INSIDE THIS EDITION…
FRIDAY FEATURE, PAGE 14
9 - 22 FEBRUARY, 2024
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
FREE FORTNIGHTLY
12496495-NG24-21
Putting for glory Barwon Heads teed up for a perfect weekend of golf with the return of Vic Open. People across the region flocked to 13th Beach from February 1 to 4 to watch players putt it out during the event’s 11th year. With close to $420,000 on offer, more than 200 golfers battled it out in the event’s first round to make it into the top 35 men and 35 women and ties who would make it through to the final day. Taking out the top leaderboard spots were Victoria’s Brett Coletta in the men’s final and Malaysia’s Ashley Lau in the women’s final. Cam Pollard and Steven Lockey were the event’s 2024 Victorian Inclusive and Australian Wheelchair champions after two great final rounds during the 13th Beach Golf Links.
Rhianna Lewis drives from 16th tee.
■ Check out more of the 2024 Vic Open
(Ivan Kemp) 386431_03
action on page 25.
High hopes for budget The Murray Road and the Point Lonsdale Bike Park are just some of the funded projects featured in the Borough of Queenscliffe’s proposed 2024-25 budget. The borough held its community budget presentation and asked the public to share their thoughts on what projects should be prioritised on Wednesday, February 7. Financial services coordinator Jodie Hunt said the borough aimed to achieve a financially sustainable and operational break-even result each year. “We have a healthy cash flow and have been increasing our general reserve. We’re debt-free, have no borrowings, and maintain our asset
renewal above standard,” she said. “Rather than utilising funds from our general reserve to pay for our day-to-day operations, which would indicate a debt problem, our general reserve has been increasing its balance each year. “We spend on average $1.7 million on capital projects and new operating initiatives, including $900,000 on asset renewal works.” Ms Hunt said the borough’s cash operating expenses could be “split into three buckets” of government obligation, government agreements and council discretion. “63 per cent of our cash spend include services that council are obligated to deliver through legislative requirements,” she said. “(This includes) road maintenance, street
lighting, waste management, administration of state and local planning schemes and maintenance of our public places. “25 per cent of our cash spend are for services that council delivers under a formal agreement with other tiers of government, like aged and family services, coastal protection and crown land management. “12 per cent is for services that council decide to deliver in response to an identified community need like tourism and business support, community development, environment, and sustainability.” Mayor Isabelle Tolhurst said the 2024-25 budget would allocate funding to a “high level of projects” across the borough. This included the Murray Road project,
Point Lonsdale Bike Park, signage audit, Golightly Park, local events sponsorship, Hesse Street roundabouts, Public Toilet Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan. “Completing the missing link between the Bellarine Rail Trail along Murray Road will lead to improved safety outcomes for all users,” she said. “The Point Lonsdale Bike Park would enable riders to have a safe location for all ages and abilities. It would also stop people from using native and specialised vegetation areas for unreasonable bike riding.” The 2024-25 budget survey is open until February 23 at surveymonkey.com/r/ K3M2F5N, with the draft budget available for feedback until April 24.
12638786-AV43-23
By Jena Carr
SECTION OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
21 - 24 MARCH
T S A ING F
L U L A . E S M ETS IX.CO
TICK GRANDPR
12667331-MS06-24
2 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
22/1/2024 2:50 pm
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
NEWS
Man sadly dies at Barwon Heads By Jena Carr A man has died in Barwon Heads over the weekend after he became trapped underneath a capsized boat. Emergency services were called to the incident on Saturday, February 3, following reports that a boat had capsized near the river mouth at close to 6.50am. A Life Saving Victoria (LSV) spokesperson said a 61-year-old Moriac man and 66-year-old Anglesea man were on the boat in the Barwon River when they were hit by a wave, causing their vessel to overturn.
“A 61-year-old man was rescued by the public and taken to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries,” they said. “The other man, yet to be identified, remained trapped under the boat. He was rescued by LSV members but was sadly declared deceased at the scene.” An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the surviving man was taken to the Geelong University Hospital in stable condition. A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was investigating the exact circumstances around the incident and would prepare a report to the coroner.
Following the number of incidents over the weekend, LSV Lifesaving Operations general manager Liam Krige urged everyone to prioritise their water safety. “We really want people to enjoy the water, but we want them to return home safely at the end of it,” he said. “LSV is extremely concerned about the number of drownings we are seeing across the Victorian coastline and inland waterways. “To date this summer, we’ve seen 22 drownings. That is far too many. Many of those are preventable and avoidable. This weekend alone, we have seen significant incidents.”
Ambulance Victoria Emergency Management director Justin Dunlop said people needed to pay attention to their surroundings around water. “Ambulance paramedics have seen far too many deaths and near misses from drownings, from inland and coastal waterways,” he said. “Please don’t swim alone. Make sure that you are aware of the conditions, preferably swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. “Our paramedics are there to help as soon as they can, and if you’re in trouble, if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, dial triple zero, but save triple zero for emergencies only.”
Vital service upgrades
Sophie Malakellis and Jack Stewart will participate in the Point Lonsdale Rip Swim on Saturday. (Ivan Kemp) 387684_09
Decade of Point Lonsdale Rip Swim The Point Lonsdale Rip Swim is celebrating a decade of incredible water feats, with the event returning this Saturday. Swimmers will embark on a close to 3.5km stretch from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale, accompanied by boats and kayakers on February 10. Founder Grant Siedle said the public could watch the swimmers come into Point Lonsdale from the front beach at around 9.45am. “We’ve got a few people who love doing it each year and it’ll be nice to celebrate that with a bit of a party afterwards,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some people who I know have been very nervous about it and have spent months gathering their team, training, and asking many questions. “It’s a lovely atmosphere, particularly if it’s a nice day, seeing everyone come in. They’re pretty excited slash a little bit nervous about the day because it’s an amazing body of water to cross.” Mr Siedle said the event would feature 107 swimmers during its 10th year, and he thanked the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and Borough of Queenscliffe for their support.
“We’ve taken about 800 people across over the years, and it’s a bit of a celebration to obviously keep it going for this long,” he said. “We’ve got 18 teams where they stick together, and their teams are anywhere from 2 up to 6, and then we’ve got 25 people who are just swimming solo. “They’re basically just making their way across, still guided by the boats and the kayakers, but essentially they don’t have to stick with the team.” ■ Sophie Malakellis is ready to ‘rip’ the
Queenscliff residents should expect disruptions to their mobile network coverage as Telstra undertakes upgrades in the area. The mobile base station at the Queenscliff Telephone Exchange began infrastructure works this week, February 7 to 9, to bring better 4G service and new 5G coverage to the community. There will be no mobile network coverage at the site from 7am on February 12 to 5pm February 16, with some temporary disruptions expected from February 17 to 21 while the upgrade is completed. Telstra mobile sites at the Point Lonsdale Golf Club and Queenscliff water tank will remain active, and customers will be notified of the upcoming work through text messages. Any Triple Zero calls will automatically be directed to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services. Regional general manager Steve Tinker said the site would only be switched off when needed, and the service would be returned as soon as possible. “There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents,” he said. “As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity, and this site is another example of our commitment. “Over the past seven years to the end of the 2023 financial year, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network.” Mr Tinker said the Queenscliff community could enjoy a better mobile experience with the 5G connectivity roll-out.
waves. Friday Feature: Page 14.
Barwon Heads sewer pipeline upgrade Barwon Water is securing sewerage services for the Barwon Heads community. We’re upgrading the existing sewer pipeline between the Barwon River and Barwon Heads pump station on the Geelong Road and Barwon Heads Road. The construction works will take place from February 2024 and will be complete by late 2024. Works will take place adjacent to Village Park and west of the Sheepwash Road, Geelong Road and Golf Links Road intersection. There will be some impacts as a result of the works, including altered traffic conditions. Barwon Water will keep the local community informed throughout the project. This critical project is part of our ongoing commitment to providing high quality, secure and affordable water and sewerage services to the Barwon Heads community. To stay across the latest project updates, please scan the QR code.
1300 656 007 | projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au | 12665473-AA05-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 3
WEEKLYSPECIALS
SECTION OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
OCEAN GROVE HOTEL MONDAY BURGER NIGHT Southern Fried Chicken Burger Or Beef Burger Served With Chips
TUESDAY
$20
FISH NIGHT
Furphy Beer Battered Local Gummy Shark Served With Chips, Salad & Tartare Sauce
$22
WEDNESDAY PARMA NIGHT 6 Different Styles Of Parmas To Choose From Served With Chips And Salad
$22
THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT 300g Porterhouse Steak Served With Chips, Salad And Your Choice Of Sauce
$25
Opening Hours Mon-Thur 3pm- 9pm Fri-Sun 12-late Ph. 5255 1122
oceangrovehotel.com.au
12660628-AI06-24
4 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
NEWS
Ambo response times improve By Matt Hewson Ambulances are reaching patients in the region faster than they have in two years despite dealing with the highest ever demand for their services. Ambulance Victoria (AV) brought the average response time to Code 1 “lights and sirens” cases in the Greater Geelong area down to 13 minutes and 46 seconds in the October-December 2023 quarter. AV has achieved this reduction in response times, the region’s lowest since
October-December 2021, during a period where Geelong recorded a record-breaking 7718 call-outs. That number makes the Greater Geelong area the second busiest in the state, with the region’s number of Code 1 cases - 4907 - making up nearly five per cent of Victoria’s total workload. Barwon South West regional director Jerome Peyton said the average response time across Victoria was now under 15 minutes for the first time in more than two years. “While there is more work ahead of us, it is encouraging our response to Code 1
emergencies improved a full minute and 46 seconds across Victoria compared to a year ago,” Mr Peyton said. “The Productivity Commission’s recent Report on Government Services shows Victoria has Australia’s most trusted paramedics and leads the nation in cardiac arrest survival and pain management. “Our dedicated paramedics and first responders are to be commended for the outstanding care they deliver to communities across the state.” AV executive director of clinical operations Anthony Carlyon said the increased use of
alternative and virtual care services for people in the community was a factor in the improved performance. “From October to December 2023, 38,695 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s secondary triage team,” Mr Carlyon said. “For non-life-threatening matters, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) from anywhere in Victoria, at any time.”
Grants for innovators
Celebrating the connection to wetlands Get out and spot some birds as Field and Game Australia celebrates the relocation of its office at the Connewarre Wetland Centre. The office will reopen on Sunday, February 11, featuring World Wetland Day activities from 9am to 2pm that explore the relationship between people and their wetlands. Geelong Field and Game’s Trent Leen said the office had moved from Seymour to its new home at Connewarre and that the event would feature many activities. “We’ve got the launch of our duck trail, and
that’s basically an interactive walk for kids and adults and spot some different species of birds,” he said. “We’ve also got the dog retrieving displays, so we’ve got our team of members down there with the labradors and other breeds and people can get an idea of the type of training we do. “There is also the opportunity for kids to go and have a bit of a fish in the feature wetland and learn a bit about fishing.” Mr Leen said people would be able to discover what creatures live in the local wetlands and
gain a better understanding of why these habitats are important. “They can discover what’s living in our water and the bugs and spiders that are living in the grass and trees,” he said. “If people are more aware of what the wetlands can bring, how they work and what lives in them, they will be more inclined to look after them. “It’s always a great day and there’s plenty to do during a cheap informative day out for young kids and adults alike, so we’d encourage everybody to come along and check it out.”
12597940-FC15-23
Geelong Field and Game’s Trent Leen in the bird hide at Lake Connewarre. (Ivan Kemp) 387411_05
Two local businesses have received $25,000 in funding from Geelong council to help get their clean economy initiatives up and running. Newtown digital creative agency Sequence Digital and North Shore housing solutions company FormFlow are recipients of the City of Greater Geelong’s Clean Economy grants (formerly the City’s Cleantech and Circular Economy grants). Sequence Digital will use the grant money to build on its previous work with Sustainability Victoria on reusing battery cells from discarded consumer devices such as drills and vacuum cleaners. FormFlow intends to develop and commercialise a finance model promoting circular economy in housing, replacing the traditional ‘build to buy/rent’ model with lease financing of building modules. The funding will allow the two companies to cover costs related to materials testing, prototyping, market research, research and development, testing to achieve accreditations and standards and exploring intellectual property rights. Sequence Digital director Patrick Blampied said he was “extremely excited and extremely grateful” to receive the grant from the City. “The City of Greater Geelong has been very supportive of these sorts of projects,” Mr Blampied said. “They’re always talking about Geelong being a clever, creative city, and all the innovation that’s going on, and our personal experience is that they are very supportive of that. “What we’re doing with these batteries is sort of something that hasn’t really been done to the level of testing that we’re doing. So for them to jump on it at this early stage and support it with funding is really great to see.”
