Geelong Indy - 12th April 2024

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FMOs strike for better pay

By Jena Carr

Geelong ambulance fleet maintenance officers (FMOs) have walked off the job in a “historic first” for better pay and recognition.

FMOs from Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton, Horsham, Morwell, Shepparton and Wangaratta participated in a 24-hour strike on April 8, following 14 months of pay negotiations with Ambulance Victoria (AV).

North Geelong FMO Luke said FMOs were the mechanics that kept ambulance trucks operational and were often on call outside assigned hours.

“If the ambulances don’t start tomorrow morning, someone potentially doesn’t get seen to and passes away,” he said.

‘‘ Prior to COVID, we had a certain amount of boxes we had to tick, but our workloads have gone up by 177 per cent ’’ - Luke

“Every time we do a COVID cleaning, we risk taking that back home to our families... and we just want recognition for the roles that we have taken on.

“Prior to COVID, we had a certain amount ofboxeswehadtotick,butourworkloadshave gone up by 177 per cent as the ambulances are

doing more cases.

“At the end of the day, we just haven’t been recognised for the work we do. They’re paying us to be a mechanic, and we’re doing a lot more than mechanical work.”

United Workers Union national ambulance co-ordinator Fiona Scalon said the strike was a “historic first” as there was no record of FMOs taking this kind of action before.

“Our crews in fleet feel they have been given no other option but to take industrial action, and have voted accordingly,” she said.

“After 70-plus meetings, AV has failed to present an offer that addresses the cost-of-living crisis facing our members.

“AV doesn’t seem to ‘get’ how important fleet workers are in providing much-needed ambulance services in regional Victoria.”

An AV spokesperson said it respected people’s rights to “take protected action” during pay negotiations and that normal ambulanceoperationswouldnotbeimpacted.

“If Victorians have an emergency and you need an ambulance, you will get one, and patient safety will not be impacted,” they said.

“AV continues to negotiate in good faith with employee representatives towards a mutually beneficial Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Agreement 2024.”

Visit megaphone.org.au/petitions/fair-payfor-ambulance-mechanics to sign the Fair Pay for Ambulance Mechanics petition and more information.

Geelong FMOs Frank, Luke and Darren held a strike for better pay and recognition. (Ivan Kemp)

399877_05

Funding lifeline for Bell Park

By Matt Hewson

Geelong council has provided Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club with renewed hope for its planstoinstallfemale-friendlyfacilities,voting unanimously to support the club’s bid for federal funding at a special meeting this week.

Councillors approved City officers’ recommendation to apply on behalf of the club for a $1.5 million grant from the Australian government’s 2024-35 Play Our Way program and commit $200,000 for female-friendly change rooms at Hamlyn Park Reserve.

The Hamlyn Park upgrades were seemingly set to receive council’s backing for state government funding and co-contribution at February’s council meeting, but an 11th hour

change of heart saw six councillors vote to support Newtown & Chilwell Sporting Club’s bid instead.

Since that meeting council has faced intense criticism with former Newtown & Chilwell senior coach Cr Peter Murrihy, who moved the alternate motion in February, drawing much of the public’s ire.

Cr Murrihy said “the timing of this couldn’t have come at a better time after the heat of the past month”.

“The intended outcomes are to improve sport and physical activity, increased and sustained access, increased participation, retention, engagement, and successful delivery of safe, inclusive spaces, which is all that Bell Park desire for their female participants,” Cr

Murrihy said.

“No one can deny that Bell Park are in need of a netball change room facility, so we keep our fingers crossed that this application is successful.”

If successful, the funding will allow for the construction of a change room facility consisting of outdoor viewing terraces, storage and medical areas, two umpire rooms, an administration office, social lounge area, four netballchangerooms,segregatedtoiletshowers and an all-abilities toilet.

Bell Park president Jeff Jarvis said the club was “pretty rapt” council were supporting its application after February’s turn of events.

“Now how successful that’s going to be is a different matter… it’s going to be a fairly

A celebration of our aquatic surrounds

Local environmental community groups the Deakin Ecological Collective and 3220 Beach Patrol have invited the public to join them for a fun and educational event beside Corio Bay.

A free event, Everything Aquatic will be held at Eastern Beach on April 20 between 9am and noon, featuring a range of informative stands, community market stalls and interactive activities for the whole family.

Intended as both a way to bring together manyofthedifferentcommunityorganisations working to improve environmental health and sustainability and raise public awareness of the beauty of our aquatic ecosystems and the challenges they face.

Everything Aquatic organiser Juliet Doling, a 22-year-old Deakin honours student who came to Geelong from Vietnam in 2022 to pursue her studies, said Geelong’s people and places inspired her to spearhead the event.

“I just fell in love with Geelong, honestly,” she said.

“The community has been so great. They brought me in, looked after me, made me feel so at home in a new country.”

Inadditiontoherhonoursstudiesinzoology and animal science, Ms Doling is a member of numerous community organisations, serving in a leadership role with many of them, including Geelong Beach Patrol, Corangamite

Catchment Authority and Deakin’s Water Watch,theAustralianMicroplasticAssessment Project and Study Geelong.

She said Everything Aquatic struck her as a good way to bring many of Geelong’s environmental groups together.

“Iwasworkingwithsomanygroupsbutthey weren’t really interlinking,” Ms Doling said.

“I felt that was such a shame, because all the groups are doing their best to help the environment, so why not work together?”

Visit the Everything Aquatic Facebook event page for more information.

Matt Hewson

Surfing museum amped for 30 years

Torquay’s Australian National Surfing Museum (ANSM) celebrates 30 years with a new logo and displays.

ANSM’s birthday events will include MelbourneDesignWeekpaneldiscussionsand a Gems of the Collections event series while sporting a ‘Born in the Nineties’ logo design by Surf Coast’s Jeff Raglus.

The museum at 77 Beach Road will also have a new interactive Hall of Fame experience and reflections on contemporary surfing narratives like women in surfing and industry sustainability.

Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Mike Bodsworth said the museum captured the

storiesofAustralianSurfinganditschampions, cultureandcharactersthroughpermanentand temporary exhibitions.

“Thirty years is a special milestone, and we look forward to some great exhibitions and experiences throughout 2024,” he said.

“Our ANSM is a national and international treasure,righthereonourdoorstepattheheart of Australia’s home of surfing.

“I recommend browsing its collections and wonderful stories which reflect the achievements, dramas, and highlights of Australia’s big surfing journey and capture the sport’s vivid culture.”

As the largest museum of its kind in the

competitive push for these grants, I would think,” Mr Jarvis said.

Cr Anthony Aitken also warned the success of the Play Our Way grant application was not a given.

“I caution the enthusiasm that simply by voting for this, the club will be and the council will be successful,” he said.

“The reality is, this is a $200 million national program, so it sounds like a lot of money at the locallevel,butatthenationallevelit’sactuallya very small amount.

“If council is unsuccessful with this application,itdoesn’tresolve…thefactthatBell Park, Hamlyn Park is actually the highest need in terms of female-friendly change rooms in the local government area of Geelong.”

Unearthing Surf Coast’s creative talent

Surf Coast Shire unearths its creative talent’s depth through the latest DEVELOP grants round.

The council has awarded eight 2024 DEVELOP Artists and Creatives grants inliterature,music,aerialperformance, playwriting and visual arts.

The eight grant recipients will work on their projects during 2024, with Bellbrae’s Minerva Lamorgese’s aerial artistry to be displayed at Ashmore Arts during the Surf Coast Arts Trail.

Grant recipients also included Winchelsea’s Nicholas Dacomb, Fairhaven’s Jacinta Halloran, Anglesea’s Gillian Hutchison, Jesse Williams and Jack Robbins, Bambra’s Cara Johnson, Lorne’s Jordan Prosser, and Jan Juc’s Hugh Riddoch.

Councillor Gary Allen said the grant recipients demonstrated a strong creative vision and quality project planning.

“We want to build their skills in applying for funding, not just for council’s grants, but for funding opportunities at state and federal level too,” he said.

“The quality of applications in all creative disciplines was extremely high, with a weighted assessment score of 87 or above required to achieve funding.

“Every one of our 2024 recipients has what it takes to really build their national and international profile and the profile of the Surf Coast’s creative sector along with it.”

Council received 13 applications and engaged with more than 30 potential applicants in the lead-up to the latest round of grants.

Each applicant who contacted the council in the lead-up to the grant was given detailed professional development on how to approach writing grant applications.

world,itistheonlysurfingmuseumrecognised by the International Surfing Association and is home to the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame.

The ANSM documents Australia’s contribution to surfing worldwide and features many surfboards on display.

The museum was started by surfers Peter Troy,VicTantauandAlanReid,withfounding partners Surfing Australia, the then Geelong Regional Commission, Surf Coast Shire Council, Torquay’s surfing industry, and supporters. Visit australiannationalsurfingmuseum. com.au to keep up to date with ANSM’s birthday year events.

A piece of work from DEVELOP grant recipient Cara Johnson from Bambra. (Supplied)

Everything Aquatic organiser Juliet Doling at Eastern Beach. (Ivan Kemp) 399715_12

A true pillar of the community

Highton’s Anne Parton was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women last year for her community service and volunteer work. With nominations for 2024 inductees now open, Anne spoke to Matt Hewson about her life and what her induction to the Honour Roll meant to her.

Anne Parton, now 86, has spent decades of her life in the service of the communities she has lived in. When asked about the source of the valuesstrength,compassion,leadership-thatputher onthepathofgiving,shespokeimmediatelyof her mother, Rosa Lilias (Bonnie) Donaldson.

“My mother was widowed with four children when I was only ten, and I was the oldest,” Anne said.

“And luckily we were able to stay in our own home and go to our schools, which were PLC (Presbyterian Ladies College) and Scotch College in Melbourne.

“We lived in Toorak. My father, you see, was the president of a big company, an English company in Victoria. So we were able to, luckily, and with family help, stay in the house, which was so wonderful, and to be able to go to school.

“But I really think that I owe my mother a lot because she was widowed and she just kept doing things. I felt it was amazing that she could keep us all together, and we kept going. She was such a lovely person…a lovely mum.”

As an eldest child and with her mother as a role model, Anne became a natural leader. When the Toorak First Company of Girl Guides, of which she was a member, lost its captain, 17-year-old Anne held the group together until another captain could be found months later.

After high school Anne nearly completed her training at pharmacy college – “I still had bloody chemistry to finish” – when the minister at her Presbyterian church mentioned he was taking on a “terrific young man” as his assistant.

“I said, oh yeah, have you? And of course, I married him,” Anne said.

Anne and the Reverend Ian Parton have beenmarried62yearsasofFebruary,andever since, when not busy raising four children she has spent most of her time finding ways to help her community.

Anneandherfamilymovedaroundthestate as the Rev Parton took up parish positions at Toorak, Bairnsdale, Boronia, Glen Waverley and finally Geelong in 1987, where they have since lived.

She has served multiple terms as vice-president of the National Council of Women’s Victorian branch and president of the Geelong branch and worked in various roles (president, committee member, convener, coach) at sporting clubs such as Geelong Lawn Tennis and Boronia Netball Club.

She was president of the Geelong Ladies Reading Circle, which claims the title of the oldest book group in the world (“There is one group in France who might challenge us, but we’re certainly the oldest in Australia”).

Anne was also invited to join the Order of St John of Jerusalem and has since become the Hospitaller of the Geelong Commandery, responsible for the wellbeing of its members, and still serves on a number of committees.

One of Anne’s favourite organisations to have been a part of over the years was the Trading Partners shop, which operated in Geelong’s Centrepoint Arcade for through the 1980s, 90s and 2000s.

Trading Partners was a not-for-profit gift shop serving as a retail outlet for disadvantaged creators across the world.

“Mrs Jane Yule and I were the ones who got it going, because we were ministers’ wives whocamefromMelbournetolivehere,”Anne recalled.

