Ocean Grove Voice - 28th September 2016 by Star News Group

INSIDE THIS EDITION…

Voice Ocean Grove

PLUCKY PLOVERS, PAGE 3

September 28 - October 11, 2016 OCEAN GROVE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER

FREE FORTNIGHTLY

1231978-CB27-16

Ash Clark, Nicole Voigt, Caitlin Houston and Nathan Williams celebrate the Rolling Pin's pie awards. 159442

Rolled gold touch By Justin Flynn OCEAN Grove’s iconic Rolling Pin Pie and Cake Shop has done it again. The award-winning pie shop added to its already impressive haul of trophies with three more gongs at the Great Aussie Pie Competition. The team’s country lamb and rosemary pie won the overall best pie in the gourmet section and the best pie in the

red meat section. They also won the best pie in the breakfast section with the sumptuous breakfast pie. It didn’t end there. They also won the best poultry pie with the garlic pepper chicken pie. Overall they won 12 gold medals, three plaques and a giant trophy at the awards, which judges the best pies in the country.

To put it all into context, Rolling Pin makes the best chicken, best breakfast and best red meat gourmet pies in Australia. Rolling Pin’s Nathan Williams said the awards were the result of the hard work that his team puts in and that the country lamb and rosemary pie was a staple favourite. “It’s probably been the most consistent over our 12 years,” he said.

WITH OVER

100 PLANS 1230932-LN25-16

TO CHOOSE... HOTONDO HOMES HAS YOUR PERFECT HOME

“It would be easy to rest on our laurels, but everyone keeps pushing and trying to improve.” Rolling Pin’s breakfast pie is a pioneer in pie judging. The Great Aussie Pie Competition introduced a new category - the best breakfast pie - after the Ocean Grove version. Despite the awards suggesting that Rolling Pin specialises in gourmet

pies, Williams said there are a steady stream of customers who stick to the more simple pies. “Generally the traditional ones and the ones that people want to eat,” he said. “It’s about the customer at the end of the day. We have people who come in and say ‘we have friends who said to us to come in and try one of your pies’.”

News

Channel man makes a Mark OCEAN Grover Mark Stone completed a successful swim across the English Channel recently. The 56-year-old made the epic journey in 11 hours and 59 minutes. Mark was in the water at Dover at 2am with his support crew aboard the vessel the Viking Princess. The water temperature was a comfortable 16 degrees and Mark quickly settled into a good rythmn of 65 strokes per minute. Four hours into the swim, the sun started rising and the next few hours resulted in Mark suffering from sore shoulders and his stroke rate was down. “The shoulders began to ache and the back was a bit annoying but I still felt good and my confidence continued," Mark said. “I started to imagine what the feeling would be as I arrived in France. The next few hours ticked past and the pain got steadily worse and the shoulders and arms seemed to get progressively weaker." By now Mark had reached the ’swimmer’s graveyard’, the point, at 6km from France, where most unsuccessful channel crossings fail. Mark then found his second wind and his stroke rate picked up to 63 per minute and the shoreline was in sight. “From 30 metres out I was instructed to swim to shore on my own and I could then pick up some rocks as a memento, spend a couple of minutes and then swim back to the boat," he said. “It was a fantastic feeling swim-

Swimming the English Channel. 159460 ming the last few metres and finally setting my feet down on a gorgeous French sandy beach." Next was the trip back to Dover on the Vicking Princess and then the obligatory visit to the White Horse pub where successful channel crossers can write their name onto a wall. All up, Mark did around 45,000 strokes during his swim. “My arms were a bit sore but I found the whole swim across much easier than expected," he said. “I had a light meal and my crew said I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow."

Mark Stone at the White Horse pub after his swim. 159460

Onboard the vessel. 159460

NBN BUNDLE

NO LOCK-IN CONTRACT

UNLIMITED DATA BOOST SPEED

/mth

tpg.com.au

13 31 60

Min Charge includes $10 Delivery + $20 Prepayment + $99.95 Setup. This plan has an access connection speed of up to 25Mbps download/5Mbps upload. Actual throughput speeds may be slower and could vary due to various factors. Prepayment automatically topped up if it falls below $10. Service barred if prepayment top up payment fails. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. For full terms, conditions & exclusions visit tpg.com.au.

12320974-KC37-16

MIN CHARGE $199.94

News

Our hooded mates OCEAN Grovers are being encouraged to befriend the resilient little hooded plover this nesting season. The endangered bird, which nests all along the Bellarine and Surf Coast, has been upgraded to the ‘vulnerable’ category amid obstacles such as habitat destruction and predators. And there’s a lot you can do to help. Australian Birdlife magazine editor and former national birdwatching champion Sean Dooley was at Ocean Grove Main Beach to help promote Plover Appreciation Day on 16 September. Dooley said there was plenty that locals could do to help protect this vulnerable species. “The really important thing is to give them space,” he said. “The volunteers do a great job in locating the nests and monitoring them. They have so much going against them, and they’re up against it right from the start. You’ve got to admire their courage. The main issue for the public is to have their dogs on a lead near the habitats. The public must respect that.”

The hooded plover breeds from September to around February or March. The first hooded plover nest of the season at Ocean Grove was unsuccessful. “This is such an important stretch of coastline,” Dooley said. “It is the most vital stretch for the survival of the species. A cultural shift in people’s awareness needs to happen. You need an entire community to be proud of these birds and own them.” Hooded plovers are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, foxes, weather conditions and other birds. In the face of adversity, the adult will run to distract the danger from their chicks, leaving their young isolated to the summer heat and other predators, even silver gulls and ravens. “Adult chicks can tell the difference between a dog on a lead and a dog running free,” Friends of the Hooded Plover volunteer Andrea Dennett said. “They see a dog on a lead and they don’t stress as much and don’t run to leave the chicks vulnerable. They really are a little Aussie battler.” “People think that wildlife ex-

The Cultural Home of Ocean Grove

1226272-Cg18-16

By Justin Flynn

r Hire fo r $25 pe hour

Imagine your event here Book via our website

grovepavilion.org.au or phone Jon 0419 507 513

Plover lovers: Jennie Turner, Andrea Dennett, Sean Dooley, Rebecca Kootstra (City of Greater Geelong environmental project officer) and John Murray. 159318 ists solely in the bush or forest, but we’re trying to change the mindset to people that there is so much wildlife on the beaches,” fellow volunteer Jennie Turner said. “If you observe them closely and consistently, you’ll get to know their individual traits, which begin as they adapt as creatively as possible,”

volunteer John Murray said. “You can see their little minds thinking.” Anyone wishing to help save the hooded plover can check out www. birdlife.org.au/beach. Beachgoers will be made aware of plover nests by volunteers this nesting season.

Mums give relay a run for their money 1224364-PB17-16

Officially Australia’s Best Gourmet Pie

Country Lamb & Rosemary

Kylie Casey, Sally Rose, Erin Robertson and Lou Daniels. 159343 team’s fund-raising campaign. In 2015 the OGBH Supermums Relay for Life grand fund-raising total was $7800, qualifying them to a

research award where they proudly put their efforts towards the Forgotten Cancer Project, supporting cancers such non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia and brain cancer.

In All Stores Now Anyone who would like to join this year’s Bellarine Relay For Life as a participant or a new team, call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.relayforlife.org.au

Simon RamSay mP

Ocean Grove Queenscliff

12322805-PB39-16

By Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes

Leopold

12 Park Lane 40 Hesse Street 670 Bellarine Hwy Ph: 5256 1517 Ph: 5258 1533 Next to Godfathers Pizza

Member for Western Victoria Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Rural and Regional Transport Supporting the Bellarine and Surf Coast Geelong ofice: 69A Gheringhap Street, (PO Box 2273) Geelong, 3220 Phone: 5222 1941 Email: simon.ramsay@parliament.vic.gov.au /simonramsayMP Web: www.simonramsay.com.au @simonramsayMP Authorised by S. Ramsay, 69A Gheringhap Street, Geelong. Funded by Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications Budget

12322545-RC37-16

THE Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Supermums are at it again. The group of local women are again entering a team in the annual 24-hour Relay for Life, which will be held at Collendina Recreation Reserve from noon on 5 November through to noon on 6 November. It will be the fourth year that the Supermums will amble their way around the reserve for the relay, which raises funds for cancer. “We are a group of approximately 30 local mums wanting to raise money for cancer research, support and celebrate those in our team who have had cancer and to those who are still fighting their fight as well as remembering those we have lost,” Supermums team captain Rebecca Condon said. “I overcame Hodgkin’s Disease nine years ago so this event is very special to me as it brings our community together to stand tall against this dreadful disease.” The group got together and decided that they would have a second-hand clothes sale to begin the OGBH Supermums fund-raising campaign. This year the Supermums raised more than $1000 to kickstart the

News

Top results in travelling Kate

Majella O’Connor Optometrist

Jac

Meg

Natalie

2 PARK LANE, 99 PRESIDENTS AVE OCEAN GROVE Ph: 5255 5655 for an appointment www.oceaneyes.com.au

1224374-FA17-16

“Love Your Glasses!”

a Platinum Award and Nicole Bryan was in the next highest category winning a Diamond Award. Julie Primmer, helloworld Head of Branded Network congratulated the helloworld Ocean Grove store on their great achievement in having two agents awarded this year. “The high achiever awards go to our top agents from all over Australia and both Lesley and Nicole are well deserved winners. It is a terrific achieve-

ment to have two agents recognised at this high level and all of us at helloworld congratulate the team at Ocean Grove on their wins,” Julie said. This year helloworld welcomed over 540 delegates to its Frontliners Forum in Brisbane for an action-packed few days of inspirational and entertaining presentations and events. The theme for the forum was ‘Go for Gold' and keynote speakers included Olympic gold medalist Steven Bradbury and entertainer and comedian Anh Do.

