived the congregation had left a basket of goodies – including a tin of dog food. They were very kind from the onset.” James said he was lucky to have a great relationship with the local RSL. “I remember fondly

singing during the ANZAC Day services. That’s one of the things we will miss.” “Susan and I have really enjoyed the strong sense of community that is there (Ocean Grove). “It is summed up by the way that people support things that are going on and rally to help others.” James, Susan and their two young daughters Charlotte and Lily moved after Christmas. At present no replacement has been selected.

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Feel free to stay as long as you like, summer THE temperatures may not have escalated much over the Christmas/New Year period, but the weather has been pleasant enough for doing pretty much whatever you like in and around Ocean Grove. Yes, it's that time of year where, for about five weeks, locals and tourists take to our beaches, shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy the good life.

grove news

RAZZLE DAZZLE: fireworks light up the night sky over the Bluff.

Grove says goodbye to 2013 in style POLICE have praised the behaviour of the majority of party goers celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ocean Grove. Hundreds of people converged on main beach while others flocked to the river to take advantage of the free firework display put on by Barwon Coast. Bellarine Police Sergeant Jason Forster said: “We were really happy with the behaviour of people down on the foreshore. “We had eight logged for drunk, which was up on last year, but the number of assaults was down, which we were happy with. “There were ten infringement notices given out for drinking in public and underage drinking. Overall we were very happy.

“It was good to see a lot of families down there.” Twenty police were deployed to the Ocean Grove area on the night while a further eight were covering the surrounding coastal towns. Sgt Forster said that other than the usual New Year’s Eve issues such as parties and illegal fireworks there was nothing major to deal with. He said that encouragingly there were also no positive breath tests on the night with more than 100 random breath tests being carried out by just one of the multiple crews deployed. “It’s great, hopefully they know we are about and are acting accordingly. We are very happy, we had various

random breath testing sites and they were all negative readings.” Every year the Ocean Grove Harriers running group assists Barwon Coast with the clean up on the morning after. This year about 20 people rocked up to help out, each collecting at least one supermarket bag full of rubbish. Harriers report it was much better than previous years as there was hardly any glass, although party poppers, sparklers and cigarette butts still made up the bulk of the leftovers. The Harriers went for a morning run after mopping up.

VANTAGE POINT: the beach was a terrific place to celebrate.

WATCHFUL EYE: police were pleased with the behaviour of the majority of partygoers.

SPECTACULAR: locals and tourists were treated to a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: a good crowd gathered at the main beach to bring in 2014.

BUZZING: the crowd down at Ocean Grove main beach was in a festive mood.

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Time flies! Another year drew to a close last week and the Voice looks back on 2013 and what made news in and around Ocean Grove. APRIL

Prime ministerial candidate Tony Abbott tried his hand at making pies at the Rolling Pin in May.

JANUARY

THE new year started in a familiar vein – with warming stories about locals helping out locals. Volunteer fire fighter John Dickson thought his luck was up when he returned from a call out to discover his car had been stolen. But locals and A Current Affair TV series came to his rescue with a brand new Jeep. Locals also rallied to support young mum Kristin Mooney-Hague and her family as she courageously fought a very aggressive form of cancer. Kristin received donor cells and was given high doses of chemotherapy and as well as radiation treatment and battled on with her family in mind. Sadly Kristin lost her fight in August, proving the perfect mum right up to the end. Meanwhile Ocean Grove continued to grow to the north as the Oakdene Estate

took shape, and only the town’s second set of traffic lights were installed on Grubb Road.

FEBRUARY

AS Ocean Grove fire station moved towards integrating paid and volunteers firefighters the Voice got a look around the $1.1 million upgrade. The station will eventually be manned 24 hours a day seven days a week. Ocean Grove musician Jack Osborne was in the spotlight. The drummer secured a gig with pop star Ricki-Lee. Parking continued to cause ire in the town. Some shoppers complained that the apparently random ticketing of cars was unfair while some traders wanted more fines issued for overstays and those grabbing loading bays.

MARCH

SPORTS clubs rallied to call for the state

government to make a funding contribution to the Shell Road Reserve project. Later in the month the new netball courts were surfaced and marked out in time for the new season away from Draper St. Ocean Grove farewelled Bill Huggins, one of the town’s most colourful characters. A guard of honour was formed after the service for the former RSL president, navy veteran and lighthouse keeper at St Peter’s Church. In a year of anniversaries, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens kicked off the celebrations toasting their 50th. Jenny Lander retired from Ocean Grove Primary School after 20 years. Ocean Grove’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal raised a whopping $47,000.

IN April the local CFA had a busy hour in the town when an electrical fire broke out at a local surf shop. Thanks to quickthinking fellow trader Ben Chudoschnik the fire was halted before it did too much damage. And then in the next hour crews were called to a single car accident where a hatchback spun out on a wet surface and collided with a bus shelter in Presidents Avenue. Ocean Grove pensioner Fred Roberts became a Victorian champion with his model aircraft. Meanwhile covenants banning the sale of alcohol applied to properties back in the 1800s continue to cause controversy in the Grove in 2013.

Ocean Grovers raised $47,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday appeal.

Brian Walker built a plane in his garage. Pet King Charles kindness that emerged in Cavalier was lucky to the aftermath. survive being struck by JUNE what was believed to be a OCEAN Grove speeding car in Kingston Community Enterprise Downs Drive. stumped up $150,000 Record crowds turned towards the dream of out for a both the ANZAC creating a purpose built Day services. performance space for

MAY

PRIME ministerial candidate Tony Abbott was in town on the election campaign trail – taking time to stop by and try his hand at making pies at the award-winning Rolling Pin bakery. The Hacham family became the first residents to move into Ocean Grove’s newest subdivision, the Oakdene estate. Father of two Aiden said he was ‘ecstatic’ that he had found a home back where he grew up. Dozens of local residents and businesses took part in the Enquiry by Design planning workshop held at the surf lifesaving club. The city council said the purpose was to begin developing an urban design framework for the town. School teacher Colin Sing shared his experience of running the ill-fated Boston Marathon. Colin, who was at the scene of the bombings just 30 minutes before they detonated, said despite the tragedy he was heartened by the many positive stories of human

Ocean Grove Park. Local Malcolm MacDonald called for government to look at putting Ocean Grove on the end of a railway line. Ocean Grove resident Brian Walker shared his dream of flying around Australia – he’s building a plane in his garage. The election started hotting up with the Liberal, Labor and Greens candidates making regular appearances in and around the town. The local community got behind a campaign to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease research and support. The campaign which culminated in a local taking part in the New York Marathon in November raised more than $17,500. A free women’s health seminar was held in Ocean Grove. A woman in her 80s miraculously escaped serious injury after her car flipped onto its roof on the Presidents Avenue hill near Dare Street.

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Australians went to the polls in September. The Coalition's Sarah Henderson emerged victorious in the seat of Corangamite.

JULY

CFA and paramedics were called to help a young skater who suffered facial injuries after an accident at the skate bowl. Gordon King and John Claringbold took over the presidencies at their respective Rotary and Lions service clubs. Keith and Gwen Carbines, who met on a blind date, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family in Ocean Grove. Local surfer Peter ‘Bushy’ Bray returned after a dream ride around the USA on a Harley Davidson. A Business Association breakfast gave local businesses the chance to come face to face with City of Greater Geelong councillor Jan Farrell and mayor Keith Fagg as well as planning and enterprise officers. Ocean Grove’s first full time fire fighters clocked on. Four officers joined the existing volunteers as part of a gradual integration program. In the same month CFA volunteer Su Tayler published a book detailing Ocean Grove fire brigade’s first 67 years. Bellarine Sports and Aquatic Centre colleagues of Richard Neudert said a fond farewell after 20 years. Richard left what was the

old Surfside Centre to start a new lease of life – taking over Elvis Parsley Grapesland fruit and vegetable store.

AUGUST

OCEAN Grovers rallied behind local Hillie Koerntjes who had been facing debilitating health complications. Local builders chipped in with time and materials and a fundraiser was held at the bowling club for the popular former school and bowling club bus driver. The former Westpac Bank building was demolished to make way for a new retail and residential development called Terrace 78. Brett and Jules Ryan said farewell to Elvis Parsley Grapesland after ten years. Three-time AFL premiership footballer Matthew Scarlett was in town to sign copies of his book. A charity fundraiser at the Zebra Bar raised $6,500 for the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Breast Cancer Support Group. Crew from two of the Melbourne based Sea Shepherd fleet were in town to meet school children and give a talk at the Piping Hot Chicken Shop. Two men were injured, one seriously, in a head on smash on Shell Road.

SEPTEMBER

SEVEN candidates stood for the seat of Corangamite in September. Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads community associations held a joint meet the candidates forum at the bowling club. Sarah Henderson promised funding to complete the Shell Road sports infrastructure and was finally declared the winner after a long count in what was the most marginal seat in the state. Ocean Grove local Ben Shewry was named best Victorian chef and his popular Melbourne restaurant Attica was also honoured. Ocean Grove CFA received a cheque for more than $5,040 raised at a trivia night at the bowling club. The money was needed to go towards a new fire engine. Barwon Coast and the Disabled Surfers Association were both honoured at the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence. Jill McCoy became the new vicar at St Peter’s Anglican Church. U n i c y c l e r extraordinaire Samuel Johnson delighted kids at Star of the Sea Primary School when he dropped by on an epic 10,000km ride around Australia for breast cancer research.

Backyard Blitz, Ocean Grove style. Local tradies helped out Hillie Koerntjes.

St Peters Anglican Church welcomed a new vicar in September – Jill McCoy.