‘‘ I just love being with people and if I can help them, that’s good ... It enriches my life ’’

- Anne Parton

“And we had wonderful times. We sold so many wonderful crafts from overseas countries. People who’d made crafts in Peru, India, everywhere, we sourced them and brought their crafts here and then we gave them the money.

“We had to fold; it wasn’t because Geelong didn’t have people to keep it going, but the board (in Melbourne) was light on and couldn’t keep going.

“We had a big farewell down at Narana

(Aboriginal Cultural Centre) to farewell the whole thing. And we asked all our people who’d given us the crafts, each group, if we had some money for you what would you do with it?

“Please tell us what you would like your money for. And all our money that we had went back to them; we closed the account and sent it all to the people who’d asked, which was fantastic.”

Anne said while she had always been a “church person” and was a minister’s wife, her service to community was not due to being “rampantly religious”, but rather because she just loved helping people.

“It just gives me satisfaction; I don’t think about it really, I just love being with people and if I can help them, that’s good,” she said.

“It’sreallymoreaboutwhatIgetfromthem. It enriches my life; my life is enriched by other people.”

Anne said it was a big surprise when she was notified last year she would be inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. She encouraged anyone who knew women of any age, experience or background who contributed significantly to their community to put them forward to be recognised as part of the Honour Roll program.

“I think it’s good to honour people who have done a lot for us,” she said.

“The surprise is wonderful. When you do things like this you don’t think about why you’re doing it, you just like doing it.

“If they’ve been doing a lovely lot of work, why not thank them by nominating them?”

Nominations for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women are open until May 5. Visit vic.gov. au/honour-roll-women to see the full criteria or make a nomination.

Anne Parton. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 399451

Wetlands closed to duck hunters

By Jena Carr

Lake Connewarre and Lake Murdeduke State Game Reserve has been closed to duck hunting three days before the season begins to protect the threatened orange-bellied parrots.

The state government announced on April 7 that 32 wetlands would fully or partially close tohuntingaheadoftheseason’sopeningat8am on April 10, with Reedy Lakes and Hospital Swamps remaining open to hunters.

GeelongFieldandGameconservationofficer

Trent Leen said duck hunting was only a “small part of what they do” and the wetland closures

were “very disappointing”.

“We look forward to it every year, and we work 12 months of the year to help these wetlands and do all the conservation work to ensure that everything’s sustainable,” he said.

“We are big supporters of the orange-bellied parrots and the breeding program down there; we’re very mindful of it...and they’ve already gotanareaofhundredsofacreswheretheycan be.

“It’s just a slap in the face to not announce the closures until Sunday night, before the Wednesday opening and we’re very disappointed as it doesn’t give hunters any

Riding for connection

A solo cyclist has passed through Geelong on his journey to raise money for Lifeline and increase mental health awareness.

Ian Kidd started his 1800km journey on April5fromhishomeinNewcastle,NewSouth Wales, to Wilson’s Promontory, Gippsland, stopping off at Lifeline Geelong on Monday, April 8.

Mr Kidd said he described himself as a “mental illness survivor” and was looking to support Lifeline through his Riding for Connection initiative.

“I’m doing it for Lifeline as I owe so much to them...I’vebasicallybeentothepointofsuicide twice in my life and probably 2018 was the last time,” he said.

“IlookbackonthetimeswhenItriedtocope withmymentalillnessalonewithouthelpuntil I finally connected with Lifeline, and think, ‘Why didn’t I connect so much earlier?’.

“I’ve had a big turnaround in my life and

Lifeline has played a big part in helping me to become positive again and see the value of reconnecting with people rather than doing things on my own.”

Mr Kidd said he carried the “power of resilience” throughout his ride and expected to return to Newcastle on April 19.

“Feeling good is a whole of a lot better than feeling bad...and all the money that people donate will go to Lifeline to help them expand their services,” he said. “I tell people three things; you don’t need to do it alone, don’t think you’re weak, and don’t think that it’s not real. The most important advice is to get the help of someone who knows.”

Visit riding-for-connection.raiselysite.com todonatetoLifelinethroughMrKidd’scycling journey and follow his process at facebook. com/ian.kidd.10888

Help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.

chance to go out and scout.”

Geelong Duck Rescue coordinator Natalie Kopas said she was glad to see the closures but felt more needed to be done.

“It is a comfort to know that there is a measure of protection for some of our more vulnerable wildlife, but it just still doesn’t feel like enough,” she said.

“It’s nice to see the department listening to concerns raised, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that there are areas that are still open that are known habitats for critically endangered birds.”

A Game Management Authority

spokesperson said the wetlands were closed to prevent losses or disturbance to many threatened species and breeding waterbirds.

“Closing wetlands or regulating hunting methods at wetlands ensures that threatened species are protected, and duck hunting remains sustainable,” they said.

The duck hunting season will operate from April 10 to June 5, and hunting must stop 30 minutes after sunset. A daily bag limit of six-game ducks also applies.

Visit gma.vic.gov.au for regular updates on wetland closures and more information on game hunting in Victoria.

Newcastle’s Ian Kidd has stopped of in Geelong along his 1800km ride for mental health. (Ivan Kemp) 399487_02

Green light for GGRC upgrades

By Matt Hewson

Geelong Greyhound Racing Club (GGRC) will receive $83,000 of state government funding to improve its racetrack facilities. The grant will provide for a children’s play area and an outdoor deck to provide those with reduced mobility better access to the grandstand at the club’s Beckley Park track.

The funding was announced last Friday (April 5) as part of the first round of the Allan government’s Regional Customer Facilities Program, which will deliver $973,000 to country race clubs over four years.

GGRC manager Brian Parkinson said the

club was “rapt” to have “finally got it over the line”.

“From our perspective it’s going to help facilitate a lot of what I call wasted space,” he said.

“We’ve got a broader plan, this is one part of it. We think it’s the first step and it’s fantastic.

“From the club’s perspective, for the community engagement side, we’ve got a function centre here that we’re trying to get people in the community to use.

Having launched the club’s application in November, Mr Parkinson said the project would kick off in earnest next month.

“Subject to weather and materials being

available, the builders have indicated they’ll start probably in the first week of May,” he said.

“They’re looking at around an eight, ten week period (till completion).

“Then we’ve got the opportunity to consider things like having barbecue areas with seating and cover, and we’re exploring the idea of having, not necessarily a swimming pool, but a water play area for the kids.

“We want to get this place up and running and give people an opportunity to come and enjoy themselves, and not necessarily only when there’s racing on.”

Victoria’s Acting Minister for Racing Enver

Trek returns for the ninth year

The Surf Coast Trek is back in the Geelong region to celebrate its ninth year of bringing together fitness and fundraising.

The event on April 13 aims to raise money for the Give Where You Live Foundation and Kids+, with a 40km trek from Aireys Inlet at first light and a 26km trek from Anglesea at 9am.

Keith Fagg has completed every Surf Coast Trek since it started in 2016 and said he loved meetingnewpeoplewhileenjoyingthescenery on the track.

“There’s great physical challenges and really steep climbs along the trail...but I really enjoy it because you meet people, and there’s always camaraderie on the track,” he said. “There’s lots of people of all ages and walks of life in Geelong, you have people doing it as a physical challenge and as an enjoyable way to spend the day, as well as a fundraising opportunity.

“It’snotabouttime,butjusttakingyourown pace...I’ll do my best on the day and should get through the 40 kilometres walk. I’m looking forward to the experience and being back on that track.”

Kids+ chief executive Shaun Cannon said 50 per cent of funds raised by the trek would go towards the Parent Infant Program to support parents and premature or newborn babies.

“Now in its ninth year, the trek keeps going strength to strength...we are so pleased to be involved in this event which is fun, friendly, and full of community spirit and goodwill,” he said.

The Surf Coast Trek team has also invited the community to a fun family festival from 2pm at Torquay’s Elephant Walk to celebrate trekkers crossing the finish line.

Visit surfcoasttrek.com.au for more information or to sign up for the trek.

Jena Carr

Big Freeze event to be held at new location

The region’s third annual Big Freeze event is on the move.

After two successful years at Drysdale, the BigFreezeissettobeheldatHerneHillReserve before the blockbuster St Joseph’s vs St Mary’s Geelong Football League game.

The Big Freeze Geelong replicates the MCG Big Freeze, which is inspired by Neale Daniher coming up to its 10th year.

The first two incarnations of the local event werehostedbyDrysdaleFootballNetballClub, home of Big Freeze Geelong co-ambassador James Breust, who is Neale Daniher’s nephew.

So far, the Big Freeze Geelong DIY group has raised more than $120,000 for Fight MND and drawing big community crowds.

Each year, local celebrities are chosen to make the slide into the icy water to raise funds for Fight MND.

AustralianDiamondsandMelbourneVixens star Emily Mannix has been announced as the first slider. Mannix played her junior netball at Drysdale and is one of the best defenders in the

Super Netball competition.

“We are thrilled to announce Emily as our first slider, as she is a Drysdale girl,” event organiser Graeme Reid said.

“We are also extremely grateful to Drysdale DFNC for hosting the first two years, and for their continued support. The need for a

ErdogansaidtheRegionalCustomerFacilities Program was about bringing communities togetherandboostinglocaleconomicactivity.

“We want to develop facilities that support participation and inclusion of the broader community in regional racing clubs,” he said.

“These grants will give regional communities and racegoers access to top notch facilities that go beyond race days and can be used for cultural events and community celebrations.”

“The racing industry in regional Victoria generates $1.17 billion for the Victorian economy and helps support 9000 full time equivalent jobs in the regions.”

Monitors dragged back

The state government will continue overseeing City of Greater Geelong Council’s operations after a report found that its governance policies, processes, and practices need improvement.

Minister for Local Government

Melissa Horne assigned municipal officers Peter Dorling and Mark Davies tocouncilonApril9,followingtheinitial appointment of Mr Dorling and Prue Digby for 12 months from January 2023.

Ms Horne said that a final report by Mr Dorling and Ms Digby found that despite council making progress over the last year, more work was required.

“I thank Mr Dorling and Ms Digby for their work as monitors to Geelong City Council last year,” she said.

“Their report shows that work still needs to be done to improve governance practices at the council, and the appointment of Mr Dorling and Mr Davies as municipal monitors will support that work.”

Monitors will work closely with council’s chief executive Ali Wastie until December 31 to ensure governance improvements are fully implemented and will ensure council stability during October’s mayoral elections.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said council had already put many of the monitors’ recommendations in place but agreed that there was still work to be done.

“Wearefocussedondeliveringpositive results for the community and while we have much to be proud of, we also have much to get on with,” he said.

“Under Ms Wastie’s leadership, a number of initiatives have been implemented that are already having a positive impact on culture and organisational performance.

standalone Sunday game presented some challenges, hence the need to seek another location for Big Freeze Geelong DIY #3.

“The Drysdale connection is a huge legacy for this great event. We have a great mix of 15 Geelong celebrities and sportspeople taking the plunge and fundraising for the great MND cause.”

Co-ambassador Sam Moorfoot will again be in charge of his own ‘Sam’s choice’. Last year, he nominated Geelong Cats AFLW duo Chloe Scheer and Mikayla Bowen to slide, which they did as a penguin and Spiderman respectively.

Organisers are expecting a crowd of 8000 and are hoping to raise $100,000 this year.

The Big Freeze Geelong DIY team will be at the Geelong vs Richmond game at GMHBA StadiumonSaturdayJune1sellingFightMND beanies.

Big Freeze Geelong #3 is on Sunday June 2 at Herne Hill Reserve from 12.30pm.

“They include a new chief executive Employment and Remuneration Policy (including terms of reference for the chief executive Employment and Remuneration Committee), Conflicts of Interest Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Councillor Gift, Benefits and Hospitality Policy.

“The City has also worked hard to improve council’s financial position and I look forward to the release of our Draft 2024/25 Budget later this month for community consultation.”

