Ocean Grove Voice - 21st April 2023

Big Freeze challenge issued

Drysdale Football Netball Club’s second Big Freeze event is on next month and the fight to beat Motor Neurone Disease is on.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan is the first slider announced and at least a dozen more will be named in the coming weeks.

Organisers are hoping to raise $100,000 and to attract a crowd of more than 4000 to the event, which will be held before the club’s footy game against Newcomb on Sunday, June 4.

■ Story: Page 3

Mayor Trent Sullivan, Sam Moorfoot and James Breust get some practice in for the Big Freeze. (Ivan Kemp) 328788_08

Fast rail future in doubt

By Matt Hewson

With rumours circulating about the potential delay or even scrapping of the Geelong Fast Rail project, Geelong organisations have begun voicing their concerns.

As recently as November last year, the state government was spruiking Geelong Fast Rail as part of its Big Build.

A release on the Big Build website stated construction was expected to begin in 2023 on the Werribee corridor that would reduce travel times between Geelong and Melbourne by up to 15 minutes.

However, reports this week have suggested budgetary constraints at both the state and federal level will see the project delayed, possibly indefinitely.

Geelong Region Alliance (G21) chief executive Giulia Baggio said the reports were “concerning”.

“If correct, this would be deeply frustrating for our region which is the fastest growing in Victoria and in desperate need of major public transport investment,” Ms Baggio said.

“Both federal and state governments are well aware the Geelong region has outgrown its transport network and the community is poorly served by public transport. Now is not the time to put our communities’ needs on the back burner.

“A new integrated transport strategy developed by G21 and our regional partners (soon to be released) identifies a number of rail and active transport projects that will need to be funded in the next five to 10 years

to avoid a massive increase in road congestion.

“We are attracting record numbers of young people and have a rare opportunity to turbo-charge our regional economy. We will not achieve that without a serious program of transport investment, which is already overdue.”

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said the committee was “awaiting clarity” on the future of the project, and that any delay would be “disappointing”.

“We would expect a commitment that the funding has not been lost and any delay to be kept to a minimum,” he said.

“Transport continues to be the major issue raised by our members, and the time has come for a co-ordinated approach to addressing this. Let’s release the plan and start delivering

on the priority projects.”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said council understood the budget pressures state and federal governments faced.

“Unfortunately, governments are having to make some very difficult decisions on planned projects,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Improved public transport, including better rail connections between Geelong and Melbourne, is important for supporting our region’s growth.

“We’ll continue to advocate for our community and work with the state and federal governments to deliver positive outcomes.”

Corio MP Richard Marles, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and Geelong MP Christine Couzens were contacted for comment.

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New owner rescues farm

By Matt Hewson

Much-loved farm The Paddock will continue to service the community after being purchased by the Give Where You Live Foundation.

The seven-acre Leopold farm was closed down in the wake of the collapse of Encompass Community Services earlier this year.

Since purchasing The Paddock in 2007, Encompass has used the site to provide people living with disabilities or disadvantage the opportunity to work, learn and build social connections.

Give Where You Live’s acting chief officer Meg Price said the foundation was proud to purchase the property and ensure it could continue to serve as a community asset.

“The Give Where You Live Foundation exists to create a fairer community, where all people and all places thrive,” Ms Price said.

“The Paddock has been a much-loved community asset for over 15 years, providing a unique setting for people of all abilities to

explore new experiences and learn new skills, in areas of horticulture, grounds maintenance and cooking.”

“The foundation’s decision to purchase The Paddock strongly aligns with our goal to build community assets and support learning and employment pathway opportunities, particularly for people facing barriers.

“We’re proud that the time, money, effort

and commitment the community has put into The Paddock will be retained and built upon.”

The Give Where You Live Foundation is one of Geelong’s longest-standing and successful philanthropic organisations, having been established in 1954 as the Geelong and District Community Chest.

Last year the foundation gave back almost $2,8 million into the Geelong community, including $1.6 million worth of grants to community groups.

Ms Price said Give Where You Live was currently exploring how to best use The Paddock as a community asset.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with a range of stakeholders over the coming months as we plan the next phase of The Paddock,” she said. “We would like to thank the community for their continued support of the foundation; the feedback we have received on our decision to purchase The Paddock has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re incredibly proud of this outcome.”

$100k the goal for the Big Freeze

Drysdale Football Netball Club is hoping to raise $100,000 at its second Big Freeze event next month.

Theclubraisedabout$60,000atitsinaugural event last year with 15 local identities sliding down into the icy water to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease.

Drysdale player James Breust is MND Big Freeze founder Neale Daniher’s nephew and the cause is close to his heart.

“Last year was unbelievable, the sea of people and beanies was a great day raising over $60,000 for FMND was pretty special,” he said.

The club has announced its first ‘slider’ for this year’s June 4 slide, City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. Further sliders will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sam Moorfoot helped raise more than $15,000 last year and will have a ‘Sammy’s choice’ where he gets to pick a slider himself.

“Samraisedastellaramountlastyear,andhe gets his ‘Sammy’s pick’,” Breust said.

“I’ve been trying to get some hints out of him at who it will be, but he’s pretty tight lipped.”

While Breust will be playing in the main game against Newcomb, he said he was able to blend in with the crowd for some of last year’s festivities before the match and hoped to do so again.

“It was nice last year, just before the warm up I was able to pop over and just nestled into the crowd,” he said.

“Webroughtitalltogetherinafewweekslast year, now that we’ve had a good time to plan we have a Big Freeze army behind it now.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Big Freeze at the MCG before the traditional Collingwood vs Melbourne match.

Tin Shed sets the standard yet again

The Tin Shed in Barwon Heads has raised more than $81,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The massive effort put the town in 10th place in the state for funds raised. With a further $1207 donated by the public, Barwon Heads raised $82,357.

Barwon Grove Golf Club, better known as the Tin Shed, raised $81,150, eclipsing last year’s amount by $20,000.

Approximately 600 locals and long-weekenders went to the shed on Good Friday, although club president Conan Roos said he was concerned by the weather forecast on the morning of the event.

“I was a bit concerned with weather forecasts that might entice people to stay inside, but luckily it held off most of the day,” he said.

“The atmosphere on the day was electric with everyone participating in auctions, raffles and kids activities.

“By the close of the day we were dreaming of surpassing last year’s total, when our treasure announced that the total was over $81,000.

“We were all blown away. A lot of cheers and happy tears were shared by all.”

The Bellarine Peninsula dug deep for the appeal.

Drysdale contributed $33,339, Ocean Grove raised $26,563 and Portarlington donated $18,492.

A record $23 million was raised for the appeal.

This year, funds from the Good Friday Appeal will go directly to new and ongoing programs including cardiac projects,theCentreforHealth Analytics, developmentoftheMelbourneChildren’s Campus Mental Health Strategy and vibrant youth program Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS).

Each year donations from the Good Friday Appeal support ground-breaking research, state of the art equipment and technology, family centred care programs and attracting and retaining the brightest minds.

Breust said his uncle Neale, who has MND, is an inspiration.

“It’s coming into his 10th year since being diagnosed which in itself is amazing,” he said.

“He’s amazing and still travelling well. He’s a fighter. He doesn’t sit back and feel sorry for himself.”

Breust said the best way to donate to the Big Freeze was to head to fightmnd.org.au or buy a Big Freeze beanie.

Last year’s game attracted 2000 spectators and organisers are hoping to double that this time around.

Drysdale’s Big Freeze is on Sunday June 4 from 12.30pm at Mortimer Oval, Drysdale.

Give Where You Live Foundation’s chief executive Meg Price. (Supplied)

The Tin Shed raised more than $80,000 for the Good Friday Appeal. (Facebook)

Sam Moorfoot makes sure that mayor Trent Sullivan and James Breust get used to cold water.

(Ivan Kemp) 328788_11

• Ideal for independent and busy retirees.

• Close proximity to popular beach destinations, shopping strips and centres, bowls and golf clubs, public transport and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

• Social activities, fitness classes, bowling green, library, art and craft room, BBQ areas, active men’s shed group and beautiful gardens.

• Flexibility for individualised and expansive gardens.

• Pet-friendly and gated community.

• Easy access from Melbourne Ring Road to Barwarre Gardens in Marshall and just minutes from Geelong’s CBD.

Skill boost for women in rescue

Barwon South West has acknowledged female emergency service volunteers with a targeted training event for women in emergency operations.

VictorianStateEmergencyService(VICSES)

Bellarine Unit hosted the Women in Rescue event that featured a day of specialised training and exercises to prepare female emergency volunteers for different emergencies.

VICSES Bellarine unit deputy controller Rachel Vella said she was glad to participate in the event that provided women with

hands-on experience and rescue skills in a safe environment.

“WomeninRescueisafunwayforwomento come together and share skills and experiences in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.

“This is the first time I’ve been involved in Women in Rescue, and it’s been an exciting opportunity to connect with so many fabulous people from right across the Barwon South West region.

“Events such as Women in Rescue encourage

Girls take pink zinc lead

Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club celebrated the contributions women and girls make within the club with its eighth Pink Zinc Patrol.

The club hosted the patrol on April 8 to demonstrate that females can be good lifesavers and active leaders.

Patrol captain Amenah McDonald said the event was a meaningful way to celebrate women in lifesaving and received a good turnout of club and community members.

“We started the day with a welcome to country and our president Lindy Freestone did a talk about the history of females in surf lifesaving and at our own club,” she said.