Samuel Johnson entertained Star of the Sea students while on his epic unicycle journey.

Ocean Grove's Carols in the Park was a huge success in 2013.

OCTOBER

THE State Government pledged the final $500,000 needed for the Ocean Grove Park performance space. Subject to negotiations and an agreed covenant guaranteeing the space remains open for future generations, the project is expected to commence early in the new year. Another car accident at the junction of Marlin Drive and Tuckfield Street left locals shaking their heads as to what it will take for VicRoads to take action. Inspirational local runner Pattie Galvin earned a gold medal in the Australian Masters Games half marathon. Ocean Grove lost a large piece of its history

when former fire brigade captain Stan Smith passed away after a period of illness. The 84-year-old had been brigade captain for 18 years when he stepped down in 1994. Stan held life memberships at both cricket and badminton clubs and was a member of the original Barwon Heads Ocean Grove Football Club. Ocean Grove Rotary Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with four of its past presidents recalling their decade in office. Among them was the club’s first president Wal Kelly, still an active member of the club.

NOVEMBER

OCEAN Grove Bowling Club celebrated taking out the title as the best in

An Ocean Grove family made a lucky escape from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

the state. Ocean Grove and surrounding Bellarine communities showed their team spirit raising more than $70,000 for the Cancer Council. A total of 35 teams took part in the Bellarine Relay for Life at Collendina Oval. Ocean Grove firefighters Wayne Noble and Ian Beswicke were awarded the National Emergency Medal in recognition of their efforts during the February 2009 bushfires. Three Ballarat men were lucky to escape unharmed after their fishing boat capsized in the Barwon River mouth. Locals got hairy for a good cause as Ocean Grove men embraced Movember by growing

a moustache in aid of men’s health. More than 100 people attended a farewell party for Surfside Kindergarten which closed its doors ahead of the opening of the new Integrated Childcare Centre. The party celebrated 26 years of offering youngsters their first start in formal education. An Ocean Grove family was safely back home after being caught up in the Philippines during the deadly Typhoon Haiyan. Mal and Giannna Toffolon and their daughter Chelsea were evacuated during the storms.

DECEMBER

OCEAN Grove has now had a swimming pool for five years. The Bellarine

Sports and Aquatic Centre, which used to be called the Surfside Centre, has attracted just under 2.5 million visits since it opened in December 2008. Thousands enjoyed Ocean Grove’s traditional Carols in the Park just escaping wet weather that marked the early part of the month. Ocean Grove Bowling Club won wide praised after it successfully hosted a friendly international competition between Australia and Malaysia. The fixture was used as a trial for this year’s Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. Ocean Grove’s Uniting Church tuned 125.

Ocean Grove Bowling Club hosted an international competition between Australia and Malaysia (pictured above) in December while Pattie Galvin (pictured left) won a gold medal in the half-marathon at the Australian Masters Games in October.

tranquility fair

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Til and William from Berlin.

George Wilson tries his hand at Hula Hoops.

BIG FUTURE: Tiny Giants Etienne Mantelli, George Wilson and Jasper Jolley.

Tranquility Fair frolics

Grant and Ky.

Amber and Corey.

Sweet Felicia performing with Chris Wilson.

John and Anna Koronui.

Family fun dancing at the fair.

tranquility fair

Grove finds tranquility BIG crowds rode the vagaries of the Victorian weather to enjoy Ocean Grove’s famous Tranquility Fair at the weekend. Scatterings of showers followed by sunshine became a pattern for the day but quality entertainment, food and stalls prove a far better option than the beach for one early January Saturday. Topping the bill at Ocean Grove Park was the Mick Thomas Trio featuring Mick and Peter Wallace from Weddings, Parties, Anything fame. With big sections of the crowd either openly singing or mouthing the words from many of the old favourites, their visit was clearly appreciated. Warming up the main stage ahead of this was Chris Wilson’s Band and the Cartridge Family – as Sarah Carroll pointed out – the number one Carter Family tribute band. For the first time the event featured a second stage that ensured the entertainment was continuous throughout the day. And it worked. The second FReeZA stage did a great job of showcasing talented local youth such as Tex Miller and Sam Morrisey, The Tiny Giants, Alister Turrill and Murdena. Later in the day the younger ones were treated to a Hoopfusion workshop with scores getting a chance to have a go at the dance craze.

Chris Wilson.

SPIN HAPPY: Cassie on the tea cups.

Summer and Amali.

All generations enjoying sunny times in the park.

Mick Thomas and Peter Wallace.

STOTZY JOINS THE TEAM Peter Stotz is part of the awesome new Bike Sales Team at Geelong Harley Davidsons new Superstore. Peter’s 20 plus years in the Motorcycle, Automotive, Caravan industry in Geelong make hime the perfect local Geelong boy to join the GH-D team. Geelong Harley Davidson also extends a warm welcome to Peter’s wife Gwen and their family. “Stotzy”, Peter would like to welcome all his past customers from his many years in the motorcycles industry here in Geelong to come and say hello, grab a coffee and explore Geelong’s new Motorcycle superstore.

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grove schools

Ben wins top award

BELLARINE Secondary College student Ben Thomas was recently presented with an NECA Electrotechnology Student Innovation Award in Sydney. He was presented the nationally acclaimed honour in a ceremony attended by CEO’s of Australia’s leading electrical companies. “Ben managed to beat short listed finalists from all over Australia, he was successful because of his innovation, design and construction skills exhibited on his soccer playing robot,” systems engineering teacher Brian Thomas said. Before being nominated individually for the award by his teachers, Ben and his teammate Chris Williamson spent eight months building a robot which they took to the RoboCup Junior Australian Championship in September, which they won. “Following building the robot was five months of programming it to work autonomously. It was all worth it when we won, it was a highlight of our

Airlie (pictured left), Ruby (pictured right) and Niamh (pictured far right) prepare for grade prep later this month.

School helps preps settle David Thomas, chair of NHP, with Ben Thomas. secondary school years by Secondary College graduate far,” Ben said. hopes to study a Bachelor Up there with the win of Engineering Science in was also being awarded Sports Technology. the prize in Sydney, where “A big reason why I chose one judge described Ben’s this course was because robots as “perfection is of my participation in the second best”. RoboCup competition “Being recognised as the throughout high school. best in the country was very I studied year 12 systems humbling,” Ben said. technology in year 11, so I Following the award, Ben have always been interested, found out he achieved an even since year seven I was ATAR score high enough competing in RoboCup to hopefully get him into Junior,” Ben said. his dream course at Deakin Ben is currently working University in Waurn at Woolworths in Drysdale. Ponds. The recent Bellarine

OCEAN Grove Primary School's 2014 preps visited the school at the end of last year for another visit as part of the school's transition program. This time the youngsters visited the classrooms,

went for a school tour with one of the prep teachers, and had a play on the big kids' playground. “It was a great chance for our future OGPS kids to meet some new friends and become more familiar

Sweet music

AWARDED: guitar and ukelele students.

with the school before they start in February,” teacher Jo Ellis said. The school's transition program this year has involved events such as a computer program with grade fives, a visit OCEAN Grove Primary School annually celebrates and acknowledges each student who learns a musical instrument through holding a school music concert, “We see it as a time to highlight the commitment and perseverance of practice and skill for students. Some of these students started playing at five years of age, so it is great to see them at grade six and see their amazing progress,” lead learner

to art, music and sport, an information evening, kinder group visits, and prep teachers doing some science experiments at local kindergartens.

Kerryn Skuza said. This particular concert has been running for over a decade and many students learn their instrument within the schools private music tutor’s program. “Over eighty students performed on the night, playing, piano, violin, guitar, ukulele and drums, and the school band, Almost 13 began the night’s performance,” performing arts teacher Jude McCudden said.

Do yourself a 'flavour' now IF YOU haven’t yet been to Leura Park Estate, it’s definitely time to discover what you’re missing out on! With a mighty reputation for award-winning wines as well as a delicious line up of stunning gourmet stone based pizzas and platters, this is the place to be for a lovely, relaxed afternoon with friends and family on the Bellarine. Instant cheer and relaxation is assured as you step into the rustic chic ambience of the cellar door and the recently opened POD (aka Opera House!), with its quirky curved concrete and steel formation, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most striking buildings on the peninsula. Live music on Sundays from the '60s, '70s and '80s – all year round, a glass or bottle of your favourite Leura Park wine coupled with a signature al fresco platter and your experience is complete. (In addition to the lineup of premium wines to taste, here’s a tip for sparkling lovers – make sure you sample the Sparkling Blanc de Blanc – it’s just taken out the trophy as the best sparkling in the land at the recent Australian Sparkling Wine Show!) Leura Park Estate is located at 1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis. Phone 5253 3180. Bookings highly recommended to avoid disappointment. www.leuraparkestate.com.au

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All set for take off

Pamper yourself at Ivy GEELONG HELICOPTERS operates daily from the Geelong Waterfront on the Yarra Street Pier and also by appointment from Barwon Heads Airport, providing a professional, safe and value-formoney helicopter service specialising in scenic flights, private charter, aerial photography and tours. Whether you live in Geelong, travelling down for the day or are passing through, a helicopter ride

is a guaranteed way to make your trip even more memorable. Let Geelong Helicopters show you Corio Bay, Geelong CBD, Barwon River, the famous Bells Beach and Torquay, the Gate way to the Great Ocean Road from a view not seen by all. Once you've experienced vertical flight you'll understand why everyone loves the feeling of flying in a helicopter.

WHAT a fun way to spend a day on the Bellarine! Head down to the Queenscliff Wharf, and you will find a great little hairdressing salon, Ivy Creations, that will pamper you and make you feel beautiful! Specialising in ladies, men’s and children’s hair design, Bec and her staff will have you looking great in no time! With a complimentary drinks menu, Ivy Creations' attention to detail will want you coming back for more.

