Ocean Grove Voice - 2nd June 2023

Ice challenge accepted

By Justin Flynn

Geelong Cats AFLW players Chloe Sheer and Mikayla Bowen have been hand picked by Geelong Big Freeze ambassador Sam Moorfoot to slide into the icy waters for MND.

Moorfoot’s captain’s choice include the Cats’ duo and they will join the likes of mayor Trent Sullivan, Bay 93.9’s morning crew Mark Hyland and Lisa ‘Milly’ Millard, former Geelong star Andrew Bews and AFL Barwon general manager Ed Wilson at the Drysdale Football Netball Club event.

It will be the second Geelong Big Freeze with the inaugural event in 2022 a raging success with $62,000 raised for Fight MND.

Organisers are hoping to better that this year and are expecting a crowd of about 4000.

“The goal is to match or beat last year,” event organiser Graeme Reid said.

“If we get into the 60s it will be good. A lot of fundraising happens late and it depends on the crowd. We sell a lot of merchandise on the day.”

Reid said the sliders were nervous, but realised it was all for a great cause.

“It’s really funny, even though a lot of them are hesitant about sliding down into the water, they are all keen to do it for the cause,” he said.

“A lot of them get extra nervous when the day comes and the costume goes on.”

Fight MND co-founder Neale Daniher’s daughter Bec, who is now the face of the cause, will be at the Drysdale event.

Reid said Drysdale’s footy and netball opponent on the day, Newcomb, had “really come on board and supported it well”.

Footballers and netballers from both clubs will wear MND socks as will all umpires.

A carnival atmosphere is expected for the Geelong Big Freeze on Sunday, June 4 at Mortimer Oval, Drysdale with the Drysdale vs Newcombclashtofollowtheiceslideat2.30pm.

‘‘ Even though a lot of them are hesitant ... they are all keen to do it for the cause ’’ - Graeme Reid

Sam Moorfoot with his captain’s choices, AFLW Cats players Chloe Sheer and Mikayla Bowen. (Ivan Kemp) 337411_03

• 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.

Prepare for Telstra disruptions

Telstra customers in St Leonards will experience disruptions from next week as the company begins upgrading its mobile base station in the town.

Due to the major work required on the site, a full site shutdown will commence on Monday, June 5 to Thursday, June 8. Final testing and integration of the equipment will take place on Friday, June 9.

Customers in the vicinity of outer St Leonards may be able to obtain service from

our other Telstra mobile towers during the disruption.

Telstra mobile customers may start receiving text messages advising them of the upcoming upgrade this week.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.

Any calls to triple-0 from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for

connection to emergency services.

“We know that there is never a good time for work like this to occur, however the service disruption is required to perform the significant work required to provide the new technology and speed and capacity to St Leonards,” Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said.

“We are continuing to expand our 5G network across regional Victoria and nationally we are adding new sites to the

Franchise licence delights Grovers

Ocean Grove Bowling Club (OGBC) has been awarded a prized spot in the Victorian Bowls League 2 (VBL2) as a new franchise.

OGBC will be the third of eight new clubs to be awarded a new franchise. After a successful inaugural season, VBL2 will commence in July with finals competed in September.

OGBC chief executive Nathan O’Neill said joining VBL2 will open opportunities to participate against highly rivalled clubs across Victoria.

“We aim to optimise our bowls pathways fromgrassrootstoeliteatOceanGroveBowling Club and being involved in VBL2 is an integral step forward to provide a greater pathway for our athletes,” he said.

The eight inaugural franchises who participated in VBL last year will return, along with eight new franchises.

Clubs from Dandenong, Sunbury, Moama, Deer Park, and Warrnambool will all be competing alongside OGBC in VBL2.

“We continually challenge our members to reach new heights, this will be another opportunity to benchmark ourselves against some of the best,” OGBC bowls development general manager Matt Flapper said.

Ocean Grove recently completed a hugely successful season, including being Champions of State Pennant and winning the Geelong Bowls Region Saturday Pennant premiership.

“Our best is good enough and we look

Councillor Grzybek resigns

Kylie Grzybek has resigned from the City of Greater Geelong council.

In an email, Cr Grzybek who has been a councillor for six years, said she would focus on her senior executive role at the Transport Accident Commission, and her family.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Grzybek for her dedication to working for all residents of Greater Geelong, but particularly those within her Windermere Ward,“ mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Councillor Grzybek served as a deputy mayor under former mayor Stephanie Asher and has been a passionate advocate for the northern suburbs for many years.

“She helped secure funding and delivery of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, which is the biggest infrastructure project undertaken by Council outside of Central

Geelong, and successfully campaigned for upgrades to multiple facilities at sporting clubs across the northern suburbs.

“On behalf of council I wish Councillor Grzybek well and thank her for her tireless efforts as a leader in our community.”

Cr Grzybek will finish up on Friday, June 2.

forward to being part of VBL2,” Flapper said.

OGBC is currently planning to undergo a redevelopment consisting of a world-class undercover 16-rink bowling structure.

“We are looking forward to seeing the redevelopment come to fruition over the next 12 to 18 months,” O’Neill said.

“Thecompletionofourfutureredevelopment will further advance us in having a local and national prominence.

“The redevelopment will lure major events to the community to increase tourism and deliver positive economic growth.”

With VBL2 commencing in two months, the remaining franchises will be announced in the coming weeks.

network every week.”

The upgrade is intended to improve mobile connectivity in the existing coverage footprint and will not provide additional coverage.

The upgrade is intended to bring added benefits for customers on the Telstra 4G network with more capacity, providing better network connectivity and less congestion in St Leonards when it is busier.

Celtic festival back over the long weekend

The19thNationalCelticFolkFestivalhits

Portarlington over the long weekend and more than 17,000 people are expected for the multi-day event.

The program is packed full of culture, folk and traditions including Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Breton, Galician and Asturian cultures.

Highlights include bush dances, heavy games, Celtic martial arts, ceilis, live theatre, pipe bands, workshops and, new in 2023, hurling.

“As the biggest Celtic festival in Australia, we pride ourselves on bringing in new, fresh performers for festival goers to enjoy,” festival director Una McAlinden said.

“This is the first year, since COVID, that we are back full tilt and we are ready to host more international and national artists this year.”

The festival kicks off on Friday, June 9 and continues through the weekend to Monday, June 12.

Visit nationalcelticfestival.com for tickets and more information.

Kylie Grzybek and former mayor Stephanie Asher.

Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s bowls development general manager Matt Flapper and bowls co-ordinator Tyson Cromie are looking forward to playing in the Victorian Bowls League 2 season. (Ivan Kemp) 337199_03

Siohban Owen will be performing at the National Celtic Folk Festival over the long weekend. (Ivan Kemp) 285644_33

Changes to January 26

By Cr Jim Mason

January 26 means different things to different people.

But for many of our First Nations people, it a day to grieve the loss of culture, the loss of Country (spiritual and physical), and the loss of family networks.

These feelings of isolation and disconnection have been brought into sharp focus in recent years.

Following a detailed six-month consultation processtobetterunderstandhowcouncilcould support our First Nations community, Council last month voted to formally change how the City marked January 26.

The public consultation had sought all community members’ views on the way forward.

The number of responses received was significant and reflected a broad desire to see ourFirstNationsPeoplebetterrepresentedand acknowledged.

There was widespread support for greater inclusion of First Nations culture and history into the way 26 January is commemorated in Greater Geelong.

At our recent meeting, council voted unanimously to provide this support, enabling culturally safe conversations and learnings.

We are working to improve this day for Geelong’s First Nations People, so they no longer feel marginalised, sad, or ignored.

As part of this, we will not be hosting citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

Instead, January citizenship ceremonies will take place within the three days of January 26, which is in line with recent changes to federal government requirements.

Contrary to some reports, we are not seeking to limit public activities on January 26.

Large-scale community events will continue to be held.