Ollie Paoletti, 3, with his mum Belinda Uebergang, getting into the spirit of Pirate Day. 159691

1210337-DJ50-15

Pirates rule the day(care)

Lesley, Shiree, Nicole and David from helloworld Marketplace. 159420

AAAARGH, me hearties! Woodlands House Childcare embraced International Talk Like a Pirate Day last Monday. The children had fun with a treasure hunt, made recycled pirate hats and got creative with pirate collage. Everyone dressed up and made the day as fun as it could be, but fortunately nobody had to walk the plank.

Open Day We learn to understand the big wide world and shape its future. S H A P I NG T H E F U T U R E

Wednesday 19 October 2016. (Geelong Cup Day) Find out more at www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone 5226 3156

12323800-KK39-16

Debbie

OCEAN Grove residents Lesley Judd and Nicole Bryan have been recognised and rewarded at the national helloworld Frontliners Forum in Brisbane recently, receiving a Platinum Award and Diamond Award respectively. The awards were announced at a prestigious black-tie gala awards dinner event held at the Brisbane City Hall. Lesley Judd was among the highest award recipients from across the country receiving

News

Artists treat you ART lovers in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads are in for a treat. Barwon Heads Arts Council is organising the first Bellarine Arts Trail for the Melbourne Cup long weekend and the trail will have almost 40 Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove artists participating at 19 different locations in the two towns. The trail will present a range of professional and hobby artists across a range of disciplines. The quality of art is at a high standard. The trail starts at The Studio @54 in Ocean Grove and ends at 13th Beach Road in Barwon Heads. In all, there are 19 venues to stop at along the trail. The arts council is a notfor-profit established in February 2013 (www.barwonheadsartscouncil.com.au). Its main aim is to lobby council and government for an arts hub in Barwon Heads for the benefit of the whole Bellarine Peninsula. The group is in the process of undertaking a two-part feasibility study to establish if there is a need for an arts hub, and if so, what the options are. Stage one has been completed, which found there is a need for an arts hub, and stage two will be underway soon. The group hopes to have the study completed by the end of the year. While this activity is progressing, the arts council has continued to put on events in Barwon Heads and Ocean

Tamara Bell has a passion for teaching kids art. Pictures: HANNAH TYRELL ILLUSTRATION AND DESIGN

Kids with attention to detail

Clare O'Donoghue (Cafe Maritana, 10 on trail map).

John Druce (Barwon Heads Community Arts Garden, 18A on trail map). 159658

159658

Grove, which to date have all been sold out and successful. The arts trail event is free to the public and free for the artists to participate. The only money changing hands is when a member of the public buys art directly from the artist. We are liaising with other community groups including Ocoan Grove Rotary, which has its own show on the same weekend, and the Barwon Heads Arts Group, which also has a show on the same weekend. The event will be launched at the Grove Pavilion on 21 October, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Trail maps can be downloaded from the Barwon Heads Arts Council website

Liz McGrath (The Hub - KYOSK, 7B on trail map). 159658 Sharon Wilkie (Starfish Bakery, 13 on trail map). 159658

barwonheadsartscouncil. com.au, or grab one at Driftwood, Studio@54, The Hive, Geelong Gallery, Wintergarden, Boom Gallery or from any participating artists.

Judy Bowly (Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Hall, 8D on trail map). 159658

TAMARA Bell, architect and creative behind the newly established MAKE Art Room, ran a series of architecturally inspired art and design workshops for children these holidays at her new studio in the heart of Ocean Grove. From her background as a practicing architect, Tamara has long harboured a passion for bringing high quality design to everyday facets of life. Whether working on architectural projects large and small, or tutoring and lecturing at Deakin University, Tamara has always loved the process of design and the physical act of making things. It is this passion that has led her to establish a studio aimed at igniting and nurturing creativity in kids of all ages. “Children have an in-built curiosity and desire to explore, and at MAKE Art Room we will encourage them to engage their imagination and innate artistic skills and to translate their ideas into reality. And have fun.” Tamara said. Make Art Room will be a space where children are given the chance to explore, create and most of all, make. “We take principles of architecture and apply them in fun and prac-

HUGE SPRING SALE

Lucy and Lana get creative. tical ways to small scale art projects which aim to develop and broaden kids’ understanding of structure, form, pattern, light, colour, texture and how different materials go together”, Tamara explains. “Learning to see the world in this way can open up young minds to new possibilities and new ways of understanding, appreciating and engaging with their environment.” The beauty of MAKE Art Room’s unique setting on the Bellarine Peninsula will form an integral part of the program. To find out more, see www.facebook.com/makeartroom

Install Solar today and start to SAVE!

German Inverter

10yr WARRANTY

25yr PANEL WARRANTY

Call the solar power experts

Conditions apply, limited systems available.

CALL TODAY! Also larger commercial systems available. SYSTEMS FULLY INSTALLED, CERTIFIED & CONNECTED All the hassle done for you. *Limited Offer. Includes eligible bonus and assignment of STC1s to Future Friendly.

Free Onsite Quote

0422 393 725 www.futurefriendly.com.au

GEELONG, BELLARINE AND SURF COASTS NO.1 SOLAR COMPANY - UNBEATEN QUALITY & VALUE GUARANTEED

12323823-KK39-16

Save thousands on selected systems!

News

Lisa Neville MP

Koko Boyd and Persephone Wytkamp plant a tree. 159201

Member for Bellarine For assistance on any issue please ring the Electorate Office on

lisa.neville@parliament.vic.gov.au Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget.

1224367-DJ17-16

5248 3462

Naturopath

1235894-HM31-16

•฀Bettina฀uses฀a฀ holistic฀approach฀to฀ your฀health. •฀20+฀years฀experience ฀•฀B.H.Sci฀–฀ Naturopathy •฀Now฀at฀2฀venues฀ •฀Kyo฀Wellness฀Hub •฀91฀The฀Parade,฀ Ocean฀Grove. •฀181฀Fellows฀Rd,฀ Point฀Lonsdale

Eco helping hand THE Bellarine Secondary College had a tree planting day just before the term finished. The day was organised by teachers Ms Hall, Ms Cassar-Smith, Maddie Glynn from Barwon Coast and Matt Crawley from Bellarine Catchment Management. Students attended workshops run by various community groups to learn about the environment and the biodiversity in our backyards. This year marked the 11th anniversary of the school’s partnership with these groups

and was celebrated by planting a tree. Bryon Powell from the Wadawurrung opened the day with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony. He also ran an exciting workshop that celebrated Aboriginal culture. One of the workshops was led by VCE environmental science students and the VET music students ran a session on song writing with an environmental theme. Other presentations were from Barwon Coast who showed the students on the importance of our local sur-

roundings. The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre educated the students on fish and their environment. Matt Crawley and Sophie Small from Bellarine Landcare Group got the students planting trees at Yarram Creek, which is the main tributary that flows into Swan Bay - which is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of international significance. A smaller group of students were able to participate in a workshop at Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh.

Bryon Powell from the Wadawurrung opened the day with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony. 159201

EUROPEAN VEHICLE

OCEAN GROVE

SPECIALISTS

MARKET JOINING FEE

COMMUNITY

AutoLogic Diagnostics

GYM

FRIENDLY, FULLY QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS

SWIM

GROUP EXERCISE

SUNDAY October 2nd 9am - 1pm Pick up delivery service covering all of the Bellarine Peninsula. Pensioner Discounts. 1224656-DC16-16

AUTO CARE OCEAN GROVE 50 Grubb Road. Ph: 5255 1045 info@autocareoceangrove.com.au www.autocareoceangrove.com.au

Our qualified staff and trainers will help you get the most out of your Swim, Sport & Leisure membership. By joining us, you’ll gain access to our gyms, pools, group exercise classes and more.

Hurry, offer ends 31 October. Contact your centre today! Leisurelink 5243 9595 Splashdown 5248 4555 Follow us on Facebook!

12322372-RC39-16

Specialising in all vehicle makes and models including European vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, etc.

produce฀•฀crafts฀•฀food

*Direct Debit Memberships.

Kingston Park, Ocean Grove Melway Ref: 484 B9

Waterworld 5275 1909 Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre 5256 2111

WWW.SSL.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU 12321093-39-16

www.rotaryoceangrove.org.au

News

Bright sparks pitch their big ideas

Toys turning a tidy profit A GROUP of hard-working Year 1 Ocean Grove Primary School students formulated a project about recycling. They all worked together to hold a 'Toy Op Shop’ late in term three to raise money for charity.

The students created posters, advertised the event in the school newsletter and around the school, made announcements over the school PA system and at assembly. They raised a total of $211 and donated the money to The Portable Bed Project, which

helps homeless people in the region. Steve Neville from the Portable Bed Project came to the school to talk about his charity and to accept the donation. The remaining toys will be taken to the local op shop in Ocean Grove.

