Geelong Indy - 8th March 2024

By Cade Lucas

Failed home builder Apex Homes received a $100,000 payment from a customer just days before a winding up order was lodged against it over unpaid debts.

The customer, who wanted to build in Geelong and wishes to remain anonymous, claims their financial advisor authorised the payment to Apex three weeks ago, after the company signed a statutory declaration that it was debt free.

“They (Apex) advise that they didn’t owe anyone any money and that’s why finance released the money ($100,000) to them,” the customer said.

Just days later, on February 15, Aerolink Pty

Ltd lodged a winding up order against Apex over debts of $46,000.

On Wednesday the Victoria Supreme Court ordered the North Melbourne based builder with projects in Geelong, Wyndham and Melbourne’s north, into liquidation.

A further four creditors, including the State Revenue Officer, had joined Aerolink in seeking to have Apex Homes wound up over more than $200,000 in unpaid debts.

Matthew Blum from insolvency firm BDO has been appointed liquidator and was contacted for comment.

Apex Homes was unable to be contacted.

The anonymous customer, who was seeking to build a home in Geelong with her husband, said Apex Homes was recommended to them

by their architect and a check of the company by their lawyers didn’t uncover any concerns.

She said they don’t know what to do next.

“I didn’t sleep last night. It’s so stressful,” she said on Thursday, the day after Judicial Registrar Claire Gitsham ordered the company into liquidation.

The customer, who is now living with her brother, couldn’t bring herself to watch Wednesday’s hearing, but another owed thousands of dollars by Apex, did.

Co-owner of Point Cook business, Melbourne Wide Demolition, Moira Linton, wasawaitingpaymentof$21,450fromApexfor demolition work when the winding up against the company was lodged.

She said the fact Apex didn’t fight the

Wooden boats ready to set sail

The Wooden Boat Festival is returning to Geelong after two years with a large display of boats, activities and entertainment.

Passage Race boats will sail into the Royal Geelong Yacht Club around 2pm on Saturday for the three-day festival from March 9 to 11, with activities available from 9am each day.

Many tall ships, couta boats, classic yachts, rowing and motor boats will be available for people to look at, with great weather expected for the festival.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a warm and sunny long weekend, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees on Saturday, 31 degrees on Sunday, and 29 degrees on Monday.

Scott Taylor is pictured with his International 8 racer, Marie Louise III, which will be on display during the festival.

■ See page 3 for the full story.

Home dreams shattered

liquidation or even attend the hearing, added insult to injury.

“Just having no one show up not at all to defend the company or to represent them even after all those millions they have taken from people for their deposits for their homes, and it’s their homes, it’s not just housing, it’s their building, I was just appalled.”

Moira Linton said she had lodged her company’s debt with the liquidator and even though this process would cost her more money, she would pursue it regardless.

“For me, it’s on principle,” said Ms Linton.

“Yes I’ve absorbed the hit, but I still want to goafterthosefunds,notforustogetthemoney, but to actually make a point and try and help those that haven’t got their money back.”

Deposit bail-out by government

Dozens of Victorians left in the lurch by the collapse of South Melbourne builder Montego Homes will be bailed out by the state government.

Montego Homes went into voluntary administration on January 15, citing the impact of rising building costs.

The Victorian Building Authority later revealed the company failed to take out domestic building insurance across 64 sites despitereceivingalmost$900,000indeposits.

Chantelle Gizycki, who paid the company a $15,000 deposit to build a house at Mount Duneed near Geelong, was among those

customers left without insurance.

On Wednesday, the Victorian government announced she and other Montego Homes victims would be eligible for compensation under its scheme set up following the collapse of Porter Davis. About 1700 homes across Victoria and Queensland were left in limbo when Porter Davis went bust in March 2023.

The expanded scheme will now cover customers of builders that entered into liquidation from July 1 to February 20.

They will be entitled to get their deposits of up to five per cent back, capped at $50,000.

“We’re stopping it at February 20 because we don’t want to create an incentive for other builders to not take out an insurance policy,“ Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson told reporters at parliament.

An emotional Ms Gizycki said the decision had lifted a weight off her shoulders.

“Now that I’ve got my deposit back I hope to follow through with my dream of building a home,“ she said.

Under Victorian offences enacted in February, builders who fail to take out domesticinsurancefaceafineofupto$96,000 for individuals and $480,000 for companies.

Taking cervical cancer ‘In Your Hands’

A Belmont mother is encouraging other women to continue regular cervical screening following a new Cancer Council Victoria campaign.

The In Your Hands campaign launched on March 4 to increase awareness of cervical screenings, with hundreds of Victorians, like Abbey Jane, diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.

MsJaneisamumofthreeandwasdiagnosed with the highly preventable cancer last year at age 43 after experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding and other unusual symptoms.

“Assoonasthedoctorsaid,‘youhavecervical cancer’, my world just fell away,” she said.

“The trauma of such a diagnosis and treatment is mentally and physically debilitating, not to mention devastating for your family and friends.

“I’m lucky that I was able to find my cancer early and have it treated, but I could have avoided the diagnosis and the months of treatment if I had kept up to date with my cervical screening.

“I think of this as my own personal smear campaign. If there is a health test you are due forandputtingitoff,don’t.Earlydetectionand prevention is the best weapon against cancer.”

Cervicalscreeningtestsshouldbecompleted every five years by people aged 25 to 74 with a cervix to better prevent cervical cancer, according to the National Cervical Screening Program.

The option for people to self-collect their cervical screening tests using a small swab was made available to everyone eligible for cervical screening in July 2022.

Cancer Council Victoria head of screening, early detection and immunisation Kate Broun said the screening test could find people at risk of cervical cancer before it developed.

“It does this by looking for the very common virus that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus or HPV,” she said. “Preventing cervical cancer really is in your hands. If you’re due or overdue, book in today and ask your doctor or nurse about self-collection. It could save your life.”

Visit cancervic.org.au/cervical for more information about the In Your Hands campaign and cervical screening.

Jena Carr

Previously, businesses could be fined for not carrying out, managing or arranging domestic building work for contracts worth $16,000 or more without the required insurance.

But that did not cover firms that received payment and then subsequently failed to take out insurance before collapsing.

The Victorian Building Authority has suspended the registration of Montego Homes’ nominated director Todd Searle, pending a show cause process.

– AAP

Support for upgrade plans

Community members have overwhelmingly supported Geelong council’s proposed multi-million dollar makeover of Highton’s Morena Street Reserve.

The council released a $2.2 million draft concept plan for the reserve late last year, conducting a period of public consultation through November and December last year.

Ninety-four per cent of the 175 respondents to a quick poll on the city’s Have Your Say webpage supported the draft plan, with the 75 respondents to a longer survey holding similarly favourable views. The reserve runs from Morena Street to Old Flour Mill Road and sees steady use by local walkers, pet owners and families.

A council statement said the “steeply sloping site” had “a number of environmental, water management and accessibility factors to consider”.

The plan proposes retaining existing wetlands, constructing pedestrian paths, seating, improved drainage and recreation space and planting new trees and vegetation.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said public feedback was a vital part of the City’s planning for such projects.

“We thank community members from Highton and beyond for sharing their ideas and letting the team know how the draft concept plan for Morena Street Reserve can improve,” Mayor Sullivan said. “This data will inform our final conceptplan,withtheprojecttoprogress to detailed design this year.”

Councillor Ron Nelson said the Morena Street Reserve was a complex site.

“This reserve is a bit of a hidden gem in Highton, with stunning views across the Barwon River, central Geelong and Corio Bay,” Cr Nelson said.

Go to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com. au/MSR to stay up to date with the project.

Diverting stormwater from the Karaaf Wetlands

The Torquay community will be able to better protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the impacts of stormwater thanks to federal government funding.

The Surf Coast Shire received $1.9 million from the federal government for a project to divert high volumes of freshwater flowing into the wetlands.

Mayor Liz Pattison said she welcomed the funding and was grateful for the federal government’sinvestmentinthecriticalproject.

“Council officers are finalising a report into the next steps to support the health of

the Karaaf, which is due to be considered by council at its May meeting,” she said.

“The report will provide options to redirect stormwater away from the Karaaf and into existing outfalls in the short term.

“We deeply value our natural environment and are working to address stormwater issues and improve the health of the culturally and environmentally significant Karaaf Wetlands.

“Our primary focus is reducing the volume of stormwater flowing into the Karaaf... Capturing and re-using the stormwater remains our ultimate goal in the long-term.”

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the Karaaf Wetlands were important for waterbirds and home to fragile and coastal saltmarsh plants.

“The $1.9 million investment will help address the excessive freshwater draining to these coastal, saline wetlands, and help protect the wetland’s significant natural values,” she said. “This funding is crucial to the future survival and restoration of 320 hectares of open country, home to migratory waders from North Asia, the Black Swan, Great Egrets and the Latham’s Snipe.”

Theprojectispartofthefederalgovernment’s $200 million investment to revitalise urban rivers and creeks while supporting community groups to protect and restore their local environment.

Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Pliberseksaidthefederalgovernmentwantedto repair the damage to Australia’s environment.

“Nearlyhalfofallnationallylistedthreatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants occur in urban areas. We need to act now to protect them,” she said.

Jena Carr

Belmont mum Abbey Jane, pictured with her son, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year at 43. (Supplied)

ABC Geelong residency returns

By Matt Hewson

Geelong is once again front and centre on ABC Radio Melbourne, with the national broadcaster holding its third residency at its pop-up studio on the waterfront opposite Cunningham Pier.

The residency launched last Friday (March 1) at Deakin University’s Waterfront campus, ushering in another month of locally held programs from ABC presenters including Sammy J, Raf Epstein, Trevor Chappell, Richelle Hunt, Ali Moore, Jacinta Parson and Brian Nankervis.

Breakfast presenter Sammy J said connecting with the people of Geelong was both important and inspiring.

“Radio is genuinely a conversation; that’s its enduring strength, really, that you’re talking to people wherever they are,” he said.

“The ABC has a charter to represent all Australians, to be out there representing all areas. This is, I think, a really tangible example of making an effort (to do that).

“This is my third year doing it, and each year I’ve started the residency with the breakfast show at the start of the run.

“And it’s actually inspired me; after we’d

Wooden boats set sail

Wooden boats will dock in Geelong for the long weekend for the biennial Wooden Boat Festival, a celebration of many years of sailing. The festival takes place every two years and features many old-style boats displayed at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club from March 9 to 11, with events starting at 9am each day.

Event Chair Dr Paul Buchholz said the festival would feature many activities and entertainment for the public, with the Passage Race coming into Geelong on Saturday around 2pm.

“It’s basically a community minded effort we’re putting into this whole thing and it’s something out of the ordinary that the yacht club does,” he said.

“It’s an age-old thing of getting these boats together and putting them in a situation where people can view them and see the beauty of these boats compared to the plastic boats of today.”

DrBuchholzsaidhelookedforwardtoseeing people enjoying the festival’s atmosphere and the many tall ships, couta boats, classic yachts, rowing and motor boats on display.

“We’ve got a couple of wooden boat builders that are showing of their wares and how they dothingstotheseboatsandhowtheymakethe woodwork exceptional,” he said.

“We also got a rope-making exercise and a knot maker, which are things from the past, a pirate hat display, and a rough and ready boat build.

“We’ve got teams on Saturday that will build some rough boats in about two hours, they’ll decorate them on Sunday and then on Monday they’ll paddle these boats in a competition.”

Visit woodenboatfestivalgeelong.com.au for more information about the Wooden Boat Festival’s activities and entertainment.

Jena Carr

Pay equality toolkit launches

The local business community gathered this week for the launch of a toolkit for small and medium businesses to gauge and improve equality within their organisation.

A collaboration between Geelong Chamber of Commerce (GCC), Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and the state government, the Equal Pay Matters – Pay Equality Toolkit for SMEs launched on Wednesday night (March 6) at Truffleduck.

The toolkit involves a self-evaluation tool, where businesses can generate an “equality compass” highlighting areas for improvement where pay gaps may exist and providing tools and strategies for businesses to address those areas.

Around 100 attendees at the launch event heard from a range of speakers including VEOHRC commissioner Ro Allen, Geelong Mums chief executive Ruth Holdaway and Geelong United Basketball chief executive Mark Neeld.

GCC chief executive Jeremy Crawford said the launch had been a fantastic event.

“First of all we launched the toolkit, which is a very practical and immediately useful tool for businesses,” Mr Crawford said.