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 5
SECTION OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Brought to you by
FRI 23RD & SAT 24TH FEB 2024 9AM - 3PM
GEELONG ARENA, NORTH GEELONG
FREE ENTRY
FEATURING
Triathlete
LIAM FEATURI TWOMEY THE STA
speaking at the SISTE expo on the 23rd
Register Now OVER 100 EXHIBITORS
www.geelongdisabilityexpo.com.au GUEST SPEAKERS
LIVE PERFORMANCES
ALL AGES ENTERTAINMENT 12669203-HC07-24
6 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
NEWS
New trial to help kids with jabs Researchers are seeking children between three and six years of age in the Geelong and Surf Coast area to participate in a study on how to help kids cope with routine medical procedures such as immunisation. The Deakin University study will use eye-tracking technology to gain better understanding of children’s fear and coping response to vaccination and how play therapy can help them better prepare for and recover from potentially scary medical procedures such as getting their shots. Lead researcher Belinda Dean, a PhD candidate in the play therapy team at Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development, said children today were the most vaccinated
population in history. “All children respond to immunisation differently, these different responses are important to understanding whether play-based therapy can make a difference,” Ms Dean said. “We want to prevent fear around vaccinations because it can have long-term impacts. We need children to feel comfortable seeking medical treatment when they need it.” As part of the research trial, kids who are scheduled for their four-year-old vaccine or require flu or travel vaccinations will have their neurobehavioural responses tracked by technology called iPupilX glasses,
developed at Deakin. Children will take part in play therapy sessions before and after the procedure, which Ms Dean said were shown to reduce their anxiety in confronting medical situations. “Other studies have shown that the more play-based preparation that children are able to participate in, the better we can help them through potentially scary medical procedures,” Ms Dean said. “Ultimately, we could train nurses, and other health workers, in how to use medical play-based skills, to help them build rapport with children and assess what they might need. It’s important to impart these skills across the medical and health profession.”
Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation’s Professor Asim Bhatti, lead developer of the eye-tracking technology, said the iPupilX allowed researchers to improve the data they collected about play therapy and its benefits. “Prior to this, the practice in evaluating a response has been questionnaires, which can be biased,” Prof Bhatti said. “This technology allows us to have more objective findings. It can tell us a variety of cognitive stories that are hard to capture through a questionnaire.” Email Belinda Dean at bjmc@deakin.edu. au for more information about participating in the trial.
Forum coming to Winch
Lorne SLSC’s Meg Davey, left, Jan Juc SLSC’s Emer Oxspring, and Fairhaven SLSC’s Liv Walkinshaw. (Supplied)
Local lifesavers row to Lorne The Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open, featuring the skills of surf lifesavers from across the Bellarine and Surf Coast, is heading to Lorne. The premier surf boast event will bring more than 2500 competitors, supporters and event officials to Lorne Beach from February 15 to 18 for four days of competitive racing. ASRL President Natasha Tunney said the event was last held in Lorne in 2007, coinciding with the last time it was held outside New South Wales. “We encourage everyone to come down and experience this thrilling event,” she said. “The ASRL is committed to taking our
premier event to top surf destinations that are also visitor friendly. “This event will bring a large number of visitors to the region and engage with hundreds of Victorian lifesaving members, council representatives and other volunteers from the community.” The Barwon Heads, 13th Beach, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Fairhaven and Lorne Surf Life Saving Clubs will compete against crews nationwide. Crews will compete in multiple divisions of surf boat racing, including open male and female, reserve male and female, under-23 male and female, under-19 male and female,
and masters. Life Saving Victoria sports general manager Ryan O’Connor said the ASRL Open would draw crowds nationwide. “We are expecting a surge in excitement within Victorian lifesaving, and our Surf Coast in particular,” he said. “Over four action-packed days, Lorne will pulse with energy, showcasing stunning event snapshots to captivate audiences locally and nationwide. “We expect these images will attract future visitors to enjoy the charms of our stunning west coast town and beaches.” Details: asrl.com.au.
A major forum tackling the complex issues of on-farm methane emissions and carbon trading is coming to Winchelsea in February. The Understanding Carbon on Farms Forum will feature expert discussions and a farmer’s question time at the Winchelsea Hub on Friday, February 16, from 9am to 4pm. One of the organisers, Murray Johns, said the forum’s goal was to help make the livestock sector carbon neutral by 2030 and to inform attendees of carbon emissions. “That sounds great, but what does it mean and how do I get there?” he said. “But it will not be all bad, as the forum will highlight the benefits of a carbon future for farmers.” Mr Johns said there would be a particular focus on carbon trading and providing a greater understanding of methane on farms. The program was compiled by the Surf Coast and Inland Plains Landcare Network and Upper Barwon Landcare Network and will be facilitated by The Weekly Times’ former editor, Ed Gannon. After lunch, a question-and-answer session will be held with an interactive expert panel focusing on localised solutions and resilient farming businesses. Forum guest speakers will include Agricultural Victoria climate specialist Graeme Anderson and Meat and Livestock Australia environmental sustainability program manager Margaret Jewell. It will also feature University of Melbourne Professor Bill Malcolm and PhD candidate Jonathan Jenkin, Southern Farming Systems specialist Lisa Miller, industry-leading farmer Andrew Stewart, and Soils For Life chief executive Eli Court. The Landcare networks will also plan on-farm ‘deep dive’ workshops across March, April and May. Details: events. humanitix.com/understanding-carbonon-farms-towards-carbon-neutral/tickets
City offers free support to help start up your own business The City of Greater Geelong is offering free support to community members looking to start their own small business. The City’s Business Concierge service puts prospective small business owners in contact with relevant council departments to help prepare for and navigate through the necessary red tape. With an online contact point, the service has been set up to get businesses up and running as soon as possible, assisting with permits, compliance and knowledge of the
local economy. Mayor Trent Sullivan said the service was available for traders wanting to grow their existing business as well as new small business owners. “Our region has more than 21,000 small businesses, making up around 97 per cent of all businesses,” Mayor Sullivan said. “The City’s Business and Industry Experience team is committed to empowering and strengthening this sector, which is a major driver of our local economy.
“Our free Business Concierge service has new and existing business owners covered with support during each stage of the business journey. “There is plenty on offer, including free workshops and mentoring, training, networking and advice on permits.” Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken said the council was dedicated to supporting local businesses. “The City works to attract investment through organising investment and trade
visits, showcasing Greater Geelong’s business and industry potential and streamlining regulatory processes and permits,” Cr Aitken said. “To help grow and diversify our economy, the team collaborates with business and industry experts to explore opportunities, advocates for strategic projects that underpin business and industry growth and helps to address important local economic challenges.” Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/business for more information. Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 7
NEWS OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Rally for Gaza healthworkers By Matt Hewson A local Palestine advocacy group has called for healthcare workers to show solidarity for their colleagues in Gaza at a protest rally this weekend. Free Palestine Geelong (FPG) will hold a rally at Little Malop Street tomorrow (Saturday, February 10) to call attention to the plight of healthcare workers in the war-torn zone. FPG spokesperson Noor Al-Assafi called on local doctors, nurses, surgeons, allied healthcare and social workers to join in a peaceful protest. “We encourage all healthcare workers to
attend our peaceful protest and honour their courageous colleagues working and dying in Gaza,” Ms Al-Assafi said. “Israel is waging a shameful war on hospitals and healthcare workers in Gaza, in breach of international law.” “Gaza’s healthcare system has collapsed under the most brutal bombing campaign we’ve seen in modern history. “Even worse, the siege on Gaza means no medical supplies are reaching Gaza, and doctors and nurses are being forced to amputate limbs and perform caesareans without anaesthetic.” The rally will start at 12 noon at the Little Malop Street Mall, hearing from speakers
before marching to Transvaal Square. Since the conflict began in October last year, the United Nations has reported over 100,000 people in Gaza have been killed or wounded. FPG spokesperson Yasir Ismat said the rally was intended to send a message to the Australian government to send funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency. “At the moment there’s a blockade; aid is trickling through but it’s not enough for the nearly 1.8 million displaced people,” Mr Ismat said. “It’s a catastrophe. We want people to pay attention to that and the government to take some action.” Mr Ismat said he was hopeful the Albanese
government would do more to help the wounded and dying in Gaza. “The Australian government has begun changing a lot of their tone on this issue, but there is more that needs to be done to immediately enforce a ceasefire,” he said. “The International Court of Justice clearly says it’s a plausible genocide going on. The ICJ doesn’t have enforcement power, but Australia does as a country. “When we look back in 10 years, 20, years, what are we going to tell our children about what we did to stop this genocide? “We talk about the Holocaust, it’s history, we were not there (to do anything about it). But we are here now, we are witnessing it.”
New convention centre reveals official logo The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) now has an official logo. State Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopolous and federal Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain announced the GCEC’s new branding on Wednesday, February 7. The name Nyaal Banyul, which means ‘open your eyes to the hills’, was chosen to encourage appreciation of the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country. The design takes inspiration from the topography of the region, forming an eye “representing enlightenment and perspective” and paying homage to the culture and heritage of the Wadawurrung First Nations people. Brand agency The Contenders created
The newly-revealed Nyaal Banyul GCEC logo. (The Contenders)
the final design in collaboration with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, seeking to both
acknowledge the site’s history as a gathering place for thousands of years and celebrate the events and community gatherings that will take place there in the future. Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles pointed out the GCEC’s name and logo were part of the same continually storytelling process. “The name Nyaal Banyul encourages people to open their eyes to the hills of Wadawurrung country for these hills hold our stories, resources and our strong belonging to songs and dance,” Ms Eccles said. “The brand tells a new story of the western cliffs of Djilang which have always been a gathering place for Wadawurrung people.” State member for Geelong Christine
Couzens welcomed the newly-revealed design. “We’re proud to support the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, which celebrates First Nations proud culture on Wadawurrung Country,” Ms Couzens said. “The centre is influenced by the landscape and cultural heritage that surrounds us in Geelong/Djilang.’’ Nyaal Banyul, which will be managed by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, will support 1,450 jobs during construction and create 700 new jobs once it’s opened in 2026. The Victorian Government has contributed $423 million towards the Nyaal Banyul GCEC precinct, with the Australian Government contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong $3 million.
SMEC’s Rhys Alexander operates drone boat. (Supplied)
GEELONG’S YOUTH HUB IS COMING!
Drone goes down under
A youth hub is a fun, welcoming and ‘youth friendly’ space specifically for young people where we join up and work together with youth services agencies to ensure that all young people are supported to access activities, programs, and services when they need them. We’re looking to co-design a central Geelong youth hub with young people to enable all young people to connect and access the services they need in a fun, safe and inclusive space. You can have your say about the services, programs, and activities you would like to access and the look and feel of the new hub via our survey or in-person workshops.
Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/YouthHub to have your say by Friday 15 March 2024. Follow Geelong Youth to be notified of in-person engagements.
8 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
12663834-AI04-24
By completing the survey, you could win a $50 voucher, terms and conditions apply.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade is going to new depths using a drone boat to gather subsurface information from surrounding waterways. The boat’s sonar technology has mapped depths and submerged contours of waterways in the project area, with the data used to help with flood modelling. Major Road Projects Victoria acting program director Damian Van Dyke said the boat made it safer and more effective in mapping submerged areas and identifying infrastructure upgrades. “The drone boat offers safer and easier access for site surveys as we continue our planning work on the next stage of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade,” he said. “The drone boat also supports our efforts to work with our design and survey partners to adopt the latest innovations and technology as we continue working on this important project for the local community.” The drone vessel’s benefits included
transport savings, storage and maintenance costs, and reduced environmental impacts. The TriDrone boat’s contractor, SMEC Australia, deployed the boat in sections of Armstrong Creek as part of its surveying work. Urban communities Geelong survey team leader Sam Lovelock said he was pleased to help with the upgrade’s second stage with the unmanned surface vehicle. “The TriDrone is a great new tool in our arsenal of survey technology to conduct work safely and efficiently,” he said. “Importantly, it also allows us to provide previously unattainable information that can be vital to planning for projects like the Barwon Heads Road upgrade.” The project’s potential scope included adding lanes, upgrading intersections, and building shared walking and cycling paths. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/ barwon-heads-road-upgrade/stage-2 for more information about stage two of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
NEWS
Johnny, Annie, Fiona, Meleah, Merryl, Fleur and Mal.