James O'Loghlin will head the judging panel of Origin's littleBIGidea. 159636

be used on retractable clothes lines as well as the four-point Hills Hoist style clothesline. James Devine’s littleBIGidea entry - age 10, “Suction Cup” is a simple suction device added to wine glasses or any glass bottles to prevent glass smashing at parties and other celebratory occasions. The device would stick to the tabletop and reduce any excessive cleanup and broken glass. The judging panel, headed up by former host of ABC’s ‘The New Inventors’ and Origin littleBIGidea ambassador James O’Loghlin, said he’s impressed with the calibre of this year’s entries and is looking

forward to seeing more as the competition continues. “Children have fascinating and limitless imaginations. Origin’s littleBIGidea is a fantastic way for kids to explore, experiment, think up ideas and create a new invention that could lead them to the innovation capital of the world - NASA Cape Kennedy Space Centre,” Mr O’Loghlin said. “We’re looking for creative ideas that demonstrate originality, practicality, imagination and innovation. So if you’re inspired by Makaelah's, Ashton's and James’ littleBIGidea, why not enter one yourself? You too, could be in the running to win a trip to the US,” he said.

12321145-KK37-16

Grace, Nahoa and Stella get into the spirit of the day. 159208

THREE local students’ bright ideas could become the next life-changing Australian invention, thanks to a national competition that aims to foster creativity and innovation in students from Grades 3 to 8. The budding inventors from Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School have entered their bright ideas into Origin’s littleBIGidea competition and are in the running to win an innovation trip of a lifetime, including a visit to NASA Cape Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US. Now in its third year, Origin’s littleBIGidea provides a platform for students to continue Australia’s rich tradition of innovation, which has seen the black box flight recorder, the bionic ear, Wi-Fi hotspots and the humble notepad, among others, invented and developed on these shores. Makaelah Naus’s littleBIGidea entry - age 12, “Barcode Allergy Scanner” is a smartphone application which would utilise product barcodes to identify ingredients for those suffering food allergies. By scanning the individual barcodes, the user would attain extensive information on preservatives and other elements within food items and would reduce the occurrence of anaphylaxis. Ashton Byron’s littleBIGidea entry - age 11, “Clothesline Umbrella” is a waterproof shade cloth which would detect rain through sensors, activating a clear umbrella to cover your clothesline if you were not at home and able to take the washing off the line. The idea could

News

9 Better Hearing Australia’s

OVERCOMING HEARING LOSS EXPO

79%

Trial latest hearing aids & assistive devices, captioned phones, visual home safety devices. CHECK OUT OUR FREE SUPPORT PROGRAM Enjoy afternoon tea with us.

People 14+ read print newspapers

Tues฀Oct฀18th฀•฀1pm-4pm฀ 89 Autumn St, Geelong West PH: 5278 8300 www.betterhearinggeelong.org.au betterhearinggeelong@gmail.com

Why not come in for a free hearing test?

Print still No.1 Local newspapers lead the way

Geelong

1209057-48-15

Mphatso has been helping children in Malawi. 159440 most at risk infants and a HIV women’s support group providing hope and a purpose. Mphatso also provides limited emergency care and transport and supports the local soccer and netball teams. The vision of Mphatso Children’s Foundation is to Feed the Children, Grow the Community and Impact the Future. In 2016, based on data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Malawi was ranked the poorest country in the world and is arguable the most underdeveloped nation with its 16 million people struggling to improve their economy with limited access to health care, education and primitive

agriculture procedures. Mphatso is funded purely by donations of which 100 per cent goes directly to the work of the foundation at Kande Beach. Local Ocean Grove friends of Mphatso are running a car boot sale to raise funds for this valuable work. The carboot sale will be held on Saturday 29 October at The Wave, corner Wallington Road and Lake Avenue, Ocean Grove, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Sites cost $20. For more details contact Liz Pounder at liz.pounder@hotmail.com or 0467 969 544. For more information on the Mphatso Childrens Foundation go to www.mphatso.org

12324208-38-16

IN 2002, Robyn Casey, mother of four adult children, from Ocean Grove visited Kande Beach on the shores of Lake Malawi, Africa. Robyn was immediately confronted and challenged by the poverty and societal conditions impacting the local people but at the same time was amazed by their warmth and resilience in spite of these conditions. Mphatso Children’s Foundation came from Robyn’s awareness that children in this district were often going for up to three days at a time without a proper meal. Initially Robyn began a small nursery school in Mkuonda Village to ensure that the primary school aged children in the village received a nutritious meal a day and a pre-school education. From this small start in 2004 Mphatso has grown and now feeds and educates over 1000 children a day through 12 nursery schools, and is now spread along a 40km stretch of Lake Malawi. Mphatso is a registered NGO in Malawi and a registered charity in Australia. Mphatso now employs over 60 local staff in Malawi and runs numerous programs alongside the nursery schools including a baby feeding program supporting up to 30 of the

Invites you to their

12324126-CG39-16

Carboot sale feeding kids

GEELONG BRANCH

Data on the NBN

™

Superfast

Calls

download speeds

local+std national

.99 /month

Min charge $159.94

No lock-in contract

Call us on 13 19 17

12324536-KC39-16

yourvoice write to: news@oceangrovevoice.com

BE HEARD: Reader letters should be concise and no more than 250 words. Occassionally longer letters will be published at the discretion of the Editor. Letters should be typed or in neat handwriting. Writers should include their full name, address and business and after hours phone numbers for confirmation. Letters may be edited for length, clarity or for legal reasons and must be received by Friday close of business.

1226884-ACM19-16

Michael Nicol - Kirrilee Sing Katrina Page

1236698-MB31-16

Families enjoy Ocean Grove beach, circa 1950s. Created by Rose Stereograph Co. Courtesy of State Library Victoria. 159670

first floor 4/78 the terrace, ocean grove p. (03) 5255 3355 | f. (03) 5255 3366 www.mhbd.com.au | e. info@mhbd.com.au

OUR BURGERS

1219112-PB11-16

AS FEATURED IN BUZZFEED’S TOP 25 THINGS TO DEFINITELY DO IN VICTORIA.

www.pipinghotchickenshop.com.au

1234042-CG29-16

Every building we design begins with a relationship based on understanding, cooperation, suggestion and creation. It is a process that encourages individual expression in the building of something lasting and valued.

Reclaiming history IF you became a mother between 1945 and 2015 and had your first child while living in Ocean Grove, local historian Dr Carla Pascoe wants to hear from you. Dr Pascoe is seeking participants who would like to be interviewed about their experiences of early motherhood. A lot of things have changed about raising children and becoming a mother since the 1950s. We no longer ban expectant fathers from labour wards in case they become a nuisance during childbirth. We don’t tell breastfeeding mothers to drink plenty of stout to increase their milk supply. We don’t put whiskey in a baby’s bottle to help them sleep longer. And we don’t expect new moth-

www.gregslyoptometry.com.au

Mother and First Baby in Kitchen, First Day at Home, Elwood, 1950. 159670 Picture: MUSEUM VICTORIA

ers to know everything about looking after a baby by instinct. There have also been a lot of social and economic changes to Australian motherhood since the end of WWII. The median age at which women have their first child has risen from 23 to 30 years of age. Technology has given Australians more control over whether they have children and when they have children. More women are combining motherhood with paid work than ever before. And Australian families have become much more diverse we now have more single parents, divorced parents, same sex parents, step parents and unmarried parents. But what about the experience of becoming a mother for the first

time? Has this changed over the past 70 years? The truth is, we know very little about whether the feelings, perspectives and everyday experiences of new mothers have changed. We do know that the lives of mothers in the early 21st century seem to be more complicated as they often juggle work and mothering in a difficult balance. We also know that there is more parenting advice available than ever before and that some new mothers find this confusing. There are more women diagnosed as suffering from perinatal depression or anxiety. But does this mean that women find it harder to become a mother now than they did in the mid-20th century? Or rather that we are more

comfortable talking about the challenges of motherhood than we were in the past? Dr Pascoe of the University of Melbourne is exploring these questions in her research project. She is carrying out interviews with women who became mothers between 1945 and 2015 in three different Victorian locations: Fitzroy, Malvern and Ocean Grove. Carla is also collecting other historical sources relating to motherhood, including letters and diaries that talk about experiences of motherhood or old family photos of mothers and children. If you would like to be involved or to find out more about the project, contact Carla at carla.pascoe@ unimelb.edu.au or on 8344 1520.

Harrier T-shirt is a hit in far north THIS is definitely the furthest north the famous Ocean Grove Harriers T-shirt has been so far and eclipses the previous Orkney Islands record - 61 degrees north - which stood for three years until now. Former Geelong mayor and proud Ocean Grove Harrier Keith Fagg is pictured in Tromso, Norway, which is 69.6828 degrees north, while the Arctic Circle is only 66.5625 degrees north. This equates to Tromso being 344km above the Arctic Circle.

Modernisation of schools across the Bellarine State View, with Lisa Neville MP IT is hard to believe that the final term of the school year is here and for Year 12 students their end of year exams are just around the corner. Of course education is important to every parent, as it is to me as your parliamentary representative and the State Government. As such I am pleased to be able to report that many schools across the Bellarine are receiving government funds for upgrades. In August I was pleased to visit the Portarlington Primary School, with the Minister for Education James Merlino, to discuss their plans for the $5.7 million learning centre due to get underway in the coming weeks. And earlier in the year I visited Ocean Grove Primary where $4 million of State funding has been allocated for the largest upgrade in the school’s history. Across the bridge at Barwon Heads, in April works began on a $3.4 million project that sees new classrooms being built and relocatable buildings removed in time for the 2017 school year. And Drysdale Primary School has $3.2 million for the building of their new classrooms.

