Ocean Grove Voice - 14th July 2023

Oh, so close!

Old foes Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads played two epic Battle of the Bridge contests on Saturday, July 8 in some of the worst conditions seen in recent years.

Gale force winds wreaked havoc at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove, as the Grubbers went to Barwon Heads in a senior footy thriller by 14 points.

The result was up for grabs late in the final term, but the Seagulls proved too strong.

It was a different story in the A Grade netball, where Ocean Grove defeated its cross-bridge rivals by one goal in a nailbiter.

■ Pictures and match reports: Pages 28, 29 and 31.

Just too late! Jet Kneebone gets his foot to the ball, but it had already crossed the line for a behind. (Ivan Kemp) 345173_08

Shed blaze ‘suspicious’

By Jena Carr

Police are appealing for information about a “suspicious” fire at a historic Queenscliff shed.

Police said they were investigating after a fire started in Queenscliff on Friday, July 7.

“Investigators believe that a historic shed on Queenscliff Pier caught fire sometime after midnight,” a spokesperson told theVoice

“No one was inside at the time, and the shed received minor damage. At this stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious.”

Parks Victoria acting regional director

Jodi Heath said the damage had occurred at the historic Waiting Shed on the Queenscliff Pier.

“We’ve been very disappointed to find vandalismdamagetothehistoricWaitingShed and Queenscliff Pier twice in the last three weeks and have reported the incidents to the police,” she said.

“Some decking boards have been burnt, sections of seating removed, holes kicked in timber lining of the Waiting Shed, and some smaller damage to the gate.

“We estimate the cost of repair will be

around $10,000. We’d really appreciate the localcommunitystayingvigilantandreporting anysuspiciousbehaviouraroundthepiertothe police.”

A concerned local, who did not want their name published, said they hoped those responsible for the damage would eventually be “named and shamed”.

“It should be called vandalism as that is what it is,” the resident said.

“The shed had some of its cladding removed and ripped up, and saw the destruction and removal of its seating, with a fair amount

thrown off into the bay.”

The local also said the alleged vandalism had spread from Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale and that they were concerned about the region’s safety.

“Why don’t the authorities put some form of security out at the sites of heritage buildings?” the local said.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage of the Queenscliff fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

SADIE’S DOG TOY LIBRARY, PAGE 4

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Basin restoration a step closer

Barwon Water’s former Bellarine Basin is another step closer to being transformed into 30 hectares of public open space.

The state government has granted Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) nearly $450,000 for works at the former basin, called Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk, on the corner of Grubb and Swan Bay Roads.

WTOAC interim chief executive Liam Murphy said the organisation was thrilled to receive funding for the important project

that would go toward improving the local environment in line with Wadawurrung values.

Mr Murphy said the funding would be put towards pest and weed control, the formation andrunningofafriendsgroupfortheareathat will help care for Country on site, and towards a car park and walkways (towards which the majority of the funding will go) so people can safely access the site without damaging the native environment.

“I am so pleased with the strong partnership

between Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Barwon Water,” he said. “Truly working together has meant that there has been significant input from Wadawurrung in the design process and in working towards an operational space for our Natural Resource Management team, which is very exciting and an example that other organisations can follow.”

The new friends group, which is being coordinated by Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN), has held two weeding days at the site.

Friends of Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk will meetonthefirstWednesdayofthemonth,with the wider community welcome to attend and be an exciting part of the bush regeneration process from that beginning.

BCN’s Matt Crawley said he was excited by the formation of the group, which had already got to work removing invasive plant species.

“The turnout for the friends’ group has been reallystrong,whichshowshowpassionatelocal people are about this project and protecting and enhancing the Bellarine’s natural values,”

Funds for film and podcast

An Ocean Grove short film and Point Lonsdale podcast series have received funding thanks to Regional Arts Victoria.

Four state art projects shared the $98,518regionalartistsandcommunities funding that was delivered by Regional Arts Victoria through the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.

Ocean Grove’s Isabella Giovinazzo received$27,412forhershortfilm‘FINN’ exploring a diverse range of people living with autism.

Point Lonsdale’s Mark Lang received $24,562 for his filmed podcast series ‘Out to Sea’, exploring the elements and business of how to make a sustainable art career.

Regional Arts Victoria Strategic Initiatives director Susie Lyons said the Regional Arts Fund received its largest round of applications for this round of funding.

Geelong Cats star Jeremy Cameron says ’love the game, not the odds’. (Supplied)

‘Love the game, not the odds’: Jez

Geelong Cats star and new dad Jeremy Cameronthisweekreaffirmedhiscommitment asanambassadorfortheVictorianResponsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program.

As part of the program, Bellarine Peninsula residents are encouraged to participate in a challenge to show they love the game, not the oddsbyfindingwaystotalkaboutsportwithout referring to the betting odds and starting a conversation about the risks associated with gambling.

“Fatherhood has given me an even greater awareness of the importance of ensuring children grow up in safe, positive

environments,” Cameron said.

“Gambling ads are everywhere these days and I’m concerned about the message they’re sending to young people about the value of playing and watching sport.

“Ihaveneverconsideredtheoddsofwinning a match or how my performance might be pivotal to the outcome of a multi, and I don’t wantmydaughtertogrowupinanenvironment where betting on sport is accepted as normal.”

Morethan700clubs,includingOceanGrove, Ocean Grove Cobras and Barwon Heads, are Love the Game partners, including Victoria’s 10 AFL clubs.

They reject sponsorships from gambling

Evening VIEW turns eleven

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club celebrated its 11th birthday recently at 360Q.

The night focused on the 1000 Hearts Kindness Project which started in 2016 in Kingston,TasmaniabecauseSarah,thefounder, wanted to spread caring and compassion.

Small pocket hearts, which are handmade from wool felt and stitched with love, and good intentions are handed out for people to carry as talismans of love, courage, hope and comfort.

“A number of our creative and crafty members of the Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club took on this project making hearts for all 150 members of our club as a way of saying thank you for all the work we do in raising fundstosupporttheeducationof youngpeople in need,” OGEV president Lea Preece said.

“Anumberoftheseheartsweredistributedat our 11th birthday celebration, which included

Annie Webber receives her Make a Difference award from OGEV president Lea Preece. (Supplied)

dinner, a band and a birthday cake.

“We also celebrated Annie Webber, who was nominated and accepted for a Make a Differenceawardassheisafabulousrolemodel of our VIEW values in her support and care of others in our community.”

providers, raise community awareness about the risks associated with gambling and teach kids to think critically about their choices.

“I’m fortunate to be part of such a family friendly club where teaching kids to love the game, not the odds, is a priority,” Cameron said.

“I’m also proud Geelong says no to gambling sponsorships and that there are no sports betting ads at the Cattery during home games.”

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can access free and confidential advice, support and referral by calling the 24-7 Gambler’s Help line on 1800 858 858.

“At Regional Arts Victoria, we are proud to deliver this vital Australian Government funding program to communities in Victoria,” she said.

“Now more than ever, we are seeing more artists and communities engaging in this important and highly competitive program.

“We want to thank the members of the independent assessment panel for their time and commitment in supporting exceptional and diverse arts practice in regional Victoria.”

Arts Minister Tony Burke said the story of Australia’s art scene couldn’t be told without the voices of remote and regional artists.

“A key pillar of Revive, Australia’s new National Cultural Policy is to ensure there’s a place for every story, and a story for every place, and this funding helps ensure that,” he said.

Cheaper Child Care is Here!

Road upgrade now complete

The Barwon Heads Road upgrade has been completed six months ahead of schedule, delivering drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safer and more reliable travel.

Stage one of the $365 million project has added close to four kilometres of extra lanes between Belmont and Charlemont to accommodate close to 44,000 daily journeys by 2031.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the project included intersection upgrades, shared pedestrian and cyclist paths, and the Marshall rail line improvements.

“The removal of the level crossing is a particularly welcome improvement to Barwon Heads Road,” he said. “The replacement of the level crossing with the bridge over the rail line at Marshall is a major boost to both the safety and the reliability of travel on the road.

“The level crossing’s removal is especially beneficial to the increasing number of drivers who use Barwon Heads Road at peak travel times.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Minister Catherine King said the completion announcement followed the opening of the Geelong-bound carriageway over the bridge at Marshall on May 24.

“This upgrade will have long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors,” she said.

“It is an important investment in vital infrastructuretomeettheneedsofthegrowing community of the Geelong region now and into the future.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the project provided “improved traffic conditions” and encouraged people to “consider active transport options”.

“I am pleased the community and travellers are now reaping the full benefits of the upgrade,” she said.

“I’m pleased that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can now use these terrific new community assets.”

The project’s second stage will upgrade Barwon Heads Road from Reserve Road, Charlemont, to Lower Duneed Road to ensure the link between Geelong and the Bellarine is fit for purpose.

Borrow, play and return

Ocean Grove Primary School year 6 student Sadie has started up a dog toy library in her home town.