However, we do want to improve how we commemorate January 26 to include all Australians – especially our First Nations People.

We want to work with organisers of these publicevents,torecogniseFirstNationsPeoples and include First Nations cultural activities. ByreframingJanuary26asadayofreflection, education, and healing, we take a tangible step towards reconciliation.

It shows our commitment to a shared future where all Australians can feel valued and respected.

Through education and truth-telling, we can foster a greater understanding of historical

events and promote a more inclusive and united Australia.

We also voted to acknowledge and respect the traumatic historical impact the January 26 has on Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations Peoples of the Geelong Region.

Leading up to this vote, the city consulted widely and community engagement occurred over six months from May to December 2022.

Duringtheengagement,councilreceived952 survey responses, of which 447 were from First Nations People (equivalent to 12.5 per cent of the local First Nations community).

All responses (100 per cent) from First Nations Peoples expressed a wish for a change in how the day is commemorated.

Importantly, across the broader community, a vast majority (almost 70 per cent) of survey respondents said change was needed, with 32 per cent opposing change.

The consultation was supported by advice received from the Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee – a First Nation advisory committee which has been instrumental in providing council with strong cultural guidance on First Nations initiatives.

Having previously held the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio for two years, I am proud of the work council has completed on this critical issue.

Through education and truth-telling, we can foster a greater understanding of historical events and promote a more inclusive and united Australia.

For a full description of council’s decision, please see yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.

au/26Jan

Finally, if there are any council-related matters you need assistance with, please get in touch with the city via email contactus@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5272 5272.

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason.

Phil Emery OAM passes

Ocean Grove is mourning the death of Phil Emery OAM on May 13.

Mr Emery received an Order of Australia Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours list in 2021 and was recognised for his contribution to the greater Geelong area. At the time, he said he had no idea who nominated him.

“I didn’t even know the process and I still don’t,” he said. “My old man used to have a philosophy that if you ever do anything good for someone, don’t tell anyone.

Postcards visits Wallington

Wallington and Ocean Grove will feature on Channel 9 lifestyle show Postcardsthis Sunday , June 4.

Postcardsfeaturesthebesttravelandlifestyle stories from Melbourne and surrounding regions in a 30-minute timeslot.

On Sunday, presenter Madeline Spark is on a road trip to Wallington where she discovers Ket Baker, an artisan bakery and catches up with French-trained chef Miek Paulus.

Down the road she drops into the Manor Suite Wine Bar, which is set amid acres of grapevines, and chats to owner Marty Chichester about its recent makeover.

Madeline finishes in Ocean Grove, where Feed Me Bellarine – co-founded by passionate local Lana Purcell – turns leftovers into meals for those in need.

The episode airs at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9NOW.

“The community gets to celebrate a bit too I think.”

Mr Emery was chair of Barwon Coast Committee of Management from 2014 to 2021 and was the inaugural president of the Shell Road Sports and Community Pavilion.

He was also the founder of Ocean Grove Harriers, a social running group that has been operating since 1985.

Mr Emery was an active member of Ocean Grove Football Netball Club and was junior football director, junior coach, committee

member, and was the driving force in the club’s move from Memorial Reserve to Shell Road in 2015.

He was also a proud social supporter of the club being both a Red Wine Club & Golden Grubber member.

Mr Emery was a simulated patient volunteer for final-year medical students at Geelong Clinical School and was a member of Barwon Health human research ethics committee.

Mr Emery will be sorely missed throughout the Ocean Grove community.

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Ocean Grove is mourning the death of Phil Emery OAM. (Justin Flynn)

Madeline Spark with owner of Ket Baker bakery Miek Paulus, and with Feed Me Bellarine’s Lana Purcell (second from right) and some of the team.

Young musicians seize the day

By Jena Carr

Queenscliffe Literary Festival (QLF) has celebrated the achievements of borough students with a musical performance.

The Queenscliff Town Hall hosted grade five and six students across the borough involved in the QLF Schools program, mayor Isabelle Tolhurst, and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant on May 26.

Committee member Linden McCormack said the event allowed Point Lonsdale, Saint Aloysius and Queenscliff Primary School

students to showcase their work.

“This program involves not only their cognitive thinking, but their physical and musical talents. It’s all encompassing,” she said.

“This is theirs. This day, they own it, and that’s the message we’ve been trying to get through to the children during the workshop times that this is their programme. Grab it and run with it.”

Ms McCormack said the “really fantastic program” included full-day songwriting workshops where students learnt about song

composition, stagecraft, instrumentation and performance.

“It’s been an absolutely amazing experience forourlocalstudentstohavethisopportunity,” she said.

“They have been exposed to the songwriting process, working collaboratively together with the artists, being able to explore and use instruments.

“While it looks fun, the kids have actually been working really hard each day to manage this whole process.”

Ms McCormack said the program had

Wallington celebrates reconciliation

Wallington Primary School is paying its respects to Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islanders with a week of culturally inspired activities.

TheVoicevisited the school on Wednesday, May 31, to see the many activities, including cultural painting, that the students were doing to celebrate Reconciliation Week.

Teacher Jason Vaught said his prep class started the day with a yarn about friendships and that every student at the school does a First Nations class.

“Every week they come to class and do a yarn circle at the start where we’ll talk about how to help build relationships,” he said.

“Then we had our dreamtime story, which had a bit of a message at the end, and then we were doing the movement of animals.

“It is about the culture, a close connection to the land, and the students building their own personal connections.”

Mr Vaught said it was important to teach kids about the First Nation’s history and help them learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

“The year five and sixes previously did a big unit on coal burning, learning about how it works and how they’re good for nature,” he said.

“They also learned about the Bunyip, a

mythical creature and a warning not to go near water holes.

“The idea is to also get people from First Nations to come in and help, particularly with art as they’re the ones that teach the art.”

Wallington Primary School will also hold an open afternoon on Thursday, June 15, for prospective prep-grade enrolments. Attendees can participate in activities, a story time, and meet principal Gavin Nelson. Call the school on 5250 1841 for any questions or for enrolments.

Jena Carr

“been truly wonderful” and provided the students with future musical opportunities.

“This experience is just opening up new doors for them,” she said.

“It’s been really good to see our younger students looking at the older students and realising that this is something they can do in the future when they’re at secondary school.”

Pre-school, foundation, year two, three and four students also participated in this year’s QLF School Program, where they undertook workshops to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

New chapter for author

A Clifton Springs author has released his first book tackling the effects of technology on society.

The Silent Society by Rich Larsen was released on May 25 and is an adventure novel about a disease that makes its sufferers unable to speak.

Mr Larsen said he wanted to write something with “a lot of substance” and decidedtowriteastoryabouthumanity’s reaction to a disease.

“We’re at a point in our society now where we’re really drifting away from what human beings were designed for,” he said. “There’s a lot of technology that we’re perhaps not equipped to deal with, and I saw this mismatch in our past and what we’re living through now.

“We’re just not equipped to deal with the technology that we face each day, the screen time, and the disconnection with the natural world.”

Mr Larsen said he combined his two lovesofscienceandtheoutdoorsandthat it was nice to “understand the natural world” in different areas worldwide and “try to put that into words”.

“The lead character travels all around the world and I really liked researching those particular destinations,” he said.

“It was hard to write, but it was a lot of fun and when I realised that it was done, it was a really nice feeling.”

Mr Larsen said he had the idea of an illness sweeping the world but didn’t know where his book would initially lead.

“It starts out as a very isolated thing, and they’ve got this core team that are looking to solve the issue. I thought it added to the intrigue and difficulty in finding a solution that people weren’t able to portray how they were feeling and what was going on in their lives.”

Teacher Jason Vaught teaching a prep class a wallaby dance. (Ivan Kemp) 337479_09

Bench unveiled at Ocean Grove

A new five-metre curved bench seat has been installed in Ocean Grove Park as part of a collaboration between genU, Ocean Grove Park committee and art’sKool.