Maria, Kylie, Loreta, Mark, James, Jen, and Steve.
Dropping the paddle for trivia songs, so we had questions about who the original artist and cover was and then we made each table perform a segment of a cover song.” Mr Kealey said the night ran for three hours and was attended by more than 100 people who enjoyed many activities, like a raffle that raised close to $600 for the Leopold Pickleball Club. “Ocean Grove started Leopold up and now it’s at the point where Leopold is going to branch off, and one of the things that they need is equipment,” he said. “It was great to see the interaction between the various pickleball communities and the fun, laughter and great time people were having. “The highlight of the night was the singing which was very funny, and everyone got into the spirit.” Jena Carr
Left: Karlene, Jean, and Karen. Right: Linda, Larissa, Andy, Dayle, Jenna and Michael (top); The trivia night included many activities and singing competitions. (Pictures: Supplied)
12645508-JB03-24
Ocean Grove Pickleball Club players put down the ball and paddle to test their minds during a trivia night last week. The club hosted the event at one of its newly acquired clubrooms on Friday, February 2, for a night of trivia, guessing games, music, car quizzes and singing competitions. President Terry Kealey said the event was a great time to meet up with other regional pickleball clubs. “It’s getting so big that it’s becoming a community, so when you run a trivia night, it’s good to get people from out of town coming in as well,” he said. “The night itself was great. We had a combination of trivia questions and performances of people singing songs. It was a series of activities mixed in with the trivia. “We had a section where there were cover
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 9
YOUR VOICE OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
CONTACT US
WRITE TO: news@oceangrovevoice.com
Proud past, positive future
PHONE \ 03 5249 6700 LOCATION \ 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au
ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES \ 03 5249 6700 advertising@geelongindependent.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au
EDITORIAL EDITOR \ JUSTIN FLYNN newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au
facebook.com/oceangrovevoice twitter.com/oceangrovevoice
Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to Geelong Independent Pty Ltd ACN 006 653 336. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit www.starcommunity.com.au
By Trent Sullivan The sign on the old Barwon Heads Bowling Club pavilion read: “A proud past – a positive future”. In just six words, it beautifully conveyed that this was a club with a rich history, and its strong sense of where it was going. For more than 70 years, the club has been a key sporting, recreational and social hub along the Barwon coast. Thanks to a jointly funded new development, I’m very optimistic it will continue to provide high value to the community for many decades to come. The $1.2 million upgrade has delivered the club a new, accessible, and fit for purpose pavilion. Today (Friday, February 9), representatives from Council, the Federal Government, Victorian Government and the club will come together to official open the new facility. Investment from all three levels of government has ensured an impressive pavilion, with a range of great features. It includes a social area; outdoor verandah facing the bowling greens; kitchen; bar; amenities; office space; and storage space. Additional car parking and landscaping works have also made getting to and from the Barwon Heads Bowling Club a better experience. The project was possible thanks to $500,000 each from the Council and the Australian Government, with a further $200,000 support from the Victorian Government. The Barwon Heads Bowling Club’s old pavilion might by physically gone, but its commitment to a positive future remains. Council was also pleased to be able to provide a separate Community Infrastructure
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan. (Ivan Kemp) 348439_25
grant, worth $32,000, to install new security fencing on the site. In our latest round of the 2023-24 Community Grants program, Council allocated funding to support a total of 31 projects. Spread across the categories of Community Infrastructure and Geelong Heritage, we awarded more than $2.764 million. Council’s Community Grants program supports a diverse range of community-led activities, in every part of our municipality. Among the projects on the Bellarine to
receive funding were: • $50,000 for the Drysdale Football Netball Club to plan for a future lighting upgrade, to replace lights that are 40 years old and don’t meet industry standards. • $19,300 to refurbish and build new infrastructure at the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway; and • $14,600 for the St Leonards Men’s Shed to expand its operations. For more information on our grants program, and to see the list of recipients, please visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants
NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions. But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.
UNSINKABLE GUY
RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER 12651257-KG07-24
10 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
ENTERTAINMENT
Advertisement
A singing salute BOOSTING to the ‘Big O’ FEE-FREE
TAFE
By Matt Hewson Roy Orbison’s songs are sung around the world by many cover and tribute artists, but only one man is endorsed by the Big O’s family. John Stephan, Sydney born and raised, never thought much about being a singer; he just was. “I’ve been singing publicly since I was four; as a child I was in multiple choirs including the Australian Opera Children’s Chorus and the Young Sydney Singers, which is where I was asked to sing for the Queen when she came (in 1988),” Stephan said. “My two brothers are singers - one is an opera singer - my mum was a singer, her uncles were singers, my father’s uncle was a professional singer. So it’s been in the family for a very long time. I guess it’s no wonder I became a singer. “It’s probably the most natural thing I can do; I don’t really have to think about it, I just do it. I love the way that it can have an effect on everyone around you. “I think it has a deep impact on people. It’s that universal language that somehow knows how to unlock emotions… it’s a way of healing.” After beginning studies in music at university, Stephan decided to move to New York - “All the lecturers and teachers said just go and do it, so I moved to America” - where his demo CD fell into the hands of renowned producer and hit songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. “I left the CD in a building I thought was a booking agency, but they didn’t get it,” Stephan said. “Babyface had an office in the building, he actually owned it. And he heard the CD and loved it. “We became friends and I ended up living with his family for about two years.” Some years later, Stephan came to the attention of country superstar Vince Gill and was invited by him to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. “That was a real honour, not many Australians have been invited to be on that,” Stephan said. “(Gill) had asked me to sing Crying, so I sang that, among other things. And as I walked off the stage, in the wings was the Orbison family. “They were impressed. And I became very good friends with Wesley, Roy’s eldest son.” Soon after, with Wesley’s blessings, Stephan hit Las Vegas with his Roy Orbison: You Got It show.
The Albanese Labor Government will deliver 300,000 more Fee-Free TAFE and VET places across Australia. Fee-Free TAFE offers a range of courses in industry sectors with skill shortages, including:
John Stephan. (Supplied)
“(Wesley) was very excited by that, and happy for me do it, mainly because he knew I wasn’t an impersonator; I was an original artist,” Stephan said. “So he put his name behind it and fully supported it. I was in Las Vegas for about two years doing that show, in 2008 and 2009.” Since that time, he has continued to return to the You Got It in between original projects, and said there was a reason Orbison’s songs continue to resonate with audiences. “It’s the honesty in the music, it’s very honest and deeply emotional,” he said. “(Orbison’s music) isn’t just a good melody, or a good hook, or a rhythm. You could listen to it and come away thinking you’ve watched a movie; it really has story, you know? “You go and that journey with him as he sings, and hopefully in our show when I sing it. We try to keep the music very much like it was written for that reason.” John Stephan’s You Got It is at Geelong Arts Centre on Saturday, February 17.
Aged care, child care, health care and disability care IT Hospitality and Tourism Construction Agriculture Manufacturing
Scan the QR code to stay up to date with what’s happening in our region.
Bellarine goes Americana Americana on the Bellarine returns for the second year in a row, bringing a stellar lineup of blues, roots, alt-country and folk to the Potato Shed in Drysdale this February. The boutique festival will feature local original artists in the open air outside the Potato Shed, including seven-piece band The Mojo Corner. Having been together for over 10 years, The Mojo Corner embrace rock, roots, blues and soul and have toured all over the country. They are also lined up to support international superstar Chris Isaak this April at Mt Duneed Estate. Ukulele queen of the Bellarine Sarah Carroll, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Gabby Steel and Andrea Robertson will also be performing on the night. Robertson, who is also the driving force behind the event, said she was looking forward to a great night of outdoor entertainment following the sell-out success of the 2023 event at Brewicolo. “(Last year) was a huge success… and I’m hoping that the response will be similar this year,” she said. “We changed venues purely because of size. We’re promoting it as a twilight event under the stars, but if the weather’s lousy
we know we can head into the Potato Shed’s beautiful theatre space. “I think that this type of event really lends itself to being outdoors. It just has a different atmosphere and there’s something special about lounging back and enjoying live music, having a picnic and buying some drinks from the bar. “If the weather is great, it will be just about perfect. It’s going to be a really top-notch event; chilled and relaxed, something for people that just really appreciate good quality music.” Robertson said she hoped the festival would become an annual event. “The long-term vision is to see it become a regular thing,” she said. “We’re into our second year in a row, which is a good start. Really, it came from a desire to put on a good quality event of original music. “I love working with other artists, so this was a way to bring us together and give music lovers a chance to come to a really quality event locally.” Head to tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/ event/americana-on-the-bellarine/listing for tickets and more information. Matt Hewson
Email Libby.Coker.MP@aph.gov.au Phone 03 5261 7683 Web libbycoker.com.au
@LibbyCokerMP
Authorised by Libby Coker, Australian Labor Party, 26/500-540 Torquay Road, Armstrong Creek VIC 3217 12663107-HC02-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 11
NEWS OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Ambitious project wins gold A groundbreaking art-meets-science project featuring the work of Geelong researchers and artists has been recognised with a prestigious international award. Perpetual Pigments: Sustainable Colour, Continuous Culture won gold in the Sustainability, Environment and Climate (Innovation) category at the 2024 Anthem Awards in New York. The awards acknowledge impactful work promoting positive social change, with the 2024 edition receiving over 2000 submissions from 44 countries. Perpetual Pigments, coordinated by Deakin University, invited First Nations artists to collaborate with researchers to test out pigments created from recycled textile
waste at the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM). IFM, which is based at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus, tested and documented the performance of the pigments with the group of artists, which included Wadawurrung woman Nikki McKenzie. Co-curator and Deakin senior lecturer (Screen and Design) Dr Russell Kennedy said the Perpetual Pigments project was a circular economy inspired project that brought together art, science and design practice. “(The project) clearly demonstrates how interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and cultural exchange can come together to produce better than expected outcomes,” Dr Kennedy said.
“It is important to note that the Perpetual Pigments applied the International Indigenous Design Charter to the project. “These best practice protocols, which were developed by Deakin University, are officially recognised by the International Council of Design. “The Gold award for Innovation will certainly elevate awareness and further advance the conversation about the effective application of colour pigments extracted from textile waste.” First Nations artist Kiri Tawhai said the Perpetual Pigments project was brilliant and represented the best combination of art and science. “To have that yarn that connects circular
economy with First Nations ways of Knowing and sharing through visual storytelling, well it was just amazing to be a part of,” Kiri Tawhai said. “Big congratulations to all involved.” Perpetual Pigments premiered at Geelong Design Week 2023, held by the City of Greater Geelong in October last year. Councillor Melissa Cadwell, chair of the Creativity and Culture portfolio, said Geelong Design week was proving to be an effective platform for people wanting to develop and demonstrate their ideas and creativity. “Congratulations to Deakin and all of those who worked on Perpetual Pigments, this type of outcome is exactly what Geelong Design Week is all about,” Cr Cadwell said.
Builder appointed to health and wellbeing hub A builder has been appointed for the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub project. Loaram Constructions was appointed to undertake stage one of the Bellarine Community Health (BCH) project, with work currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of August. BCH chief executive Garry Ellis said he was “thrilled” to work with the construction company again to deliver a purpose-built, accessible, and inclusive hub on Goodwell Drive in Kingston Estate. “Loaram has a proven track record having completed the redevelopment of the BCH Portarlington site last year,” he said. “They delivered a modern building within budget, which is now being enjoyed by our clients on the Northern Bellarine.