'Mussel' in on all the action PICTURESEQUE Portarlington is a terrific place to live and a great place to visit. With its views of Melbourne's CBD skyscrapers out over the bay and inviting beaches, 'Port'' is a family friendly destination. The highlight of each year is the Portarlington Mussel Festival. This fun festival serves up mussels and wine and a range of entertainment to keep anyone occupied for hours. There are also some fantastic kids' exhibitions and activities. Portarlington is usually quiet and slow paced, but the festival turns the town into a hive of activity as people come from far and wide. This year's festival will be held on Saturday 11 January. Make sure you 'mussel' in on the action.

grove news

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Santa's Christmas Eve run around Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove CFA presented Santa Claus to the local community on Christmas Eve. Children were treated with lollies from the jolly red fellow as he made his way on the back of shiny red fire truck.

OCEAN Grove and Bellarine musicians will join international artists for the 38th annual Port Fairy Folk Music Festival from March 7 to 10. Piping Hot Chicken Shop regular Chris Wilson and his classic band Crown of Thorns will return 25 years on to relive their original catalogue of sweet, smoky and sweaty tales of shady characters and broken lives. The Crown of Thorns line-up includes Chris Rogers, Barb Waters and Ash Davies. Performing in 'The Fringe' 'The Folk Singer & the Poette' Jill Meehan is a Bellarine Peninsula resident, as will Geelong’s Rachel Brennan. A line up of more than 60 national and international acts already includes The Greencards, Justin Johnson, Pieta Brown plus national acts The Stray Sisters (of The Waifs), Celia Pavey, Quarry Mountain Dead Rats, Recycled String Band, The Flying Emus and Tequila Mockingbirds. A further announcement on January 13 will include Voice success Imogen Brough, as well as others. At the age of 15, Imogen joined the school band ‘The Sweethearts’, which saw her touring in Italy and Switzerland in 2009, performing with Ocean Grove students of Mathew Flinders. Imogen completed a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts, which developed her passion for singing, creating her own niche of music. In 2013, Imogen was an artist on Channel 9’s The Voice! This saw her working alongside Ricky Martin and Jessica Mauboy. Imogen’s first single ‘Heart’ has just been released. Other local artists include Yirrmal And The Yolngu Boys. Yirrmal went to school in Geelong Marisa Quigley was a local resident until recently moving to Melbourne. For more information on the festival schedule and ticket sales see www.portfairyfolkfestival.com.

Folk festival has local edge Chris Wilson and the Crown of Thorns (pictured left) and Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys (pictured below) will be appearing at the Port Fairy Folk Music Festival.

Marisa Quigley

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DINING OUT

Summer at Olive Pit SUMMER is here and the best place to get an ice-cold beer or a cold ice coffee is The Olive Pit on The Terrace in Ocean Grove. Whether you’re up for something fast and fresh such as the ever popular wraps and paninos to take to the beach or eat in, or if you have time to linger, why not enjoy a lamb backstrap open souvlaki with a glass of Parker’s ‘Favourite Son’ shiraz or a meze plate with a Bellarine produced Flying

Brick cider. If you’re planning a relaxing day on your deck at home, why not call up and pre-order from The Olive Pit range of platters. In the deli fridges there is a range of Istra smallgoods, Waikerie salami, and imported Spanish jamon and Italian DOP prosciutto and a wide range of imported and Australian cheeses. A wide range of antipasto, including Mount Zero olives, will complement any arrangement.

For the early risers, The Olive Pit is open from 7am. Beat the crowds and come and enjoy local free range products cooked to order, or if you’re feeling a little more exotic, try the Moroccan or Persian eggs, perfect for an overcast day. For those that enjoy a sleep in, don’t worry, breakfast runs all day, and nothing can overcome the excesses of the new year like a bacon and free-rangeegg on La Madre sourdough roll .

For a pleasant afternoon, why not pop in and peruse the blackboard for what is being poured today. All the wine in The Olive Pit is hand selected – you won’t find it sold at Dan Murphy’s! Just in is a Tim Gramp 2010 riesling that is drinking beautifully and the Amherst Chinese Gardens 2010 cabernet sauvignon was given 93/100 by James Halliday. Come on in and give some a try; after all, it is summer holidays!

music/live events

• Barwon Heads Hotel - Wednesday Trivia Night 7:30pm Thursday Master of Darkness 8.30pm - Friday Happy Hour 5-7pm raffle live music - Open mic for youth show under 21s every second month on a Sunday 3pm-5.30pm. More info contact Jill Meehan 0431 606 476. • Ocean Grove Hotel - Saturday Night Live at The Ocean Grove Hotel Saturday from 9pm. • Pototo Shed, Drysdale - 14 January Pinnocchio - 22 Feb Class Clowns • Springdale Community Centre Hall - Making waves music/ poetry arvo every third Sun of every month 2pm - 5.30pm.

markets & fairs

• Ocean Grove Park - January18 Bellarine Community Farmers’ Market 9am-1pm

what’s ON • Barwon Heads Community Hall - January 11 and18 Barwon Heads Community Market 9am1pm • Parkes Hall Newcombe Street Portarlington - January 26 Portarlington Community Market 9am to 2pm • Kingston Park Ocean Grove - February 2 Ocean Grove Market 9am-1pm • Buy Bellarine Produce Barn - Tuckerberry Farm Saturdays and Sundays 9am-3pm •The Bellarine Railway Drysdale Station Car Boot Sale - January 12, 2-10 Station Street, Drysdale

food/wine

• Leura Park Estate Sundays 12.30pm – 4.30pm Live music, sensational food and wines available Ph: 5253 3180 • McGlashan’s Wallington Estate Swan Bay Road Wallington

Clubs meet

- Open weekends and public holidays 11am 5pm new release wines, gourmet platters and classic car displays Ph: 5250 5760

get active

• Ocean Grove Recreation Hall, Ocean Grove Calisthenics classes incorporating dance, song, ballet and gymnastics with strength and creativity Ph: 0438 055 679 • Senior Citizens Hall Ocean Grove - Monday 9.15am gentle exercises to music for 55+, 10.15am gentle exercises to music for 65+ contact Marg on 52 551 335 - Thursday 1pm Craft Group • Uniting Church Hall Ocean Grove - Wednesdays 9am Volleyball, 9.30am exercises to music for all ages contact Marg on 5255 1335 • Queenscliff RSL Hall - Mondays 1.30pm exercises using chairs for

all ages contact Marg on 5255 1335 • Marcus Hill Hall cnr Banks Road and Bellarine Highway - Tuesdays 7.45pm – 10pm Ocean Grove Scottish Country Dance Ph: 5251 3393 • Senior Citizens Hall Ocean Grove - Mondays 7-8.30pm and Wednesdays 1-3pm Line Dancing Ph: 0413 690597 • Barwon Heads Community Hall Yoga and dance with Tara Lynch classes for all ages and abilities Ph: 0435 481 920 • Scout Hall, The Avenue Ocean Grove - Wednesday 7pm 1st/2nd Ocean Grove Scout Group Clubs Meet Enquiries Ph: 0422 700951 • Yoga classes in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads: Beginners, Hatha, Vinyas and Svaroopa Yoga Ph: 0413 955 331 or email Kerryn@bluewateryoga. org.au

Mondays Ocean Grove Bridge Club, 1pm, Marcus Hill Hall, Bellarine Highway end of Banks Road. Also Wednesdays and Fridays 1pm. Phone Marg 5256 2550. Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 7-9pm. (juniors/seniors) at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone 5255 1641. Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed - Mon, Tue and Fri: 9am to 3pm, and Wed 9am to 12pm, 17 Smithton Grove. Phone Ted Price 5255 2595. Jujitsu, 6.30pm – juniors; 7.30pm – adults, Surfside Centre, Phone Steve 0438 019 991. First Monday of every month Bellarine Fly Fishing Association, 7.30pm, Shannon Park, Shannon Avenue, Newtown. Phone Pat on 0414 959248 or Bruce on 0407 361319 or email bffa@hotmail.com. Legacy Laurel Group of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, 2pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Draper St. Details 5251 2268 or 51542873. Third Monday of every month Ocean Grove RSL, 2.30pm, Club Grove. Committee meets at 1.30pm, The Terrace. Ocean Grove Garden Club, 1.30pm, Uniting Church Hall, Eggleston Street. Phone Margaret 5255 2848. Bellarine Fly Fishing Association, 7.30pm, Shannon Park, Shannon Avenue, Newtown. Phone Pat on 0414 959248 or Bruce on 0407 361319 or email bffa@hotmail.com. Fourth Monday of every month Combined Probus Club of Ocean Grove, 10am, Ocean Grove Golf Club. Friendship is our theme. Phone Marianne Rogan on 5256 1619. Tuesdays Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 10am to noon (adults only) at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone John 5256 2489 or Chris 5256 1996. Bellarine T.O.W.N., 5.30pm, Uniting Church Hall, Eggleston Street. Phone Doreen on 5255 2856. Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club, The Terrace Tuesday 1pm. Also Thursday and Friday 1.30pm. Phone Dianne on 5255 2996 Rotary Club of Ocean Grove, 6pm, Club Grove. Phone 0457 315 900. Barwon Heads Chorale 7.30pm at the Anglican Church Barwon Heads. All abilities welcome to come along for a sing and a laugh. Phone Jo 5254 2670. First Tuesday of every month Ocean Grove Men’s Probus, 10am to noon, Ocean Grove Hotel, Collendina. Guest speakers, make friends. Visitors welcome. Phone Terry 5255 5587. First and Third Tuesday of every month Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club, 7pm, Moorfield Park, Grubb Road. New Lions most welcome. Phone 0418 524 873.