“We rostered on a patrol with a heavy female presence and then we had other people turn up to volunteer on the day as well. So voluntary patrolling members to join in the activities.”

Ms McDonald said the day was action-packed with morning tea and patrol activities, including trivia and a scavenger hunt competition.

“We arranged some activities and they (patrols) had to compete against each other,” she said.

Ms McDonald said the club was “an amazing association to be a part of” and that surf lifesaving provided “many life skills” for members to take into their future careers.

She also said the day would not have happened without the efforts of club sponsorship officer Simone White and Ms Freestone.

“It’s just highlighting women in life saving and what can be achieved,” she said.

“I think it’s important to show the younger girls how far we’ve come in a short amount of time and what impact they can have in the association as well.

“We’re so lucky that the association has so many different layers and ways for people to contribute and to influence other people and other women especially.”

Jena Carr

everyone to have a go on the tools and be mentored by other experienced members where they can ask questions and are allowed to make mistakes.”

VICSES chief executive Stephen Griffin said volunteerstackledadvancedcasualtyhandling, roadcrashrescuetechniquesandchainsawskill demonstrations during the Bellarine event.

Mr Griffin said the event also helped promote gender inclusion and diversity within VICSES and had 93 per cent more participants than last year.

Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk site tours

“It is critical that we reflect the communities we serve and build the confidence and leadership among our women in orange,” he said.

“The Women in Rescue initiative provides a great opportunity for experienced and newer memberstocometogetherandsharetheirskills and knowledge in a supportive environment.

“Our Women in Rescue event showcases their life-saving skills, using the latest rescue technology and training.”

Barwon Water is transforming its former Bellarine Basin site now known as Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk into more than 30 hectares of environmental and public open space to be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

We’re inviting the community to take a tour of Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk (which means ‘headwaters of continuous flowing river’) to see the progress of the future community space.

You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the project.

We hope to see you there!

Where: Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk, corner of Grubb and Swan Bay roads, Wallington

When: Saturday 29 April at 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm

RSVPs are essential as we have limited spots per time slot. Please email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au with your preferred time.

For more information and to have your say on the project, visit: www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/ bellarine-basin

Feedback is open until Wednesday 10 May 2023.

1300 656 007 | info@barwonwater.vic.gov.au www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au |

12600902-AP17-23

Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club members participated in a relay race during the Pink Zink Patrol event. (Ivan Kemp) 328095_11

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Investing in our youth

By Cr Jim Mason

I know there will be many parents balancing work and school holidays, and I am sending my best wishes to you all with the juggling of responsibilities.

Holidays can be tricky for parents to manage, so I hope families have been able to take advantage of the many school holiday programs and family-friendly events that have been going on in the region.

Atcouncil,webelieveinvestinginouryouth is essential as they are our future leaders.

And I am very pleased to say there are many exciting initiatives in council’s Youth Development space.

Our programs focus on empowering young people to be active and engaged members of their communities, to develop their self-confidence and to make positive contributions to society.

Since 2019, the City of Greater Geelong has had a Youth Council – a group of 12 young people aged between 12 and 17 who provide the official ‘youth voice’ for Geelong.

At our last council meeting, the city’s fifth Youth Council presented their first report.

Junior mayor Irene Mulillo and deputy junior mayor Aleena Eftikhari used the report to outline the group’s priorities for the year, which are:

• Health and wellbeing

• Healthy, safe and accessible communities

• Diversity, equity and acceptance; and

• Environment and sustainability education.

Working with our youth councillors and hearing their perspectives through our Councillor Connect Mentoring Program is one of the highlights of my year.

This year, I am delighted to be working with our junior youth councillors for the Bellarine, Maximilian Thompson (12), Kirrily

McConachy (17) and Leyla Cefai (12).

Our youth councillors are highly focused and intent on making a better future for their peers, and I am very proud of all of them.

You can keep up to date with the 2023 Youth Council’s recommendations via our website geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil

Youth awards

The annual Geelong Youth Awards took place recently at Geelong West Town Hall.

The awards celebrate and promote the incredible work, stories and achievements of the region’s youth aged between 12 and 25.

This year, 89 young people were nominated across ten categories in the areas of leadership,

cultural awareness, community work, sport, arts, music, and youth development.

I would like to make mention of Bellarine local Lottie Hughes, who partnered with the Drysdale food bank to collect donations.

Concerned about the number of people struggling to feed themselves and their families during the lockdowns, Lottie rode her bike with a trailer attached to collect donations for delivery to the food bank.

Lottie also developed close relationships with elderly residents in the community who lived alone and looked forward to their visits.

Congratulations to Lottie and all our nominees – thank you all for your contributions to making the Greater Geelong region a better place for all.

You can find more information on the awards and the winners at geelongaustralia. com.au/youthawards

Youth on Board

Finally, another of the City’s youth development programs, Youth on Board, has beennominated for alocalgovernmentaward.

The LGPro Awards for Excellence promote and celebrate the outstanding work being delivered by individuals and teams working in Local Government in Victoria.

The Youth on Board program has been devised by the City’s Youth Development team with the aim of increasing the number of young people represented at the board level in our region.

This innovative program recruits young people aged between 18 and 25, train them in governance and board management and supports them to be placed on boards.

As our young people are the leaders of tomorrow, it’s vitally important that we have an authentic youth voice in the planning and decision-making of local organisations.

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason. (Supplied)

Local Anzac Day Commemorations

Ocean

Mystery trip for fundraiser

By Jena Carr

Leopold’s Jess Davey will participate in an excellent opportunity to help raise money for an important charity.

As a participant on the Australian television travel show Adventure All Stars, Ms Davey will undertake a six-day journey to a mystery locationandraisemoneyforherchosencharity.

Ms Davey said she looked forward to helping the Kids Foundation keep children safe.

“PartofourroleandpositionwithAdventure AllStarsiswehavetoraise$10,000foracharity of our choice and then as sort of a reward, you get cast on this show,” she said.

“I’m interested in raising the funds for the Kids Foundation, that is the most important thing and I see the adventure itself as a bonus.”

Ms Davey said the money raised would go towards assisting the foundation in running camps for young people recovering from the recent Australian bushfires.

“Allofusstrivetohavesomepurposeinlife,” she said.

“My goal is to help the community but also show everyone that no matter who you are or what you’re doing, you can create purpose in your life.”

Ms Davey said she had already raised $250 for the Kids Foundation and had 10 months to reach the $10,000 goal. She also said she was proud to be able to assist the not-for-profit organisation.

“When I was in high school, I contributed a

lot to the local community, and after I left high school, I didn’t feel like I had an avenue to do that sort of thing anymore,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to giving back to the community in some way shape or form.”

The public can help Ms Davey raise money for the Kids Foundation at https://kidsfoundation-fundraiser.raisely.com/jess-davey/.

Leopold’s Jess Davey will raise money for the Kids Foundation as part of the Adventure All Stars opportunity. (Supplied)

Lifeboat shed shares its stories

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum’s (QMM)

Lifeboat Shed holds a wealth of stories of wrecks, rescues, and the lives of the lifeboat crews, which will be shared as part of the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival this April.

The QMM will be offering tours at the Lifeboat Shed for four days in April to bring to life the history of the lifeboat, the lifeboats sheds and the fishing and steamer piers in the Queenscliff maritime precinct.

The National Trust Australian Heritage Festival is a nation-wide celebration, with

Victoria’s events held from April 18 to May 18.

The Lifeboat Shed tours will be held on April 20, 22, 27 and 29, with four 30-minute tours running on each of those days.

Queenscliff’s last lifeboat was decommissioned in 1976 it was preserved by the town to eventually become the centrepiece of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

QMM secretary Carolyn McKinnon said the tours were a wonderful chance for people to experience the history of this iconic landmark.

“These tours are a chance to see inside the shed and learn about the dramatic launch of

Going against the grain

For the first time the Bellarine Peninsula will host the grAiNZ Gathering, bringing together a collective of bakers, millers, farmers and growerstolearnfromoneanotherandpromote the benefits of a local grain economy.

Now in its seventh year, the grAiNZ Gathering 2023 will be hosted by Wallington bakery Ket Baker and The Gordon Institute from Sunday, April 30 to Tuesday, May 2.

The event will kick off with an informal, al fresco dinner on the Sunday evening, featuring locally produced food, wine and beer.

The following two days will consist of talks, panel discussions, demonstrations and hands-on workshops, covering a broad range of topics such as growing, milling, malting, brewing,bakingtechniques,indigenousgrains, industry mentorship and food waste.

Speakers and presenters have been sourced locally and from across the country, and will include well-known personalities such as Matt Preston, Matthew Evans and Gabriel Gate.

Head baker and owner of Ket Baker, Miek Paulus, said the event was a huge opportunity for the region and everyone was welcome to attend.

“We’ve got an amazing program, I’m super excited,” she said.

“The core (of the event) is bread, but it is also food and local produce. We are getting a lot of local producers in, all the food that’s being served will be made by us, by our hands, and all of it purchased on the Bellarine Peninsula.

“One of the most important things is to encourage young people. So we wanted to keep costs low, because there are a lot of start-up bakeries that need this networking and information.

“It’s been an absolutely amazing adventure so far, and the people at The Gordon have been awesome. They have the same motivation we do, to get more people into the industry and make it attractive again.”

For more information visit grainz.org.au.

a

the lifeboat, and then visit the museum to see the last lifeboat Queenscliffe and learn more about the stories of wrecks and rescues,” she said.