“But secondly, we wanted to start that ‘change agent’ conversation with some of our business leaders.

“It was really good to bring some of the key stakeholders, especially government stakeholders, into Geelong to engage with our local business owners and leaders.

“Seeing these representatives in person and having a really good chat about why they’ve done things, it just adds another level of engagement for our community.”

Mr Crawford said GCC would make the Pay Equality Toolkit resources on its website available to all businesses, not just its members.

“The Chamber will be really involved in

done a couple of Geelong, last year I was doing the show live from train stations around Melbourne, out in the suburbs, in Preston and Clayton and Box Hill.”

Sammy, who is a lifelong Cats supporter and regularly visited family in Geelong growing up, said Geelong was a significant part of ABC Radio Melbourne’s listener base.

“The brand of our station is Radio Melbourne,that’swhatit’scalledandGeelong still falls within that,” he said.

“But Geelong is very much its own city, and Geelong does not want to be called Melbourne. So we’ve tried to find that right

balance.It’salmostlikeafamilyarrangement, where you annoy each other but still love each other.”

He said he enjoyed the direct contact with the people of Geelong.

“Probably the other highlight of doing the show, which is normally in a studio… (is that) in Geelong, people were turning up to watch the show live,; we had a bunch of people getting up at 5.30 in the morning, coming and sitting outside with deck chairs watching the show and that was awesome,” he said.

“So a big thank you to Geelong for having me, long may it continue.”

providing more resources that businesses can access to get into this toolkit,” he said.

“We think this information is important for all, so it won’t just be available for members in this instance.”

Visit humanrights.vic.gov.au/education/ equal-pay-matters to learn more about the Pay Equality Toolkit.

Matt Hewson

VEOHRC commissioner Ro Allen and Geelong Chamber CEO Jeremy Crawford. (Supplied)

Scott Taylor with his International 8 racer, Marie Louise III. (Ivan Kemp) 392701_09

Housing affordability a priority

Surf Coast Shire will take a renewed focus on the challenges surrounding housing affordability and availability following an update of the council’s advocacy priorities. Council identified a series of individual projects and five themes that will guide its advocacy actions during its February 27 meeting.

It also resolved to move motions at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) July national general assembly and

the Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) May state council meeting.

Councillor Gary Allen said council would seek sector support at the MAV state council meeting to change the state government’s second dwelling provisions.

“We will be seeking an adjustment to ensure such dwellings can only be used for long-term occupancy and not short-stay rental,” he said.

“This will be in areas where there is a

shortage of key worker and affordable accommodation.”

Mr Allen said the ALGA national general assembly motion would call for the federal government to take measures to “divert more material from the waste stream”.

“Currently in Australia there is no effective market for recycling soft plastics, meaning the majority ends up in landfill, or worse, is littered into the environment,” he said.

“Forseveralyears,SurfCoastShireCouncil

Inspired to join those who saved him

A Geelong man has become a nurse after he was inspired by the care he received during surgeries for inflammatory bowel disease.

Matthew Batterham had an emergency colectomy in 2016 that led to his ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease) diagnosis.

Mr Batterham also had three further operations at Epworth Geelong and said the surgeries had given him a new life.

“I was on medications, going to the toilet up to 40 times a day due to how inflamed

my bowel was, my weight dropped to 45 kilograms, and I did not leave the house,” he said.

“Thanks to the surgery, I now have an ileostomy bag and it has significantly improved my quality of life.”

MrBatterhamsaidthathedecidedtopursue nursing following his time in hospital and intends to become a stomal (surgically created opening for body waste removal) nurse in the future.

“Coming into hospital you aren’t having

the best time. It just takes one nurse to go that little bit further and it helps get you through one of the hardest periods of your life,” he said.

“They were awesome, and a huge reason why I decided to become a nurse... It felt great to join the nurses on the ward who looked after me years earlier.”

Mr Batterham moved to Epworth Geelong’s fast-paced surgical ward, where he was previously a patient, after he worked in cardiology and neurology for six months.

Making a difference in our community

Local clubs and community groups have the chance to secure much needed funding, with Benefit Geelong opening up its latest round of community grants.

The Geelong not-for-profit is now accepting applications for up to $15,000 of funding for community organisations wanting to help GreaterGeelongandtheregion’scommunities.

Established in late 2022, Benefit Geelong partners with Bendigo Bank to provide donations, grants, connections and advocacy forgroupsandprojectsaimedatimprovingthe lives of people in the region.

Professor Chris Hickey, who has served as Benefit Geelong chair since its inception, said the organisation was keen to support projects with clear and achievable outcomes.

“We’re looking for things that are clearly strengthening social and community welfare, social impact, supporting health education, cultural initiatives, community engagement initiatives, things where the spend looks like it’s impactful,” Prof Hickey said.

“There is a lot of need out in our community that’s below the surface. There are a lot of groupsdoinggoodwork,buttherearealotthat could do with a bit of support.

“The list is endless, really, and it’s about looking for where you can be as impactful as possible given the parameters of the grant funding opportunity.”

Over the past year, Benefit Geelong has provided funding and support to projects and organisations such as Geelong Food

has been an active participant at ALGA and MAV meetings and has tabled motions which have been supported in both forums.

“It will inform decisions on which projects would be subject to grant applications and which topics to raise in advocacy forum.”

The council’s five advocacy action themes included stronger communities and places, climate resilience, prosperity and creativity, environment and sustainability, and housing affordabilityandkeyworkeraccommodation.

Thousands to

flock to the waterfront

Geelong’s waterfront is expected to welcome between 5000 to 10,000 people for the Labour Day long weekend.

Hot weather on Saturday will kick off the long weekend and the free Wooden Boat Festival at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club will see escalated service levels from the City.

Council is providing extra staff who will clean toilets and park areas more frequently, increased Community Safety and Regulation patrols, an expanded lifeguard roster and more bins. Seasonal additional toilets continue to be located at Eastern Beach and are available for all.

Staff will be live-monitoring CCTV, while traffic management crews will manage the Eastern Beach car park at RitchieBoulevard. MayorTrentSullivan said it was set to be a bumper Labour Day long weekend at the Waterfront and Eastern Beach.

“Because we’re expecting thousands of visitors to descend on this picturesque location, it will be all hands on deck for the City’s cleaning, lifeguard, Community Safety and Regulation and waste crews,” he said. “A friendly reminder for community members to respecteachotherandtheinfrastructure, and take advantage of the facilities provided instead of using illegal coal -ired barbecues or open fires.

“There will be increased demand for the Ritchie Boulevard carpark near Eastern Beach so we ask drivers to be kind to the traffic management crews who will only be allowing access when parks become available.”

Stony Pier Lane will be closed from 8 March to 12 March for the Wooden Boat Festival. Emergency access will be available. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting 39 degrees for Saturday before cooling off slightly to 31 on Sunday and 32 for the public holiday on Monday.

Relief Centre, Cloverdale Community Centre, the Geelong Giving Tree appeal, and the Empowerment Challenge music program.

The organisation also provides scholarships for students wishing to attend university or TAFE.

Prof Hickey said Geelong was a “pretty unique community”, with a “genuine level of identity and connection amongst the community”.

“So to be able to give back to it and support it, see it grow and groups flourish and actually make a difference to real people in real settings has been fantastic,” he said Applications can be made at benefitgeelong. com.au and are open until April 8.

Matt Hewson

Prof Chris Hickey (back left) with Bendigo Bank staff and The Power in You project members.

(Supplied)

Matthew Batterham decided to study nursing after his care at Epworth Geelong and now works with nurses Libby and Rach, who looked after him. (Supplied)

New HQ for Geelong Chamber

The Geelong Chamber of Commerce (GCC) will establish its new headquarters in the heart of the city following the purchase of a historic building adjacent to the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct.

GCCsuccessfullyacquired151MercerStreet last week, the site of the former Richardson’s Garage building.

In addition to serving as GCC’s future headquarters, the building will be home to a business services hub with meeting rooms and event spaces.

Jeremy Crawford, CEO of Geelong Chamber ofCommerce,expressedhisenthusiasmforthe move.

“The purchase of 151 Mercer St represents a

significant milestone for the Geelong Chamber of Commerce,” Mr Crawford said.

“This strategic investment underscores our dedication to advancing the interests of our members and contributing to the economic prosperity of Geelong.

“Our dedication to our members is unwavering and this significant step forward presents numerous opportunities for Geelong Chamber members to benefit from enhanced services and facilities.”

The building, constructed in 1921, is a significant heritage asset, recently restored and recognisedwithalocalNationalHeritageTrust Award.

Mr Crawford said GCC was committed

to ensuring its “historical significance is preserved for future generations”.

“Guided by principles of heritage conservation, any refurbishment or alteration work will be undertaken with utmost care and respect for the building’s architectural integrity,” he said.

GCC chair Renée Jovic said she was excited for the future.

“This property, strategically located in the heartoftheKnowledgeandEnterpriseprecinct under the Geelong Framework Plan, aligns perfectly with the prosperity and future of Geelong,” Ms Jovic said.

“It gives our Chamber an opportunity to create an epicentre for business in Geelong,

and a modern proposition that puts our memberbusinessesandtheirexperiencesatthe forefront of everything we do.”

The property was subdivided in 2021 as part of the Wurriki Nyal project, after which Geelong council conducted an extensive expression of interest process.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan congratulated the Chamber for its purchase of the property.

“The acquisition highlights the Chamber’s confidenceinourcity’scentre,anddeeprespect for our rich heritage,” he said. “The Chamber will be a great addition to our Civic Precinct, creating further business and community activity in this emerging commercial area.”

Shredding waves at new female Surf Fest

A one-day event celebrating women and non-binaryoceanloversofallagesandabilities is rolling into the Surf Coast.

The inaugural High Line Surf Fest will be held at the Torquay Point and Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, March 9.

Festival co-organiser Sam Suendermann said the event would be the first women’s surf festival on the Surf Coast, which was volunteer-runandcoordinatedbylocalsurfers.

“Wadawurrung Country and the Surf Coast are home to such an amazing community of women and girls who surf and love the ocean,” she said.

The festival’s program included a High Line Tag Team event, panels and workshops on surf culture, storytelling, environmental activism, surf skills, hula, and a showcase of local

change-makers/ Co-organiser Noelani Le Nevez said High Line meant “connection, community, smiles, stoke and sharing”.

“We hope to see our community lifting each

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

other up and taking the High Line spirit with them out into the world and onto the waves,” she said.

Co-organiser Jessi Rebel said the Surf Coast had a powerful surfing history and that the

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.

event would be an “important page in that book”.

“High Line Surf Fest is an important opportunity for the Victorian surf community to continue championing the women and non-binarysurfersthatlivealongthisbeautiful coastline,” she said.

Festival partners included Surf Her Way / SurfingVictoria,TorquaySurfLifesavingClub, Patagonia, the PMF Foundation and Surfrider Foundation Australia.

“We are joined in our shared purpose to connectourcommunityandletourloveofsurf and the ocean bring us together for a healthier, happier planet,” Surfrider Foundation marketing and partnerships director Daphne Yeo said.

More information about the High Line Surf Fest is available at highlinesurffest.com

Festival co-organiser Linley Hurrell gets ready to take on the High Line. (Katey Shearer)

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Enriching native culture

Walkers and cyclists on Barwon Heads Road’s shared path will notice eye-catching bespoke structures that were designed to help understand the area’s environment and Indigenous cultural heritage.

OneofthesignsisbesideBelmont’sJerringot wetland and the other is near the rail line bridge at Marshall.

Both locations were chosen for their proximity to a variety of the special features, which helps with context, to make understanding the relevance of each feature easier.

The signs, designed in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), highlight the new featuresontheroadupgrade,whicharealegacy of Major Road Project Victoria’s (MRPV) partnership with WTOAC.

MRPV engaged WTOAC to incorporate informed,meaningfulWadawurrungdesignin the upgrade and to improve connections with

the Wadawurrung’s living cultural heritage and communities.

“We hope all who journey on the path can stop and take time to read the Wadawurrung knowledge shared and connected to the art that depicts stories of our Country,” a Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson said.

“The new signage structures were specially designed to help the community understand the many special art and design features of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 1, which incorporatecolour,symbolsandlanguagefrom Wadawurrung Indigenous cultural heritage,” Major Road Projects Victoria Senior Project Engineer Matt Armitstead said.

“The features are a legacy of Major Road Projects Victoria’s (MRPV) collaboration on the upgrade with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).”

More information about stages 1 and 2 is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads.