reading & writing

• Ocean Grove Library – corner Presidents Avenue and The Avenue. - Wednesdays 10.30am – Toddlertime - Thursdays 11.30am Babytime - Nursery Verses - Fridays 10.30am Preschool Storytime. - First Wednesday of the month 4pm-5pm Chatterbooks junior book club for kids aged 8-12 - Third Tuesday of each month 2.30pm-3.30pm Book chat for adults. All welcome.www. geelonglibraries.vic.gov. au

family fun

• Koombahla Equestrian Park - Tuesday to Friday After school riding programs special school holiday courses available Ph: 52 562 742. • Bellarine Church of Christ Hall 17 Tareeda Way Ocean Grove - Saturdays 10-11am

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Tuesdays 7.30- 8.30pm Ocean Grove Toy Library Borrow a range of toys for children aged six months to six years, open to all families on the Bellarine www. oceangrovetoylibrary. org.au • Uniting Church Ocean Grove - Friday 10am-noon Ocean Grove Play Group Any children 5yrs and under welcome to join a friendly play group large indoor and outdoor area, lots of toys, great craft activities, music and story time contact Chelsea Cole at oceangroveplaygroup@ gmail.com classes & exhibtions • Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre Program with a range of courses, classes and fun activities Ph: 52 554 294

classes and fun activities Ph: 52 554 294

health & wellbeing

• The Zebra Bar Ocean Grove 1/85 The Terrace Last Friday of every month 1pm-3pm Breast Cancer Support Group (lunch and nibbles). Details Julie Rodger 0435 362 573 or julesrodg@gmail.com. What’s On phone: 5255 3233 or email: journo@ oceangrovevoice. com

classes & exhibtions

• Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre Check our program with a range of courses,

Wednesdays Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed, 9am to 1pm, 17 Smithton Grove. Phone Ernie 0421 703 368. Jujitsu, 6.30pm – juniors; 7.30pm – adults, Surfside Centre, Phone Steve 0438 019 991. First Wednesday of every month Bellarine Business Women. From 7pm, Suma Park Winery, Bellarine Highway. For details contact info@bellarinebusinesswomen.com.au or 0412 199 467 Second Wednesday of every month Parkinson’s Self Help Support Group, 1.30pm, Grove Centre (next to library), Presidents Avenue. Phone Pam 5255 5152 Third Wednesday of every month Ocean Grove on Barwon Probus Club, 9.45am, St Peter’s Church Hall. Fourth Wednesday of every month Ocean Grove Angling Club, 7.30pm, Minerva Close sporting oval club house. Phone Peter 0419 782629 Last Wednesday of every month Cancer Support Group, 10am, Community Health Centre. Fourth Wednesday of every month Ocean Grove Stamp Club, 10am, Senior Citizens Hall, 101 The Terrace. Phone Dianne 5255 1372. Thursdays Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 10am to noon at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone John 5256 2489 or Chris 5256 1996. First Thursday of every month Ocean Grove Nightlights CWA, 7.30pm, Senior Citizens Hall. Visitors welcome. Phone Faye 5255 4430. Second Thursday of every month Prostate Support Group-Bellarine meets at Ocean Grove Community Health Centre at 1.30pm. Contact John Lee on 5221 8862 for details. Fourth Friday of every month Ocean Grove 4 Villages Mixed Probus Club, 10.30am, Club Grove. Meet new friends, visitors welcome, no waiting list for membership. Phone 5256 1671. Saturdays Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 3-5pm, Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Phone John 5256 2489 or Chris 5256 1996. Coasters Social group. Social events for people of working age. Dining out, movies, trivia, bands/ trivia nights. www.groupspaces.com/coasters-social-group or phone 0411 952 598.

And they're off!

Rip to River fun THE annual Rip to River race was staged on Saturday with competitors braving a number of options, including a 10km run, 5km run and a nippers event, as well as a walking option. The event was well supported, not only by locals, but from as far afield as Sydney and Adelaide. Previously the event was held on the Sunday, and this year's race clashed with the Bell's Bash in Jan Juc on the Friday, but organisers went ahead with a Saturday timeslot for 2014 and it went off without a hitch.

Olivia Begley, Sarah Steven and Emma Rogers.

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Cleofine Jewellery

Voice sports reporter MARK HEENAN speaks to the Rip to River winners and placegetters in the 5km and 10km events about how they tackled the race. The 10km event posed the biggest challenge for competitors with a strong headwind heading towards RAAF’s beach affecting competitors.

r a e Y w e N OW ON!

Rip to River open age 10km winner, Nick Wightman (pictured above; 18-29 age group) Time: 34 minutes, 13 seconds. “It was the strongest headwind I have ever run (in the Rip to River) the whole way, so I was happy to get within a couple of minutes of my best time. The last 600 metres was probably pretty quick, but the other 9.5km was pretty slow.”

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Rip to River open age female 10km winner, Sarah Klein (pictured above; 18-29 age group) Time: 38 minutes, 3 seconds. “This year the headwind was a killer, it was so much worse than last year. The most enjoyable part of the race was when we doubled backed for the last 500 metres or so and had the tailwind for a bit. We ran in a nice group with seven or eight people and we sort of took in turns to lead our way down the beach.”

Rip to River open age female 10km runner-up, Sarah James (pictured left; 18-29 age group) Time: 38 minutes, 18 seconds. “It was a tough race compared to the last time I ran it, the wind was a bit of a struggle. The weather did clear up a bit, it was raining at the start of the race, so it was nice to have the rest of the race clear. It is a really nice race, it is such a friendly day, it is lot of fun. The Ocean Grove SLSC do such a fantastic job, it is really well organised and everyone is in a great mood and at the water stations everyone cheers, it is really a fantastic event.” Rip to River open age 5km runner-up, Michael Low (pictured left; 30-39 age group) Time: 16 minutes, 58 seconds. “I feel for the 10km runners who were coming back up the beach with the headwind the whole way, I’m certainly I’m glad I did the 5km and got to enjoy the tailwind. The headwind was there for the big chunk of the run back up the beach (and it) slowed everyone down. I wouldn’t imagine there would be too many quick times.”

WINNERS: Sarah Klein and Nick Wightman.

PODIUM: Natalie Mensch, Sarah Klein and Sarah James.

Saturday race master stroke

Competitors scramble for position in the annual Rip to River race.

MARK HEENAN

HOSTING the prestigious Rip to River event on a Saturday proved a master stroke according to Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club president Chris Paterson. Although the popular sand fun run coincided with the Danger 1000 swim in Torquay, up to 1400 competitors participated in the 34th running of the Home Hardware & Timber Rip to River on January 4. In previous summers, the race had been staged on a Sunday, and Paterson said an annual Saturday fixture could work in future years. “In fact we are thinking Saturday maybe the day for all future fun runs,” Paterson told the Voice. “This is the first time we have had it on a Saturday, look it has gone really well obviously we were concerned with the fact the Bells Bash run (in Jan Juc) was last night and the Danger 1000 is on the same day.

“But all in all I think whether it is either the change of day or the date itself we have come out of it looking pretty well.” Paterson said the event had undergone a mini

"...we are thinking Saturday maybe the day for all future fun runs..." Chris Paterson ‘resurgence’ in recent years where participation rates had rivalled record numbers during the late 1980’s. This year’s 10km run staged between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove SLSC was the most popular of the four events attracting more than 700 competitors. “We were 50 or so entries (short) of last year which was just under 1500, so very happy with that,” Paterson said. He said the event had grown in popularity

outside the wider Geelong region with participants arriving from suburban Melbourne, regional Victoria and in some cases interstate. In fact 10km Rip to River female winner Sarah Klein, who defended her title from last season’s event, hails from the Mornington Peninsula. “It is definitely starting to have a broader reach from well outside the catchment area,” Paterson said. “We have got people from Ballarat, we have got people from the other side of Melbourne, people from down the coast and even a few entrants from Adelaide and Sydney.” Paterson praised the efforts of Ocean Grove SLSC volunteers who began working at first light during the morning of Saturday’s race. Volunteers helped out in roles as race officials, cooked barbecue for beach and race goers and lifesavers provided water

Runners hug the wet sand.

to competitors at regular intervals in Ocean Grove SLSC’s biggest annual fundraiser. He said the iconic Bellarine Peninsula summer fun run had been in planning for six months. “It is a fantastic effort (from the Ocean Grove SLSC), it is our biggest fundraiser and it gives us a lot of cash in the bucket

for ongoing operations,” he said. “You have got voluntary patrols that are rostered on the day, so there is roughly about 130-140 people straight away and obviously you have got all of our senior and committee members. “So all up you would have to think there are about 200 people helping out.”

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The nippers having fun competing in the Ripper Nipper event.

Jennifer Ukich crosses the line. Ocean Grove's Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach finished runner-up in the 10km walk

Jim Mitchell of Point Lonsdale, Joel Blain of Barwon Heads, Liam Warren of Wallington and Charles Baylis.

Jack Elliott of Clifton Springs with his number one fan. Local, Brendan Long.

Leopold's Parker Volke

Some of our awesome SLS volunteers.

Voice

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trades & services

Antenna Services

Concreting

Home Maintenance

be the first call for services contact Leigh on: 5255 3233 leigh@oceangrovevoice.com

Painting & Decorating

Electrician

Auto Repairs Marine Services

Builders Glass

Mowing Services be the first call for services contact Matt on: 5255 3233 matt@oceangrovevoice.com Panel Beating

Plastering

Carpentry

be the first call for services contact Matt on: 5255 3233 matt@oceangrovevoice.com

33 rotary news

UN aim for Zach Zach Kingsbury and Ann Hodgkinson.