“Volunteers from the town have been risking their own lives since 1858 to assist people in distress on the water. This is the second round of the tours, and we received a Borough of Queenscliffe event grant last year to help establish this new event for Queenscliff.”

For more information contact Queenscliffe Maritime Museum on 5258 3440 or email info@maritimequeenscliffe.org.au.

Miek Paulus’ Ket Baker hosts the grAiNZ Gathering 2023. (Ivan Kemp) 330385_02

Queenscliff’s Lifeboat Shed. (C McKinnon)

Military service is in Phil’s blood

Anzac Day is a time to reflect and remember the sacrifices our diggers have made. Justin Flynn talks to Phil Edwards about his time in the army, including being a survivor of a fatal helicopter crash in West Papua.

Phil Edwards comes from a family with strong military ties.

His grandfather served in World War I, his father in WWII so it was only natural that he left school in Newcastle, NSW, at 16 to enlist in the Australian Army in 1972 as an apprentice electronics technician.

His father was pleased with the decision.

“I wanted to get out of Newcastle,” Phil says.

“Not for any family reasons. I was fortunate that my parents were not affluent, but working class and good people.

“In those days you either left school in year 10 at 16 or you stayed until year 12 and went to uni.

“If you left at year 10, in a lot of cases you went into the industries in Newcastle as an apprentice. “I didn’t want to do that. My dad told me that if I was going to leave in year 10, I hadtohaveatradeandhewasaWWIIveteran.

“When I said I was going to join the army apprentices school he was a happy man for two reasons.

“One I was getting a trade and two he saw military service as important.”

And leave Newcastle Phil certainly did.

A stint near Mount Martha was followed by a job fixing satellite tracking equipment for the army surveyors in Sydney.

He then was an electronics technician supporting military mapping operations in Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya.

A few years later in 1980 Phil graduated from the Officer Cadet School near Portsea and served in various locations across Australia and overseas.

Phil spent two years with the British Army

before the collapse of the Berlin Walland returned to Australia in 1989 to the Command and Staff College at Fort Queenscliffe.

Later Phil served for two and half years with

Australia in 2000. As the director of operations in joint logistics command based in Melbourne, Phil was responsible for running the logistics

deployments worldwide, including East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.

During 2003 he served as the senior logistics officer at the United Nations headquarters in

Brigadier Phil Edwards at the Ocean Grove cenotaph. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 329276

Phil was awarded The Bravery Medal for his actionsasasurvivorfollowingthefatalcrashof an Air Force helicopter in mountainous terrain in Irian Jaya in 1977.

The pilot was killed and the co-pilot, load master and other passenger were badly injured but survived.

“We were flying in the mountains up at 8000 feet, which, for helicopters, is not the best environment – hot and high is not their favourite environment,” he says.

“We hit cloud and couldn’t see where we were going. The pilot slowed down and we lost a lot of power and basically hit the trees and flipped upside down going through the trees. They didn’t find us until the next day.

“I dragged the co-pilot out because he was still alive, the others were able to get out but couldn’t move and were incapacitated.

“Put up some lightweight tentage to keep the rain off because it was rainforest and tended to their injuries, set up flares and radios ready if we heard an aircraft.”

Phil was also awarded the US Army Meritorious Service Medal in 1999 and was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 2002.

He left the army in 2007 as a Brigadier after 35 years of service and settled in Ocean Grove with Robyn, moving house for the 17th time.

“She said ‘we’re not moving anywhere’,” Phil laughs.

Over the following decade he worked as consultant in his own business in various interesting tasks for a range of federal government agencies leaving the workforce in 2017.

Phil keeps busy now by being a grandparent

to two granddaughters aged three and nine months and is committee member of the Goorambat Veterans’ Retreat located near Benalla and is a committee member with the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL.

“In 2009 the state school (at Goorambat) was vacant for 10 years and we purchased it and since then have been renovating and building its capacity to provide advocacy support for

veterans and emergency accommodation for veterans and their families in need,” he says.

“Plus recreational and caravan and camping sites for veterans and their families.”

Phil says the constant moving around never got boring.

“In some ways it was a bit disruptive for my family, but they got into the swing of it,” he says.

“My wife was very good at it, our three kids have grown to be fairly worldly in their approach to life.

“As young teenagers they could have sensible conversations with adults because they were quite mature from moving around and they’d learnt how to make friends.

“People say ‘how can you be in the army for that long?’.

“I had lots of different jobs over 35 years. I had a different job every two or three years.

“I found that 99 per cent of the people I worked with or for were good people. Overall it was a great experience.”

Phil will remember the fallen on Anzac Day by attending the dawn service and then the mid-morning march and service in Ocean Grove.

“It’sarecognitionofservice,givenourfamily exposure and my wife’s dad was in the air force in the Second World War,” he says.

“Wehavealongconnection.Formeit’sabout remembering and recognising the sacrifices that were made for what is the greatest nation in the world.

“I think if people travel overseas most come

‘‘ It’s about remembering and recognising the sacrifices that were made for what is the greatest nation in the world ’’

- Phil Edwards

Lest we forget this Anzac Day

RSL Sub-branches across the Bellarine Peninsula will be holding Anzac Day commemoration services on April 25.

Dawn Service

When: Tuesday April 25, 6am. Assembly, piper call to arms 6.15am.

Where: Ocean Grove Park

Dawn service will include piper and bugler. Tea and light breakfast will be provided at the old fire station building, corner of Hodgson St and The Avenue at the conclusion of the service, thanks to Rotary Ocean Grove and the RSL members.

Barwon Heads march and service

When: Tuesday April 25, 9am. Assembly 8.30am, step off 8.45am sharp for service 9am.

Where: Barwon Heads Community Hall Marchparticipantsaretoformupat8.30amon the corner of Hitchcock Ave and Bridge St.

At 8.45am sharp the march will step off and proceed down Hitchcock Ave to the cenotaph at Barwon Heads Community Hall. The march will be accompanied by Geelong RSL pipes and drums. The service will be led by Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-branch secretary Tom Hudson and the hymns by Barwon Heads Choral.

Ocean Grove march and service

When: Tuesday April 25, 10am. Assembly

9.30am, step off 9.45am sharp for service 10am. Where: Ocean Grove Park. March participants are to form up at 9.30am

in front of the Commonwealth Bank on The Terrace. At 9.45am sharp the march will step off and proceed down The Terrace and turn right into Presidents Avenue and then turn right into The Avenue to the cenotaph. The service will include a catafalque and flag party from the 8th/7th Battalion Alpha Company.

Leopold

8am Service at Leopold War Memorial, corner of Stringers Lane and Maluleka Road

Portarlington

6.30amDawnservice,Portarlingtoncenotaph, WG Little Reserve

10.45am March from RSL Hall, 8 Harding Street, to the cenotaph

Giving the gift of art to seniors

Art classes at Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club are becoming increasingly popular.

Whether you’re into pencil drawing or painting, art teacher Chris Scott teaches all levels, especially beginners.

He tries to bring a broad exposure to every class, including everything from art history to perspective and colour theory, all in easy-to-understand terms.

“Teaching is fun, non-confrontational, and unparalleled in Geelong,” he says.

“People who attend the classes find the time goes far too quickly.”

Lyn Nurnaitis and Philip Locke love attending the classes.

“Thelessonsprovidenewvisualexperiences and focus my attention away from my daily worries,” Lyn says.

“I really enjoys the social aspects, the extra opportunity to create while listening to Chris’s classical background music is great,” Philip, a long-time experienced artist, says.

Chris believes if you are someone who dreams of becoming an artist but keeps putting it off until you have more time, then his classes could be the kick you need.

In painting Chris covers all the fundamentals including tone, colour, perspective and more. His beginners’ acrylics lessons involve several in-class assignments made up of carefully structured and practical painting projects.

“I find painting very relaxing and enjoyable, and Chris is very helpful as we laugh, learn new things, and are motivated in a safe place,” painting student Grace says.

“With his personal tuition and feedback, I havelearntmoreaboutsetup,materials,colour mixing, and brush-handling techniques.”

Julia says that she “really enjoys” the classes because she has never painted in acrylics before and feels the class has boosted her self-esteem and confidence.

Chris has been teaching drawing and painting for beginners for eight years and holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) from Deakin University as well as many art diplomas. As part of Chris’s degree, he went to France on an art history study tour.

The classes are at Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club, 101 The Terrace, from 9.30 to 11.30am every Wednesday and Friday.

Contact Lyn or Dianne at the club on 5255 2996.

11am Memorial service, Portarlington cenotaph

Point Lonsdale

8.45am March from Point Lonsdale shops to Point Lonsdale cenotaph

9am Memorial service, Point Lonsdale cenotaph.

Queenscliff

5.45am Dawn service, Ocean View car park

10.45am March from Hesse Street to Fort Queenscliff

11am Memorial service, Fort Queenscliff

St Leonards

9am Memorial service, St Leonards hall.

Chris Scott teaching art at Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club. (Supplied)

Autumnal rains are welcomed

eating the apples.

John also noted that there have been flocks of red-rumped parrots on his property since 2010 and recently he counted at least 10 on the ground.

There’s been some very welcome rain over the last fortnight, and the garden is looking much healthier than it was a few weeks ago.

A few lakes and waterways around the Bellarine are still showing signs of blue-green algae, so some more rain will be welcomed over the next few weeks.

I must make an apology to Robin Spry. In the last edition of the Voice I wrote that Robin took a photo of a spotted crake and a Latham’s snipe at Lake Victoria, but Robin pointed out to me that her photo included the spotted crake, but also a very elusive Lewin’s rail, not a Latham’s snipe.