The state government will introduce new legislation before local government elections in October to elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils.

Reforms will include mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the minister to address councillor conduct.

Justin Flynn

Sam Moorfoot with his 2023 captain’s choices Chloe Scheer and Mikayla Bowen. (Ivan Kemp) 337411_06

Keith Fagg will participate in the Surf Coast Trek by himself this year after completing it with his daughter Liz last year. (Supplied)

First Nations art featured

Nine more National Broadband Network (NBN) utility cabinets now display the work of ten First Nations artists.

The nine cabinets join the seven completed last year, adding to the First Nations NBN Box Art Trail running from central Geelong to Marshall Reserve.

The First Nations NBN Box Design Commissions project, a collaboration between theCityofGreaterGeelong,FirstNationsartists and NBN Co., was developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Artist Michelle Searle said she was excited to be a part of the initiative.

‘‘ These beautiful artworks are helping to share stories ... and be a visual reminder of reconciliation in the community ’’ - Andrea Appleby

The First Nations NBN Box Designs… encourages the sharing of our culture and stories through art and raises the awareness of cultural safety in the environment we live in,” Ms Searle said.

“Just like our artwork, we are all different and on our own personal cultural journeys.” NBN Co’s general manager of national stakeholder engagement Andrea Appleby said her organisation was proud to collaborate with Geelong council to transform the cabinets from a symbol of connectivity to a symbol of connection.

Have a say on seawall

The Torquay community can have a say on a plan to replace the deteriorated timber seawall at Cosy Corner.

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) will upgrade the 160-metre-long timber seawall following the structure’s deterioration from an erosion event in March 2022.

Acting chief executive Andy Mathers said the project will help increase Cosy Corner’s resilience to protect it against coastal hazards as climate change and sea levels rise.

“Local input will help shape future decision making and plans for coastal hazard management and resilience at Cosy Corner,” he said.

“The community’s ideas and values are key considerations as we seek to manage coastal hazards and maintain the public’s access and enjoyment of Cosy Corner.”

Erosion along the seawall had lowered the sand level and further exposed it to the impacts of the ocean, with rock bags placed on site in March last year as a temporary measure.

The project will be supported by a state government coastal erosion preparedness grant and follow the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast guidelines.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the initiative turned the cabinets into platforms for cultural expression.

“Given our municipality has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeopleinanylocalgovernmentareain

“These beautiful artworks are helping to share stories as a way to learn and celebrate the culture of First Nations people, and be a visual reminder of reconciliation in the community,” Ms Appleby said.

Victoria,wearethrilledtoamplifythevisibility of First Nations’ cultures in urban settings,” MayorSullivansaid.“Theeye-catchingdesigns not only give passersby the opportunity to pause and contemplate the deeper story behind the artwork, but also help to foster a greater appreciation for First Peoples’ stories in the community.”

The Authority will host community information sessions along Torquay’s Cosy Corner during April,. Visit haveyoursay. greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/ cosy-up for more information and to complete the online survey.

Our

are here when you need support and guidance.

Mayor Trent Sullivan with artist Michelle Searle and NBN Co’s Nicole Paterson and Andrea Appleby. (Supplied)

Fair go for all residents

By Cr Trent Sullivan

It is always vital to ensure the region’s infrastructure reflects the needs of the community.

Whether it is road upgrades, community hubs,playgroundequipment,trailsorsporting facilities, keeping pace with community demand is one of many balancing acts council must achieve.

The rise in participation in female sports competitions in recent years means it is more important than ever to ensure the region’s facilities meet community expectations.

That is why council voted unanimously to endorse the release of the Draft Greater Geelong Fair Access Policy for the purpose of broader community engagementat our March meeting.

The Draft Greater Geelong Fair Access Policy addresses some of the barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.

It aims to build the capacity and capabilities of the City of Greater Geelong and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating the causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, and delivery and allocationofcommunitysportsandrecreation infrastructure.

One of the areas of the draft policy I think is worth discussing is the fact it aims to reduce the substantial gap not only in the participation of women and girls in sport and recreation, but in the gender imbalance in leadership positions across all levels of the

Museum embraces Auslan

The National Wool Museum is celebrating the Australian Deaf community’s history, culture and language this Auslan Day.

The museum will host a free community day on Saturday, April 13, featuring Auslan (Australian sign language) guided tours, children’s activities, and opportunities for everyone to learn Auslan.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the event was suitable for all ages, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and honoured the Auslan dictionary’s first publication date.

“The event is part of our commitment to provide accessibility for all to attend the museum, not only on Auslan Day but into the future,” he said.

“We are proud to be working in partnership with Expression Australia to host one of two regional events at the National Wool Museum celebrating Auslan Day in Victoria.”

Close to 3.6 million Australians have some level of hearing loss, which is expected to increase to an estimated 7.8 million people by 2060, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2024 data.

National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said museums were for everyone and welcomed deaf and hard-of-hearing families and visitors to the museum.

“The free community day features Auslan guided tours of the museum, and a Museum Explorers Interactive Playgroup and Mini Makers for children eight years and younger,” he said.

The event will be hosted with Expression Australia, a not-for-profit that looks to empower people who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome barriers in life and choose how they want to live.

Bookings are recommended for the event’s activities and can be made at geelongaustralia. com.au/nwm

Anyone interested in learning more about Auslan or partnering with Expression Australia is encouraged to visit expression. com.au or email engagement@expression. com.au

Victorian sporting and recreation industry. In other words, it is as much about off-field representation as it is on-field access. You can’t be what you can’t see and having

women in positions of leadership makes it more likely young girls coming through the ranks at clubs across Greater Geelong will believe they too can hold positions such as a club president or secretary.

TheDraftGreaterGeelongFairAccessPolicy was developed in response to the Victorian Government Fair Access Policy Roadmap, and to stay eligible for state government funding opportunities, all councils require an endorsed Fair Access Policy effective from 1 July this year.

So beyond doing this for the greater good of the region and for women and girls playing sport in Geelong and the Bellarine, a Fair Access Policy is now a requirement, with a focus on infrastructure, programs and governance.

Sport is a highly visible and valued feature of Greater Geelong’s culture and identity.

But it should be accessible to all, and we know that women and girls in particular have at times felt excluded in their pursuit to play or be involved in local sport.

Research has revealed that 28 per cent of women have considered leaving their club due to inequitable treatment.

This may be because women are 2.5 times more likely to report feeling unwelcome at their sporting club compared to men, and that women and girls feel they don’t have access to the best courts or grounds and have facilities of lesser standard.

So, we have to do whatever we can to change those views, and we know that our actions will speak louder than words.

I encourage everybody to explore the City’s Have Your Say page yoursay.geelongaustralia. com.au/draft-fair-access-policy and provide your feedback.

Local fishing club receives $10k funding for clubhouse

Geelong’s oldest angling club has been successful in securing $10,000 of state government funding to upgrade its ageing clubhouse.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation

Steve Dimopoulos announced Saturday (April 6) the Geelong & District Anglers Club & Fish Protection Society would be one of 12 Victorian clubs to receive funding of up to $10,000 through the Allan government’s Stronger Fishing Club Grants program.

Club president Ian Williams said he was

“overjoyed” to find out the grant application had been successful.

“It’s brilliant news,” he said. “For us, it’s huge. The clubhouse was built in the early 1960s by members’ subscriptions and the roof has gone rotten on us, so we’re putting it towards that.”

Mr Williams said the roof repairs were the first step toward making the building suitable for other community groups and members to use.

“The drawback at the moment is that the rooms need upgrading terrifically – for the

kitchen, the toilets - before it comes to the standard that can be used,” he said.

“We’ve got no disabled facilities, stuff like that. We’re currently investigating a number of routes to try to upgrade the place further with a view to have a bit more inclusivity for everybody.”

State member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the grants, which were made possible through the reinvestment of fishing licence fees, would ensure local fishing clubs could remain strong and vibrant community organisations into the future.

“Wewanttosupportthegreatworkofclubs like Geelong & District Angling Club, which provide valuable skills and local knowledge to newcomers of all ages,” Ms Couzens said.

“Club members have years of experience to passontobuddinganglerslikelocalhotspots, what bait to use and when to fish to help them get hooked on the pastime.”

Visit geelonganglers.club for more information on Geelong & District Anglers Club & Fish Protection Society.

Matt Hewson

Jena Carr

People will have a chance to learn Auslan during the community day, as demonstrated by Expression Australia’s Bianca Oldham and Beth Holland. (Ivan Kemp) 400592_08

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

Delivering fairer fares for locals

Public transport users have enjoyed a year of cheaper travel in Geelong after daily regional fares were reduced to meet cost of living pressures.

The fare cap commenced last year, with a return trip to Bendigo, previously costing up to $68.80, or Geelong, previously costing up to $27.60, capped at a daily metro fare of $10.60.

Minister for Public and Active Transport

Gabrielle Williams said people have saved more than $50 million and taken more than 22 million trips since the cap was introduced.

“We’ve made fares fairer across regional Victoria, easing the cost of living for Victorians, saving them millions of dollars since it was introduced a year ago,” she said.

“We’re delighted fairer fares have been so popular and we’ll continue transforming the regional rail network by upgrading every line in the state, adding better trains and additional services.”

V/Line has put on extra carriages, utilised standby coaches, trialled new reservation procedures, and added special services across its network after almost 2.16 million

trips were taken last month.

More than 2200 scheduled train and 1500 coach services operated weekly, with close to 200 extra weekend V/Line services to be added thanks to a $219 million state government investment.

Public transport is starting to get back to pre-COVID levels, with regional network patronage for the year ending December 31, 2023, making up 97 per cent of the 2019 calendar year.

Visit vline.com.au/home for more information on regional public transport

Electrofishing surveys in the Barwon River

An environmental monitoring program will use electrofishing procedures to collect data on the Barwon River to assist with assessing its health and guiding future management of the waterway.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Arthur Rylah Institute will conduct the electrofishing surveys over the next two years, supported by Barwon Water and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

The surveys will focus on understanding the health of the Upper Barwon Rivers’s fish populations to provide a reference point for future decision-making regarding the river’s health.

Arthur Rylah Institute scientist Lauren Johnson explained that electrofishing passes an electrical pulsed current through the water, stunning fish so that they can be netted, identified and weighed.

“Fish recover quickly and are released back into their environment unharmed,” she said.

“The Arthur Rylah Institute use this fish survey method to monitor fish species across Victoria as part of a number of monitoring projects including the Victorian Environmental Flows Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Native Fish Report Card Program.?“

Corangamite CMA chief executive Amber Clarke said the fish sampling information would help guide and inform future management decisions.

“This data is an important snapshot in time of the status of fish populations in the Barwon River,” Ms Clarke said.

“When these surveys are repeated, we’ll be able to track if populations are improving in response to the collective efforts made by landholders, government agencies, citizen scientists, Traditional Owners and Landcare groups to improve the health of the Barwon River.”

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the $80,000 in funding provided by his organisation aligned to the commitment in Strategy 2030 to deliver a healthier environment for all.

“We know how much our customers and

the local community value the environment and healthy local rivers, which is one of the reasons we’re pleased to support this work,” he said.

“The data gathered over the next two years will help get the best outcome for the upper Barwon River into the future.”

INSPIRING EXHIBITIONS AT OUR NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM

There’s so much to see and experience at our National Wool Museum and it’s not all wool!

Join our staff for Up Close with the Collection: In the ANZAC Spirit as they reveal significant objects and photographs honouring our ANZAC diggers, plus you can see the handmade poppy display. One day only on Wednesday 24 April from 11.00am – 12.00pm.

Be awe-inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 59 exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum London. You’ll explore the planet’s habitats, from sprawling urban metropolises to the deep polar seas, and meet the creatures that rely on these places. On daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm until 19 May.

