Ocean Grove Voice - 11th August 2023

SIDS ride gets bigger

By Justin Flynn

Ride the Bellarine for SIDS is closing in on $35,000 raisedforRedNoseDayandtheeventkeepsgetting bigger.

What started as a 25km walk from Geelong to Lara in 2020 is now a 110km ride around the Bellarine Peninsula.

OnSaturday,August5,23ridersleftOceanGrove Surf Lifesaving Club to cycle around the Bellarine for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Event director Peter Herrick said donations stood at around $33,000 with more coming in and expected to push past $34,000 this week.

“It was really positive, a really good day,” he said. “There was a community feel about it. What I was really proud about was that it brought people together who shared stories that they may not have shared previously to others.

“Moreimportantlyitgavepeopletheopportunity on a broader scale to talk about what Red Nose does and the loss of a child through SIDS, miscarriage and and stillbirth.”

In 2019, friends of Peter’s – Mark Maddocks and RachaelFitzgerald–losttheirlittlegirlLaratoSIDS.

In 2021, a group of Mark and Rachael’s friends walked more than 300km from London to Manchester, raising money for the Lullaby Trust in the UK.

A small team of family and friends in Australia, decided to walk the short 25km from Geelong to Lara to raise funds also for the Lullaby Trust, in which they raised just more than $1000.

The event moved to a ride on the Bellarine last year when 10 riders raised $26,514 and then this year’s event was even bigger.

“There were different emotions that were bandied around,” Peter said. “The big one was a sense of prideinwhatpeoplehaveachievedandabitofrelief for some people.

“Amie Rohan (ride ambassador) was super proud of her efforts, in fact I was super proud.

“She had only ridden three times in the last few yearsandthelongestwas44kmandontheweekend she got around 110km.”

There is still time to donate to Ride the Bellarine for SIDS at rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/ peterherrick/rideforsids

■ Pictures: Page 8.

Alexia Boland Herrick, Eliza, Peter Herrick and Darcie were eager participants in the Ride the Bellarine for SIDS event. (Kate Stavrov)

‘‘ It brought people together who shared stories that they may not have shared previously ’’ - Peter Herrick

Introducing

Armstrong Creek.

Halcyon Horizon is located 13kms south of Geelong CBD with prime access to spectacular destinations along the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road, where you can enjoy the perfect balance of country and coast.

At Halcyon Horizon, you’ll experience the convenience of modern living, and luxurious Clubhouse facilities including magnesium-infused indoor and outdoor pools, gold-class style cinema, pickleball courts, lawn bowls and much more. And the best part is, you’ll get to keep all the capital gains on your new home – with no stamp duty, entry/exit fees or deferred management fees.

To find out more, visit the Halcyon Horizon website.

Call 1800 050 050 scan the QR code or visit: stockland.com.au/halcyon-communities/halcyon-horizon

New policy to protect peninsula

The Bellarine Peninsula is now protected for decades to come under the state government’s newly-released Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) for the area.

With the Bellarine declared a ‘distinctive area and landscape’ under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the region’s future growth will be managed under the SPP to protect the peninsula’s environmental and historical features for future generations.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny released the policy on Thursday, August 10, which

locks in protected settlement boundaries for all townships on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Town boundaries of Barwon Heads, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Drysdale, Leopold, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, are now law and are protected for at least the next 50yearsandcannowonlybechangedthrough support of both houses of state parliament.

Ms Kilkenny said the SPP would help the Bellarine Peninsula achieve a more resilient and sustainable future.

“We worked closely with the community to ensurewe’reprotectingthelandscapesaround the Bellarine Peninsula, and providing certainty for future housing, tourism and infrastructure investment in the region,” she said.

“Through our distinctive area and landscape legislation, we are providing the highest planning protection for Victoria’s most iconic and environmentally sensitive areas.”

The SPP was prepared in consultation with

Clubs announce junior footy changes

Ocean Grove Cobras and Ocean Grove Grubbers (OGFNC) have announced changes to their junior footy programs.

Beginning from the 2024 season, all Cobras teams competing in competitive graded competitions will be managed by OGFNC while non-competitive age groups will be managed by the Cobras.

Formerly known as the Collendina Cobras, the club aligned with OGFNC in 2018 and changed its name to Ocean Grove Cobras with a 90 per cent yes vote at an extraordinary general meeting.

The new jumper added the red and white of the Grubbers while retaining the blue cobra of

Collendina.

The club currently operates boys and girls footy teams ranging from under-9s to under-14s while OGFNC manages teams from under-16s to under-18s.

That will change from next year with the major shift being the under-14s boys to be managed by OGFNC.

Therespectivecommitteeshavebeenmoving towards this transition for some years with the under-14 girls already managed by the senior club (OGFNC),” the clubs said in a statement.

“We are confident this will strengthen both clubs and afford focused energy to support participants in nonc-ompetitive and

competitive competitions.

“The Grubbers have extensive experience with graded football and existing talent and skill development programs, which will aid players as they move into competitive competitions.”

Both clubs said they would continue to drive and support programs and initiatives to strengthen the links between noncompetitive and competitive competitions.

“This supports a one-club mentality and allows the respective clubs to support one anotheronandoffthefield,”thestatementsaid.

Justin Flynn

Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong and the public.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant welcomed the protections offered by the SPP.

“The Bellarine Peninsula is a sustainable, diverse region, made up of unique townships and this policy will help protect its unique character and natural assets for decades to come,” Ms Marchant said.

Ferry to run for another year

The Portarlington-Docklands ferry will run for at least another 12 months after the state government extended its support for the service.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced on Tuesday, August 8 that it tipped in $2.55 million to extend the service.

Launched in May 2017, in the last 12 months the service has returned to its pre-COVID peak attracting almost 110,000 users, with a high of more than 15,000 passengers in January 2023. Works completed at Portarlington last year include all-weather access from the foreshore to the ferry service, a strengthened pier head to enable vehicle access for the aquaculture industry and emergency responses and a new accessible low landing for improved water access.

“We’re backing regional tourism and local communities by investing in better transport links and cheaper travel through initiatives like our regional fare cap on V/Line services and through our support for the Portarlington ferry service,” Mr Carroll said.

“The ferry to the Bellarine Peninsula provides another convenient transport alternative for the tens of thousands of visitors and locals accessing the service whether for work or holidays.”

“This is a great outcome for the Bellarine,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said. “The Portarlington ferry is a wonderful experience and an important transport link for locals and visitors.

“The ferry offers a gateway to our amazing peninsula and strengthens tourism for our region, while also providing locals with a transport alternative to travel to and from Melbourne.”

Cobras and Grubbers unite: Willow Annand, Bas Gee, Kaylen Wiley, Izabella Greenwood, Tom Annand, Kenzie Andrews and Alexandra Wiley. (Ivan Kemp) 343131_03

Bridge and path get new names

Bellarine commuters travelling to Geelong on Barwon Heads Road will notice Marshall’s new bridge and shared-use path have been named to honour Wadawurrung language and story.

The new bridge over the railway line is now known as ‘Narriyu’, and the Barwon Heads Road upgrade’s shared-use path is ‘Karndoor’.

The words are Wadawurrung for ‘top of the hill’ and ‘track’ respectively.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) led a smokingceremonyon30Julytocommemorate the namings.

WTOAC chose the names as part of its collaboration with Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) on the upgrade.

MRPV engaged WTOAC to incorporate informed, meaningful Wadawurrung design in the upgrade and to highlight connections with Wadawurrung landscape, language, culture and communities.

“Using Wadawurrung language and telling stories through design is an opportunity for the wider community to learn about Country,” WTOAC chief executive Liam Murphy said.

“To see Country from the top of many hills, people will walk the Karndoor path, just like our people did for thousands of generations across this landscape following the tracks made by animals to get to the water and wetlands.”

As the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade project area, WTOAC works to support Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ aspirations and protect their cultural heritage in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

“We are grateful to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for choosing the names for the Narriyu bridge and the Karndoor path,” Major Road Projects Victoria project manager Matt Armitstead said.

“The names are another example of WTOAC’s valuable contribution to the upgrade.”

The upgrade has added 4km of lanes to the road between Belmont and Charlemont. The project has also upgraded intersections and removed the level crossing at Marshall, replacing it with the Narriyu bridge.

More information about the bridge, including its Wadawurrung art and design elements, is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ projects/mrpv/barwon-heads-road-upgrade

Major Road Projects Victoria’s Andrew Westcott and Lucas Bridgeman with the sign for the new Narriyu bridge. (Supplied)

‘‘ People will walk the Karndoor path, just like our people did for thousands of generations ’’ - Liam Murphy

Mums forced to travel to deliver

By Melissa Meehan, AAP

Pregnant women in greater Geelong face being sent up to 75km away to deliver their babies because of hospital staff shortages.

Women approaching labour in Geelong have the very real prospect of being sent to Werribee or Melbourne to give birth.

The closure of maternity services at Epworth Geelong in March this year brought the number of services in the regional centre down from three to two.

At the time Epworth cited staffing shortages as a major reason for the closure.

The shortages in the city could force patients to travel 45km away to Werribee or even 75km to Melbourne to have their babies.

Since the closure, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said services in the greater Geelong region haven’t kept pace with an increasing population.

“The college is aware that St John of God Hospital Geelong and University Hospital Geelonghave,attimesoverthelastfewmonths, been on bypass f or maternity patients and babies, and have needed to transfer patients for whom they would ordinarily be able to provide care,“ a spokesperson told AAP.

“Services have not kept pace with increasing population, and many women have more complex needs than in the past.