The library, at Blue Waters Lake park in Ocean Grove, is stocked with toys that pooches can play with and are returned so that other canines have fun.

The idea came about through 11-year-old Sadie’s Rotary Community Project and the toys, such as balls, tug toys, frisbees and throw sticks, were donated by Petstock Ocean Grove.

The mantra of the dog toy library is ‘borrow, play, return’.

“I came up with this idea because as a dog ownermyselfIknowthestrugglesofforgetting to bring a toy or ball to the park,” Sadie said.

“My dog Goldie always wants to play ball, now we can go there anytime and she loves it. This library is full of fun toys that both you and your dog can play with together.

“I’d seen one down at the beach and I know that lots of dog owners come down to Blue Waters Park.”

The dog toy library has had a fantastic responsewithlocalsfloodingsocialmediawith compliments for the resourceful youngster.

“I did not expect that, I thought I’d put it up on Facebook and then it would just be up there for people to see,” Sadie said.

“I saw a girl go grab a toy and play with it with her dog and the the toys have been used, there’s a bit of mud on them and stuff.

‘It makes me feel really good because it’s quite hidden away so it’s good that people have noticed it.”

Even Goldie gets to play with the toys.

“We’ve taken her there basically every day andsheknowswherewe’regoingandshe’svery excited about it,” Sadie said.

Justin Flynn

Sadie and Goldie at the dog toy library at Blue Waters Lake park. (Ivan Kemp) 346669_04

Saturday, August 5 11pm -5pm

Help for small business

By Cr Jim Mason

Every year I am inspired by the people I meet and speak to at the Geelong Small Business Festival.

This wonderful event is now in its 13th year, and it has served as a great reminder of the amazing work being done in our community by people who are often competing with major corporate organisations and larger entities.

This year the City of Greater Geelong has announcedanewpartnershipwiththeGeelong Chamber of Commerce for the Geelong Small Business Festival.

The partnership will see the Chamber take the lead in delivering the event – which runs throughout all of August – and will help support the continued growth and evolution of the festival.

This year’s program has more than 70 low-costandfreeeventsonofferforcommunity members looking to start, grow or improve their small business.

The local small business community makes up around 97 per cent of all businesses in the region.

Whether you are coming from a place of experience or are in the early stages of developing your business, the festival offers plenty of valuable opportunities to hear from industry experts, make new connections and learn new skills.

It covers every stage of the small business world for existing business owners, budding entrepreneurs or those unsure about how to get started.

You can learn business essentials such as accounting and finance, and leading and managing your team.

Modern principles of health and wellbeing, social media marketing, digital technology,

and sustainability and social responsibility are also covered.

The Geelong Small Business Festival will be launchedataspecialGalaDinnersponsoredby TheGordononThursday,August3atGMHBA Stadium.

Those interested in attending this dinner,

or any of the workshops, presentations and networking opportunities designed to support and empower small businesses throughout the month-long festival, can visit www.gsbf.com. au. I encourage you all to get along and see why this is such a popular event among our local business community.

Cr Jim Mason.

All aboard!

Rotary recycling pilot

A new pilot program to recycle medical blister packs kicks off today at pharmacies around the Geelong area, including Ocean Grove.

Spearheaded by Rotary in partnership with Australian company Pharmacycle and local pharmacists, the pilot will place bins in 10 pharmacies in Geelong, Portarlington, Ocean Grove and elsewhere around the region. Each pharmacy has received six bins, which are available for the public to drop in used blister packs.

Rotary district chair of environment and pharmacist Barb Sheehan, who conceived the idea for the program and has seen it come to fruition, said she was hopeful the community would get behind the initiative.

“I’m thrilled, absolutely thrilled; the pharmacies have all been really keen to participate and hopefully the public are really enthusiastic and will get plenty of packs back,” she said.

“The waste (from blister packs) is enormous, I know how much of it goes out from the pharmacies I work in, let alone what’s sold in supermarkets and health food stores, and at the moment it all goes to landfill.

“It’s a big issue (but) there’s a solution. There are people who want to recycle them but it’s the funding, who’s going to pay for it, that’s the issue, so hopefully we’ll get enough data that we can seek further funding.”

The pilot program is being funded by the City of Greater Geelong through a $10,000 environmental sustainability grant.

“I’d like to thank the City of Greater Geelong for supporting programs like this with their grants,” Ms Sheehan said.

“I think it’s wonderful. It’s all about stopping plastic pollution going into landfill, getting something out of the plastic and foil that can contribute to a circular economy and make it a better place for us all to live.”

1/ The Swan Bay Express. 2/ Brie Baxter and daughter Edith. 3/ Nathan Jones and children Matthew, Delylah, William and Phoenix and Dianne Bridgman visiting from Morwell. 4/ Marylin and Gary Jennings and grandchildren Micah, Ned and Benji. 5/ Craig and Sarah Hill with children Ruben and Alice. 6/ Toby Grayling stoking up the fire. 7/ Fang Lin and her mother Pinglian and children Victoria and Roger. 8/ Candice McDonald with Charlotte, Harriet, Samuel and Frank. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 342618

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp joined in the school holiday fun at Queenscliff station aboard Bellarine Railway’s Swan Bay Express steam train.

Barb Sheehan and Rebecca Caruana are thrilled at the pilot program to recycle blister packs. (Ivan Kemp) 346711_05

New gallery in the CBD

By Matt Hewson

Geelong Illustrators will open the doors of its newly expanded studio and retail space with a grand reopening celebration.

The celebrations kick off at 4pm on Saturday, July 15 at the collective’s studio gallery at 105 Moorabool Street, Geelong, featuring a new exhibition, food and drinks, door prizes and giveaways.

Geelong Illustrators, established as a loose collective a decade ago, moved into the studio gallery in 2018 through the Renew Geelong project, sharing the space with Found:Ry (formerly the Reimaginarium).

Grant supports plover work

The Bellarine’s Community Red-capped Plover Monitoring and Engagement program is helping raise sustainable beach behaviour awareness thanks to a state government Coastcare grant.

The program started in 2017 and will share more than $350,000 in funding from the 2022-23 Coastcare Victoria Community Grant to educate people about red-capped plover breeding sites.

Bellarine Bayside coastal projects officerJaneShearersaidshewas“thrilled” that they could continue helping the birds that relied on the beach to incubate their eggs and raise their chicks.

“Red-cappedploversspendtheirentire lives on the beach, and they breed and raise their young during the busy spring and summer period when we humans like to flock to the beaches too,” she said.

Since Found:Ry vacated the premises, Geelong Illustrators has spent the past six weeks renovating the space to include both a larger retail space and a new area dedicated to workshops.

The collective’s manager, Clare Holder, said everyone at Geelong Illustrators was thrilled about the reopening.

“We’re very much looking forward to it; this hasbeensixmonthsinthemaking,”MsHolder said.

“Everyone’s complaining that everything’s closing down in the CBD, well, we’re not, we’re expanding.It’sabright,shinynewspace,witha big new shop that welcomes everybody.

“It’sbrightandcolourful,Ithinkit’sjustwhat the CBD needs. We cannot wait to welcome the Geelong community.”

Geelong Illustrators is a volunteer-run organisation that aims to promote the work

of its members, provide mentorship for up-and-comers and build and connect a community of local artists.

“The idea is that any commission we take on salesweusetocoverbasicutilities,soartistsget the majority of the money,” Ms Holder said.

“This is a place where local artists, whether

they’re emerging or more established, can come, hang out, sell their wares, engage with the community, get support and find a way to build themselves up.”

Entry to Geelong Illustrators’ Grand Reopening is free. For more information contact events@geelongillustrators.com.au.

“It can be difficult for them to have success in fledging their chicks. Programs like the Coastcare help us to support these lovely little creatures continue to thrive on our coasts.”

Ms Shearer said the grant would help Bellarine Bayside support Birdlife Australia to educate the community on the “local beach-nesting birds and red-capped plovers in particular”.

“The grant will help support the incredible work our passionate and committed community volunteers undertake,” she said.

Ms Shearer said people should walk along the water’s edge, put their dogs on aleadandmovethroughtheareaquickly in temporary beach fencing areas to protect the birds while breeding.

Angela McGinness, Rachel Bishop and Clare Holder at Geelong Illustrators’ new studio gallery. (Ivan Kemp) 346615_06

‘‘ It’s bright and colourful, I think it’s just what the CBD needs ’’ - Clare Holder

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Circus ready to Werk It

By Matt Hewson

Award-winning performance troupe Circus

Trick Tease brings its critically acclaimed show WerkItto the Potato Shed on Saturday, July 22.

An homage to spandex, working out, tradies, the late 80s-early 90s and all things Australian, Werk It combines dazzling new acrobatic feats with comedy and pizazz.

Circus Trick Tease director and Werk It creator and performer Malia Walsh said audiences should expect to be amazed.

“It’s a jam-packed hour of acrobatic and comedyjoy,it’sthelovechildofaspininstructor and a tradie, it’s hip-thrusting goodness to an onslaught of 90s bangers,” Walsh said.