Lewin’s rail are hard to spot let alone photograph so Robin’s skills in capturing both these birds were very impressive.

I haven’t had to travel far from home to spot my raptor of the day over the past few weeks. Most days either on my way to work or when walking my dog, Ted, I’ve seen a black-shouldered kite near Coastal Boulevard.

I also spotted a pair of these birds at Shell Road near the corner of Banks Rd. I’ve also seen a nankeen kestrel near Coastal Boulevard and a wedge-tailed eagle and collared sparrowhawk on the west track of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve.

Inspired by Robin, I have been to Emily’s Pond in Point Lonsdale a few times to try and spot a Lewin’s rail, but have been unsuccessful in seeing this cryptic bird.

The rain has increased the water level

Have your say

around the pond, which makes crakes and rails a bit harder to spot in the vegetation.

At Lake Victoria there are still around 20 red-necked stints that may be fattening up before flying to the northern hemisphere for breeding season, or they may be choosing to over winter in Australia (which younger birds sometimes do).

There is also a flock of banded stilts at Lake Victoria. These magnificent birds are highly nomadic and when inland salt lakes dry up in the summer months they can be seen in coastal salt lake areas.

Onthesubjectofraptors,Ireceivedanemail from John, who lives in Leopold. John sent some photos of black kites that regularly fly

Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2

Planning is underway for the potential future upgrade of Barwon Heads Road between Reserve Road, Charlemont, and Lower Duneed Road, Armstrong Creek.

We are now seeking community feedback as part of the planning approval process and to further refine the scope of the upgrade.

To have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/bhr to provide feedback, ask a question or drop a pin on the interactive map by Monday 22 May 2023. We encourage you to take this opportunity to provide your feedback before the Minister for Planning makes a decision on the planning application.

To find out more or to request a hard copy feedback form, please phone 1800 105 105, email contact@roadprojects.vic.gov.au or visit roadprojects.vic.gov.au/barwonheadsrd

over his property while they prey on rabbits.

There are also whistling kites in the area and John reported that in the past whistling kites nested in one of the neighbour’s pine trees not far from their house.

Other birds that are currently active around John’s property are the omnipresent rainbow lorikeets, that feast on yellow gum flowers and on granny smith apples in the orchard.

The bird netting on the apple trees was pushed down so the lorikeets were able to feast on the apples, so John decided to harvest the remaining apples before the lorikeets ate all of them.

John was able to approach within six metres of the lorikeets as they were so engrossed in

I received an email from Carole who set off for Western Treatment Plant before she knew that a black tern had been seen there. Carole was greeted at the one of the gates by an Australian hobby, which is a small falcon. I also received an email from Alan, who reported that there was not much bird activity at Blue Waters Lake recently, other than a pair of nesting rainbow lorikeets, which appeared to be the hybrid lorikeets that can be seen around the Bellarine that resemble scaly-breasted lorikeets.

The six cygnets living at Blue Waters Lake look to be fully grown at three months of age. A neighbour of Alan’s reported seeing the swans all lined up for flight training recently, in the same spot that the previous clutch of four cygnets all took their flight lessons. Their wings weren’t big enough to take off but they were seen stretching them and going through the motions.

Alan wonders whether the parents will have another clutch in May and June when they would normally breed.

Alan was fortunate to spot the camera-shy southern emu wren on display at Anglesea Heath. He spotted a dozen or so one overcast day, then another six on another occasion, and Alan’s photo of these wonderful birds shows clearly why the large size of the tail feathers compared to the size of the bird is the reason why they are not great at flying as the tail feathers weigh them down. Alan also observed spotted pardalotes taking some sort of flies out of the air at Anglesea sewerage works, then landing on nearby branches to scoff their catch.

John’s black kite.

Right: Alan’s southern emu wren at Anglesea Heath (top), and Carole’s Australian hobby at Western Treatment Plant.

A laid-back village by the sea made famous on TV

Even with the runaway success of the hit TV show Seachange, Barwon Heads has managed to retain its much-loved village atmosphere.

Seachange, which ran on the ABC from 1998 to 2000, was primarily filmed in Barwon Heads.

The series drew attention to the town as visitors started to take notice of the quaint village feel and surrounding natural beauty.

Real estate skyrocketed and while tourismwasalreadypopular,itincreasedto

thepointwhereBarwonHeadsisabustling modern town these days. However, it still retains a relatively laid-back pace. Visitorsaredrawntothebeachesandthe multitude of eating and drinking options.

Barwon Heads boasts two of Australia’s best golf courses and superb surfing at nearby 13th Beach.

The river mouth has a wave-free shallow beach, perfect for kids and upstream provides anglers with superb fishing opportunities.

Walk to the top of the Bluff for awesome

vistas out to Bass Strait and over to Ocean Grove.

BarwonBluffMarineSanctuaryprotects 17 hectares of reef and sea life. Featuring a diversity of habitats in a small area, it makes an excellent spot for learning about local marine life by exploring the rock platforms and beaches on an organised or self-guided tour. It is also a great place for snorkelling and diving to discover feather stars and barnacles, sea slugs, rays and small sharks, and schools of fish living amongst the kelp forests and

sponge gardens.

Offshore are several shipwrecks that remind of the treacherous waters. The Earl of Charlemont sank in 1853 and the steamer SS Orungal ran into trouble in 1940. The site today is marked by two of the four Scotch type boilers sitting upright and exposed at low tide.

Barwon Heads has a proud sporting culture and its Australian rules football and A Grade cricket teams are their respective competition’s reigning premiers.

Barwon Heads retains a relatively laid-back pace.

(Pictures: Louisa Jones) 211595

Discover Barwon Heads

A team that is all smiles

Barwon Heads Dental is proud to offer its patients the latest in dental technology, includingdigitaldentistryandInvisalignclear aligner treatment.

Theexperiencedteamofdentalprofessionals is committed to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a more discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth. The team is trained and certified in Invisaligntreatment,andusesthelatestdigital technology to create a custom treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the benefits of clear aligners that are virtually invisible, makingiteasytostraightenyourteethwithout feeling self-conscious. The clear aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.

Barwon Heads Dental uses state-of-the-art digital dentistry technology to take highly

accurate impressions of your teeth, allowing theteamtocreateaprecisetreatmentplanthat ensures the best possible results. The digital workflow also allows the team to show you a 3D simulation of your expected outcome, so you can visualise your new smile before you even begin treatment.

Barwon Heads Dental understands cost can be a concern when it comes to orthodontic treatment, which is why it offers a variety of payment options to suit your budget.

The team is always delighted to care for your children’s dental health. They are big believers inhelpingyourkidsdevelopgoodoralhygiene habits from early childhood. It is best to bring your child for dental check-ups once they have their baby teeth – this creates a familiar and fun environment for them from the beginning rather than bringing them once something is concerning them.

Contact Barwon Heads Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile for you and your family.

More than just a Dental Clinic

Barwon Heads Dental is more than just a Dental Clinic — it’s a growing family established by Dr Jack Milgate and Mr Martin Sinnett. We thrive in modern, digital, exceptional and affordable dentistry with a patient centred approach, providing a wide range of treatments to care for the growing needs of the Barwon Heads, Bellarine and Surf Coast community.

Our Services include

General dentistry

Restorations, fissure sealants, mouthguards, dentures, retainers & root canal treatments.

Costmetic dentistry

Teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, implants & crowns. Specialists in Invisalign treatments from start to finish.

Childrens dental

Including access to the Child Dental Benefits Scheme

Brands to get you moving

If activewear, lifestyle fashion and an everything in between is you, then Move Athletica has it all.

Georgina has owned and run the store for two years after taking on the business which has actually been in the boutique Hitchcock Avenue for six years.

Specialising in technical workout wear with brands such as PE Nation, Running Bare, Casall and The Upside, Georgina has curated a range to suit any sport and activity, even if it’s walking the dog to the nearest cafe!

The store is complimented by a beautiful

range of lifestyle fashion with basics for everyday wear, alongside elevated classics to seeyoufromthebeachtothewinerytodinner.

Brands featured are Nude Lucy, Staple the Label and Maxted.

MoveAthleticaalsopridesitselfonselecting local,Australianmadeortheuseofsustainable materials where possible.

Save yourself a trip to the city and enjoy trying on labels normally only found in the big retailers.

The friendly local team are always on hand to help find you the perfect outfit.

The team at Barwon Heads Dental are on hand to help with your Invisalign and children’s dental needs. (Supplied)

Above: Jeremy Cameron, Indiana Putra and their daughter Macey. Top right: Paola and Rowena Quintanilla from the Mornington Peninsula with their children Elijah and Lexie. Centre right: Natalie Blismas with her children Danni, Audrey and Micah. Rigth: Lin Ellis with her grandchildren Olivia and Jackson. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 329279

Perkins, Walker strike a chord

By Matt Hewson

Tex Perkins is one of Australia’s most influential musicians, boasting a back catalogue stretching over four decades as a solo artist and with iconic groups such as Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea and Tex, Don and Charlie.

For the past five years Perkins has worked with Matt Walker both as a duo and in the Fat Rubber Band, which recently released its second album, Other World. However, the collaboration may not have happened due to Perkins’ high estimation of Walker’s abilities.

“When The Cruel Sea were going in the mid-90s Matt was just starting out, playing with Ashley Davies as a duo,” Perkins said. “We loved them, and they were the perfect

opening act for us; we would get them to support us as often as possible.

