INSIDE THIS EDITION…
MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC, PAGE 3
20 May - 2 June, 2020
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(Rebecca Hosking) 208530_02
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
Married to the job Ocean Grove couple Wendy and Ian Rabone have spent ive of 41 years of marriage donning orange overalls for Bellarine SES. ■ Read their story on page 17.
Tree attack ‘deliberate’ By Justin Flynn Police may be called on to investigate whether damage to a tree on council land in Ocean Grove was a criminal act. he bracelet honey myrtle tree, in Aldebaran Road, was damaged to the point where a council arborist had to remove it because it was a safety hazard. Concerned residents contacted City of Greater Geelong about the incident, with one saying it was “attacked with a chainsaw in
‘‘
I was in disbelief at the damage done
’’
- Rebecca
broad daylight”. “It’s not what Ocean Grove is about,” another resident, who wanted to be identiied as Rebecca, said. “We pride ourselves on being nature- and environmentally-friendly and to have this
behaviour happen is so disappointing. “I live in a street nearby and walked by the tree daily with my husband. “I was in disbelief at the damage done and then to see that council had to remove it was so sad and frustrating.” In a letter to the resident, council described the damage as “deliberate vandalism of community property”. he Voice contacted council for comment. City services director Guy Wilson-Browne said the damage was “extremely disappointing”.
“It is extremely disappointing to see this tree deliberately damaged to a point where we were unable to retain it,” he said. “his tree provided habitat and shade and this removal is a sad loss for the local environment and community. “We are currently investigating this matter and considering whether it will be referred to police. “It is illegal to prune, or deliberately damage trees and shrubs on council-owned reserves, such as nature strips.”
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Walk a family affair By Justin Flynn Four generations of the same family competed in the Mother’s Day Classic recently. he Mother’s Day Classic is an annual run/ walk event aimed at raising money for breast cancer, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants this year were restricted to groups of no more than two. One local family had four generations participate. Geof, 83, and Bev Soulsby, 80, and daughters Kym Russell, 58, and Paula Simpson, 53, took part in the four-kilometre walk. he virtual run was done by Donna Hunt, 56, and her daughter Marissa Munday, 37, and her children Olivia, 7, and Sam, 4. Geof, Bev and Paula walked locally at the beach in Ocean Grove, Donna ran in Ocean Grove, Kym walked in Buninyong and Marissa, Olivia and Sam ran in Armstrong Creek. “It gave us all something to look forward to,” Donna said. “Dad [Geof] really enjoyed doing his irst Mother’s Day Classic. He waited at the inish line for us last year when mum [Bev] did her irst Mother’s Day Classic in Geelong.” Youngsters Olivia and Sam love fun runs, and particularly enjoy dressing up for the occasion. “With everything that is going on in the world, the best thing you can do for yourself is keep exercising,” Donna said. “We all loved getting out and exercising on Mother’s Day and we followed up with a group meeting on nessenger, which included my other sister [Joann] in Broome, all wearing pink.” All in the family: Bev Soulsby and Paula Simpson (top), Donna Hunt (right) and Marissa, Sam and Olivia Munday all took part in the Mother’s Day Classic. (Pictures: Supplied)
NEWS
Heads trafic in spotlight he City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback to inform a transport and parking study in Barwon Heads. Council wants to learn more from local residents, business owners and regular visitors about key transport, parking and pedestrian issues or opportunities relating to council-managed roads in Barwon Heads. Using this feedback, the Barwon Heads Transport and Parking Study will advise a plan that promotes sustainable transport, improves pedestrian and cycling accessibility, enhances safety and reviews parking conditions. Engagement opened on May 4 and will run for six weeks. Some key topics may include: • Parking options, including current controls • Access to and from school • Speed limits • Pedestrian and cycling networks, including crossing points • Congestion and delay in peak periods • Road sealing treatment preferences. “We’re listening to the Barwon Heads community who have been very clear that they want clarity around local traic and parking,” mayor Stephanie Asher said. To have your say, visit geelongaustralia. com.au/yoursay or call 5272 5272 to share your feedback over the phone or request a hard copy of the survey questions.