“Circus Trick Tease specialises in unusual circus, so it’s tricks you haven’t seen before. It’s gottouchesofburlesqueandcabaret,incredible costumes and it’s just a hell of a good night.

“Just expect that you will not stop smiling. You’ll be grinning cheek to cheek. You’ll either belaughingoryourjawwillbeonthefloorwith ouracrobaticfeats,it’saguaranteedgoodtime.”

Walsh said she couldn’t wait to bring the show to the Geelong region.

“I’m a regional producer/director, so I make shows that tour for regional, small venues because I think that’s where the heart of Australia is,” she said. “It’s nice to perform in these big venues around Australia but then you know I make my shows versatile so we can hit all of these really enjoyable smaller venues.

“TwoofmybestfriendslivedowninGeelong so I’m going to be doing extra high kicks with them in the audience. I’ve only heard the best thingsaboutthePotatoShed,soit’savenueand a place that I’ve been really looking forward to performing.”

For tickets visit: tickets.geelongaustralia. com.au/event/werk-it.

Catch Smith Street Band

TheSmithStreetBandwillfinishuptheir second run of shows this year when they play the Barwon Club on July 29.

The band are nearing the end of a regional follow-up tour of their latest album, Life After Football.

The band’s lead singer and guitarist Wil Wagner said the final show of the tour would be “a bit of a party night”.

“I love playing in Geelong, the Barwon Club is a really fun venue and everyone who works there and the people who run it are legends,” he said. “I’m always a bit bummed when a tour ends. (As) it’s the last night of the tour we’ll kick things up a little bit more than we normally do.”

Wagner said while the band’s previous album Don’t Waste Your Anger was “quite slow”, Life After Football was a return to the live, rocking feel the band is well known for.

“For most of the performances the band, at least, is live, with me singing over the top later,” he said. “We really tried to make this feel like a straight up anddownrockrecord.Iwrote(LifeAfter Football and Don’t Waste Your Anger) at the same time, they’re almost like two halves of the same project.

“All the slower, more sad songs went onDon’tWasteYourAnger,butwiththis recordtheseareallthesongsthatwewant to play live; the energetic, more rocking songs that we didn’t feel there was any point releasing when we couldn’t tour. Now we can get all around the country, there’s a crowd and people are excited, it feels good again. It’s really fun.”

Circus Trick Tease’s latest show WerkIt comes to the Potato Shed. (Supplied)

Portarlington gets a new kinder

An early learning centre will be built in Portarlington, the state government has announced.

In the recent state budget, the treasurer confirmed that 50 new government-owned and affordable early learning centres will be built across Victoria in locations with the greatest need.

These centres will offer affordable childcare and free kinder to local families.

One of the centres will be established in the Portarlington statistical area two region, which includes the growing suburb of St

Leonards.

To determine the best location for the centre, which is being delivered as part of the state’s Best Start, Best Life reforms, the state is working closely with local government and other stakeholders to understand where the greatest need for childcare is.

“Having access to affordable childcare for families on the Bellarine is so important – giving parents, particularly mothers, more options to get back to work while giving their children the best possible start in life,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

Geelong train disruptions as Victoria’s Big Build continues

Commutersshouldprepareforraildisruptions while travelling between Warrnambool, Geelong, Wyndham Vale, Tarneit and Melbourne due to work progressing on Victoria’s Big Build.

Dynon Road over the regional rail lines in West Melbourne is closed as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project to strengthen and widen the bridge, meaning trains must be kept off

are informed and prepared for these disruptions, we thank commuters for their patience.”

All Warrnambool line services will terminate at Geelong station until July 23 and from July 29 to August 13, with passengers changing to a Geelong Line train to and from Southern Cross Station on weekdays.

Coaches will also replace trains on some

“With the growth we have seen in the Portarlington and St Leonards area, it is vital we have services such as childcare. We know the Bellarine it’s a great place to raise a family and this new childcare service will ensure local families are supported.”

Cottage goes green

The

sun will shine on Queenscliff’s Cottage

By the Sea following the installation of a solar system and an electric vehicle (EV) charging unit which will together reduce its energy bills by almost a third.

Global low carbon energy and services company, ENGIE commissioned the fitting of the solar system and EV charger to the Queenscliff based charity using its subsidiary, Simply Energy.

The 22.4kW rooftop solar system will generate enough power to meet approximately 30 per cent per cent of Cottage by the Sea’s annual energy needs. AnEVchargingunithasalsobeeninstalled, inanticipationoftheorganisationswitching someofitsvehiclestoEVsinthenearfuture.

Cottage by the Sea is an Australian children’s charity that aims to give more children more opportunities to have fun, be inspired and broaden their horizons. Founded in 1890 in Queenscliff, it provides tailored programs within a holiday environment.

“The responsibility lies with us all as

individuals and organisations to do what we can to reduce our impact on our beautiful planet,” Cottage by the Sea chief executive Adam Wake said.

“This is more than just funding, it has provided the impetus to help Cottage by the Sea move into this space, to use our large roof, and to create a carbon free facility with confidence. This all has a significant educational benefit for the children on our programs.”

Simply Energy chief executive Shannon Hyde said while there were significant short-term cost advantages arising from the installation, environmental and educational benefits would also flow in the longer term.

“Cottage by the Sea do incredible work with children to keep them engaged in education and community and most importantly have some fun,” he said.

“We’re hoping the solar system and EV charging infrastructure can help to reduce their energy bills and free up some funding for future projects that benefit the families they support.”

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March 24 to August 31, every Victorian household is eligible.

check if you could be getting a cheaper energy deal, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

If you need any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Simply Energy chief executive Shannon Hyde, Cottage by the Sea’s Andrew Augustine, Simply Energy’s Campbell Hutchinson and Cottage by the Sea chief executive Adam Wake. (Supplied)

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant has announced an early learning centre will be built near Portarlington. (Supplied)

QLF seeks committee members

Queenscliffe Literary Festival (QLF) is searchingfornewcommitteemembersfornext year’s edition of the Bellarine’s premier literary event.

Held each May over three weekends, the festival celebrates local and national writers and their works through author discussions, panels, workshops and other events.

With the exception of the program director, the festival is largely organised and run

by volunteers, and QLF president Pauline Nunan said she was looking for enthusiastic community members with a range of diverse skills to join the committee.

“[Being on the committee brings] a really great sense of satisfaction; we’re on a high before it starts, and then we’re on a high by the timeitfinishes,aswell,”shesaid.“Theprogram directororganisesalltheauthorandfacilitators for the events, but the committee organises

everything from social media, ticketing, organising volunteers, our schools program.

“Each committee member has a responsibility to lead a particular area. We really need people who are pretty handy with computers and IT skills; social media and communication is always important, as well as general administration.

“[New committee members will be] joining a reallygreatgroupofpeoplewhoareenthusiastic

Bridge leads club to better times

Ocean Grove Golf Club has a new bridge making it easier for golfers to travel around the course thanks to funding from the state government.

The bridge at the seaside club replaced the original old wooden decking with secure concrete and was unveiled on Wednesday, July 12.

ClubpresidentSandyCresswellsaidthenew bridge links the middle fairways and makes it easier for people of all abilities to access both sites of the course.

“It’s been six years in the making,” he said. “It will also enable a greater use of carts

going forwards too.”

Mr Cresswell said it felt “sensational” to have the bridge ready to use and thanked everyone for coming to its opening ceremony.

“It was a reasonable turnout and there was probably close to 30 people there,” he said.

“The engineering has exceeded all the limitations and the bridge will be there for 100 plus years that we believe the golf course will be in existence.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the bridge was made possible through the $38,000 state government’s Golf Infrastructure Fund and would help more people get involved in

the sport.

“Victorians love their golf, and we want them to keep enjoying the sport and that’s why projects like this are so important,” she said.

“We’re building the sporting facilities our communities deserve, so everyone has the opportunity to get out there and get active.”

Ocean Grove Golf Club is one of 18 golf infrastructure projects to receive funding support, with golf generating $883 million for the state’s economy and supporting 6900 jobs.

Jena Carr

and committed.”

Ms Nunan said 2024 will be the event’s 10th year, so the committee was looking to deliver its best festival yet.

“We’ll try to make it quite a special year, so it’ll be good to get new blood. It’s an opportunity to find people with fresh ideas and experience.”

Details: media.qlf@gmail.com.

Funding helps marine work

Queenscliff’s Southern Ocean Environmental Link (SOEL) will share more than $350,000 in state government funding from the Coastcare Community Grants Program.

SOELfounderJames(Murph)Murphy said it was “fantastic” to receive the funding for a Marine Coastal Citizen Science Program and Plastic Recycling Workshop.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer this,” he said. “We’re looking to bring people into the environment to showcase the world of volunteering through the amazing biodiversity and the impacts that our regions are facing.

“It’s a big thanks to Coastcare for backing us because it’s confirmation for us that we’re on the right track and the work we’ve been doing is absolutely worth it.”