Rotary hoping for caravan park bounty ROTARY Ocean Grove will be selling raffle tickets at local caravan parks and at the Drysdale, Torquay and Ocean Grove markets throughout the summer holidays. A brand new Kia Sportage Platinum sedan, a Kia Cerato sedan and a $5000 Homewares voucher is up for grabs. Partnering with the Rotary Club of Ballarat South, the raffle is one of our major fundraising activities. “Rotary Ocean Grove retains 90% of the sales, Ballarat south retains 10%. A stress free way of funding our community activities,” Rotarian Marg Campbell said. “Over the past five years

Voice

we have sold the winning tickets for all of the major prizes, we are the lucky team,” Marg added. “A couple of years ago during our selling spree at the Barwon Heads Caravan Park, one of our team had to leave early to attend his daughter’s birthday party. He still had a few tickets to sell so he decided to buy them himself; he won third prize, a camper trailer. At least he had somewhere to put it; he owns one of the local caravan parks,” Marg said. Whether you need a new car or not, keep an eye out for the Rotary Ocean Grove raffle sales team, we have the knack of selling winning tickets!

MONEY raised by the sale of raffle tickets and rent from stallholders at the Rotary monthly markets support a wide range of local and international activities. Zach Kingsbury who was awarded the 2012/13 VCE Individual awards last year spoke about what it has meant to him and about his plans for the future. “The award meant a great deal to him and it was wonderful to hear his enthusiasm and passion for where he wants to go in life” said Ann Hodgkinson, Chair of the Youth Services Committee. The award supports students from the Bellarine Secondary College to complete their VCE. Having just finished year 12 at Bellarine Secondary College,

Zach hopes to gain a place at RMIT doing International Relations. His long-term goal is to work with the United Nations in the diplomatic corp. “At Bellarine Secondary College’s award night Zach received multiple awards and the principal of the college made specific mention for his contribution to the school during his time there. We can really all be very proud of him” Ann went on to say. At the awards night, the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove was presented with the Fred and Olive Mason Award for outstanding service to the students of Bellarine Secondary College in recognition of the numerous programs where it has sponsored their students to participate over the years.

PLANNING: John Paton and Gary Golding planning the raffle sales strategy for the caravan parks.

trades & services

Plumbing & Gas

be the first call for services contact Leigh on: 5255 3233 leigh@oceangrovevoice.com

Roofing Services

Uniforms

Training & Tuition

Window Shutters

be the first call for services contact Matt on: 5255 3233 matt@oceangrovevoice.com Rendering

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The Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health, Beauty, Fitness section gives the community a unique way to promote their business on a personal level. This section allows you to put a face to a name and an easy to find index. For more information contact us on: 5255 3233 Allied Health Professionals

Holistic Massage Therapy

Chinese Medicine

Hypnotherapy

Feldenkrais Method

Reiki / Energy Healing

Remedial Massage

Yoga

HEALTH FITNESS

The benefits of massage

First aid in a local setting THE knowledge of first-aid training can be the difference between life and death, says Bellarine First Aid’s Laurie Blick. An ambulance paramedic of 32 years, Mr Blick (pictured above) is passionate about passing on his skills to the community and his vast experience as a paramedic has given him an understanding in dealing with time critical situations, which he has adapted into

first aid training that is fun and engaging for the client. Although what he is teaching is of vital importance, Laurie expresses his friendly, jocular nature in all of his courses, ensuring an entertaining experience for all involved. “The last thing people want to do is another course or training seminar, so I take a back to basics, handson approach that’s fun and involving, while

teaching skills that could be the difference for someone in their time of need,” Mr Blick

"People will come away feeling more empowered from the training..." Laurie Blick said. “People will come away feeling more empowered from the training and confident enough to provide first aid, when the need presents.”

Servicing workplaces, clubs, schools and organisations, Mr Blick provides the full range of accredited first-aid training while being flexible and working within the client’s needs, providing training at your workplace. From CPR, level two workplace first aid through to specialised courses and defibrillators accreditation and supply, Bellarine First Aid provides a quality, complete client service.

Based on the Bellarine Peninsula, the fully accredited Mr Blick is a local that is readily contactable and the perfect choice for any business in Geelong, the Bellarine or the Surf Coast that hasn’t undertaken a first-aid course or needs to refresh their skills. For more information, visit the website www. bellarinefirstaid.com.au or give Laurie a call on 0417-512669.

A NEW YEAR'S resolution is a promise that you make to yourself either to start doing something good (ie exercise program) or stop doing something bad (ie smoking) on the first day of the year. One reason for making a NYR is the allure of starting from scratch. The beginning of the year offers a fresh start and a clean slate and often we find the idea of bettering ourselves can be another motivator. The fact that people keep making resolutions, even if they fall through (45% of people don't continue past mid-January!) ultimately means that they have hope and a certain level of belief in their ability to change and be more who they really want to be. When setting NYRs for yourself ask yourself WHY? Why do you want to be fitter, healthier, loose weight, stretch more, quit smoking? Author and motivation speaker Anthony Robbins says" When the Why is big enough, the "how takes care of its self" If you want to get fit, Why? Then ask What will that mean for you? New Year's Day is just a date. What we focus on is what we get, so if we focus our energy on Who we want to be, say by the end of March, what do you have to do to get there? "On or before the 31st of March I will have lost _ kgs, run 3km and have stopped smoking completely". Who do you need to be right now to become who you want to be by the end of March? If you look through the year to the end of 2014 and look over the year, Who are you? What changes have you noticed in your life? This is one of the greatest strategies to change. A great life of abundance, fitness and health doesn't just happen, you have to plan for it and notice it, make changes towards it. Another way to ensure that you optimise your health this year is to make sure you have a great team around you, to keep you accountable and to motivate you when the times get tough. Continued on following page.

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HEALTH FITNESS

Guidance and encouragement to reach your goal

GET FIT, lose weight. It’s one of the most common New Year resolutions and unfortunately, one of the most broken. How many times have you made it and how many times have you followed through on your resolution? The fitness industry thrives on it, January the numbers in gyms and fitness groups swell with all those people who are going to get fit this year, however without direction and encouragement excuses soon occur and before you know it you haven’t been for a week, month etc. Setting realistic and measureable goals will assist you in keeping your resolution this year. Goals are then broken down into short -term,

medium-term and long-term. For example, you want to lose 20kg, you know this is realistic for you, however it’s pretty daunting. By focussing on the short-term goal of losing 5kg it’s more achievable and manageable. Find an activity that you enjoy. If you’ve tried the gym before and find walking on the treadmill boring previously ,then it’s still going to be boring. Training outdoors adds variety to your training. Your body is challenged in a different way to training in a gym. The uneven ground means you burn more calories and your body works harder than a treadmill. Instead of the stair climber we use real stairs, and the view from the

top is amazing. You don’t get bored as there’s so much to see in and around Ocean Grove. Training with likeminded people also makes exercise fun and the sessions pass quickly. Training is so much easier when you are seeing and feeling the benefits of your hard work. Setting yourself up with a personal trainer will keep you focussed and achieving your goals, and will keep you accountable when you find yourself finding excuses. Penny Tomkinson, personal trainer, Step into Life Ocean Grove

Massage treatments can help Continued from previous page. By making it public even to a few close family members, friends and professionals, this means that you have to be accountable when things get tough and you are more likely to stick to it. Be kind to yourself and allow some time so that you can see the achievements that you are making from all of your efforts. Big goals need baby steps to begin with and all it takes is one step at a time. Surround yourself with a team of people who are like-minded and ones that inspire you. They will always help keep you on track. Studies have shown that if you are able to stick-it-out for the first 30 days then you are three times more likely to achieve your NYR that you have set. Regular massage treatments will allow you to improve on your current mobility by increasing flexibility and in turn increasing range of motion within the joints of your body. These improvements are achieved because Massage Therapy helps your muscles and other soft tissues to recover after a strenuous session of physical exercise by improving circulation and oxygen delivery to all areas of the body. Constant tight muscles can eventually lead to pain in different and varying parts of the body. If for instance your gluteal, hamstrings and quadriceps groups are all tight then chances are you will end up with sore hips and knees. Stretching will help but massage will work in deep to underlying tissues and will allow for manual passive stimulation of the tissue, so the tissue is in a relaxed state but still obtaining great benefit. Pain can be sudden or increase over time, and if it gets to the point where it is now also impacting on your everyday activities, you understandably are going to find it hard to muster up motivation to continue. Regular massage is an effective tool for injury prevention as a hands-on-treatment can often discover places that are sore that you never even knew existed! Rewarding yourself is also important. Massage treatment at regular intervals gives you another to look forward to and we can measure your improvements for you too. Having a reward at the end of your hard work keeps you motivated for regular exercise. Check-out from your busy schedule and enjoy the time on improving your health.

HEALTH FITNESS LOCAL indoor play centre Let 'em Loose has recently teamed up with Spryzing Personal training, offering fitness classes while the kids run around in the play centre. Spryzing Personal Training is run by Michelle Spry, a fully qualified personal trainer who brings her vast experience in sports and coaching to help educate and train those willing to have fun and get fit at Let ’em

Loose and various Ocean Grove locations. Having already received a fantastic response, there are still spots available for those willing to join at Let ’em Loose. "These sessions have been pumping with enthusiasm – participants working at their own level to build fitness and upper body strength in a fabulous environment catering for kids to play safely," Michelle said.