“The main issue has been a physical lack of beds and space, and workforce issues.“

Berth Geelong, which provides pregnancy care,onFridaysentanemailtoclientswarning of the situation at St John of God Geelong.

“Due to a shortage of paediatrician cover, the hospital may go on bypass,“ the email said.

“Be assured the bypass is not related to midwifery care or due to hospital capacity but rather a challenge in providing adequate

paediatric support.“

AAP has also seen paediatric guidelines sent to staff at St John of God Geelong making it clear that paediatricians who work there are onlyavailablebetweenschooldropoffandpick up.

Outside of those times, staff have been directed to contact the on-call paediatrician.

However, a spokesperson for St John of God Geelong rejected claims it was on bypass. They did not answer questions about whether the hospital’smaternityservicehadbeenonbypass

anytime in the past six months.

National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Gino Pecoraro says it’s an all too familiar story, as regional centres across the country struggle to find staff.

“We are in the process of maternity services collapse around the country - it’s not a polite way to put it, but it’s true,“ Prof Pecoraro said.

“This is exactly what happened with Queensland, with Gladstone, then Rockhampton and now Cairns - and regional

NSW is no different.“

Mr Pecoraro says when private healthcare becomes unaffordable, fewer women use the private sector, putting pressure on public hospitals and making it harder to entice obstetricians, paediatricians and other specialists.

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said their network had the ability to provide support in the region when required - which included maternity services and birth suites.

“University Hospital Geelong averages about eight births each day and we regularly manage periods of higher birth numbers,“ Ms Bibby said.

The Victorian government says Barwon Healthismeetingthematernitydemandsofthe local community and has more than enough capacity to meet the needs of the region.

A spokesman said the government was also backing a range of initiatives to grow the healthcareworkforce,withparticularattention paid to regional health services.

Staffing issues have been felt by Colac Area Health too.

CEO Fiona Brew says Colac Hospital periodically goes on bypass due to staffing issues.

“It is always a difficult decision to make knowing the potential impact on our community,“ Ms Brew told AAP.

“Wearenotonextendedbypassandwework very closely with our patients on an individual care plan to ensure both mother and baby are safe.“

Ms Brew said patients were usually diverted to Barwon Health’s University Hospital, but if the family lived closer they could be sent to South West Healthcare.

The state Health Department was unable to provide data on where women gave birth based on their postcode.

Attempts to save Epworth Hospital’s maternity ward proved futile. (Ivan Kemp) 313559_05

Celebrating businesses

By Cr Trent Sullivan

The Geelong Small Business Festival is now underway after a magnificent launch event at GMHBA Stadium last week.

It was wonderful listening to guest speaker Cherie Clonan talk about her journey and launching her own business, The Digital Picnic, nine years ago.

There are many similar stories to Cherie’s across the region, and it is that spirit of entrepreneurism that thrives among events at the festival.

In person and online activities are being held across the whole month, meaning there is still ample opportunities to get involved.

The importance of this festival – and more to the point the role small business play in our community – cannot be overstated.

For example, there is much that has been made of our growing population, and the new communities that are forming as a result.

But these communities can only thrive if residents can secure work in the local area and thankfully, that is what we have been seeing across Greater Geelong.

In 2022 we welcomed 2,172 new businesses to the region, which helped create more than 12,100 jobs – the fastest jobs growth seen among Australian regional cities.

The small business sector is driving the prosperity of our community, contributing $9 billion to the regional economy, and the Geelong Small Business Festival celebrates the contribution of these businesses, and supports our operators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

This year, the City of Greater Geelong has partnered with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce to deliver the festival.

This partnership supports the continued growth and evolution of the program, with

more than 70 free and low-cost events, workshops and presentations on offer.

I encourage local business operators and entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their

networks, be inspired, and learn how they can grow their operations, to visit the festival website (gsbf.com.au/) and see how they can get involved.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (Ivan Kemp) 348439_01

Winter demand for ambulances

The annual winter spike in demand for emergency ambulance services has had a predictable effect on ambulance response times around the Greater Geelong region. With the total number of first response incidents increasing from 4671 in January to March to 4773 in April to July, the average response time increased from 13 minutes and 48 seconds to 14:08.

However, ambulance services in the region performed better than this time last year,

with the April-June 2022 average response time at 14:25 for 4738 first response call-outs.

Ambulance Victoria Barwon South West Director Regional and Clinical Operations

Terry Marshall said the April-June quarter of 2022-23 was Ambulance Victoria’s third busiest on record.

“Every winter we see demand rise, and this year is still challenging as COVID-19 and influenza spreads, and more staff are furloughed due to illness,” Mr Marshall said.

Gas decision welcomed

Geelong Sustainability chief executive Dan Cowdell has welcomed the state government’s decision to phase out connecting gas to new homes.

From January 1, 2024, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions will onlyconnecttoanall-electricnetworkandwill apply to all new homes requiring a planning permit. State government modelling shows that Victorian homes who switch away from gas can save $1000 on energy bills and up to $2200 if with solar power.

“This is a clear sign from the government that Victorian households will be better off without gas, the decision is a great step to help households save money, improve health and also help the environment,” Mr Cowdell said.

In the wake of the decision, Geelong Sustainability has launched a new community-drivenprogramtohelphouseholds across the Barwon region to transition away from gas to an all-electric, solar powered future.

MrCowdellsaidtheElectricHomeProgram

would support residents with homes currently connected to gas.

The Electric Homes Program is designed to help homeowners switch to electric energy-efficient appliances, combined with solar and battery storage, at a time when many are feeling the pinch of rising energy bills and are also conscious about their impact on the environment.

“Electrifying your home is better for your family’s health, your wallet and the environment.

Homeowners are an important part of our region’s transition away from fossil fuels,” Mr Cowdell said.

“We’reproudtoofferthisnewprogramthat’s designed to support our communities to make the transition with ease and confidence.”

The sold-out launch event was held in Geelong on August 2.

Two more events were held at Surf Coast Shire in Torquay on Monday ,August 7 and at Barwon Heads Community Hall on Tuesday, August 8.

“This winter we again urge you to help our paramedics, first responders and hospitals by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies and accessing alternative care options which can better meet your needs.”

Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Clinical Operations Anthony Carlyon said Ambulance Victoria had more than tripled the size of its secondary triage team since October 2021, while its Medium Acuity Transport Service freed up more ambulances

for critically ill patients.

“Some people hesitate to call 000 because they are not sure if their situation is an emergency. If in doubt, always call 000 and the trained call-taker will help and direct you,” Mr Carlyon said.

“Despite our current challenges, our dedicated paramedics continue to deliver safe and high-quality patient outcomes, including Australia’s best cardiac arrest survival rates.”

Rob Crook from Reclaim, Dan Cowdell from Sustainability Geelong and Derek Richards from RACV Solar at the Barwon Heads Electric Home program session. (Ivan Kemp) 350696_06

Riders doing it for Red Nose Day

Bellarine Ride for SIDS raised more than $32,000 for Red Nose Day. A total of 23 cyclists rode 110km around the Bellarine Peninsula on Saturday, August 5 in honour of Charlotte Halse. Pictures by Kate Stavrov.

Left: Elise Garraway, Patrice Berthold and Ian Murdoch. Above, left to right: The riders cross the finish line; Kristian Morgan, Aleshia Morgan, Ian Murdoch and Amanda Morgan; Wes Whitfield, Peter Herrick and Shaun Tonkes at the end of the ride. (Pictures: Kate Stavrov)

Bellarine Ride for SIDS participants.

Ride ambassador Amie Rohan.

Above: Nathan Mills and David Butler take a break. Below: Wes Whitfield, Shaun Tonkes and Daniel Brown.

LETTERS

Invitation for youth

For this year’s International Youth Day, I am inviting young people across the Bellarine to write to me detailing their ideas, their values and what’s important for their futures.

This can take the form of a speech or a letter.

By participating in this opportunity, young people in the community will have a chance to showcase their talents, express their opinions and make a real impact.

I will select the winners and read their ideas to the Victorian Parliament, having it preserved in the record.

Paper house campaign

The Barwon South West Homelessness Network (BSWHN) has continued the campaignbegunatParliamentHouselastweek tohighlighttheneedformoresocialhousingto combat Victoria’s homelessness crisis.

The Victorian Homelessness Network (VHN) kicked off Homelessness Week by presenting 6000 origami houses on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on August 2.

BSWHN kept the campaign going this week by inviting community members down to 111-113 Little Malop Street to fold houses of their own and lend their voice to the calls for more public and social housing.

Nearly 7000 households in the Barwon region are on the Victorian Housing Register (VHR), having demonstrated homelessness and/or family violence.

ThethemeforthisHomelessnessWeek2023is ‘It’stimetoendhomelessness’,andcommunity advocatesarecallingforgovernmentleadersto address the lack of available social housing.

Barwon Local Area Services Network chair

Lucy Dodemaide said Victoria’s homelessness crisis was unacceptable, requiring “urgent solutions”.

“(Housing) stock is one of the huge issues, because if you can circuit-break some of the transience,thenyoucanstartaddressingthose other issues that exacerbate homelessness,” Ms Dodemaide said.

BSWHNcoordinatorRebeccaCallahansaid homelessness was “not inevitable”.

“With enough social and affordable homes and the right support, everyone in the community can be permanently housed,” Rebecca Callahan said. “The first step to ending homelessness is ensuring people have access to housing they can afford. There is a dire shortage of social housing in Victoria.