Mr Murphy said the coastal citizen program looked to engage the young, disadvantaged, indigenous, elderly and local groups to get them interested in volunteering.

“They are going to get the opportunity to go through, collect, sort, and learn about the different types of plastics,” he said. “The volunteers will also learn how plastics can be recycled and then turn some of the waste collected here in the Bellarine back into usable products.”

Mr Murphy said the group was always looking for more volunteers to look after the surrounding ocean’s marine health and encouraged anyone interested in helping to reach out to SOEL.

“We’re all in this together,” he said. “I’ve been incredibly proud of the team and really pleased with where it’s going, I think we’re on step four of a massive staircase. The goal is to help improve the health of our ocean, and I think if we can come and put our minds together, then there’s a good shot of leaving the place better for our kids.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant opens the bridge at Ocean Grove Golf Club with club president Sandy Cresswell and life member Colin Stephens. (Ivan Kemp) 345806_05

Paul is grateful to call OG home

Paul Gleeson moved to Ocean Grove 25 years ago and every day he is thankful for it. Read on to see why Paul thinks this place is so special.

Ocean Grove is a rare family find. I’m not trying to take anything away from its closest neighbours, such as the sea change of Barwon Heads or the acreage of Wallington. Both are fine if you have the cash. However, after living here for the last 25 years, ‘OG’ has provided me with an exorbitant amount of good times. Way back, American Methodists predicted the same.

In the 1880s, the Methodists, having already successfully set up a camp in New Jersey and callingitOceanGrove,wantedtotaketheLord abroad.

Theyfounda‘charmingseasideresort,’onthe eastern side of the Barwon River mouth along theBellarinePeninsula.Here,theysecured222 hectares at £5 to £20 per lot, with a steadfast proviso and a ban on, “the manufacture or sale of malted s pirituous … ” or in local lingo, ‘no brew with your burger’. This went on for, surprisingly, 140 years.

Traders tried to gain a liquor licence, but they lost the Supreme Court battles. Finally, the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal intervened in 2014, and it was quashed.

I knew nothing of this when, in the winter of 1998, we decided to move here. To be honest, Ocean Grove was an easy pick with an affordable beach lifestyle. Even back then, $91,000 seemed like I’d missed something … this is for the land and the house, right?

My friends and family weren’t sold though because this entailed leaving behind my childhood roots, the leafy Geelong suburb of Highton, and a long haul to work that would now be over 30 minutes. But off we went, buyingandrenovatingathree-bedroomhouse. Within five months, the renovations were over, and it was summertime.

Ocean Grove beach has the perfect waves for learning how to surf. When the winds are northerly it’s a squeal fest. There’s freedom in failing and falling off the waves.

Don’t worry, there’s no judgement here, as the surfers that are all about ‘the performance’ arearoundthecornerattheTitanic13thBeach.

Before, or preferably after the beach, the main street is a must. Recently, I overheard a young couple saying it had ‘vibes’. On the main street, you’ll walk past wetsuits, suits, beanies, bell-bottom jeans, and of course dripping boardies. All shopping needs are catered for, with eateries and coffee shops galore. See for yourself as you meander down one way and back up the other, or cruise through in your car.

Just don’t enter the traffic from Orton Street (I saw a guy in a Chevy do this, that day his antics morphed locals into seagulls, and they jumped out as if in a musical, flapping in front of his rig).

As mentioned I have so many of my own Ocean Grove beach memories, here’s one of them.

My son, who was eight at the time, went out on his G Board with me as his surfing sherpa in mid-January. I guided him out past the younger families, he’d paddle half a stroke, I would push, and then we’d repeat the process. With my arms about to collapse and my ears full of water, we waited.

Lyingonhisboardfacingthebeachcarpark, he trusted my choice. I saw what I thought was a single clean wave.

Wrong. Out of sight, there was another wave right behind it. I angled him towards the beach and pushed with all my might. Somehow, we had drifted between the flags.

Now, in front of him was like an open day at a day-care centre. The two waves peaked and catapulted him down on his face. He was gone. He somehow stood up, and it was beachgoer pandemonium. People were diving out of the way, mums and dads were scooping up their

children, forcing a path to open up like Moses and the Red Sea.

My surfer son stayed on, and not only did he stay on, but then, realising the attention, he began an impromptu performance. This completely caught me off guard because normally he would be quietly absorbing and observing life from afar but not now.

He performed a full rendition of Gangnam style (in case you’re not familiar, it was by Psy in 2012), and before you ask, yes, he included those ridiculous hand movements.

Thanks to some committed locals, there’s a space in Ocean Grove that remains untouched as if the white man never came—the Nature Reserve. In 1962, long-time residents raised enough money to purchase a 143-hectare piece of land that was considered to be the last significant bushland in the area, and on my Sunday mornings when I’m there, I say my prayers to them.

It is a habitat for seven threatened species. It is the home of the rare Bellarine yellow gum, the only eucalyptus species known to flower in winter. It also has the largest patch of non-coastal indigenous vegetation left on the Bellarine, but it’s the swamp wallabies that steal the show.

Ultimately my hometown provides the environment to just be. The salt air beach on one side, Barwon River sunsets on the other.

Could you imagine what that would have meant to European families settling here after the war? Personally, I want to leave this planet the way I try to end any surf at Ocean Grove, with ‘the coffin ride.’

I lay back on my board, hands in the prayer position, and let the Ocean Grove beach do the rest.

Paul Gleeson thinks Ocean Grove is a pretty

good place to

be.

Ivan Kemp)

‘‘ Ultimately my hometown provides the environment to just be ’’

- Paul Gleeson

GEELONG WEST DENTAL

With ageing comes the perception of ill-fitting dentures and loose teeth. However, this is far from the truth. The golden years are when you have the most to smile about.

What are some of the key issues that older Australians face in terms of dental health?

We have found that many older Australians suffer from dental issues due to dental fear. Therefore, they avoid seeing the dentist and only seek symptom-driven treatments. The delays in timely treatment of both tooth decay and advanced gum disease result in the loss of teeth and with it a decline in quality of life. This impedes them from enjoying healthy food and socialising with confidence. Tell us more about your approach to these issues. We are passionate about merging patient centred care with comfort and helping patients overcome their dental fear. Geelong West Dental is designed with patient comfort in mind, beginning with the relaxing ambience of the clinic and also integrating a gentle

approach with state-of-theart dental technology. Our services include happy gas and intravenous sedation for patients who are more anxious or have severe dental fear. Our goals are to minimise discomfort and complete all dental treatments in a timely manner while maintaining the best in quality of care. As tooth loss can be detrimental to general wellbeing, we offer personalised treatments to replace missing teeth. For patients who are missing or about to lose all their teeth, All-Teeth-On-Four dental implants is a revolutionary technique that will enrich the quality of life for many older Australians.

What is so different about All-Teeth-on-Four?

This technique uses four implants, as opposed to five to eight implants in a traditional single arch. It is amazing because there is less surgery, less recovery time and the cost is half of what it would traditionally be. It allows patients to enjoy different varieties of food without worrying about the stability of the prosthesis while eating and socialising.

Do you provide this advanced treatment at Geelong West Dental? We certainly do. As well as providing the latest in implant dentistry, we also offer a complete range of dental treatments including cosmetic, general and family dentistry. We are a team of

Australian-trained dentists who use modern techniques and keep up to date with the latest in dental technology. Our comprehensive approach to dentistry ensures that we focus on the bigger picture when it comes to dental care, rather than patching up teeth when they start developing

issues. At Geelong West Dental we spend time with all our patients making the visit a personable experience, so we are able to best care for our patient’s needs no matter their age.

Dr. Gerard Teo and team with our patient, Ange.

Dentures to smile about

Gain a smile worthy of showing off thanks to the team at Affordable Denture Clinic, now in East Geelong.

Established 10 years ago, the clinic can provide you with a mouth full of solutions including dentures, partial dentures, custom mouth guards and denture implants.

Wellness is a top priority

Concentric Rehabilitation offers a variety of services to the residents of Homestyle Aged Care.

Concentric provides private rehabilitation services across a number of Homestyle facilities, with a wellness centre soon to be opening at Sea Views Manor in Ocean Grove and Ferndale Gardens in Bayswater.

The wellness package by Concentric provides goal-centred, personalised multi-discipline therapy to the residents, in group and individual sessions with regular

reassessments, and ongoing goal setting.

Concentric has helped the residents achieve some fantastic goals.

If you would like to know more about Concentric Rehabilitation at Homestyle Aged Care or if you or your loved one are looking for care in Ocean Grove, Leopold or Grovedale, the Homestyle admissions team can discuss your individual situation and advise on the many options available.

Call us on 1300 104 663 or visit homestyleagedcare.com.au

Owner and dental prosthetist Jason Demko has more than 30 years’ experience in the dental field and has just opened the doors to the clinic’s new location at 306 Myers Street, East Geelong.