Boasting a CV that includes state representation in a variety of sports and coaching of junior level sports, Michelle is focusing on helping people lose weight, make and meet health and fitness goals as well as assisting with organisation and diet tips, everything you need to get fit and healthy in the new year! With a personal philosophy that focuses on assisting adults and children to participate in

Let the adults loose

physical activity which will then lead to a positive personal and mental wellbeing in life, it’s rewarding to see her philosophy have results. Not only are her clients shedding kilos, they are finding increased positive selfesteem, a noticeable change to body shape and positive support from family. For full details on sessions and prices, check out Spryzing on Facebook or call 0417-644047

Monday: 9.15-10.15am ‘Punchfit’ @ Let ‘Em Loose 10.30-11.15am School Holiday Sanity Saver @ Kingston Park Tuesday: 7-8pm ‘Punchfit’ @ Let ‘Em Loose Thursday: 7-8pm ‘Punchfit’ @ Let ‘Em Loose Friday: 10.30-11.15am School Holiday Sanity Saver @ Surfside Primary.

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environment

Safe haven, but plover numbers remain critical MANY people in Ocean Grove over the Christmas period would have noticed part of the beach in Collendina roped off (around 8W) because of the presence of a family of hooded plovers. The hooded plover is a medium-sized sandybrown plover. It has a black head and a white nape. The black hindneck collar extends around to the breast. The underparts are white and the wings are grey. The eye is dark brown, with a red eye ring. The legs are pink. Males and females are similar. Young birds look like adults, but do not have the black head and their legs are pale orange. Hooded plovers are also known as the hooded dotterel or hoody. Hooded plovers are a critically endangered shorebird, and there are only around 400 of them left in Victoria. They have such a struggle for survival, as they nest on the beach, and they are such a small, gentle, and defenceless bird. Hooded plovers have been estimated, through monitoring, to be undergoing continuing

declines of over 10% in three generations (39 years). Declines in eastern Australia are caused by reduced breeding success as a result of disturbance by people, dogs, cats and horses, foxes, silver gulls and Australian Ravens (that have increased in number as a result of human activity). It's so unfortunate that eggs laid by the pair of hooded plovers on Collendina beach over the summer hatched just before Christmas. The two chicks had to cope with so many more people and dogs in Ocean Grove over the Christmas period. I walked on the beach on Christmas Day and the tide was very high, and I saw the hooded plover family scrambling on the dunes, well away from the roped off area. I noticed that there was only one chick on Christmas Day, and prior to this there had been two. I later found out that a dog that was not on a lead had killed one of the chicks. This was despite the efforts of Birdlife Australia volunteers to protect the birds and educate the

public about keeping dogs under control in the nesting area. It takes hooded plover chicks 35 days from hatching until they are capable of flying away from predators. Last year both chicks that hatched were killed before they could fly. I was speaking to Liz, hoody protector stalwart and bird lover on the Collendina beach a few days after Christmas, and she said that she had been abused by some dog walkers when she had asked them to put their dog on a lead in the nesting area. She was called 'trash' and 'a vermin'! There are big signs on the beach requesting that dogs be placed under control, and despite this, and despite the fact that a dog offlead had killed a chick, some people still found it difficult to comply with a simple request in the name of protecting the remaining chick. In the week after Christmas I went to the end of Lelean St on the Barwon River Estuary to look at the bar-tailed godwits. Instead I saw a man walking his two dogs off the lead on the sand,

The endangered hooded plover. and as a consequence there were no birds to be seen. This is despite a big sign saying 'NO DOGS'. The sign doesn't say 'Keep your dog on a lead' , it clearly states 'NO DOGS'. I think that the COGG needs to improve signage, and also fine people who don't obey the signs. There needs to be monitoring of dog owners and fines for those who disobey signs. It's the same at Blue Waters Lake. The signs clearly state that dogs must be on a lead at all times, and there is nobody from the COGG monitoring the area to ensure that the animals and birds that live in that area are protected. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and we are lucky to see creatures like hooded plovers in our backyard, and it is up to

each and every one of us to share our environment and look after it for future generations to enjoy. Good on Liz and Andrea and other volunteers who care enough to give their time to try and protect vulnerable birds. They deserve our thanks. If you would like to volunteer or monitor shorebird/beach nesting bird numbers, you can visit www.birdlife.org. au/beach for information or email me at jencarr@ y7mail.com. Good luck to the one remaining hooded plover chick on Collendina beach, and to those on 13th Beach and Point Lonsdale. May they stay safe! Have a wonderful 2014! Jen Carr

grove news

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Grove gets its curry on FINALLY, Ocean Grove has its very own authentic Indian restaurant. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy quality food at Shop 1/96, The Parade. Sandeep Kaushal and his business partner Harpreet Singh have just taken over the premises, which trades under Tandoori Lovers Authentic Indian Restaurant. They have been working in the industry for several years. Sandeep has worked as a manager in the food industry and loves helping his customers enjoy authentic, delicious Indian cuisine. Harpreet is a qualified chef and has worked in an Indian restaurant in Melbourne for the past three years. Ayub Masih Khokhar is the head chef at Tandoori Lovers. He has been working in the industry for past 18 years and has a wealth of experience. The cooking is very authentic. Food is prepared in a very traditional way and is

The interior of Tandoori Lovers.

The team at Tandoori Lovers: Harpreet Singh, head chef Ayub Masih Khokhar and Sandeep Kaushal. full of flavor and is rich desperately wanted a in taste. The tandoori good Indian restaurant oven cooks food on slow in Ocean Grove. So far, flames on a gas burner, people have loved the which makes the curries food. Tandoori Lovers mouth-watering and will soon have a liquor gives it its unique taste. licence. Customers can Sandeep and Harpreet eat in or takeaway and moved from south-east there is free delivery Melboure. Sandeep to Ocean Grove and loves Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads for orders thinks it is a beautiful more than $40. place and he also enjoys Tandoori Lovers is introducing local open from 5pm to 10pm residents and tourists to Tuesday to Sunday. Phone authentic Indian cuisine. 52563196 or 52563296 Tandoori lovers or go to tandoorilovers opened on 11 December oceangrove.com.au. after locals said they

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grove sport

WAVE WARRIOR: Zane Holmes was a hit with his young fans at the inaugural Wave Warriors Junior Challenge at Ocean Grove on Saturday,

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION NEW HOMES, EXTENSIONS AND RENOvATIONS

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Zane inspires nippers CHALLENGING weather and surf conditions faced competitors during the inaugural running of the Wave Warriors Junior Challenge at Ocean Grove main beach on Saturday. As the curtain drew to a close on the traditional Rip to River event, junior nipper competitors who ranged from eight years to 14 years were forced to compete in all weather elements including wind, rain and sun and the fickle tide. Waves Warriors ambassador and retired ironman champion Zane Holmes, based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, said cooler conditions and changing tide tested competitors and organisers. “It made it a little harder logistically to set up once the Rip to River had finished, but we had

fantastic help from the (Ocean Grove SLSC) and the workforce that helped us set up,” said Holmes, a former Coolangatta Gold champion and dual world Ironman champion. “I think it worked really well but we have certainly got some testing conditions for myself as a Queenslander and I find it pretty tough and cold. “But the kids are still running around with a smile on their face and that’s the main thing. “This is probably the most challenging that we have had, that is what it is all about and testing the kids and safety is our number one priority.” The junior national carnival event attracted competitors locally including Ocean Grove and Anglesea Surf Life Saving Clubs and interstate clubs such as Tugun

(QLD), Cottesloe (WA), Henley (SA) and Grange SLSC’s (SA). Holmes praised the work of all local and interstate Surf Life Saving Clubs who took part in competition. “That was our goal to make it a national event and the fact we have got kids from three or four different states is fantastic,” Holmes said. MEANWHILE Holmes said he was amazed with the popularity of this year’s Rip to River event prior to the commencement of the Wave Warriors competition. “I could not believe how many people were here and supporting it and obviously that has been going for 34 years,” Holmes said. “It takes a long time to develop that sort of level of participation and it is something we can strive for at Wave Warriors.”

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Graham and Rosie Beales and Zane Holmes. The Ocean Grove Wave Junior Challenge competition on January 4 calendar after events in was one of four events that Perth, Sydney and the made up the Medibank Gold Coast.

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The Voice Business Directory COMPUTER SALES & REPAIRS

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grove sport

Stars to line up for huge sports night Cats players to show skills on golf course A HOST of Geelong AFL footballers headline this weekend’s Clifton Springs Golf Club Pro Am. Cats’ defender Harry Taylor will be joined by fellow teammates Mathew Stokes, Mitch Duncan, Taylor Hunt and Jackson Thurlow for the annual golf event. The day features playing appearances from comedian Andrew Startin, Keith the foreman from Channel 9’s The Block and former Olympic diver Don Wagstaff.

More than 70 professionals including well known golfer Jarrod Lyle will play in the pro am event, who will battle it out for a purse of $10,000 in prize money. “We will also be running a bonus pool with Curlewis Golf Club for the best score,” Clifton Springs Golf Club General Manager David Milne said. The Clifton Springs Golf Club Pro Am gets underway on Sunday January 12.

David Schwarz SPORTING royalty will converge on the Bellarine this month for a sportspersons’ evening aimed at promoting mental health, gambling and drug awareness . The evening, a fundraiser for the Ocean Grove and Leopold Football Clubs will be held on Friday January 17 at the LINC facility at the Leopold Primary School from 7pm to midnight.