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By Cr Jim Mason here’s still time to review council’s Drat 2020-21 Budget, with engagement open until May 26. At its core is a $161.2 million capital works program, aimed at boosting local investment and supporting jobs as we ride out the pandemic. Projects include a $60,000 facility upgrade to the Ocean Grove – Collendina Reserve pavilion, including gender neutral facilities. Also, a $50,000 allocation to upgrade the playing surface at the Ocean Grove Cricket Club Oval. Council has also created a inancial hardship policy for those who are experiencing inancial challenges as a result of the coronavirus crisis. If you need to discuss your situation, email hardship@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 5272 5272. Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay for more information on the drat budget and while you’re at it, make sure to view the other engagements. he City wants to hear about transport, parking and pedestrian issues and opportunities for the Barwon Heads Transport and Parking Study. You can explore what’s planned for Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads using the interactive map, as part of the Drat Social Infrastructure
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‘‘
sitting on the beach or shooting hoops are now a reality
’’
We’re all breathing a sigh of relief ater the state slightly eased coronavirus restrictions. I commend all residents for doing the right thing to help latten the curve. he changes mean the city’s opened public access to outdoor spaces such as beaches, boating ramps, golf courses and tennis and basketball courts. Residents can gather in groups of 10 on the beach or in a park, as long as everyone maintains a safe distance of 1.5 metres from each other. Daydreams during lockdown of sitting on the beach or shooting hoops are now a reality, so long as the rules are followed. I encourage the community to continue closely following the restrictions that are in place.
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Letters of thanks Saint Ignatius College year 8 students have delivered 250 letters or gratitude and care packages to Barwon Health frontline workers. Representatives Lachie McLean and Zoe Walter (pictured) led their year level in demonstrating compassion and gratitude by delivering the packs personally to thank the workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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4 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 20 May, 2020
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NEWS
Bellarine house prices luctuate By Justin Flynn House prices across the Bellarine luctuated during the irst quarter, according to igures released by Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV). Parts of the northern Bellarine were hardest hit with prices falling well below the regional Victorian quarterly price change of -0.5 per cent. he median price for a house in regional Victoria was $409,000. Queensclif inished the quarter down 11.7 per cent to a median price of $843,000.
Drysdale was down 10 per cent to $550,000, while Portarlington was down 10.2 per cent to $575,000. Curlewis (down 0.5 per cent to $581,000) and Point Lonsdale (down 1.1 per cent to $820,000) remained relatively steady. Cliton Springs deied the trend by increasing 2.6 per cent to $500,000, while St Leonards was down 2.5 per cent to $575,000. Ocean Grove bucked the trend with a 1 per cent increase in the median house price to $707,000, while Barwon Heads remained steady with just a 0.1 per cent decrease to
$971,000. “Our local market is strong and resilient; buyers from across the globe have shown great interest in Victoria,” REIV president Gil King said. “In chaotic times such as we are battling now, it is a much welcome relief to be able to see some good news. Victorian real estate is in great condition.” Bellarine properties also took longer to sell than the 56-day regional Victorian average. Barwon Heads took an average of 56 days to sell, with Ocean Grove (73), Drysdale (61),
Cliton Springs (77), Queensclif (95) and St Leonards (101.5) all taking longer. Point Lonsdale was under the average at 54 days. Rent yield for Bellarine properties remained steady. he average rental yield for regional Victorian properties was 4.4 per cent. Ocean Grove (3.2 per cent), Curlewis (3.6 per cent), Cliton Springs (4 per cent) and Drysdale (3.8 per cent) were all slightly down on the average. Figures for other towns on the peninsula were not available.