The bench seat features artwork inspired by a collection of 30 vibrant paintings created by a diverse group of community members including adults, teens, and genU artists with disability.

More than 70 guests attended the official unveiling of the seat on Monday, May 29. The artists drew inspiration from the surrounding flora and fauna and life in Ocean

Grove. The seat has a unique gap at its centre and is wheelchair-accessible.

“Projects such as these are important to community life, to community inclusion and to creating opportunities where community can come together to achieve great things,” genU service development and partnerships executive director Natasha Williams said.

“The Ocean Grove Park Committee has been incredibly welcoming and generous to genU Bellarine Connections.

“Thisisagreatwaytohighlightthewonderful ability of our participants and the amazing

Braving the MND freeze

Get ready to witness an icy spectacle like no other as the chilling excitement of the Big Freeze fundraiser comes to Ocean Grove.

Nat Woodfull from Natsukshii Healing has rallied a line-up of local personalities, community heroes, and fearless individuals who have dared to take the plunge and face the frozen abyss.

Nat, from Point Lonsdale, has enlisted the support of personal trainer Emily Hayward, who will be joining her to facilitate warm up activities and movement across the morning. She will then facilitate breathwork and ice plunging.

All proceeds from the Big Freeze will go towards fighting Motor Neurone Disease.

“Picture this: influential leaders, beloved teachers,andevenyourfriendlyneighbourhood heroes willingly submerged in icy waters, all for the greater good,” Nat said. “Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and join us as we take the leap into frozen waters.

“Together, we can turn this icy adventure into a heart-warming success, surpassing our $5000 target and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and support.”

What makes this version of the Big Freeze is that there will be no slides, just ice baths.

“It’s not just a quick dip,” Nat said. “There will be five pools with three (people) in each.

“Fifteen (participants) submerging for a minute to three minutes and we have to be conscious of cold shock.”

Nat has been involved with ice bathing for several years and believes in its physical and psychological benefits. She wants to do her bit to help Neale Daniher fight MND.

“IloveNealeDaniherandI’mabigEssendon fan,” she said. “I love what he stands for and what he’s been able to achieve. Come along, the more the merrier.”

The Natsukshii Healing Big Freeze is at Ocean Grove Park pavilion on Sunday, June 18 from 9.30am.

things that the community can do when they come together as one.”

The Ocean Grove ‘Art in the Park’ project aimed to bring community members together topromoteandcelebratecommunity,inclusion and diversity through the creation of an art installation to enhance and contribute to the park. A series of community art workshops took place where genU Bellarine Connections participants came together with other community members to create a series of art works. These designs became the inspiration for the finished seat.

Barwon Coast Update

VALE PHIL EMERY

It is with deep sadness that we share the sad news of the death of our former colleague and dear friend of Barwon Coast, Phil Emery, who passed away on 13 May.

Phil led the Barwon Coast Committee of Management as Chair from 2014 to 2021, and was known for his wise words, good humour and generous support of all staff.

His dedication and contribution to the Greater Geelong region also saw him awarded an Order of Australia Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021.

We will miss him more than words can express and offer our deepest condolences to Phil’s partner in life, Davina, and family.

Vale Phil.

Sandra Gatehouse

Chair, Barwon Coast Committee of Management

Gary McPike

CEO, Barwon Coast

BARWON BLUFF CIRCUIT WALK SAFETY UPGRADES

In mid-May we started replacing the fencing along the Barwon Bluff Circuit Walk, meaning we had to close the trail while the works take place. Thank you to our walkers and community for your patience during these important safety upgrades.

THANK YOU TO OUR COAST-CARING COMMUNITY

Huge thanks to the community members who started to clean up the broken glass on Ocean Grove Main Beach last month while rangers made their way to the site.

It is disappointing to see our beautiful foreshores and beaches treated this way, however we are greatly apprecaitve of our wonderful community members who do all they can to care for this phenomenal stretch of coastline.

MAY COMMITTEE MEETING RECAP

The Barwon Coast Committee of Management May meeting had a full agenda, including a training session on unconscious bias and privilege, updates about projects, natural resource management and maintenance works happening around the coast, and a report on our Ports. Visit the news section of our website to find out more.

HOODED PLOVER UPDATE

A flock of Hooded Plovers was spotted in midMay on 13th Beach, including one of our very own summer fledglings!

Some of the Plovers were identifiable by their leg flags, including ZB (this summer’s fledgling from Bukareeyoo (Ocean Grove Spit), pictured), LB (Point Roadknight January 2022 fledgling), and 4B (from Phillip Island).

Bukareeyoo fledgling ZB, spotted at 13th Beach

New fencing at Barwon Bluff circuit walk

Carly Edwards, Nat Woodfull and Emily Hayward will all be part of the Natsukshii Healing Big Freeze in Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp) 337192_03

More than 70 guests attended an official launch of the bench seat and celebration of the culmination of ‘Art in the Park’ in Ocean Grove. (Supplied)

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New vaping education plan

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is working towards creating a smoke and vape free Bellarine Peninsula by supporting schools to educate young people and their families about the health risks of vaping.

Creating a smoke and vape free Bellarine Peninsula is part of the BCH Live Well Bellarine Health Promotion plan. BCH is changing its smoke-free signage and policies to include vaping andprovidingthefactstothecommunity about vaping, including local support services.

“We are also working with local schools on the Bellarine Peninsula to support them with their vaping concerns bytakingawholeschoolapproach,”BCH healthy communities planner Lauren Purser said.

Helping groups thrive

More kids with a disability will get to experience the thrill of horse riding after Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Barwon received a $10,000 grant from Give Where You Live Foundation.

The grant was one 15 of given to local community organisations through Give Where You Live’s 2023 Survive & Thrive grant round.

ThefundingwillenabletheWallington-based RDA Barwon to provide riding lessons to young people in the community who may otherwise not be able to afford them.

Rebecca Lapidus, an integration aide at Wallington Primary School who supports students to access RDA’s fortnightly riding lessons, said the program offers many benefits to the children.

“We see so much growth and so much happiness in the students,” she said.

“Many of the students were initially very scared of getting on the horses, but over the pastyearswehaveseenagrowthinallofthem.

“They have increased confidence, language skills, they are able to discuss what they do with their parents and teachers. It brings such

a sense of community to them as well.”

Give Where You Live chief executive Bill Mithen said the foundation was very proud to provide RDA with the $10,000 grant.

“As the cost of living continues to increase, we know those families who care for a child with a disability are under increased financial pressure, with many finding it challenging to fund the necessary support for their children,” he said. “This funding will support young people with a disability or who are experiencing social isolation and could not otherwise afford to access riding lessons.”

“We’re providing information for newsletters and websites, promoting local support services, signage changes, school policy updates and giving them the most up-to-date information.

“In light of the federal government recently sharing its plan to control e-cigarettes in Australia, it is now more important than ever for health promotion teams to work on the ground with their communities to tackle this issue from the bottom up.”

Locally,BCHyouthservicesworkwith people aged 12 to 25 who need vaping and smoking support. Barwon Health has a Be Smoke Free Clinic in Newcomb which can support people of all ages to quit smoking and vaping.

Kristi Clapinski (Give Where You Live Foundation) and Jake Johnson (TAC) visit RDA Barwon. (Supplied)

Top surf lifesavers recognised

Bellarine and Surf Coast surf lifesavers have been recognised at Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) Valuing Volunteers Event, held during Volunteering Australia’s National Volunteer Week.

Victorian lifesavers performed 674 rescues, more than 11,000 first-aid services, 88 Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter taskings and more than 300,000 preventative actions during the 2022-23 patrol season.

This included an early start to the season, as LSV volunteers and staff were deployed to assist in communities inundated by the 2022 Victorian floods, helping those trapped evacuate, delivering life saving medications, surveyingfromaboveandprovidingasourceof comfort and support to communities in need.