“The hub will provide the Bellarine community equitable access to quality health services and supports and enhance our capacity to engage with children, young people and their families.” The first stage of the hub’s development will include outdoor therapy areas, group rooms for children, and contemporary assessment, therapy and sensory spaces. Stage two will allow for the co-location of BCH’s highly skilled youth and child services teams to provide a central Bellarine location for needed support. BCH Child, Youth and Family Services executive director Liz Womersley said the new hub would support the “overall wellbeing for children”. “The integrated services at the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub will
positively impact preventable health issues and developmental concerns,” she said. Stage one of the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub received $150,000 from the Anthony Costa Foundation and $4 million from the federal government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. BCH still seeks additional funding for the build’s second stage and welcomes expressions of interest from organisations. BCH Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub project site manager Rohan Charty, left, Loaram’s Vlad Dzajkic, BCH CEO Garry Ellis, BCH Capital Works manager Michelle Day, Loaram’s Rohan King, Four18 Architecture architect Richie Schultz, and BCH CFO Kathy Russell. (Supplied)
Supporting our local community. Mama Kin Spender, grant recipient under the Boutique Events Grants stream, performing at Anglesea event The Sound Doctor. (Patrick Callow)
For assistance with any state matters, please contact my electorate office.
Events program is back
Shop G066, Gateway Plaza, 641-659 Bellarine Highway Leopold VIC 3224 03 5250 1987 alison.marchant@parliament.vic.gov.au alisonmarchantmp.com.au Alison Marchant - Member for Bellarine 12635848-ET39-23
12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
The Surf Coast Shire Council’s Event Grants and Sponsorship Program is back again this year, with applications now open. The program is available for not-for-profit and commercial event organisers holding an event in the Surf Coast under four funding streams. Applications for Tourism Event Grants up to $10,000 and Boutique Creative/Special Focus Event Grants up to $7500 are open from February 1 to 28. Councillor Libby Stapleton said she loved the “variety of events” each year and that the events calendar promoted diversity within the Surf Coast. “Last year’s program reflected and celebrated the natural beauty of the Surf Coast Shire, the strong community bonds, and healthy lifestyles,” she said. “We know funding assistance is welcome, and as a council, we love supporting an assortment of activities that bring significant economic and social benefits.
“From car shows, trail runs, and cycling events, to markets and festivals, I look forward to seeing the diversity of applications in the upcoming round.” The program will feature changes adopted by the council in December, like removing a three-year waiting period for past recipients and allowing applicants to apply annually. Other changes include a pass or fail outcome for applicants under Disability Access and Inclusion criteria, a Community Event grants stream released in April and October, and increased funding for Christmas Carols. Community Event grants up to $3000 will be delivered in two rounds, with round one applications accepted from April 1 to 30 for 1 to December 24 events and round two applications open from October 1 to 31 for February 1 to June 30, 2025, events. More details about the program and how to apply are available on the Surf Coast Shire council’s event grants and sponsorship guidelines page.
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
SUMMER SALE
$2500 Garden Nursery Voucher
10 Allotments
$2500
Hardware G IN
N I Prices from $398,000 A EM TS R
SECTION
Voucher
N to 626m2 E Sizes fromO490m2 M T LL A O
W Nursery & Hardware Vouchers Includes Garden T T S
Titled Allotments
12667518-AA06-24
JU
5258 4100 oakdeneestate.com.au Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 13
FRIDAY FEATURE OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Sophie Malakellis and Jack Stewart love taking part in swimming events with their two close friends. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 387684
Sophie ready to ‘rip’ the waves Geelong’s Sophie Malakellis will participate in the Point Lonsdale Rip Swim on February 10 with a team of friends. She spoke with Jena Carr about what she enjoyed about water sports and the importance of getting women involved in sports.
S
ophie Malakellis was submerged in sports from a young age, but while her family chose more land-based activities, she drifted towards the water. The 27-year-old Geelong woman said she enjoyed participating in many different sports and has “dabbled” in running, swimming and surfing. “I’m the only swimmer in my family but not the most successful athlete... I’ve done a lot of ocean swimming but on shorter courses in less challenging contexts,” she said. “Lots of my family are quite successful in sport, and I haven’t always been like that. Swimming has been my thing when all my other family members are runners and into land-based sports. “I grew up in Brisbane mostly, so water sports and swimming were sort of part and parcel with living in such a hot place. So, I did lots of swimming, water polo and that sort of stuff growing up. “It was something that I’ve honed over the years, and I just found my niche and I have been building it up over the years.” Sophie has since been involved in events, like the Pier to Pub and Portsea Classic races, which she does with her partner Jack Stewart, 28, and their two close friends Ross Bresnahan, 28, and Isla Dobie, 27. “Training together and having the faith that you’re physically prepared helps you overcome the mental side of things (in competitions),” she said. “Having a laugh with your friends as well, if you’re in that mindset, it’s a really happy environment, and it’s easy to have a positive outlook when you rely on each other to get across safely.
14 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
“It’s a great social thing as we catch up on the weekends, and we’ll do our swim, but then we’ll get breakfast and stuff afterwards. “Ross did a lot of swimming in school. Jack’s always been a surfer and has been involved in surf lifesaving over the years, and Isla was similarly involved in swimming. “So, as much as we’re participating in these competition-style events, we’re definitely not contenders, it’s more of a social thing than anything.” The team’s next challenge will be to swim from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale for the Point Lonsdale Rip Swim on Saturday, February 10. “I like to keep really active, and I think there’s a lot of everyday people that do this that aren’t athletes, which I think is really cool,” Sophie said. “This is my first time, and it’s one of the ultimate challenges for ocean swimming in Victoria. It’s a stretch of water that can be pretty treacherous at times. “To cross it is a mental and physical challenge that lots of ocean swimmers want to take on, and not many have done that to date, so it seems like a bit of a different thing to do. “I think it’s more of a mental challenge and proving to myself that I can do hard things. There’s certainly a physical side to it, but it’s definitely a mental game as well. “Jumping off the boat into a stretch of water that you know is quite infamous for its challenges, but the physical side of it isn’t necessarily the main challenge. It’s more about not worrying about the sharks and what could go wrong, and just getting yourself into a headspace that sets you up for success.”
Sophie said she felt “really lucky” to do the swim with her team as they could draw “from each other for comfort”. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but we called ourselves the Budgie Buddies Swim the Rip, and that’s because we’ve got a matching set of bathers which have little whales on them,” she said. “We started ocean swimming around 2017, and it’s been building to something like this, not necessarily consciously building to something like this, but we just found ourselves here. “It’s nice not to worry about just thrashing it out. I enjoy being in the water in such a crazy context and soaking it in. “You jump in with the expectation that you’re going to swim as fast as you can to get across, but this swim is more about enjoying it, the endurance and the journey rather than a race.” Sophie said she was glad to see more women participate in sports worldwide and that it was a great way for people to connect. “I don’t play anymore, but I was playing local footy on a women’s side which was exciting to see, especially in Geelong,” she said. “I recently did a cycling trip in Europe, and (an example of) the predominant demographic of people I saw doing it were two middle-aged women. They were just using sport as a way to connect with each other and travel with each other, and it was cool. “So, I think all opportunities that women can get involved with sport, not necessarily at any sort of elite level, is great for your general well-being and to be connected with like-minded people.”
‘‘
It’s one of the ultimate challenges... It’s a stretch of water that can be pretty treacherous at times
’’
- Sophie Malakellis
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
COMMUNITY
2
1
3
Out and about Geelong Waterfront is a buzz this week with the National and World Fireball Championships being contested in Corio Bay. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was down there to check out the action.
4
6
5
7
8
9
10
1/ Fireball yachts returning after the race. 2/ Alison Morgan and her granddaughter Emily. 3/ John Harrison and Pauline Knox. 4/ Moulika Sabbineri and Gouthami Aileni. 5/ Sisters, Sophie and Elisha Drayton. 6/ Young Geelong sailors Ben Garner and Sam Williamson with their yacht after their race. 7/ Steve and Anne Cadman from Devon, UK and Catherine and Iain Cadman from Geelong. 8/ Lyn Roberts and Ashley Drum from New York, USA. 9/ Emily Alexander with Tilley. 10/ Jenny Hu and her daughter Marina. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 387852
It's FREE
12665779-MS07-24
from an outlet near you
O FIND YOUR OUTLET SCAN T oceangrovevoice.com.au/find-my-newspaper
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15
12646185-JB44-23
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Healthy competition for prizes at Armstrong Green The newly completed bowling green at RCA Village’s newest retirement community in Armstrong Creek is the venue for a Social Summer Series Bowling event, celebrating the launch of the village’s bowling club. Armstrong Green, which is home to almost 120 active and independent retirees, is in its final stages of construction. The bowling green sits adjacent to the luxurious clubhouse which offers an indoor lap pool, spa, café and bar as well as pampering room and manager’s office.
“Bowling is an important part of village life,” said village manager Kerry Rentsch. “Many of our residents were already seasoned bowlers, and these folk are generally eager to share their experience and help build a thriving bowling community within the village. Apart from the obvious social and competitive aspects of the game, lawn bowls can help build better fitness and dexterity, so there are lots of benefits.” During the Summer Series, Armstrong Green residents, along with members of
bowling clubs from the surrounding areas, will get together and try their hand at winning cash and prizes while enjoying the magnificent facilities at Armstrong Green. The first of the series kicked off in December under sunny skies. Many participants were bowling for the first time, while other more experienced bowlers were there to show them the ropes. For those considering retirement living, Ms Rentsch recommends taking a tour the village.
“You can meet the residents, inspect the display homes and the clubhouse and discover all that village life has to offer. RCA hosts monthly free events which are an ideal way to enjoy some hospitality and get to know the village.” Armstrong Green is open for tours 7 days (excluding public holidays) between 9am and 4pm. To book a tour or register for a free event call the friendly team on Free call 1800 777 898.
Fun for all the family at Armstrong Green... Last month, residents of the Armstrong Green 55+ community, as well as their families and guests came along to the Family Fun Day at Armstrong Creek, on the Surf Coast, to enjoy good company, entertainment, social bowls and a delicious spread.
“I love living at Armstrong Green, not just because of the beautiful houses or wonderful, inclusive, kind and caring residents, or the fact the supermarket and doctors are a stone’s throw away. It’s really like I never moved because great importance is put on family life, my kids, grandchildren and great grand-children are always welcome. The grandies just love coming here. The Family Fun Day was a great example of management’s understanding, and it really was ‘the best’ day… next time I might even get my face painted." - Margaret Armstrong Green Resident
If you are thinking of retirement living and would like to join us at our next event and find out what all the fun is about, contact the team.
Call 1800 777 898. See back page for more details. armstronggreen.com.au 16 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
722-724 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek
12666962-AV06-24
Book your tour of the village and visit the Displays, open 7 days.
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
SECTION
12660036-SM07-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 17
SECTION OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
You’re Invited! Bellarine Lakes Information Session Bellarine Lakes Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Information Session to be held at the Club House. Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, display homes and learn more about retirement living.
Thursday 15th February at 1.30pm 402-404 Bellarine Highway, Moolap 3324 Please RSVP Online to bellarinelakes.com.au or FreeCall 1800 255 578 by 14.02.24 For any queries please contact Lisa Duke. We look forward to catching up with you soon!
LAST STAGES SELLING FAST
Sole agents for Country Club Living
BELLARINELAKES.COM.AU
Over 55s Country Club countryclubliving.com.au
Talk to Lisa Duke 0447 495 400 Your Lifestyle Consultant
FREECALL 1800 255 578 12665531-HC07-24
18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
12646185-JB44-23
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Live a full life unlimited at Lifestyle Communities guest speakers, musical entertainment and much more. Plus, you’ll have loads of new friends to enjoy all of this with and a beautiful home to live in. The community is thoughtfully planned and designed making it easy to get around and enjoy. Lifestyle Communities promotes a lifestyle that emphasises freedom, the choice to do your thing, your way. Live independently whilst also enjoying a vibrant social life and a variety of recreational activities.
Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons are boundless. With a host of activities and an abundance of new friendships waiting for you, your days will be filled with excitement and companionship. Here, you are not just living, you are thriving, and it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of a life unencumbered by restrictions. Come and experience the freedom to be you, every day, in your new home at Lifestyle Communities.