Hundreds tested for virus they show even mild symptoms of COVID-19, and continue to practice social distancing and hygiene measures. “Although we are starting to see the start of restrictions being lited, we are a long way from the inish line as far as COVID-19 is concerned,” Mr Dawson said. BCH is now undertaking service planning to recommence delivery of services across all sites. “BCH has always been highly vigilant with infection control measures, however with COVID-19 these have been increased further,” Mr Dawson said. “he community can be assured of receiving the best quality health care in the safest environment possible.” Continued restrictions such as social distancing measures will remain in place, along with a structured and co-ordinated return to work process for BCH staf who are currently working from home.
Bellarine Community Health staff and volunteers tested nearly 500 people for coronovirus. (Supplied)
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Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has tested about 500 asymptomatic people for COVID-19 during the past week. he tests were done at BCH sites at Portarlington, Drysdale, Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove, with the majority of those tested from the retail sector. he COVID-19 tests have helped inform the state government’s decision to begin to ease restrictions across the state. “BCH established these testing clinics together at very short notice and I’m proud of how staf responded in such an eicient and professional manner,” BCH chief executive Shane Dawson said. “he testing clinics were aimed at the retail sector in particular because of the greater community exposure, however, we were also testing essential community and health staf.” BCH said it was encouraging all community members to remain vigilant, seek testing should
5 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 20 May, 2020
NEWS OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Arts hub plan for former kinder A former kindergarten in Barwon Heads will be transformed into an arts and community hub ater the City of Greater Geelong gave its in-principle support for the development. A concept design for the hub, at 5 Cliford Parade, outlines two options for the refurbishment of the existing building and the construction of a new arts building and outdoor space. Council will now enter into a funding agreement with the state government. he state committed $1 million towards a hub at the site, which is owned by the City, before the 2018 state election. Several locations were assessed, however, the old kindergarten site was found to be
‘‘
fantastic opportunity to support the arts industry
’’
- Trent Sullivan
the most suitable for an arts and community hub. An existing community facility is also immediately adjacent to the new arts facility. he proposal is to include a lexible studio and program spaces, while a carpark for 20 cars, a maker space, a casual studio space, an outdoor studio and an outdoor social area will be built, subject to further detailed
design. he endorsed concept design provides the largest achievable loor area and best functionality for an arts hub, while minimising any impact to existing senior citizens activities, council said. “he Bellarine Peninsula has a vibrant arts community, which is proud to have a point of diference by being by the coast,” arts, culture and heritage portfolio chairman Cr Trent Sullivan said. “his hub is a fantastic opportunity to support the arts industry which has been signiicantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m impressed with the concept design
for this arts and community hub, which is exactly what the community wanted and will no doubt spark creativity amongst future users and see new friendships develop.” Support for the approved layout has been received from the Barwon Heads Arts and Community Hub Project Working Group and Project Reference Group (including stakeholders from the Barwon Heads Arts Council, Barwon Heads Association and Barwon Heads Senior Citizens). he community will be given the opportunity to have its say as part of the next stage of development. Council has also referred the project to future budget processes for consideration.
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Sam Leonard has joined Geelong’s Youth Council. (Supplied)
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6 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 20 May, 2020
New voice for Geelong’s youth council Ocean Grove teenager Sam Leonard has joined the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council as a new junior member. he 15-year-old joins the group as a representative of the Bellarine ward. Sam has a particular interest in climate change and hopes to encourage more young people to access opportunities and support networks. Sam will be formally introduced to his Youth Council peers this month, before taking his seat as an oicial member at the June meeting. He replaces Elkin Wittenberg, who tendered her resignation from the group due to relocating outside of the municipality. Sam was ofered the position as the next highest recipient of votes for the Bellarine ward in the Youth Council election earlier this year. He looks forward to bringing a fresh voice to the local government platform. “I’m really excited to join the Youth Council because it is such a great opportunity for young people to make a diference in the Geelong community,” Sam said. “It is also a great experience for everyone who is a part of it.” Junior mayor Farana Hussaini said: “On behalf of the Youth Council, I am excited to welcome Sam to our group. “We were all sad to say goodbye to Elkin but we are looking forward to the new ideas Sam will bring. “Sam will be another strong voice for young people in the Bellarine ward. We can’t wait to work together with Sam, to help make that voice heard.”