“The City of Greater Geelong social housing plan was launched in 2019, and when it was done they estimated they needed 3000 houses. Now, that need has doubled.”

I look forward to receiving contributions from local residents, celebrating their unique perspectives. Submissions can be sent by Friday August 25 to alison.marchant@ parliament.vic.gov.au

Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine

Why say ’no’?

A recent visit to WA’s Fremantle prison and Rottnest Island’s museum was a stark reminder of the abject cruelty experienced by many aboriginals in Australia’s history. Ten per cent of those imprisoned on Rottnest over many years are buried there, and until recent times a tourist camping area was placed over the burial site.

Why do Dutton-inspired NO campaigners emphasise the lack of a universal language and percentages of blood as major issues regarding our indigenous people? Why don’t they ever mention our history of persecution and neglect? The eight year gap in

life expectancy between white and indigenous Australians? Why don’t they highlight an indigenous suicide rate which is twice as high as ours? Why do they never list the numerous preventable diseases our First nations people have to endure due to the lack of medical services and care?

Surely these are some of the major issues needing to be addressed? The Voice, as a legislated but ADVISORY body to parliament (another factor never emphasised by NO campaigners) will raise these issues if the result of the forthcoming referendum is successful. What a great opportunity for us to put matters right, once and for all.

Peter & Cathy Coghlan, Drysdale

Ratepayers Inc keeps watch

As the costs of living goes up, so do our rates. But councils are not listening, only 0.01 per cent of hardship claims are approved.

Ratepayers Geelong Inc is very concerned for those in distress and is keeping watch.

Join and make our voice louder. Contact Antonia on 0413-241 991. The cruelty of councils has been the subject of the state media, but our local media has been silent. They should too join our voice.

Andrew Senia, president Ratepayers Geelong Inc

WRITE TO: news@oceangrovevoice.com

Reader letters should be concise and no more than 250 words. Letters may be edited for length, clarity or for legal reasons. They should include their full name, address and phone numbers for confirmation.

Lucy Dodemaide, Barwon Local Area Services Network chair. (Ivan Kemp) 351862_04

Cr Asher decides to step down

Former mayor Stephanie Asher has resigned from her role as City of Greater Geelong councillor citing work commitments and a pending relocation as reasons for the decision.

Cr Asher was the city’s second-longest serving mayor and has served as a councillor for more than five-and-a-half years.

Cr Asher said her role was “no longer sustainable”.

“While I have greatly enjoyed managing my council duties alongside work, family and caring commitments to date, this is no longer sustainable, given my current work

obligations as a Melbourne-based project director,” she said.

“I will also soon be moving out of the Geelong municipality.”

The Victorian Electoral Commission will conduct a process to elect a new councillor in the Bellarine Ward.

“Reflecting on my 68 months spent as a member of Geelong council, 33 months as mayor, I feel deeply honoured to have served this passionate community and contributed to some significant changes which will help shape the future,” Cr Asher said.

Best bistro in Victoria

It’s official – Ocean Grove Bowling Club (OGBC) has the best regional community club bistro in the state.

OGBC was presented with the award at the Community Clubs Victoria (CCV) 2023 Gala Awards on July 29.

The industry event showcases the one thousand plus licenced clubs across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

The award notes said OGBC’s “greatest visitation, with a sheer focus on delivering memorable experiences, Ocean Grove Bowling Club revolutionised customer service standards, promotional activity, and food offerings to increase visitation and to overhaul the customer journey”.

OGBC chief executive Nathan O’Neill was thrilled.

“This acknowledgment truly exemplifies OGBC’s exceptional standards, and we are incredibly proud to receive this recognition,“ he said.

OGBC also attained finalist positions in the categories of ‘Best Mental & Social Wellbeing Program’ and ‘Club Person of the Year’.

The latter recognised Matt Flapper for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the sport of bowls through increased community partnerships, participation, and membership. TheCCVAwardsNightoffersanopportunity for clubs and their employees to celebrate their achievements through a variety of award categories, including community partnerships, sustainability, entertainment, social impact, well-being and more.

CCV encompasses a vast network of more than 1300 community clubs across Victoria, 30,000 employees and has over 2.3 million adult members. These clubs collectively contribute $1 billion to the state economy, including community donations, subsidised access to facilities and volunteer work.

To see the full list of winners and to learn more about each head to ccv.net.au

7.30am, Saturday 26 August

At the tip of Bukareeyoo (Ocean Grove Spit)

Bukareeyoo (pronounced Book-ar-ree-yoo) is the new name for area of land known informally as the Ocean Grove Spit.

Join Barwon Coast and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to celebrate the return of Wadawurrung language to this very special area of Wadawurrung Country.

Representatives from Wadawurrung will perform a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by a didgeridoo performance.

Access the event from the 20W car park on Barwon HeadsOcean Grove Rd and follow the signs. For more information, visit barwoncoast.com.au/projects/bukareeyoo

Please note filming, photos or recording is not permitted during traditional ceremonies and we request that this is respectfully observed.

“As the second-longest serving mayor of Greater Geelong, my nearly three years in the leadership role were extremely positive and I am indebted to our wonderful community, the city staff and my dedicated councillor colleagues for their support and contribution throughout 2019-22.”

Current mayor Trent Sullivan said Cr Asher provided “great leadership, advocacy, and clear direction during nearly six years of dedicated service to the community”.

“Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on protecting and creating

jobs, supporting sectors of the community hardest hit by the lockdowns, and providing opportunities for residents to improve their physical and mental health,” he said.

“Hertimeasmayoralsosawcouncilcommit to record levels of capital investment, which is deliveringmajorinfrastructureimprovements in all corners of Greater Geelong.

“I was fortunate enough to serve as deputy mayor to Ms Asher, and her skilled guidance and advice gave me a great grounding for when the leadership opportunity arose in 2022.”

Oliver Casey (ANZ) with Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s Nathan O’Neill, Jackson Donaldson, Bri Telford and Scott Evans at the awards. (Supplied)

Seize the day and embrace a new, liberating lifestyle

In the quiet whispers of time passing, there lies a profound truth that we often overlook – the ephemeral nature of moments, like fleeting butterflies, flutter by, leaving us with memories etched in the sands of time.

Life’s journey is a dance of choices and opportunities, a symphony of chances that beckon us to take hold of the reins. Among these,awhisperurgesustoembracethechange thatawaits–adownsizerhome,asanctuaryfor a new chapter.

Picture it, if you will – a charming haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where the weight of unnecessary possessions fades away. The clutter that once weighed upon your shoulders will find solace in the arms of benevolent charity, making space for cherished treasures and memories to blossom.

Inadownsizerhome,timefindsitselfagentle master, and moments of joy, love, and laughter aresavouredlikefinewine.Thedaysofmowing vast lawns and maintaining unwieldy spaces will be replaced by a manageable sanctuary, where you’ll find more time to bask in the warmth of cherished company.

You will find a newfound sense of liberation. Letting go of the past, you’ll embrace the present with arms wide open.

The shackles of maintenance yield to the freedom of exploration, travel, and adventures that await your eager heart.

Seize the day and make way for the winds of change.

By choosing to downsize at Lifestyle Communities, you’ll discover the art of appreciating a life well-lived, where every day is cherished.

Book the tour today on 1300 50 55 60.

Downsizing has never been easier at Lifestyle Communities. (Pictures: Supplied)

Get independent advice at Hearing Professionals

Hearing Professionals Geelong is proudly independent and is your go to place for audiologyandhearingaidservices.

Operating from its new location at Latrobe Health Centre, 291 Latrobe Terrace in Geelong, Hearing Professionals is not owned by any major manufacturer so is well placed to offer the best independent advice.

Founded by Lys Allison, Hearing Professionals has been serving the greater Geelongcommunityfor20years.

Being completely independent, Hearing Professionals’ audiologists are trained and experienced to objectively determine every make and model from the complete range of all the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers.

Hearing loss is often associated with losingtouchwiththepeoplearoundyou,but itdoesn’thavetobethatway.

Hearing Professionals can help you reconnect with loved ones and make life so much easier. You will regain your independence.

Hearing Professionals provides hearing tests, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) assessment and management, hearing aids, wax removal using gentle micro-suction and services for people with work related hearinglossunderWorkSafe.

Pensioners and veterans may be eligible for subsidies on hearing tests and hearing aids (phone 9466 7166). Hearing Professionalsdoesnothave‘partnerclinics’. All listed clinics, including Geelong, are owned, operated and staffed by hearing professionals.

Care that feels like home

Homestyle Aged Care understands that as yougetolder,itcanbecomemoredifficultto dothingsonyourown.

Homestyle provides a quality of care and lifethatisthenextbestthingtolivinginyour ownhome.

Easily book your appointment online hearingpro.com.au/book-an-appointment

For more than 30 years, Homestyle has made it their mission to provide permanent and respite services across all 10 high-quality, purpose-built homes conveniently located in Melbourne metropolitanandGeelongareas.

Homestyle believes in enhancing the

quality of life for all residents to satisfy the changingneedsofferingourcorephilosophy of promoting independence while fostering a caring homely environment, making residentsthefocusofeverythingtheydo. If you or your loved one are looking for care in Ocean Grove, Leopold or Grovedale, Homestyle’s admissions team can discuss your individual situation and advise on the manyoptionsavailable.

Call the team on 1300 104 663 or visit homestyleagedcare.com.au

Lys Allison founded Hearing Professionals 25 years ago, including the Geelong branch, which has moved to a new location. (Supplied)

Rare opportunity to settle at Lions Village Torquay

With intense activity bringing more of its units upto2023standards,theLionsVillageTorquay is excited to offer those units for occupancy.