Retired Melbourne AFL footballer and SEN radio personality David Schwarz, a former gambling addict, will host the night of laughs, tales and entertainment. Guest speakers include Western Bulldogs AFL coach Brendan McCartney, former Australian test cricketer Rodney Hogg, retired Australian netballer Eloise Southby, who will be joined by comedian

Marty Fields, and Herald Sun journalist Mark Robinson. Ocean Grove Football Club president Geoff Cunningham said the night of sporting entertainment was ideal for both football clubs to form a great alliance. “We are trying to forge a partnership between the two clubs at social functions and maybe a golf day will be organised sometime later this year,” Cunningham said. “If it's successful, we will try and make this an annual event.” For information contact Susan McKie on 0438 502 463 or at admin@ leopoldfnc.com.au or Geoff Cunningham on 0425 721 793 or at gacjt@ optusnet.com.au. Tickets are $50 which includes finger food and three drinks and can be purchased from Murfs Surf Shop, Ocean Grove, and Caltex Service Station, Newcomb.

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local cricket

Mid-season report card IN FORM Drysdale and Barrabool remain the teams to beat at the mid-season point of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A grade competition in 2013/14. The Hawks’ A grade team are undefeated after seven rounds, while the improved Barrabool, which finished in 10th spot in 2012/13, is in second place with six wins and one loss. The BPCA A grade is one of the most even competitions in recent memory with only two wins separating 3rdplaced Barwon Heads (four wins and three losses) and 10th-placed Portarlington (two wins and four losses). Voice sports reporter Mark Heenan takes a look at the performances of local clubs Ocean Grove, Collendina and Wallington so far. OCEAN GROVE GRUBBERS Position: 4th Wins/losses: three wins, three losses. A tough draw has seen Ocean Grove play two of the leading teams Drysdale and Barrabool this season. Wins against last season’s A grade

premiers Queenscliff, Portarlington and Wallington have helped Ocean Grove’s push for a finals’ berth in 2013/14. HIGHLIGHTS THIS SEASON: Veteran batsman Dean Gills has been the backbone of Grubbers’ A grade batting line-up this season. Gills has scored 369 runs this season at 73.80 with hundreds (112 not out) against Portarlington in round one followed up by a brilliant 121 against ladder leaders Drysdale in round six. THE RUN HOME Round 8: Collendina (away) Round 9: Newcomb (away) Round 10: Barwon Heads (home) Round 11: Jan Juc (home) COLLENDINA COBRAS Position: 9th Wins/losses: two wins, four losses. A narrow two-wicket loss to Barrabool off the last ball of the day in round three put a dampener on Collendina’s hopes of progressing further up the ladder in 2013/14. The Cobras recorded wins against Wallington in round two and the club’s

best win came against Anglesea in round six. HIGHLIGHTS THIS SEASON: Cobra opening bowlers Jye Hearps (12 wickets) and Andy Higgins (15 wickets) have combined for 27 wickets in 2013. Collendina opener James Rock has been standout with the bat after scoring 276 runs at 46 this season which included a maiden ton against Wallington in round two and half-centuries against Barrabool and Anglesea. THE RUN HOME Round 8: Ocean Grove (home) Round 9: Jan Juc (away) Round 10: Queenscliff (home) Round 11: Portarlington (away)

WALLINGTON WALLABIES Position: 11th Wins/losses: no wins, seven losses. Although the Wallington A grade team has failed to win a match in 2013/14, there have been competitive performances with narrow losses to Ocean Grove in round six and last season’s grand finalists Jan Juc in round three. The Darren Cameron–led Wallabies will be hoping for some

more improved efforts to finish off 2013/14 season. HIGHLIGHTS THIS SEASON: Wallington all-rounder Dane WiseGraham has been the major performer for the winless Wallabie. WiseGraham has scored 183 runs at 26.14 with the bat and taken 13 wickets at 16 with the ball. He almost single-handedly defeated Jan Juc with his brilliant efforts of 7/62 and 53. THE RUN HOME Round 8: bye Round 9: Queenscliff (away) Round 10: Anglesea (away) Round 11: Newcomb (home)

LEADERS: Ocean Grove opener Dean Gills (pictured above) is having a fine season with the bat, making 369 runs while Collendina skipper Jye Hearps (pictured right) has been miserly with the ball, taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 2.37 runs per over.

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grove sport

Grove paddler sees changes to marathon MARK HEENAN

VETERAN Ocean Grove based paddler Ralph Wright admits he has seen a lot of change since he competed at his first Murray Marathon event in 1985. Wright, 48, has been involved in seven Murray Marathon events in 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013 in his roles as a competitor and a support crew member. The 45th YMCA Murray Marathon which has been operating since 1969, is an annual postChristmas tradition much like the Boxing Day cricket test in Melbourne and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. These days, Wright said the popular kayaking event now focused on team relays rather than

the individual gruelling 404km five-day stretch from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill on the Murray River. “The last time I was involved (before 2008) was in 1987 and there was big team from the Ocean Grove SLSC went and I was part of the support crew helping them,” said Wright, who has been kayaking for 28 years. “The biggest difference with the age groups was that everybody that was in it paddled the whole 404 kilometres.” “By 2012, it is largely a lot of relays and school teams, they have probably got the bulk of the field. “That’s the main change and the logistical side has become a lot smoother with the three camp sites rather than the five or six camp sites. “It has got a lot of

heritage the event it has been going 45 years and a lot of the people have been long-term participants.” Wright, a school teacher who teamed up with paddling partner Sue Clough, an Ocean Grove local, won the TK2 Mixed Open Half Marathon in December on the Murray River. “We paddled for four days out of the five days and roughly paddled 130 kilometres,” Wright said. Wright, who is good friends with well-known local paddler Dave Renton, said preparation for the five-day event consisted training locally at Blue Water Lakes in Ocean Grove. December was a busy month for Wright after he was part of an Ocean Grove team

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PADDLER: Ralph Wright has experienced many changes to the Murray Marathon. He is pictured with padding partner Sue Clough. that participated in the Anaconda Adventure Race in Lorne. Clough’s father Noel won a gold medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games at Kingston, Jamaica. He claimed victory in the 800 metres running event.

Noel and wife Janet helped daughter Sue and Wright as support crew during last month’s Murray Marathon. The Murray Marathon will shift to a lateNovember timeslot in 2014 instead of its usual post-Christmas schedule.

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a year in grove sport

Voice sports reporter Mark Heenan reviews the year that was in Ocean Grove sport JANUARY

OCEAN Grove Football Club lands a coup with the signing of former AFL Geelong dual premiership player Max Rooke. Rooke who only plays one match for the Grubbers in 2013 after injuring his hamstring, kicked five goals in Ocean Grove’s victory against Modewarre in round two. Local runner Michael Low wins 4km Bells Bash run in Jan Juc on January 18 in a time of 12 minutes and 33 seconds. Ocean Grove tennis sensation Jacob Grills competes in the boys’ singles and doubles events at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

FEBRUARY

Former Australian test bowler and current cricket commentator Damien Fleming visits the Wallington Cricket Club for a sportsmans’ night on Saturday February 2. Fleming entertains Wallington Cricket locals with his sharp humour and talks about the dressing room banter with his fellow Australian teammates. Ocean Grove defeats Barwon Heads in their Battle of the Bridge A grade clash. Grubber wicket keeper Mitch Hodgson scores a brilliant 110 against Barwon Heads in B grade. Ocean Grove Football Club names Liam Rock as its senior captain for 2013. Rock was a member of the Grubbers’ last senior premiership team in 2003. More than 200 people arrive at Surfside Waves Soccer Club rally on Sunday February 17 to help address the state of the club’s poor facilities. In attendance was Federal MP for Corangamite Sarah Henderson. Lawn bowlers from Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales converge on Ocean Grove Bowling Club for Club’s Grove prestigious Annual Classic Fours event. SOUL Longboaders

hosts Piping Hot Micro Groms Series at Ocean Grove main beach. Ocean Grove Cricket Club wins a historic fourth Twenty20 Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association championship in a row after victory against Newcomb on Sunday February 24.

MARCH

Ocean Grove Bowling Club become Premier Division champions after a memorable win over the Victoria Bowling Club at Queenscliff on Sunday March 10. Local lifesaver Kira Kinsey wins an astonishing 13 medals at the 2013 Victorian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Anglesea beach on Sunday March 10. Her medal haul includes 10 gold and three silver. Collendina A grade skipper Jye Hearps wins the prestigious Leigh Norquay medal for being the Cobras most valuable player in 2012/13. Ocean Grove defeats Drysdale by 167 runs in the BPCA C grade Grand Final. Grubber captain Alan Bate, who won the Craig D’Arcy medal, the star with his return of 6/33 from 14 overs with the ball to help his team achieve victory. Ocean Grove opens their Bellarine Football League 2013 season with a home match on the Easter long weekend on Saturday March 30. The Grubbers lose to Drysdale, eventual 2013 BFL runners-up, by 20 points at Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve. Ocean Grove Netball Club unveils their new multi-purpose facility at Shell Road. The stateof-the-art facility boasts four netball courts and is capable of hosting night matches. Ocean Grove opened their 2013 season campaign with wins in all of their senior netball grades at Shell Road March 30.

Jacob Grills competed in the boys' singles and doubles at the Australian Open.

Ocean Grove won its fourth BPCA cricket T20 title.

The Grubbers won the BPCA C grade premiership, coming from 4th on the ladder to defeat the top two teams in the semi-final and final.

a year in grove sport

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Heidi and Corrin Demeo won gold medals at Australian Junior Athletics Championships.