12665144-JB06-24
At Lifestyle Communities we believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be, where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semi-retired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited. Join in on pickleball, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, bowls and swimming. There are also happy hours,
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19
12646185-JB44-23
CELEBRATING SENIORS Where there’s a will, there’s a way to do it right When do I need a Will? If you are asking yourself this question, the chances are, you already need a Will. It can be a daunting process. KG Lawyers understands that each client is unique and provides tailored solutions for your estate now and in the future. A well-executed Will can help avoid confusion and conflict among your loved ones and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Just as a will directs your wishes for the distribution of your assets after your death, an enduring power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Consulting a lawyer ensures your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney are valid, enforceable, and tailored to your specific needs. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in good hands. KG Lawyers has extensive experience and expertise and can guide clients through the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and to navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence.
The benefits of volunteering are endless. (Unsplash)
The power of volunteering When the idea of retirement rolls around, some people are overjoyed by the thought of freedom, others look for the next thing they can do in their life. Volunteering at an organisation has been proven to offer seniors great benefits for their physical and mental health, as well as social connection. A report released by VicHealth identified volunteering can help alleviate depression, increase satisfaction with life, lower the frequency of hospitalisation and boost a person’s ability to cope with illness. Volunteering doesn’t only improve the health and wellbeing of the volunteer but for those who are on the receiving end, there are also undeniable benefits. Volunteers help contribute to social change, bridge the gap between young and old, help engage people in the community and raise awareness around certain issues. The State of Volunteering Report released by Volunteering Victoria in 2020 showed the majority of the 2.3 million people who
volunteer in Victoria are over the age of 65, totalling 78.9 per cent. The percentage of people who volunteer when they are out of work or only work part time was highest of all employment situations at 74.4 per cent. Programs for volunteers can range from emergency relief, opportunity shop staff members, youth support officers, animal welfare, meals-on-wheels, soup kitchens and in-school support roles for disadvantaged students. Enjoying senior life doesn’t just have to mean travelling Australia in a caravan, it can be finally exploring that hobby or interest that has just been at the back of the mind. Passing on knowledge, skills, expertise and wisdom may be the thing that most rewards you.
KG Lawyers invites you to visit our website at kglawyers.com.au to use its estate planning tool, or call the office 5253 1238 so the team may assist you.
Head to the Volunteering Victoria website to find an opportunity to suit your interests, https://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/ for-volunteers/search-for-volunteer-roles/
Holly Walden-Mills and Luke Griffin are part of the KG Lawyers team. (Supplied)
WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY
AVE H E W ED MOV
FAMILY LAW PROBATE LAW CONVEYANCING MORTGAGE ADVICE We are a family firm proudly servicing the Bellarine Peninsula for more than 30 years.
Level 1, 114a Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont 20 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
12638030-RR48-23
Providing legal services and advice in an easy to understand manner.
Phone for an appointment 5253 1238 Suite 2a/19 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale www.kglawyers.com.au 12651823-SN49-23
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
ENVIRONMENT
Perfect weather for birdwatching The summer rain has ceased over the past few weeks, and fortunately it hasn’t been too hot, although the forecast is predicting some warm February days. The weather has been perfect for some lovely birdwatching outings around the Bellarine. I did have a drive to Bellbrae to the garden nursery to check out the eastern spinebill nest. The nest was easy enough to find but it was empty, so hopefully the young birds have fledged successfully. After visiting the nursery, I went to Point Addis, where I had a walk at Ironbark Basin. I’d told Barry Lingham a few days before my work that I had only seen varied sitella once in my life which was many years ago at Hanging Rock, and lo and behold I spotted a small flock of them at Ironbark Basin, which was lovely. I also saw three species of thornbill, namely striated, brown, and buff-rumped. I had another trip to Sorrento on the ferry, which is always lovely, but it was a very rough day and there was not a lot of activity on the water, and even the Australasian gannets were keeping a low profile. Luckily a few days after this I went to Western Treatment Plant with friends Susie, Lizzy, Linda and Caroline. It was a wonderful day with over 55 species seen, the highlights being a few brolga, fairy terns, and great-crested grebes. I received an email from Carole, who has been visiting Swan Bay jetty a few times over
the past few weeks, and has observed quite a few fledgling crested terns sitting along the mud flats. Of course, the mum and dad crested terns were very active feeding tiny fish and other tidbits whilst the fledglings just sat and screamed for attention! Carole observed that the crested terns do not seem to have difficulty in finding food around Swan Bay, and together with the silver gulls seem to dominate the area. Crested terns nest on the sand at Mud Island in Port Phillip Bay, and from Carole’s email it seems that they have had a bumper breeding season! I received a message from Christine who lives in old Ocean Grove. In her backyard there is an old yellow gum with a few hollows in it, where wood ducks often nest. This year was no exception and Christine was in her backyard when ten wood duck ducklings jumped out of a hollow and proceeded to waddle out of the backyard and down the hill towards Blue Waters Lake. I must take a look at Blue Waters Lake to see if they made it safely to the lake. I received an email from Jack, who spotted a bird and nest up at Merrijig in a garden near the Deltite River (sounds like a great spot Jack!). Jack thought the bird may have been a Lewin’s honeyeater. He explained that the eggs in the nest were similar to those of the Lewin’s, being white with spots. From Jack’s photos I was able to identify the bird as a yellow-faced honeyeater, and it was lovely to see the nest of this species. Thanksto Jack, Carole, Christine and Barry for the emails and observations. Top: Carole’s crested tern fledgling. Right: Jen’s black-shouldered kite at the Western Treatment Plant; Jack’s yellow-faced honeyeater nest. (Pictures: Supplied)
Your Skin’s Best Kept Secret: Sunraysia Prune Extract
From
99 c per day
*
Revitalise your skin from the inside out Think of it as a wrinkle cream that tastes delicious™
Helps keep skin hydrated and healthy
More than 70 prunes in every jar
Helps promote skin cell regeneration – improving skin tone and texture
Naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals including potassium, dietary fibre, magnesium, Vitamin K, Boron and Sorbitol
Anti-ageing - helps prolong youthful glow
Enjoy a teaspoon daily, or mix with any food, tea, yogurt or use in cooking * for constipation relief
Sunraysia Prune Extract is a food and not a medicine
Scan now to save $5 star.sunraysiapruneextract.com 1800 778 637 12666710-MS06-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21
DINING OUT
Advertising feature
Dining out in Ocean Grove Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took to The Terrace on Wednesday, February 7, to catch all the local activity.
Far left: Meredith Vandenberg, Ruth Stafford and Julie Jennings. Left: Mal Cooper. Above: Clinton and Jo.
Left: Ella Perry and Alex Miotto. Centre: Mal and Lorraine Rubinich, Olga Cross, Pieter Bettink and Brian Cross. Right: Paris Stokes, Selin Erdogan and Emilia Hermecz. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 387851
• 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
22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
F LY I N G B R I C K
JACK RABBIT
THE RANGE
CIDER CO
V I N E YA R D
@CURLEWIS Finesse your form or just for fun.
Funky, Fabulous, Fun. • Landmark Bellarine venue • Innovative space
• Iconic Bellarine winery • Unrivalled panoramic views • Contemporary a la carte
• 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
• Sophisticated wines • Lunch / Wine Tastings • OPEN 7 Days
85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au 12606706-RR21-23
• 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
12606704-MS21-23
L E U R A PA R K E S TAT E Artisan wines without compromise
KEEP IT LOCAL
Advertising feature
Wills | Powers of Attorney Deceased Estates Home | Zoom | Facetime consultations are available.
MELANIE CROWE B.Com.LLB | PRINCIPAL
Phone 0352 555 369 PO Box 466, Ocean Grove, VIC 3226 melanie@crowelegal.com.au
12561908-SN33-22
Let me help guide you through the process with understanding and straight forward explanations
crowelegal.com.au CROWE LEGAL PTY LTD ABN: 82 637 981 778
Advertise with us Left: First place for the 2023 Bellarine Writing Competition was awarded to Helen Friee by judge Jan Sproull. RIght: Bellarine Writing Competition 2023 finalists Christine Scheiner, left, Anne Whisken, Ali Holborn, Helen Friee, Janette Campbell, and Kirten Alpin. (Pictures: Supplied)
Put your mind to the test and start thinking about interesting short story ideas as the Bellarine Writing Competition returns for another year. Entries for Topic 1 of this year’s short story competition will close on March 15, with people encouraged to submit a 750-word-maximum story about being ‘Snowed Under’. Judge Alan Cobham said the competition featured five topics that will run throughout the year, with $200 awarded to each topic winner and $1000 for the overall winner. “All writers 16 and over, beginners and experienced living in the Bellarine region, are asked to look at the advertisement below for
this year’s first competition,” he said. “The three judges, Jan and Barry Sproull and myself, are looking forward again to receiving and judging all the entries for Topic 1. “(This will be done) with the assistance of the winner of the final short story last year and the winner of the whole competition... The judges will give each entrant, hopefully, helpful feedback. “We are also running a writers’ group on the first Thursday of each month. “If you want any information about the nature of the meetings or our writing competition, use the email in the advertisement to contact me. Go for it, with hopefully plenty of newcomers.”
EUROPEAN VEHICLE AutoLogic Diagnostics
(AG
R EACH O F 0 0 2 $ ICS: FIVE TOP ER. OVERALL WINN $1,000 WINNER
Specialising in all vehicle makes and models including European vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, etc.
info@autocareoceangrove.com.au www.autocareoceangrove.com.au
advertising@voicegroup.com.au
T Y COMPEBOVE) R O T S T R A SHO E 16 AND
FRIENDLY, FULLY QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS
AUTO CARE OCEAN GROVE
Ph: 5249 6700
Bellarinpeetition m o C g n i t i r 24 W ITION 20
SPECIALISTS
13-15 Sinclair Street Ocean Grove. Ph: 5255 1045
Ocean Grove’s Helen Friee was the overall winner of last year’s Bellarine Writing Competition, with her story focused on a young woman’s journey to find her calling in the world. Ms Friee received praise from the judges for her experimentation with the story’s layout, format, and character development. The 2023 competition’s finalists included Christine Scheiner, Anne Whisken, Ali Holborn, Janette Campbell and Kirsten Alpin. People can submit their 2024 story entries, ensure a phone number is included, to acobham@bigpond.com and the Topic 1 winner will be notified by phone on March 17.
Encourage our readers to shop local. 12664568-MP04-24
Bellarine Writing Comp back in 2024
TOPIC 1 DER” N U D E “SNOW
Pick up delivery service covering all of the Bellarine Peninsula. Pensioner Discounts.
NATIONAL SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YEAR FOR 2022
rds max ch • 750 wo 15th Mar y a id r F e clos • Entries e number n o h p a e includ • Please entry om with your bigpond.c @ m a h b o to ac • Entries n notified o by phone • Winner h c r a M 7th AN Sunday 1 THE OCE N I D E H RCH BLIS 22ND MA STORY PU Y A D I R F OICE GROVE V
12586402-AI04-23
3RD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH • 9AM-1PM
OCEAN GROVE PARK (CORNER OF PRESIDENTS AND THE AVENUE)
12662993-KG07-24
NEXT MARKET: 17TH FEBRUARY
12666351-AA06-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 23
NEWS OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
FROM THE ARCHIVES Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors
8 years ago
6 years ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
February 3 to 16, 2016
February 14 to 27, 2018
February 12 to 25, 2020
February 11 to 24 , 2022
Locals will get their say this month on what could be Ocean Grove’s biggest footpath project to date. Last Thursday Council Senior Strategic Planner, Jessica Hurse, and Infrastructure Projects Engineer, Aaron McGlade, outlined council’s latest draft footpath network.
Ocean Grove businesses reported a bumper trading period over the Christmas/New Year holidays. Some traders said it was their best ever summer.
Police have made multiple arrests in relation to a spate of graffiti across the Bellarine Peninsula. With assistance from Geelong council, Crime Stoppers, members of the public and local business, Bellarine police have identified and arrested alleged offenders in Leopold, Ocean Grove, Portarlington and Drysdale.