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NEWS
Rapt by ‘little falcon’ sighting I’m still on long service leave so all of my bird-watching has been close to home, except when I had to go to North Geelong for a COVID-19 test, so I took the opportunity to have a quick drive to Avalon Beach. I saw a male black falcon (a magniicent bird), an Australian hobby and a nankeen kestrel, so it was a lovely quick drive. Speaking of nankeen kestrels, there has been a lovely male kestrel hanging around Shell Road, close to Ocean Grove where the road slopes down the hill. I drove to the boat ramp near the Ocean Grove Golf Club, because I read on the Geelong Field Naturalist website that Ocean Grove locals, George and Chrissy, heard a Lewin’s rail in the saltmarsh near the ramp. I have never seen a Lewin’s rail, so I ventured there to have a look – I didn’t see the rail but did spot two Australian hobbys lying around the carpark. he Australian hobby is a raptor that is also known as the ‘little falcon’. I was also happy to see a black-shouldered kite in Ocean Grove, perched on a dead tree between Yellow Gums estate and Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. I travelled around Australia in March and worried about seeing only two black-shouldered kites in 7000 kilometres of driving, so it was great to see one close to home. Speaking of raptors, I was so happy to see the pair of brown falcons that have inhabited the farms in Banks Road, Mannerim, for years. Part of their habitat, including the big pine tree
Clockwise from left: Black-shouldered kite in Ocean Grove; Neil’s picture of a brown falcon; Golden whistler, Ocean Grove; Kevin’s photo of the great cormorant nest at Blue Waters Lake. (Pictures: Supplied)
that they oten perched on, have been removed for the new housing estates. he falcons are still hanging around, but for how much longer is anyone’s guess. I have seen a beautiful male golden whistler on several occasions in ‘Sue’s’ park near my house over the past few weeks (the park is named ater the wonderful lady who looks ater the park and plants beautiful native trees in it). his time of year (not the breeding season) the whistlers are quiet, so I have had to look very closely up at the trees to see this bird, and I haven’t managed a great photo as they tend to
I received a lovely email from Carole, who is the convener of Bellarine Birdlife. Her tree in the backyard has had a lot of cheeky visitors enjoying the lowers, including New Holland honeyeaters. On the beach, Carole has seen many Paciic gulls. hey have arrived to enjoy the spider crabs that have gathered for moulting. I witnessed a ight the other day and of course the gull won. I received an email from Neil, who is an excellent bird photographer. Neil sent me some photos of a juvenile Paciic gull and a brown falcon that he spotted in Banks Road.
hang around the top of the tree canopy. Regarding breeding season, it’s a great surprise to many bird lovers around Ocean Grove to see two great cormorant nests on the loating platforms at Blue Waters Lake. Even though it is not breeding season, the conditions must be favourable (in so far as water and food availability) for these birds to be nesting. he last time great cormorants were recorded as nesting on the Bellarine Peninsula was in 2005, when a pair nested at Lake Lorne, in Drysdale, as reported by Tom Fletcher and Gordon McCarthy.
Budding artists shine
No sign of media grants
Ocean Grove Community Association ran a kids art competition with local children drawing pictures around the theme ‘Love Where you Live’. The artworks were displayed in the window at Driftwood Cafe and prizes were vouchers from local businesses. The competition drew a huge response, with 25 children receiving vouchers for their hard work.