We’re also bringing you Cultural Bridges: Celebrating four decades of Pako Festa in partnership with Cultura, with the spirit of Pako Festa on show through the objects and stories of our multicultural communities. You’ll experience everything from traditional decorative dress to heritage items and archival material. On daily from 10.00am –5.00pm until 14 July.

For more information and to book for these exhibitions, scan the QR code or visit geelong. link/NWM

EVENTS

Book now for Technology and Innovation Summit

Join top investors, entrepreneurs and executives for a full day of insightful keynote sessions at Geelong Manufacturing Council’s 2024 Technology and Innovation Summit.

We’re proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the event, to be held at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday 18 April from 8.30am – 4.30pm.

You’ll hear from industry experts in thoughtprovoking discussions, highlighting the world of opportunity open to manufacturers in our region.

For more information and to book, visit geelong.link/ TechnologyInnovationSummit

Doing Business with the Americas – export seminar for Geelong businesses

Join us as we partner with Global Victoria and Regional Development Victoria for an in-person seminar designed to help Victorian companies export to the Americas.

Learn about export strategies, key considerations, available support, and opportunities for exporting to the USA, Canada, and Latin America, from Global Victoria’s trade specialists.

Friday 19 April from 10.30am – 1.00pm

Bookings essential, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ BusinessWithTheAmericas

TRAFFIC CHANGES

If you are travelling around Kardinia Park this Sunday 14 April, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/AFLRound5 for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions.

Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium, South Geelong

›Various road closures from 12.00pm

›Full road closure will affect Moorabool Street, between Park Crescent, South Geelong and Kilgour Street, Geelong.

ARE YOU RUNNING AN EVENT?

We can help your event realise its potential with a simple and free calendar listing on our Events Geelong website. Whether it's a festival, concert or community gathering, ensure your event gets noticed by the right audience today.

Are you running an event…? Let Events Geelong amplify your reach and tap into our promotional channels and connect to thousands of local Geelong residents. Whether it's a festival, concert or community gathering, ensure your event gets noticed by the right audience. It’s quick and completely free. Partner with us today to make your event a success and visit geelong.link/ListMyEvent

To list your event, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ ListMyEvent

Items on display at the Cultural Bridges: Celebrating four decades of Pako Festa exhibition.

The Big Standoff by Olivier Gonnet (France), Highly Commended Behaviour Mammals, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 59.

The Arthur Rylah Institute’s Liam Hogan with a river blackfish caught as part of the Barwon River survey program. (Supplied)

Lions bowl up $12,000

The Surf Coast community has raised $12,000 for local fire brigades at a fundraising day at Torquay Bowls Club.

Torquay Lion’s annual Billy Ryan Bowls Charity Day saw 30 teams of four battle it out over 30 ends each to raise money for the Bellbrae and Torquay Fire Brigades. Held in memory of well-loved Torquay Lion and lawn bowler Billy Ryan, the event has now raised $60,000 since its inception in 2016 for groups including Torquay SES, Royal Children’s Hospital and Foundation 61. MichaelWake’sfoursometookouttheevent, winning over Daniel Tudor’s runners-up in a day of fierce competition.

The event also featured raffles, a silent auction and a lunch for bowlers.

Torquay Fire Brigade Captain Murray Middleton said the fire brigades were “bowled over”bythecommunity’ssupportoftheevent.

“The money raised will help us with vital equipment needed to fight fires and keep our community safe,” Cpt Middleton said.

“CFAmembersarevolunteerswhogivetheir time so we can all feel safe. We are extremely grateful for the community’s support.”

The Torquay Fire Brigade will use its share of the proceeds to buy special lightweight carbon fibre breathing apparatus, while Bellbrae will install fans and an exhaust

system at its station. Lions Club President Brian Keane said the whole club was behind the annual Billy Ryan Bowls Charity Day.

“Our members called on some 200 local Torquay traders, asking for any support they could provide, such as gifts, vouchers, or cash,” Mr Keane said.

“We also received large donations from our long-termmajorsupportersChampionBlinds, McCartney Real Estate and Roy Morris & Co Lawyers.

“The generosity of our town’s businesses was overwhelming, and we raised thousands of dollars.”

Free dementia events for carers

Healthprofessionalsandthosecaringfor people living with dementia will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field at two free events in Geelong.

Government-funded dementia behaviour support program Dementia Support Australia (DSA) will host the two Supporting Complex Dementia events at Rydges Geelong on Thursday, April 18.

Geriatric psychiatrist Associate

Professor Steve Mcfarlane, one of the country’s leading experts in dementia, will lead the events, delving into the common issues people face when caring for those living with the condition. Attendeeswillhearfromanexpertpanel, have the chance to ask questions during a Q&A section of the event and also have access to a post-event networking space.

Assoc. Prof Macfarlane said the events would include important information on support options people could access.

“Psychiatricsymptomsarecommonin dementia,”hesaid.“Carestaffandfamily carers will often see symptoms and not know where to best seek help.

“Whenapersonlivingwithdementiais experiencing changes to their behaviour, DSA works with you to understand the causes and helps you to improve their quality of life.”

DSA head Marie Alford said at previous events the panel had answered questions about how to best respond to unexpected behavioural changes and how carers could get the right support. Visit dementia.com.au/events to register or for more information.

Torquay Fire Brigade members Michelle Abro, Alanah Rodrigues, Jack Fry, Adam Glasson, Secretary/Treasurer Neil Grenfell and Captain Murray Middleton.

Magical time at Platform Arts

By Matt Hewson

An exhibition exploring fairies as a representation of the invisibility of queerness in culture launched this week at Geelong’s old courthouse.

On Saturday, April 6 Platform Arts presented the launch of Fairy, a multidisciplinary event centred around the visual exhibition of the same name curated by Mel Deerson and Spiros Panigirakis.

Fairy, which runs for six weeks until May 17, features a collection of fairy-themed works exploring the ephemeral nature of queerness, some of which are directly related to Geelong’s own queer history.

The exhibition was originally presented last year at The Pavilion at Fitzroy Gardens, and has been redesigned by Ms Deerson and Mr Panigirakis for the Geelong iteration.

Ms Deerson said one of the works, a poster by artist Danni McGrath commissioned specifically for the Geelong exhibition, exemplifies the show.

“It draws on the logo of the Geelong Lesbian Group, a group of lesbian women who would meet in Geelong in the 1990s and had their first ever meeting in the courthouse

that Platform Arts now occupies,” she said.

“It’s based on some research that my collaborator Briony Galligan and I did at the Queer Archive. We found this amazing archive of the Geelong Lesbian Group with all the ephemera, their various logos, all this kind of invisible work they were doing in the 90s to create a lesbian community in Geelong.

“And so Danni’s taken (the group’s logo) and turned it into a poster drawing on the yellow stained-glass windows that are in the Platform Arts courthouse building and the light that shines through them.

“And so we think of that as a fairy-like quality of the queer, in that unless you bring it to the surface or unless you really pay attentionitcanoftenbeinvisible,particularly in regional cities, but everywhere.”

The exhibition includes three paintings by Martin Boyd, courtesy of Monash University Museum of Art, a fairy library and specially commissioned publication.

Fairy also intersects with the Geelong Pride Film Festival, which will be held from April 18 to 28 at the Pivotonian Cinema, Village Cinemas and Platform Arts.

Visit platformarts.org.au to learn more.

Matt’s a local legend

Matt Benson was named Surf Coast Shire’s latest Local Legend for his work as a youth mentor and mental health advocate.

The Ocean Mind, a therapeutic surf charity volunteer, was awarded for his role in positively transforming young people’s lives.

“I see young people who when I first met them are going through difficult periods, and now they have transitioned to young adults well on their way in life,” Mr Benson said.

“Some have never been in the ocean and seeingtheirjoy,thatoriginaljoythateverybody gets from discovering the ocean, you see it through them, and it’s pretty amazing.

“You see in them why everybody started surfing in the first place... Whatever else is goingon,whentheyareintheoceantheyarein themoment,andthat’saverygoodplacetobe.”

Recipients also included Anglesea Kindergarten volunteer Sue Saw, Festival of the Minds founder Jules Haddock, Surf Coast

Little Athletics founder Claire Osborn, athlete Willem Curwood, Reconciliation advocate Hutch Hussein, and Torquay Community House youth volunteers.

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison said the latest recipients helped the community to thrive and have been nominated by their peers.

“We congratulate them and thank them for their contributions to making our shire such a special place to be,” she said.

“Our Local Legends awards recognise and celebrate people who are making a positive difference in our community.

“The recipients are unsung heroes who inspire others with their contributions and achievements, devoting time and energy for greater good and the benefit of others.”

The Legends will be acknowledged during council’sNationalVolunteerWeekcelebrations in May, with more information available at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends

Surf Coast Shire’s latest Local Legend Matt Benson. (Supplied)

Focus on Education

Respect, excellence, achievement and diversity

North Geelong Secondary College is a single campusYear7-12academiccollege.

It is a creative, caring and diverse college, where young people grow into autonomous learners by engaging with our imaginative and intellectuallyrigorousprograms.

The community is a friendly and supportive environment, underpinned by the values of ‘Respect, Excellence, Achievement and Diversity’.

The school places high expectations on student behaviour and academic endeavour and we are very proud of our VCE results and VCALoutcomesin2023.

• VCEAllstudymeanscore29–anoutstanding achievement!

• 100% VCE satisfactory completion

• The Dux of the year Haisong Qi achieved 99.7 ATAR score

• 10% of our students achieved ATAR scores 90 to 100

North Geelong Secondary College is proud toofferanumberofenrichmentandinnovative programs.

Scholarship Program, Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, the Strive to Achieve Results (STAR), the Achieving Core Education (ACE) Programs andExcellenceinSport(EIS)Program.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, provides a focused educational environment for academically oriented students. SEAL classes incorporate a fast-paced curriculum, with less repetition thanmainstreamclasses.

The NGSC SEAL Program centres around critical and higher-order thinking and constantly extends students, encouraging creativity and innovation, building their capacity to actively contribute to our local and globalcommunities.

SEAL Program students are encouraged to think independently and to take more responsibilityfortheirownlearning.

Features of the SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) Program at North GeelongSecondaryCollege:

• Students are challenged with work that is beyondtheexpectedlevel

• Studentsworkproduceddemonstratesamore sophisticated thinking process in a more challenginglearningenvironment

• Students explore new learning environments throughavarietyofexcursions/activities

• Acceleration into VCE subjects AdvancementViaIndividualDetermination (AVID) – the only program of its kind in Geelong – underpins our SEAL Program. AVID prepares students with not only the content knowledge but also the metacognitive andorganisationalskillsrequiredtosucceedin seniorsecondaryschoolandtertiarystudies. WearenowinvitingearlySEALapplications fromstudentslivingwithintheNorthGeelong Secondary College school zone. Find out more about the application process and the SEAL program on our website (ngsc.vic.edu.

au). Early applications close Sunday April 14, 2024.

If you would like to find out more about our SEAL program, and our other programs and facilities, we invite you to book a personalised tourofourcollege.Youwillnotbedisappointed as you will discover a dynamic, high-quality governmentschoolforyourchild.

Welookforwardtomeetingyou.

Please contact 03 5240 5800, or email north. geelong.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au to book in a time for a personalised tour.

North Geelong Secondary College has a friendly and supportive environment, underpinned by the values of ‘Respect, Excellence, Achievement and Diversity’. (Pictures: Supplied)

Focus on Education

A nurturing environment at Geelong Baptist College

Geelong Baptist College hosted a successful Twilight Tour on March 26 with nearly 30 families visiting the school.

The tour provided an opportunity for prospective students and their families to meet the principals, explore the campus, and learn more about the college’s curriculum and extracurricular activities.

The college has upcoming tour dates, but you can also tour its facilities and meet with the principals at a time and date that suits you by contacting the college directly throughout the year. The Twilight Tour was not just about showcasing the college; it was about inviting families to become part of the Geelong Baptist College community.