LSV president Paul James commended the efforts of the organisation’s volunteers and thanked them for their service.

“It takes a special kind of person to give up their own time to help others, let alone the peoplewerecognisedatourValuingVolunteers Events for contributing upward of 100 patrol hours and going above and beyond to extend our services well beyond the red and yellow flags,” he said.

“Thanks to our lifesavers, 674 people made it home safely to their families, this is 674 incidents that could have turned out very differently without our people there to help.

“I am immensely proud of our people, whether you contribute one or 100 hours between the flags, support your club behind the scenes in training and administration, are out there educating the next generation of lifesavers, officiating sports carnivals or flipping sausages on the barbecue, every one of our 45,000-plus members has made an invaluable contribution to our organisation, saving lives and empowering communities to safely enjoy Victoria’s beautiful waterways.”

Volunteer award recipients

Gold medallion

Jake Jenkins, Torquay

State long service award

James Coutie, Barwon Heads 13th Beach

SLSC and Point Lonsdale

Significant contribution awards –aquatic sport

John Baldock, Anglesea

Ian Blacnhonette, Jan Juc

Isabella Heather, Jan Juc

Sonia Kinsey, Ocean Grove

Mark Patterson, Torquay

Samuel Ranson, Barwon Heads 13th Beach

Andrew Richards, Jan Juc

Flynn Thompson, Lorne

Peter van Miltenbug, Anglesea

Significant contribution awards –volunteer training

Paige Sharp, Ocean Grove

Sky Smith, Apollo Bay

Harry Swingler, Apollo Bay

Geoffrey Thompstone, Jan Juc

100+ patrol hours – gold

Joseph Ames, Apollo Bay

Alexandras Bartaska, Apollo Bay, Brighton and Ocean Grove

Nathan Gillard, Jan Juc

100-plus patrol hours – silver

Stephen Griffiths, Torquay

Brenton Sayle, Barwon Heads 13th Beach

Michael Schofield, Jan Juc

Significant contribution awards –club support

Lyndie Freestone, Ocean Grove

David Marsh, Anglesea

100-plus patrol hours – bronze

Jonathon Cole, Torquay

Dora Dos Santos, Bancoora

Bruce Honey, Ocean Grove

Cara Johnson, Ocean Grove

Huw Joyce, Point Lonsdale

David Marsh, Anglesea

Edward Page-Walker, Bancoora

David Pavia, Ocean Grove

Daniel Phillips, Torquay

Stephen Scammell, Jan Juc

Local author shortlisted for the Miles Franklin

St Leonards author Pirooz Jafari is a finalist for the Miles Franklin Literary Award for his first-ever literary fiction novel, Forty Nights.

Mr Jafari said it was a “surreal” and “humbling experience” to have his novel featured on a list of 11 authors for the $60,000 award celebrating literacy and stories about Australian life.

“Everyone has had something really profoundtosayabouthowtheyhaveconnected with the book,” he said.

“It is very personal, but I must strongly emphasise that this is not a memoir. I feel it is anyone’s story.”

Mr Jafari’s novel is about migrants and their journey to Australia, and he said his story drew inspiration from people in his own life.

“This is a story that has evolved and has grown with me ever since childhood and a significant portion of the book is based on my own lived experience or the people around me,” he said.

“The recipes that are mentioned in the book are recipes that mum has taught me and those are the bits that have a very special place for me.”

The award, established by feminist and author Stella Maria Sarah Mile Franklin, was first presented in 1957. Mr Jafari said his novel was a “universal story” with a strong female presence.

“I feel that the heroines in my book, they’re notjustsomelonelyfiguresscratchedonapiece of paper, they are actually now recognised,” he said.

The Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlisted finalists will be revealed on June 20, and the winner will be announced on July 25.

Left: Dora Dos Santos (Bancoora), Tegan Reither (St Kilda), Leigh Reither (St Kilda) and Edward Page-Walker (Bancoora) were awarded bronze certificates for 100-plus patrol hours. Centre: James Coutie of Barwon Heads 13th Beach and Point Lonsdale SLSCs with his state long-service award. Right: Surf Lifesaving Victoria president Paul James and OGSLSC’s Paige Sharp, who was awarded significant contribution award for volunteer training. (Pictures: Supplied)

Jena Carr Pirooz Jafari with his book Forty Nights. (Ivan Kemp) 337471_07

Dancing for older Australians: why not give it a whirl?

Dancing for older Australians: give it a whirl

The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of wellbeing.

A 2018 study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) showed a positive relationship between dancing and the physical and emotional health of older Australians.

Participants in the study experienced improved flexibility, boosted energy levels and better posture. Further studies have found that dancing can slow or even reverse the signs of ageing in the brain.

Among these benefits, older Australians are likely to experience an improvement in balance, coordination and spatial awareness, which in turn could reduce their likelihood of falls.

Dancing also provides an increase in heart rate, encouraging the movement of oxygen throughout the body. This has shown positive effects on heart and lung condition, and has the potential to lessen the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Regular dance also assists in weight management, toning muscle, improving strength and reducing joint pain.

The benefits of dancing aren’t just physical. Regular dancing has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for spatial navigation and memory formation.

Not only did study participants enjoy a range of physical and mental progress, they also experienced a shift in overall mood, self-esteem and confidence. This is attributed to a combination of the effects of physical exercise and the social interactions and connections formed during the dance classes.

Some things to consider:

• Are you looking to dance on your own or with a partner? Perhaps you’d like to join a group dance class, or maybe you’d prefer private lessons. What sort of dance style are you looking to engage in? The options are endless. Ballet, line dancing, Latin or salsa dancing, waltzing, tap dancing, dance

aerobics and even seated dance classes are all popular styles you can choose from.

• Before you pull on your dancing shoes, it’s important to consult your doctor or medical professional. They can provide you with proper advice tailored to your health needs.

• Once you’ve got the go ahead, you should

Looking

make sure that you hydrate properly before, during and after you dance. Warming up and cooling down is also crucial to avoid stiffness or injury.

• Take care not to over work yourself on the dance floor. Remember, it’s all about getting active and having fun. Now get out there and bust a move!

Sun 18th & Mon 19th June 2023 | 10am-3pm daily @ Rydges Geelong (Cnr Gheringhap & Little Myers Sts)

On display will be resort style developments as well as established villages from many different organisations. All offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations, all under one roof with free admission. Don’t miss this life changing event!

Creamy winter goodness

Winter is a season that calls for nourishing dishes that warm us from the inside out.

Creamy mushroom soup is a classic comfort food that warms both the body and the soul. With its rich and earthy flavours, this recipe will take you on a culinary journey that celebrates the delightful taste of mushrooms.

So, let’s gather our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and prepare to savour the creamy goodness of homemade mushroom soup.

Ingredients:

•฀฀1฀pound฀(450g)฀fresh฀mushrooms฀ (cremini,฀button,฀or฀a฀mix),฀sliced

•฀฀1฀medium฀onion,฀finely฀chopped

•฀฀3฀cloves฀of฀garlic,฀minced

•฀฀4฀tablespoons฀butter

•฀฀4฀cups฀vegetable฀or฀chicken฀broth

•฀฀1฀cup฀heavy฀cream

•฀฀2฀tablespoons฀all-purpose฀flour

•฀฀1฀teaspoon฀dried฀thyme

•฀฀Salt฀and฀pepper฀to฀taste

•฀฀Fresh฀parsley฀or฀chives฀(optional,฀for฀ garnish)

Method:

1/ In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.

2/ Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 8-10฀minutes฀or฀until฀the฀mushrooms฀ release their moisture and turn golden brown.

3/ Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

4/ Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Bring฀the฀mixture฀to฀a฀gentle฀boil,฀then฀ reduce the heat to low and simmer for about฀15-20฀minutes,฀allowing฀the฀flavours฀ to meld together.

5/ Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Be cautious with the hot liquid to avoid any accidents.