Ocean Grove Community Association (OGCA) says it is “extremely disappointed” by Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s decision to refer submissions about Bellarine town boundaries to an independent advisory committee for further consideration. Mr Wynne’s referral has sought advice on whether all protected settlement boundaries designated in the Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) are appropriate, having regard to the purpose of a SPP under section 46AU of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
or nelsonsally59@gmail.com
Grovedale Seniors Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road. ■ Julie, 0419 549 521
Cards Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid. ■ griddlepop@hotmail.com
Drysdale Day VIEW
Book club
Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch. ■ Margaret, 0431 636 090
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm. ■ Shirley, 0488 055 969
Leopold VIEW
Scribes Writers Group
Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am. ■ leopold.viewclub@gmail com
South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills. ■ geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388
Chess clubs 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
Lions Club International Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over Geelong & District – see which one is right for you. ■ Les, 0428 466 446
Bellbrae Singing for Fun Come to one session or come to them all. Bellbrae Hall, 6-8pm on February 9, May 10, September 13 and November 8. Bring a friend for free for the first time, admission $10. ■ Michele, 0425 849 779
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms. ■ Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Ocean Grove Seniors Ocean Grove Seniors play 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. Cost $20 annually and coffee included. At 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. ■ Lyn, 5256 2540 24 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
OMNI Choir
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. ■ Anne, 0425 356 973
St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7.45pm to 8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir. Children’s choir soon. ■ Dr Terry Norman, 0411 875 033, or termernorman@gmail.com
Ocean Grove Men’s Probus
Ballroom dance
First Monday of each month, 10am, except January, at Surf Life Saving Club. ■ Barry, 0409 161 129
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway on Saturday, February 10. Admission $10 including supper, 7.30-11pm, music by Charles. There is also a Sunday, February 11, afternoon ballroom dance from 2-4pm. Admission $5, please bring a small plate for afternoon tea, music by Kevin. ■ 0400 500 402
Grovedale Marshall Probus Music for preschoolers
Grovedale East Ladies Probus Fourth Monday of each month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel. ■ Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610,
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Wednesday and Friday each week, 1pm to 3.15pm. $4 Admission and includes afternoon tea. ■ 0400 500 402 Older men new ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am. ■ Allan, 0409 665 608
Drysdale CWA Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every third Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club. ■ Jenny, 0452 258 333
Scottish country dancing classes GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed. ■ Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
COMMUNITY
Kathryn Norris with partner Jordan.
Karis Davidson with playing group Charles Christie, David Sharp and Rod Slattery during the pro-am.
Fun in the sun at Vic Open
Above: Josh Younger’s partner Jacquie with Andrew Martin’s mother Robyn and partner Rachel. Below: US amateur Justin Logan.
Barwon Heads welcomed pros, amateurs and fans for five days of riveting golf at the Victorian Open. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there across the week to capture the sights.
Rhianna Lewis.
Above, left to right: 2024 men’s runner-up Jordan Zunic; Matias Sanchez; Brendan Jones. Right: Brett Mumford (top); US amateur Hunter Logan.
Above, left to right: Hannah Park; Katrina Lumb with her children Imogen and Bohdi; 2023 men’s winner Michael Hendry; Sungjin Yeo. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 386431 Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 25
PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
2 3 6 5 8 7 3 6 4 7 3 8 6 9 1 7 2 9 4 1 5 9 3 8 2 3 6 9 4 2 3 8 medium
3
1 5
4
Perjurers (5) Release (9) Heckles (7) Lever setting off a gun (7) Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7) Student (7) Not moving (9) Pig meat (4) Book ID (1,1,1,1) Release (9) Even now (7) Wetter in terms of weather (7) Doubter (7) Island in the North Atlantic (7) Relating to (9) Follow in order (5)
12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29
Common name for the USA (7) Deliverance from harm (9) Reckless (9) Locations (5) Horse’s call (5) Bony; gaunt (7) Mistakes (6) Exaction (9) Prerogative (9) Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8) Distribute (food) (5,2) Beasts (7) Revulsion (6) Pursuing (5) Type of agave (5)
2
ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11
No. 171
3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24
DOWN Women’s underwear and nightwear (8)
1
DECODER
No. 171
6
7
8 4 1 8
7 2
3
1
6 3
6 4 9 1
QUICK CROSSWORD
3 4
2
7
8
5 hard
9 8
8 3
3 1
1 4 2
23
24
25
26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
L
Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good 12 words: Very good
R
U
U
A A
I
aria, aril, aura, aural, AURICULAR, carl, carr, curia, laic, lair, liar, lira, luau, racial, rail, rial, rural
No. 171
7 2 5 7 8 5 ( '
ADAGE AFOOT AGENT AGILE ALIBI ALTAR AMEND APPAL BEECH CRASS DEALT DRAMA DRILY EDGED EVENT FETED GENIE GLIDE HERBS IGLOO ISSUE LADLE
4 LETTERS AIDE BLOW CLAY DEED DEER EGGS EYED IDEA MATS PALE RUGS SLEW STUN USED 5 LETTERS ABOUT
LEGAL LILAC LODGE LORRY MAGIC MELON METAL MIRES MOTIF MUTED NIECE OCEAN ORDER PUFFS REINS RINSE ROMAN SALAD SCENE SCREW SPANS STOWS
STYLE TIERS TOPIC UPPER YABBY
DENSEST EDDYING FORMULA KEENING
6 LETTERS COSIER NEEDLE REGARD STERE
8 LETTERS CLEANEST FORETELL LIKEWISE TORTURED
7 LETTERS COATING COMMUNE
09-02-24
No. 171 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
QUICK QUIZ
1
In which Californian city is the sitcom The Big Bang Theory set?
7
Who said the famous quote, ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’?
2
Which sea does the Rhine river drain into?
8
What is the hardest mineral on Earth?
3
The term microfibre refers to synthetic fibres of what size?
9
Pamela Isley is the real name of which enemy of Batman?
4
How many colours feature on the South African flag?
5
What character does Ellen Pompeo (pictured) play on Grey’s Anatomy?
6
Dried plums are commonly sold as what fruit?
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
A S T
8 1 5 7 2 3 4 9 6 6 9 2 4 5 1 8 7 3 7 3 4 8 9 6 2 5 1 1 5 7 3 6 8 9 4 2 9 4 6 2 1 5 3 8 7 2 8 3 9 7 4 1 6 5 4 6 1 5 8 2 7 3 9 5 7 8 1 3 9 6 2 4 3 2 9 6 4 7 5 1 8
S
N D E D
E
A L A H R O S E E R S E
G A V
S
C
3 LETTERS ACE ALE ARM BAN BET DOE EAR EAT EGG END ICE ION IRS LIE ODE POP RAW REV RIG ROE RUE TAB UFO USE
L
2 4 3 8 1 6 7 9 5 8 7 1 5 2 9 6 4 3 5 6 9 4 7 3 1 8 2 7 3 2 6 8 4 9 5 1 6 1 5 7 9 2 8 3 4 9 8 4 3 5 1 2 7 6 1 5 6 9 3 8 4 2 7 3 2 8 1 4 7 5 6 9 4 9 7 2 6 5 3 1 8
3 4 8 6 2 1 7 5 9 1 5 9 4 7 8 6 3 2 7 6 2 9 3 5 1 8 4 8 9 7 2 4 3 5 6 1 6 3 1 5 9 7 2 4 8 4 2 5 1 8 6 3 9 7 9 1 6 7 5 4 8 2 3 5 8 4 3 1 2 9 7 6 2 7 3 8 6 9 4 1 5
E E
26 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
22
R S
21
H S
N
20
L R
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”.
R
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
L
10 11 12 13
X F
17 words: Excellent
hard
V
9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
19
medium
G
8
9-LETTER WORD
easy
5x5
7
18
9 6 2 1
4
6
17
2
5
16
8
4
B UVD EMK P J G T X F
5
3
15
9 2 8
4 2 7
2
O A C WS R Z N Q I H L Y
7
2
14
1 9 2
WORDFIT
10 What is somnambulism more commonly known as?
ANSWERS: 1. Pasadena. 2. The North Sea. 3. Less than one denier per filament. 4. Six (black, blue, green, red, white, yellow). 5. Meredith Grey. 6. Prunes. 7. Muhammad Ali. 8. Diamond. 9. Poison Ivy. 10. Sleepwalking.
No. 171
0 , 5 ( 6 % ( ( & + & 5 $ 6 6 / $ ' / ( / , / $ & $ * ( 1 7 * / , ' ( 2 5 ' ( 5 $ * , / ( , 2 1 5 $: < $ % % < % $ 1 5 , 1 6 ( $ , ' ( & 2 6 , ( 5 & 2 0 0 8 1 ( 7 $ % 3 $ / ( ( * * 6 / 2 ' * ( 8 ) 2 0 $ 7 6 7 2 5 7 8 5 ( ' & 2 $ 7 , 1 * ) 2 5 0 8 / $ ) 2 5 ( 7 ( / / ' ( ( 5 / , ( 6 7 < / ( , ' ( $ ( < ( ' 2 ' ( . ( ( 1 , 1 * 6 7 8 1 $ 0 ( 1 ' 5 ( * $ 5 ' 6 7 2: 6 8 6 ( ' 2 ( 3 2 3 $ 3 3 $ / 7 , ( 5 6 ' 5 $ 0 $ , 6 6 8 ( / ( * $ / 1 , ( & ( ) ( 7 ( ' ( 9 ( 1 7 6 & 5 ( :
SUDOKU
SPORTS QUIZ 1. The Matildas were part of the longest World Cup penalty shootout in history against which team in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup? 2. And which player kicked the winning goal? 3. Who, in 2024, became the youngest darts player to throw a televised nine-darter?
4. NBA player Joel Embiid became just the ninth ever person to do what on January 22nd, 2024?
12. Which Collingwood father/daughter player recently departed the club for Carlton?
5. In which year did the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks win their first and only NRL premiership?
13. Cody Rhodes is the son of a famous wrestler known by what nickname?
6. Which two cities are scheduled to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?
14. Climate Pledge Arena is the home of which NHL team?
7. The fan club known as the Carota Boys support which ATP tennis player?
15. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs last faced off in the Super Bowl in which year?
8. Which Wests Tigers player’s contract was recently terminated?
16. Which English cricket player recently took nine wickets in his debut Test match against India?
9. How many times has Yuna Kim won the World Figure Skating Championships?
17. New York has how many major league sports franchise teams?
10. In which Australian city is the sports venue 1573 Arena located? 11. The 2024 Australian Open men’s final marks the first time since what year that, out of Novak Joel Embiid Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, none have featured?
18. Australian darts player Simon Whitlock is known by what nickname? 19. Marcus Stoinis recently re-signed for the Melbourne Stars for how many years? 20. Which A-League team does Bruno Fornaroli play for?
Yuna Kim
21. Prior to their 2024 test win in Australia, when did the West Indies previous win a test in this country?
26. In the Women’s National One Day Cricket Competition, what is the name of the team based in Canberra?
22. What are the name of the two conferences that make up the NFL?
27. Jack Silvagni plays for which AFL team? 28. Luc Longley will be joined by Horace Grant and which other former Chicago Bulls champion for an upcoming tour named No Bull?
23. Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is from which country? 24. Which country recently won the Netball Nations Cup?