At the secondary level, both Bellarine Secondary and St Ignatius Colleges have been allocated multi-million dollar government funding packages for upgrade and refurbishment works. The Andrews government has committed to making Victoria the Education State and central to this is ensuring students, like those on the Bellarine, have access to high quality facilities. Ocean Grove Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad In recent weeks a number of emergency service organisations on the Bellarine received State Government grants for required equipment. These included Wallington and Mannerim CFA brigades and the SES. Everyone is well aware of these organisations and the vital roles they play in protecting our communities. Another organisation to receive a grant of $20,000, but people may not be so aware of, is the Ocean Grove Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad. The squad has been operating since the mid 1970s and is made up of dedicated volunteers who provide a vital communications and rescue

service to water based craft between The Rip and Torquay. And no doubt there are many fisherman and boat owners over the years, both local and tourist, who can attest to the fact that the members of the squad are very experienced, knowledgeable and extremely effective when it comes to rescue and assistance in the event of a mishap, no matter the extent. I take this opportunity to commend and thank all the members of the Ocean Grove Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad for their untiring efforts over many years in keeping those on our local waters safe. Welcome to our summer sporting season As we move into October the summer sporting season is upon us and all those who participate will have dusted off their gear and equipment and are now focussing on the months ahead. Like I noted in my last column, sporting clubs play a vital role in a community in not only providing a game of sport, but also in bringing the community together and importantly keeping local kids engaged.

13 v

freetime The Voice guide to arts and entertainment

Make the move and check it out

12324420-DJ39-16

POLITICAL intrigue, romance and a crowdpleasing soundtrack combine to produce a match-winning night of theatre in GSODA Inc’s upcoming production Chess. Featuring music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by musical theatre legend Tim Rice, Chess is the allegorical tale of a Cold War-era chess tournament and the fierce rivals who battle not only over the game but also their love of the same woman. GPAC’s Playhouse Theatre will be transformed into a giant chess board and performers become the story’s pawns, setting a spectacular scene for a tale of politics, love and East-West intrigue, featuring players, politicians, the CIA and KGB. Matthew Bradford, Sally-Anne Cowdell, Jules Hart and David Mackay head a stellar cast of some of Geelong’s finest theatre

talent, led by renowned director Debbie Fraser, with the help of vocal director Adelle Gregory and Hart, who doubles up on his on-stage performance in the role of choreographer. The pulsating rock score, musically directed by Damien Montalto, includes well-known songs such as I Know Him So Well, Anthem and the chart hit One Night in Bangkok, providing an infectious soundtrack to the gripping onstage action. The combination of politics, romance, a breathtaking set and amazing local talent makes Chess a winner for theatregoers of all ages and interests. Be sure to make your move before it’s too late. GSODA Inc will stage Chess at the Playhouse, GPAC, for six shows only from October 7 to 15. Tickets range from $35-$45 and are available now from GPAC on 5225 1200 or at www. gpac.org.au

Kate Hebbard, Jules Hart, Matthew Bradford, Casey Tucker, Sally-Anne Cowdell, David Mackay and Lauren Martella (front). 159580

what’s ON MUSIC/LIVE EVENTS Piping Hot Chicken Shop

Echoes along the lonely shore

■ Last Paradise, Thursday 29 September. Dinner/drinks 6pm, film starts 7pm. Gold coin entry. ■ Matt Taylor 50 years of Oz Blues, Friday 7 October, $25. ■ Fiona Boyes with special guest JJ Thames, Saturday 22 October, $25. ■ The Junes with guests The Lairs, Friday 28 October, $20. ■ Check www.pipinghotchickenshop.com.au/ upcoming_gigs.html for upcoming gigs.

IT’S not often you’ll find Ocean Grove Main Beach completely deserted, but that’s exactly what confronted one Voice reader during a perfect, sunny spring day recently.

Barwon Heads Hotel ■ Check barwonheadshotel.com.au/Live_ Music.php for upcoming gigs. ■ Wednesdays, Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm. ■ Thursdays, Trivia Night 7.30pm. ■ Friday Happy Hour, 5pm-7pm, raffle, live music. ■ Live acoustic covers in Bakbar Fridays, 10pm-1am. ■ DJs Saturdays 10pm-1am.

Drysdale Senior Citizens Hall ■ Making waves music/poetry arvo every fourth Sunday of the month, from 2pm-5.30pm.

Maggie’s Bar ■ Glenn Phillp, Friday 30 September. ■ Bellarine Secondary College students, 2, 9, 16 and 23 October. ■ Dan Ford, Friday 7 October, 4-6pm. ■ Jack Wright, Saturday 8 October. ■ Steve Threw, Friday 14 October. ■ Jonathan Gardner, Saturday 15 October.

Ocean Grove Bowling Club ■ Darren Gallagher, 1 October. ■ Hannah and Tessa, 8 October. ■ Happy hour, 5pm-6pm weekdays (excluding public holidays).

Ocean Grove Hotel ■ First Thursday of every month, 10.45am, Morning Melodies.

Cafe Maritana ■ Live acoustic music Friday nights, open mic nights Wednesday and Thursday nights. Inquiries 5254 1188. Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm.

Portarlington and St Leonards RSL ■ The club will hold a grand final day on Saturday 1 October, from noon to 6.30pm, at the clubrooms. Watch the big game over drinks

and hot footy food at reasonable prices.

Ocean Grove Recreation Hall

MARKETS AND FAIRS

■ Calisthenics classes incorporating dance, song, ballet and gymnastics with strength and creativity. 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove Recreation Hall. oceangrovecalisthenics@ gmail.com

Rotary Club of Ocean Grove Market ■ First Sunday of month, 9am-1pm, OctoberMarch at Kingston Park, Grubb Road, MaySeptember at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre, Shell Road.

Senior Citizens Hall Ocean Grove

■ Third Saturday of month, 9am-1pm, Ocean Grove Park.

■ Monday 9.15am, gentle exercises to music for 55-plus; 10.15am, gentle exercises to music for 65-plus. Call Marg 5255 1335. ■ Thursday 1pm, Craft Group.

Buy Bellarine Produce Barn

Uniting Church Hall Ocean Grove

■ Tuckerberry Farm, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-3pm.

■ Wednesdays 9am, Volleyball, 9.30am exercises to music for all ages. Contact Marg on 5255 1335.

Bellarine Community Farmers’ Market

Ocean Grove Uniting Church ■ Spring Fashion Parade, Tuesday 6 September, at 1pm, Ocean Grove Uniting Church. All fashions supplied by the Dove Opportunity Shop and will be available for sale after the parade. Tickets $10 including afternoon tea and door prize. Phone Jean 0447 853 442

Queenscliff RSL Hall ■ Mondays 1.30pm, exercises using chairs for all ages. Contact Marg on 5255 1335.

Leopold Hall, Bellarine Highway

Pavillion (corner The Avenue and Presidents Avenue), Hatha fusion, beginners welcome. Contact Charlotte for a free class at info@ theyogabud.com.au, 0431 110 085. ■ Barwon Heads Yoga, classes are across Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove and all under-18s are free. Website: www.barwonheadsyoga.com.au. Contact Rache on 0430 515 424.

Ocean Grove Walkers ■ Tuesdays 9.30am, meet at the shelter in Ocean Grove Park except when taking bus, train or ferry trips. For further information contact Stan 5256 3920 or Helen 0411 534 899.

READING AND WRITING Ocean Grove Library, corner Presidents Avenue and The Avenue. ■ Wednesdays 10.30am - Toddlertime. ■ Thursdays 11.30am, Babytime - Nursery Verses. ■ Mondays 10.30am - Preschool Storytime. ■ Third Tuesday of month 2.30pm-3.30pm, book chat for adults. Visit www.geelonglibraries.vic.gov.au

Koombahla Equestrian Park ■ Tuesday to Friday, after school riding programs special school holiday courses available. Ph: 5256 2742.

Bellarine Church of Christ Hall, 17 Tareeda Way, Ocean Grove

FOOD/WINE

■ Tuesdays 7.45pm-10pm, Scottish Country Dance (formerly Ocean Grove). Ph: 5251 3393.

Barwon Heads Community Hall

■ Monthly market, last Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm.

■ Yoga and dance with Tara Lynch. Classes for all ages and abilities. Ph: 0435 481 920.

Leura Park Estate

Ocean Grove Scout Hall, The Avenue Ocean Grove

■ Program with a range of courses, classes and fun activities. Ph: 5255 4294.

■ Wednesday 7pm, 1st/2nd Ocean Grove Scout Group.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

■ Sundays 12.30pm-4.30pm, live music, sensational food and wine. Ph: 5253 3180.

McGlashan’s Wallington Estate, Swan Bay Road, Wallington ■ Open weekends and public holidays, 11am5pm, new release wines, gourmet platters and classic car displays. Ph: 5250 5760.

GET ACTIVE Ocean Grove Callisthenics,

Yoga classes in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads ■ Beginners, Hatha, Vinyas and Svaroopa Yoga. Ph: 0413 955 331 or kerryn@bluewateryoga.org.au ■ Yoga classes. Tuesdays 6pm-7pm, The

■ Last Wednesday of month, chat room, gentle fun activities, make new friends, afternoon tea. Free event from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Inquiries to Neville on 5255 2837.

Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre

Ocean Grove Hotel ■ Last Friday of every month 1pm-3pm, Breast Cancer Support Group (lunch and nibbles). Details Julie Rodger 0435 362 573. What’s On: phone 5255 3233 or email news@voicegroup.com.au

Clubs meet Mondays

Fourth Monday of every month

First and Third Tuesday of every month

Third Wednesday of every month

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, 7pm-9pm, (juniors/seniors) at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone Ian 5256 2242 or Peter 0400 093 831. Ocean Grove and District Men’s Shed - Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9am to 3pm - and Wednesday, 9am to noon, 17 Smithton Grove. Phone Ted Price 5255 2595. Jujitsu, 6.30pm juniors, 7.30pm adults, Surfside Centre. Phone Steve 0438 019 991. Soft tennis, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Memorial Hall. A social soft tennis gathering for women over 55. Phone Jeanette 5256 1633.