6/ Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the soup฀for฀an฀additional฀5฀minutes฀to฀allow฀ the flavours to blend.

7/ Once the soup reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

8/ Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of freshness.

9/ Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or croutons on the side for a delightful textural฀contrast.

Soul warming and seriously delicious

Bellarine favourite, Flying Brick Cider House, has just launched its winter menu and it’s seriously delicious.

Think hearty fare, local produce, seductive flavours. Cosy up by the roaring fire or bask in the winter sun flowing through the floor to ceiling windows and enjoy all there is on offer.

Lavishgrazingplattersandaterrificselection of smaller plates to share are both great ways to kick start your dining experience.

There literally is something for everyone –chilli and lime cauliflower or chorizo and tiger prawns to Meredith goats cheese and truffle oil croquettes to mention a few.

When it comes to mains, choices abound.

From turmeric roasted cauliflower, Bannockburn chicken breast to pan seared barramundi. Portarlington mussels are showcased with a sauvignon blanc and arrabiatta sauce.

Two burgers are in the mix – a Korean fried chicken burger as well as ‘The Brick Burger’ whose foundation is succulent Angus beef.

How about a steak frites featuring 250gm eye fillet, crispy fries, horseradish and roast garlic butter?

For the sweet tooth, Flying Brick’s inhouse patisserie legend, Kate Lee, doesn’t disappoint.

The line-up includes rhubarb, pear and Anzac biscuit crumble as a highlight as is the decadent chocolate parfait. The Fillipino crème caramel is also a no brainer if you can get past the blueberry and white chocolate pannacotta or mango ice cream sandwich.

Flying Brick has also just launched ‘Midweek Magic’, a delicious two-course luncheon complete with a beverage of choice and bang for buck.

Monday to Friday, patrons have the option to enjoy two courses (entrée and main or main and dessert) accompanied by a glass of premium Yes said the Seal wine for just $35 per person. (Theglassofwinecanbeswappedfora

pot of tap cider or beer, barista coffee, loose leaf tea or soft drink so everyone is covered!)

Head chef Greg Mendiola, has curated an evolving array of delicious new culinary items especially for those people who love to get out and about for a midweek dining experience.

The full a la carte Flying Brick Menu is also available between Monday and Friday at regular pricing.

Bookings via flyingbrickciderco.com.au or call 5250 6577.

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

12606035-SN21-23

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days 85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

12606706-RR21-23

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au

12606701-KG21-23

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days 1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp ventured to The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Monday, May 29 to see how

Lloyd McShanag with his children Cleo and Charlie. Right: Henry Chomley and Lucia Borrello (top); Ocean Grove locals Steve Franchi, and Helen Vickers. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 337197

Left: Lucy and Nicky Teese from Ocean Grove. Right: Kate Houghton moved to Ocean Grove two weeks ago. Right: John and Jacqui Dunn.

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 Constructs (6)

4 Rant and rave (8)

9 Traditional English sponge cake (7)

11 Imbricate (7)

12 Knick-knacks and souvenirs (11)

13 Firearm (3)

14 Arduous (8)

16 Capital territory of India (5)

19 Regal (5)

20 Influenza strain (5,3)

22 Phone program (3)

24 Reciprocal (11)

26 Annoying (7)

27 Deviate (7)

29 Accurate shooters (7)

30 Stylish (6)

DOWN

1 Cadge (3)

2 Compensation (9)

3 Less wet (5)

5 Greek god of music, poetry, etc (6)

6 Girls’ name (9)

7 Forced labour camp (5)

8 Outlay (11)

10 Collections of songs or photos (6)

12 Prioritising material possessions (11)

15 Rocks containing silica (9)

17 Exaggerated self importance (9)

18 Mount (6)

21 In ancient architecture, a horizontal design (6)

23 Metal rod for stirring a fire (5)

25 Celestial being (5)

28 Speak (3)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

135

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

12 25

678312954

593684271

719468523 481275639

836521497 365849712

142957368

927136845

246851973

752618394

918543627

189327465 897135246

375964182 461279538

easy medium hard

634792851

523486719

P Today’s Aim:

Y 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 37 words: Excellent

361297485

157926834

639814572

254793186 516389247

945638721 293745618

872451963 784162359

428573196

R S R B E 3 LETTERS ADO APE ATE BEE ERA FEW FOE GAL ICE IFS IRE IRK KEN MOP NEE NIT OLD ORE PRO ROW SUE TIP VIA 4 LETTERS ABLE ALSO ARTS CAST CENT DANK EVIL ICON JETS OFFS PERT SANG SOLE WEPT WOOD 5 LETTERS ACORN

1415 1617181920212223242526 S G K R T D N C V H Z A Q X Y O E U M B I J P F W L 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

No. 135

QUICK QUIZ

AHEAD ALLOT AORTA ARISE ASHEN BALDS BASIC BUFFS CLASS COSTS COVES CRANE CRASH EATEN ENSUE FAIRY FINAL FLEES GREAT HALES HARSH

HERDS IDEAL JAUNT NAVEL OPENS OUSTS OVENS ROAST ROTOR SCENT SELLS SLEET SLYER SMART SMELT STAKE STEER STRUT SWIRL TIGER TREAT

ULTRA USUAL VIRAL 6 LETTERS CASINO ERECTS IRONIC STRINE 7 LETTERS COASTER ENIGMAS FOCUSED POSTAGE

ROOSTER ROWBOAT 8 LETTERS FRESHEST NARRATOR ROMANTIC TIRESOME 11 LETTERS DIFFERENCES NECESSITATE

02-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 Do peanuts grow on trees, on bushes or below ground?

2 The archer is the symbol of what zodiac sign?

3 Stenography is the process of what?

4 Wynton Marsalis is known for playing which instrument?

5 The three Margin brothers (Zaac, Sam and Elliott) are members of which Australian rock band?

6 Who was the only Ptolemaic ruler to learn the Egyptian language?

7 Jessica Walsh is a graphic designer and creative director based in which US city?

8 Which 2020 sci-fi thriller stars John David Washington and Robert Pattinson?

9 The rusty-spotted cat (pictured) is notable for being what?

10 Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders designed which typeface in 1982?

13 26 FL ANSWERS: 1. Below ground 2. Sagittarius 3. Writing shorthand 4. Trumpet 5. The Rubens 6. Cleopatra 7. New York 8. Tenet 9. The world’s smallest cat 10. Arial

No.

No. 135

Readers share bird discoveries

A combination of wet weather and work has meantthatIhaven’tbeenoutandaboutaround the Bellarine as much as I would like.

I drove to Anglesea and Point Addis one day and every time I stopped the car and went for a walk, the rain poured down in buckets. It was thefirsttimeI’vebeentotheSurfCoastandnot seen many birds at all.

I spotted two wedge-tailed eagles near Bellbrae, which was great, but no photo eventuated. I didn’t spot a rufous bristlebird at Point Addis or any blue-winged parrots at Anglesea Heath, so it was not a fruitful excursion to the area, but it was lovely to be there never-the-less.

Luckily I received some emails from Voice readers with their observations. Andrew sent a photo of a white-faced heron with a yabbie it caught at the wetlands near The Point estate.

White-faced herons are a common bird seen around Lake Connewarre and other wetlands, and even around farm dams, around the Bellarine Peninsula. They can also be seen foraging on coastal mudflats and around rockpools.

Andrew also sent a photo of a welcome swallowonaboatropeatQueenscliff.Welcome swallows apparently were named by sailors because if they noticed one of these birds when they were out at sea, they knew that they were approaching land. They are also a commonly seen bird around the Bellarine, and they give meaheartattackwhenI’mdrivingnearthepost office inOcean Grove as they weave around the traffic chasing insects to eat. Luckily, I haven’t

COMMUNITY

hit one yet, as they are very nimble.

Andrew also saw a flock of parrots on the fence along the bike path through the marshes between Black Rock and Breamlea Roads.

Andrew thought that these birds may have been the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, but I think they were likely to be the very similar blue-winged parrot.