TILLY
LANI & WILLOW
LILA
CLAIRE
ISAAC & JEMMA WILLOW
MOLLY, LILLIAN & HARRIET TULLY
MAGGIE
MACKENZIE
BANJO
ASHER
TESS
(Pictures: Justin Flynn)
ELLA
A federal government grants program aimed at supporting regional and community media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic has been labelled as “inadequate” by Labor. Last month, the federal government announced a $50 million Public Interest News Gathering (PING) grants program in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis on newsrooms across the country. But Labor’s communications spokeswoman, Michelle Rowland said the grants program – and its administration – proved the government was out of touch with the needs of the media industry. “he PING is late, it is inadequate, it is confused and it undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know by putting the minister at the centre of grants approvals for the fourth estate,” Ms Rowland said. “he minister should have no role in determining winners and losers when it comes to the survival of media outlets whose job it is to hold the government to account.” Ms Rowland said the PING grants program was established almost a year ater the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended the government replace its Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund with a targeted grants program. “he opening of the PING also comes over ive weeks ater Labor wrote to the deputy prime minister requesting COVID-19 relief funding for regional and community media. It will again be weeks before successful applicants are announced and funding lows,” she said. 7 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 20 May, 2020
NEWS OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Fishers lock to the bay By Luke Voogt Anglers locked to Corio Bay and piers across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula on Wednesday following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. “On an average day you’d have nowhere near that amount,” local ishing expert Peri Stavropolous said. he midweek ishing pilgrimage followed the easing at midnight on Tuesday of stage three restrictions, which had previously prohibited the pastime.
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Barwon Heads CFA captain Helen Wood at the construction site. (Supplied)
Progress on station works
On an average day you’d have nowhere near that amount - Peri Stavropolous
’’
Mr Stavropolous estimated double the amount of ishers dropping a line on Wednesday compared to an average day before bans on recreational ishing came into force in March. “here’s heaps of land-based ishos today,” he said. “hey were on nearly every structure we could see. I only see it that busy when it’s the weekend and you have really good weather. “We saw a lot of people pulling ish too.” Mr Stavropolous saw anglers net salmon, lathead and trevally on the bay and ish numbers were “really good”, he said. A keen isherman himself, he was thrilled to cast a line on Wednesday for the irst time in more than a month. “We didn’t care what the weather was going to be, we were going to be ishing,” he said. “I think that’s the case with most ishos, getting out on the water is all they care about.
Steve Threlfall and Peri Stavropolous cast a line on Wednesday. (Rebecca Hosking) 208496_03
“It’s a massive, massive step in [returning] to my normal life again. It leaves a bit of a hole when you’re not ishing, it just doesn’t feel right.” Mr Stavropolous works at Trelly’s Geelong, which he said was much busier following the easing of restrictions. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews
announced the easing of restrictions last Monday. Under the changes people can now gather in groups of up to 10 outside of home while maintaining physical distancing. National and state parks will open for hiking, ishing, hunting, prospecting, diving, boating and other recreational activities for groups of up to 10.
Works are almost inished on the $510,000 upgrade of Barwon Heads ire station. he project was funded through a $250,000 investment by the Victorian government and $210,000 in community funding from the brigade. CFA also contributed $50,000 through its Base Capital Works program. he project, which began in March, is delivering an additional engine bay, male and female turn-out room and important upgrades to power, water and CFA communications and data services. “I want to thank the brigade for their incredible ongoing fundraising eforts and contribution to the new station, ensuring Barwon Heads has a state-of-the-art ire station that will continue to play a vital role in keeping the community safe,” Barwon Heads CFA captain Helen Wood said. Police and Emergency Services Minister and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the upgrade would create a modern station.
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DINE OUT
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he funky tunes that transform a warm and cosy chicken shop by day into a quirky live music venue at night may have been turned down temporarily due to COVID-19, but your favourite comfort food and service with a smile is still piping hot. he crew at Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Grill are doing their bit to keep the community safe, currently only open for takeaway and home delivery to Ocean Grove. Owner Tami McAdam says people can still get their locally roasted, award-winning, Roastcrat cofee, perfectly paired with a BLT brioche, chorizo brekky burger or toasted fruit loaf from the breakfast menu. “We’re still serving up everything on our normal menu plus we’ve got some new creations on the way,” Tami says. “We know locals love their parmi, so we’re adding a traditional chicken parmi burger (pictured) and Mexican parmi to the menu.”