Early parenting centre on track

Geelong’s first Early Parenting Centre is nearing completion, with construction on the facility due to finish by the end of the month.

Themulti-milliondollarcentre,located at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre in North Geelong, will open shortly after works are completed, serving hundreds of families across Geelong and the Surf Coast each year.

The facility was announced in mid-2022, and will be operated by Barwon Health in partnership with Tweddle Child and Family Health Service.

The centre will support families with children of up to four years of age, providing advice on sleep, settling and feeding and extra care for babies as well as support for toddlers with additional needs.

Promising a “home away from home” experience, the centre will feature 10 residentialfamilyunitsandfourday-stay places to support a variety of different family structures, including kitchen and dining areas, playrooms and outdoor play areas.

The facility is intended to reduce the need for families in the Geelong region to travel to Melbourne for parenting support.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, who was part of a Parliamentary Inquiry that ultimately provided a recommendation for the funding of Victoria’s 12 new Early Parenting Centres, said the centre was “good government policy”.

MRPV Senior Project Engineer Matt Armitstead with one of the signs. (Supplied)

Forum to discuss housing crisis

A forum that will focus on solutions to the housing crisis will be held in Geelong next week.

A Real Deal for Geelong (ARDFG) alliance said the forum will present “evidence-based policy ideas to decision-makers to seek their support”.

It will feature community stories about the impact of the housing crisis and community-designed solutions to it.

On Friday March 1, Premier Jacinta Allan announced 18 percent of housing to be built at the Waurn Ponds Commonwealth Games

village site would be social and affordable housing.

ARDFG has brought together a diverse coalition of faith, union, and community organisations to respond to the pressure challenges of housing affordability, meaningful work and the cost of living and care and connection within our community. After holding a listening campaign, and building a community agenda for change at community forums, ARDFG has been advocating for 30 percent social housing at the Waurn Ponds.

Honouring the fallen

Queenscliff Cemetery will host the Victorian Headstone Project to uncover the identity of unmarked military graves.

Queenscliff has more than 30 unmarked graves of military personnel, with the pilot project looking to provide dignity to people at their burial places.

Chaplain Geoff Traill said it was essential to identify the buried servicemen and women and remember their service by marking their graves.

“It’s a community-based project that would engage local people in recognising the service of men and women in the Defence Force who are buried in unmarked craves,” he said.

“A number of them died as a result of war injuries or mental health issues, so they have basically just fallen off the record.

“Themostimportantpartisaboutlettingthe familyknowthatwe’vefoundtheirgreat,great, great, great grandfather’s grave.”

Mr Traill said he would speak about the

headstone project at the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall on 22 Bowen Road at 11am on March 22, with the public welcome to attend.

“We’ve got a number of people from the Queenscliff Historical Association who are heading up the Committee of the Headstone Project,” he said.

“We’ll be telling some stories of the soldiers, with three stories that we will tell just to illustrate what’s happened and why the pilot is important.”

Mr Traill said that if the pilot is successful in Queenscliff, it will be expanded to Melbourne and regional Victoria to uncover the identity of the state’s unmarked graves.

The Headstone Project looks to establish a “model works program” to support the Office of the Australian War Graves (OAWG) and Victorian RSL - War Graves Working Group.

Jena Carr

“We are very pleased to see that there has been an allocation for affordable and social housing announced by the premier last week,” St Bernard’s Church Belmont’s Noreen Nicholson said. “However, we seek clarity on how many homes are classified as affordable versus social homes and when these will be deliveredasthereisdireanddesperateneedfor more social housing in Geelong.”

“The housing crisis exacerbates the existing disadvantages faced by the most vulnerable members of our community, particularly in thenorthernsuburbs,”CloverdaleCommunity

Centre Corio’s chief executive Liz Bonner said.

“Our policies ensure that they are not left behind,strivingforaninclusiveandsupportive community for all.

“Our emerging coalition is enthusiastic to be at the table as civil society partners in ensuring that the Waurn Ponds development meets the needs of community, as well as working together on other concrete solutions for our communities in Geelong.”

The forum is at Geelong West Town Hall on Thursday March 14 from 7pm. For more information see arealdeal.org/geelong

Evan Donohue, Siranne Hose Gordon, Geoff Traill, Bruce Murray, George Ballas and Graham Christi at the grave site of PTE William Charles Dunk. (Ivan Kemp) 393330_19

Unexpected laurels for writer

Geelong West’s Paul Bucci is one of eight winners of Sage to Stage, a national playwriting competition for people aged 60 and over. Matt Hewson spoke to him about creativity, social issues and taking the mickey.

Peoplewritebooks,songs,poemsandplays for many reasons. For some, writing is a means of expression; for others, it’s a path to success or a way to earn a living.

Many people write to convey a message, to champion a cause, to have a positive impact on the world.

But for Paul Bucci, the act of writing is, among other things, a form of personal entertainment.

“I’m a bit beyond thinking I’m going to have an impact,” Paul said.

“My genre is piss-take, right? I don’t know whetherthat’sanofficialgenre,butwhatcomes out when I write is stuff that amuses me, that has a sort of wry look on the world.

“And I think it’s really very therapeutic. I mean, being retired, I could spend all day twiddling my thumbs - and I do, some daysbut it’s good to have projects and objectives, to add a bit of meaning to your life.

“And if it’s going to entertain other people… that’s a real buzz, hearing people laughing at your plays. So it’s a whole package; of time-filling, also therapy, and entertainment for other people.”

Paul was recently named as one of the eight winners of the inaugural Sage to Stage, a playwritingcompetitionexclusivelyforseniors.

The brainchild of Scene Theatre Sydney’s artistic director Carol Dance, the national competition received 164 entries from around Australia.

The eight winners will travel to Sydney on Sunday, March 24, where their short plays will be performed as a “moved reading” by a quartet of all-star Australian actors under the direction of Sydney dramaturg and producer

WIN TICKETS

Ryan Whitworth-Jones.

Paulsaidhewas“delighted”tounexpectedly receive word his submission, Allocateeism was one of the winning entries.

“When you enter a competition you don’t

thinkyou’regoingtonecessarilyachievemuch, so yeah, I was really pleased,” he said.

Allocateeism sits firmly within Paul’s self-described genre of piss-take; “Basically, it’s about the housing crisis, it’s very tongue-in-cheek”, he said.

Paul’s play opens with two pensioners, Dave and Mary, receiving a knock at the door. They open it to find reallocation officer George on their doorstep with two homeless people, one of which they must take on as a lodger, in accordance with new government policy.

“So it’s the government knocking on the door with a couple of homeless people and putting these people on the spot, pensioners, telling them they’ve got to choose one or the other and that’s the basis of it,” Paul said.

Paul tackles the absurdities of both Australia’s homelessness problem - “It’s a big issue, a solvable issue, that’s not being tackled” - and the heavy-handed approach many governments take to social issues.

“The reality of people’s lives is often very different from the way the government sees it,” Paul said.

“And (Dave and Mary), these are old people, so I’ve stereotyped them a being not very computer savvy, not really following a lot of the subtleties of the developments of the world around them, and the government being fairly blinded to that.”

“(My plays) usually have some kind of social issue. Housing has been a common theme over the last two or three that I’ve been involved in, but with a humorous take on it.”

Bornin1940sLondon,PaulcametoAustralia in 1974, originally living in Melbourne. In 1988, Paul and his young family moved to Port Fairy to enjoy a slower pace of life.

They lived there for 30 years, and during that time Paul worked mainly in community service, youth work, recreation and arts management.

“The last job I had was as an international student advisor at Deakin in Warrnambool,” he said.

“And I’ve done all sorts of other jobs… gardening,shopworkandfactorywork,allthat stuff. Taxi driving… I found that fascinating, absolutely fascinating. You see things quite differently from that perspective.”

During that time, Paul found his way into the Port Fairy Theatre Group, although his inspiration was perhaps not typical of most of its members.

He found himself attending one of the

group’s performances and was thoroughly unimpressed.

“I walked out at half time, but then I started thinking: it was written by a local person, and (walking out) was a bit rude,” he said.

“Do something better then, is basically what I said to myself. So I approached them and suggested they have a short play competition, and I got half a dozen of my friends to write plays.

“Then that took off, so now every year they have a short play competition where they get about 20, 25 entries and perform six or seven of them.”

Now retired, Paul moved to Geelong West nearly three years ago, and has since found more time to dedicate to writing short stories and plays, among other things.

“Since I’ve been in Geelong I’ve just been followingmynose;ifIseeanopportunitytodo something I’ll get on with it,” he said.

One of those opportunities was the Australian Slam Poetry Competition in 2022.

Though Paul maintains he is “not a poet”, he entered the Geelong heat and won.

He then came runner-up in the Victorian heat, and ended up reading a poem at the Opera House in the final of the competition.

More recently, he has been involved in Geelong Writers - “It’s a very strong and supportive group” - and will feature in an upcoming Coles commercial.

Paul said the Sage to Stage competition provided an opportunity for seniors to stay creatively active.

“I’m not a great believer in ageism, segregation by age, but it is a fact that retired people often have a bit of difficulty replacing work with some other form of meaning and social involvement,” he said.

“Whatyoufindasyougetolderisthatpeople are less and less attentive to you. And, you know, you do it yourself.

“You see an old bloke or an old woman and you see them as an old bloke or an old woman. You don’t see them as somebody who has been, I don’t know, a copper for 50 years or running a bakery or whatever. They’re just somebody whose life is kind of reaching an end.

“Sosomethinglikethiscanbequitepowerful for people. I mean, they had 160-odd entries to this competition, which means 160-odd people have been seriously involved in attempting to write a play and put in that work.

“I think these things, activities for older people, are really important.”

Paul Bucci. (Ivan Kemp) 393259_05

A Parisian soirée delight

By Matt Hewson

When Milko Foucault-Larche’s parents offered him a ticket to accompany them to a French operettainhishomelandofMauritius,thethen teenager was not thrilled.

But little did he know it would set the course of his life from then on.

“At 13, 14, it’s not the kind of thing that you really look forward to, but okay, you go and see an operetta with mum and dad,” he said.

“But it sort of blew my mind a bit, and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do’. Then I got interestedinmusic,andfromthenonitstarted.

“I did my first season when I was 18 with a French theatre company touring Mauritius, I stayedwiththemforaroundthreemonths,and from then I never stopped.”

In the same year, 1978, Foucault-Larche madehisdebutonMauritiantelevisionsinging the Edith Piaf classic J’attendrais. Less than a year later, he co-produced his first stage show.

A decade later he relocated to Australia, carving out an award-winning career performing in theatre and the club circuit, producing shows and recording albums.

In recent years, Foucault-Larche’s journey has come full circle, focusing on French operettas and French popular music.

He and Parisian-born chanteuse Corinne AndrewbringParisAfterDark,theircelebration of French popular music, to the Potato Shed this month as part of the International Week of Francophonie, a worldwide celebration of French language and culture.

The show evokes the romantic spirit of the City of Lights, featuring the music of French giants such as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, GilbertBécaudandDalida,aswellasselections of music theatre, French opera and French adaptations of Italian and Spanish songs.

Foucault-Larche said in putting the show together he and Andrew were careful to find a balance between languages.

“It’s very important to us, to deliver the show in French and in English, because while some people might like the French music they might not want to sit for an hour and a half listening to just French,” he said.

“Some of the songs are all in French or all in English, and a lot are done half and half, so people can relate to what we deliver.”

Paris After Dark is at the Potato Shed on Friday, March 15.

Jury joins Pistol Pete

The month-long celebration of the 10 year anniversary of Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues on Little Malop Street continues when local blues master Wayne Jury and South West harmonica gun Eddy Boyle join forces next Friday.

One of Australia’s finest blues singers, Jury is more than just a bluesman; he is a versatile songwriter and producer with a career spanning four decades.

Jury’s musical journey began in Geelong’s rock scene, though he soon left for the bright lights of Sydney, where he lived and performed for 30 years.

He returned to Geelong well over a decade ago, and has been involved with the scene at Pistol Pete’s since proprietor Pete Raimondo established the restaurant and music venue.

“When Pete first started up I played there a few times, and we exchanged ideas about how things should go, who might be good to play there, that kind of stuff,” Jury said.

Family walking along Hovells Creek Trail.

ENJOY OUR REGION THIS LONG WEEKEND

Looking for something to do this long weekend? Why not visit somewhere you haven’t been before?

We have wonderful parks and reserves with a range of recreational trails that allow pedestrians and cyclists to explore our natural environment. There are fabulous playgrounds to visit, so you can find a new one to explore with the kids.