Orange-bellied parrots may mingle with blue-winged parrot flocks and this time of the

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

year they fly to the mainland from Tasmania, but there are so few of them in the wild that they were unlikely to be the OBPs, although BWPs are also becoming less commonly seen and it’s great to spot a flock of them as well.

I received an email from Glenys, who regularly walks down the track from the Leopold lookout that is on the corner of Ash and Como Roads, to Lake Connewarre. Glenys was very excited to see a little white bird with

flashes of creamy yellow on a few feathers. It had a New Holland honeyeater flitting around it and flying off with it. Glenys thinks thatthepurewhitebirdwasalsoaNewHolland honeyeater, but a bird that lacked the colour pigment in its feathers. Unfortunately, this bird will be obvious to predators such as collared sparrow-hawks so it will be interesting to hear how long Glenys observes this bird around the area.

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? ฀Community฀Calendar฀is฀made฀available฀free฀of฀charge฀to฀not-for-profit฀organisations฀to฀keep฀the฀publ ic฀informed฀of฀special฀events฀and฀activities.฀Send฀item฀details฀to฀ Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.

Exhibition

SpringDale Felt & Textile Artists present ‘Heartfelt Creations’ at SpringDale Hall, Drysdale on June 10 and 11 from 10am to 4pm.

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. 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)

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

Leopold VIEW

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.

■ leopold.viewclub@gmail com

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, or Barbara, 0419-511

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

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฀first฀and฀third฀Thursday฀,7.30pm Monthly

•฀Book฀group฀first฀Friday,฀1pm

•฀Inhouse฀movies฀thirf฀Wednesday,฀1.30pm

•฀฀Ocean฀Grove฀Stamp฀Club฀fourth฀ Wednesday, 10am

■ 5255 2996

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

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

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

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

■ gwen.anne.james@gmail.com

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

CWA Drysdale

Meets atDrysdale 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

Andrew’s welcome swallow at Queenscliff.

Andrew’s white-faced heron with a yabbie in its mouth at The Point, Point Lonsdale.

Out and about

Country Womens Association Ocean Grove Branch hosted its annual Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea at OG Seniors Club last month. It was well supported by locals, who enjoyed the fun and delicious home-made goods amidst the spot prizes, raffles and quizzes.

1/ Hosts CWA Ocean Grove branch members Kareen Cordless, June George, Lyn Nurnaitis, Ann McGee, Carol Hendriksen, Janis Keating and Paschal Kent. 2/ Happy ladies from Ocean Grove. 3/ Jan Dalton and Glen McCrea. 4/ Ellen Koristan and Lois Bartel. 5/ Glen McCrae and Mary from Ocean Grove. 6/ Hamper winner Ellen Koristan. 7/ Marg McLean and Marg Rusinak. 8/ Lyn Nurnaitis displays Egg in Fabergé style from her mother’s hobby collection of 140 eggs ranging from quail to emu eggs. 9/ Barbara Loughlin, Ann McGee, Lyn Nurnaitis, Trish Pedderson, Lynn Drew and Isobel Bell. (Pictures: Supplied)

advert

SALES MANAGER

GEELONG INDEPENDENT

The Geelong Independent and Ocean Grove Voice seeks an experienced Sales Manager with exceptional communication skills.

The position will manage print and digital advertising sales for the Independent and co-publications Ocean Grove Voice, Geelong Coast Home and Lifestyle and Geelong Coast Kids. The position will be based at our Geelong West office. The successful applicant will have a proven track record managing sales teams, will be a strategic thinker, budget focused, organised, and able to multi-task.

The role requires strong relationship skills internally and externally, a confident communicator, and the ability to train and motivate staff.

Media sales management experience would be an advantage. Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE GEELONG INDEPENDENT

12610842-SM22-23

Geelong Independent seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Geelong Independent is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How many teams will compete in the inaugural 2023 Major League Cricket season in America?

2. Where will next year’s Summer Olympics be held?

3. Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is the latest AFL player to finish on which statistic

4. The Netflix show Drive to Survive is about which sport?

5. In what year did Chelsea last win a men’s Premier League title?

6. Walyalup is the Indigenous name of which AFL team during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round?

7. In which country is the final of the ICC World Test Championship

And which two teams are competing for the title? The outer green ring of the bullseye on a dartboard is worth how

Which decorated Aussie snowboarder recently married F1 heiress Chloe Stroll in Venice? The NRLW Women’s Premiership competition began in what year?

12. What NBA team does basketball legend Michael Jordan own?

13. Woody Harrelson stars in the feel-good 2023 basketball film titled what?

14. What is the surface of the court at the Italian Open tournament?

15. What do the bows in karate signify?

16. What sport is former athlete Mary Kom best known for?

17. What is the official name for the AFL Indigenous Round?

18. And in which rounds does it take place annually?

19. Which sporting event in Italy was cancelled, after there were severe weather warnings?

20. Which former St Kilda coach has been moved to caretaker of North Melbourne after Alastair Clarkson took an indefinite break from the role?

21. Which AFL team changed their name to Narrm during the AFL’s annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round?

22. Which South American team will the Socceroos play against in Japan in June?

23. Which Australian allrounder recently scored his first century in the Indian Premier League?

24. Which English fast bowler has played 161 tests and taken 576 wickets for England in test matches?

25. Paolo Banchero plays for which NBA team?

26. The 2023 Netball World Cup will be played in which country?

27. How many French Open singles titles has Rafael Nadal won?

28. What Super Netball team recently announced it may not be part of the competition in 2024?

29. What is the fictional team featured in the TV series Ted Lasso?

30. How many players are there on the ice for a team in an ice hockey match?

Nadal

Gladiator ready for all intruders

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

With the enemy gathering at the gates, Fort Jeep townsfolk have sent out a Gladiator to challenge the would-be intruders. And this warrior turns out to be one of the toughest, smartest, most accomplished members of the Rubicon cohort.

While the opposition, which includes the Toyota HiLux Rogue, Ford Ranger Raptor X, NissanPRO-4XWarriorandIsuzuD-Maxhave all put on airs and graces, the Wrangler-based Gladiator Rubicon comes fit for any dirty arena fight.

Standing alone among this mob, the Jeep dual cab utility can be stripped down to bare bones by the removal of roof sections, doors and even the windscreen. Not that it’s short on the finer things of off-roading such as a handy 249 mm of ground clearance.

The Gladiator is a pick-up or cab chassis 4x4 built in United States, with prices starting at $78,250, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level Night Eagle and jumping to $87,250 for the Rubicon.

Warranty is five years or 100,000 kilometres at intervals of 12 months or 12,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Capped price servicing is on offer too.

Styling

At first glance there is no doubting the Gladiator Rubicon’s pedigree. From the seven-slot radiator grille to the exposed bonnet latches and twin air vents it’s a Jeep through and through.

The squared off cabin takes up a typical Wrangler story, with the addition of a factory-fitted lined steel tub, with damped opening tail gate, Trail Rail tie-down load loops and a range of tonneau covers, including a powered automatic version. The tail gate is linked to the central locking system of the dual cab and the cargo area is well lit for easy access in the dark.

Asteeloff-roadrearbumper,rockrailsunder both the cab and bed and more are designed to protect the underbody in rough going. A set of 17-inch Granite Crystal alloy wheels is standard on Rubicon, adding to the pick-up’s assertive street and off-road stance.

Interior

The spacious cabin, kitted out in quality materials, including, in the case of the test vehicle, black leather upholstery with Rubicon Red Stitching, embroidered seatback, platinum chrome bezels and a fair share of red metallic highlights. As for dancing in the dust (or mud), things are brought down to earth with the addition of rubber mats.