Mr Demko and his team are able to discuss a variety of options to help you achieve your best smile yet.

Ensuring he keeps up-to-date with the latest dental prosthetist technologies, Mr Demko focuses on utilising a variety of systems to integrate new practises into his denture work at the clinic.

As part of its care and quality focused service, Affordable Denture Clinic is the only denture clinic in the greater Geelong area authorised to provide and manufacture

Valplast, the only dentures with an unbreakable lifetime guarantee.

Metal free and with invisible clasps, they’re a great resolution to your denture needs.

Striving to find the best denture solution, Mr Demko and his team ensure the utmost care and quality of service to their patients.

“We are a family owned business committed to providing highly personalised services to each individual,” he said.

The clinic’s new location, Mr Demko said, is a reflection of hard work and commitment to provide an environment to give his clients the very best in dental prosthetics.

He said it wouldn’t have been possible without ongoing support from the community and clients.

Committed to providing a highly personalised service, the team at Affordable Denture Clinic can help you smile again.

Appointments can be made online at www.afordabledentureclinic.com.au

Residents of Homestyle Aged Care will benefit from Concentric Rehabilitation. (Supplied)

Left: Jason Demko with patient Eddie Fraser.

Above: Inside the clinic.

(Pictures: Ivan Kemp)

Downsize to your dream lifestyle today

For 20 years, Lifestyle Communities has lived and breathed the wants and needs of the downsizer homeowner.

LifestyleCommunitiesconsistentlyrefinesits approach, communities and homes to not only meet your needs – but exceed them! And with twodecadesofexperience,thefocusatLifestyle Communities is on giving homeowners what they want and what homeowners need has never been sharper.

Lifestyle builds beautiful, downsizer-centric homes across Melbourne, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas and

regional Victoria, complemented by stunning amenities that engender connectivity and wellbeing.

You can choose to live where the holiday never ends. At Lifestyle Communities, you can spend your days soaking up the serene surroundings or spruce up your daily grind with access to stunning amenities a short stroll from your front door.

Located at the heart of each community, the clubhouse is architecturally designed with plenty of space for you to relax, recharge or re-energise.

Across all communities, the Lifestyle team has designed, installed and delivered a range of resort style amenities and surrounds for homeowners to call their own.

Ifthere’sonethingLifestylehasalwaysstayed committed to in two decades of business, it’s helping homeowners upsize their lifestyles when they downsize to a Lifestyle Community.

The world class amenities give ‘staycation’ a whole new meaning. Call

your downsizing dream today 1300 50 55 60

An extension of your own home, you’ll have a host of lifestyle-enhancing facilities* at your fingertips, including:

•฀Barbeque฀area

•฀Billiards

•฀Business฀Centre

•฀Electric฀car

•฀Cinema

•฀Community฀Shuttle

•฀Croquet฀Court

•฀Dog฀Wash

•฀Electric฀Bikes

•฀Fishing฀boat

•฀Gym

•฀Indoor฀Pool

•฀Library

•฀Makers฀Studio

•฀Micro฀Brewery

•฀Orchard

•฀Outdoor฀Pool

•฀Pickleball฀Court

•฀Spa

•฀Tennis฀Court

*Facilities may vary depending on the community location

Above: The clubhouse is the heart of the community. Right: Amenities are second to none.

Shopping local in Ocean Grove

Top left: Carly Delmenico with some flowers. Left: Carolyn Joyce, and Francis McAloon. Above: Jasper Van Poppel and Charlie Malone (top), and Madi and Travis May, mother Kerry and daughter Bowie. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 345807

Top: Peter and Hannah Taylor and son Bill, and right, Kylie Evans. Above, left to right: Claire Williamson and Rhys Rappel; Paul Pryor with his mother Michelle and son Zephyr; Kate Lusetic and Peaches.

Degustation dinner celebrates fine food

A feature event of the annual Wine Geelong WinterShirazFestival,backbypopulardemand, is a very special annual dinner on Friday, August 4.

The ‘Local Heroes’ degustation dinner will be hostedaticonicJackRabbitVineyardRestaurant. Featuring five delicious courses with the option of perfectly matched wines, the dinner is a culinary tribute to the array of wonderful local producers in and around our region.

Jack Rabbit Restaurant head chef CallanCrigansaidLocalHeroeswasawaytopay homage to fresh and sustainable local produce.

“This produce – and the people behind it –forms a fundamental part of the Jack Rabbit restaurant. It’s who we are and what we do,” he said.

The matching wines are all lovingly grown and crafted on the Bellarine.

Here’s the Local Heroes Menu – cast your eyes uponitandgetexcited. There’salsoavegetarian/ vegan degustation on offer as well – patrons can easily note their preference in the dietary box when booking.

• 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

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

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

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

Local Heroes MENU Venison carpaccio, baby beets, beet foam, citrus, horseradish, pine mushroom, Smoked Kossies Egg Yolk (gf)

Matching wine: Jack Rabbit Rose’ 2022 Braised wallaby shank, mountain pepper jus, warrigal greens, Davidson plum relish (gf,df)

Matching wine: Yes said the Seal Pinot Noir 2020

Smoked Leura lamb loin, parsnip, Fasties Honey roast apple, pine nut gremolata, Flying Brick Cider glaze (gf, df)

Matching wine: Jack Rabbit Merlot 2018

Bellarine Beef eye fillet, glazed Bellarine Beef shortrib, red pepper puree, sweet and sour eggplant, Jack Rabbit Vineyard Red wine jus (gf)

Matching wine: Jack Rabbit Reserve Shiraz 2018

Lard Ass crème fraiche parfait, Jack Rabbit Vineyard red wine poached pear, gingerbread, macadamia crumble, red wine granita (gf)

Matching wine: Jack Rabbit Fine Aged Muscat

Friday, August 4

7pm arrival for 7.30pm dinner

$110 per person or $145 with perfectly matched wines

Bookings essential via jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

THE RANGE @CURLEWIS

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

LEURA PARK ESTATE

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

Jack Rabbit head chef Callan Crigan.

Featuring five delicious courses, Jack Rabbit’s ‘Local Heroes’ degustation dinner will delight the tastebuds. Right: Lonsdale Tomato Farm.

There’s something for everyone at Club Italia.

Enjoy a little bit of everything at Club Italia Geelong

Club Italia Geelong caters to the wide community of Geelong, where everyone is welcome.

Club Italia has a large venue which can cater to a variety of functions such as weddings, trivia nights, senior citizen lunches, birthday

parties, Christmas parties and so much more. There is a fully equipped bar and kitchen that offers many types of food to suit any function whether it be a sit down meal or finger food … they do it all.

As well as a large dance floor, Club Italia has

ample parking and an outdoor grassed area.

It hosts many events such as tribute shows, family discos, New Year’s Eve celebrations, markets and bingo.

ThebistroisopeneveryFridayfrom5.30pm, offering delicious pub style meals.

Pop along to the Devonshire teas every Sunday from 1.30pm.

The cook has a great reputation for the best scones in Geelong.

Enjoy a tasty scone and a variety of teas and coffee at Club Italia.

BISTRO

Every

Every Sunday from 1:30pm-3:30pm

office to book.

Everyone is welcome!

(Supplied)

Beef up your casserole for a hearty mid-winter meal

When it comes to hearty and comforting meals, few dishes can rival the satisfying flavours of a beef casserole.

Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as a crowd-pleasing family dinner, beef casserole combines tender beef, an assortment ofvegetables,andaromaticherbsandspicesto create a mouthwatering dish that warms both the body and the soul. We will delve into the art of crafting a delicious beef casserole that will leave you craving for more.

Beef casserole is a timeless classic that delivers rich and comforting flavours with every bite. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. So, the next time you’re looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal, try your

Beef casserole

Ingredients:

1kg of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 red capsicum, diced

30g of mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 cups of beef broth

1 cup of red wine (optional)

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour Mashed potatoes or crusty bread, for serving fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1/ Preheat your oven to 160°C.

2/ In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

3/ In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelised.

4/ Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the tomato paste to the cleared area. Cook the tomato paste for a minute or two to deepen its flavour.

5/ Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper.

hand at preparing this delicious beef casserole recipe. You’ll be rewarded with a dish that fills yourhomewithtantalisingaromasandbrings smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

6/ Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the casserole to cook for two to two-and-a-half hours or until the beef is tender and the flavours have melded together.

7/ Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from the oven. Take out a ladleful of the cooking liquid and whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to thicken the casserole.

8/ Place the pot back on the stovetop over medium heat and cook for an additional five to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole has reached your desired thickness.

9/ Serve the beef casserole hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

SOURDOUGH CROISSANTS, BREADS, PASTRIES & ARTISAN FOODS

We’re a family-owned artisan bakery, located on the Bellarine Peninsula. Visit our beautiful bush surroundings and try our 100% sourdough croissants, breads and small batch pastries, all made with love to nourish. ORDER ONLINE AT

Why not enjoy your casserole with a Jack Rabbit Bendigo merlot. (Louisa Jones) 212807_08

Beef stew is a great winter warmer. (Shutterstock)

(Shutterstock)

No.