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he range of burgers, wraps and rolls is so extensive they need their own section on the menu. he chicken burger menu includes favourites such as the original schnitzel burger, but if you want to spice things up, go for the Mexican Mama Sita burger. Hot rolls present a range of mouthwatering illings and if you’re feeling brave there’s bufalo wings served ‘medium’, ‘stupid hot’ or ‘impossible’. “We make our own chutneys, pickles, spice rubs and marinades as well as winter soups and a variety of slices,” Tami says. “We are also fully licensed and stock a range of locally produced beers and ciders.”
Check out the menu at zebrabar.com.au or our Facebook page for updates Phone 5255 3961 to order Open Wednesday to Sunday
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Short story author reaps rewards
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Jude Lingard’s short-story entry Trapped has been judged as the winning piece in a writing competition. Local author Alan Cobham is running a series of short-story writing competitions and Jude’s entry netted her a prize of $200. Jude’s story: “Weeks of pondering and self-relection had taken their toll upon Helen’s mental health. With so much time to think, it was diicult for her to tell the diference between reality and her own twisted recollection of past events. Years of anxiety and insomnia were the cause of inner conlict. Her mother’s insidious control had wrapped its tentacles irmly
around her neck, and there was no escape. Most of Helen’s thought life revolved around preparation for the daily call on the landline: rehearsing lines and conjuring up positive things to say. Trying to please, she had become adept at the embellishment of her bland life, along with second guessing the inevitable questioning that she now dreaded. It was a slow and steady poison; one that she longed to be purged of. At least her mother’s inability to adjust to 21st century life had spared her a barrage of mobile calls. Recently, Helen’s ‘social life’ had been cut of by government restrictions on account of the deadly virus. And fearmongering from
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the media had squashed her desire to mingle with the general populace, lest she become contaminated. Unlike before, when shopping could swallow up an entire morning. Now it was a hunt, a smash and a grab. So much time to kill. Introspection had become both her friend, and her enemy. To keep the virus at bay, she rose early each morning to run 20 laps of the narrow strip of grass that separated the back wall of her unit from the paling fence. At the end, there was a garden of sorts; woody camelia bushes, overgrown jade plants and wild roses. Amongst the weeds, the milk thistle attracted butterlies.
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Jude Lingard’s story ’’Trapped’’ won the irst of a series of short-story writing competitions.
Something to be thankful for. Since reading the How and Why Wonder Book of Butterlies and Moths at seven, Helen had developed a special interest. She could photograph each page in her mind, identify each species, recall its Latin name and recite the details of its habitat and life cycle. his morning, the amber lash of a Monarch butterly brought a royal stop to her exercise. She hastened a backward retreat and tiptoed towards the kitchen to search for her largest sieve and an empty box. Stooping reverently, quietly, and very gently, she lowered the sieve over her quarry and trapped it inside its temporary prison. Here was her epiphany. Adrenalin pumping, Helen carried her royal charge towards the bedroom and closed the door, leaving the box on the rug with the lid open. Lying on her back, eyes closed, she began to pray. Fervently. Soon there was movement inside the box. he majestic beauty began to rise like a phoenix towards the ceiling, at irst circling, and then dancing, around the brass chandelier. Eventually it began to descend, wating down like a feather and settling on her cheek. Prickling, electric sensations began to shimmer across her skin. he eagle had landed. Her exhilaration was palpable, knowing that a Monarch’s touch meant transformation. his was her moment. Helen opened her eyes in time to see the royal guest ly across the room and land on the windowsill. Sitting upright, she felt clarity and newfound purpose. With great determination, Helen slipped out to the kitchen, returning to the bedroom with a large pair of scissors. In an instant, she severed the telephone lead that was hanging by the bedside table. All lines of communication were now gone. he bedroom window was raised, the winged saviour luttered away to its freedom, and Helen smiled.