According to village manager Jenny Trezise, it is rare for the village to have units available for new residents now, without an indefinite wait on a waiting list.

“This is a great opportunity for people over 55 years of age to enter a boutique retirement village, right in central Torquay,” she said. “Our location is so convenient that many residents walk to local shops and facilities. Our neighbourhood is constantly evolving, with new opportunities for leisure and social activities being developed as Torquay grows around us.”

According to chairman of the village management committee Nick Kearsey, the Lions Village is one of the most attractive and friendly villages in the region.

“Our village works closely with residents, with a personalised response to their requests,” hesaid.“Wegenuinelycareaboutourresidents, and strive to constantly improve our service to them, whether it be supporting social events or upgrading our facilities.

“As an independent not-for-profit village, we have a strong focus on doing what is right for our community, responding to opportunities and challenges quickly and responsibly.”

The Lions Village Torquay has 29 spacious units set in an immaculate garden setting. Facilities include the community centre and kitchen gardens, with residents organising an active social program.

The village also offers a generous resident benefit program with many extra services to residents to make life just that bit easier.

“I’m so proud of the fantastic lifestyle we are able to offer our residents and look forward to welcomingtheluckypeoplewhowillmoveinto our village soon,” Mr Kearsey said.

Over 55s lifestyle selling fast at lovely Bellarine Lakes

Bellarine Lakes Country Club is continuing to thrive as a popular place for over 55s and retirees.

Final stages are now selling and strong interest has seen over 65% of these amazing villas sold.

Located close to the beach and only 7km from Geelong CBD, this Country Club, with its own private golf course is selling fast. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase one the last four remaining newly built villas.

The enviable resort style living facility includes; a private golf course, a four-rink bowling green, tennis court, hobby workshop, gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor lap pool, alfresco dining and a

beautifully appointed community clubhouse which houses a cinema, billiard room, craft room, medical room, library, fully equipped catering kitchen, club bar and even indoor carpet bowls.

Resident Graeme epitomises the sentiment of many of Bellarine Lakes Country Club residents.

“We love our quality new home which offers a spacious open plan living that is ideal for us,““he said.

“The village is luxurious with a friendly atmosphere. We are close to shops and even haveacommunitybusforeventsandshopping. I have enjoyed learning new skills such as bowling with expert training and guidance

from other residents.

“I am a fanatical golfer and love the newly developed fairways and greens at Bellarine Lakes. The course also offers great walkways which are beautifully landscaped and home for much wildlife.

“I also enjoy contributing and interacting with others at our community garden beds. Our community is positive and thriving.”

In addition to scheduled monthly events there are around 30 activity groups offering a diverse range of activities including; cycling, fishing, aqua aerobics, walking groups, wine appreciation, craft and card groups. Thesearesimplyafewofthewonderfulsocial activities the residents enjoy. If you are seeking

a sea change and a low maintenance, quality livingenvironmentwhichofferssecurity,social companionship, freedom and lifestyle choices, Bellarine Lakes Country Club may offer the lifestyle you have been looking for.

Join them for afternoon tea and Open Day on August 24 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. RSVP Essential by August 22.

Contact Bellarine Lakes Country Club today or visit 402 Bellarine Highway, Moolap. Friendly lifestyle consultant Lisa Duke welcomes any queries you may have. Inspections are always welcome.

Contact Lisa direct to arrange a private tour on 0447 495 400 or FreeCall 1800 255 578.

Bellarine Lakes Country Club’s final stages are now selling. (Supplied)

Good dental health is important for the whole family

Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall wellbeing and Dental Health Week (DHW)standsasasignificantinitiativeaimed at raising awareness about proper dental care and promoting good oral hygiene practices across the nation.

DHWistheAustralianDentalAssociation’s major annual oral health campaign.

It takes place each year in the first full week of August. The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life.

This year, DHW (from August 7 to 13) is focusing on the mouth and whole-body connection. There are links between diseases inthemouthanddiseasesinthebody.Bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body and inflammation in the mouth can increase the body’s overall inflammation. Six conditions have been explored in how they link with the mouth:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes

• Lung conditions

• Inflammatory bowel disease

Dental health is not only essential for a confident smile but also impacts one’s overall health and quality of life. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental issues, including cavities, gum diseases, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. By emphasising the significance of dental health during DHW aims to educate its population about the far-reaching benefits of maintaining a healthy mouth.

DHW is typically marked by a series of engaging activities and initiatives that cater to people of all ages. These events are organised

bydentalassociations,healthinstitutions,and educational establishments, with the primary goal of spreading knowledge and fostering positive oral care habits.

Dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, play a pivotal role during DHW.

They not only provide vital dental care servicesbutalsoactaseducatorsandadvocates for proper oral hygiene. Their expertise and dedication help create a positive impact on the oral health of individuals and communities.

By engaging in a variety of educational and outreach activities, this annual event

contributes to a healthier nation with brighter smiles and improved overall health.

AsAustraliacontinuestopromotegoodoral hygiene practices, DHW stands as a shining example of how a nation can come together to prioritise the well-being of its citizens, one smile at a time.

New denture clinic open

Gain

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.

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 to keep up-to-date with dental prosthetisttechnologies,MrDemkofocuseson utilising a variety of systems to integrate new practices into his denture work at the clinic.

As part of their care and quality focused service, Affordable Denture Clinic is the only denture clinic in the Geelong and greater district 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 says.

The clinic’s new location, Mr Demko says, is a reflection of hard work and commitment to provide an environment to give his clients the very best in dental prosthetics. Hesaysitwouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithout the ongoing support from the community and his clients.

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

Top: Jason Demko with patient Eddie Fraser. Above: Inside the clinic. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp)

Dental Health Week this year is from August 7 to 13. (Shutterstock)

40 years of patient-first care at Myers Street Dental

Myers Street Dental Clinic has been taking care of the Geelong community for 40 years and is one of the larger practices in the area.

It is located just one kilometre from the city centre with ample parking available for their patients’ convenience.

The dental clinic stands out for its collaboration between clinicians who ensure their patients are in good hands and strict infection control processes aligning with their Dental Practice Accreditation.

They aim to create a positive patient dental experience continually. The clinic is owned and operated by three highly experienced principal dentists who share over 70 years of industry.

Dr Brenda Loh holds a masters in laser dentistry and an International Academy of dento-facial aesthetics fellowship. She is among the first to offer Hydrafacial™ treatments in a dental setting in Geelong.

Dr Gautam Herle passionately embraces modern technology and stays at the forefront of all dental advancements. He holds a masters in laser dentistry and is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist and Australian Society of Implant Dentistry.

Dr Joe Juric has a unique fascination and a wide-ranging perspective on the correlation between dentistry, teeth, and human well-being.

They’re backed up by three exceptionally

skilled oral health therapists (OHTs), Alex Everett, Paras Paton and Hannah Robertson, and dentist Dr Eren Tuncer.

“Between our seven clinicians, our patients have the assurance that their care is paramount”, practice manager Zenda Foon said.

The practice proactively provides the best patient care by investing in cutting-edge technology, like the on-site Cerec machine that offers the option for a same-day crown insert treatment.

The EMS Airflow® Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is the latest addition to the clinic. It offers patient comfort by minimising the use of dental instruments by our OHTs.

A state-of-the-art 3Shape Trios digital impression system bids farewell to messy teeth imprints and ensures a more efficient, comfortable, and accurate dentistry experience for the clinic’s patients.

Myers Street Dental Clinic is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 5pm, Wednesdays from 8.30am to 8pm, and some Saturdays from 8.30am to 1pm.

To book a consultation or appointment with the friendly team, call 03 5222 4599, visit the 34 Myers Street practice, email info@myersdental.com.au or go online at myersdental.com.au

Our dedicated team will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in decisions regarding your oral health care. As a New Patient you will receive: Comprehensive Assessment of Your Dental Health. Thorough Yet Gentle Clean to Get Your Teeth Feeling New. State-Of-The-Art

Patient centred approach to reduce anxiety including 1 day visits for Crowns, and Laser Dentistry to shorten treatment and recovery time needed.

Left: Myers Street Dental Clinic directors Dr Joe Juric, Dr Brenda Loh and Dr Gautam Herle. Right: Oral health therapists Hannah Robertson, Alex Everett and Paras Paton. (Pictures: Supplied)

Warming up with winter retail therapy at St Leonards

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to St Leonards to see what kind of shopping locals were getting up to.

Left: Lorina Hird. Top right: Max Rowland; Kim Cachia and Donna Budd. Right: Jane Flowers, Jenny Macaulay, Julie Walker and Sue Jaeger. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 349048

Lighter fare awaits with spring just around the corner

Spring is just around the corner.

As winter gives way to the gentle warmth of the sun, nature awakens with a burst of colour and life.

This transformation is mirrored in our kitchens, where we trade hearty stews and comforting casseroles for the vibrant and crisp flavours of spring.

With an abundance of fresh produce and a sense of renewal in the air, springtime is a season that inspires culinary creativity and delights the senses.

From tender asparagus spears to succulent strawberries, let’s explore the essence of spring food and how to make the most of this joyful culinary season.

A symphony of fresh produce Spring is a time when farmers’ markets come alive with a dazzling array of seasonal vegetables and fruits. The key to celebrating spring food is to embrace the natural flavours of these ingredients.