Try something new, like visiting a nature reserve in Indented Head, take a picnic to Balyang Sanctuary in Newtown, relax and visit the café at our Geelong Botanic Gardens or walk the Hovells Creek Trail connecting Corio and Lara. You can even find the perfect location to walk your dog. Scan the QR code to find locations or go to geelong.link/ ParksandReserves

Our ever-popular Geelong waterfront is bound to be a hive of activity this weekend. You can go for a walk and see the bollards, dine at a nearby restaurant or café, visit our nearby National Wool Museum and much more. Children will delight with a ride on our famous Carousel, one of only 200 in operation around the world.

For more information about our Carousel, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Carousel

This weekend the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Wooden Boat Festival is on at the waterfront and the Bellarine Agricultural Show is on in Portarlington on Sunday. Find out more about these events and more - scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Events

“I’ve known Pete for as long as he’s had the venue, so yes, I’m really excited to still be around and part of it.”

Jury said Pistol Pete’s was a special kind of venue, one that was more than just a place to have a drink and listen to tunes.

“It is one of the rare places I play in Geelong, especially these days,” he said.

“People have got to know Pistol Pete’s as a place where… even if you didn’t know who was on you, you’d drop in there and be assured you’d have some decent entertainment and a chance to catch up with other musos, hang out and exchange ideas.

“So it’s more than just a punter’s venue, it’s a placewherepeoplewouldgotohangandthings would develop; different bands would form out of just chance meetings at Pistol Pete’s.”

Wayne Jury and Eddy Boyle are at Pistol Pete’s on Friday, March 15.

Matt Hewson

Celebrating the City’s Women

To mark International Women’s Day, today, we recognise the contributions and achievements of our female Councillors, leaders and staff.

We are also hosting the Women in Community Life Awards tonight. Held annually since 2016, the awards celebrate the accomplishments of local women, recognising their efforts to advance gender equality, and to represent the interests of all women.

There are 29 award nominees, spread across seven award categories, who make Geelong a better place to live.

To view the event livestream, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ WICLAwards2024

MEETING

Geelong Major Events meeting

The next meeting will be held at Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong, on Monday 18 March at 5.30pm.

When confidential items are considered, the meeting will be closed to the public. Scan the QR code or visit Geelong.link/GME for meeting records.

Questions must be provided in writing by 5.00pm on Thursday 14 March via email gme@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au with your name, address and phone number.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Geelong Major Events Committee –Applications Invited for External Member Positions (3)

We’re seeking applications from people with experience relevant to the events, arts, sports or business sectors to fill three external committee member positions for a four-year term commencing August 2024 and expiring July 2028.

Established in 1998, Geelong Major Events (GME) is a Delegated Committee of the City of Greater Geelong, created to attract and support signature, hallmark and major events that will have a positive economic and social impact for Greater Geelong.

Applications are to be submitted via email and open on Monday 11 March 2024 and close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 2 April 2024. GME External Committee positions are voluntary.

For more information, scan the QR code, visit geelong.link/ GME or contact GME Executive Officer, Fiona Duncan at gme@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 5272 5272.

HAVE YOUR SAY

2024 Geelong Wall Calendar

We’re seeking your feedback on the content, format and distribution of our free full-colour annual wall calendar. We’d also like to know what you think about our photo competition. Your feedback is important to us, and there are multiple options to have your say, so scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ CalendarHYS or you can call us on 5272 5272 for a hard copy form.

Engagement closes at 5.00pm on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

Female Councillor's Melissa Cadwell, Belinda Moloney, Elise Wilkinson and Sarah Hathway.

Wayne Jury. (Supplied)

Corinne Andrew and Milko Foucault-Larche present Paris After Dark. (Supplied)

Farewell to the amazing Mary

An amazing primary school secretary is extremely difficult to find and we have been very fortunate to have had the BEST.

At Holy Family Primary School Bell Park, Mary Zitko has been such an asset as she has been the face of Holy Family to the community for many years. Unlike anyone else in school, the office is the first place visitors go to, which means that Mary is often the first person to see parents and their children.

It is inevitable then, that Mary knows every family member and student at the school. In many cases she also knows the student’s grandparents as they were parents of the school community when she began at Holy Family in 1988.

Our amazing secretary Mary has had a wonderful career lasting 35 years and working with six principals, she has worked super hard putting lots of effort into our school and community.

A day in the office with Mary is action packed with lots of work to get through. She has enjoyed her job here at Holy Family and will miss the staff, students and families, but although she might be leaving, her wonderful daughter Tanya is following in her footsteps.

Her fondest memories at Holy Family is watching the little preps grow into big Year 6 students to become the best people they could be.

Mary has also enjoyed things like the art show, book week, the school fun run and all of the other exciting school events.

To Mary, retirement means being able to do what you want when you want, spending time with family and not having to wake up on a Monday morning to get ready for work.

Mary is an incredible person. She brings sunshine to the lives of others, she brings joy and positivity to the people around her and she is going to be so sadly missed. We wish her well on her retirement journey.

Sienna and Zara, Holy Family senior students Mary Zitko with Holy Family Primary School Bell Park students Sienna and Zara (Supplied)

Supporting women within the Bellarine

In a historic moment, for the first time ever in our state’s history, gender parity was achieved across the Victorian parliament.

Equal women and men representing our wonderful state.

And what this means, is that policies and initiatives will reflect the diverse needs and interests of our entire community, while making long lasting benefits to everyone.

For me, International Women’s Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the women across the Bellarine communities.

In the Bellarine we are seeing more girls and women playing and coaching sport. We have women in leadership roles from schools, community organisations and emergency services. Groups across the Bellarine, such as Women in Local Democracy (WILD), Bellarine Women’s Network, VIEW Clubs, Barwon Heads Country Women’s Association andBellarineWomen’sWorkshoparefostering connections, supporting well-being, and empowering women to thrive.

Countless volunteers, often women, dedicate their time and efforts in making our communities the vibrant tapestry that it is.

Despiteourprogress,therearestillchallenges to overcome. The Victorian government’s landmark Women’s Health Survey found that four in 10 Victorian women live with chronicpainand20percenthadskippedsocial activities because of their health. It’s clear that neglecting women’s health holds back not only women and girls but our entire community from reaching its full potential.

The Victorian government is therefore taking real steps to addressing this issue and improve the lives for women. We’re doing this through:

• dedicated women’s health clinics, plus sexual and reproductive health hubs;

• nation-leading public IVF services;

• free pads and tampons in public places;

• establishing Victoria’s first clinic for women’s heart health;

• a landmark inquiry into women’s pain, and

• a gender equality strategy – empowering

women regardless of their background.

I am immensely proud to be part of a government that listens, that acts, and that strivestomakeourcommunitiessafe,healthy, and supportive for everyone.

Together, let us continue to champion

the cause of equality within our Bellarine communities, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant. (Supplied)

Celebrating women all over the globe

Every year on March 8, people around the world come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality.

This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggleforwomen’srightsandempowerment, while also highlighting the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.

The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century whenwomenbeganorganisinganddemanding betterworkingconditions,suffrage,andanend to discrimination. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909, and it gradually evolved into an international event, with the first International Women’s Day being celebrated in 1911. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating in various activities and events to raise awareness about gender equality.

One of the key themes of International Women’s Day is the recognition of the achievements and contributions of women in all areas of life. From politics and science to business and the arts, women have made significant strides in breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. However, despite theseadvancements,genderinequalitypersists in many parts of the world. Women continue to face discrimination, violence, and economic disparities simply because of their gender.

In recent years, there has been increasing momentum behind the push for gender equality, fueled by movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, which have brought attention to issues such as sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Governments, corporations,andorganisationsarealsotaking

steps to address gender disparities through policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s rights and opportunities.

One area where progress has been particularly notable is in the realm of politics. Women are increasingly taking on leadership

Saint Ignatius College Geelong

roles and breaking glass ceilings in politics and government. Countries around the world have seen a rise in the number of female heads of state, ministers, and parliamentarians, signalling a shift towards more inclusive and representative governance.

However, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender parity in politics and other fields. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions, and structural barriers continue to hinder their participation and advancement. Closing the gender gap requires not only addressing these systemic issues but also challenging ingrained attitudes and stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality.

Education is another area where progress is essential for advancing gender equality. Access to quality education is a fundamental right, yet millions of girls around the world are still denied this opportunity. Lack of access to education not only limits girls’ future prospects but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Investing in girls’ education is crucial for breaking these cycles andempoweringfuturegenerationsofwomen. Economic empowerment is also critical for advancing gender equality. Women make up a significant portion of the global workforce, yet they are often paid less than their male counterparts and are disproportionately represented in low-paying and precarious jobs. Closing the gender pay gap, promoting women’sentrepreneurship,andensuringequal opportunities for women in the workplace are essential steps towards achieving economic parity.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only acknowledge the progress that has been made but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Let us stand in solidarity with women around the world who continue to fight for their rights and dignity. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil her potential.

Nicole Livingstone is the keynote speaker for this year’s St Ignatius College Geelong International Women’s Day Community Evening. (Supplied)

Swim champ to speak at St Ignatius event

Saint Ignatius College Geelong is delighted to welcome Nicole Livingstone OAM as the keynote speaker for this year’s International Women’s Day Community Evening.

Nicole Livingstone OAM is a former competitive swimmer, representing Australia at three Summer Olympic Games in 1988, 1992 and 1996, winning both individual and team medals.

Since retiring from the pool Nicole has been a commentator for Channel Nine, including hosting The Wide World of Sports Program.

Furthermore, Nicole has been on the board for Swimming Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee and most recently was the Head of Women’s Football (AFLW), only recently resigning from this position leaving

the women’s league in the strongest position it has ever been.

During her time in this position, Nicole has overseen the growth of the AFLW from just eight teams in the opening season to all 18 clubs in 2023.

The College has successfully seen alumni being drafted to both the AFLW and AFL in recent years, and with the prevalent use of the new North Bellarine Aquatic Centre by our College swimming squad, the College Community is excited to welcome a leader in both sports to the College for this year’s celebrations.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong extends the invitation to attend this evening to our community via the QR code to the left.

March 8 is International Women’s Day. (Shutterstock)

Celebrate women across our economy and society

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to recognise the progress women are making across our economy and society.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary women in our lives who symbolise advancement, equality, and empowerment.

My mum was a nurse who trained at the Royal Melbourne and went on to care for children with severe disabilities.

Her compassion and commitment to care was a great inspiration, and today, it drives me in my role as Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

I am proud today to be part of the first federal government in Australian history with a majority of women parliamentarians.

Since 2019, I’ve had the immense pleasure of representing the people of Corangamite as the local federal member.

Overrecentyears,thevoicesandexperiences ofwomenhavehelpedchangepublicperception and importantly, policies that provide better outcomes, not just for women but for our society.

And under the Albanese government, the voices and experiences of women are changing public policy.

You can see, across every portfolio, this has made a difference.

The experience and perspective of women and children is driving our actions on family and sexual violence law reform.

The gender pay gap is at a record low, with the participation rate reaching a historic high.

All 55 recommendations of the ‘Respect@ Work’ report are being implemented, to improve behaviours in the workplace, workplace conditions and employee support. We’ve taken new action on pay equity and

pay transparency and we are delivering a tax cut for every Australian woman taxpayer commencing on July 1.

Labor’s tax cuts will put more money back in the pockets of Australian women to provide cost of living relief and will mean if women want to pick up an extra shift or an extra day

•

•

•

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of work, they keep a larger proportion of what they earn.

These are just some of the changes that have seen Australia climb from 43rd in the Global Gender Gap rankings to 26th.

To sum up what I stand for, it is a fair future for our local communities.

I entered politics mostly because of my beautiful daughters Lily and Isobel. They made me think about the future I would wish for them – a world that is respectful, sustainable and inclusive.

Libby Coker MP

Libby Coker with Alison Marchant and members of Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club, and an Australia Post employee. (Pictures: Supplied)

The Guide

PICK OF THE WEEK

ODYSSEUS RETURNS

SBS, Sunday, 8.20pm

Born again: Kiwi Thomasin McKenzie stars in existential drama LifeAfterLife

LIFE AFTER LIFE

ABC TV, Saturday, 7.30pm

British novelist Kate Atkinson’s sweeping novel is lovingly adapted into a poetic four-part series, led by luminous Kiwi Thomasin McKenzie (TotallyCompletelyFine). Narrated by Lesley Manville and also starring Fleabag’s Sian Clifford and Killing Eve’s Sean Delaney, it’s a beautifully haunting tale that glides into the depths of life’s greatest questions, anchored by its stellar performances and moody soundtrack. That feeling of déjà vu is given a mind-bending sense of meaning through the story of Ursula Todd. Born in 1910 and strangled by her umbilical cord, her existence is reborn again and again, leaving her with a strange feeling of memories she can’t grasp. Faithfully retold, it’s a fantastical journey that lingers after the final scene.