Combined Probus Club of Ocean Grove, 10am, Shell Road Sports Pavilion. Phone Bryan Olsen 5255 1821.

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club, 7pm, Moorfield Park, Grubb Road. New Lions most welcome. Phone 0418 524 873.

Ocean Grove on Barwon Probus Club, 9.45am, St Peter’s Church Hall.

Tuesdays

Last Tuesday of every month.

Ocean Grove Angling Club, 7.30pm, Minerva Close sporting oval clubhouse. Phone Peter 0419 782 629. Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club, 6.30pm, Ocean Grove Bowling Club. Phone June Hansen 0422 142 882 for information. Ocean Grove Stamp Club, 10am, Senior Citizens Hall, 101 The Terrace. Phone Dianne 5255 1372.

First Monday of every month Bellarine Fly Fishing Association, 7.30pm, Shannon Park, Shannon Avenue, Newtown. Phone Pat on 0414 959 248 or Bruce on 0407 361 319 or email bffa@hotmail.com Legacy Laurel Group of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, 1.30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Draper Street. Details 5255 2820 or 5154 2873.

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 Dianne 0422 134 810. Ocean Grove-Surfside Mixed Probus Club, 10.30am Ocean Grove Bowling Club. Fun, fellowship, friendship. Visitors welcome, phone 5255 2074, surfsideprobus.org.au Bellarine Fly Fishing Association, 7.30pm, Shannon Park, Shannon Avenue, Newtown. Phone Pat 0414 959 248 or Bruce 0407 361 319 or bffa@hotmail.com

First Tuesday of each month If you are new to the area, or would just like to enjoy some time with other people, we invite you to join us at our Meet ‘n’ Greet morning tea. Venue is Springdale Neighbourhood Centre and we get together the first Tuesday of the month at 10.15am to enjoy a cuppa and a chat. There is no charge for this. Further details contact Jackie on 0439 473 244 or just come along on the day. Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 10am to noon (adults only) at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone Ian 5256 2242 or Peter 0400 093 831. Bellarine TOWN, 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 for a sing and a laugh. Phone Jo 5254 2670.

Second Tuesday of month National Seniors Bellarine Peninsula Branch meets at St James Church Hall, Collins Street, Drysdale, 2pm-4pm. Guest speaker on varying subjects related to seniors at each meeting. If you are over 50 and would like to make new friends you are welcome to join in. Contact Jackie on 0439 473 244 for info.

Bellarine for Refugees, Beach House, 48 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads, at 3.45pm. New members always welcome. Any inquiries, Margaret 0419 323 166.

Wednesdays Ocean Grove and District Men’s Shed, 9am to 1pm, 17 Smithton Grove. Phone 0475 418 377. After hours Bruce Ward 5255 8827. Chord Club - meet to make music: first and third Wednesday of the month, 4pm, at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. 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. U3A Art Group: Drysdale meets every Wednesday, at 1.15pm, at Drysdale Tennis Club. Tutor is Dr Ted Reilly who usually gives a short talk on a technical topic such as ‘Fifty Shades of Red’ or on a lesser-known Australian artist like Dorrit Black, before members follow their own projects for two hours. Enrol by visiting on Wednesday, or by contacting the U3A office at Cobbin Farm, Grovedale, on 5244 5114 or mail@u3ageelong.org.au

Second Wednesday of every month Bellarine (Ocean Grove) Parkinson’s Support Group, Church of Christ Hall, Tareeda Way, 1pm-2pm Parkinsong, 2.30pm-4pm Support Group with guest speakers. Phone Pam 5255 5152.

Fourth Wednesday of every month

Last Wednesday of every month Cancer Support Group, 10am, call Jean 0447 853 442 or Graeme 5255 3435.

Thursdays Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 10am to noon, at the Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Phone Ian 5256 2242 or Peter 0400 093 831.

First Thursday of every month Ocean Grove Nightlights CWA, 8pm, Ocean Grove Bowling Club. Visitors welcome. Phone Faye 5255 4430.

Last Thursday of every month Ocean Grove Coastcare, 7pm, Ocean Grove Bowling Club. Environmental activities to protect our coastline. Phone Fran 0429 237 661.

Saturdays Bellarine Table Tennis Club, 3pm-5pm, Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue. Phone Ian 5256 2242 or Peter 0400 093 831. Coasters Social group. Social events for people of working age. Dining out, movies, trivia, bands/trivia nights. Details at www.groupspaces.com/coasters-social-group or phone 0411 952 598.

1224378-PB17-16

Winter Weekday specials all $15.90 Monday through Thursday’s Choose from our home made Curries, Parmies and Pizzas Great value and Great winter warmers.

1238861-FA33-16

The local guide for dining on the Bellarine...

Wednesdays At Napona - Steak Day. For $30 we are offering a 200g Beef Sirloin steak, Lyonnaise Potatoes, choice of sauce AND a glass of selected wine. Available for lunch or dinner. Not available in conjuction with any other offer.

Thursdays is BYO wine night. FREE CORKAGE with any meal purchased. Simply come dine with us, bring your own wine and drink it for FREE. Available at dinner only, only applies to wine.

To be part of our Dine Guide please contact Simone Guyer 0457 285 527 Jack Stoney 0417 578 517

1224385-EPJ17-16

5255฀4330฀•฀5255฀4861 Sun - Thurs 4.30pm – 9.00pm Fri and Sat 4.30pm – Late Delivery & Pick Up Shop 6 Park Lane, Ocean Grove Next to Bendigo Bank

1238328-LB32-16

12324586-LN39-16

The local guide for dining on the Bellarine...

Fresh edge to local cuisine THE Driftwood Cafe has established itself as the place to be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nestled in the heart of Ocean Grove’s main street, the team at the Driftwood never fail to deliver. With a philosophy of using fresh, local, free range, seasonal and organic produce, where possible, the Driftwood prides itself on it’s quality. With a few dedicated fruit and vegetable growers bringing in bags of fresh produce every week and some occasional gardeners with an over supply, they are happy to use products grown in the local area. The Driftwood has always taken great care to ensure the

products they use and impact they have upon the environment is as responsible as possible. With a real community focus, supporting local schools, events and other local groups has meant the Driftwood Cafe has cemented a welcome place within Ocean Grove. After two renovations to expand the space last year, the Driftwood now offers areas that can be used for private functions from elaborate sit down meals to canape parties or early morning breakfast meetings. Now offering a range of outside catering options, the Driftwood seems to offer something for everyone. Fridays nights have really

taken off with the ’Five Bites for $5’ tapas nights which have been a huge success. Cafe owner Ty Simons has been delighted with their success and says “from a month-long trial to a weekly event, we will keep tapas going until the madness of summer starts”. Ty adds: “The fun part is trying to come up with different tempting bites every week”. With the warmer weather almost here, the team at the Driftwood are looking forward to opening all the doors, retiring the fireplace for the season, opening The Atrium roof and gearing up for another busy summer.

Chui Yuan Chinese Restaurant 1224371-ACM17-16

FRIDAY NIGHT TAPAS

5 BITES

1225058-HM16-16

Dinner Tuesday – Sunday from 5 pm Closed Mondays – except public holidays 26 – 28 High Street Drysdale Ph – 5253 1788

Five bite sized tapas for only $5 with every drink purchased. 5pm to 7pm Friday’s. Sun-Thurs 7am-4:30pm Fri & Sat 7am-9pm (bookings - night only)

64D The Terrace, Ocean Grove PH: 5255 1832

12322581-HM37-16

Choose from an extensive menu Banquets from $27 per PP (4 courses) Or take a crack at our speciality delicious crispy steak Takeaway available - BYO Opening Hours Lunch Wednesday – Sunday 12 -2 pm

FOR $5

Serving authentic Chinese Food in the heart of Drysdale 1228186-DJ20-16

1230938-ACM25-16

Open 7 Days 8am-4pm

Christmas @ PIKNIK

HOUSED in an invitingly converted roadhouse, Piknik is a unique cafe and pantry at the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. With a choice of unique spaces or the entire venue, Piknik can cater for full sit down service to stand up cock-

12324128-HM39-16

Housed in an invitingly converted roadhouse, Piknik is a unique cafe restaurant at the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. With a choice of unique spaces or the entire venue, Piknik can cater for full sit down service to stand up cocktail functions. Fully licenced and sourcing quality produce to put together the perfect canape or set menu, Piknik is the ideal venue for your next celebration. Great service, fantastic food and a relaxed atmosphere is what Piknik is all about so come and talk to us and take the stress out of planning your next Christmas function.

Venue has choice with distinction

Piknik Cafe 1195 Queenscliff Road Swan Bay info@piknik.com.au฀•฀piknik.com.au

5258 5155

tail functions and events. Fully licenced and sourcing local produce to put together the perfect canape or set menu, Piknik is the ideal venue for that next celebration. Choose from a number of

spaces and then talk to the staff so they can tailor make the event to suit all needs. Piknik Cafe, 1195 Queenscliff Road, Swan Bay, email info@piknik.com.au or call 5258 5155.

Celebrate with stunning views PERCHED above the coastline of Ocean Grove, The Dunes cafe and restaurant offers absolute beachfront dining from their location on Surf Beach Road. Glass frontage ensures the spacious dining area is bathed in natural light, providing panoramic views over the ocean for that special occasion, Christmas

function and/or events. Come in and enjoy “The Dunes’ welcoming ambiance. Now taking bookings for Christmas functions and events. Phone 5256 1944.

now taking bookings FOR ALL YOUR UP & coming Xmas Functions & EvEnts EnquiriEs to PH: 5255 1122

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER

Public bar • bistro kids Playground

P 5255 1122

175 BONNYVALE ROAD OCEANGROVEHOTEL.COM.AU 12324205-PB39-16

Will Santa make an appearance in The Sands Ballroom?