Crisp radishes, sweet peas, delicate baby spinach, and earthy artichokes make their appearance, providing a canvas for innovative and delectable dishes. As the ground thaws, fresh herbs such as mint, chives, and tarragon emerge, infusing dishes with aromatic and zesty undertones.

Showcasing spring stars

One of spring’s iconic vegetables is asparagus. With its tender stalks and earthy-sweet taste, asparagus takes centre stage in numerous springtime recipes. Whether roasted, grilled, or gently sautéed, asparagus lends a delightful crunch and a burst of colour to any dish. Another gem of spring is the pea, a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into soups, salads, and risottos, infusing dishes with its natural sweetness.

Elevating everyday classics

Spring offers a chance to breathe new life into classic recipes. Comfort foods take a lighter twist as we bid farewell to heavy winter fare. Indulge in a light and creamy pea soup with a

touch of fresh mint or savour a delicate spinach and strawberry salad drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Even brunch gets a springtime makeover with dishes such as herb-infused omelettes,

smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, and freshly baked pastries laden with seasonal fruits.

Desserts that bloom

No springtime culinary journey is complete without a glimpse into the realm of spring desserts. The arrival of berries, cherries, and rhubarb signals the start of a season filled with fruity delights. Picture a flaky strawberry rhubarb galette, a luscious mixed berry trifle, or a simple yet elegant pavlova topped with whipped cream and a medley of fresh fruits. These desserts encapsulate the very essence of spring – light, vibrant, and utterly delightful.

Cooking with creativity

Spring food encourages culinary experimentationandinnovation.Fromcrafting vibrant vegetable tarts to experimenting with herb-infused cocktails, this season beckons us to step outside our culinary comfort zones. Try your hand at pickling fresh ramps or creating a homemade herb-infused olive oil. Embrace the spirit of spring by creating colourful and visually appealing dishes that mirror the blooming world around us.

Rejuvenation

Spring is a time of rejuvenation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of food. As we bid farewell to the drabness of winter, we welcome the freshness, vibrancy, and abundance of springtime fare into our kitchens. From showcasing the finest produce to breathing new life into classic recipes, spring food invites us to savour every bite and celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons. So, let your culinary imagination bloom, and embark on a journey through the flavours and aromas of spring – a feast for both the palate and the soul.

• 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

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

Asparagus is springtime delicacy. (Shutterstock)

Indulge with fine food and wine at Scotchmans Hill

Scotchmans Hill has been a renowned grower, producer and wholesaler of premium cool maritime climate wines for more than 40 years.

Situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries with 20 wines over 90 pointsinthisyear’sHallidayWineCompanion, the beautiful estate is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne or 20 minutes from Geelong, making it a convenient and enjoyable trip for wine enthusiasts.

Explore the ultimate wine-tasting experience at the cellar door, conveniently open seven days from 11am to 4pm.

The passionate team of experts is ready to accompany you on a journey through award-winning vintages and varieties.

Tastings are not only enjoyable but also highly educational. Charcuterie and artisan cheeses are available to accompany your tasting.

Scotchmans Restaurant’s a la carte menu features the best of Victoria’s freshest-sourced produce.

This week, chefs Hamish and Kaspar have sourced some very special grain-fed Angus porterhouse from O’Connor Beef in Gippsland.

Chargrilled to perfection and served with a deliciousRoquefortcheesebutter,redwinejus, and a potato rosette, this exquisite dish pairs beautifully with Scotchmans Hill’s Cornelius Syrah.

Indulge in the ultimate combination of comfort and outdoor serenity with the restaurant’ssemi-outdoor,undercoveralfresco dining area. Dine while enjoying sweeping views of the vineyards and Port Phillip Bay.

The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Sunday and for dinner every Friday from 5.30pm.

Every

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

Scotchmans Hill is situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, where sweeping views over Corio Bay await. (Pictures: Supplied)

Award-winning comedy

By Matt Hewson

Pursuingacareerincomedyandsigningupfor an anthropology degree may not seem like a natural progression at first glance.

But for up and coming Australian comedy starSweeneyPreston,whopartnerswithEthan Cavanagh to deliver award-winning comedy show Presentation is Everything, it was the obvious choice.

“I genuinely picked anthropology as a major because I thought it would help me with comedy,” he said.

“Anthropology, at its core, is really the study of human diversity. Truly good comedy has to come from somewhere, and oftentimes that stimulus is other people.

“Essentially,comedyisobservation,andthen you transfer those observations into jokes. In anthropology they remain as observations; comedy just takes that next step.

“But that’s just me taking a really long road tojustifymyartsdegree,whichI’vebeentrying to do for the last two years since I graduated.”

Presentation is Everything sold out for its premiere at the 2022 Melbourne Comedy Festival and has since won Best Comedy at 2023 Dunedin Fringe Festival.

Preston’s powers of observation, keenly-honed through studying anthropology, helped give rise to the idea behind the show.

“It was at the end of 2021; at that time a lot of peoplewerespendingalotoftimeonZoom,on videocalls,havingPowerPointparties”hesaid.

“We thought, what if we can transfer that intoastand-upforumandmakeitreallyfunny.

Tell some stories, have some jokes that are all centred around the use of PowerPoint.

“For anyone thinking, oh no, this is going to remind me of KPIs and those boring

STUMPS tour new single

Genre-hopping indie rock band

STUMPS visit Geelong this month as part of their national tour.

The Sydney trio will bring their blend of Brit pop, funky dance beats, anthemic rock and ethereal soundscapes to the Barwon Club on Saturday, August 19 as they promote their new single Life’s Moving Past You.

STUMPS bassist Merrick Powell said the tour, which began in July and will encompasses the east coast as well as Adelaide and Perth, had been a joy so far.

“It has been unreal, we have played some of the funnest shows to date on this tour, and in some places we didn’t expect,” Powell said.

“The band we are touring with, Jet City Sports Club, have been the greatest peopletospendtimewithontheroad,so that has been a pleasure as well.”

STUMPS have never visited Geelong, but Powell said the band was looking forward to entertaining the region’s music lovers.

“We’re so excited to head down to Geelong; many people have told us that the Barwon Club is a great venue, so we’re real pumped,” he said.

“We like to put on a show that has some sweaty dancefloor moments, some big emotional moments and some fun, silly moments.

presentations at uni, it’s not that. It’s the complete opposite.

“We’re offering a fun release, almost a catharsis for anyone who’s had to endure those crap presentations, be it at work or uni or

wherever else in their life.”

Supported by some of Melbourne’s best stand-ups, Presentation is Everything will be at Geelong West Town Hall on Saturday, August 19.

DINING OUT

“We hope to create a space where people can have a great time regardless if they are up the front sweating it up, or having a relaxed listen by the bar.”

Advertising feature

A passion for sourdough

Amidst the chaos of recent years, a remarkable phenomenon emerged – a surge of passionate sourdough bread-baking enthusiasts.

As our lives simplified and confined us to our homes, curiosity sparked playful experimentation with sourdough culture.

Theallureofsourdoughissimplyirresistible; its fermentation and biochemistry offer a captivating glimpse into the realm of science.

At Ket Baker, its foundation lies in its unabashed adoration for the wonders of breadmaking. Cultivated bread becomes an integral part of a nourishing and healing diet, intricately woven into the fabric of our overall wellbeing.

It is widely acknowledged that our gut, often referredtoasthe‘secondbrain’,greatlybenefits from the inclusion of fermented foods – a crucial aspect of holistic wellness.

Unfortunately, the dark underbelly of industrialised bread production has transformed this essential sustenance into a profit-driven commodity, devoid of any true nutritional value. The demonisation of bread has been further exacerbated by a coordinated campaign against gluten.

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.

| 375 Grubb Rd, Wallington VIC 3222

While coeliac disease is undeniably real, the market has been flooded with questionable substitutes that come with a host of unsavoury additives.

Ket Baker’s concern lies not only with the final product, but also with the conscientious cultivation and expression of the grain itself.

Creating fermented foods successfully requires an understanding of the intricate biochemical dance within a living culture. As bakers, we resist the allure of shortcuts and commercial ‘success’; which risk diluting the authenticity of sourdough. Authentic sourdough demands time, attention, and, above all, a generous infusion of love. Skilled bakers can eschew extraneous elements, allowing bread to reclaim its rightful place

as a nutrient-dense staple - an ambassador of gut health, rich in vital vitamins and minerals readily absorbed and utilised by our bodies.

At Ket Baker, they proudly embrace their old-schoolroots,transmittingcherishedfamily traditions to nourish yours. The products are a testament to the harmonious collaboration between local, small-scale producers, thereby fostering a thriving community economy.

The unwavering commitment to prioritising people and quality over profits shines through every loaf. Ket Baker actively trains and mentors enthusiasts, safeguarding the ancient art of sourdough baking and ensuring its perpetuation, as the knowledge base and culture of this ‘culture’ continue to evolve and expand.

As the age-old adage goes “you are what you eat”, so it’s imperative to choose nourishing sustenance that fuels our bodies. Let’s embrace the sourdough renaissance, rediscovering time-honoured traditions and reclaiming our connection to wholesome food.

Visit Ket Baker to experience the true pleasure of artisanal sourdough bread and small-batch pastries that will leave you craving for more.

377 Grubb Road, Wallington, is where the magic happens, open Tuesday to Sunday. For specific hours, farmers market appearances, and other stockists, visit ketbaker.com.au

Miek Paulus. (Supplied)

Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh. (Nick Robertson)

No whales, but plenty of birds

Great egrets can be differentiated from the other egrets by the length of its neck, which is greater than the length of its body. The neck has an obvious kink in it. Great Egrets also have a dark line that extends from the base of the bill to behind the eye.