THE OSCARS

Seven, Monday, 10am (encore 8.30pm)

“I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times,” joked comedian Jimmy Kimmel (pictured) when he was announced as the emcee of these showy movie awards. Apparently, the excitement with Barbiealso convinced him to front up for the tough gig again, which is renowned for its dazzling red carpet outfits as much as lulling its nominees into a sleep-like state with it stretching to around four hours. Aussie Margot Robbie’s stirring performance as the iconic doll isn’t nominated, but it’s up for Best Picture along with Oppenheimer PoorThings Maestroand KillersoftheFlowerMoon

DOUBLE PARKED

ABC TV Plus, Tuesday, 9.45pm

Greek mythology has bestowed humanity some of its most striking tales of power and morality, which have lived on for thousands of years. In this fascinating, attractively shot two-part doco, could a curious Greek politician threaten to splinter an ancient tale from fiction to fact? King Odysseus, the genius from Homer’s epic poem Odysseywho built the fabled Trojan Horse, is accepted as a mythical figure. But, back in 1991, Makis Metaxas (pictured) found an ancient tomb in Kefalonia that he claimed was Odysseus’s. Following controversy and political uproar, Metaxas’s buried story is now finally revealed, featuring archeologist Lazaros Kolonas going on record with what he found at the site.

Friday, March 8

ABC

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30

That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

2.00 House Of Gods. (PGl, R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

6.00

6.30

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Hannah Moloney visits a permaculture garden.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mav)

Part 4 of 4. When a Texas oilman buys the entire village of Goodman’s Land, a string of grisly murders occur.

10.00 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

10.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities

Of The World. (Final, PG, R)

12.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.55 Belgravia. (PG, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Woman With Gloria Steinem. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News

At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Entanglement. 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30

The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.00 I Want

To Make A Film About Women. (PG, R) 4.10

Light Years: Olive Cotton. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mav)

8.25 Endurance: Race The Pole: The Nimrod Expedition 1907-1909.

9.20 Queens That Changed The World: Queen Who Would Be King – The Hatshepsut. (Ms)

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Departure. (Mav) 11.35 Sex And Sensibility. (MA15+ans, R) 12.25 A Way Of Seeing. (R) 12.50 Cycling.

UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+dl, R) 3.45 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The World Tonight.

IVF is given the funny treatment in this spirited Kiwi comedy. It stars the beguiling Madeline Sami – who won over fans with her hilariously over-thetop performance as a beer-swilling, Hawaiian shirt-wearing cop in the hit Deadloch Prebble (pictured, right, with Sami) as a same-sex couple going through the rounds of IVF. After years of disappointment, the pair are gobsmacked when they discover they are both accidentally pregnant at the same time. Tonight, Nat and Steph wrangle over who should go back to work and who should stay at home. There have been some rather twee moments, but this comical setup delivers some welcome belly laughs.

11.30

2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)

3.00

4.00

5.00

Chase. Hosted by Bradley Walsh.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. (Return) A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.30 Football. AFL. Opening Round. Brisbane Lions v Carlton.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (Return, M) A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.00 Get On Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.30 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00

of the

Storm versus Penrith Panthers match, with news and analysis.

10.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon. (1987, Mdlv, R) Two detectives pursue drug traffickers. Mel Gibson, Danny Glover.

1.00

6.00

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook. (Return) Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Grammy-winning rapper Diddy, actors Ashley Jensen and George Mackay, TV show hosts Chris and Rosie Ramsey and English singer Jessie Ware.

10.30 Fire Country. (Mv, R) A difficult rescue goes awry.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

10 PEACH (52, 11)

NITV

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 10.00 Arabian Inferno. 10.50 News. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Tina: One Last Time. 1.50 Woven Threads Stories From Within. 2.00

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am

RBG. (2018, PG) 8.45 The King Of Comedy. (1983, PG) 10.45 Motherhood. (2018, M) 12.20pm Employee Of The Month. (2022, M, French) 1.55 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 3.25 Magnetic Fields. (2021, PG, Greek) 5.00 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 6.45 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 12.50am 13 Assassins. (2010, MA15+, Japanese) 3.10 Fargo. (1996, MA15+) 5.00 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO!

Saturday, March 9

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.30 A Life

In Ten Pictures. (Ml, R) 2.35 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R)

3.05 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R)

3.55 Universe With Brian Cox. (R)

4.55 Better Date Than Never. (R)

5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Driven – Minjee And Min Woo Lee. (R) Presented by Leigh Sales.

6.30 Back Roads: East Arnhem Land, NT Pt 1. (PG, R) Rae Johnston visits Arnhem Land.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Mas) Part 1 of 4. A woman living in the first half of the 20th century experiences an endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

8.25 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 3 of 3. Thursday discovers that Endeavour’s problems are greater than anybody could have suspected.

9.55 House Of Gods. (Ml, R) A man vies to lead his mosque.

10.50 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) Part 4 of 4.

12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (Ml) 11.00 The Story Of Ramadan. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI Women’s World Tour. Strade Bianche Women. 3.00 Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup Series. 4.00 Joyful. (PG, R) 4.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

5.05 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 5.35 WWII Women On The Frontline.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PG) Part 1 of 4.

8.25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways: East Fife Railway. At Leven in Fife, preparations are underway for the latest addition to Scotland’s rail network.

9.20 The Wonders Of Europe: The Acropolis, The Masterpiece Of Pericles. (PGav, R) Part 3 of 4.

10.25 Those Who Stayed. (Ml)

11.05 The City Of Art. (Mln, R)

11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7.

1.25 Face To Face. (Ma, R) 2.25 Exit. (MA15+adv, R) 3.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGaw, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Randwick Guineas Day and Flemington’s Super Saturday.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. GWS Giants v Collingwood. From Giants Stadium, Sydney.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 The Irrational. (Mav, R) A professor of behavioural science investigates the murder of a fashion influencer.

1.00 The Arrangement. (Mav, R) Megan hopes to gain the upper hand on Terence as they begin intensive one-on-one sessions.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Get Clever. (R) Educational kids’ program in which the wonders of maths and science are explored.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R) A look at locations that highlight living well.

7TWO (62, 72) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The

10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Cup. Individual apparatus. Replay.

2.05 Every Family Has A Secret. 3.10 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 3.20 WorldWatch. 6.00 Food That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 MOVIE: The Quick And The Dead. (1995, MA15+)

10.30 Better Things. 11.25 We Are Who We Are. 1.30am The X-Files. 3.20 Late Programs.

6am

Alone In Space. Continued. (2018, PG, Swedish)

6.30 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 8.30 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 11.00 Fidelity. (2019, MA15+, Russian) 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Home Shopping.

8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Escape To The Perfect Town.

11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 Get On Extra. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 House Of Wellness.

2.00

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra:

Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Great Australian Detour. (R) 12.30 My Way. (PG) 1.00 MOVIE: Emma. (2020, PGan) Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy. 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild.

4.30 The Garden Gurus.

5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Experts help people declutter their lives.

8.30 MOVIE: Spectre. (2015, Mv, R) A cryptic message from James Bond’s past sends him on a trail of a sinister organisation. Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux.

11.25 MOVIE: Danny Collins. (2015, Madln, R) An aging rocker changes his life. Al Pacino.

1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs.

11.00 Rainbow Country. 11.30 MOVIE: The Floating Dutchman. (1952, PG) 1.05pm MOVIE: Don’t Bother To Knock. (1961, PG) 3.00 MOVIE: Clambake. (1967) 5.00 MOVIE: Crossplot. (1969, PG) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 3. Reds v Chiefs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 MOVIE: A Fistful Of Dynamite. (1971, M) 12.55am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Tough Tested. (R) 10.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. (R) 10.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.00 Everyday

Gourmet. (R) 11.20 Australian Survivor. (R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGm, R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.30 The Dog House. A man is hoping to find a best friend.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving, as they deal with a diabetic coma, a rescue from a burning car, a child in anaphylaxis, and an explosion in Chinatown.

9.30 Ambulance UK. (Mad, R) An asylum seeker struggling with isolation causes concern for the whole service.

10.30 So Help Me Todd. (PGa, R) A wrongful termination case is investigated.

11.30 FBI: International. (Mv, R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 The King Of Queens. 8.00 Becker. 9.00 Neighbours. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 The King Of Queens. 12.30pm Australian Survivor. 3.10 Becker. 4.10 Frasier. 5.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. 10.30 Friends. Midnight Home Shopping. 1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30 South Park. 4.30 Home Shopping.

To Be

MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.

6.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame: Dr Harry Cooper. (PG, R)

6.30 Compass: “Welcome To Gayrabia” With Patrick Abboud. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team joins Naomi in Saint Barnabas.

8.30 House Of Gods. (Ml) Ramadan sees large donations come into the mosque, solving Isa’s immediate cash flow problems.

9.30 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) An investigative journalist is found dead.

11.25 Harrow. (Mav, R)

12.20 Significant Others. (MA15+s, R)

1.10 Sanditon. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Catalyst. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mystery Of The Puzzling Pyramids Egypt. (PGa) Explores the pyramids of Egypt.

8.20 Odysseus Returns. (PG) Part 1 of 2. Takes a look at claims that the tomb of King Odysseus of Ithaca has been discovered.

10.20 The Day The Rock Star Died: Buddy Holly.

10.50 Mother Tongue. (R)

11.05 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Final stage.

1.05 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar. (PGa, R)

2.55 Chernobyl: The New Evidence. (PGa, R)

3.50 21 Kids And Counting. (PGal, R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.30 Why Planes Vanish: The Mystery Of Flight MH370. (PGa) An in-depth look at Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 which disappeared on 8 March 2014.

9.50 What The Killer Did Next: Sabina Nessa. (Mav) Hosted by Philip Glenister.

10.50 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav) Part 3 of 3.

11.50 Autopsy USA: Dana Plato. (Mad)

12.50 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Stone Cold. (2005, Masv, R) Tom Selleck.

3.00 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00

5.00

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) It is time for a commitment ceremony. 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 Married To A Psychopath. (Mav) Takes a look at the search for Malcolm Webster.

11.15 The First 48: Bad Lick And Red Dawn. (Ma, R)

12.05 Family Law. (Ma, R)

12.55 Building Icons. (R)

2.05 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Ms, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

Healthy Homes. (R) 12.00 Australian Survivor. (R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. (PGl) 3.00 Taste Of Aust. (R) 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.30 GCBC. (R) 5.00 News.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When Jesse sets out for a day sailing with his daughter, pirates seize their yacht, take the passengers hostage and attack him, leaving it up to his team to quickly find and rescue his daughter.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show. 6am

6am The Middle.

Monday, March 11

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques

Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Vera. (Mav, R)

2.30 Back Roads. (R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.30 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

6.00 Back Roads: Tenterfield, NSW. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story.

Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG)

Hosted by Paul Barry.

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.40 Planet America. (R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

1.00 Tenable. (R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (R)

9.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.20 Kew

Gardens: Season By Season. 11.10 Food

Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.10

WorldWatch. 2.10 Death Of The Pyramids. (R)

3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.30 The Point:

Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35

The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Swap. (PGa, R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Far From Home. (PG)

Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

8.30 The 2010s: Trump –The Disruptor. (Ma) Revisits the phenomenon of both the Donald Trump candidacy and presidency.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency: Where

There’s A Will… (M) A 15-year-old is rushed to St George’s after going over the handlebars of his bike.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Blanca. (Malv) 11.40 Silent Road. (Ma)

3.30 22 Kids And Counting. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise.

9.30 Oscars Red Carpet. (PG)

10.00 The Oscars. (PGalv)

1.00 To Be Advised.

2.30 Coastwatch Oz. (PGa, R)

3.00 The Chase. Hosted by Bradley Walsh.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00

The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) A nationwide search for the next singing superstar continues with the top 8 performers.