Comfort is enhanced by heated front seats and steering wheel, together with dual zone climate control air-con. The cabin does have its ‘Jeepish’ quirks, such as the lack of curved surfaces (squares and rectangles dominate) and a crowded centre stack with a mix of knobs and switches topped off by a high-set 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Gear is kept safe and secure with lockable

storage in the rear seating area. Lifting up the rear seat reveals a removable bin. The seatback folds down for access to more secure space illuminated with LED lights.

Infotainment

The 8.4-inch Jeep Uconnect touchscreen, small by today’s standards, is rescued by the clarity of its display of info, including sat nav maps, access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Alpine nine-speaker sound system, digital radio, and steering-wheel-mounted audio buttons.

Two speakers are situated in a beam arching over the cab between front and rear seats, so they are still operational with the roof panels removed. Bush dance partakers note, in a compartment behind the driver’s seat is a self-charging removable Bluetooth speaker.

Engines / transmissions

PowerisprovidedbyJeep’subiquitousPentastar

3-litre 209 kW / 347 Nm V6 petrol engine and sent to ground via an eight-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive, with low range on call in tough going.

Safety

The three-star (out of five) safety rating is below par due to the lack of lane keeping and departure warning, and the absence of

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Jeep Gladiator Night Eagle $78,250

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon $87,250

SPECIFICATIONS

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 3.6L V6 petrol, 8sp automatic, 4WD

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

pedestrian and cyclist emergency braking.

The Gladiator does have forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking and electronic stability control.

Driving

With 249 mm ground clearance getting into and out of the Gladiator is quite a tall order for anybody of average height or below. Grab handles back and front come into welcome play with each manoeuvre. Single-stage opening doors are not at their best in tight shopping centre car parks.

On moving off, from the word go, the pick-up responded instantly to accelerator action, resulting in a firm push in the back. The

transmission delivered smooth transport of power to the road, accompanied by the hum of standard 255/75 R17 off-road tyres.

Jeep claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Best on test was 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres under low load at motorway cruising speed. Town trips accounted for up to 14 litres per 100 kilometres.

A skinny foot well and the absence of a left footrest could cause some driver instability during tough going off road. It’s a letdown, especially with the Gladiator’s trail-rated tag with reference to its Rubicon test results.

The suspension, however, is up for almost anything. Up front its coil spring, stabiliser bar, gas pressure shock, leading arm, track bar solid axle and link coil doing the work, while at the rear there’s a trailing arm.

The Trail Rated Jeep Gladiator features a high air intake and special water sealing to help fording creeks at depths of up to 760mm. Braked towing maximum is put at 2721kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750 kg.

Summary

While today’s pick-up truck arena has no shortage of combative talent on show, the Gladiator Rubicon has the chops to knock off any off-road challenger. And, like it or not, you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd.

Jeep puts Wrangler basics to good use in the Gladiator dual-cab utility. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grubbers and Anglesea compete

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Shell Road courts in Ocean Grove on Saturday, May 27 for the Under 17s, B Grade and A grade netball games between Ocean Grove and Anglesea.

Left: Georgie Collett with the ball. Centre: Georgia Berry and Liz Cobbledick compete for the ball. Right: Georgia Finn patrols centre court.

Above: Bella Wearmouth takes a shot on goal with defence from Matilda Stickland Right: Amelia Callagher looks to pass.

Above: Danni Hoiles looks for an option. Right: Morgan Lees with safe hands.

Left: Maddy Caldwell races in from the wing. Right: Even Lyla Shorter’s acrobatics can’t stop this pass. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 336328

Above: Emily Moroney takes possession. Right: Molly McLean pulls down a pass.

‘Frustrated’ Cats can defend flag says Hawkins

Star Geelong forward Tom Hawkins is drawing inspiration from storylines in world sport as the Cats seek to turn around their stuttering AFL premiership defence.

After Saturday’s shock home defeat to Toby Greene-inspired GWS, Geelong finds itself sitting 10th with a 5-6 record following a third-straight loss.

A stack of injuries have compounded the Cats’ misery, but Hawkins said Geelong were remaining calm and believed they could respond in the back-half of the season.

“There’s obviously a touch of frustration, losing (three) in a row, and we’re dealing with that,” the 34-year-old said on Tuesday.

“We’re certainly not playing the way we want to, but we are putting some things in

place to rectify that.

“I’m still really positive about the season.”

A fan of the NBA, Hawkins admired how Boston had fought back from 0-3 down to level its Eastern Conference finals series against Miami.

The Celtics ended up losing the deciding Game 7, but Hawkins said sport was littered with examples of teams seemingly have no hope but responding fiercely.

“You’re never out of it, that’s an athlete’s mindset,” Hawkins said.

“ … I’m still really positive with what we can achieve.”

Basketball was the theme of the day at Geelong as it switched training from GMHBA Stadium to a nearby ground.

Despite having a severely interrupted pre-season due to a serious foot injury, Hawkins has booted 30 goals in his 17th season and remains open to playing on in 2024.

“My priority has been clearly knowing my body and trying to get physically as best prepared as I can and then maintaining a certain level throughout the year,” Hawkins said.

“That’s certainly going to be a conversation for more the back end of the year.

“I need to see how I’m feeling physically and mentally, whether the club’s prepared to to to go forward again with me.”

Anglers brave the weather in pursuit of fish ON THE BITE

Peri Stavropoulos

The weather is certainty making it difficult for anglers to get out and, unfortunately, making fishing quite limited to most fishos.

Some locations have really fired up with the rough conditions include the Geelong waterfront, Limeburners Point, St Helens and North Shore.

The fish come in close on an evening with the high seas chasing a feed of all the bait that is being stirred around putting them in a feeding frenzy.

Anglers are picking up plenty of pinky snapper with baits such as pilchards and squid with a few bigger fish coming along to 4kg.

Mainly fishing the evening and with an incoming tide has been the most productive times and when the bigger fish have been on the chew.

The outer harbour has still had some great whiting reports come through with anglers still landing lots of fish with most averaging around high 30s, again with fish to mid 40s.

Midweek semi-final time

one point at the end of home and away season, but Ocean Grove took its third win against Wandana 4-2 to continue its finals run.

Again anglers with fresh squid and pipis for bait are picking up lots of fish and the whole Curlewis bank is holding fish.

Early morning showers threatened to ruin the first week of finals for the majority of Tuesday Midweek, however the skies cleared and the day proceeded without interruption.

Sections 1, 5 and 8 all had their last round of home and away matches with Geelong Lawn, Drysdale and Point Lonsdale taking out the respective minor premierships.

Section 2 saw two upsets with Winchlesea, which snuck into fourth place by a point in the final round, besting Grovedale with Andrea Spiller winning her three sets in the 4-2 win, while Barwon Heads got through in a close one against Point Lonsdale.

The Heads were down three sets to one going into the remaining two sets, but turned it around to win both, putting the result at three sets all, but with a four-game lead to put them straight into the grand final.

Things were a little more predictable in Section 3 with minor premiers Aireys Inlet winning the first four sets against Moolap before Moolap rallied to take the final two, and Surfcoast Torquay dropped the first set in a tie-break to Highton, before taking a clean sweep for the balance of the match, winning through five sets to one.

Aireys Inlet and Clifton Springs finished the season one point apart in Section 4, and with both matches through the season decided at three sets all with only game difference between them, Tuesday’s match was bound to be close, and it was.

The teams were level at two sets all going into the final sets before Aireys made the most of the home court advantage to win the final two sets giving it a 4-2 win and direct entry to the grand final.

The second semi saw Wandana Heights host Ocean Grove, which was also only separated by

Surfcoast Bellbrae pushed into second in the final week of home and away and continued its winning form this week over Clifton Springs in Section 6. The teams were level on sets and games with two sets to play, but Leanne Heath and Kenwyn Seiffert blitzed their set 6-0 for Bellbrae, and the Springs won the final set 6-2, leaving Bellbrae with the two game lead and a place in the grand final.

The second semi was not so close with Drysdale backing up a strong second half of the season with a 5-1 win over Hamlyn Park.