I received an email from Carole, who went out a couple of days recently, and the first find wasacuriouseasternyellowrobinatAnglesea.

I’ve had some walks on the beach in the sunshine looking for whales, but unlike many around the Bellarine, unfortunately I haven’t managed to spot any.

On my way to work one fine day I drove around Corio Bay to the boat ramp below the Geelong Botanic Gardens to see if I could photograph Australian gannets.

There were no gannets but there were plenty of hoary-headed grebes in the bay.

I spotted four immature Pacific gulls at the boat ramp. Pacific gulls are large gulls that have a white head, neck, and underparts.

The upperparts and wings are black, and there is a white edge on the wings. Adults have a large yellow bill with a red tip and the legs and feet are yellow. The birds that I spotted were immature first year Pacific gulls in that they had dark brown plumage, a pale face, a pinkish bill with a dark tip.

Second-year immature birds have dark brown wings, a paler rump, and a yellow bill with a black tip.

Also, in Corio Bay at Point Henry there were around 50 little pied cormorants on the pier, which was a good number of these birds.

In the shallows on the beach was a great egret, feeding among four royal spoonbills.

Great egrets can be confused with other white egrets found in Australia, namely cattle egrets, little egrets and intermediate egrets (a species that is rarely seen in southern Victoria).

The robin seemed to be delighted to find humans and showed off its beautiful colouring. Carole also spotted a female satin bowerbird around Anglesea.

She then walked the cliffs at Clifton Springs and was welcomed by a flame robin. Alas this robin wasn’t so willing to have a photo taken being just a little shy, and off he went before Carole could photograph him.

Carole noted that the brilliant colouring of themaleflamerobinstaysinthemind,andit’s a great time of year for birding.

Tayler Suze sent me a photo of a wader that she saw on the beach at the river mouth in Anglesea that she thought may have been a juvenile hooded plover. The plover in the photo was a red-capped plover.

This species can be seen around coastal and inland wetland habitats, including estuaries, bays, beaches, sandflats, mudflats and saline and inland wetlands. Red-capped plovers have a white forehead and underparts. Their upperparts are mainly grey-brown. Adult males have a rufous or reddish-brown crown and females have a paler rufous and grey-brown crown.

In breeding plumage these birds have a red-brown crown and in non-breeding plumage they are duller in colour, like the bird in the photo.

Thanks so much for the emails, and enjoy the winter sunshine. As Carole said, it’s a lovely time of year for birding.

Carole’s eastern yellow robin at Anglesea.

Left: Jen’s Pacific gull at the Botanic Gardens boat ramp (top); Tayler Suze’s red-capped plover at Anglesea. Above: Jen’s great egret at Point Henry. (Pictures: Supplied)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

7 years ago

August 17 to 30, 2016

Kingston estate residents who shivered through two gas outages last month will be relieved to know that new pipelines are being installed by their gas supplier, AusNet. The outages, which left dozens of households without heating or hot water on two bitterly cold nights, should now be a thing of the past with AusNet Services increasing gas capacity to Ocean Grove with the construction of an alternative gas supply into the Kingston Ocean Grove EstatenearEvergreenCircuit.

COMMUNITY

5 years ago

August 15 to 28, 2018

AnewpolicestationatLeopoldwouldhelp ease the burden on Ocean Grove and the Bellarine Peninsula according to Liberal candidateforBellarineBrianMcKiterick.

Mr McKiterick will push for the new station if successful at the upcoming state electionsinNovember.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

3 years ago

August 12 to 25, 2020

Local cafes and restaurants are back to takeaway-only trading after Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions were reintroduced last week. Before the restrictions were reapplied, traders could seat up to 20 patrons, but a spike in coronavirus cases in regional Victoria prompted the state governmenttotakeaction.

1 year ago

August 12 to 25, 2022

Soaring demands for ambulance services in the Barwon South West region has resulted in unprecedented pressure on the health system, according to data from Ambulance Victoria. Ambulance Victoria BarwonSouthWestregionaldirectorTerry Marshall said data for the three months to June shows response continues to be impactedbysoaringdemand,theOmicron COVID-19 variant, sicker patients who havedeferredcare,andstafffurloughing.

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday August 13, 7.30pm-11.30pm.

Admission $10 includes supper.

Music: Charles Pedder.

■ 0400 500 402

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

10am

■ 5255 2996

Portarlington Senior Citizens

Bus trip to Fyansford Paper Mill then Bunjil’s Lookout in Maude for a BBQ lunch.

Thursday September 21, 9am start back about 4pm.

■ Shirley, 0438 720 076

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

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

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

■ Jenni, 0452 258 333

Out and about

With funding from Benefit Geelong, Bellarine Community Support Register held an information session for a recruitment drive at Bellarine Training & Recruitment Hub in Ocean Grove on Monday, August 7. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along.

1/ Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley. 2/ Deb Hummiford and Daphne Moran. 3/ Trish and Noel Emselle. 4/ Wendy Medhurst and Rhonda Goodwin. 5/ Dr Alicia Kennedy from Cherished Pets. 6/ Andy McKoy. 7/ Rhonda Boyd and Isobel Bell. 8/ Sandra Lea-Wood and Mark Edmonds. 9/ Jenny Gibbs and Alison Marchant MP. 10/ Michael Sirakoff and Cheeky. 11/ Diana Allen. 12/ Jenny Marshall and Karen Williams. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 351260

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 519 7 9614 84 52

145 27 31 3961 7 183

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 To support (7)

5 Supervisors (7)

9 Russian guitar-like instrument (9)

3 Parable (8)

4 Tip of the finger (4)

5 Brotherhood (10)

6 Breaker (6)

7 Former US first lady, – Obama (8)

10 Doctor who stands in temporarily (5)

11 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

12 Strongly emotional (8)

14 Stick of coloured wax (5)

15 Field of floating ice (4)

19 United States federal agency that provides mail services (1.1.1.1)

20 Admission (6)

24 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

25 Person who looks after children (6)

27 Spanish island (5)

28 Journeyed (9)

29 Greek goddess of harvest (7)

30 Atrocity (7)

DOWN

1 Surrender (6)

2 Internal organ (6)

8 Of no consequence (2,6)

13 Machine for producing print (10)

16 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8)

17 Looking at the positives (8)

18 Inhabitant (8)

21 Historical royal family of Scotland and Britain (6)

22 Roma is its capital (6)

23 Clear river bed (6)

26 Edible rootstock (4)

easy 76 97 68

DECODER WORDFIT

93 4 156 8 27 54

68 41 5 679 19 8

hard

medium 762 8927 346

63 7 59 68 54

93 74 59 45 3

15 words: Good

9-LETTER WORD 5x5

T L Y

23 words: Very good

31 words: Excellent

I W I

N T E T D E

entice, enticed, gene, genet, genetic, genie, need, netted, nice, niece, teeing, tend, tenet, tent, tented, tinct, tine, tinge, tinged, tint, tinted

ceding, cent, decent, deign, dent, DETECTING, dine, dinette, ding, dint,

No. 145

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”. C G M S S

QUICK QUIZ

S N E M A S T S A W A I T T A L L Y T R O L L S E N S E

2 True or false: holding in a sneeze can damage your hearing?

4 The Xihoumen, Humber and Mackinac Bridges are all what type of bridge?

5 Who provided the voice of Eudora in The Princess andtheFrog?

6 The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to which other sea?

7 Who played eight roles in the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets?

8 Michael 'Duff' McKagan (pictured) had a 12-year stint with which hard rock band?

9 What is the chemical symbol for lead?

10 Who wrote SevenLittle Australians?

Aim: 3 LETTERS ALI ASP ASS ERE IRE ISM ITS LAP LIE LSD MAT MOO NIL NOT NOW ONE PRY PUB SPA USE 4 LETTERS DAMN ECRU EERY ELLS MENU RAGS SLUG SODS STUB STYE SUSS TEST 5 LETTERS ACTIN ADIEU ALIAS AMATI ANTRE ASSET AWARE BALSA BLARE BWANA CENTS DOILY DROIT EDICT ENATE GIANT GIVES GOODS GUEST INDIE INERT LISLE LISTS LOREN MOREL NODDY OPINE PACTS PROMS PURSE RAVEN REDLY RENAL RESET SATIN SCRIM SET IN SONIC STEMS STETS STRAW SYNCS THERE TRAMP TYPAL U-BOAT UNION VEILS 6 LETTERS ALBEIT BALSAS PIMPLE TALENT 7 LETTERS AUDITEE CODEINE DICTATE LEOPARD REVERIE STATUES 8 LETTERS ABETTORS ALBINISM ASSORTED CHARADES TALLNESS UPPERCUT 9 LETTERS MERRINESS TASTELESS 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 L V G T M A Y B X N P Z O W D K I C R S U F H Q E J 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 11-08-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 415786392 938261547 394658721 683942175 546837219 751429863 279315486 127594638 862173954 easy medium hard 739148652 172865943 216783495 651932784 963214578 384659127 428576319 845397261 597421836 157346892 618952743 321495678 932781465 273614589 485267931 864529317 549873126 796138254 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 QJ ANSWERS: 1. New Zealand 2. True 3. Thrace 4. Suspension 5. Oprah Winfrey 6. The Black Sea 7. Alec Guinness 8. Guns N’ Roses 9. Pb 10. Ethel Turner

No. 145

No. 145

No. 145

1300 666 808 BusinessDIRECTORY

1300 666 808

Price an electric shock from Kia

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Not before time, it’s a chance to dip a toe into theexpandingpoolofKiaelectricvehicleswith a stint in the Niro compact sports utility, albeit the top-of-the-range GT-Line.