8.30 The Oscars. (PGalv, R) A ceremony honouring achievements in filmmaking over the past year, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Films nominated for Best Picture include Oppenheimer Barbie PoorThingsand KillersoftheFlower Moon. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

12.00 MOVIE: Someone Is Watching. (2000, Mlv, R) A family’s home seems haunted. Stefanie Powers, Mickey Toft.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30

9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

2.00 Pointless. (PG)

3.00 Tipping Point. (PG)

4.00 9News Afternoon.

4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG)

5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)

It’s time for Feedback Week.

9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) Follows a new group of hopefuls on their journey to becoming parents with the help of IVF.

10.00 Footy Classified. (Return, M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Court Cam. (Mav, R)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.55 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.45 Hello SA. (PG)

2.15 Talking Honey. (PG, R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6am Morning Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 8.30 GCBC. (R) 9.00 Bold. (PGds, R) 9.30

Deal Or No Deal. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R)

10.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 11.00 Dr Phil. (PGa, R) 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 Australian Survivor. (R) 3.00 Farm To Fork. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon.

4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGads) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R)

The team hunts for a young man who used napalm-style bombs to attack his targets. With Tali away from home at boarding school, Jess and Sarah find themselves trying to adjust to life with an empty nest.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am The Big Bang Theory. 9.30 The Middle. 11.00 Friends. Noon Ready Steady Cook. 1.00 The Big Bang Theory. 2.00 Charmed. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Neighbours. 7.00 The Big

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Secrets Of The Jungle. (2020, PG) 2.00 Rich House, Poor House. 3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 Full House. 4.00 Family Ties. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE:

6.00

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they

8.30 NCIS. (M, R) Gibbs and McGee head to Alaska as the team works to uncover the conspiracy behind the serial killer.

10.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mv, R) A CIA officer and three others are killed.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am

Wednesday, March 13

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A.

(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National

Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. A satirical news program.

9.05 This Is Going To Hurt. (MA15+as) Adam does his first shift at a posh private hospital.

9.50 Planet America.

10.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R)

11.30 Rosehaven. (PG, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (R) 1.20 Tenable. (R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.30

7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.10 Kew

Gardens: Season By Season. 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.00 The Swap. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (PGa) Part 2 of 3.

8.30 Hidden Volcano Abyss. (Mal)

Takes a look at the devastating 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai.

9.30 Kin. (MA15+lv) Bren’s chaos reaches an apex. The Turks sew their own discord. Anthony does the unthinkable.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Blinded. (MA15+s)

11.55 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Malv)

3.15 22 Kids And Counting. (PGa, R)

4.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Planet A. 1.20 Nuts And Bolts. 1.50 Brooklyn Nine-

Nine. 2.15 Abandoned. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.05 Joy Of Painting. 5.35 WorldWatch. 6.15 Brooklyn NineNine. 6.40 Jeopardy!

6am

Charade.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise.

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 MOVIE: Nightmare Tenant. (2018, Mv, R)

2.00 Psych. (Mlv, R)

3.00 The Chase.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls) Jim Jefferies hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Talking Footy. A look at the week’s AFL news, hosted by James Brayshaw, Tim Watson, Joel Selwood and Trent Cotchin.

10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Kerry Whelan – Wife For Ransom. (Mav, R) Examines the case of Kerry Whelan.

12.00 Parenthood. (PGa, R)

1.00 To Be Advised.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30

9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Mr Mayor. (PGs, R)

2.00 Pointless. (PG)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Jack and Tori are in the firing line.

9.00 Under Investigation: The Good Snitch. (Mlv) Liz Hayes and her team of experts investigate the death of star witness Andrew Petrelis.

10.00 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

Point. (PG, R)

(PG, R)

9GO! (82, 93)

10.45

6am

10.00

TEN (5, 10)

Tonight. 1.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R)

2.00 Australian Survivor. (R) 3.00 Farm To Fork. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00

Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGads) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Ambulance Australia.

(Mad) NSW Ambulance crews race to a call for a slashed throat and perform life-saving CPR on teens.

8.30 FBI: International. (Md) When an American basketballer suffers a heart attack in a Belgrade strip club, the FBI fly team investigates the possibility of foul play with Zoey McKenna, a new agent appointed by US legal attaché Dandridge.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00

10 BOLD (53, 12)

6am

12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 Hawaii Five-0. 10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

6.00

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.30 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Masv, R)

In the search for a revenge-for-hire crime ring, Benson and Stabler join forces on a case that has global reach.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Danny grills feuding crime families.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

10 BOLD (53, 12)

6am Home Shopping.

8.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 20. Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory. Highlights. 8.30 Diagnosis Murder. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 NCIS: New Orleans.

10.20 Evil. 11.15 Diagnosis Murder. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG.

12674095-KG11-24

All eyes on benefits of technology

People living with visual impairment will have the chance to learn about how technology can help make their lives easier through a series of free information sessions.

Vision Australia will run free sessions at its BelmontofficeonMarch19and26toshowcase the ways different technologies, both specialist and mainstream, can have a life-changing impact at home, school, work and in the community.

TimHiggins,oneofVisionAustralia’saccess technologyspecialists,saidmoderntechnology

could help many people living with blindness or low vision overcome everyday challenges.

“A lot of modern mainstream technologies like smartphones have a number of built-in accessibility features and there’s also a range of apps that can support people who are blind or have low vision when it comes to navigation, communicationoraccessinginformationinthe community,” Mr Higgins said. “Technology can often be what makes those everyday, but vital, tasks possible.. “For example, a device like a Google Home or Amazon Alexa might

be what helps someone access a recipe and set timers while they’re in the kitchen, while knowing how to use the voice command functions of their smart phone can be what allows them to call or text friends and family.”

The sessions are open to anyone whose life is impacted by vision loss that cannot be corrected by glasses or similar measures, as well as their family or carers.

Aimed at people completely new to these kindsoftechnologiesaswellasadvancedusers, the session will involve demonstrations and

Pottery exhibition on show for Gaza

A Geelong artist is holding an exhibition to highlight the plights of people affected in the Gaza Strip.

Pottery artist Storm Bucek’s ‘If I must die… let it bring hope’ tells a story of the events in Gaza through the lens of her appreciation for traditional Palestinian art and her experience as a human rights worker in Central America in the 1980s.

“After October 7th, my news feed was filled with desperate, bleeding people crying out for help; of unimaginably huge craters left from 2000 pound bombs dropped in the middle of crowded cities; of wounded and crying children with their heads wrapped in bandages, and others with stumps where legs and hands should be,” she said.

“The news headlines were horrific, and cries of genocide resounded around the world. The inspiration to create emerged from these headlines and a deep sadness that continues as wecollectivelywitnesstheongoingdestruction of a people and a culture.”

The works that express Storm’s grief at the suffering of the people of Gaza will be interlaced with a second range of pots celebrating Palestinian art and resilience. In these works, Storm explores clay forms inspired by the 3000 year old art of Palestinian ceramics. Her intricate carvings, sgraffito, and porcelain inlay designs are interpretations of motifs found in the Palestinian embroidery tradition of tatreez.

“I make these pots to amplify the voices of the people of Gaza,” she said.

“All my proceeds are donated because the people of Gaza are desperate and asking for help.Idon’twanttoprofitfromtheirsuffering.”

The exhibition will be held at the Hue and Cry Collective art gallery on Ryrie Street from March 9 to 31. All proceeds will be donated to The Gaza Children’s Fund.

Storm Bucek’s ‘If I must die…let it bring hope’ exhibition is at Hue and Cry Collective art gallery. (Supplied)

opportunities to try out various devices.

“We can also introduce people to the huge range of specialist equipment available to them, from something like a magnifier that helps people with low vision read written information, or it might be something more advanced like screen-reading software that supports someone who is blind to find and maintain employment,” Mr Higgins said.

Visit geelong.admin@visionaustralia.org or call (03) 5249 2700 for more information or to register for the sessions.

Starting conversations

The Surf Coast Arts Trail is back for another year, with registrations opening next week for artists of all skill levels.

Registrations will open on March 14 for the arts trail event on August 3 and 4, welcoming artists to exhibit and demonstrate their work.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Gary Allen said 16,700 people admired the work of more than 200 artists during last year’s trail.

“Last year’s numbers demonstrated what a fantastic opportunity our much-lovedtrailisforartistsandpatrons alike,” he said. “Total sales across the weekend exceeded $240,000, including more than $30,000 in commissions and $10,000 in workshop commitments.

“It (the trail) provides a significant economic boost for our acclaimed creative sector alongside a wonderful experience for all.”

Fairhaven artist Julia Freake said the most challenging part for artists exhibiting their work was “just putting it put there”, and the arts trail was a good way to start conversations around creativity.

“I love that we can all come together and that we can share across the generations, and all have our different takes on art as individuals,” she said.

“I’m very passionate about people exploring their creative sides, and I’ve got a real passion for kids learning the tools and not being put off or told they are doing it wrong.

“We have all of the artists talking to each other about what mediums they use or how they do things, all inspiring each other.”Visitsurfcoastartstrail.com.aufor more information about the Surf Coast Arts Trail and to register between March 14 and April 28.

MY GEELONG

Michelle Baker volunteers with Lifeline Geelong once a week to help people during some of the worst days of their lives. She speaks with the Independent’s Jena Carr about her role and what she loves about living in Armstrong Creek.

What is your connection to Geelong?

I used to holiday in Geelong when I was growing up, then moved to Ocean Grove in 2000 and have loved living in the Geelong region since then.

What do you like about where you live?

I love living so close to our beautiful beaches. I’m in Armstrong Creek now and love being halfway between Geelong and the coast.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Iwouldchangetheweather,asitwouldbegreat if it were warmer.

Where is your favourite place to spend time?

IlovespendingtimeatEasternBeach,Torquay, Ocean Grove, or anywhere by the water.

My absolute favourite places to spend time are walking on the beach, exploring rock pools and enjoying the scenery.

What is something people may not know about you?

People may not know that I volunteer for Lifeline, supporting people in crisis on the phone one night a week.

What do you like about your role with Lifeline?

It is an absolute privilege to be there for people at that dark moment in their lives when they really need someone to talk to. It can be a challenge, of course, but it’s rewarding to provide support to people when they need to talk to someone. They won’t be judged and will be treated with empathy, compassion and respect. Lifeline is an amazing service run by

(Ivan Kemp)

the most supportive people.

I have also been very fortunate to provide support to people at ‘‘A Day on the Green’’.

I’ve seen the Chicks and Robbie Williams during the event and will get to see the

Chemical Brothers this weekend. This has definitely been a highlight.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If people would like to know more about

Lifeline and how they can be involved in this fantastic and much-needed service, an Open Day Information Session is coming up. It will be on Tuesday, March 26, from 2pm to 6pm at Lifeline Geelong on 1 McKillop Street.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway on Saturday, March 9. Admission $10 including supper, 7.30-11pm, music Charles. Sunday March 10, 2pm-4pm, music Kevin.

■ 0400 500 402

Christian Singles

Dinner at Club House (formerly Pekish), North Geelong, Saturday March 16, 6.30pm. Book by March 15.

■ 0400 662 352

Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. ■ Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net

Choir

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.

■ Dr Terry Norman, 0411 875 033, or termernorman@gmail.com

Geelong ballroom dancing

Saturdays 7.30pm to 10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate.

■ 5278 9740, or geelongballroomdc.com.au

Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings

First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.

■ geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au

Alcoholics (and other addicts)

For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at BelmontHighton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont.

■ 0420 910 763

Belmont Seniors

Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

■ 5241 1776

Lions Club Of Geelong Meets for breakfast first Tuesday of each month at The Eastern Hub, Geelong East. ■ ajd53m@yahoo.com

Dancer’s Club

Ballroom dancing Wednesdays

7.30pm-10.30pm, Leopold Hall, Bellarine Highway. Cost: $8, includes light supper.

■ Russ, 5250 1937

Geelong Harmony Chorus

Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm in Herne Hill.

■ contact@geelongharmony.com.au, or 0406 666 737

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir

Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English. ■ 0413 406 433, or welshladieschoir.com.au

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

$2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

■ Frank, 5241 1776

Street), St Leonards.

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

Carpet Bowls

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Wednesday and Friday each week, 1pm to 3.15pm. $4 Admission and includes afternoon tea.

■ 0400 500 402

OMNI

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

Lara Community Market

Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL from 9am to 1pm.

Geelong Breakfast Lions Club Meets first Tuesday of each month, 8am at The Eastern Hub, East Geelong.

■ ajd53m@yahoo.com

Badminton

Social mixed, Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30pm. Beginners welcome.