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 Recommence (6)

4 Region of southern Italy (8)

10 Destroy (9)

11 Nurslings (5)

12 Unpleasant to view (4)

13 Alcoholic honey drink (4)

14 Jilt (5)

16 Essence (4)

17 Porch (8)

20 Relating to cultivated land (8)

22 Masterstroke (4)

25 Fundamental (5)

26 Ornamental quartz (4)

28 Playable (4)

30 Union territory of the Republic of India (5)

31 Contract (9)

32 Famous piano first made in the 1820s (8)

33 Someone who watches (6) DOWN

1 Mournful (6)

2 Mollusc (7)

3 Primary (4)

5 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)

6 Envoy (10)

7 Spring back (7)

8 Aniseed liqueur (8)

9 Ornamental green stone (4)

15 Chemistry (10)

18 One of the Caribbean islands (8)

19 Vista (8)

21 Determine (7)

23 French word for planet (7)

24 Meteor’s dent (6)

27 Story (4)

29 Written reminder (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”. M

10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

QUICK QUIZ

No. 141

1 What do the films Gremlins, It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually have in common?

2 Gorgeous George was famous in which sport in the 1940s and 1950s?

3 On December 24–26 of what year did Cyclone Tracy devastate Darwin?

4 What was Patti Smith’s (pictured) 1975 debut album called?

5 What is a plantain?

6 What postal code did Canada Post assign for seasonal mail addressed to Santa Claus at the North Pole?

7 Actor Mark Wahlberg was a member of which 1990s hip-hop band?

8 What was the island of Kiritimati formerly known as?

9 Australian lizards of the genus Varanus are better known by which common name?

10 In the film Babe, Babe the pig sings what Christmas song?

No. 141

No. 141

No. 141

On the hunt for birds on farms

Winter is well and truly in full swing, but there have been some sunny days that have been perfect for being out and about, although it’s rather soggy underfoot.

I was fortunate to conduct a winter ‘birds on farms’ survey in Wallington. I was particularly interested in seeing robins, as these birds move from mountainous areas to warmer coastal areas in the winter months, and they have not been seen in as big numbers over the past few years around the Bellarine.

I did not see any robins until the end of the survey, and in the end, there were eight flame robins hanging around a newly ploughed paddock.

There was also the usual small flock of weebills in the yellow gum habitats. Weebills are tiny birds of around 8cm to 9cm in length and are not commonly seen around the Bellarine Peninsula, so it’s always lovely to spot them.

There were also a few honeyeater species on the farm, as the yellow gums were flowering. The red wattlebirds and New Holland honeyeaters are always present in the area, in all seasons.

I saw a few yellow-faced honeyeaters, which are migratory and make movements to and from south-eastern Australia, mostly flying north in autumn and south in spring. These birds can be seen in large flocks when migratingandinsmallergroupswhenfeeding. Ialsospottedafewwhite-napedhoneyeaters that are also partially migratory. This species breeds in mountainous areas in the summer months and in autumn some birds migrate north and east in flocks with yellow-faced honeyeaters.

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

One day on my way to work I called in to the Geelong Botanic Gardens, also on the lookout for robins.

I didn’t see any robins but did spot a small flock of eastern spinebills that are also another honeyeater that has seasonal movements from high altitudes to lower regions in autumn and winter.

There was also a flock of silvereyes in a garden near the Botanic Gardens and these birds looked like the Tasmanian subspecies of

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

these birds, as they had grey throats, chestnut flanks and yellow on the undertail. Silvereyes are also highly migratory and move north in the autumn months, returning to breed in southern regions in late winter.

On the way to the Botanic Gardens I drove through Leopold and had the closest encounter with a pair of brown falcons that I have ever had. They were perched in a tree and I drove past, and then did a safe u-turn and said hello. One of the falcons flew away but the

other hung around for a photo and a chat. I could have reached out and shook its wing, I was so close, and the bird was so lovely. I received a message from Doug, who was walking early in the morning on the beach in Ocean Grove when he spotted an eastern barn owl sitting on top of a sign pole near the steps to the beach.

There are occasional sightings of barn owls on the Bellarine Peninsula, and it’s always wonderful to know that they are around.

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public 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.

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

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Hwy, Saturday July 15, 7.30pm-11.30pm.

Admission $10 includes supper. Music: Charles.

■ 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, or Barbara, 0419 511 781

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

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

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

■ 5255 2996

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

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.

■ Bev O’Meara, 0421 636 830

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 Drysdale RSL, Princess St, 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

Left: Jen’s flame robin at Wallington.

Below: Jen’s eastern spinebill (left) and silvereye (centre) at Geelong Botanic Gardens, and brown falcon at Leopold. (Pictures: Supplied)

State of Origin friendly goes off

Ocean Grove Cobras hosted Glebe Greyhounds in their annual State of Origin weekend for River’s Gift. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Collendina Reserve to capture the spirit of the day.

Above: The combined boys teams. Above right: Aaron White, president of the Cobras and Simon Tracy, vice-president of Glebe Greyhounds. Below: Lara Santilli giving Lyla a face paint, and Kirsty Bass selling Glebe jumpers. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 344164

Above: Grace, Janine and Nick Wilde. Above right: Cobra supporters with Hope the Elephant.

Laurence Dusan, Serena Dusan, Helen Ewen and Mike Cooney.

Harry and Harrison showing their support in paint.

1300 666 808 BusinessDIRECTORY

1300 666 808

Trek drives into familiar territory

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

‘‘Haven’t we met somewhere before?’ sprung to mind on my first encounter with the Subaru Crosstrek, for there is a lot in common here with the company’s XV sport utility vehicle.

In fact, says Subaru, the newly named compact is the latest iteration of the popular XV, including two petrol / electric hybrid models, aimed at anyone who wants a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

Priced from $34,990, the all-wheel drive Crosstrek comes in five variants - AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S, AWD Hybrid L and AWD Hybrid S - offering those with an active lifestyle a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

However, there is a major point of difference between the Crosstrek and its antecedent. The Crosstrek has benefitted greatly from a visit to the doctor - a whole team of medics, in fact. Subaru collaborated with a medical school to study the structure of the human body and what causes driver discomfort, fatigue and lower back pain behind the wheel.

Results found ride comfort is not solely affected by the vibration of the vehicle, but also by sounds and changes in visual information because of jerking and head swaying during driving.

Hence seats have been redesigned to reduce shaking of the head and roof damping has been improved to help reduce sound pressure fluctuations in the cabin.

Meanwhile, vehicle health is in the hands of Subaru’s standard five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months complimentary Subaru Roadside Assistance.

The mid-range Crosstrek AWD 2.0R, selling for $38,490, plus on-road costs, was the test vehicle for a week and confidently took on widely varied road and weather conditions well during that time.

Styling

Once the domain of predominantly white or silver exteriors, or in this case ‘Subaru blue’, these days, subtle shades of colour are taking to streets around the world. Take for example the test Crosstrek with its Magnetite Grey Metallic paint job and dark machine finished 18-inch wheels. Who would have thought ‘dull’ could look so classy?

While the all-round appearance of the Crosstrek is generally a carry-over from the XV, the bonnet and radiator grille come in for a complete redesign, the latter maintaining the signature hexagonal shape, but in a larger more aggressively styled honeycomb.

Use of lightweight aluminium enables a newly designed bonnet to contribute to improved pedestrian protection with a softer headimpactzoneandasavingoftwokilograms in front fenders optimises weight distribution all round.

LED headlamps, plus cornering lights, improve visibility at night and add to power savings, while LED rear combination lamps feature a sharp 3-D C-shape. Rear-view mirrors are smaller, improving aerodynamics and presenting a less obstructive view.

Interior

The ‘doctors’ orders’ seats, clothed in premium material, provide exceptional comfort during longer drives (try 200-plus kilometres as we did), while leaving ample room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Standard roof rails top off generous storage possibilities. However, a cramped cargo compartment weighs in at a stingy 291 litres with the rear seat backs up, and a maximum of 1278 litres with them folded. Under the floor sits a temporary spare wheel.

Infotainment

A fourth-generation infotainment system features, in the central dash, a large high-definition 11.6-inch portrait tablet-style touchscreenfocusingonentertainment,vehicle information and control switches within the centre display. Gone is the instrument strip

atop the dashboard, duplicating many of the functions displayed directly in front of the driver.

All Crosstreks feature full wireless Apple CarPlay and wired or wireless Android Auto connectivity, as well as AM, FM and Digital Radio, while WD 2.0L, 2.0R and Hybrid L come with a high-quality six-speaker system with 160 mm full range speakers in both the front and rear doors, as well as tweeters in the front instrument panel. Buyers can ‘turn up’ the sound with a premium harman / kardon systemonlyintheAWD2.0SandAWDHybrid S variants.