Lunch in luxury

It's a beautiful setting for Christmas.

PEPPERS The Sands Resort Torquay has held an annual Christmas lunch since their opening year in 2004. The lunch is held in The Sands Ballroom which overlooks the 18-hole championship golf course. It is a great day for families of all ages. A personal touch as each child is greeted by Santa

WHETHER youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re needing a finger-food function or a more formal affair with a sit down dinner, the Ocean Grove Hotel can cater to all your needs for your Christmas function. With personalised service that takes all the stress out of organising such a large event, the hotel's experienced function co-ordinators work with customers to ensure that the end of year

with a present that has been specifically picked for them. Guests can take comfort in knowing they do not have to organise, cook and then clean up allowing more time with the whole family. If you want any further information or wish to book please call 5264 3305 or email sands@ peppers.com.au

All in good taste at Ocean Grove celebration is one that is filled with great food, fabulous service and a night to be remembered. For further information, or to receive one of the hotel's Function Information Packages, please contact Petti at the Ocean Grove Hotel today on email petti@oceangrovehotel.com.au or call 5255 1122.

Christmas Day Buffet at Peppers The Sands

Spectacular Ocean Views Now taking bookings for

Christmas Functions & Events

Surf Beach Road, Ocean Grove Phone 5256 1944 www.dunescafe.com.au 12323854-CG39-16

12323609-RC39-16

Christmas Day Lunch from 12pm - 3.30pm Bookings essential â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 03 5264 3305 sands@peppers.com.au

environment

We've had our fill of wild, wild weather IN the last edition of 'The Voice’, I stated that we still needed more rain despite the wet weather that we experienced in August. I got my wish with an incredibly soggy start to September, and it’s great to see so much water in Lake Connewarre just next to the Barwon Heads Road. Driving home from an afternoon shift one night and I saw an eastern barn owl fly across the Barwon Heads Road just near the Belmont Common area, so it’s not just the ducks and swamphens that are enjoying the water deluge. Speaking of owls I was driving my daughter and her friend home from a debutante ball along Grubb Road, just near the large farm dam between Drysdale and Ocean Grove, when the three of us saw a boobook owl eating something by the side of the road. I was so excited, as I’d never seen a boobook except in sanctuaries and also sadly deceased by the side of the road, but this one was well and truly alive. I did a U-turn when it was safe to do so, as I had my trusty camera in the boot, but by the time I went back to the area it has disappeared into the night. I’ve been spotting quite a few nests as I wander around. I saw an Australian wood duck family at Blue Waters Lake in Ocean Grove, with 12 ducklings, which is a mighty big family to look after. I’ve seen numerous black swan families with their beautiful cygnets. I’ve seen one magnificent tawny frogmouth sitting on a nest, so I look forward to seeing the offspring soon. The rain unfortunately resulted in both

Australasian grebe nests at Blue Waters Lake being covered in water, which is such bad luck for the parent birds. I hope they build more nests soon. I remember listening to the radio a few years ago and a lady rang up and stated that all superb fairy wrens, both male and female, are all brown in colour for most of the year except in the breeding season. I thought at the time that male fairy wrens seem to have their breeding plumage for most of the year, and even in winter there are males around who have the glorious bright-blue breeding feathers around their forehead, ear coverts, mantle and tail, Apparently immature males moult into breeding plumage the first breeding season after hatching. I was walking on the north track of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve last week and I saw a young male wren with the first stages of breeding plumage appearing. Supposedly it takes a few moults for the male wrens to perfect their feather colouration, so this young bird might not attract the ’chicks’ for a while until he has mature breeding plumage! Good luck to him! At the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve I saw one lone female flame robin still hanging around, but no males to be seen. The flame robins return to mountainous areas or to Tasmania once the weather starts to warm up, so I was surprised to still see one solitary robin hanging around. It was the first Latham’s Snipe Count for the year last Saturday, so I went to Blue Waters Lake to see if I

Ruddy turnstones. 159641

Black-winged stilt on a nest. 159641

Swan family, Breamlea. 159641

Wood duck family, Blue Waters Lake. 159641 could see some new arrivals from Japan, and I counted zero. Apparently there are a few Latham’s Snipe at Begola Wetlands, but I haven’t seen any myself. This week I received an email from Kevin, who saw a flock of eight ruddy turnstones at St Leonards Pier. These

migratory shorebirds have the record of the world’s most northerly breeding shorebird, as they fly from the Arctic across the Pacific to Australia. These shorebirds are just amazing. Thanks Kevin for your photo and observation, it’s much appreciated. If you are looking to partake in

some organised bird watching activities you can access the calendar of events organised by the Bellarine Birdlife Group at http://birdlife.org.au/ locations/birdlife-bellarine-peninsula - Jen Carr, Jennifer.carr6@bigpond.com

BARWON COAST Barwon Coast is a Committee of Management appointed by the State Government with responsibility for the management of 13km of coastal crown land from 7W Collendina to 42W Blue Rocks, Barwon Heads covering our beautiful beaches in Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and 13thBeach. Our Committee members are local residents appointed with consideration of the skills and experience that they have to offer in the management of this important piece of coastline. OUR ENVIRONMENT: Acute Eyes: With our vegetation management of the sand dune system for habitat rehabilitation, woody weed removal works have been a major activity for our staff these past winter months. Significant works have been achieved by staff with support of CVA lead Volunteers and our Green Army Team. Both a reward and an stimulation for staff with acute eyes for plant identification is to spot a winter flowering orchid in a dune swale whilst working. The Maroonhood, Pterostylus pedunculata illustrated in the photo is one such discovery which is a good indicator of both a better growing season and the health and vitality of areas of sand dune habitat. Recognising local native plants recruiting in areas where weed threats are reduced is a real benefit of the work. Barwon Coast’s work endeavours to improve habitat that in turn supports the presence of our wildlife, a great example is regular sightings of Echidna through areas of the sand dune system. Barwon Estuary: Over the past week members of the public have come across a long slender fish on the sands of the lower Barwon estuary beaches. Upon further investigate, this eel looking creature is a Worm Eel species. Barwon Coast has been advised that it is more likely a Shorthead Worm Eel, a common species within our estuaries and coastline. Worm eels are a nocturnal animal that buries itself in the soft sediments of the estuary where it preys on invertebrates. It can be found in water depths of 1 metre up to 156 metres. The reason for seeing them on the sand during the day is unknown but may be possibly due to the depleted oxygen levels within the estuary at present due to the flood waters washing down. This small defenceless animal can remain out of the water for up to 6 hours. Amazing. Community Support: Recently the sand dune habitat has benefitted from the activity of Ocean Grove Coast Care undertaking plantings on the Ocean Grove Spit along the shared trail and around Collendina car park. The Group has gained support for this important work through a Corangamite Catchment Management Authority small coastal grant. The Riverside Camping Ground has also benefitted from a series of working bees undertaken by a group of volunteers who enjoy this river environment as campers through the summer period. Their great appreciation of this great part of our coast, engages them to support this environment

VISITOR SERVICES: Supporting Visitors: Staff servicing the very popular visitor areas of our coast have recently undertaken site refreshment works at the main beach grass terraces, Lower Grants Lookout car park as well as reinforcing a number of the timber beach stairways which have been impacted by winter events and the lowering of the beach. The team’s drive to present our coast well for visitors, faces the challenge of spring with the better rainfall bringing on grass growth. MARINE AND COASTAL ACT CONSULTATION PAPER: The Victorian Government is delivering on its commitment to create a new Marine and Coastal Act to improve the management of our marine and coastal areas. Our coast is special and important to all Victorians and is a treasured place for us to live, visit and work. Healthy coastal and marine environments support biodiversity, wellbeing, business and recreation. To be confident that we are doing everything we can to protect marine and coastal environments now and into the future, the Victorian Government is creating a new Marine and Coastal Act as part of a broader system to manage our coastal areas. To find out more a ‘Public Open House’ will be held in Torquay on 11th October from 3 to 6 pm at Wyndham Resort, 100 The Esplanade, Torquay. Submissions are now open Comments and submissions on the Marine and Coastal Act Consultation Paper are now open and will close on Sunday 23 October 2016 at midnight AEST. The Marine and Coastal Act Consultation Paper has been prepared with the guidance of an expert panel. The paper explores Victoria’s vision and values for a healthy coastal and marine environment and discusses the strengths of the current system. This is an important opportunity for you to share your feedback and ideas on marine and coastal management in Victoria. Have Your Say To get involved in the conversation and to download a copy of the Consultation Paper visit Have Your Say at DELWP http:// haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/ and provide DELWP with your preferred email address. By registering to provide feedback you will automatically receive email updates on the project and public consultation events. Your feedback will help inform the development of the new Act and important changes to our marine and coastal environments. Gary McPike General Manager

12322744-RC39-16

to help ensure it is a long lasting activity for others in the future to be able to benefit.