“From my perspective, I’ve always seen Matt as a really unique and complete performer. He’s a songwriter, a brilliant guitar player, not a bad piano player, either.

“It’s taken me this long to work with him because I always respected him so much; I always saw him as the complete package and I didn’t see a role for me working with him because I thought, what does he need me for?”

After nearly a decade working together in the lauded Johnny Cash tribute show the Man in Black, Walker made the off-hand comment in 2017 that he and Perkins should make an album similar to Link Wray’s Beans and Fatback.

“That was it, that was the invitation I wasn’t expecting; it took him to initiate this partnership,” Perkins said.

“We started writing immediately via email and text message, and we quickly realised we had a real ease of working with each other.

“Basically, within two weeks we had seven

Debut single from former Sweetheart

For Ocean Grove singer-songwriter Camryn Fitzgerald the release of her debut single Older and Wiser has been a long time coming.

Fitzgerald, 23, wrote the song in 2020 while studying music and business at the Australian College of the Arts in Melbourne, but it has taken the best part of three years for the concept to become reality.

Older and Wiser, which the singer describes as a “nostalgic break-up anthem”, is an indie-pop earworm featuring Fitzgerald’s crystal-clear yet emotive vocals over layers of dreamy guitar and keyboard sounds.

Fitzgeraldsaidthesongwasautobiographical and a way for her to let go of the past.

“Once I’d settled in Melbourne, I’d had quite

a messy relationship previously and I was really struggling to focus on the one that I was in at the time,” she said. “I hadn’t really grieved that previous relationship, so I found myself in this funny position where I didn’t think about that person in a fond way, but for some reason I was struggling to forget them.

“That’s where this song came from. It was my way of putting that relationship to rest so I could really thrive in the one I was in.”

Music has always been a part of Fitzgerald’s life, she said, even from her earliest memories.

“I’ve always been drawn to music; it’s just been in me and I’d always find myself, even when I was little, singing and making up songs,” she said.

In high school Fitzgerald joined all-female soul orchestra the Sweethearts, with whom she toured Europe in 2017, and subsequently started folk trio Hey Mammoth with fellow Sweetheart Matilda Hassall.

“I think touring with the Sweethearts taught me so much as a musician,” she said.

“In terms of my growth, I’ve found everything sort of links back to my time with the Sweethearts and Hey Mammoth.

“All the festival shows I’ve played with those two bands throughout the years have really ingrained everything I am now as a musician.”

Older and Wiser is available to stream online now.

songs, three quarters of the first (Fat Rubber Band) album.”

Perkins said while he loved the “magic” of the Fat Rubber Band, the duo setting allowed the exploration of a broader repertoire, including large sections of Perkins and Walker’s individual back catalogues as well as new, original material.

“Matt is such a great, versatile player that I can pretty much say we can go anywhere,” Perkins said. “We’re probably more flexible, our options are greater as a duo.

“It’s a different experience, sonically, and I love playing in a full group, but playing just with Matt is… There’s a mysterious, almost indefinable way we vocalise together.

Tex Perkins and Matt Walker perform at Palais Geelong on Sunday, April 23.

Matt Hewson Camryn Fitzgerald’s debut single Older and Wiser is out now. (Ivan Kemp) 329748_07

Matt Walker and Tex Perkins. (Supplied)

Barwarre Gardens offers a welcoming community

As you walk around genU’s Barwarre Gardens Retirement Village, you can’t help but be immediately impressed at how pristine and green everything is.

The immaculately kept gardens are superbly kept and the front yards of residents’ houses are lovingly seen to.

It’s serene, yet lively as an inter-village bowls match takes place at the three-rink green and the dog run is frequented by furry friends and their humans.

It genuinely feels like a village, not a stereotypical retirement home.

Residents Grant Goldsmith and Gail Ingleby are chair and deputy chair of the village’s resident’s committee.

Comfort and security are the main reasons why both love the village life.

“It’s comfortable and you feel secure,” Grant says.

“And that’s not just the gate being shut at night, it’s being with people.”

Gail and her husband have been at Barwarre Gardens for four years.

“We looked at retirement villages for so long and we looked at everyone and this hit the spot with us because it’s owned by genU, a not-for-profit organisation building inclusive communities through disability support, seniors, training and employment services,” she says.

“If something happens to one of us we’ve got a good community to look after the other one.

“I don’t think we have anybody in the whole village who would say they don’t care for everybody.”

“I feel when you come home at nighttime and it’s dark, I think ‘gee I’m home, it’s safe’,” Grant adds.

The village boasts a men’s workshop, a social clubandgroups,suchasartsandcrafts,singing, tabletennis,linedancing,gym,library,caravan

and boat storage and even belly dancing.

There’s a bus stop right outside that can whisk residents into town or to Marshall train station just down the road.

Both Grant and Gail love the fact that the houses are spread apart.

“The village is open, it’s not house upon house and pushed in together,” Grant says.

“We’ve got room around us.”

Ta

“They’re brick houses which was very important to us, and no steps,” Gail says.

“It’s been designed for comfort.”

Both Grant and Gail are full of praise for Barwarre Gardens’ staff.

“We get great support from the staff – you can get a little or a lot,” Grant says.

“genU also offer Home-Care Packages. Their team are very good at organising those.”

eY

Barwarre Gardens is conveniently located on Barwarre Road, Marshall and has emerged to be an enjoyable and lively environment that prioritises socialising, engaging with others and, above all, staying well. Starting price $550,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home, depending on availability. Contact the team to discuss options, pricing and conditions today.

Above: Grant Goldsmith attends to his garden. Right: Gail Ingleby in the library; and bowls at Barwarre Gardens village. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 328030

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Drafted Russian cavalry soldier (7)

5 Windfall (7)

9 Inherited from one’s family (9)

10 Exactitude (5)

11 Pick (6)

12 Going in (8)

14 Greek oracle (6)

15 Nasty (4)

19 Paradise (4)

20 Type of brandy (6)

24 Relating to cultivated land (8)

25 Maximum (6)

27 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Vote in again (2-5)

30 Gnawing animals (7)

DOWN

1 Opportunity (6)

2 Aid (6)

3 Appraised (8)

4 Grunge musician Cobain (4)

5 Personal items (10)

6 Medical professionals (6)

7 Nightwear (8)

8 Haughty (8)

13 Expert (10)

16 The way one acts (8)

17 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

18 Being admitted to a church (8)

21 Fictional castaway (6)

22 Spindle for thread (6)

23 City of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

26 Declare (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9-LETTER WORD

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

12 25

726813549

831954762

162349857 615497283

987125634 394268175

549672318

278531496

896427513

478356129

962718354

721935468 287549631

543681297 659173842

easy medium hard

135294786

314862975

E Today’s Aim:

251394687

384965712

572481963

453786921 927638145

436827591 165742839

I E D 3 LETTERS ALL AYE EGG END ERA GEE GYM HER IVY KIT LEG LIE NIL ODE ORE OVA PEA ROE ROT RUE SLY UPS WAS WON 4 LETTERS CLAP DASH EARS EBBS LIMP LYRE NEAR NEST ONES PAWS STOW TREK VASE WEBS

619273458

798516324 843159276

1415 1617181920212223242526 J V T G Q C H L U D Y A B Z M R F W P N E I X K S O Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

cent, codeine, coin, coined, concede, conceit, CONCEITED, cone, coned, conic, decent, denote, dent, dine, dint, docent, done, donee, encode, entice, enticed, icon, into, need, nice, niece, node, note, noted, notice, noticed, occident, once, tend, tine, tone, toned, tonic

No. 129

QUICK QUIZ

5 LETTERS ADAGE ADEPT ALGAE ALIEN ANTIC AORTA ARENA BIPED BOOED BRINE DINER EATEN EAVES EGGED ELITE ELUDE ERASE ERROR ESSAY HALON HELLO

INANE IVIES KNEES LINES LIVES LUNGE MINCE NERVE OUTED PETAL PLOYS PRESS RENEW SASSY SAWED SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SOLVE SPIKE STARE STRAW

SUGAR TEEMS TENDS TRIPE TWEET VEERS WEEDY 6 LETTERS GRASSY NEARED PASTEL SIERRA

7 LETTERS ENGRAVE GENTILE ILLEGAL INSERTS SOPRANO STATION 8 LETTERS DILATING GREETING LENIENCY LESSENED

21-04-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 An acre is how many square metres: 4047, 4247 or 4447?

2 Video game storefront Steam is owned by what company?

3 The ‘evil Santa’ Krampus has the horns of what animal?

4 What is the title of Susanna Clarke’s 2020 fantasy novel?

5 What is the heaviest organ in the human body?

6 The world’s oldest tree, a bristlecone pine, is located in which US state?

7 The condor is the common name for which two species of bird?

8 Which of the following authors does not have a Nobel Prize: Alice Munro, Peter Carey, Albert Camus or Gabriel García Márquez?

9 Justice Smith and Herizen F. Guardiola (pictured) starred in which musical drama Netflix series?

10 Which former Hawthorn player has the most AFL Premierships?

13 26 KO ANSWERS: 1. 4047 2. Valve 3. Goat 4. Piranesi 5. Liver 6. California 7. California condor and Andean condor 8. Peter Carey 9. The Get Down 10. Michael Tuck (with seven)

No. 129

No. 129

No. 129

Theatre experience not to miss

International Ibsen Award-winning Geelong theatre company Back to Back is bringing its breakout work Small Metal Objects back to Geelong for five shows from April 27-29.