It was a chance for them to see how the college values each student’s unique qualities and provides a supportive environment for their academic and personal development.

Geelong Baptist College continues to grow and one of its greatest strengths lies in its size and pastoral care. With a student body that allowsteacherstohaveadeepunderstandingof each student, the college fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.

Thisnurturingenvironmentisattheheartof what makes Geelong Baptist College a special place for learning and personal growth. With a smaller student population compared to larger institutions, Geelong Baptist College offers a unique advantage.

Teachers recognise each student by name but also understand their individual needs, strengths, and areas for growth. This personalised approach to education goes a long way in creating a supportive and inclusive community where students feel valued and supported. It also allows for meaningful interactions between students, teachers and parents.

A nurturing environment is at the heart of what makes Geelong Baptist College a special place for learning and personal growth.

With smaller class sizes, students can engage more deeply with their peers and teachers which means teachers are able to provide more personalised attention to each student, helping them reach their full potential academically,

socially, and emotionally.

Geelong Baptist College is more than just a school – it’s a thriving community that cares in more ways than one. The college is dedicated to nurturing every student’s full potential.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Geelong Baptist College has to offer, phone (03) 5260 9999 or email enquiries@ gbc.vic.edu.au to work out a suitable time and date to explore it all.

MY GEELONG

Geelong’s Sophie Anstis is a dedicated volunteer team leader at Lifeline Geelong. She speaks with Jena Carr about what she likes about living in the region and helping people in need.

What is your connection to Geelong? I grew up in Ballarat and moved to Geelong when my partner was studying engineering at Deakin University Waurn Ponds. My connection to the Geelong community began when I started volunteering at Lifeline Geelong, where I now work as the volunteer team leader.

What do you like about where you live? I like the variety and accessibility of lifestyles we have in Geelong, including access to the beach, bush, city, wineries, great cafes, and coffee.

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

Ihavea15-month-oldsonwhoisnowrunning around like a madman. I would love to see more playgrounds and parks with full shade coverage.

Where is your favourite place to spend time? I love spending time anywhere outside with my dogs, son and husband.

What is something people may not know about you?

I’ve taken more than 2,000 phone calls to Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service. I have also supported the training, supervision and recruitment of hundreds more crisis supporters who help answer calls.

What do you like about your role with Lifeline? I truly believe in Lifeline’s mission of an Australia free of suicide.

We can’t rely on everyone else around us to work on suicide prevention, but we need to be the change we want to see, which is why I started volunteering with them initially. I love the diversity of my role as a team

leader, as I am involved in many aspects of work training, assessment, supervision, and well-being.

I answer calls myself while providing supportive feedback and coaching to others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If anyone would like more information about possiblyjoiningusatLifeline,theycancontact me directly at Sophie.Anstis@lifeline.org.au

(Ivan Kemp)

393361_12

The Guide

FARMER WANTS A WIFE

Seven, Sunday, 7pm

Settling down in domestic bliss for a life in the country is an idyllic dream for many. In the 14th season of this fruitful dating show – it’s responsible for 21 babies so far – an Akubra, gumboots and a cosy flannel shirt never looked so seductive for the 14 love-hopeful women eager to find their match with one of the five farmers. Wearing the rosecoloured glasses, host Samantha Armytage is not the only one set to fall for this new bunch of charming men. Meet chatty South Australian dairyman Nick and Queenslander Bert, an impeccably mannered lad who could be a favourite with his sweet smile and farm blossoming with pineapple, dragon fruit and pumpkin.

Friday, April 12

HOUSE HUNTERS

9Life, Saturday, 8.30pm

Is there anything more diverting and entertaining – in a wonderfully pointless way – than emotionally investing in strangers’ property searches across the other side of the world? There’s nothing particularly memorable about this series, other than the impressive fact it has amassed a prolific 212 seasons. Notable for its house hunters’ rather wooden critiques and observations, it’s reliably bland, yet somehow engaging. After all, isn’t buying a house is one of life’s biggest moments? In “Young Lovers And State Lines”, a young couple may be in love but their hearts are being pulled in different directions: namely Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Love

the land:

9-1-1

Seven, Monday, 9.15pm

This big-budget US drama series, which follows the high-pressure experiences of a group of first responders, returns with an explosive seventh season tonight. The season premiere sees Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured) and Bobby (Peter Krause) set off on their long-overdue honeymoon on a cruise ship. But when duty calls, their holiday is put on hold. And it is only the beginning of a tumultuous time on the ship, with their on-sea ordeal making up the first three episodes of the season. Meanwhile, back on land, Eddie and Buck are focused on romance, an unusual incident leaves a couple stuck together, and a fighter jet traps a civilian.

MIRIAM MARGOLYES

IMPOSSIBLY AUSTRALIAN

ABC TV, Tuesday, 8pm

This three-part series sees octogenarian Miriam Margolyes, spurred on by a recent health issue, embark on a mission to better understand her adopted home of Australia, meeting with changing communities to see how they are faring. In tonight’s second episode, Miriam travels to Byron Bay, where hippies, influencers and celebrities live side by side. Despite its freethinking reputation, Miriam finds the price of freedom is steep in Byron, which is facing a housing crisis and feeling the impacts of climate change. Miriam meets ByronBaes star, influencer Jade Kevin Foster (pictured with Margolyes) and undergoes a spiritual experience with some local hippies.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

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. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Ml, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Mls, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R)

3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

4.40 Grand Designs. (R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

10.05 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

10.35 White Fever. (Mls, R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius. (MA15+av, R) 12.15 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Final, Ma, R) 1.05 Traces. (Mal, R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (a, R) 9.30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.55 Outta Town Adventures. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (Mav, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Ancient Egypt By Train: The Pyramids. (R) Part 2 of 4.

8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PGa, R) Part 2 of 3.

9.25 Secrets Of The Lost Liners: Queen Elizabeth. (PGav, R)

A look at the QueenElizabeth

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 A French Case. (Mas)

11.45 Miniseries: Algiers Confidential. (MA15+as, R) 3.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 MOVIE: Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts. (2017, PGav, R) Alison Sweeney.

2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)

3.00 The Chase. (R)

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets waste warrior Lottie Dalziel.

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 5. Western Bulldogs v Essendon. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.00 GetOn Extra.

12.30 Celebrity Obsessed: David Letterman. (MA15+a, R)

7TWO (62, 72)

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

11.30 9News Morning.

12.00

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Take Me Home. (Return, PG) The SAFE team returns. 8.30 MOVIE: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (2011, Mals, R) A group of British retirees travels to India to live in what they have been told is a luxurious hotel. Judi Dench, Bill Nighy.

11.00 See No Evil. (MA15+v)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.35 World’s Greatest Man Made Wonders. (PGa, R) 2.30 Living On The Coast. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping.

(R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop.

(R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

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

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGa, R) Graham Norton is joined by actors Tom Hanks, Naomi Ackie and Suranne Jones, and author Richard Osman. Japanese–British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama sings HoldtheGirl

10.30 Fire Country. (Mv, R) Sharon receives life-changing news.

(34)

on

Samantha Armytage hosts Farmer WantsaWife

Saturday, April 13

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. (Final, PG, R)

1.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.45 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time. (R) 4.50 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (R) 5.20 Landline. (R)

5.50 Australian Story. (R)

6.20 Back Roads: The Great Australian Road Trip. (R) Presented by Heather Ewart.

6.50 Bluey. (R) Dad pretends to be an estate agent.

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

7.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav) Marine helps Antoine and Hélène investigate the death of an aristocrat, found dead at his chateau.

9.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal, R) Part 2 of 5. Despite his best efforts, Joe becomes more entangled in the case of the murdered young woman.

9.50 House Of Gods. (Final, Ml, R) Sheikh Shaaker senses fraud and does everything in his power to uncover what Isa is up to.

10.50 Happy Valley. (Mlv, R) Catherine races to protect her family.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

QI.

Whose

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Ageless Gardens. (PGd, R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30

ABC World News Tonight With David Muir.

1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Synchronised Championships. Highlights.

4.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History

Bites. (R) 4.35 I’ll Be Frank. (PG) 5.35 A Cold War Of Spies. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ireland’s Wild Islands: Edge Of The Abyss. (PGa) Part 2 of 3.

8.30 New Zealand From A Train. (PGa, R) Part 2 of 2. Follows the journeys of New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine trains.

9.25 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes: Amalfi Coast, Capri, Rome. (PGas, R) Part 4 of 4. The final leg of Bettany’s journey through France and Italy starts in the Amalfi Coast.

10.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces: Jewels. (PGa, R) A look at the significance of jewellery.

11.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mals)

12.00 Dear Mama. (Madl, R)

4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships. Day 2 and Golden Mile Race Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A pregnant woman causes concern.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 5. Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn. From People First Stadium, Queensland.

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

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.00 My Greek Odyssey: Sikinos

To Folegandros. (PG, R) Peter Maneas continues his journey on the island of Sikinos, exploring a monastery before heading west to Folegandros.

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Greg Grainger takes in the floral festival of Floriade.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Mystic. (R) Issie attends a party at the local marae.

5.00 My Greek Odyssey: Ios

To Sikinos. (PG, R) Peter Maneas continues exploring the island of Ios.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 1.00 Ageless.

1.30 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R) 2.00 Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. (PG, R) 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. 4.30 The Garden Gurus.

TEN (5, 10)

5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Ready Steady Cook. (PGs, R) 11.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals, R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Roads Less Travelled. (R) 2.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. (Return) 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (Final) 4.30 Taste Of Australia: BBQ. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Instant Family. (2018, PGadlv, R) A couple must quickly learn the ropes of parenthood when they agree to foster three siblings.

Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne.

9.50 MOVIE: Get Hard. (2015, MA15+lns, R)

Sentenced to hard time in prison, a cowardly millionaire hires a gangster to harden him up. Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart.

11.45 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

12.35 Space Invaders. (PGa, R)

1.35 Surfing Australia TV.

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)

6.00 Ready Steady Cook. (PGs, R) Everyday Aussie home cooks team up with some of the country’s finest chefs and go head to head in the kitchen.

7.00 The Dog House. (PGa) Proud parents are hoping that a lurcher will help their introverted son lose his fear of people.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Ma) It is a busy night shift for the ambulance service when they are alerted to an infectious disease outbreak at Fairfield General Hospital, while waiting times stretch out into the early hours of the morning.

10.30 So Help Me Todd. (PGa, R) When Veronica appears at the law firm requesting a favour from Todd, he agrees to help.

11.30 FBI: International. (Mv, R) The FBI fly team heads to Morocco.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

Shaun Micallef’s

(Final) 10.35 MythBusters. 11.15 Double Parked. (Final) 11.40 Portlandia. 12.20am Black Mirror. 1.30 Upstart Crow. 2.00 Would I Lie To You? 2.30 Unprotected Sets. 3.15 ABC News Update. 3.20 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 11.55 MOVIE: Molly. (1983, PG) 1.30pm Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 2.20 NITV News: Nula. 2.50 Going Places. 3.50 Power To The People. 4.50 Persons Of Interest. 5.50 Going Native. 6.20 News. 6.30 Strait To The Plate. 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: The Exorcist. (1973, MA15+) 10.35 Nina Simone: Live At Montreux. 11.50 Late Programs.

6am

To Australia. 5.55 The Food That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 MOVIE: Road House. (1989, MA15+) 10.35 Juice. (Premiere) 11.40 Back To Life. 12.50am The X-Files. 2.40

6am FairyTale: A True Story. Continued. (1997, PG) 7.20 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 8.55 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 11.05 Drunken Master II. (1994, M, Cantonese) 1pm Ip Man 2. (2010, M, Cantonese) 3.00 Footy Legends. (2006, PG) 4.40 The Kid From The Big Apple 2. (2017, PG, Mandarin) 6.50 The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 8.30 Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

Sunday, April 14

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Your 4x4. Noon My Road To Adventure. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 American Restoration. 2.00 Motor Racing. Shannons SpeedSeries. Round 3. Day 1. 4.00 Hustle & Tow. 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Non-Stop. (2014, M) 12.10am Late Programs.