A 2.4-amp Type-A and one 3-amp Type-C USB port are located in front of the gearshift to power mobile devices. Two additional power supply USB ports are also provided for rear passengersatthebackendofthecentreconsole.

ForthefirsttimeinaSubaruvehicle,wireless charging of smartphones and other devices is on hand through a centre console tray.

Engines / transmissions

The petrol-only Crosstrek variants are powered by an upgraded version of Subaru’s 2.0-litre directinjectionFB20four-cylinderhorizontally opposedengine,deliveringmaximumpowerof 115 kW at 6000 rpm and top torque of 196 Nm 4000 revs.

An upgraded continuously variable transmission with more than 80 per cent new components compared with the previous generation XV, results in improved drivability. Best fuel consumption on test was a whisker under 5 litres per 100 kilometres. A combined 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres is claimed by the maker.

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L $34,990

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0R $38,490

Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0S $41.490

Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L $39,590

Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S $45,090

SPECIFICATIONS

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0R 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV

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

Safety Crosstrek benefits from Subaru’s commitment to achieving no fatal road accidents in any of its vehicles by 2036 through the four pillars of primary, active, preventive and protective safety.

These already include advanced vehicle dynamics control with electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake forcedistribution,brakeassist,tractioncontrol, active torque vectoring, a brake override and limited slip devices. Much more, no doubt, is on the way.

Driving

For some reason, the Boxer engine, on occasions, had some difficulty in settling when first accelerating, with a resulting surge in revs. A warmed-up motor showed no such stress.

At low-speed throttle openings, gear changeisinfinitelyvariableasinaconventional CVT, but at higher throttle openings it automatically adopts an eight-speed step control, creating a more conventional sound and feeling of acceleration, as well as holding engine speed higher for a sportier and more satisfying drive.

With its hallmark all-wheel drive system in fullaction,theCrosstrekhandledsomeextreme wetweatherontest,resultinginasmoothstable ride and confident handling. Not so positive was the driver monitoring system, which was able to give far from 100 per cent accuracy with its observations on distraction.

Front and rear springs and dampers have been retuned and optimised for improved ride comfortanddrivingstability,whilerecalibrated coil spring rates result in improved road bump absorption and body movement control.

Class-leading ground clearance of 220 mm encourages trips off the bitumen with rough rutted roads holding little angst for the driver. All variants feature X-Mode, a system that operates below 40 km/h and has two modes to take on deep snow and mud, or snow and dirt. Hill Descent Control (under 20 km/h) helps maintain the speed the vehicle is travelling at ontakingthefootoffthegasorbrakingtoallow the driver to fully concentrate on steering. This operates in forward or reverse.

Summary

It seems the Crosstrek refuses to let go of the past completely with styling cues to the XV. However, there is no lagging with upgrades to tech and comfort but the underpowered engine performance has not managed to keep up.

Subaru rings the changes of the XV for its new Crosstrek compact SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Old foes put on a netball show

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was busy on Saturday, July 8 when he took photographs of the Ocean Grove vs Barwon Heads

A Grade, B Grade and 17 & Under Division 2 games at Ray Menzies Oval netball courts.

Left: Pippi McIntyre leads Isabel Hackett to the ball. Centre: Lucy Sampson looks to pass (top), and Dannie Hoiles is airborne. Right: Kiara House reaches for the ball. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 346329

Left: Kate Schippers takes pass under pressure from Rhiannon Whitson. Centre: Abbey Clohesy surveys her options. Right: Rebecca O’Neill leaps for the ball. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 345170

Left: Ella Zaicz leads the way. Above: Riley Cooper takes possession. Above right: Scarlett Sadler in action. Below: Maggie Drake intercepts. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 345169

Bridge battle lives up to expectations

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday, July 8 for a pulsating Battle of the Bridge clash between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.

Above: Kyle Polley marks, and was reliable in defence.

Below: Jet Kneebone kicks into the forward line.

Left: Campbell Snookes handballs to Jace Collins. Centre: Finn Cornell get his kick away. Right: Kallum Hinchcliffe tackles Jace Collins. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 345173

Above: Harrison King kicks into the forward line.

Below: Cooper Ward kicks towards goal.

Left: Ollie Wiltshire is surrounded by Grubbers.

Above: Brady Pritchard races for the ball.

Skipper Joe McDonald led from the front.

Ammos take big step towards spot in the finals

Geelong Amateur enhanced its Bellarine Football League finals hopes and at the same time made it extremely difficult for Queenscliff to make it with a 28-point win on Saturday July 8.

Ammos sit in fifth spot on the ladder, a game clear of Modewarre, while Queenscliff is two games in arrears with five games remaining.

Queenscliff meets Modda this week in a mini elimination final.

Queenscliff was the better side during the first half, but Ammos scored eight goals to two after the break to run away with the win.

JaiSheahanandJoshGrabowskieachbooted three goals for Ammos while star youngster Joseph Cincotta was the Coutas’ best.

Drysdale has all but wrapped up the double chance come finals time with a 30-point win against Modewarre.

James Breust and Lauchlan Dalgleish were fine players for the Hawks while Cohuna recruit Oscar Cooke was superb for Modda.

Torquay thumped Newcomb by 128 points

with Lucas Anderson (six) and Jesse Dawson (four) combining for 10 goals.

Dylan Pettingill (five) and Jarod Bacon (four) combined for nine of Anglesea’s 23 goals against Portarlington.

The 138-point win kept Anglesea in fourth spotwhilePortisstillsearchingforitsfirstwin.

Barwon Heads recruit Noah McGregor-Dawson played his best game for his new club while Nathan Pigott was Port’s best.

BarwonHeadshadtodigdeeptobrushaside a gallant Ocean Grove (see story page 31).

Thisweekend,BarwonHeadshostsDrysdale in what is likely to be a dress rehearsal for the qualifying final.

Newcomb hosts Portarlington in a battle for the wooden spoon while Ocean Grove entertains Torquay in another tough match.

Queenscliff travels to Modewarre and Geelong Amateur makes the trip to Anglesea in what will shape fourth and fifth spots on the ladder.

Autumn comp wraps up

LOCAL TENNIS

The Autumn Tennis Geelong Triples Night Competition season closed with four tightly contested grand finals.

Moolap Two Phones Chol won their fourth straight Premiership in Section 1, defeating Grovedale 5-1, 33-18. Moolap’s singles lineup was far too strong, losing only six games in three sets.

Moolap’s Callum Davey won all three of his sets, including a 6-1 singles win. Shaun Grigg won his last two sets, 6-2 in singles and 6-1 in doubles.

“It’s always a great feeling to win a premiership, and to do it with these boys is special,” captain Lachy Edgar said. “They threw it at us tonight, and we knew that we had to bring our best.”

In Section 2, All Saints came to Grovedale having just lost in the last regular season round to Grovey’s Bogsy and the New Blokes. They were not to be denied, winning 5-1 31-20.

All Saints started off the match on the right note, with number one player Riley Warren and captain Zane Garbellini winning the first doubles rubber 6-0. They followed by winning all three singles sets in close matches, proving the difference.

St Mary’s Table 29 Tennis Association finished top of the ladder and came into a home grand final against Highton’s Out of Towners. The teams split the two season matches, and the decider turned out to be worthy of a grand final.

The teams split the first two sets, but Highton asserted themselves winning the third and fourth sets 6-2 6-4 to go up 3-1 and by eight games. Needing to win the last two sets convincingly, St Mary’s captain Thomas Crosbie won 6-1 in singles to give his team a chance.

However,itwasnotmeanttobeasHighton’s Corey Hird and Guillermo Andy won 6-3 in the last doubles to seal a 4-2 30-24 victory.

Grovedale’s Hall of Framers were looking for their first ever flag, getting a home grand final against the Highton Flyers in Section 4. The first two sets looked like the match would be a battle, with a 6-5 doubles result going to Highton and a 6-3 singles going to Grovedale.

Grovedale took command with a 6-0 doubles set going the way of Rodney Driessen and captain Jeff Andrews.

Grovedale’s Jay Jackson also won 6-4 in singles, setting up a commanding lead going into the last two sets. The last two sets were split 6-5 for each team, with Grovedale walking away a 4-2 34-24 winner on the night.

Emotional moment for Zach Tuohy

Zach Tuohy’s limited memorabilia from his AFL career has a new and treasured addition.

The Geelong star says he was not far off “blubbering” when he was honoured on the ground after Sunday’s 62-point win over North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.

It was Tuohy’s 265th match, meaning he went past Melbourne great Jim Stynes for the most AFL games by an Irishman.

In the post-match presentation, the Stynes family gave Tuohy a Melbourne guernsey featuring No.11 – the number madefamousbytheDemonsBrownlow Medallist.

“I was one or two more sentences away from blubbering down the mic,” Tuohy said of his post-game speech to the crowd.

“I do feel like the bad guy in the movie because Jim’s everyone’s hero, but I wasn’t really expecting the jumper they gifted me at the end.

“I’m not super sentimental with footy memorabilia, but that is taking pride of place in the Tuohy house, well and truly above any of my own jumpers or anything I’ve done.”