The work, which has been added to the VCE Drama playlist for 2023, will take place among the pedestrian traffic of Market Square Shopping Centre.

Audiencememberswillsitonaraisedseating bank with individual sets of headphones to watch the drama unfold as Gary and Steve“thekindofmenwhonormallyescapenotice”meet two ambitious executives for an arranged transaction.

Back to Back executive producer and co-CEO Tim Stitz said he was thrilled to see Small Metal Objects return to Geelong for the first time since 2010.

“It’s been over a decade since the work has been seen in the Greater Geelong area, so it’s an opportunity for a whole new generation of people in the area to see it,” Mr Stitz said.

“Wewerefoundedinthenorthernsuburbsof Geelong and we really proudly come from that area. Our ensemble who co-author and make the work with us, artists and guest artists, they have something really important to say and it’s still timely.”

Mr Stitz, who joined Back to Back in 2020, said he vividly recalled seeing Small Metal Objects performed for the first time.

“The first (Back to Back) work I saw was Small Metal Objects in 2005 in its world premiere season at Flinder St Station,” he said.

“For me, as an emerging practitioner in the arts and theatre, I was like, wow. It was really pushing the barrier and it was quite risky.

“It had a really big impact on me and still goes down as one of my all-time favourite theatre experiences.”

The play deals with the theme of respectwho gets it and who it is withheld from - and alsoplayswiththeideaoftheaudienceasapart of art.

“You become very aware as an audience member that you’re being watched by passers-by,” Mr Stitz said.

“It’s not just the drama that Back to Back creates. The work creates this frame that is about the everyday and who is watched, who do we watch, who do we also dismiss.

“We might all pass somebody that’s begging and think they’re less than us, or I’m ashamed so I don’t want to interact. The work asks these questions of an audience member, and I think that’s relatable for anybody.”

Pirritu second album a reflection on life journey

First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu (Brett Lee) comes to Geelong this month touring his second album, Fire When the Sun Goes Down.

Pirritu will perform at Beav’s Bar on Friday, April28afterperformingthroughQueensland, ACTandotherpartsofregionalVictoriabefore finishing the tour in Melbourne.

The Ngiyampaa man, once on the path to being an elite sportsman, said in retrospect it was “kind of inevitable” that he had ended up focusing on music.

“I feel like it was always inside me; I was always that kid at the back of the class, tapping some kind of rhythm on the desk or humming some tune,” Lee said.

“I used to do triathlons when I was a kid - I represented Australia as a junior triathleteand I remember swimming up and down the

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

pool at five o’clock in the morning with a tune in my head, splashing in time to that tune.

“So when I had a few injuries and some time away from sport the first thing I did was get myself a ukulele and start teaching myself how to play, music theory, that kind of thing.”

Thoughtful, honest and melodic, Fire When the Sun Goes Down, builds on the trio format of Pirritus’s 2021 debut album, Pirritu Part 1, which primarily featured Lee, bassist Douglas McDowell and percussionist Luis Poblete.

McDowell and Poblete return on the new album, also joined by Monique Boggia (piano, keyboard), a large cast of guest musicians and the Whims Vocal Choir.

Lee’s brand of musical storytelling focuses on his personal journey of self-discovery to country and culture, driven by his experiences

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Book club

Leopold/Wallington CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

■ Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

■ Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Hwy Leopold on Saturdays. Admission $10 includes sandwiches and cakes.

■ 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall,

$5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.

■ Jane, 0481 126 022

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly

•฀฀Tuesday:฀indoor฀bowls,฀snooker฀and฀ chess 1pm

•฀฀Wednesday:฀beginner฀art฀painting฀class฀ at 9.30am, bingo 1.30pm and chord club jam session for musicians 4pm

•฀฀Thursday:฀social฀afternoons,฀cards฀500฀ and snooker 1pm

•฀฀Friday:฀sketching฀art฀class฀9.30am,฀ indoor bowls 1pm

Fortnightly

•฀CWA฀1st฀and฀3rd฀Thursday฀7.30pm

Monthly

•฀฀Book฀group฀1st฀Friday฀1pm

•฀฀Inhouse฀movies฀3rd฀Wednesday฀1.30pm

•฀฀Ocean฀Grove฀Stamp฀Club฀4th฀Wednesday฀ 10am

■ 5255 2996

CWA Drysdale

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members.

■ Jenni, 0452 258 333

as a young person.

“The music tells the story of my life journey, it is pretty autobiographical,” Lee said.

“I was adopted when I was a baby to a couple that… always had the belief they would tell me the truth, that I was adopted and that I was Aboriginal. They wanted me to always have that knowledge right from the start.

“They gave me the opportunity to meet my biological mother when I was 14. (Giving me up for adoption) was a huge sacrifice for her to make and I’m really grateful she did do that and I’ve lived the life that I’ve lived.

“So Rescue the Soul is a song to show my gratitude for her. These songs are a reflection of my journey.”

Cards

Ocean Grove Seniors play card game 500 every฀Thursday฀at฀1.15pm.฀If฀you฀are฀new฀ to the game a quick lesson will get you in play. The core group of six players adjust to any number and you will enjoy the friendship฀of฀like-minded฀players.฀Cost:฀ $20 annually and coffee included. At 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Lyn, 5256 2540

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday from 1pm฀to฀3.15pm.฀Admission:฀$4,฀includes฀ afternoon tea.

■ 0400 500 402

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular฀relaxation฀sessions.฀Cost:฀$5฀per฀ session, $54 annual fee.

■ Janice Bell, 0403 221 737, or bellsbythebeach@bigpond.com.au

Ocean Grove on Barwon Probus Meets 9.45am for 10am every third Wednesday at Ocean Grove Golf Club.

■ gwen.anne.james@gmail.com

Probus Club of Ocean Grove Men’s Meets at 10am on the first Monday of each month, except January, at the Surf Life Saving Club on Surf Beach Road.

■ Barry, 0409 161 129

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.

■ Lorraine, 0412 805 858

Afternoon tea dance

Life฀Activities฀Club฀[Geelong฀Inc]฀hosts฀an฀ afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at฀Belmont฀Park฀Pavilion.฀Entry:฀$5.

■ 5251 3529

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged Students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.

■ Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Email oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com for details.

■ 0428 546 796

Matt Hewson Pirritu brings his melodic style of musical storytelling to Beav’s Bar April 28. (Jody Haines)

Back to Back presents Small Metal Objects at Market Square from April 27-79. (Supplied)

Out and about

Queenscliff came alive on Easter Saturday as a sold out Bellarine Railway Easter Bunny Special ferried passengers to Lakers Siding and back. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp captured some of the action.

1/ Ingrid, Sebastian, Emile and Louis. 2/ Chris Yiu and son Jarred. 3/ Abbie and Eliza. 4/ Alex and Emma Zallman with their children Annabel and Hugo. 5/ Tom Michelmore with sons Ollie and Jack. 6/ Aoife Van Aaken with children Mathilda and Saoirse and the Easter Bunny. 7/ Genevieve Butas and son Oliver. 8/ Korinne Gibson and son Henry. 9/ Onni Dadds and Cameron Dowd. 10/ Rylan and Tate. 11/ Ben Gibson and son Zach. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 328099

1300 666 808 BusinessDIRECTORY

GARDEN & HOME MAINTENANCE Jim’s Mowing13 15 46 GLAZIERS BellarineWindow, Door & Glazing Services0418 519 078 Frenchy’s Coastal Glazing0447 110 434

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bellarine Community Health1800 007 224

OG Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine0432 961 910 KNITTING WOOL/CRAFTS Ocean Grove Sewing Centre5256 1557

1300 666 808

Doin’ the Triton utility two-step

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Triton tapped danced up and down the concrete ‘boards’ of the motorway, leaving occupantsshakin’allover.Thankfully,thiswas no polka: ‘three-sixties’ here would have been well out of order.

On minor-road bitumen the terpsichorean bobbing up and down stepped aside for the GSR dual cab ute to settle for the odd bounce when encountering surface blemishes. Let’s face it, most utes exhibit some degree of rodeo riding. However, there is work to be done here.

The new Triton is a relative late comer to the dual cab ute segment dominated by the Toyota HiLuxandFordRanger,theMitsubishirelying onvalueformoneyinitsappeal.Unfortunately, this has resulted in Triton being seriously challenged by the likes of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, not to mention Chinese and Korean offerings.

Mitsubishi Australia offers the MY22 Triton in six variants, with the GLX from a bargain basement $44,240 drive away. The range is rounded out by the GSR from $65,740 drive away. The latter was on test.

Accessories across the range are designed to suit most needs. Select from a Work Pack, Tradie Essential Pack, Starter Pack, Polished Pack or Black Pack.

Out in front with its 10-year 200,000-kilometre Diamond Advantage warranty, the maker offers Triton cover, provided all scheduled servicing is done on time and by an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

The all-over black GSR test vehicle sported 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out grille. clamshell-style doors, platform side steps and grab handles made for easy access.

Efficient LED headlamps and daytime runninglightsareinlinewiththelatestlookin pick-up truck design.

On the smaller side of the segment, the ‘tucked in’ Triton’s less than 12 metre turning circle does make for easier parking than many of its segment rivals.

Interior

The cabin décor certainly makes a statement with orange leather appointed seats, black leather door trims with orange stitching, the latter repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and park brake lever.

The luxe look is let down somewhat by black plastic surrounds, which are present in abundance.