“Not just a lifestyle, a style of life.”

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 The King Of Queens. 8.00 Becker. 9.00 Neighbours. 11.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 11.30 The King Of Queens. 12.30pm I’m A Celebrity… Get

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

1.30pm MOVIE: Pokémon: The Power Of One. (1999) 3.10 A1: Highway Patrol. 4.10 The Bradshaw Bunch. 5.10 Kenan. 5.40 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip. (2015, PG) 7.30

MOVIE: The Hunger Games. (2012, M) 10.15 MOVIE: Elektra. (2005, M) 12.10am Kardashians. 2.05 Love After Lockup. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive. 4.00 Late Programs.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10) NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 The Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass: The Friendship Recession. (PGa) Presented by Siobhan Marin. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Return, PG) Racial tensions cast a shadow over Poplar.

8.30 Vera. (Ma) Part 2 of 3. DCI Vera Stanhope is on track to uncover an intriguing yet puzzling case when the body of a sickly young girl is discovered at the side of an isolated railway crossing.

10.05 Happy Valley. (Mlv, R) Catherine races to protect her family.

11.05 The Messenger. (Mal, R) A taxi driver receives mysterious messages.

12.55 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS

Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Wrestling. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Roubaix. Women’s Race. Highlights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Roubaix. Men’s Race. Highlights. 5.30 A Cold War Of Spies. (PG) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG) Part 1 of 3. Pauline Carroll travels to Cambodia to explore the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, Angkor.

10.15 Iznik: The Sunken Basilica. (PGa, R) A look at a Byzantine-era basilica.

11.15 Mystery Of The Golden Warrior. (PGa, R) Takes a look at the birth of Ancient Greece.

12.10 Secrets Of Playboy: The Playboy Legacy. (Mans, R) A look at the Playboy brand.

2.40 Why Buildings Collapse. (PGa, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. 2.25pm The Loop. 2.45 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup. 4.45 WorldWatch. 5.15 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.45 The Wine

Border Security: International. (PG, R) 1.30

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 2.00 Football. VFL. Round 3. Collingwood

v Carlton. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30

Sydney Weekender. [MEL]Melbourne Weekender.(Return)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Return, PGl) Farmers search for love.

8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive, special investigation.

9.45 The Latest: Seven News.

10.15 Code 1: Minute By Minute: Terror In The City. (Mav, R) A look at the 2018 Bourke Street incident.

11.15 Quantum Leap. (Mav) Ben lands in 1992 Los Angeles.

12.10 MOVIE: Jesse Stone:

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

(PG) 12.00

Sunday

World Of

(PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV. 2.00 Bondi Vet. (PGam, R) 3.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R) 5.00

(PG, R)

2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGls, R)

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

6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) After many long weeks in the jungle, the celebrities finally receive letters from home as the competition for charity continues in the wilds of South Africa. Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 FBI. (Mav) After the president of the NY Fed is gunned down trying to help a young woman in peril, the team races to find the killer and the missing woman.

12.00 The Sunday Project. (R) Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

Monday, April 15

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R)

2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R)

3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

4.45 Grand Designs. (R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

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 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson. (Ml) Part 3 of 4.

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.40 The Business. (R)

10.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.25 Planet America. (R)

12.00 Grand Designs. (R) 12.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.35 The Science Of Relationships: A Catalyst Special. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Outta Town

Adventures. 11.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination Flavour China

Bitesize. (R) 2.05 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (Ma, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.00 Scotland, Slavery And Statues. (PG, R) 5.05

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

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Anchormen. (PGa) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

8.30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. With the coronation just weeks away, the Beefeaters’ uniforms must be updated to represent the king.

9.25 24 Hours In Emergency: A Hand To Hold. (Ma) A staff member from the neurology department experiences an epileptic seizure.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Christian. (Malv) Matteo

obtains important information.

11.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R)

3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 To Be Advised.

1.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Beat The Chasers UK.

The Chase.

Seven News At 4.

The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa)

Joe and Tom meet their love matches before choosing five ladies to return to their farms.

9.15 9-1-1. (Return, Masv) Athena and Bobby set off on their honeymoon cruise, but when duty calls, their holiday is put on hold. An unusual incident leaves a couple stuck together. A fighter jet traps a civilian.

10.15 The Irrational. (Mav) Jace makes a critical break in the case.

11.15 The Latest: Seven News.

11.45 The Clown And The Candyman. (MA15+av, R) Part 2 of 4.

12.45 Grand Crew. (Mal) The crew takes a trip to Ojai.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Time Bandits. Continued. (1981, PG) 7.40 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 9.40 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PG) 11.45 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 3.50 Oka! (2012, PG) 5.50 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 7.30 The Artist And The Model. (2012, M, French) 9.30 The Chess Player. (2017, M, German) 11.25 The Intruder. (2017, M, Italian) 1.15am Late Programs. 7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Talking Language. 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.35 Grace Beside Me. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 First Australians. 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Scotland, Slavery And Statues. 10.05 MOVIE: The Shiralee. (1987, M) 11.50 Late Programs. NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Krikke Boys Shootout. H’lights. 2.30 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (Return) 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. 11.30 Late Programs.

Tuesday, April 16

NINE (8, 9)

Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30

Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters. (PGl, R)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 LEGO Masters. (PGl) Hosted by Hamish Blake.

8.45 Paramedics. (Return, Mm)

Every second counts after a woman collapses with no heartbeat. Paramedics fear a boy has a head injury.

9.45 Footy Classified. (M) Hosted by Craig Hutchison, Matthew Lloyd, Caroline Wilson and Kane Cornes.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 La Brea. (Return, Mv)

12.05

TEN (5, 10)

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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Eight celebrities are still in camp, but by the end of the night only seven will remain.

9.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott and the fugitive task force team chase an oligarch who goes on a terror spree in New York City in a desperate attempt to escape an impossible situation.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am The Big Bang Theory. 7.30 The Middle. 9.30 Ready Steady Cook. 10.30 I’m A

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon Motor Racing. Formula E C’ship. 1.00 Rich House, Poor House. 2.00 Surfing Australia TV. 2.30

Bewitched. 3.00 Full House. 3.30 Sunnyside. 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: Blade. (1998, MA15+) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Medium. 1.00 Below Deck. 2.00 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Late Programs.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

(8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination

Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Herne Bay To Leeds Castle, Kent. (PG, R) Presented by Michael Portillo.

8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi takes a look at relationships that are built

Hitler. (Mns) 12.15 Good People. (Mal, R) 3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities face their final food trial, as yet another celebrity is eliminated from the competition.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv) When the team engages in Walk-a-Mile Day to gain a new perspective on different departments, things take a turn when Kasie receives a distress call from a mysterious man.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

Bull. 9.25 FBI. 11.15 48 Hours. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG.

Wednesday, April 17

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

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

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. A satirical news program exposing the humorous, absurd and downright hypocritical.

9.00 White Fever. (Ml) Jane sets out to snag a date.

9.30 QI. (PG) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

10.00 Planet America.

10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 The Business. (R)

11.05 Starstruck. (Mls, R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (PGal) The participants are pushed to their limits.

8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (Mals) Jimmy Carr hosts a comedic game show where paying attention pays off.

9.30 Miniseries: Litvinenko. (Mal)

Part 4 of 4. Lugovoy and Kovtun are charged with Litvinenko’s murder.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 You Shall Not Lie. (Premiere, MA15+als) A viral video destroys lives.

11.55 COBRA. (MA15+av, R)

3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.45 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00

Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. 12.55am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 3.40 Bushwhacked! 4.05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Kickin’ Back With Gilbert McAdam. 8.00 In Search Of Greatness. 9.25 MOVIE: Rumble In The Bronx. (1995, M) 11.00 Late Programs. NITV (34)

6am The Guns Of Navarone. Continued. (1961, PG) 8.20 Oka! (2012, PG) 10.20 The Intruder. (2017, M, Italian) 12.10pm Undine. (2020, M, German) 1.50 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 3.30 Dr Strangelove. (1964, PG) 5.20 From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 7.30 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Shadow In The Cloud. (2020, MA15+) 11.00 Late Programs.

Thursday, April 18

ABC TV (2) SBS

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.55 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mdl, R) 1.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 QI. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.50 Outta Town Adventures. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (PGal, R) 3.00

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGadv)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Lee Mack 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 Trent Cotchin, Joel Selwood and Mitch Cleary.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Unbelievable Moments

Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

12.00 Parenthood. (Ma, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. (Ml) Hosted by Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis.

9.00 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Print Of Proof. (Mv) Explores the investigation of one of the most enigmatic bank robbers in Australian history.

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

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)

12.20

4.30

A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 9News Early.

5.30 Today.

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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) After weeks in the jungle, the celebrities will find out what has been happening in the outside world.

9.00 FBI: International. (Mv) Kellett questions both her teammates and her new relationship as the fly team lends a helping hand to the Hungarian National Police after Lt. Erdos is implicated in the mob murder of a Budapest couple. 11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Costco: Is It Really Worth It? (PG, R) Explores the retailer Costco.

8.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Puglia. Stanley Tucci visits Puglia, a region famous for its fragrant olive oil, vegetables, cheeses and durum wheat.

9.20 Blue Lights. (Return) It is a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Illegals. (Malsv)

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25

Dark Side Of Comedy. 2.15 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Pawn Stars. Noon Outback Truckers. 1.00 Aussie Truck Rehab. 2.00 Mega Mechanics. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Cities Of

Medium. 1.10 Below Deck. 2.00 Late Programs.

The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin say goodbye to two more celebrities in a double elimination. 9.00 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.00 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) A young lifesaver asks the SVU for help. 11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Room For Improvement. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00

Noll ready to lift Geelong

By Jena Carr

Shannon Noll is coming to Geelong for a one-night concert featuring hits like Lift, What About Me and Drive.

Noll is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his multi-platinum debut album, That’s What I’m Talking About, with an Australian tour performance stopping off at Geelong’s Costa Hall on April 19.

“I haven’t played these songs for so long, so I’m really excited about getting them back out again and dusting them off,” he said.

“There’s a lot of negative stuff in music these days, and I’ve had so many times where people have told me that Lift helped them through a dark patch in their lives.

“It makes me so proud, and I couldn’t be happier about my music helping people along the way when maybe they couldn’t help

themselves, so I’m stoked about that.” Noll said the concert would suit fans of all ages and thanked the Geelong community for

its 20 years of support.

“I’m really looking forward to this one. We haven’t done a theatre tour of this kind for a good probably 10 years now and it’s really exciting,” he said.

“The only way that any of this is possible was because of the wonderful support from the Australian public, so this is all about them and thanking them for their support.

“I’m really excited to get back down to Geelong and put on what I believe is probably the best show construction and format that I’ve ever done, so this is a real big step for me.”

The Australian concert tour coincides with a special 20th anniversary edition album release of That’s What I’m Talking About on April 5, featuring live recordings and two new songs.

Tickets for the That’s What I’m Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour are available at shannonnoll.com

Country music’s favourite couple

For Brooke McClymont and husband Adam Eckersley, joining forces to write some music together during COVID-19 seemed like a good way to stay creative while unable to connect properly with their respective regular bands.

Little did they imagine their duo project would net them multiple Golden Guitar awards, put them at the top of the ARIA album charts and become their main gig.

“When COVID hit Adam and I just decided to do it; we were like, well, we can’t get together with anyone,” McClymont said.

“So that’s when this project was born, really, and it’s just working. What was going to be a side project has now become our full-time job at the moment, and we’re absolutely loving it.” Both McClymont and Eckersley are musical stars in their own right, and up until the pandemic had kept their careers mostly separate.