■ Maureen, 0429 397 015

Geelong Amateur Radio Club Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30pm to 4pm and Fridays at 6.30pm.

■ Robert, 0438 409 979, or vk3atl.org

Geelong’s Soroptimist International Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL.

■ 0455 835 691, or geelong@siswp.com

Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.

■ John, 0409 234 307

Geelong Anglers Club

Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions.

■ Brian, 0417 190 092, or Ian, 0470 114 787

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

First steps in music Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.

■ info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

PlayLinks

Music and art playgroup where babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.

■ info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

GROW Australia

Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.

■ grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268

Combined Probus Belmont Central

The Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome.

■ Secretary, 0417 555 547

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

Bellbrae Singing for Fun

Come to one session or come to them all. Bellbrae Hall, 6-8pm May 10, September 13 and November 8. Bring a friend for free for the first time, admission $10.

■ Michele, 0425 849 779

Laughter Club Geelong

Saturdays 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.

■ 0418 521 265

Drysdale Day VIEW

Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.

■ Margaret, 0431 636 090

Geelong Day VIEW

First Monday monthly from 11am at

Eastern Hub, East Geelong.

■ geelongdayview@gmail.com

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.

■ leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Geelong Evening VIEW

Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

■ Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com

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

Grovedale Marshall Probus

Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.

■ Anne, 0425 356 973

Ocean Grove Men’s Probus

First Monday of each month, 10am, except January, at Surf Life Saving Club.

■ Barry, 0409 161 129

Stamps Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West and 1pm third Monday of the month at Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont.

■ Julie, 0438 270 549

Barefoot bowls

Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown, Friday twilight starting 6pm. $15 covers bowls and BBQ. Drinks at Crackerjack bar prices.

■ John, 0419 563 199

Grovedale East Ladies Probus

Fourth Monday of each month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

■ Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610, or nelsonsally59@gmail.com

Belmont Central Combined Probus

Second Wednesday of each month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

■ 0417 555 547

Waurn Ponds Combined Probus

Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am.

Maximum 100 members.

■ probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn

Combined Probus Geelong East

The Combined Probus Club of Geelong East meets every third Monday of the month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.

■ Malcolm, 0419 376 380

Geelong Scout Heritage Centre Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm.

■ 0419 591 432, or geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Belmont Combined Probus

First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Road. New members and visitors welcome

■ Pam, 0408 520 931, or leave a message on 5243 4042

Barwon Valley Belmont Probus

First Thursday of the month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

■ Membership officer, 0407 333 263, or bobstafford@ozemail.com.au

Out and about

Summer might be officially over, but the start of autumn has arguably been more ‘summerlike’ than summer. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach on Tuesday and found surfers and beachgoers enjoying the warm weather.

1/ Georgia Purcell with her great grandmother Jill and sons Maxwell and Leo. 2/ Nikola Vidovic and Solene Assie. 3/ Astrid Leslie and daughter Eloise. 4/ Danny Malone. 5/ Grace Hooper. 6/ Jack Milgate. 7/ Martin Dolheguy. 8/ Geoff and Bev Soulsby. 9/ Max Risstrom. 10/ Megan and Claire. 11/ Dana Walsh, Megan Markov and Ebony Tabakovic.

ACROSS

1, 19-down Author of Alice'sAdventuresin Wonderland (5,7)

4 Practical (9)

9 Controller of meeting (5)

10 Ship’s petty officer (9)

11 Birds of prey (6)

12 Severe or harmful (8)

14 Makes a good point (10)

15 – de toilette (3)

17 Extraterrestrial craft (1.1.1)

19 Black and white (10)

23 Period of instruction (8)

24 Protozoan (6)

26 Music-makers (9)

27 Soldier of Hebrew Bible (5)

28 Replicated (9)

29 Sham (5)

DECODER

DOWN

1 Cabinet (6)

2 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

3 Waitstaff (7)

4 Bars (4)

5 Extremely greedy (10)

6 Govern incompetently (7)

7 Acrobatic apparatus (7)

8 Interpret (8)

13 Group of owls (10)

16 Rump (8)

18 Perfect (7)

19 See 1-across

20 Member of ancient Germanic tribe (7)

21 Breastbone (7)

22 Somewhat (6)

25 Utilised (4)

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”.

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good

28 words: Very good

38 words: Excellent

No. 175

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS AID AIM AVO EEL EGO ERA EWE HER INN IOU LIE NEE NEW PRO PUT SKI TEE TIE TNT TOT UGH WRY YET

4 LETTERS ARIA BIRD BYES COST DEEM FEDS HEAD PEWS PROD SEEP SLUM SPED STUD TSAR WETS

5 LETTERS ACUTE AGREE AORTA ATONE AWAIT AWARE AZURE CARAT COMET DENIM DETER DOZEN EASED EDGES

aims, farm,

1 Who is the creator of comic strip CalvinandHobbes?

2 Myocardial infarction is the medical name for what bodily occurance?

3 Quentin Tarantino’s (pictured) 2021 debut fiction book is a novelisation of which of his films?

4 Belmopan is the capital city of which Central American country?

5 In which decade was the Rubik’s Cube invented?

6 Lion’s mane is one of the largest species of which marine animal?

7 The geometric shape torus can be colloquially described as what kind of shape?

8 The annual music festival Coachella is held in which US state?

9 What is the main flavour of the sweet spread kaya?

10 Novelist and poet James Joyce was born in which country?

No. 175

No. 175

No.

RATINGS

Looks: 7/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 7/10

Star turns Poles apart from past

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Model mid-cycle upgrades usually consist of faffing about with design features and tweaking, or adding, the odd piece of automotive technology.

Surprisingly, Polestar 2, the Swedish designed sedan, via Volvo, made in China, has really set about its two-year-old EV.

As the maker puts it, the electric car’s range, efficiency, and performance have been improved,atthesametimewithacutincarbon footprint.Puttingfigurestothat,thePolestar2, with larger batteries and new motors, can now travel up to 22 per cent further, consume up to nine per cent less energy and charge up to 34 per cent faster.

A new look is in line with Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 models and includes a switch from front to rear-wheel drive for the base variants. All versions have been boosted with longer range and active safety equipment as standard. Prices are up between $3000 and $4000 before on-road costs.

The base model Standard Range Single Motor rear-wheel drive comes to market from $67,400, plus on-road costs, the Long Range Single Motor RWD sells from $71,400, plus on-roads and the Long Range Dual Motor AWD tops off the trio at $76,400.

APerformancePack,consistingofasoftware upgrade, Performance suspension settings, with Ohlins shock absorbers, 20-inch alloy wheels, gold tyre valve caps and gold seatbelts canbehadfor$9000.OntestweretheStandard Range Single Motor RWD and flagship Long Range Dual Motor AWD, the latter with Performance Pack.

Styling

If it looks like a Volvo and behaves like a Volvo, then it probably is a Volvo. Likewise, with its Volvo roots, little has changed along the way on the styling front from the first Polestar 2 iteration.

Interior

Thesteeplyrakedslit-of-arearwindowpresents

tight headroom and a limited view behind for the driver, but the panoramic glass roof really opensupthecabinforoccupantswithitstinted panel keeping out the hot sunrays.

However, the absence of a retractable solid material blind in the test vehicle failed to keep the summer sun’s heat at bay. Also the climate controls are operated through the touchscreen, which can make comfort doubly difficult during a bumpy ride.

Legroom is adequate for a vehicle of this size, as is shoulder space. There are a couple of Isofix child restraint anchor points in the back and a child seat can be clipped in the middle thanks to a top tether point in the lower section of the seat.

An under-bonnet cubby can easily house the charging lead, while the rear boot can take 405 litres with nifty ‘grocery gate’, a divider that has elastic bands to prevent smaller items from tumbling around. A useable 41 litre sub floor keeps stuff hidden.

Like with other EVs, you can forget a spare wheel.

Infotainment

The dual 12.3-inch screens provide stacks of info and once mastered, over time, is quick, responsive and fairly easy to navigate.

Bluelink connected car service allows users to set a charging time, and pre-set the vehicle’s climate control to take advantage of off-peak electricity; also remotely monitor the vehicle’s distance to empty and can restart charging if required. The app allows the owner to find EV charging stations and send the address to the car’s sat nav. A tool will show on a map the driveable radius with 80 and 100 percent battery charge levels.

Wireless phone charging is standard across therange.AppleCarPlayandAndroidAutoare wired, with Google and Android functions on tap. A 600W harman/kardon audio system has 13 speakers spread around the cabin but there’s no access to AM radio.

Engines/transmissions

The single motor versions are powered by a

newly developed permanent magnet unit and silicon carbide inverter putting out up to 220 kW and 490 Nm. In the dual motors, the rear one is the primary drive source, with support fromupfrontbyanewsynchronousunit.Total power output is 310 kW and 740 Nm. The Performance software upgrade boosts power by 40 kW to 350 kW and torque to 740 Nm.

Safety

Polestar 2 carries over the five-star ANCAP safety rating from its debutant model.

Driver and passengers are ‘cushioned’ by eight airbags.

Value added across the range comes from active safety features such as blind spot warning and cross traffic alert, both with brake support, rear collision warning and mitigation, along with 360-degree surround view camera and dimming exterior mirrors.

The SmartZone also incorporates some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including a front-facing camera and mid-range radar.

Driving

The move to rear-wheel drive with the single motor in the MY24 Polestar 2 makes for a morepleasingdriveoverthefront-drivemodel, while the rear-wheel drive bias of the all-wheel drive model has a similar effect.

The single motor model rear-wheel drive appeared more spritely than its all-wheel drive cousin, probably due to its carrying less weight. However, in one-pedal drive mode, regenerative braking in the latter is less sharp, an intentional move, says the manufacturer, if the electric motor slows the rear wheels too quickly, it risks putting the vehicle in a spin.

The Performance Pack used its race-developed four-piston Brembo brakes to pull up the weighty (2 tonne-plus) vehicle to a halt assuredly. However, the tweaked suspensionandlowprofiletyrespickedupeven the slightest blemish in the bitumen.

As far as efficiency is concerned, the front

motor of the latter can be shut down when not needed and re-engaged when more power is required, something that came to light during testing with the need to accelerate suddenly in a roundabout filtering move that could have ended not well.

Energy consumption on tests were, for the flagship 19.6 kWh/100km and the single motor 16.5 kWh/100km, compared to the maker’s claims of 17.2 kWh/100 km and 14.8 kWh/100km, respectively.

The Standard Range Single Motor is capable of a range of 532 kilometres, says the maker, depending on how the car is driven, while the Long Range Single Motor (on test) pushes that out to 654 kilometres.

An overnight charge at home via a standard plug-in system put around 30 per cent into the battery of the single motor model, while fast charging of the dual motor did roughly the same in 30 minutes.

The MY24 Polestar 2 cars on test came up with a few surprises, some good, some not so. Reversing out of home, the autonomous emergency braking system picked up a low growing bush encroaching onto the curved driveway and instantly brought the car to a sudden halt, with an accompanying shock to the driver. A temporary tieback defeated the Triffid.

Reversing, generally, was a chore, with the distorted camera view making it difficult to judge distances.

On the more pleasant side, a family visit west had us all smiling. A battery top-up was sought in the south-east Queensland town of Warwick, which boasts a single public service point. Now, there may be only limited access to the service, but courtesy of Southern Downs Regional Council and the University of Queensland, filling up there is F-R-E-E.

Summary

The dilemma for would-be Polestar 2 buyers is whether he or she should snap up the upgraded version at present prices or wait for thesoon-to-bereleasedcompletelynewversion at what cost?

On the surface there is not much change for the upgraded Polestar 2, however, under the skin it’s a different matter. (Supplied)

New concussion rules

Children and adults who suffer a head knock while playing Australian Rules football will have to sit out for at least three weeks under changes to the AFL’s concussion protocols.

The new protocol will operate in all other Australian football competitions, including those in the Greater Geelong area, the VictorianFootballLeagueandVFLW,Coates Talent Leagues and all community football competitions for senior and junior players.

Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program.

Theexisting12-daybreakafteraconcussion will remain for only AFL and AFLW players.

‘‘ We play a contact sport and there is always going to be risk ’’ - Stephen Meade

The AFL said the difference in rest periods between the AFL and AFLW compared to all other levels “reflect the differences in the level of medical resources that are generally available at the elite level of the game that generally do not exist to the same degree in other competitions.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said the AFL takes very seriously the issue of concussion and the updated community football guidelines reflect the AFL’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of all present, past and future players.