Front seats are heated, while two rear seat passengers are well catered for with generous legroomandareclinedseatbackangleallowing ample, head and shoulder room - three across not so.

The bench seat back folds to expose a slim storage space across the width of the cabin. Storage, in general, is well covered with cup holdersallround,acubbyupfront,deepcentre console and big-bottle door slots.

Out back, the tub dimensions - 1520 mm long, 1470 mm wide, 475 mm deep – are some of the smallest in the segment, while four integrated cargo hooks can safely secure a variety of loads.

Infotainment

In these days of tablet-style technology, a small(ish)touchscreen,coveringAppleCarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dwells in the past, while a head-up display on the windscreen, covering speed and legal speed limits, catches up with present-day standards.

Analogue instruments literally dial up memories of the old workhorse, the layout relating to modern times only by a digital display between the two gauges.

Engines / transmissions

The MY22 Triton relies on the tried and tested (ageing) 2.4-litre Mitsubishi MIVEC common-rail, intercooled turbodiesel engine putting out 133 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 revs.

Safety

The five-star ANCAP safety grade won in 2015 would not be up to today’s five-star standards.

However, Mitsubishi Intuitive Technology (MITEC) does incorporate such technical advantages as antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution; forward collision mitigation; ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation; blind spot and lane departure warning; lane change assist; hill descent control; all-round monitor; hill start assist; reverse parking camera and sensors; and rear cross-traffic alert.

Passivesafetyiscoveredbysevenairbagsand an audible warning to pedestrians when the vehicle is reversing.

Driving

Constructed in lightweight materials, including an aluminium block, it’s fuel efficiency over performance with the Triton 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant. Ponderous off the mark but relaxed and co-operative at cruising speeds.

Note: leave the steering wheel-mounted metal shift paddles alone. They add little to

the driving experience. It’s definitely a case of engine management knows best.

Mitsubishi puts fuel consumption in the combined urban / highway cycle at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the GSR recorded 11 litres per 100 kilometres city commuting and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

As mentioned above, a rigid ladder chassis; up front, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bar; and above-axle leaf spring rear suspension had their moments.

Super Select II 4x4 system incorporates four modes - 2H, rear-wheel drive; 4H, full-time power to all wheels; 4HLC, 4WD high range with locked centre differential, minimises wheel spin with low grip; 4LCC, 4WD low range with locked centre diff, maximum traction at low speed. The switch between two andfour-wheeldrivecanbe made safely on the fly at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Tow rating is 3100 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The test vehicle tonneau cover provided a test of strength to clip it down until it finally surrendered to perseverance. The high-set lined tub (aren’t they all, these days) also offered up a few loading challenges during the test.

Rear seat occupants commented on the efficiencyoftheclimatecontrolbacktherewith its dual air vents in the roof.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Mitsubishi Triton GLX from $44,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R from $47,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ from $48,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLS from $53,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition from $60,926 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GSR from $65,740 (Drive away)

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton GSR 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, sixspeed automatic, selectable 4x4 dual cab ute

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.

Summary

While lacking in some of the niceties of the modern pick-up truck work-and-play combination, the Triton GSR does not carry the load of premium pricing of some of its opposition.

A six-speed automatic transmission and Super Select II 4x4 system cover the spectrum of on- and off-road capability.

The latest generation Triton GSR is no wallflower when it comes to the practicalities of a dual cab ute. (PIctures: Supplied)

Grubbers, Newcomb battle it out

Good Friday netball was the order of the day in Ocean Grove as the Grubbers took on Newcomb. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at the B Grade and 17 & Under Division 2 games.

ROUND 2

A Grade: Ocean Grove 65 def Newcomb 46.

Best: Laura Ritchie, Rhiannon Whitson, Georgia Ryan.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 70 def Newcomb 17.

Best: Dannie Hoiles, Gemma Bell, Amelia Cunningham (20 goals).

C Grade: Ocean Grove 46 def Newcomb 27.

Best: Remi Bennett, Kate Titheridge (31 goals), Matilda Kelly.

D Grade: Ocean Grove 38 def Newcomb 7.

Best: not supplied

E Grade: Ocean Grove 40 def Newcomb 7.

Best: Tahnee Allen, Charlise Duckett, Taylah Jeffrey.

19 & Under: Ocean Grove 25 def Drysdale 33.

Best: Milla Bell, Zoe Hildebrandt, Tylah Foley.

17 & Under Division 1: bye

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 40 def Newcomb 13.

Best: Molly McLean, Alice Molloy (22 goals), Sienna White.

15 & Under Division 1: bye

15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 42 def Newcomb 3.

Best: Eve Lake, Charlotte Heenan, Georgia Maier (30 goals).

13 & Under Division 1: bye

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 37 def Newcomb 2.

Best: Willow Stephenson (11 goals), Sammi Needham, Grace Tolley (10 goals).

Lucy Sampson takes the ball in spite of close defensive attention.

Claudia Britt in centre court.

Amelia Cunningham competes for possession.

Molly McLean chases a ball out of court.

Gemma Bell was named in the best players.

Left: Scarlett Sadler looks for a passing option. Centre: Shelby Hackett is strong in defence. Right: Emma Badrock takes the ball under the net. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 328517

Alice Molloy scored 22 goals in the 17 & Under Division 2 game.

Good Friday Footy

Ocean Grove defeated Newcomb by 95 points in front of a bumper Good Friday crowd at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see the big win.

Blake Ritchie clears out of defence.

Above: Thomas Webster and Jye Walker compete for a mark.

Left: Cameron Fowler gets his kick away.

Below: Jack Drought applies a strong tackle on Josh Lange.

Left and centre: Campbell Snookes picks up the ball as it spills loose, and watches the ball as it spills free after a marking contest. Right: Brady Pritchard marks in front of his opponent.

Ed Dayman kicks for goal.

Above: Jye Walker eludes Tom Webster. Below: Jordan Winsall tackles Brady Pritchard and gets rewarded with a free kick.

Max Sutton handballs to Brady Pritchard.

Gary Ablett Sr sues AFL

Former footballer Gary Ablett Sr is suing the AFL and two clubs, seeking millions of dollars in compensation for ongoing damage suffered from concussions.

Ablett on Monday launched proceedings in the Victorian Supreme Court against the AFL, Geelong Football Club and Hawthorn Football Club.

The 61-year-old claims he suffered concussions while training and playing throughout his VFL/AFL career, which ran between 1982 and 1997.

He alleges the sporting organisations knew or ought to have known the potential long-term consequences of concussion, and he was more vulnerable because of head strikes playing as a key forward.

The AFL and two clubs owed Ablett a duty of care and should have avoided exposing him to unnecessary risk of harm, the court writ states.

Ablett alleges the organisations breached

that duty and were negligent, and he has subsequently suffered loss, injury and damage as a result of the concussions.

“Symptoms include memory loss, anxiety and depression,” Ablett’s lawyer Michel Margalit, from Margalit Injury Lawyers, told AAP.

“It’s particularly difficult to manage these degenerative concussion-related injuries in the face of being such a high-profile public figure because the anonymity does not exist.”

Ablett – who is claiming damages, interests and costs – is seeking compensation in the millions of dollars, Ms Margalit said.

That figure reflected years of medical expensesandtheongoingcostofcare,shesaid.

The AFL has been contacted for comment.

Ablett, a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame and Team of the Century, is the latest former footballer to sue the sporting organisation over concussion-related injuries.

A class action led by former Melbourne

Outer harbour fishing well

player Shaun Smith, Adelaide Crows premiership player Darren Jarman and the family of the late Shane Tuck was launched last month.

A separate class action from Margalit Injury Lawyers is also seeking up to $1 billion in compensation from the AFL.

Ms Margalit said it was unlikely Ablett would join the class action because he started playing Australian rules football years before the other plaintiffs.

But she expected other former footballers to come forward with their own claims.

“Players are beginning to realise that these very unpleasant symptoms that they are suffering are not personal failings but rather symptoms of an injury,” she said.

Ablett’sstatementofclaimwillbefiledinthe Supreme Court in the coming months before the defendants put forward their response.

– AAP

ON THE BITE Peri Stavropoulos

The outer harbour this week has been a hot spot with snapper on the chew big time.

Around Clifton Springs has been very productive with anglers finding lots of fish ranging in size between 2kg and 6kg.

Fishing with pilchards and whole Californian squid has been the best baits and soft plastics have also been accounting for a few fish, too.

Peri Stavropoulos from Trellys Geelong had a really good session during the week after work landing over 10 fish for the night with the biggest touching just over 6kg.

With the snapper, anglers are also finding quite a few gummy sharks amongst them.

The inner harbour has also been fishing well for slightly smaller snapper both land based and from a boat.

Cunningham Pier has had reports of fish ranging either side of 1.5kg with baits working best.

There are still plenty of other species cruising around, such as salmon, flathead and whiting.

St Helens rocks has also been a productive location land based this past week.

Bluefin Tuna are still running riot offshore Barwon Heads with large numbers of fish pretty much everywhere. They are still busting up for very short spontaneous moments feeding on white bait so being at the ready with the stick baits ready to pounce.

Anglers trolling are picking up some fish but casting is proving to be by far the most successful tactic.

Down the west coast the barrel tuna are still chewing but due to poor weather it has been hard for anglers to get out there amongst the action but there are still reports coming through with Portland still holding fish and Port Mac has been starting to fire up to with fish coming through there at the moment.