McClymont and her two sisters Samantha and Mollie make up country music trio The McClymonts, and have won a swag of Australian and international awards over the outfit’s 18-year lifespan and performed at country music mecca The Grand Ole Opry. Eckersley burst onto the blues scene as the lead guitarist and singer of Bluezone before heading in a more Southern rock-influenced country direction with The Adam Eckersley Band, which he established in 2010, and has won five Golden Guitars of his own. The pair are now touring their second album Up, Down & Sideways, which was named the ARIA Best Country Album in 2023 and debuted at number one on the all-genre ARIA albums chart in June last year.

McClymontsaidpartofthejoyoftheproject was the chemistry they brought to their live performances.

“We always laugh and say we’re basically two fools on stools,” she said.

“We tell our stories, we’re ratbags, the banter is loose as and we never know what we’re going to say. I think being married, we just bounce off each other.

“The crowd usually dictates the type of night we’regoingtohave.Ifthey’rereallyrowdy,well, it’sgoingtoberowdy.Ifthey’reaquiet,listening

crowd, we go with the feel of the room. “It’s all about great country music, and it’s a good night to let your hair down and forget about the week you’ve had.”

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley performattheGatewayHotel,CorioonFriday, April 19.

Back to Back world premiere

Internationally lauded Geelong theatre company Back to Back will premiere their newest major work at the Geelong Arts Centre this week.

Multiple Bad Things is a dark comedy focused on three employees struggling to work together, starring long-time Back to Back actors/creators Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring and Scott Price and award-winning performer Bron Batten.

Laherty, who has been creating at Back to Back Theatre for the past two decades, said the workers faced challenges concerning “discrimination, challenging behaviour, fighting, arguing and, of course, work”.

“We’vegotagreatteamofcollaborators, two fantastic directors and a great cast,” he said. “(Shows like this are) very, very important. We’re a team, we work hard, and we just make great theatre.”

TamaraSearle,whoco-directsMultiple Bad Things alongside Ingrid Voorendt, saidtheworkexploredbroaderthemesof conflict and social upheaval through the microcosm of the workplace.

“We think of this work as being about a workplace culture war; whilst some of the wars in the world at the moment are obviously physically violent and genocidal, there’s also other wars going on which are much more micro level, but are dealing with similar things,” Searle said. “It’s like climate change, it’s like the glaciers melting, it’s like the war in Ukraine; they are so big, we can’t really understand them.

“And so that’s kind of why we went, let’s make it small, let’s make it local and personal and see if we can understand more by doing that.”

Back to Back Theatre features the work of artists with disabilities and has won prestigious international awards such as the International Ibsen Award and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre.

Multiple Bad Things is at the Geelong Arts Centre from April 11 to 13 before heading to Brussels in May.

Matt Hewson

Matt Hewson

Simon Laherty. (Ivan Kemp) 399992_09

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley. (Supplied)

Shannon Noll will be bringing his That’s What I’m Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour to Geelong’s Costa Hall on April 19. (Supplied)

School holiday fun at the circus

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to The Great Moscow Circus at Waurn Ponds on Wednesday for some school holiday fun.

1/ Ben and Michelle Collyer with daughters Zoe, Gracie and Lucy. 2/ Alicia Kelton and son Ryder. 3/ Milla Rowbotham and Maya. 4/ Ebony Anset with her children Anouk, Wilkie and Mabel. 5/ Michelle and Paul Sutherland with their daughters Millie and Lucy. 6/ Ciara, Jarvis and Harvey. 7/ Claire Brice and daughters Freya and Annabel. 8/ Laura Tripodi and her son Tom. 9/ Lucy Goode and daughters Nina and Penny. 10/ Bernadette Sandwith with grandchildren Baz, Edi and Raff. 11/ Judy, Lawson and James Lewis. 12/ Desmond Hong with his children Zechery, Belle and Leighton. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 400490

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Stall

Royal Children’s Hospital, Geelong Auxiliary four-day stall at Bell Post Hill shopping centre, Anakie Road, Norlane. Tuesday April 16 to Friday April 19, 9am-4pm.

Christian Singles

Saturday April 13 – 6.30pm dinner at Mallee Thai, Shop 6, 1-3 Bellevue Avenue, Highton. Table for 30s & 40s, table for 50s and over. Book on:

■ 0400 662 352

Saturday April 20 – 11.30am girls lunch at private venue. Details ring by April 19.

■ 0418 672 570

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday April 13, 7.30pm-11pm, $10 incl supper, music Charles. Sunday, April 14, 2pm-4pm. Admission $5, 7.30-11pm, music Kevin.

■ 0400 500 402

Combined Probus Belmont Central

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

■ Secretary, 0417 555 547

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 fourth 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

Bingo

Tuesdays 1pm-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

■ Frank, 5241 1776

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

Grovedale Seniors

Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm.

Heritage Museum Open Day Bellarine Historical Society, 11 High Street, Drysdale, talks, tours and other events on Sunday April 21, 10.30am-4pm as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival. All welcome. ■ Facebook: Bellarine Historical Society

Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.

■ Julie, 0419 549 521

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

Sports Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.

Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday and Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking netball also played. Umpire training available.

■ Maureen, 0429 397 015

Arts National Geelong Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at artsnational.au

Hamlyn Heights Probus

Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Road, Herne Hill.

■ Noel, 0425 706 339

Geelong Central Probus

Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.

■ geelcentprob@gmail.com

Newcomb Probus

Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.

■ Gary, 0407 320 735

Polish language for kids

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

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

Dancer’s Club Geelong Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30pm-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Puff and Damian.

■ Russ, 5250 1937

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc]

Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2pm-4pm, $5 entry.

■ Val, 5251 3529

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, leave a message on 03 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

Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.

■ Dorota, 5224 1105

Music for preschoolers

Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.

■ Rhonda, 0437 241 345

Rostrum meets

Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.

■ Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958

Adfas Geelong

Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.

■ adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au

Cards

Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.

■ griddlepop@hotmail.com

Scrabble club

Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool and McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.

■ Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282

Games

Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2pm-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.

■ Dinah, 0418 547 753

Book club

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

■ Shirley, 0488 055 969

Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.

■ Mary, 0419 278 456

Mindfulness & meditation

Wednesdays 11am at U3A Geelong, Thursdays 10am, U3A Torquay.

■ Jean, 5264 7484

Out and about

The Geelong & District Football Netball League season kicked off on Saturday April 6 and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at the East Geelong vs Bell Post Hill games at Richmond Oval, East Geelong.

1/ Dylan Harmer and Bella Wells with their children Edyn and Ned and dog Doug. 2/ Adam Barrett (right) with his children Archie and Freddie and sister-in-law Kristy Barrett. 3/ Claire Deretic and daughter Jess. 4/ Leah and Travis Mackay. 5/ Brooke Purcell, Joshua Warwick with baby Hudson, Stuart Keys and Brendan Maynard. 6/ Chris Warwick with James Steele and baby Hudson. 7/ Zoey Perovic and Jaxon Ellard. 8/ Jackson Burke, Jake Watson and Mike Norris. 9/ Matt and Ady McGuinness with baby Marli. 10/ Tate Heatly, Alice Layton and Sam Nelson. 11/ Ebony Richards, Holly Micholson, Jaxon Cox and Elisha Macijevic. 12/ Lucas Cornes, Charlotte Armstrong, Jenny Crombie, Jaimee Crombie and Nathan Gronbeck. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 399465

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

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 nouns ending in “s”.

1 Which United States Department of Health and Human Services agency is abbreviated as the FDA?

2 Where was Australia’s first uranium mine?

3 Which plant family does lavender come from?

4 What is apophenia?

5 What are the three official languages of the landlocked European country Luxembourg?

6 Which country was Sam Neill (pictured) born in?

7 In which Australian state is the town of Wonglepong found?

8 Who was the Emperor of Japan during World War II?

9 What was the first synthetic fabric used in clothing?

10 In which year was the first Australian of the Year awarded?

Get in quick for Audi RS Q3

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

One of the most popular pastimes in the world, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common.

The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures.

Thelatterhasjustaddedalotmoreofthelatter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down Under.

“This edition pays great tribute to the best of SUV performance in the RS Q3 Sportback,” saysAudiAustraliadirectorJeffManning,who has no doubts about the sales success of the anniversary edition in this country.

“Australia as a market is so performance focused and I have no doubt that owners will enjoy exclusive RS touches in this special model,” he adds.

The RS Q3 Sportback 10 Years is based on the storied RS Q3 with a raft of unique features inside and out, not least the award winning 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder motor, producing an unrivalled bass note.

Inkeepingwiththisisanexclusivecollection of accoutrements such as black 21-inch alloy wheels, matching Audi badging and brake callipers, plus race-inspired front bucket seats with contrasting copper honeycomb stitching. TheRSQ3SportbackEdition10Yearscomes with Audi’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion. Owners also receive membership during the warranty period to the Audi Experience with access to exclusive events, Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Styling Stand-out exclusive colours are Dew Silver matt or metallic Chronos Grey, the latter providing a strong base for darkened matrix LED headlamps, with dynamic turn indicators and matching wing mirror housings. A glossy black roof frame, window rims, and doortrimpointthewaytocopycatfrontspoiler blades and diffuser insert. The Audi four rings clingtothesingleframeradiatorgrilleandrear together with the model lettering.

QUALITY CAR SERVICING

We offer a wide range of services in our modern workshop and are known for our fussiness and attention to detail, and that’s exactly how we like it!

Interior

Race-style front bucket seats have a lot going for them – big bolsters for snug lateral support (handy on dramatic direction changes) and covered in leather and Dinamica, black with contrasting copper coloured honeycomb stitching and backrest in matt carbon.

Here’s the bad news: while both seats are heated,theyarereducedtomanualadjustment; nopowerhere.Thisisnotwhatwehavebecome used to in a $100,000 car.

Never mind, the RS sport steering wheel makesupfortheabsence,beingclothedinsexy suede-style Alcantara with copper stitching, which is repeated in the gear lever gaiter. Ambient LED lighting adds the finishing touches to the luxe surroundings.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Saying the car is a five-seater is stretching things; the rear is short on width. The boot will take 530 litres of cargo with the 60:40 rear seat backs up, expanding to 1400 litres with them folded. An electric tailgate includes gesture control.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Infotainment

The set-up features MMI navigation through a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi Connect Plus, Audi phone box light and wireless smartphone charging.

There are two USB-C power outlets up front, along with a 12V plug down by twin cup holders.

Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display can be configured to present the driver with several layers of easily accessible information to maximise the driving experience, or not.

Engines/transmissions

The award winning TFSI five-cylinder engine pumps out 294 kW of power, 17 per cent more than the previous RS Q3 motor. Maximum torque of 480 Nm, on tap between 1950 and 5850 rpm runs the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Safety

ANCAP safety is not rated, as is the case with many sports specials. However, there is no skimping on active safety, with adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, lanedeparturewarningandlanekeepingassist.

The 360-degree cameras, plus rear and front parking alarms instil confidence when faced with crowded car parks.

Driving

AndsototheAudiRSQ3SportbackEdition10 Years figures. The Car can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Audi claims fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

Thetestcarrecordedjustover10litresper100 kilometres in city stop/start motoring and 6.4 litresper100kilometresonamainlymotorway run. That apart, it’s the accompanying exhaust note that really takes the cake.

The odd number of cylinders with their unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3 deliver a deep sonorous sound via twin barrels with exhaust flap control and gloss black oval tailpipe trims. The RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers has the car on best behaviour around city streets but still gets a grip when things are set loose on fast bends or sharp corners.

Bits to play with include driving modes, powertrain monitoring and performance tracking.

Positive steering is backed up by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, while braking has the heft to pull up the vehicle with the assurance the driver demands of a high-performance sports car.

Summary

TheanniversaryRSQ3isavailableinSportback only, the SUV not given a guernsey, which is how it should be. Buyers will have to be quick to join the celebrations.