And there looms the first obstacle: where the EV models open their account at $44,380, plus on-road costs, for the petrol / electric hybrid Niro HEV S, the full electric GT-Line sets back the buyer $72,100. That’s a big pile of dosh to step over.

And what do you receive in return?

The second-generation Niro has landed with a new look, new advanced technology, reworked powertrains, for the first time Kia Connect connected services, and what Kia claims is a 460-kilometre range.

Kia Connect is an intelligent remote-control app with functions including remote engine start, door lock control and remote climate control, as well as innovative in-car services such as destination and vehicle tracking and system status, valet parking mode, local points of interest and emergency call feature.

Kia Connect is covered over the full Kia seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and is fully transferable.

The Niro EV has extended Kia’s vehicle bidirectional charging ability whereby the vehicle can not only receive power but supply it from its high-voltage battery. In this case the so-called vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability can be used to charge external devices such as laptops.

Damien Meredith, chief operating officer of Kia Australia, said the Niro represented a sizeable improvement over its predecessor, helping to bolster the Korean manufacturer’s local line-up of electrified vehicles.

Styling

There is no mistaking the new-look Niro EV GT-Line with its striking colours. The test car, for example, was Snow White Pearl with contrasting Steel Grey panels on both sides between the C-Pillar and rear.

Underpinning this post-modern patterning were unique jazzy 17-inch alloy wheels.

Up front a compact LED light set-up combines headlamp, daytime running lights and turn indicators, while rear lights include an integrated aerodynamic design that cleans airflow to help improve illumination.

The styling is regular SUV stuff and in GT-Lineistoppedoffwithapanoramicsunroof and powered tailgate.

Charge points are not easy to find on some EVs. Not so here: access is via an instantly recognisableflapsituatedinthecentreofwhere an ICE radiator would normally live.

Interior

The new SUV platform translates to ample space inside the cabin, capable of taking up to five occupants in relative comfort. Faux leather trim extends to front heated and ventilated seats and two-spoke heated steering wheel.

Bigger than before, with every dimension but height increasing, seat and steering wheel adjustment are adequate for comfortable driving, while the rear bench is flat and can be firmonlongerjourneys.Legandheadroomare good.

The rotary transmission controller and push button motor start / stop switch share the centre console.

Boot space, accessed via a power tailgate, has taken a jump to 475 litres but with the seats down, 1392 litres is thirteen fewer than the old car.

An under-bonnet boot holds 20 litres and is home to the battery charging lead in a dedicated compartment, while the V2L plugislocatedinthebaseoftherearseatathand for running laptops or other small appliances.

Infotainment

Two10.25-inchscreenstakeprideofplaceinthe GT-Line’s digital dash - to the left speedo and the right a power metre. The other media and entertainment screen is packed with features

including an innovative display showing the power flow and the charge state of the battery. There’s also a 10-inch colour head-up windscreen display, while an eight-speaker harman / kardon audio delivers quality DAB+ radio and also has USB Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a wireless phone charging point up front

Powertrain

The Niro EV 150 kW electric motor is carried over from the existing car, Kia stating it now develops 255Nm - 140 Nm shy of the outgoing model without performance being compromised but range being improved. Drive is sent to the front wheels through a single reduction gear transmission, with the 64.8 kWh battery pack enabling a driving range of upto460kilometres,fivekilometresmorethan the car it replaces.

Safety ANCAP is yet to assess and crash-test the Niro so it does not yet have a rating. Eight airbags (dual front, dual side, dual curtain, driver’s knee and centre) feature across the Niro range. Active safety includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, forward collision warning, forward Autonomous emergency braking with junction collision avoidance, reverse AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Kia Niro HEV S: $44,380

Kia Niro HEV GT-Line: $50,030

Kia Niro EV S: $65,300

Kia Niro EV GT-Line: $72,100

SPECIFICATIONS

Kia Niro EV GT-Line single electric motor, single speed, FWD SUV

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

departure warning, lane keep assist, reversing camera, forward and reverse cross-traffic alert, exit and rear seat occupant warning.

Driving

First impressions are the quietness of the car – from engine and wind to road surface noise – the result of advanced sound deadening material.

One of three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – can be called up by means of a steering wheel-mounted button. Eco is largely forgettable, Sport is firmer but less economical,

while Normal is relaxed and in keeping with the car’s character.

With a factory claimed 16.3 kWh per 100-kilometre average fuel consumption, the test car recorded an accumulated figure of 14.1 kWh per 100 kilometres average over a week of mixed driving.

A top-up battery charge of around 20 per cent, to 80 pc on a public fast charger, took 40 minutes, pushing the car’s range to 300-plus kilometres. Cost was less than $6.

Kia conducted a full ride and handling tune for the second-generation Niro in Australia, making it the first vehicle from the Korean brand to receive steering map changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Steeringwheelpaddlescanbeusedtochoose between three levels of braking regeneration. The strongest is good in traffic and delivers a pretty good one-pedal driving experience.

The turning circle is a solid 10.6 metres and thoughtfully Kia has kicked in with a remote parking feature where the key fob can be used to start the car and roll it forward and back to fit in tight garages or shopping centre spots.

Summary

The Kia Niro EV GT-Line is fine on fuel economy, comfort, range and charging convenience.However,$70K-plusisalottostep over before getting into the car.

Generational changes inside and out for Kia Niro electric SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grubbers take on Modewarre

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove to see the Grubbers take on Modewarre in the senior footy, D Grade netball and 13 & Under Division 1 netball games.

Above: Campbell Snookes races forward. Below: Jye Walker kicks to the goal square (left); Tyson Ruck takes a strong mark in defence. Right: Ed Dayman and Michael Harper contest a mark. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 350265

Left: Abharna Sanjeev takes the ball out of defence. Right: Tulip McEwan intercepts. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 350263

Left: Alana Farrow surveys her options.

Above: Heidi Armstrong with the ball.

Above: Chelsea Ferguson looks for a way out. Below, left to right: Tina Birch looks to pass; Jorja Connellan takes possession; Emma Sinkinson and Louisa Pratt compete for the ball. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 350264

Six teams in tennis finals race

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Things are heating up in the race for finals in Section 4 Mixed, with six teams still capable of finishing in the four with one round to play.

Drysdale remains four points clear at the top of the ladder after a 4-2 win over sixth placed Clifton Springs/Drysdale this week. The teams were evenly matched going into the final mixed sets, but Drysdale came over the top with a 6-4 win to Sophie Harris and Darren Humphrey in the fifth set, Harris

winning her three sets for the day, while family combo Isabella and Angus Saunders took the sixth 6-1.

Clifton Springs/Drysdale is still in contention only five points behind Wandana Heights White and Highton, which is separated only by percentage at fourth and fifth, and will like its chances at pushing into the four when they come up against bottom team Leopold next week.

Highton drew closer to fourth spot with a 4-2 win over third placed Wandana Heights Blue, placing it only five points out of second.

The teams were locked on sets with only one

gamethedifferencegoingintothefinalmixed sets, but Frances Grant and Martin Costello put Highton ahead winning 6-4, before Penelope O’Toole and Brendan O’Hallaran sealed the day with a 6-2 win. Blue will face Drysdale next week, and will need to play well to ensure they maintain a finals berth.

Wandana Heights White also had a 4-2 loss this week when it hosted Eastern Districts, which pushed into second with the win. The play went the same way as the previous two matches with sets at two-all going into the final mixed.

Courtney Johansonn won her third set for

the day with Justin Heap 6-4 while Debbi Irwin and Jesse Heap sealed the win also getting up 6-4.

White’s finals fate is likely to rest with Highton’s next week when the teams play each other with the winner likely to end the others’ hopes. White will also need to win well, with Clifton Springs/Drysdale also nipping at its heels.

The final match of the round was between WesternHeightsUnitingandLeopold,sitting outside finals contention in seventh and eighth. While several of the sets were close, Uniting proved too strong taking a 6-0 win.

Four-time premiership player retires

Geelong’s four-time premiership wingman Isaac Smith will retire at the end of the AFL season.

Smith claimed three flags at Hawthorn and won the Norm Smith medal as best afield in Geelong’s premiership last year. The 34-year-old told his Geelong teammates of his decision to retire at the end of the Cats’ current campaign.

“I am so fortunate to have been given theopportunitytoplayAFLfootball...to havethatplayoutformeacrossthelast13 seasons at two great clubs is something really special,” Smith said in a statement on Thursday.

“From the time I walked into Hawthorn, and now being at Geelong, I have always felt right at home at both organisations.

Luke Salvador has been a shining light for Portarlington this season. (Ivan Kemp) 342596_05

Hawks win with kick after the siren

Drysdale inflicted Torquay’s first loss of the Bellarine Football League season in the penultimate round on Saturday, August 5.

The Hawks won by a point at McCartney Oval, Torquay to guarantee second spot on the ladder while the Tigers will still finish top. Torquay led by 15 points at half time and by 11 at the last change, but Drysdale fought back for an epic win 11.10(76) to 10.15(75).

A behind kicked by James Breust after the siren sealed the dramatic win.

Ben Henderson continued his excellent run of form while Ben Fennell booted four goals and co-coach Tom Ruggles kicked two for the Hawks.

Lucas Anderson kicked three for Torquay while Sheldon Ham was best.

Queenscliff knocked off Barwon Heads by three points in a massive upset.