Lake Purrumbete has been a popular location this past with trout and redfin all on the chew.

Casting on the weed edges with shallow running jerk baits or subsurface lures, such as bent minnows are by far some of the best to throw around. Redfin are as per usual in plague numbers and spread right across the lake.

Spinners take premiership glory

LOCAL TENNIS

In a week where Tennis Geelong competition was supposed to be in hiatus with school holidays, Thursday Triples Section 4 got a second chance at their grand final after rain ruined the original scheduled date.

Grovedale’s Top Spinners hosted Highton’s Flyers in the top of the table match with the Spinners, in their first season, taking control of the match, winning the first four sets.

Cooper Bateson and Claydon Tresidder started the team on the right track winning the first doubles 6-0, but from there, it was a battle.

Darcy Haw fought through in the first singles,winning6-4,followedbya6-5winwith Bateson in the second doubles and Tresidder securingthewintakingthesecondsingles6-4,

and finishing the season undefeated.

Women’s Midweek will be returning this week for Round 11 with either four or five matches of the regular season before finals and most sections still have multiple teams in contention.

In Section 1, Surfcoast’s Bellbrae and Torquay, along with Geelong Lawn, look solid in the top three with a final order still to be decided while Ocean Grove has 10 points to make up on Highton in fourth.

Point Lonsdale is looking likely to finish minor premiers with a 13-point lead on BarwonHeadsinsecond,inSection2,butwith only four points separating it from Geelong Lawn, Winchelsea and Grovedale, every week will be important.

Section 3 and 5 look to have their finalists decided with 19 and nine games respectively between fourth and fifth, while Section 8 has

between five and nine points between each team, so it will be difficult to see too many changes here.

Aireys Inlet enjoy a six-point buffer from Ocean Grove and Clifton Springs in Section 4, which is six points ahead of Wandana Heights in fourth, then a further five points to Surfcoast Torquay and Barwon Heads, giving all six teams a great chance to earn a home final.

Clifton Springs and Surfcoast Bellbrae look entrenched at the top of Section 6 with seven points between them, then another 10 points to Hamlyn Park in third. From there, there is only an eight-point gap to eighth place giving all teams a chance to play finals.

Seven teams have a chance to make finals in Section 7 with only 10 points between second and sixth while Wandana is another six points back and still has an outside chance.

Donna Schoenmaekers

Section 4 Grovedale Top Spinners: Cooper Bateson, Claydon Tresidder and Darcy Haw. (Supplied)

Peri Stavropoulos with a pair of snapper. (Supplied)

Top of the table clash

By Justin Flynn

After three consecutive wins to start the Bellarine Netball League A Grade season, Ocean Grove has now turned its focus onto fellow undefeated side Geelong Amateur.

The Grubbers have beaten Torquay, Newcomb and Portarlington in the first three rounds, but Ammos will present a whole new challenge this Saturday.

Co-coach Bec O’Neill said the group was looking forward to seeing how they stood up against the best.

“It’s good to play the team which is the benchmark and find out where you sit against them, especially early in the year,” O’Neill said. “It gives us a view of where we’re at and what we need to work on.

“Not too concerned how it goes either way, just wanting to see how we match up against them and what our strengths are against them.”

Star goalkeeper Kelsey Ollis returned to the side against Portarlington after initially expecting to miss the entire season with travel commitments. Ollis’ trip has been put on hold in what is a major boost for the Grubbers.

Geelong Amateur goal shooter Ruby Watson looms as a major threat on Saturday.

“We’ll probably start Lexie (Annand) back there just to match her with height, but it will also be down to the pressure outside, cutting the ball off so it’s not just down to a one on one match up,” she said.

The 60 to 44 win against Portarlington was set up by a strong second half from Ashton O’Brien, who came on as goal attack.

“Her speed and movement around the court and fresh legs really helped,” O’Neill said.

“Lexie (Annand) came on and her extra height, she added a little bit of extra pressure on the pass going into their goalers.

“Emily Moroney at wing attack just kept driving hard all game even though the conditions were pretty ordinary.

“They (Portarlington) came out firing and had a really good start with good structure down the court.

“We paced them goal for goal a bit and I think we struggled a bit in the wet weather, not that we played in any different conditions to what they did, our game is generally quite fast paced so when we have to slow it down it takes a little time to adjust.

“The second half we managed to break away a bit.”

O’Neill is enjoying the co-coaching role. She is a star goal shooter for the side while co-coach Candice Parker has retired from

Cats are back on home

turf

Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan said his side is looking forward to playing at GMHBA Stadium for the first time this season tomorrow night.

The Cats will meet last year’s grand final opponent Sydney in Geelong at 7.25pm.

“It’s going to be an exciting challenge,“ Duncan said.

“Both teams are a bit different, it’s exciting to unveil the premiership flag to the fans. It just so happens we play Sydney, but it’s going to be an exciting night for the fans to see that and to get back to playing at GMHBA Stadium.

“It’s going to be great to play in front of a full stadium, full of Cats fans.”

Sydney last travelled to Kardinia Park in 2019, but is one of the few teams to bettertheCatsathomeduringtheirmost dominant periods.

In the Swans’ last four visits to GMHBA Stadium, they have notched three wins while holding Geelong to less than 90-points on all four occasions.

Duncan said the Cats are prepared for what Sydney could throw at them on Saturday night.

“It will be a hot contest,“ he said.

“Every contest against Sydney is a challenging one, they’re a very well drilled side with John Longmire and his coaching staff up there.

“They had a great win on the weekend, despite being undermanned and they managed to find a way.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to getting our game going and getting it to the best standard we can.

“As I said, another challenge and one we’re looking forward to.”

Geelong will unfurl its 2022 premiership flag on Saturday night, providing an opportunity for the Cats faithful to enjoy the team’s recent success in their home opener, but Duncan says that the grand final result in which Geelong won by 81 points, will hold no influence on the clash this weekend.

playing and coaches from the sidelines.

“She’s level headed, she’s mature, she knows exactly what’s going on,” O’Neill said of Parker.

“On Saturdays it’s really nice to have her

coaching from the sidelines, she can obviously see it all and has time to process the changes we need to make whereas I can focus more on playing rather than coaching and playing at the same time.”

“I don’t think it will have an impact, to be honest,’ he said. “It’s a completely different season and there’s a lot of differentpersonnelplayinginthegameas well. I think it’s just another challenging homeandawayseasongame,whichmost matches are at the moment.”

Grubbers win thanks to powerhouse second half

Ocean Grove propelled itself into third place on the Bellarine Football League ladder with an 85-point win against Portarlington on April 15.

The Grubbers have a percentage of 157.98 and have defeated Newcomb and Portarlington in successive weeks by a combined margin of 180 points.

The Grubbers led by 39 points at quarter time and were never threatened, although the Demons went into the long break 41 points in arrears. Final scores, Ocean Grove 17.17(119) to Portarlington 5.4(34).

OceanGrove’snextthreeweekswillprobably tellthefulltaleofwhattheseasonwilllooklike.

Geelong Amateur, Drysdale and a blockbuster Battle of the Bridge at Barwon Heads awaits.

“I’m really excited every week, it’s a very different lead in to each game not knowing a lot about the opposition,” coach Dave Farrell said.

“Jye Walker and Funky Campbell, our assistant coaches, as well as some of our more experienced players have been fantastic with our preparation and preview work.

Geelong Amateur was humbled under lights by 93 points on Saturday as Barwon Heads ran riot in the wet.

“Based on the draw we follow Barwon Heads for much of the season and am sure we will face sides looking to bounce back most weeks,” Farrell said.

“Ammos have built a really strong list over

the last few years and recruited really well on and off the field this year with some quality senior experience from higher levels.

“It presents a great challenge for our young group on another big day for the club with the major fundraiser golf ball drop at 2pm.”

On Saturday Brady Pritchard booted four goals and Nathan Down three and Joe McDonald, Jacob Talarico and Cameron Fowler were named best.

“It was really pleasing to see the boys in the first quarter pick up where we left off the week before,” Farrell said. “We’re six games in if you count practice matches so we need to start bedding down or game style and looking to find some consistency.”

Farrell said despite the big win, there were areas in which his young side could improve.

“We’re trying to keep the game simple, our contest work and ball movement have been the big focus areas to this point,” he said.

“Situational awareness and decision making will be the next phase.”

Ocean Grove takes on Geelong Amateur

on Saturday April 22 with a 2.30pm start. The club’s major fundraiser will occur before the game with the helicopter golf-ball drop.

In the reserves, Ocean Grove defeated Portarlington by 67 points, 12.14(86) to 3.1(19).

Bryn D’Arcy booted four majors while Trent Handreck, Brodie Muscat and Patrick Norton were named best.

On Good Friday the Grubbers played their first home game of the season in front of a large crowdandwerestrugglingtoputawayagallant Newcomb at the major break, but would go on to boot 14 goals to none in the second half to run out 95-point winners, 21.12(138) to 6.7(43).

Farrell said the coaching staff didn’t change things up much at half time.

“Nothing intentionally, a few injuries and sore bodies meant a few of our guys were moved away from their primary roles,” he said.

“It was pleasing to see as it was in the noon game, this group is pretty agile and not distracted by that.”

Top: Gemma Bell pulls down a great intercept against Newcomb in round two. Above: Isabel Hackett passes forward. (Pictures: Ivan Kemnp) 326650

Justin Flynn

Best afield against Newcomb, Brady Pritchard watches the ball bounce away from the pack.

(Ivan Kemp) 326651_20

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