APRIL

OCEAN Grove sisters Heidi and Corrin Demeo both win gold medals at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Perth. Former Ocean Grove coach Cameron McGregor appointed as assistant coach of the Bellarine Football League Interleague team for 2013. Ocean Grove surf life saver Rochelle Godfrey wins a silver medal at the Australian Surf Life Saving Club Championships in the women’s 2km run event. Veteran competitor Mark Graham won back-toback gold medals in the Ironman 35-39 age group. Surfside Waves Soccer Club hosts its very first night game at Shell Road Recreation Reserve and come away with a 2-1 win against Drysdale in the Men’s Division One match. Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s Matt Flapper, Ken Thomas, Craig Hodges take out the Victorian Triples Championship in Bendigo.

MAY

TWO months after becoming Premier Division champions, Club Grove Bowling Club adds the state pennant title to its trophy cabinet on Sunday May 5. Ocean Grove defeats Moama Bowling Club 76-60 in the Grand Final played at Barham in New South Wales. Ocean Grove Football Club players Brayden Sneddon and Kelly Williams represent the Bellarine Football League at the Work Safe Country Interleague Championships in Tocumwal. Murray Football League defeat Bellarine Football League by 63 points.

Ocean Grove Football Club inflicts pain on Portarlington with a 225-point victory Saturday May 18. Ocean Grove forwards Shane Jack and Travis Gavin boot nine and eight goals respectively for the home side.

JUNE

OCEAN Grove Golf Club unveils their newly re-developed third hole green in time for the Men’s Club Championships. Former Ocean Grove netballer Alice TeagueNeeld named in the Victorian Flames 15-member squad that will compete in the 2013 Australian Netball League. Ocean Grove Cricket Club signs former Highton Heat spinner Jack Caldow for the 2013/14 season after the departure of Mick Gill to Manifold Heights. Ocean Grove teenage footballers Tyler Earad and Alex Witherden named to play in the state football carnival from August 10 to August 18. The Rest of the World (ROW) team wins the prestigious international golf event for the first time against an Australian team at Ocean Grove Golf Club on Friday June 14. Local Andrew Clancy takes out the coveted Ocean Grove’s Golf Club Men’s Championship after defeating youngster Tyron Cover by four strokes.

JULY

OCEAN Grove breathes new light into their season after defeating Barwon Heads by six points in its Battle of the Bridge clash at Howard Harmer Oval on July 20. The win gives the Grubbers a 7-7 record after 14 rounds. Kira Kinsey claims the

Female Athlete of the Year award at Life Saving Victoria’s annual awards ceremony on Saturday July 13. Ocean Grove bowls coach Matt Flapper wins selection to play in the Australian seven-man squad to play at the Eight Nations bowls event in Scotland in August. Local weightlifter Elaine Janes competes at the World Masters Games in Torino, Italy in the 6569 age group.

Liberal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson pledges $3.5 million for the Shell Rd sports precinct if she wins her seat in the federal election.

AUGUST

LIBERAL candidate for Corangamite Sarah Henderson pledges $3.5 million towards Shell Road Recreation Reserve precinct if she wins the Corangamite seat at the federal election. Funding will assist Ocean Grove Football, Netball and Cricket clubs and Surfside Waves Soccer clubs. Ocean Grove local and Bellarine Secondary College Drysdale student Ned Weatherly claims two gold medals and a bronze medal at the 2013 Victorian Age Weightlifting Championships. Ocean Grove wins a finals berth in the Bellarine Football League competition after a gripping win against Torquay in the Grubbers’ first ever senior night match at Spring Creek Reserve. The Grubbers defeat Torquay the following week in the BFL elimination final after Tigers miss a shot after the siren to allow Ocean Grove to win by three points in an epic finals match. Ocean Grove Golf Club unveils a new look committee after the club’s AGM. Colin Stephens takes on the role as president.

Ocean Grove celebrate a thrilling win against Torquay that saw it earn a BFL finals spot. It was also the first ever match played under lights at Spring Creek Reserve.

Rochelle Godfrey wins silver at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in April.

Kira Kinsey won Surf Life Saving Victoria's Female Athlete of the Year award.

a year in grove sport

SEPTEMBER

Ocean Grove's D grade netball side won the premiership in the Bellarine Football/ Netball League in September.

OCEAN Grove is eliminated from the BFL finals race after losing to Geelong Amateur by 36 points in the first semifinal at Torquay. Kelly Williams is crowned Ocean Grove Football Club senior best and fairest winner at the Grubbers’ Football and Netball club presentation night on September 20. Ocean Grove D grade netball team wins their grand final match against Modewarre 29-25 at Simonds Stadium. Ocean Grove B grade netball player Bec Sykes claims the league 2013 best and fairest award. Surfside Waves progresses through to the Division 3 grand final after a resounding 6-1 win over the Bellarine Sharks. East Geelong golfer Stephen Symonds wins the Ocean Grove Golf Club Men’s 36-hole event stroke event.

OCTOBER

Ocean Grove hosted an international bowls friendly between Australia and Malaysia.

Kelly Williams won Ocean Grove Football Club's best and fairest.

OCEAN Grove veteran kayakers Dave Renton, Jenny Lambert, Barry Warren, Bill Strachan and Bruce Erwin win gold medals at the World Masters Games held in Geelong. Ocean Grove batsman Dean Gills blasts his way to unbeaten 112 in the Grubbers’ 43-run A grade victory over Portarlington to open the 2013/14 season. BPCA A grade ladder leaders Drysdale defeat Collendina by 10 wickets in their round one clash. Ocean Grove Primary School basketball team makes it to state finals after winning the regional finals held at Werribee. New Carlton AFL recruit Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas makes a special

guest appearance for the Collendina D grade team on Saturday October 26. He hits 62 with the bat against Wallington. Gill Hodgson announced the new Director of Netball at the Ocean Grove Football and Netball Club. Garry O’Callaghan takes on the new Director of Football role.

NOVEMBER

COLLENDINA A grade suffers a heart-breaking two-run loss to Barrabool on Saturday November 2. Surfside Primary School student Liam Mullen wins a bronze medal in the long jump at the School Sports Australia Athletics National Championships in Brisbane. Bellarine Bears Baseball Club celebrated the opening of its $32,000 new indoor batting shed. Ocean Grove B grade batsman Peter Hart smashes his way to 157 in side’s clash against Barrabool on November 23.

DECEMBER

CLUB Grove Bowling Club plays host to its first ever international bowling fixture between Australia and Malaysia from December 1012. Australia defeats Malaysia in the three-day competition. Ocean Grove A grade batsman Dean Gills smashes his second hundred in 2013/14 with his innings of 121 against ladder leaders Drysdale on Saturday December 14. A youth program raising awareness and addressing the health and well being called Read the Play is introduced at the Ocean Grove SLSC. The program has been used at Ocean Grove Football and Netball Clubs.

Bec Sykes won the BFNL B grade netball best and fairest award.

Liam Mullen won a bronze medal in the long jump at the School Sports Australia Athletics National Championships.

AFL star Dale Thomas played for Collendina D grade.

Sport Ocean Grove

in sport A YEAR IN OCEANYear GROVE SPORT, P53-5

Three for Nick

Ocean Grove's Nick Wightman claims his third Rip to River event on Saturday

Picture: LINDSAY KELLEY

MARK HEENAN OCEAN Grove local Nick Wightman said a last-minute decision to run in his Nike ‘racing flat’ shoes helped him claim his third 10km Rip to River title on Saturday. Wightman, who won back–to-back 10km Rip to River crowns in 2010 and 2011, is referred to ‘barefoot Nick’ for his ability to run fast longdistance times on the cushy sands of Ocean Grove main beach. This year, Wightman won the event in a time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds to finish ahead of second-placed Rowan Walker, who finished second in 35:15, and Shane Keddie, who came third in 37:41. “I only decided 20 minutes before the race I will put my shoes on,” Wightman told the Voice. “I hadn’t done quite as much barefoot running on the beach as I had in previous years. “I will pull up better if I wear my shoes. “I have got another race in six days’ time and will pull up a bit sore with a couple of blisters this year if I run barefoot.” It was redemption for Wightman, who failed to make the podium in last season’s race when he finished in fourth spot in 34:31. “It was a bit of tactical

error by me and another guy and it sort of knocked me off the podium,” he said. Conditions for 10km competitors were much tougher for Saturday’s race with a strong headwind affecting competitors. “It was the strongest

"I only decided 20 minutes before the race I will put my shoes on..." Nick Wightman headwind I have ever ran the whole way, I was happy to get within a couple of minutes of my best time,” Wightman said. Wightman will now compete in the 8km Mountain to Surf run this Friday in Lorne. Mornington-based Sarah Klein defended her 10km Women’s Rip to River title in a time of 38 minutes and 3 seconds. She finished ahead of Ocean Grove's Sarah James, who came second in 38:18, and Natalie Mensch, who finished in third in 39:29. Klein, 28, who completed last season’s race in time of 39:50, concedes she was in

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better physical condition for Saturday’s race. “This year I am in better shape, I am a lot fitter than what I was last year,” Klein said. IN the 5km event, youngster Mitchell Dyer won back-to-back Rip to River events in a time of 16:26 to beat secondplaced local Michael Low in 16:58 and third-placed Chris Howley, who ran 17:18. In the women’s 5km, East Geelong youngster Alex Mathisen won in a time of 19:33 to finish ahead of Liz Bell in 20:03 and third placed youngster Mimmi Balaam who came in 20:14. The 10km walk saw Carole Fisher win in a time of 1:07:50 from last season’s Rip to River winner Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach who came second in 1:09:11 and third-placed Steve Jordan (1:11:17). Star youngster Tom Hockley Samon won the 1.4km Ripper Nipper Beach Fun Run in a time of three minutes and eight seconds. The 11-year-old crossed the finishing line ahead of Oliver Wiltshire (3.09) by one second and thirdplaced Lewis Antonac (3.16).

• Rip to River Special pages 27-30