In Section 7, St Stephen’s would be licking its wounds this week after a retirement in the first set of their match against St Mary’s. St Mary’s had won both home and away matches against St Stephens, and continued its form taking the second semi by six games with the teams level at three sets all.

In the first semi, Western Heights Uniting was inspired by Carmel Addlem, who was presented with life membership before the match,withtheteamwinningthefirstfoursets of the day and giving itself a grand final berth.

The team had failed to make it past the preliminary final in the previous two seasons, so the victory was all the more sweet.

The Barwon Estuary has been a popular location for anglers this past weektryingtoescapethewildconditions with a variety of species on the chew including silver trevally, salmon, bream, eps and a few guys chasing mulloway. We haven’t heard any official reports as of yet but there is a bit of hype and talk about it lately so it could be well worth a look.

The Thunderbolt is a fantastic area to have a look if you were hoping to tangle with one or for any of the other species for that matter.

The surf beaches along the coast are starting to fire up with Australian salmon and gummy sharks starting to patrol the gutters.

Anglers fishing with bluebait and pilchards are picking up plenty of fish as well as metal lures that range in size between 20 to 60 grams are working well. Gummy sharks are about at night with anglers fishing with fresh squid, or better yet, fresh salmon they caught earlier.

Paternoster rigs are working well to keep your bait off the bottom from the crabs. Black Magic Long Reach Rigs are perfect for this style of fishing.

– AAP

Tom Hawkins is adopting a positive mindset despite three consecutive losses.

(Rebecca Hosking) 184901_07

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Western Heights Uniting: Kelley Callahan, Deb Brackley, Karen Barlett and Carmel Addlem. (Pictures: Supplied)

Bruce Rookes presents Carmel Addlem with life membership at Western Heights Uniting.

Anglesea overruns gallant Grove

By Justin Flynn

If ever the final scoreboard didn’t tell the full story of a footy match, it was probably illuminated for all to see in fading darkness at Ray Menzies Memorial Oval on Saturday.

As the sun was about to set, the bright lights of the southern end scoreboard indicated a 54-point to the away side.

Anglesea booted 17.7(109) to Ocean Grove’s 8.7(55) and indeed it was a comfortable win for a vastly improved side that could achieve special things in the future.

However, the real story was that the Roos had to dig deep to brush aside a young Ocean Grove side that is probably a few years off being where their opponents are.

The Grubbers kept nipping at the heels of Anglesea for three quarters until the travelling team kicked into gear and ran away with an impressive victory to cement third spot on the ladder, level on points with Drysdale.

“We were really pleased to three-quarter time, we had been cleaner in the contest and more predictable to one another than the previous week, but went away from that in the final quarter when the game was there to be won,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.

“Angleseaaregoingreallywell,they’veadded some top end talent in the offseason and have a healthy list. To match it with them and dictate for periods of the game shows we are close and when we stitch it together we will start to bank some more wins.”

Ocean Grove’s defence again stood up to a

stern test until the floodgates opened with key back Rhys Hobbs outstanding on the last line of defence.

“Hobbsy played as our deepest defender and didn’t give an inch all day,” Farrell said.

“He understands his role and his strengths and plays to both of them very well each week.”

Hitting the scoreboard is something the Grubbers need to work on in the second half of theseasonalthoughBradyPritchardcontinued his superb season with three goals on Saturday to take his tally to 18.

“We have spoken a bit about our offence the last couple of weeks,” Farrell said.

“We have worked super hard to establish control in our back half, our contest and

around the ground stoppage work is still strong but offensively being able to string chains of possession together is where we need to improve now and definitely an area we are looking to develop. We are just giving the ball back to the opposition way too much.”

Ocean Grove travels to Moriac this week to take on Modewarre in a winnable game and while finals are probably off the radar now, Farrell said there is little focus on September action.

“It’s a great competition, obviously there are some outliers at the top of the ladder that we are all chasing but a win next week and we can possibly turn at the halfway mark in sixth, that’s how close the competition is,” he said.

“For our group right now there is a narrowed focus on developing our game and confidence when we get it right the wins will come consistently.

“It would be awesome if we can do that in the back half of the season and put ourselves in the mix to extend our season but for now we don’t look as far ahead as finals.”

Anglesea proved too good in the reserves game. Ocean grove led by six points at the first break but would go goalless for the remainder of the match for a 57-point loss. Despite the loss, Ocean Grove is in fifth spot with just a small amount of percentage separating it and this week’s opponent Modewarre.

Grubbers pull away for steady win over Anglesea

A hard-fought win and a full list to choose from appears likely to give Ocean Grove a top three spot at the halfway mark of the season.

The Grubbers are in third spot, level on 24 points with Queenscliff and Torquay and face bottom team Modewarre tomorrow to round off round nine and the official halfway point with every side playing each other once.

Ocean Grove was tested by fifth placed Anglesea early in round eight, before leading by 10 goals at half time and then had the game initskeepingbythefinalchangewitha20-goal buffer and eventually won 69 to 52.

“We kept trying to work on the things we’ve been looking at training and trying to get a few combinations right on court as well,” co-coach Candice Parker.

Emily Moroney was superb at wing attack.

“She works really hard on what we’ve been working on at training,” Parker said.

“Her consistency and work rate is always very good.”

Goal attack Jessica Thwaites was named in the best and Parker said her work rate was first class.

Goal shooter Bec O’Neill shot a mammoth 63 goals and reinforced her reputation as the competition’s best shooter.

Parker said even though Modda hasn’t won a game, the Grubbers were not taking them lightly.

“We treat every game like it’s going to be a hard game,” she said.

“They’ll be pretty tough. They put a lot of pressure down the court. I think it’s more making sure we play our game and being really confident in our play.“

Parkersaidhavingafulllistwasencouraging.

“The next few rounds we’ll be looking at getting those (previously injured) players back for some more court time,” she said.

Parker summed up the season so far as “good”.

“We are working hard but it’s more that consistency across the court,” she said.

“Every now and then we lose concentration.”

Justin Flynn

Round 8

A GRADE: Ocean Grove 69 def

Anglesea 52. Best: Emily Moroney, Jessica Thwaites, Rebecca O’Neill (63 goals).

B GRADE: Ocean Grove 63 def

Anglesea 40. Best: Claudia Britt, Emma Jones, Jesse Sutton.

C GRADE: Ocean Grove 36 def

Anglesea 32. Best: Abbey Stanic, Kate Titheridge (28 goals), Maddy Goodger.

D GRADE: Ocean Grove 40 def

Anglesea 15. Best: Tarryn Stanley, Maya Hamilton (16 goals), Tina Birch (24 goals).

D GRADE: Ocean Grove 32 def

Anglesea 24. Best: Taryn Laverty, Isabella Maier (18 goals), Kylie Collett.

19 & Under: Ocean Grove 26 def by Modewarre 28. Best: Lily Hallam, Zoe Hildebrandt, Lexie Annand.

17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 46 def Anglesea 19. Best: Maya Hamilton (19 goals), Sofia Dickeson, Lucy Sampson (27 goals).

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

33 def Anglesea 6. Best: Bella Wearmouth (16 goals), Amelia Stanic, Grace Sadler.

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

31 def Anglesea 12. Best: Alice Sampson, Laura Ahearn, Abhi Sanjeev (15 goals).

15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

34 def Anglesea 10. Best: Charli Burke, Lucy Neaves (16 goals), Piper Needham.

13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 20 def by Anglesea 30. Best: Charli Rew, Tamika Wall (13 goals), Alana Farrow.

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 19 def Anglesea 8. Best: Crystal Wright, Ava Leske, Olive Wearmouth.

Main: Clover Marsh looks for a pass. Left: Sienna White strides out of defense. Right: Emma Jones runs out of defense. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 336328

Left: Brady Pritchard kicks Ocean Grove’s first goal. Right: Max Sutton gathers the ball in a pack. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 336330

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