29. The Winter X Games are traditionally held in what famous American skiing town?
25. Who did the Socceroos beat in their recent Asian Cup Round of 16 match?
30. What was the nickname of the now defunct NBL team based in Geelong?
0902
1. France 2. Cortnee Vine 3. Luke Littler 4. Score 70 points in a single NBA game 5. 2016 6. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo 7. Jannik Sinner 8. David Nofoaluma 9. Twice (2009, 2013) 10. Melbourne 11. 2005 12. Tarni Brown 13. American Dream (Dusty Rhodes) 14. Seattle Kraken 15. 2020 16. Tom Hartley 17. 11 18. The Wizard 19. Three 20. Melbourne Victory 21. 1997 22. AFC and NFC 23. Belarus 24. Australia 25. Indonesia 26. ACT Meteors 27. Carlton 28. Scottie Pippen 29. Aspen, Colorado 30. Supercats
Business DIRECTORY FENCING
ACCOUNTING SERVICES Kelly Clifford Accounting Roche Accounting
networkclassifieds.com.au
0407 119 283 Geelong Glass Pool 5256 2764 Fence Company
ANTENNAS
Trades & Services V
0439 785 703 Bellarine Flooring 0404 019 781 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Kings Funerals AUTOMOTIVE Auto Care Ocean Grove (Repco) 5255 1045 William Sheahan Funerals Arrow Antennas Kendall Antenna Services
Deadline
V
Plumbing
Placing your classified advert is so easy...
ocean grove plumbing
Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
• General Plumbing • Leaky Taps • Installation • Maintenance • Hot and Cold Water Systems
(include your name, address and phone number)
We accept payment by:
Michael Pape 0430 443 700
VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS
PIC No. 42600
BEAUTY/HAIR
Hair By Dana 0400 065 431 GLAZIERS Swish Beauty & Hair - Leopold 5250 3242 Bellarine Window, Door & Glazing Services BUILDERS & NEW HOMES Frenchy’s Coastal Glazing Beechmore Building Solutions 5250 4638 MB Builders 0400 406 030 HEALTH & WELLBEING Bellarine Community Health
BUILDING DESIGNERS
12494350-JW20-21
(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)
Michael Higgins Building Design
BUTCHERS
12323120-KC37-16
12601498-KG17-23
CALL 1300 666 808 or email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
Carpet Cleaners Geelong
CONVEYANCING Surfside Conveyancing Pty Ltd Vines Conveyancing
DENTAL
HAVING A CLEAN UP OR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME? Advertise your GARAGE SALE here
CARPET CLEANING
A1 Chimney Sweep & Co
Only $ 33.00 6cm (H) x 3cm (W)
BCH Dental Point Lonsdale Drysdale Denture Services Ryan Davies & Andrew Irving Ocean Grove Denture Services Ryan Davies & Andrew Irving 12644936-SM44-23
DRESS
STREET AD
5255 3355
0418 519 078 0447 110 434 1800 007 224
LAWYERS Vines Lawyers
5255 4411
MARTIAL ARTS
5254 1828 Shinkyokushin Karate CARPENTRY/MAINTENANCE (BMAC) O/G Mark Pattison Carpentry 0410 454 822 OPTOMETRISTS
CHIMNEY SWEEPS
General Classifieds SUBURB
5248 3444 5251 3477
Benno’s Meating Place
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
Deadline for all classifications is 4.30pm Wednesday.
5255 2044
5255 5380 GARDEN & HOME MAINTENANCE Jim’s Mowing 13 15 46
Gardiner Automotive
domestic plumbing specialist | no job too small
0447 110 766
FLOORING
ELECTRICIANS
Bellarine Eyecare 5255 3510 Ocean Eyes Optometrists
0404 800 640 5256 1295 5255 5655
REAL ESTATE 0426 897 479 RT Edgar Bellarine
5255 4099
SECURITY DOORS 5255 5556 Geelong Security Doors 5255 4480 SEWING Heights Sewing Centre
5256 2985 5229 3558
1800 007 224 SURVEYORS Smith Land Surveyors 5251 1683 TAKEAWAY Ocean Grove Pizza & Pasta 5255 4533 Woodies Pizza
5222 1234 5255 5555 5255 4307
TYRES
Grove Electrical (REC 16943) 0404 022 952 Surfside Tyre Centre
5255 5611
1300 666 808 12663912-MS04-24
Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 27
MOTOR
The Camry Hybrid is a class act By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Before discussing the Camry Hybrid, it should be pointed out that you can’t actually buy one right now. With a two-year waiting list due to production delays, Toyota Australia has been forced to “pause“ orders for Camry hybrid variants due to extraordinary demand. A new ninth generation Camry was unveiled in the United States in November, so it will be interesting to see how Toyota plays this one. At some point it will have to switch from production of the current model to the new one. Toyota reveals 90 per cent of Camry sales are now the hybrid. This may result in a different specification and/or different price point at the time of delivery.
Styling Sitting long and low, the current model was face-lifted in early 2021, at which point the hybrid became an option for all four grades. The face-lifted model features stronger front-end styling and enhanced safety features, including Toyota Connected Services. Externally, the entry-level Ascent has undergone an extensive transformation at the front end with redesigned bumper and upper and lower grille that features distinctive horizontal bars that offer a more refined aesthetic. Ascent Sport, SX and SL grades received wide flared side fins and a lower spoiler that stretches the width of the car, giving it a wide planted stance while the honeycomb grille mesh adds to its sporty flair. New design wheels ranging from 17- to 19-inch in size were also introduced, SX featuring a black sports finish Prices for Camry kick off at $30,990 for the 2.5-litre petrol Ascent. The Ascent Hybrid is $2500 more at $33,490. Ascent Sport Hybrid is $36,290, SX Hybrid is $39,190 and SL Hybrid is $46,990 – all before on-road costs. Eight bold colours are available, while premium paint adds $575. Our test vehicle was the well-equipped, top of the line SX finished in blue mica metallic, which at $46,990 represents excellent value for money. Entry level Ascent comes with alloy wheels, cloth trim and manual air conditioning, LED lights, with keyless smart entry and start plus two-zone climate control for hybrid models. Ascent Sport gains satellite navigation, while the sporty SX scores sports front seats, 19-inch alloys, sports suspension, paddle shifters and leather-accented trim. SL features heated and cooled front seats, power adjustment for the driver and front passenger seat, with memory and power lumbar adjustment for the driver, electric boot opening, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a panoramic sunroof. There’s also adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, LED daytime lights, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. A redesigned centre console incorporates a larger standalone 9.0-inch touchscreen that now sits higher above the air vents for easier access and better visibility. SL adds head-up display which projects information on the lower area of the windscreen. Camry is covered by the five-year warranty, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $220.
Infotainment All models feature the latest generation multimedia system with AM/FM and DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired) compatibility and myToyota apps including Waze and Stitcher (IOS) and WebEx (Android). Ascent Sport adds satellite navigation with enhanced voice recognition with the SL model delivering superb sound reproduction through a nine-speaker premium JBL audio system. 28 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Camry Ascent: $34,320 Camry Ascent Hybrid: $36,820 Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid: $39,620 Camry SX Hybrid: $43,020 Camry SL Hybrid: $50,320 SPECIFICATIONS Toyota Camry SL 2.5-litre hybrid petrol-electric four-door sedan
Access to Toyota Connected Services is complimentary for three years. There are two USB-C charge ports in the rear and a USB-A port in the front console as well as a 12V/120W power accessory socket.
Engines / transmissions The 160kW 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain is now offered across the range and accounts for 90 per cent of sales. The hybrid system employs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine that works in seamless combination with a pair of electric motor generators. Torque is rated as 221Nm which is oddly slightly less than the figure provided for the petrol engine on its own. Petrol Ascent has a conventional eight-speed conventional auto, while the hybrid is equipped with a CVT-style continuously variable automatic.
Safety Camry receives a five-star safety rating but that rating which dates back to 2017 is due to expire in December this year. Dual frontal, side chest, side head-protecting (curtain) and driver knee airbags are standard. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection and a lane keep assist (LKA) system with lane departure warning (LDW), plus Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also standard. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety systems has been enhanced with the addition of road sign assist, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist and intersection turn assist on every model. Connected services can automatically call a 24/7 Toyota Emergency Call Centre and relay the location of the vehicle in the event of a collision that requires intervention, or if an airbag deploys. The driver is also able to request emergency assistance via an SOS button on the overhead console and if the vehicle is reported stolen. It can assist authorities to help track the vehicle’s location via the Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT) service.
Driving The combination of the petrol engine and two motor generators delivers seamless, linear power delivery through an electronic continuously variable transmission. There are Eco, Normal and Sport modes, while manual sequential shifting is provided via the shift lever or through paddle shifters on the premium SL and sports SX models. The hybrid system requires no user intervention. It works just like a conventional car and does not require charging from a power outlet compared with an EV or plug-in hybrid. It is a self-charging system that draws power from the brakes, when the car is travelling downhill or in stop-start city driving. It’s a well-proven system that delivers significantly less fuel consumption. With a 50-litre fuel tank, fuel use for the SL is a claimed 4.5L/100km and it takes premium 95 unleaded, but is E10 compatible. We were punching out a consistent 5.2L/100km on a 2100km return trip between Sydney and Brisbane. To put this in perspective the petrol model uses 6.8L/100km -- which is also a very good figure. Interestingly, our SL rides on 18-inch wheels, while the sporty SX gets larger 19s. This is because the ride is fairly firm to start with, so the 18-inch wheels are likely to produce a plusher ride in the luxury model. You could always option it with 19s if this is an issue. Entry Ascent is the only grade that comes with a full-size spare wheel. The others get a space saver (but more boot space as a result). As has long been the case with Toyota hybrids, push the start button and nothing appears to happen. The petrol engine remains dormant but the dash comes to life indicating the system is ready. The engine kicks in once speed exceeds 20km/h, even when EV mode is evoked. The system switches automatically between hybrid and electric mode as driving conditions demand. Scrolling through the driver information display shows the direction of energy. That
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
is when the electric motor and/or the petrol engine is operating, and when power is being fed to the front wheels and battery. Out on the highway Camry hybrid is almost silent, with the dash showing an EV symbol occasionally as it seamlessly cuts in and out, supporting or being charged by the petrol engine. Most of the background noise comes from the 235/45 profile Bridgestone Turanza tyres, which says something about the refinement of the hybrid package. Alas you can’t get a V6 anymore and to be frank we miss the punch of a six, but you’re not buying the Hybrid for its performance -- you’re buying it for economy. Sport mode helps . . . a little. Camry is generally an easy relaxing car to drive, with light steering and surprisingly little tug from the lane assist system, but plenty of annoying chimes. It goes where you point it and stops, rather abruptly in fact if you hit the brakes too firmly. The ride can be harsh at times depending on the road surface, but it’s not a deal breaker. Although if you frequent Sydney’s Parramatta Road you might think otherwise. Adaptive cruise control works well and generally retains the desired speed, but was troubled by a series of small up-and-down hills. It accelerated to accommodate the rise, but failed to adjust quickly enough on the descent, exceeding the set speed by several kilometres per hour. The SatNav can also be slow to respond. The boot is large and deep with a 524-litre capacity in the hybrid.
Summing up The fact there is a two-year waiting list and that Toyota had been forced to cancel further orders for Camry Hybrid speaks bucket loads. Despite the demise of the Falcon and Commodore, it proves there’s still room for traditional family sedans, and it shows this must be a good one.
SPORT
Making the most of the weather There was plenty of sporting action on the weekend and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was out there to capture it.
Luke Adam bowled well and to finish with 3-23 off eight overs.
Top left: Suman Shrestha drives the ball into the ground. Left: Teammates congratulate Tony Hanafin after his catch to dismiss Suman Shrestha. Centre: Suman Shrestha gets an edge to this Luke Adam delivery and is caught by Tony Hanafin for 20. Right: Daniel Rodda plays a defensive shot to this Tom Kidd delivery. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 384566
Dallan Klempke responds with a backhand.
Left: Glenn Baudinette leads off for Ocean Grove. Centre: Matt Flapper goes the drive. Right: Scott McLachlan follows his bowl down the rink with this end secured. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 384565 Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 29
SPORT
Hundreds out for Black Dog’s Day on the Green The bowls were simply a formality at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club on Australia Day when 126 competitors come together to raise awareness for mental health in support of the Black Dog Institute. The competition was fierce as teams played for the Sheen Panel Service Cup as part of a fundraiser to raise vital funds for mental health research. The day came about after Lara Bowling Club’s Shane Hafner and Club Sunbury’s Cameron Balam recently formed a fundraising initiative named “Bowl For Your Lives”. Both Hafner and Balam are former police officers who have endured the challenges associated with mental health. They have a friendship that spans decades and together they had a vision to bring attention to the bowls world highlighting the stigma about mental health and encouraging those battling to reach out and start a conversation that may end up being a lifesaver. During the lunch break of the bowls competition, you could hear a pin drop as
Bowl For Your Lives had a successful day at Lara. Right: The winning team. (Pictures: Supplied)
players listened to guest speaker and author Shane Kelton open up about his struggles with mental health. Kelton who wrote a book “I didn’t want to die, I just wanted the pain to end” took part in the days event and was instrumental in raising
the importance of speaking up. With the support of Sheen Panel Service in Ocean Grove and Drysdale, Woolworths, Ocean Grove Bowling Club and many other generous partners and donations on the day more than $10,500 was raised
which goes directly to the Black Dog Institute to raise much needed funds for mental health research and suicide prevention. Ocean Grove’s Tom Warren, Ken Thomas and Alan Drury were the best team on the day taking the inaugural Sheen Panel Service Cup.