“The AFL’s concussion guidelines are the most stringent concussion protocols in Australian sport both at a community and elite level and we are committed to continuing to take action to protect the safety of players at all levels of the game.” Mr Meade said.

“The updated community guidelines represent a significant step in the AFL’s existing record of ongoing improvements to its concussion management strategy that reflect medical research and other learnings over time.

“We play a contact sport and there is always going to be risk, however over recent years we have continued to take action to strengthen match-day protocols and amend the Laws of the Game to discourage high contact, and we will continue to do so.”

Teams up and about for finals

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

It was a dark morning for semi-final day in the Tennis Geelong junior pennant with several matches being delayed due to rain. But being finals day, teams were up and about and not likely to let a little bit of water dampen the day, especially those in do or die elimination finals.

Itwasamixedbagofresults,fromWandana Heights (Green Ball 4) and Western Heights Uniting (3 Boys) winning their matches 6-0, to the Heights 5 Boys team drawing with Surfcoast Jan Juc.

The Heights were three sets to one after the singles, but Jan Juc fought back winning both doubles, levelling the match on sets and games. Jacob Furness and Harrison McHale prevailed for Jan Juc in the deciding seventh set, booking a place in the prelim against Ocean Grove.

All Saints came through in their two second semis with 5-1 wins over Highton in 2 Boys and Ocean Grove Dolphin in 10 Boys, while Ocean Grove Orca’s came through in a close one against Point Lonsdale in Green Ball 3 after being down three sets to one, to win on game difference.

Wandana Heights stole the show in their two elimination finals coming from fourth to beat Geelong Lawn 5-1 in Green Ball 1 and just edging out Surfcoast Torquay by one game in 1 Girls. Wandana held a two-game lead after the singles, but with a 7-5 loss and 7-6 win in the doubles, they managed to stay ahead and keep their finals hopes alive.

Geelong Lawn played in four other knockout matches this week with mixed results, taking a comfortable 5-1 win over Bannockburn in 7 Boys and winning both doubles to secure a 4-2 win over Barwon Heads in 4 Boys.

The 6 Boys team fought hard but missed out to St Mary’s by two games and Barwon Heads came from behind in 1 Boys to snatch victory by three games.

Grovedale’s Green Ball 2 team rounded out the close matches, after just sneaking into the finals last week, they overcame Highton by just four games with the teams even on sets.

There is a week’s break for the Labour Day long weekend, with preliminary finals for the eight team sections and sudden death finals for the six team sections on March 16, giving everyone a chance for a good rest and all teams will be ready to come out swinging.

S7B Bannockburn: Mitchell Showler, Thomas Crossley, Hudson Gillett and William Crossley.

Better weather – more fish

Hot fishing has continued around the area this week with much better weather playing a big factor in allowing anglers to venture out and get amongst it.

Inside the bay has still been producing some nice pinky snapper on soft plastics with anglers targeting areas like the spoil grounds and Alcoa pier finding some impressive numbers of fish.

For best results ideally run 4-5 inch soft plastics rigged on a one quarter ounce jig head.

In closer, the King George whiting have also remained on the chew with most reports coming from late arvo bites. Bird Rock again this week has proved to be a very popular location to target them. Timing your trip to fish on a tide change is a pretty key factor to consider when targeting them at the moment as the tides aren’t very big due to the moon.

St Leonards still claims its title as the whiting hotspot for the area with much better reports coming from down this way. Again timing your trips to be fishing around the stronger tides is a very important factor and if you can fish in an evening then even better.

The Rip has had some reports come throughofyellowtailkingfishstartingto bite with some fish reaching more than a metre. Anglers dropping live and dead baits have been having good success and of course knife jigs are getting plenty of bites too. Fishing the tide changes has again been a key factor to having better success but we can expect to see this area fish very well over the coming weeks.

The bluefin tuna offshore have gone intooverdrivewiththefishseemingtobe going stupid. Anglers trolling hardbody and skirted lures have been doing some serious damage lately with some boats bagging out before 9. Double, Triple, 4, 5 way hook-ups - it’s been crazy! Well worth getting out there and having a crack as we only got maybe a month or so left on them until next season.

The Barwon River has been a popular freshwater location this week with carp, redfin and perch all making an appearance with plenty of reports coming through on worms with Queens Park proving to be a hot spot.

AsurprisecatchthisweekwasMikalah McCormack with an Australian bass caught under a float with corn while chasing carp. As far as rare captures go for Geelong that is well up there.

Mikalah McCormack with a super rare catch, a bass from the Barwon River.

Bowls finals begin

It was finals time in Geelong Bowls Region’s Premier Division on Saturday March 2. Ocean Grove played Highton and Queenscliff took on Drysdale. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Belmont Bowls Club for all the action.

Kane Gallagher leads off for Drysdale.

Maya Rees tries the forehand.

Left: Gary Warren responds with a backhand. Centre: Michael West goes the forehand. Right: David Priddle follows his bowl down the rink. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 391506

Barry Gladman looks for position.

Tyson Cromie goes the backhand.

Bradley Pavey watches his bowl intently.

Jeremy Fitzgerald looks to get close for Highton.

Above: Dan Priddle tries to save the end; and Ashley Rees closes it out.

Gordon Nicholson leads for Queenscliff.

Cricket approaching finals

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval for the Battle of the Bridge clash between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads and at McDonald Reserve for the game between Highton and Newtown & Chilwell.

Above: Archie Bain takes the catch to dismiss Nathan McCoach. Below: Chris Young swings hard.

Above: Dylan Hodge takes the catch to dismiss Brady Somers. Below right: Brent McMinn took four wickets.

Suman Strestha is annoyed as he walks from the field with Angus Ford in the background having taken the catch.

Left: Michael Thornton plays this Dan Donaldson delivery behind square leg. Centre: Paul Jubber just makes his ground. Right: Errol Burns plays this delivery to the onside. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp)

Left: Nick Burke in action. Above: Paul Jubber is stumped by Max Melzer. Below: Angus Ford takes one of his four catches for the day.

Archie Bain bowls to Chris Young.

Cobras strike on eve of finals

By Justin Flynn

Collendina’s march to Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade promotion is on track after making an imposing 6/285 against Winchelsea on Saturday March 2.

TheCobrasareontopoftheA2Gradeladder and victory this week would secure the minor premiership.

OpenersCoreyWalter(89)andBenRiccardo (39) set the tone early for the Snakes.

“We made a focus on making sure we give them (middle order) a solid platform and I think we were one for 130 maybe at tea, which we were really happy with,” Walter said.

“It gave ourselves an opportunity with wickets in hand to try and go at fives and sixes (an over) after tea.”

Walter has made 580 runs this season at an average of 58 since crossing back to his home club after a stint at Marshall.

After the break Stan Grazotis played with freedom, finishing unbeaten on 97 from 87 deliveries. Grazotis was left stranded at the nonstriker’s end for the final three deliveries of the innings.

“I think it’s important when we’ve got wickets in hand, it lets him (Grazotis) play his natural game and I think he’s just better for us at five or six,” Walter said.

“It’sabitofaluxuryifwecanhavehimcome in after tea and play his natural game and it worked out perfectly yesterday. He hit the ball so clean. He deserved a hundred, but he was

just rapt to get us up to that really good score.”

For Winchelsea, Shane Murdoch continued his stellar season with 3/75 from 21 overs and Matt Partridge put in a long shift with 2/83 from 27.

Walter said Collendina had a good blend of youth and experience.

“We’ve got four or five guys in their thirties who have played a lot of cricket and just enjoy playing with these younger guys and trying to

teach them along the way,” he said.

DRYSDALE needs just 10 runs to defeat Newcomb outright and move into second spot on the ladder. Youngster Hayden Eddy, fresh from taking seven wickets in an Under 17 final that morning, took 5/19. However, all eyeswillbeontheweatherforecast.IftheBOM predictsatoptemperatureof38ormoreat8am on gameday, no play will take place. It would mean that Drysdale would be on 63 points

and second placed Portarlington (with a draw) would be on 64. The early forecast for Geelong on Saturday is for 39 degrees.

RILEY Illingworth made 78 in Portarlington’s total of 213 all out against St Leonards. David Hambrook made 48 while Saints’ skipper James Burns was superb with 6/52 from 21 overs.

WALLINGTON made 234 against Surfcoast with Owne Dunn getting 65 and Henry McIntosh a quick 44 while Daniel Zoch took 5/52 for the Stingrays.

IN A1 GRADE, Jac Juc opener Nick Hyden craftedasuperb107notoutfrom195deliveries to have his side at 5/274 against Queenscliff. Finn Bilston (51) and Tom Kearney (40) also contributed.

OCEAN GROVE was on track for a big score against arch rivals Barwon Heads, but lost a cluster of late wickets to be all out for 186. Evergreen Paul Jubber (48) and Suman Shrestha (40) got runs, but Dan Donaldson took 3/78 from 25 overs and Brent McMinn chipped in 4/4 to have the game evenly poised.

BARRABOOL batted all day for 165 against Anglesea with Tully Seattle (43) and Ed Morrison(42)playingwell.Seas’skipperDylan Taylor starred with 5/15 and looms as a player to watch come finals time.

CLAY Mulgrew swapped his run-making exploits for some wickets as Inverleigh made 164. Mulgrew took 6/60 from 25 overs and Daniel Maclean grabbed 4/57 from a marathon 33 overs.

Grovedale bowlers deliver a masterclass

Grovedale seamer Clinton Ford put on a bowling masterclass to have his side in a strong position going into day two of the final round of Geelong Cricket Association matches this weekend.

Fordtook5/51fromamarathon32oversand bowled 14 maidens as North Geelong crawled its way to 9/165 from 83 overs at stumps.

Needing to win or draw to make the finals, Grovedale won the toss on a Burdoo Reserve pitch that offered a bit for the bowlers.

“There was a little bit in the wicket, so it was quite difficult to bat on,” Ford said.

“I guess that was the reason why the scores were quite economical. The batsmen were never really in on that wicket.”

However, Ford said the reason for sending the Magpies in wasn’t all because of the look of the pitch.

“It was more so in the situation of the race for the finals where we have to either win or possibly draw to make finals,” he said.

“If you bat second you’ve always got that possibility of blocking it out for a draw.”

Connor Hangan top scored for North Geelong with 38 from 131 deliveries, which illustrated just how difficult it was to score.

Jack Wrigglesworth was economical with 1/30 from 15 overs while spin duo Bailey Sykes (2/34 from 17) and Nathan Berry (1/16 from nine) got something out of the track.

“Ithoughtifwebowledagoodlineandlength and the wicket was doing a little bit, you’re always a chance of creating an opportunity,” Ford said.

“We’ve actually matched up pretty well against North for the last few years and we give ourselves every chance to beat them, so we’ve obviously have to do it the hard way to beat them to make the finals.

“Andifwe’regoingtobeachanceofwinning it, you’ve got to beat the best so what better test than to play (the best) in the last round.”

Ford said he expected North Geelong to bat on with seven overs remaining in the innings when play resumes.

NEWTOWN&Chilwellhasalreadyclaimed first-innings points against Highton. Needing to win while hoping one of Grovedale or St

ST JOSEPH’S

Joseph’s lose to make finals, the Two Blues bowled Highton out for 97 with the wickets shared around. Newtown & Chilwell then declared at 2/104 and had Highton 2/39 at stumps with an outright win a real possibility.

will need to chase a huge score against East Belmont if it is to play finals. East

Belmont is 7/292 with Luke Inglis making a brilliant 112 from 197 balls while Danny Hegartyisunbeatenon59andJoshLaceymade 55.AustinHumphreytoiledhardforJoeyswith 3/62 from 24 overs.

SOUTH Barwon will also need to chase down a big score against Lara to have any hope

of making the four. The Swans need to win and hope other results go their way, but it was Lara which took the honours on day one. Daniel Weigl (65), Robert Sodomaco (56) and Daniel Hughes (43 not out) all spent time at the crease with Jasper George sneaking in late with three wickets for South Barwon.

Top: Highton’s Brady Somers gets an edge and was caught at slip by Newtown & Chilwell captain Dylan Hodge. Left: Nash Viney edges this Dylan Hodge delivery through to Ronnie McKenna to be out for 16. Right: Chris Young gloves this Archie Bain delivery through to Ronnie McKenna to be out for 14. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 391520

Ocean Grove’s Dylan Thorley is bowled by Barwon Heads’ Dan Donaldson for four in the A1 Grade game. (Ivan Kemp) 391511_26

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