We conserve, present and enhance the natural & developed coastal environs for the enjoyment and use of all

Real Estate OCEAN GROVE

Peace, privacy and a rural aspect PRIVACY is paramount at this hidden gem in The Parks estate, Ocean Grove. Removed from the town’s hustle and bustle, yet convenient to the beach, schools and shops. Comforts include near-new hot water service, split-system air conditioning in the lounge/dining area and rear bedroom, an efficient gas wall furnace and ceiling fans throughout. Living zones have bright north-easterly aspects over alfresco living areas, flowing to decks and large patio ideal for outdoor entertaining. The kitchen includes new bench tops, gas cook top, rangehood and breakfast bar. A double pantry adds convenience. The main bedroom enjoys courtyard views and has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with stone-top vanity. Two minor bedrooms bud off a living zone, one with a built-in wardrobe. A bathroom, toilet and laundry with yard access complete this wing. Enjoy edible gardens, fruit trees, shed and 3kW solar array.

The double lock-up garage has internal access and a rear roller. Land size is about 418 square metres. Future privacy in ensured as the adjacent lot is to be made into a reserve.

6 Bulga Place Inspect: Saturdays 8 and 15 October, noon-12.30pm Price: $415,000-$455,000 Contact: Hugh McKewan 0417 538 779 Hayden Real Estate Ocean Grove, 5255 1000

NEW LISTING

8-10 Silverwood Parade, Ocean Grove

Brand-New Eco 5 BR Family Home

Stunning new 5-bedroom home with breathtaking polished concrete floors and under-floor heating in both tiled bathrooms. Features include plush carpets, double glazed windows, extensive 3m high raked ceilings, and quality Earth Wool installations. Spacious kitchen with Ceasarstone bench tops, stainless steel appliances & butler’s pantry. Live off the grid with the 20 Solar 5kw roof panels that boast a 6.9 Star Energy Rating! This smart coastal home is ideally located nearby nature reserves, bicycle & walking tracks and the beach. A must-see! OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Sat 8th October 1:00 - 1:30pm

LAND: 660m²

12322766-LN39-16

PRICE RANGE: $680,000 - $730,000 CONTACT: Ros Green 0448 510 140

Sport

Rivals go head to head By Justin Flynn CROSS-TOWN rivals Ocean Grove and Collendina have drawn each other in round one of the new Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association season. The season kicks off with a one-day clash on 8 October when the Cobras host Ocean Grove at the Snake Pit. The two teams will meet each other for a second time in round four on 12 and 19 November at Menzies Memorial Oval. Collendina finished runners-up last season while a late season flurry wasn’t enough to get the Grubbers into the finals. Wallington has withdrawn its A Grade team from the competition, leaving A Grade with just nine teams and a bye. Collendina’s bye is in round three on 29 October and 5 November. The Cobras requested their bye to co-incide with the Bellarine Relay for Life, which will be held at Collendina Recreation Reserve on 5 November. The Cobras also have another bye on January 7, which could prove pivotal. Any team that has two byes, automatically gets average winning points for that round. Given the timing of the second bye so close to the Christmas/New Year break, a guaranteed six points would have everyone at the Snake Pit smiling. Ocean Grove’s bye comes in round nine, a two-day clash on 28 January and 4 February. The Grubbers won’t have to wait

Collendina players and supporters after their loss to Anglesea in the grand final last season. Can they go one better? 151511 long for their other big clash for the season - the Battle of the Bridge against Barwon Heads, which will be in round two on 15 and 22 October. It will also be the first ever A Grade clash at Menzies Memorial Oval at Shell Road. Ocean Grove will meet reign-

ing premiers Anglesea in round three while Collendina will play the Roos in round eight. OCEAN GROVE Round 1, 8 October v Collendina (away). Round 2, 15 and 22 October v Bar-

won Heads (home). Round 3, 29 October and 5 November v Anglesea (away). Round 4, 12 and 19 November v Collendina (home). Round 5, 26 November and 3 December v Barrabool (away).

Round 6, 10 and 17 December v Queenscliff (home). Round 7, 7 January v Drysdale (home). Round 8, 14 and 21 January v Drysdale (away). Round 9, 28 January and 4 February bye. Round 10, 11 and 18 February v Jan Juc (away). Round 11, 25 February and 4 March v Portarlington (home). COLLENDINA Round 1, 8 October v Ocean Grove (home). Round 2, 15 and 22 October v Drysdale (away). Round 3, 29 October and 5 November bye. Round 4, 12 and 19 November v Ocean Grove (away). Round 5, 26 November and 3 December v Portarlington (home). Round 6, 10 and 17 December v Barwon Heads (home). Round 7, 7 January bye. Round 8, 14 and 21 January v Anglesea (away). Round 9, 28 January and 4 February v Jan Juc (home). Round 10, 11 and 18 February v Barrabool (home). Round 11, 25 February and 4 March v Queenscliff (away). Semi-finals, 11 and 12 March. Grand final, 18 and 19 March, reserve day 25 March.

Teams ready to pad up for it VOICE sports reporter Mark Heenan takes a look at how Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A Grade teams Ocean Grove and Collendina are shaping up for the upcoming 2016/17 season. OCEAN GROVE LAST SEASON: 8th Wins against minor BPCA premier Portarlington, Queenscliff and Barrabool saw Ocean Grove get off to a flyer with three wins after the first three rounds in A Grade. It was a mixed season for the Grubbers after key losses to bottom-placed Wallington and battle of the bridge rivals Barwon Heads. Ocean Grove has added a touch of class to their line-up with the return of gun batting all-rounder Mick Kenneady, who will be an assistant coach under coach Paul Jubber. Kenneady’s last season in 2012/13 at Ocean Grove yielded 530 runs at an average of 53 with two centuries and a 95 in B Grade. Ex-Portarlington and Wallington playing coach Mick Gill returns to his old stomping ground and will bolster the club’s spin bowling options. The Grubbers face off against cross-town rivals Collendina, last season’s A Grade grand finalists, in Round 1. Due to Wallington’s inability to field an A Grade team in 2016/17, Ocean Grove plays Collendina twice in the first four rounds. The Grubbers also play back-to-back games against Drysdale in Rounds 7 and 8. The club has shifted its home base to Shell Road, which means the Grubbers A and B Grades will play at Ray Menzies Oval. The club’s C and D Grades will play matches at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve. Grubber coach Paul Jubber is expected to be a key middle order batsman, while youngster Jackson Kent are left arm speedster Dan Roddis are expected to vital roles with bat and ball respectively. ARRIVALS Mick Kenneady (Highton) Mick Gill (Portarlington) Paul O’Donohue (Returns to club) Mick Carroll (Riddell) Huon Bertino (Deakin) Craig Byron (Westmeadows) Ben Hughes (South Lismore) DEPARTURES Harry Walker (St Joseph’s)

Collendina captain/coach Corey Walter. 151496 Rob Procter (Leopold) Lachlan Hooper (Barwon Heads) “We are genuinely excited about this season. Our new president Peter Hart and his committee have done a fantastic job in moving us in to the new Shell Road Pavilion. We look forward to playing on the Ray Menzies Oval this year. Pre-Season has been positive. We feel we have managed to improve the depth of the A and B Grade as well as adding some real class to our line up in the return of Mick Kenneady and Mick Gill. The fixture has us pitted against last year’s grand finalists in Collendina twice in the first four rounds. This will certainly provide us with a good understanding of how we are travelling.” - Ocean Grove Cricket Coach Paul Jubber. COLLENDINA LAST SEASON: 2nd Runners-up Collendina were back in premiership contention last season with an A Grade grand final appearance against eventual premiers Anglesea. Expect the Cobras to be in the flag mix and pushing for premiership success in 2016/17. Gun Collendina bat Ben Ricardo has stood down as co-coach and will be a player only in 2016/17. Star player Corey Walter will be the club’s sole senior coach. Walter was brilliant in 2015/16 and won the

league’s Most Valuable Player with 464 runs at 46.40 and claimed nine wickets at 16.11 with the ball. Star bowling trio Charlie Lamb, Jye Hearps and Andy Higgins will once again led the front with the ball in 2016/17. Both Daniel Earley and Guy O’Keefe are expected add depth. Much will depend on the availability of players Walter, Lamb, Ricardo, Hearps and Higgins and how many games they play in season 2016/17. The Cobras play their first two games at their home fortress at Collendina. The Cobras open the season against cross-town rivals Ocean Grove and play the Grubbers twice in the first four rounds. Along with Queenscliff, Collendina is the only other BPCA A grade club to have two byes this season. ARRIVALS Daniel Earley (Returns to club) Guy O’Keefe (Returns to club) DEPARTURES None “We are all pretty good mates, we all like having a laugh and having a bit of fun, but at the same time we have got a fair bit of talent (at Collendina) and we are obviously still playing to win. We have won two A Grade premierships in the last 10 years and made the grand final last year. We are still performing pretty well and we are still having fun at the same time and getting everyone

Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber. 148081 back - it is a good club to be at. The (fixture) is different having a couple of byes and playing another team twice (as in Ocean Grove) and not having your A Grade regular teams as in Newcomb and Wallington. Having Ocean Grove twice I suppose will be good viewing for the town as in cross-town rivals playing in round one and round four and (Ocean Grove) and they will be pretty strong this season, so that will be a good challenge. It is what it is the draw, you have just got to beat who you are playing. It is so hard with having

a top-four this season, it will be more open because there is no Wallington in there and no Newcomb, you are going to have nine teams vying for a top-four spot, so every game you pretty much got to win. Having two byes do come at a good time especially with the first bye with (Collendina hosting the Bellarine) Relay for Life event so that is that. I think it probably works in our favour having another bye straight after Christmas with guys who are on holidays and younger guys who are camping.” - Collendina Cricket Coach Corey Walter

Sport

Ellie Harrison in action.