Top two spots up for grabs
Tony Hanafin bowling in his 350th game for Queenscliff. (Ivan Kemp) 384566_19
Hanafin brings up 350 By Tara Murray The opportunity to help the next generation keeps Tony Hanafin coming back and playing at Queenscliff Cricket Club. Having joined the club as a teenager, he has been there since as a player as well as holding a number of other different roles. This round, he is playing game 350 for the club against Ocean Grove in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 grade competition. “I feel like I’m old,” he joked between day one and two of the match. “I’m pretty passionate about the game and I’ve been around the club since I was 12 or 14. “I grew up in Queenscliff.. I played footy for Queenscliff for most of my life as well. I keep playing for the kids. We have some developing juniors.” Hanafin said they had a strong program now at the club which includes two women’s sides and a junior girls team after diminishing 30 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024
numbers in the years he’s been at the club. He said people enjoyed going fishing instead of spending their Saturdays on the cricket pitch. “We are pretty strong through juniors,” he said. “Our under-17s lost their first game last week. “I’ve coached a lot of the kids. Four or five of them are in A-grade. Being the oldest player they listen to me. “They are like sponges and hopefully I’ll be able to pass it onto them and then when I’m playing in the lower grades, I can hopefully watch them win flags.” Hanafin said they had a number of kids coming through in the B-grade and C-grade sides as well and hopes they keep pushing through into the top side so he can drop down. He said his greatest achievement at the club was playing in an A-grade premiership in his first year of president in the 2012-13 season. He said it was something other former presidents were jealous of.
Hanafin showed exactly why he’s still picked in the A-grade side with his performance on day one of the match against Ocean Grove. He took 3-22 off 12 overs as they bowed Ocean Grove out for 111. “They keep picking me in the A-grade side, they know what they are going to get,” he said. “I got to do the toss and called tails and won the toss. They kept asking them [Ocean Grove and umpires] after 50 overs did he really win the toss as they thought I wanted to bat. “We held our catches and got up and about.” Queenscliff will resume at 1-42 on Saturday as its searches for its third win of the season. Ocean Grove gave Hanafin a guard of honour on day one and he said it was something he was thankful for. He said like the other sides in the competition, they could have a good game and then have a good time off the field as well. “I don’t mind a bit of banter,” he said. “I have fun on the ground and do what you have to, to win the game, then after the game, have a beer.”
The race for top two spots is well and truly alive in the Geelong Bowls Region Saturday pennant premier division. The top four teams have opened up a big enough gap on the rest of the competition, having all locked in their spots with three rounds to go. All four teams though are still in the mix for top four spots and the minor premiership, after Highton upset Ocean Grove in a top four clash last Saturday along with a couple of other upset results. The match was one that most people were looking forward to and it was Highton that claimed the bragging rights, winning 58 (14)-45 (2). Dan Priddle’s rink was the big winner for Highton, winning 21-12 against Bradley Pavey. David Priddle’s rink also came out on top, beating Matt Flapper, 19-12. Peter Loe was the winning skip for Ocean Grove, winning 21-18. The result decreased Ocean Grove’s lead at the top of the table to just 11 with three rounds remaining. Highton moved back into second spot with the win. Queenscliff and Drysdale are right on Highton’s toes, just six and eight points behind respectively. Both teams missed their chance to close the gap on Queenscliff, with losses to Bell Post Hill and Eastern Park respectively last Saturday. All four top four teams will be backing themselves to get wins this Saturday, with the top four playing the bottom four. Drysdale hosts the City of Geelong, Eastern Park plays Ocean Grove, Highton faces Bell Post Hill while Queenscliff is on the road to Bareena.
Robert Priddle claimed the win on Saturday. (Ivan Kemp) 384565_02
SPORT Martin goes close again at Vic Open Hartigan’s There’s something about playing on your home green and Andrew Martin made the most of it at the recent Vic Open. After finishing third last year on the Thirteenth Beach course, Martin backed it up this year going one better, finishing equal second, two shots behind winner Brett Coletta. Martin said it was always a good feeling to be able to play like that on his home course, with many people now classing him as a local. “I’ve been here three years now and I’ve had a couple of goes at it,” he said. “Since moving down, I knew that the event was here so It’s always good, “I was a little bit disappointed in the middle of the [final] round. I got off to a good start and then sort of rough patch through the middle to get it back to. “There weren’t many leader boards out there… Once I got to 17, there was a leaders board there and I knew I had to hold my second shot on 18 to probably force a play off. “The last two years have been good, third last year, second this year trending in the right way.” Martin said having the home crowd on his side was really good with the club giving a lot of support to their three pros all year round. “There were a few more out there following me, members or not, a lot of familiar faces I see out there when I’m practicing,“ he said. “They’re very supportive in the monthly
Andrew Martin. (Golf Australia)
member updating, letting the members know how we’re all going. “The weather was good and there were good vibes out there the whole period and the Bellarine gets behind the whole event. “I think this year as good as I’ve seen the crowds and stuff.” The Ocean Grove resident said he was keen for the event to be continued to be held at Thirteenth Beach and was hoping next year to go one better and take home the title. Between now and then, he has a lot more golf on the cards both in Australia and in Europe.
Martin for the first time has a card for the DP World Tour after years of trying. “I go up to Sydney tomorrow night [Wednesday] head up to the TPS Sydney event in castle hill and then a week off,” he said. “Then heading to New Zealand for the New Zealand Open, fourth week in a row for me, 4-5 then little bit of a break. My form is good, I’m happy to keep playing. “With the DP status I’ve got this year, bit more time over in Europe this year my main gal is to hopefully retain a card for Europe. “The Australian Tour finishes in April this year, my status in Europe kicks off after that so it sort of works with not quite getting into the bigger events which are smaller fields at the moment in the Middle East, “Hopefully with that finished another couple of good finishes, who knows another top three and get my DP card for next as well or a couple better, it would be nice to win the order of merit in Australia, that’s a big of a realistic goal now after the finish on the weekend.” Martin said he was looking forward to the opportunity to go to Europe “I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “It’s a life long dream to pay on European Tour, good to get over there when i do, a lot of my starts will come, a couple of Asa in mid march, once I get back to Europe.” Tara Murray
Saturday pennants a hit LOCAL TENNIS Donna Schoenmaekers It was a big weekend for Tennis Geelong, with the resumption of Saturday junior and senior pennants, and its first ever Tennis Open Day on Sunday. It was a beautiful morning for juniors with 90 matches happening across the region. The kids enjoyed getting back on court, with many participating in several events during the break, the standard was high and it didn’t take long for any cobwebs to disappear. The fantastic weather continued into the afternoon and competition was hot, with many matches decided on games. Section 2 men was no exception with Geelong East Uniting getting up by only four games against Fyans Park while Bannockburn and Hamlyn Park tied on sets and games. Highton was happy with its 4-2 win over Surfcoast Bellbrae, with the win also pushing it past Bellbrae to take top spot on the ladder. Things picked up where they left off in section 2 mixed with multiple ladder changes. Grovedale pushed itself into top spot with a 5-1 win over Ocean Grove, however, it is only by percentage with Wandana Heights posting a 6-0 win over Moolap. St Mary’s stayed in third with its 5-1 win against Anglesea, sitting on the same points as Grovedale and Wandana. Highton would consider itself unlucky, going down by just one game to Hamlyn Park, but the loss dropped if from first to fourth, and two points behind the other three teams. The weather forecast left everyone guessing on what Sunday’s open day would hold, with temperatures forecast anywhere between 30 and 38 degrees. Fourteen clubs forged ahead and opened their doors to the public at various times over the day, offering activities for everyone ranging from hots shots lessons, cardio sessions, exhibition matches, barbeques and face painting, just to name a few. The clubs had a number of new faces visit and join in the fun, while at Bannockburn it recognised one of its more familiar faces, Jason Tournier, for his work at the club, awarding him life membership.
360 degree moment It’s a full circle moment for new Queenscliff recruit Kyle Hartigan as he returns to Victorian Football League club Werribee as an assistant coach. In 2009 Hartigan was overlooked in the AFL draft and made the call to travel down the highway to Chirnside Park. After three years of not being picked up while plying his trade at Werribee, his moment finally came in the 2012 off-season. When Adelaide selected the key defender with pick 14 of the rookie draft. He went on to play 135 top-level games, 113 at the Crows and 22 with Hawthorn. Now, he has found his way back to the club, in charge of the defenders for 2024. Hartigan said he is not only there to see team success but to help players like him create an AFL career from the club. “I wanted to get back involved with such a good footy club, with so many great people,” he said. “I think that’s probably what’s key to the footy club, there’s just so many great people that are invested in the club and want success there. They’re amazing and supporting their players and their people and getting the best out of them. “They certainly did that for me. Back when I was playing there and guys like Mark Penaluna, Scott West, Simon Atkins and Paul Satterley who coached me and were definitely instrumental in me getting drafted. “I just wanted to give back to the club that had given me so much… and get involved and hopefully find the next player that will be able to reach their potential and maybe help them get drafted into the AFL and also hopefully we can have some team success like they had last year and hopefully, go one better. “But they’ve opened me back with open arms and it’s been really good so far.” Hartigan said the better the club can foster players and coaches through to the AFL, the better their on field successes will be, and vice versa. “When you have success, it makes people want to come and play at the footy club,” he said. “But also guys getting drafted, people look around and go, ‘how about all these guys getting drafted or rookied or get an opportunity in the AFL from Werribee, that’s the club I want to go to’ “That just makes people want to come to the footy club and it makes it a lot easier if you have guys that want to come there. It makes success a lot easier. “I think that’s been the backbone over the last 15 years.” Harper Sercombe
Bannockburn’s newest life member Jason Tournier. (Supplied)
While Saturday’s have resumed and Tuesday Midweek has now started, Monday Night Women’s doubles and Thursday Triples
will be kicking off from 19th Feb, and there is still time to register. See the website play. tennis.com.au/tennisgeelonginc for details.
Kyle Hartigan. (Werribee Football Club) Friday, 9 February, 2024 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 31
SECTION OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
Boutique Villas in Armstrong Creek available from $660K $ Cas 25k hb
ack *
A hop, skip and a jump! ...to everything you need.
• Luxurious clubhouse
PORT PHILLIP BAY NORTH GEELONG
STIN
MELB CBD 1 HR 25 MIN
~ WALKING DISTANCE
South Geelong
WAURN PONDS 13 MIN
- Woolworths, Aldi & specialty shops ST ALBANS PARK
Marshall
Medical Centre ~ 100m
FOOD AND WINE REGION
rw Ba
M1
H on
• Village bus COLAC 60 MIN
Waurn Ponds
Surf Coa
d sR e ad
Public Transport ~ 50m
Lake Coonewarre Wildlife Reserve
Conservation Reserve
Armstrong Health Medical Clinic FOOD AND WINE REGION
BREAMLEA BEACH 9 MIN
d sR e ad
GREAT OCEAN ROAD TORQUAY 12 MIN
Warralily Village
H on
Central Blvd Lower Dun eed Road
rw Ba
• 15 minutes from Geelong Centre
Grovedale Hospital
Shopping Centre ~ 250m
• Pool, bowling green and gym
• Lanscaped open spaces - community gardens
GAREE BAY
GEELONG CBD 20 MIN
MELBOURNE AIRPORT 120 MIN
st Hwy
• Vibrant and welcoming over 55s community
Veterinary Clinic
Connewarre Wetland Centre
BARWON HEADS 10 MIN
SWAN BAY 32 MIN QUEENSCLIFF 35 MIN
QUEENSCLIFF FERRY TERMINAL 38 MIN
Visit the village to meet our friendly team, enjoy a cuppa in the luxurious clubhouse and walk the grounds or take a tour of the village in our golf buggy. Don’t forget to register for our next free event! *Visit www.armstronggreen.com.au for terms and conditions
Call to make an appointment.
1800 777 898 DISPLAYS OPEN 7 DAYS 722-742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek
armstronggreen.com.au
Availability and pricing correct as of 7.2.2024
Already built. No Deposit required to reserve your Villa. Move-in hassle free.
12666960-SN07-24
32 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 9 February, 2024