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Town & Country Pizza Kingston Village store now open!
Bellarine Training and Community Hub is continuing to deliver courses while adhering to strict physical distancing. (Supplied)
Order via Phone: (03) 5255 2597 or online: townandcountrypizza.com.au Contactless delivery now available
Bellarine Training and Community Hub (BTACH) has been able to continue to upskill and retrain people on the Bellarine Peninsula during the COVID-19 pandemic. he hub says it has been exciting to see the variety of lexible ways that courses can be delivered while adhering to strict physical distancing rules. BTACH’s innovative approach includes having ive or less students in the large class rooms – allowing for maximum physical distancing – and remote learning via Zoom, email and phone. Whether a student wants to come to the centre to learn or stay at home, is up to them. Shae McNamara is one student who hasn’t looked back since enrolling. In 2016, ater a 20-year career in hospitality, Shae decided it was time for a change but was not sure what she wanted to do. She enrolled in certiicate three in aged care at BTACH. “I had not studied since high school, so I was extremely nervous on my irst day,” Shae says. “hen I met my teacher Louise she was brilliant, vibrant, understanding and passionate about what she was teaching. I loved it.”
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“I got a job as soon as my course inished and was so keen to learn more that the following year, 2017, I enrolled in the cert 4 in individual support with the same teacher. “Ater working in aged care for over three years and still keen to learn more I am currently studying the Diploma of Nursing, which I will complete this August and cannot wait to further my career, hopefully in the hospital setting. “I already have my sights on the future and am looking to enrol in the Bachelor of Nursing this August. “he one thing I have deinitely learnt since 2016, and Louise has always taught me, you can do anything if you put your mind to it, especially if it is something you are passionate about.” Students taking the time to study now will mean they can hit the ground running in their chosen ield sooner rather than later. he courses are quality, cost-efective programs that are closely aligned to industry, making for a seamless re-entry into the workforce. Justin Flynn
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Pass the time with a good local read Queensclif author Jed Hart has released his escapism iction novel Without Warning. he book is based on his Vietnam tour and consequent business life around the world. his high-powered tale follows Australian protagonist, Jake Hunt, a good-looking, witty, straight-shooting guy who works as an aviation adviser to a global oil company. Jake has inished with war until terrorists kidnap his boss’ wife, and a routine work assignment fragments. In the backdrop, a love story develops between Jake Hunt and his co-worker, Nicole Roswell. But her ideas of right and wrong are tested to the limit when she realises that her charming and thoughtful man is an incorrigible risk taker. When Jake reverts to his military training, the trauma of his wartime experience returns. hen all hell breaks loose when the terrorists attack the sultanate seeking power and revenge, and those involved must act to protect themselves and the ones they love. “It was quite easy to write a story that revolves around a Vietnam Vet and the issues that he would have to face ater seeing so much violence and chaos in war zones,” Jed says. Jed lew choppers with the US Army in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War, operated helicopters to mountains in New Guinea, spent a stint as Shell’s Peru-based security manager and worked in Brunei and Want one less thing to worry about?
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London. “For me, writing the book has been cathartic. A lot of the journey that Jake Hunt takes, my comrades in arms and I have travelled,” he says. “Some of my friends are men who became hardened by combat and have never been entirely comfortable in a peacetime world.” Without Warning is available to purchase now, including at Bookgrove in Ocean Grove.