Early, the Coutas looked like going down heavily, but lifted around the stoppages and repeated forward 50 entries had the Heads’ defence stretched.

Daniel De Gois was again among the best for the baby Coutas and Joseph Cincotta kicked three goals.

Brock Close managed to boot four for the Heads while three Charlies – Brauer, Hurst and Walter – were best.

Anglesea made certain of an elimination final spot with a 29-point win against an inaccurate Ocean Grove (see story page 31).

Lewis Beers and Max Virgona were best for Anglesea, which may decide to rest players ahead of this week’s game against Modewarre.

Defender Glenn Campbell and ruckman Ed Dayman were the Grubbers’ best.

Modewarre defeated Newcomb to stay in

fifth spot.

The Warriors will still need to win this week tomakesureofafinalsspot.GeelongAmateur can still finish fifth if it beats Drysdale and Anglesea knocks off Modda.

Forward duo Connor Joseph (eight goals) and Tom Hornsey (seven) were impossible to stop as Modda won by eight goals.

Jack Duke kicked four for the Power and Andrew Steele three. Newcomb hasn’t given up in the back half of the season with some excellent recent performances.

GeelongAmateurdefeatedPortarlingtonby 85pointswithJaiSheahan(sixgoals)andMax Hungerford (five) potent in attack.

Luke Salvador and Mitch Turnbull (four goals) were good for the Demons.

Justin Flynn

“I would like to thank everyone along the journey, in particular my wife Candice and children Isla and Emmett. I will forever be indebted to you for the support you have shown me.”

The dashing winger played 210 games for the Hawks before switching to Geelong at the end of the 2020 season.

Smith has played 67 of a possible 70 games with the Cats and last season became the oldest winner of the North Smith medal.

Geelong’s football manager Simon Lloyd praised Smith’s team-first approach with the Cats.

“Isaac has been an important member of the club both on and off the field, highlighted by his strong mindset, competitive nature and balanced perspective on life and the game,” Lloyd said in a statement.

“He is a unique individual and his ability to bring energy around the club is something that is going to be missed.”

Geelong is in ninth spot, two premiership points shy of eighth place, with three rounds remaining before the finals. – AAP

Isaac Smith and daughter Isla being interviewed at the Cats’ premiership parade last year. (Ivan Kemp) 300473_06

Inaccuracy costs the Grubbers

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove had six more scoring shots than Anglesea, but still went down by 29 points on Saturday, August 5 at Ellimatta Reserve.

The Grubbers scored six behinds in the first term to Anglesea’s two straight goals and at half time had scored 2.11 to 7.2.

Coach Dave Farrell said the side hit the post “five or six times” with Anglesea finally sewing up a finals spot with a 14.4(88) to 7.17(59) win.

“Scorelinemighthavelookedalittledifferent if the ball wasn’t such an awkward shape and a little easier to kick straight,” he said.

“You have days like that, not usually on a dry sunny deck with no wind but you have them.”

The loss came after five weeks of getting so close to a win against quality opposition.

OceanGrovemeetsarejuvenatedQueenscliff in the final round. The Coutas were stunning in an upset three-point win against Barwon Heads.

Farrell said a string of close losses hadn’t impacted his players’ confidence.

“Notatall,westartedwithreallyhighenergy, the conditions at Anglesea were perfect and I think we had 11 of the first 13 scoring shots,” he said.

“To register 2.9 to 2.0 just isn’t the reward for effort our guys deserved.

“Anglesea were really good and made the most of their opportunities. For the last five weeks we have gone out against sides with plenty to play for, a finals spot or looking to secure a top three finish and they have played like it.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our guys, matching that intensity and controlling each of those games for periods has been an invaluable experience.”

Farrell said Ocean Grove “adjusted to the smaller ground” at Anglesea very well.

“The way the draw fell this year we played a block at home and obviously train on a really big ground,” he said. “There wasn’t the room to move that we have been used to and the players had to think their way through defensive 50 exits and taking territory.”

There are still areas Ocean Grove needs to improve on to be a finals side next season.

“We haven’t been needing to change our focus too much week to week and trying to keep the messaging as consistent as possible to the group in regard to how we want to play,” Farrell said.

“Getting the ball into dangerous areas but more importantly to the advantage of our players in front of us is still an area we are

looking to improve on and hoping that can bring greater efficiency in front of goals too.”

Farrell wouldn’t be drawn on whether the side needed a scalp other than Newcomb or Portarlington going into the final game of the season.

“We spoke at three quarter time on Saturday about the result, win or lose, probably meaning more to people on the outside than it does to our group at the moment,” he said.

“The players have been really clear on our processes and can measure their improvement against a range of factors within our control. A win would be a great way to cap off the first season together for this coaching and playing group but the result either way wont influence our planning or motivation levels for 2024.”

Rounds 17

Anglesea vs Ocean Grove

Anglesea 2.0(12), 7.2(44), 9.2(56), 14.4(88)

Ocean Grove 0.6(6), 2.11(23), 5.16(46), 7.17(59)

GOALS

Anglesea: Danny Midolo 3, Lewis Beers 2, Tom Presnell 2, Jordan Keras, Simon Umbers, Will Batson, Jack Baker, Jack Rice, Ben Jaska, Jarod Bacon.

Ocean Grove: Brady Pritchard 3, Max Sutton, Jye Walker, Josh Horton, Caleb Belcher.

BEST

Anglesea: Lewis Beers, Max Virgona, Harrison Veale, Kobe Iversen-Smith, Will Batson, Sam Leeds.

Ocean Grove: Glenn Campbell, Edward Dayman, Cameron Fowler, Tom Chalkley, Max Sutton, Brady Pritchard.

One week to go before finals take centre stage

A Grade

Second spot was sewn up a while ago and while the Grubbers were a mathematical chance of grabbing top spot, that won’t happen.

A tough game against third placed Queenscliff this week is an ideal way to prepare for a qualifying final where the two sides will meet for a second week in a row.

A 21-goal win against Anglesea in the penultimateroundhasOceanGrovepurringat the business end.

B Grade

Ocean Grove should finish on top of the ladder and earn a week’s rest. The Grubbers should account for Queenscliff this weekend, which will have them as minor premiers.

A blistering 19-goal first term set up the round 17 win against Anglesea with Jesse Sutton (30 goals), Emma Jones and Dannie Hoiles in great form.

C Grade

Ocean Grove most likely meets Torquay in an elimination final. If it loses to Queenscliff and Portarlington causes an upset over the Tigers, Queenscliff could sneak in on percentage, but that is unlikely to happen.

Ocean Grove’s loss to third placed Anglesea by three goals on Saturday ended any hopes of a double chance.

D Grade

Ocean Grove will take on Queenscliff this week before having a week off as a reward for finishing on top of the ladder.

The Grubbers had to work hard to knock off a determined Anglesea with Terri-Anne Finch, Tarryn Stanley and Danielle Baker best on court.

E Grade

While it’s mathematically possible for Ocean Grove to slip to fourth spot, the most likely scenario is a qualifying final match-up against Barwon Heads.

Grove would need to lose to bottomw side Queenscliff and Torquay would need to knock off sixth placed Portarlington.

The Grubbers played well in a 36 to 20 win against the Seas with Charli Duckett, Taryn Laverty and Anabelle Sargeant hitting top form.

19 & Under

A loss to Modewarre means Ocean Grove must defeat top side Queenscliff in the final round to assure itself of fifth place.

The Grubbers can still make the finals if they lose, but would need old foes Barwon Heads to defeat Modda.

17 & Under Division 1

Ocean Grove will finish in third place, the only unknown is its qualifying final opponent. It will most likely be Portarlington, which is locked in a battle for top spot with Torquay.

A 35 to 16 win against Anglesea on the weekend was led by Chelsea Ferguson, Sofia Dickeson and Giselle Dawson.

17 & Under Division 2

With a double chance sewn up, Ocean Grove will play either Torquay or Drysdale in the first weekoffinalsalthoughitwilllikelybeTorquay.

The Grubbers fine tuned their game on Saturday with a 45 to 7 win thanks to 31 goals from shooter Bella Wearmouth.

15 & Under Division 1 Geelong Amateur and Drysdale meet each other to see who finishes top of the ladder with the loser to face Grove.

There is a chance Grove could finish second if Ammos win.

Holly Britt, Emma Barry and Abhi Sanjeev were the architects in a 33 to 11 win against the Roos.

15 & Under Division 2

A win against Queenscliff would seal top spot while a loss and an Ammos win would see the

side drop to second spot.

Georgia Maier (20 goals), Charlotte Heenan and Eve Lake were superb in a 31-goal win against Anglesea.

13 & Under Division 1

The team is six points from fifth spot so finals aren’t on the agenda. Grove needed to beat Anglesea on Saturday, but fell just short.

Ruby Cook, Tamika Wall (11 goals) and Heidi Armstrong were the side’s best players.

13 & Under Division 2

Ocean Grove will finish top if it beats Queenscliff and Geelong Amateur loses to Drysdale.

The most likely outcome is a qualifying final against Torquay.

A 31 to 3 smashing of Anglesea was a great dress rehearsal for finals with Grace Tolley, Sammi Needham and Ava Leske in form.

With one round to play in the home and away season, Justin Flynn takes a look at where each Ocean Grove side stands heading into the finals.

Left: Jorja Connellan in action against Modewarre in round 16. Right: Monet New takes control. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 350264

Above: Trent Handreck streams through the centre during the round 16 game against Modewarre

Above right: Max Sutton kicks through the centre of the ground. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 350265