Tuohy delighted the Cats fans by trying one of his trademark torpedoes from fullback in the last quarter, although he didn’t quite nail the kick.

The quick-witted Irishman also tried to mark the occasion with a goal, later explaining ambition had outstripped ability.

“To be fair they (teammates) tried to feed me in the second quarter and then North were well and truly on to it in that last 10 minutes,” he said.

“I got very delusional at the end. I was calling for it in on the top of three ruckmen’s heads and thinking I was going to do something I haven’t done in 14 years.

“But it doesn’t (worry) me, it’s extra special and if anything it makes it a bit more humorous, which is how I’d prefer to have it.”

Roger Vaughan, AAP

Left: Section 1 Moolap – Lachy Edgar, Shaun Grigg and Callum Davey. Top right: Section 2 All Saints – James Dat, Elaine Ly, Riley Warren and Zane Garbellini. Right: Section 3 Highton – Corey Hird, Guillermo Andy and Allan Nicdao. (Pictures: Supplied)

Section 4 Grovedale – Sam Rice, Jeff Andrews, Jay Jackson and Rodney Driessen.

Donna Schoenmaekers

Joseph Cincotta was Queenscliff’s best. (Ivan Kemp) 333169_02

Bridge battle doesn’t disappoint

By Justin Flynn

A pulsating Battle of the Bridge was played in some of windiest conditions ever seen at Ray Menzies Oval and while the Barwon Heads took the four points back over the river, there was perhaps more to like from the young Ocean Grove side.

With a howling northwesterly blowing pretty much across the oval, players from both sides, understandably, struggled to adapt to the conditions.

Barwon Heads booted two first-term goals and Ocean Grove didn’t even score.

Things were tight in the second quarter until the Seagulls booted a flurry of late goals and took a 22-point lead into the sheds and almost anyone could have been forgiven the result was a foregone conclusion.

Anyone, but Ocean Grove’s players and coaching staff that is.

The Grubbers slammed on six goals to leave the Heads shellshocked and with a boisterous home crowd urging the side on, it looked like an upset was not only possible, but probable.

The Grubbers employed a more direct kicking game and clever use of short handballs to get them out of congestion had Barwon Heads in all sorts of trouble.

TheSeagulls’forwardentrieswerehaphazard andOceanGrove’sdefensiveinterceptmarking was a highlight.

Halfway through the final term, Ocean Grove held onto a slender lead, but some Ollie Wiltshire magic saw the brilliant youngster boot two goals and the Seagulls won by 14 points.

In the end, perhaps Barwon Heads just knew how to win and Ocean Grove didn’t.

“No doubt belief and trust in your plan and teammates is one of the intangibles you get mostly from winning games together,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.

“Barwon Heads have been doing that for a fair while so I guess that helped in a critical

Round 13

Ocean Grove 0.0(0), 2.4(16), 8.4(52), 9.4(58)

Barwon Heads 2.1(13), 6.2(38), 7.4(46), 11.6(72)

GOALS

Ocean Grove: J. Walker

3, J. Wooding, T. Ruck, E. Dayman, M. Sutton, H. Dolley, T. Chakley.

Barwon Heads: M. Herbison

4, O. Wiltshire 3, C. Ward

2, C. McKinnon, B. Eddy.

BEST

Ocean Grove: J. Walker, M. Sutton, C. Fowler, J. McDonald, E. Dayman, G. Campbell.

Barwon Heads: K. Hinchcliffe, Oliver Wiltshire, Charlie Perks, Tom Swift, Cameron O’Leary, Kyle Maher.

time of the game.

“The trust our players have in our game method and each other continues to grow week inweekoutandourcoachinggroupdrawmore from stats, vision and experiences than we do thescoreboard,Iguessthat’swhycoachesoften review the losses harder.”

Farrell said the club hadn’t set a win/loss figure at the start of the season, but anyone who has watched his team over the course of the year would have been left in no doubt that the improvement has been obvious.

“This season we didn’t set a win/loss metric forwhatsuccesslookslike,playerretentionand development of our list have been our focus’ and we’re positioned well with five games to go

finish with a pass mark for both,” he said.

In the end it took a bit of Wiltshire brilliance and the difference between the two sides on Saturday wasn’t great.

“Yeah, he’s a super talent and they have a spread of players of that calibre right across the ground so it is hard to keep on top of them all of the time,” Farrell said.

For Ocean Grove, Jye Walker was a constant threat up forward all day.

“Heisourplayingmidfieldcoachandplaying forward of centre the last couple of weeks has given him a different look at how the mids are settingupandleavingthecontest,”Farrellsaid.

“His own form has been great but he’s coachedreallywelltoo,notmanycanstrikethe

Grove home in a one-goal thriller

Ocean Grove held on for a thrilling one-goal win against fierce rivals Barwon Heads in round 13 on Saturday, July 8.

The win kept Ocean Grove in second spot on the ladder while the loss saw Barwon Heads slip out of the top five, albeit only by a small amount of percentage.

The Grubbers jumped out to a seven-goal lead at quarter time and increased that by one at the half.

The Seagulls then launched a serious comeback with a 13 goal to eight third term to cut the deficit back to three, but Ocean Grove held on in the dying stages to run out 45 to 44 winners.

“I think we just lost our way a little bit in the second half, we just weren’t playing our game,” co-coach Candice Parker said.

“We probably got sucked in a little bit to their style of game that they were playing and that ultimately cost us errors during the game.

“While we did have plenty of turnovers, we just weren’t converting off those turnovers either.”

Captain Emily Moroney was best at wing attack while Gemma Bell relished her promotion to A Grade with a fine game in defence. Goal attack Ashton O’Brien was also a standout player.

“She’s (Bell) been playing really well in B Grade so we’ve given her a couple of opportunities to come up and help out in A and she did a really good job and started a bit of drive coming out of defence,” Parker said.

The Grubbers have been slow starters this season before eventually overpowering most opponents in the second half, but last

Saturday was the opposite.

“We’ve been trying some combinations so while it might look like we’re not having great starts, that just might be the combinations we’re putting out there and making sure everyone gets experience on the court within the starting line up,” Parker said.

“But then also coming off the bench and starting too, so just trying to get experience into people and seeing how they respond.

“We’re a pretty versatile team so just trying to work out the best combinations is tricky as well.”

Ocean Grove faces a tough run home before the finals starting with Torquay (3rd) tomorrow, then Geelong Amateur (1st), Modewarre (10th), Anglesea (5th) and Queenscliff (4th).

“You’re going to have to play these teams in the finals so to be playing them in the lead up, if you’re not winning you can then go back to the drawing board and go well do we need to do to improve to make sure we beat them in the finals,” Parker said.

Justin Flynn

balance he has.”

The task doesn’t get any easier for the Grubbers this week when they host the undefeated Torquay, but you get the feeling that the group is eagerly awaiting the contest whereas in the past 18 months, perhaps they might have been dreading it.

“Immediately after the game we spoke about itandthementionofbeingabletotestourselves against another side they have so much respect for, actually put a smile on the boys’ faces,” Farrell said.

“We had some sore bodies given we were down to a couple on the bench after halftime and will have a really light week to get them in the best shape we can.”

Round 13

A Grade: Ocean Grove 45 def Barwon Heads 44. Best: Emily Moroney, Ashton O’Brien, Gemma Bell.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 52 def Barwon Heads 27. Best: Amelia Cunningham, Shelby Hackett, Dannie Hoiles.

C Grade: Ocean Grove 30 def Barwon Heads 16. Best: Emily Quinten, Heidi Bennett, Matilda Kelly.

D Grade: Ocean Grove 24 def Barwon Heads 18. Best: Danielle Baker, Paula Birch, Terri-Anne Finch.

E Grade: Ocean Grove 18 def by Barwon Heads 21. Best: Anabelle Sargeant, Taylah Jeffrey, Kylie Collett.

19 & Under: Ocean Grove 19 def by Barwon Heads 21. Best: Lily Hallam, Lexie Annand, Milla Bell.

17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

33 def Barwon Heads 29. Best: Emily Quinten, Tilly Peace-Teague, Lucy Sampson.

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 20 def Barwon Heads 14. Best: Amelia Stanic, Alice Molloy, Sienna White.

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 34 def Barwon Heads 8. Best: Holly Britt, Laura Ahearn.

15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 27

def Barwon Heads 7. Best: Mia Ryan, Lucy Neaves, Charlotte Heenan.

13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

16 def Barwon Heads 14. Best: Amber Pallero, Ruby Cook, Tamika Wall.

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 24 def Barwon Heads 11. Best: Grace Tolley, Emma Robinson, Olivia Clark.

Georgia Ryan passes to Emily Moroney. (Ivan Kemp) 345170_03

Left: Grady Slocombe and Michael Philp battle for the footy. Top right: Ollie Wiltshire was probably the difference between the two sides. Right: Jace Collins looks for a pass. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 345173

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