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The government have eased dental practices back to Level 1 restrictions. We can now perform most routine dental treatments. We are still taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe. We are screening individual patients for COVID-19 symptoms. Thank you for you continued support and please stay safe. Sam & Don
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Orange is the new go-to Wendy and Ian Rabone have spent ive of 41 years of marriage donning orange overalls for Bellarine SES, ater their Ocean Grove sea change. “It’s our 41st wedding anniversary today,” Wendy told the Independent on Tuesday. “When we came down here in 2014 we wanted to get involved in community. “We didn’t know anyone so we thought it would be a good way to meet like-minded people. We’ve found that most of the people have joined for the same reason.” Both grew up in Hamilton and holidayed in Ocean Grove as children. Ater moving to and from Melbourne during their careers, they came down to the coast for retirement. “We’d had enough of the city,” Ian said. “It had become even more of a rat race than it had before.” he couple, now grandparents and both 63-years-old, volunteer in their local SES unit. “We’ve got the time and we’re it and healthy,” Ian said. he couple oten go to callouts together, putting their diferent skills to use. “It’s good being able to come back from a job and talk things through,” Wendy said. “We had our own business for many years so we worked together and it’s no issue.” “hat’s because I’m so easy to get on with,” Ian added, laughing. Ian specialises in road crash rescue, chainsaw and working at heights, while Wendy is the unit’s duty oicer once a week and runs fundraising collections. As well as giving back to their community, they take on an interesting variety of calls for help in the SES, according to Wendy. “I think that’s the best part, you don’t have to do the same job over and over,” she said. With COVID-19 restrictions, SES members
Wendy and Ian Rabone have served together in the SES for ive years. (Rebecca Hosking)
have adapted the way they approach training and callouts, using conference calls and other online learning tools. Members are also taking turns in having an SES vehicle at their homes, so they can attend callouts immediately before deciding if they need extra support. “hat way we can decide how many people we need so we only engage the right amount of people to do a job,” Ian said.
“We’re trying to expose people less to jobs. here’s also a lot more sanitisation with everything that goes on.” But SES members are continuing to “work in the background” and fundraise for their organisation, Ian explained. “You wouldn’t know at 2am I got up to go to a roof job recently,” he said. “People probably don’t realise 20 or so of us were doing a dozen jobs [during recent storms].”
As part of National Volunteer Week, the SES is encouraging Victorians to don orange next Wednesday to thank volunteers. Victorian SES volunteers responded to almost 35,000 requests for assistance during 2019-20. To get involved in Wear Orange Wednesday visit www.ses.vic.gov.au. Luke Voogt
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS FROM FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE LIBBY COKER
COVID-19 and the summer bushfires have highlighted how volunteers keep communities together during difficult times, even when we face the challenge of having to stay apart. Volunteering Geelong ensures a coordinated and focused approach to helping those who most need assistance. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, Volunteering Geelong is an essential link in our community. It connects volunteers wanting to give back with groups and organisations in need of volunteers. Organisations across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and
Most recently, Volunteering Geelong and Geelong Connected Communities have come together to support Lockdown Buddies – a new volunteer group set up to help those most isolated during the pandemic. You too can help by either registering to become a volunteer or providing a donation to the Volunteering Geelong Foundation. To find out more or to arrange an interview, please visit volunteeringgeelong.org.au or email info@volunteeringgeelong.org.au.
It has been heartening to see that during these unprecedented times, so many people are willing to step up and help others in need. Thank you also to those who are providing care and support to neighbours, friends, family and colleagues. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the incredible work of my volunteer team, who since the start of April have been ringing constituents in our electorate aged over 80. As a result of their efforts, we have been able to put dozens of people in touch with support services. Please continue to stay safe, take care, and reach out if you need support.
Libby Coker MP I would also like to thank volunteers working across a range of various organisations in Corangamite.
Phone 03 5243 1444 Email Libby.Coker.MP@aph.gov.au @LibbyCokerMP Authorised by Libby Coker, Australian Labor Party, 3A/195 Colac Road, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216
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This year, we have seen the importance of volunteers and the value they bring to our communities.
parts of the Golden Plains and Colac Otway Shires benefit from Volunteering Geelong’s efforts in food relief; conservation; animal welfare and rescue; and emergency services; alongside material aid such as clothing, toiletries and other essentials.
17 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 20 May, 2020