Picture: LIAM ROBERTSON

Ellie Harrison and Ethan Huxtable with their winning cheques after taking out the SmoothStar Micro Groms Cup. Picture: LIAM ROBERTSON

Ellie’s big break breaks big OCEAN Grove Surf Life Saving Club and Barwon Heads resident Ellie Harrison, together with Jan Juc’s Ethan Huxtable, have walked away with $250 cash each for taking out the SmoothStar Micro Groms Cup at Torquay Point last week. After relocating the event due to se-

vere weather warnings, 70 of the top groms in the state tore apart the long point break for a chance to win the prize money on offer. Placing in second was Ocean Grove’s Bohdie Williams who finished with a heat total of 13.57 points.

Harrison hit her peak in the final of the under-14 girls division with the second highest heat total of the day, 17.67 (out of a possible 20). “It was a fun day. Surfing with my friends in the final was good, it was just like going for a free surf,” she said

Locking in two excellent scoring rides, Harrison never looked back on her way to the $250 cash prize. “I’m not sure what I am going to spend it on yet, but I will think of something,” the 11-year-old said. Earlier in the week Harrison won

the 12-and-under girls event at the 2016 Rip Curl Grom Search Series in Jan Juc. Harrison scored the best heat total of any age group in the entire division finals and scored a 17.50 point total in the final.

Ciera Major and Ash Pickett are scoring goals in more ways than one. 159588 Picture: MARK TIZARD

Star life saver: Former Ocean Grove SLSC competitor Harriet Brown.

Harriet proves she’s tough enough FORMER Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club member Harriet Brown was crowned World Ironwoman Champion on Thursday 15 September.

The 25-year-old won her event in the World Life Saving Championships in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Brown is now living on the

Gold Coast and is a member of Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, but is a five-time Pier to Pub winner and started Nippers in Ocean Grove at the age of nine.

Stars on the rise

TWO young former Surfside Waves footballers are excelling for Geelong-based Galaxy United. Ciera Major and Ash Pickett, both from Ocean Grove-based Surfside Waves Soccer Club have successfully stepped up to the WNPL club. At the recent Galaxy United presentation night, both received awards, Ciera Major won the inaugural season’s golden boot and Ash Pickett claimed the best-and-fairest award.

Sport

Summer life starts early By Mark Heenan THE summer of surf life saving has arrived early for new Ocean Grove SLSC junior activities manager Gavin Mahoney and incoming surf sport coordinator Shane Bird. Mahoney, the former club surf sport co-ordinator, assumes the top Nippers post from the outgoing Scott McNaughton, while Bird has taken on his new role like a duck to water. Bird said ‘four winter pool’ sessions at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove had commenced prior to club’s first beach training run in mid-September. “It is evolving the whole time and this is the earliest we have started,” Bird said. “The big reason behind getting everyone down here on Sunday 18 September before school holidays started was to get those connections started as maybe people haven’t seen each other for six months. “The idea was to try and get people down for the holidays.” Mahoney said the fickle ocean conditions gave new club Nippers an ideal introduction to the beach. “It was an introduction to the beach to get them ready for the beach,” he said. “It is different swimming in the pool ... what happens at the beach is there are tides and changes of sand and rips. “It got them back on their board and helped with their techniques on the beach.” Up to 60 enthusiastic club Nippers ranging from under-8s to under13s got their first official taste of preseason beach training at Ocean Grove Main Beach on 18 September. Conditions had everything - it was wet, it rained and it was windy, while the higher tide made the surf challenging for the Nippers. Bird said it was important to get the 'right mix’ between fun and competition. “It is trying to get that balance right,” Bird said. “You don’t want an environment that is just about fun - because you do drop away the higher end kids. “Or if it is just intense you drop away the lower end - our role is to find that balance.”

Water safety team: New Ocean Grove SLSC surf sport co-ordinator Shane Bird, left, and club junior activities manager Gavin Mahoney. 159683 Picture: MARK HEENAN Last season saw a dramatic increase in Ocean Grove SLSC Nippers participation rates with up to 100 youngsters taking part in beach training each Sunday in summer. During the peak holiday period junior numbers swelled to hundreds with the club’s busy Surf Ed program. Ocean Grove SLSC finished equal second overall on points at the 2016

Charlie makes the cut for surfing adventure By Justin Flynn A 12-HOUR road trip up to Sydney is not all that bad when a major surf comp awaits at the other end. Young Ocean Grove surfer Charlie Mahoney is off to Whale Beach, on Sydney’s northern beaches, to compete in the 11th annual Hurley Barton Lynch’s Blast Off this week. The 12-year-old Our Lady Star of the Sea Year 6 student was chosen to surf in the unique under-14 surfing festival - that attracts the largest field of any kids’ surfing event in the world, and is by far the biggest grom surfing event in Australia - with the focus firmly on fun and self-improvement. Charlie commenced his trip up to Sydney by car today with a stopover in Albury with his dad and brother. The heats start on Monday. “I hope to make it to the semifinals,” Charlie said. “I enjoy surfing because it makes me feel relaxed when I’m out on the water.” Charlie had his appendix out

only four weeks ago and is still building up his strength to compete. He combines surfing with surf life saving at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and plays football for the Collendina Cobras. He enjoys surf life saving and wants to be a volunteer life saver when he’s old enough. “It’s not something I’d do forever, but it would be good to help the community when I’m a teenager,” he said. There a few things Charlie wants to work on with his surfing including reading the waves better, but “meeting people and having fun” are his priorities at the moment as well as improving in general. More than 360 groms will hit the beach for the Blast Off and they will get the opportunity to meet event founder Barton Lynch as well as the likes of legends Layne Beachley, Tom Carroll, Rabbit Bartholomew, Terry Richardson, Damien Hardman, Ozzie Wright, Richie Lovett, and upcoming surfers like Cooper Chapman.

Victorian Lifesaving Championships, which included more than 30 clubs competing state-wide. The club’s Nippers will compete in the first state junior carnival on Sunday 4 December in South Melbourne - a bay carnival event. Both Mahoney and Bird have children who compete in Nippers at Ocean Grove SLSC. Charlie Mahoney is off to Sydney for the Hurley BL's Blast Off. 159757

Keen Nippers trio, from left: Harry Farrer, Joel Bartley and Tully Roberts at the Ocean Grove SLSC Nippers first beach training session on 18 September. Picture: Ocean Grove SLSC

Sport Ocean Grove

Nippers keen, page 31

1225079-ACM16-16

ORDER ONLINE TODAY

newcombsand.com.au 460 GROSSMANS RD, TORQUAY & 295 BELLARINE HWY, MOOLAP

OPEN 7 DAYS

PH 5248 2632

www.newcombsand.com.au

Soccer national nod By Justin Flynn OCEAN Grover Caitlin Pickett’s soccer talents are about to take her on a journey of a lifetime. The 17-year-old Geelong Galaxy striker/winger, who started her career at the Surfside Waves, has been chosen in the Under-19 Australian Schoolgirls team to tour the UK and Ireland in January. It’s the result of a lot of hard work from the Sacred Heart College Year 11 student, who has rapidly progressed from a bench player to a vital member of the starting side in the Galaxy’s inaugural season. “It’s a massive jump and it was so great to play at such a good standard,” Pickett said. “To even sit on the bench was a privilege but when I got to start, it was so good. I’d like to go all the way, but it’s a dream at this stage. I’d love to make the W-League.” Pickett was chosen for the squad after impressing selectors in the Australian Schoolgirls Championships in Perth in August. “At the end of it they announced the Aus team and my name was read out and I was stunned. My confidence is not that great. It’s something I’m working on and trying to improve on.” She has a simple message for young women and girls in Ocean Grove. “I’d like to get it out there and to show girls in Ocean Grove that it is possible if you work at it,” she said. “It can be done. You’ve got to start somewhere. Go down to the Waves and have a go. I definitely recommend the club. Football is the best sport.” Pickett got involved in indoor football at the age of nine, but didn’t enjoy it. “It was so intimidating and I hated it it was all boys and I was always the last picked,” she said. “I did cross-country running for a while, but found it focussed too much on the individual and then I moved to outdoor soccer and I knew straight away that it was my sport.” Pickett’s trip to the UK and Ireland depends on her ability to come up with $6900. The tour includes visits to English Premier League games and 10 games against local sides. She has a Go Fund Me page, which has raised just over $4500 so far. Go to www.gofundme.com/caitlinp

Key signing: Paul Lynch is the new Ocean Grove Grubbers coach for the 2017 season. Picture: OGFNC

Lynch is a coup for Grubbers By Mark Heenan

Caitlin Pickett has been selected in the Under-19 Australian Schoolgirls football team. 159596

12322472-RC37-16

Inspired floor ideas

OCEAN Grove Football Netball Club has embraced the appointment of former Geelong Cats AFL player Paul Lynch as its new senior football coach. Lynch, who turns 43 next month, was announced the new Grubber coach for the 2017 season on Thursday 22 September. Club president Tony Potter said the Lynch signing was a coup for Ocean Grove. “The club could not be happier with the direction we have gone,” Potter said. “He (Lynch) will hopefully drive Ocean Grove Football Club to premiership success and to the position we want to be in. “We want to put our club in a position not necessarily to be playing in the Geelong Football League, but to be at least in a position to play GFL football and that will only benefit the community.” Lynch who lives on the Surf Coast and played 62 AFL games with Geelong from 1993 to 2000, coached Colac to its first ever GFL premiership in 2014. He led Lara to a GFL flag in 2002 and Birregurra to premiership success in the Colac District Football League in 2011.

CARPET | TIMBER | LAMINATE | VINYL

Beat the Christmas Rush

BAMBOO FLOORING 18 Colours from $55 per sq metre supply only

Book your installation now