Audi is making only 555 Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

Scott backs score review

Chris Scott is adamant a pivotal score review was the right call after Geelong beat the Western Bulldogs by four points in an AFL Gather Round special.

The Cats held off the fast-finishing Bulldogs in a pulsating last term for the 14.11(95) to 14.7(91) win and they are 4-0 for the first time since2017,whentheymadeapreliminaryfinal.

There were any number of big moments on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval and Tyson Stengle’s second goal in the third term proved to be high among them.

In his 250th game, Mark Blicavs had a shot at goal and it appeared as though Stengle had marked it over the line, meaning a behind.

But Stengle was paid the mark on review and he snapped the goal.

Asked if he thought the right call had been made, coach Scott said: “We saw the replayyeah, we did.

“When we saw the replay we thought it was pretty clear. In my mind, that’s exactly how it should work.

“No-one could accuse me of being a sycophant for the AFL, but when they do a good job I’m prepared to acknowledge it.“

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said he assumed the right call had been made.

“With the score review, I suppose you almost make a commitment to yourself as a coach not to get caught up in it,” he said.

“You just accept whatever decisions being made are the right ones.“

Geelong held on despite massive games from Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore and captain Marcus Bontempelli, while defender Liam Jones kept Cats great Tom Hawkins goalless.

Stengle’s four goals were crucial, and Jeremy Cameron also starred, while Scott praised their midfield depth in the absence of injured stars Patrick Dangerfield and Cameron Guthrie.

Scott said their perfect start was a testament to a solid pre-season.

“It hasn’t surprised me, but if we had lost a couple of close games and been 1-3, that

wouldn’t have surprised me that much either,“ he said.

“I just have too much for the competition. The easy games are not there.

“I will be clear – it hasn’t surprised, but it was hard to predict exactly how well the combination was going to go. But the signs are good.“

Trailing by 16 points at three-quarter time, the Cats were pressing in the last term, which featured the AFL oddity of a Mexican Wave from the raucous Adelaide Oval crowd.

But after five Bulldogs inside 50s, Geelong managed to rebound quickly down the other end - not for the first time in the game - and Oliver Henry kicked their only goal of the final term.

Later in the final quarter, the Bulldogs were on the charge and a goal looked certain, only forstarCatsdefenderTomStewarttosomehow make a crucial spoil that killed off the passage of play.

– AAP

Barwon quartet does region proud

With competition on hiatus for the Easter break, many players have taken the opportunity to participate in a multitude of tournaments and events across the state.

One such event was the Regional Team Event for 10&U, the Wayne Arthurs Cup, which was held at Kooyong this weekend.

Thirteen teams, of two boys and two girls, from across the state came together, split into three pools for initial matches before playoff rounds to determine final placings.

Barwon was represented by Elise Wong, Gem Mayall, Yanni Azidis and Rayaan Bava, whowereplayingtheirfirstteamstournament, and for some their first tournament.

Placed in Pool A Barwon was matched against Peninsula, Eastern and North Suburban junior regions.

The team had a tough start against eventual Pool winners Peninsula while they were finding their feet, but fared better in their second match against Eastern, with the girls winning their singles and the doubles combinations started to bond with close loses.

The final match was against North Suburban who also proved to be a strong team, eventually winning the 5-8 playoff. Sunday proved a better day for the team, kicking off the day with a 4-2 win over East Gippsland.

The girls both had another win in their singles, and Yanni both his singles in a tie-break and paired with Elise for a 6-1 win in their doubles.

The win put them through to the play off with Goulburn.

The teams were evenly matched with Yanni playing well but going down 8-5 while Rayaan had his first singles win 8-4.

Barrel tuna going crazy

ON THE BITE

Peri Stavropoulos

Big news this week has been the barrel tuna down the coast with Port Mac being the standout location, however don’t count out any ports between there and our backdoor step as these fish could pop up literally anywhere.

The bites have been very hot and cold - one day it could be double and triple hook ups with most boats landing fish and the next, the complete opposite.

Josh Caruso landed a solid barrel recently alongside Peri Stavropoulos from Trellys Geelong and Anthony Pirrottina with the fish pulling the scales down to 141kg bled. Great way to start the season for Josh. The fish was taken on a Skirted Lure.

Off Port Fairy has seen lots of school tuna hunting the 60 metre line with anglers getting down there and having some hot sessions on them.

Trolling small skirted lures with the aid of a teaser and diving lures has been working very well. Not only tuna on the chewbutplentyofsharksonthebottom and top.

Mako, gummy and school sharks have all been in great numbers out in the deep.

St Helens rocks has fished well again this week with some big flathead being caught. Anglers launching baits like squid and pilchards have found flatties to over 40cm along with some pinky snapper and King George whiting. Fishingearlymorningorlateafternoons are the prime time here.

North Shore is another great option if you want to try another sport or if it’s too busy at St Helens.

Batter’s up at upcoming championships

State Little League Baseball Championships are coming to Geelong for an action-packed weekend.

The championships will be held at the Geelong Baseball Centre on Pioneer Road, Grovedale, from April 12 to 14, covering the under-16 and under-14 age groups.

Tournament officer Tony McPherson said baseball was a great sport for kids to get involved in as it inspired personal development and participation in sport.

“The winners and second-place getters

move on to the national championships with an opportunity to play in the Little League International Tournament over in the United States,” he said.

“They’re (the kids) all there and ready to go...and the best part is the participation and development as you see kids go from not knowing anything about baseball to being a competitive unit.

“Similar to cricket, you have a bat, ball, and a glove to catch, but if you go out in this game, you can come back in later on. Where in junior

cricket a lot of time, once they’re out they just sit around.”

Games will start at 8.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm daily on all four diamonds, with teams across the state competing for a spot in the national championships.

The event will be jointly hosted by The Guild All-Stars Baseball Club and East Belmont Baseball Club, which will offer their canteen with food and beverages available for sale over the weekend.

Jena Carr

St Leonards to Queenscliff has still been productive for King George whiting with reports still coming through of boats getting stuck into good numbers of fish with the area known as Bourke Street proving to be the standout location. Fishing strong tides will definitely be your best time, which we are expecting this weekend. It’s going to be a great weekend for whiting fishing.

Out the front of Barwon Heads we are heading into that time of year when the gummy sharks should really fire up offshore.

The 30 metre line is a great area to start and yes, it’s mentioned a lot, but it really is the best line to fish (in my opinion). Fishing tides with fresh blood baits are your best chances.

Gem continued her form with a win in her singles 8-5 before following up with Rayaan to win the second doubles 6-1.

The win left the teams tied on sets and games and Barwon finished the event in good fashion.

LOCAL TENNIS Donna Schoenmaekers

Team Barwon: Elise Wong, Gem Mayall, Rayaan Bava and Yanni Azidis. (Supplied)

Josh Caruso with a barrel tuna alongside Peri Stavropoulos and Anthony Pirrottina. (Supplied)

Eagles host Panthers for opener

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Richmond Oval on Saturday April 6 for the East Geelong vs Bell Post Hill C and D Grade netball games.

Emily Catchpole scored 21 goals for East Geelong in C Grade.

Olivia Richards was Bell Post Hill’s best player in C Grade. Left: Beth Peel intercepts. Right: Millie Johnson passes to a teammate. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 399461

Lisa Kepple was one of East Geelong’s best in C Grade.

Courtney West was the Panthers’ best in D Grade. Hayley Inman wins a tight contest. Sam Rundle looks for a passing option.

Above, left to right: Natasha Hammond-Griffiths looks to get the ball out of defence; Amy O’Neill was best on court in C Grade; Kelly-Anne Sheahan looks to pass; Aimee Lefoe surveys her options.

GDFL opens the season

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at the round one clash between East Geelong and Bell Post Hill at Richmond Oval in East Geelong on Saturday April 6.

Sam Harmer kicks into the forward line.

Adrian Fantella flies for a mark.

Above: Josh Norman marks strongly in front of goal. Left: Boe Collins looks to handpass.

Caleb Ezard marks in front of goal.

John McIntyre just gets his kick away.

Tom Byrnes kicks towards goal.

Left: Jaydan McLaughlan marks in front of Ben Tekin. Centre: Sam Lowe in action. Right: Hayden Martin streams forward (top); Dylan Godwin evades Sam King. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 399462

Conor McKinnon and Jack Yates compete for the hitout.

SPORT

Panthers pounce in third quarter

By Justin Flynn

A seven-goal third quarter was crucial in Bell Post Hill opening the Geelong & District Football League season with a win against East Geelong at Richmond Oval.

Trailing by 14 points at half-time, the Panthers piled on 7.5 in the third term to take a 26-point lead into the final break.

They held on despite the Eagles booting four goals to one in the final stanza to win 12.12(84) to 11.7(73) on Saturday April 6.

Co-coach Ash Witney said his side didn’t changemuchatthebreak,butwascleanerwith its disposal.

“We were a little bit cleaner around the footy,” he said. “I think contested work was really good. We’ve got a lot of blokes who love the hard stuff and are contested bulls. We just spoke about it at half time, maybe just letting one go in and one go out.

“East Geelong are very good at holding out of the contest and getting that overlap with handball, so that was probably hurting us a littlebitontheoutside.We’dwinontheinside, but then once the ball tumbled outside of the contest, they were off to the races and are a very, very skillful footy team.”

Witney said his side’s fitness levels were the result of a gruelling preseason.

“We spoke hugely to the boys about this and I think that we’re the fittest football team and that’s what our mantra was all preseason,” he said. “I mean the fittest football team, not the fittest running team, not the strongest team, but the fittest football team. We’ve put a lot of work in since November.”

Afterlosingaplethoraofformerpremiership players in the off-season, the Panthers are a new-look outfit, but have not dwelt on the losses.

“It was probably a little bit of an emotional win,” Witney said.

“We spoke of that a fair bit early on in the piece that this is their footy club now and their time to take the footy club forward. And now it’stheseboys’turntoleadthewayandleadthe footy club.”

Bell Post Hill takes on reigning premiers

Inverleigh at home in round two.

“We’ll look out for a few of their prime movers, but we’ll just worry about our team and as long as they bring 100 percent effort 100 percent of the time,” Witney said.

“Wethinkifwecanplayourstyleoffootyfor longenough,we’llbeinwithachancetowinat the end of the game.”

Harry McIntyre booted four goals for the

Panthers and Daniel Maher kicked three while for East Geelong, Austin Mulvahil was on target with five.

Brody Washington made his debut for Bell Post Hill, having never played a game of Australian Rules football before.

“He’s just a kid, has a crack and he puts his head over the footy and is team first,” Witney said.

GEELONG WEST defeated a plucky North Geelong by five points, 12.10(82) to 12.7(77).

Matthew Ianelli booted five goals for the Giants while Blake Miller did the same at the other end for North Geelong.

WERRIBEE CENTRALS knocked off Corio by 16 points, 15.9(99) to 13.5(83) with Josh McDonald booting four goals in a best afield

Seas sitting on top of the table

It’s early in the season, but already Anglesea is looking every bit the top three side following two impressive wins to start its Bellarine Football League campaign.

The Seas knocked off Barwon Heads in a huge scalp on Easter Saturday away from home and then demolished Modewarre by 79 points on Saturday to sit on top of the ladder. Final scores 17.17(119) to 6.4(40).

Coach Jordan Keras said defeating year’s third and fourth placed teams in the opening two rounds was encouraging.

“I’ve been really pleased,” he said.

“We’ve got a challenging five weeks ahead. The more teams you beat that are around the mark, the better.

“We’re just focussed on trying to play finals again this year. Natural improvement playing the game plan and injecting some good mature recruits is probably the key so far.”

The Seas had an even spread of goalkickers againstModdawithKerasbobbingupforthree majors as did Tom Couch.

“We respect Modda - they’ve been a good side for a number of years and finished fourth last year,” Keras said.

“We knew if we got our game going we could get the job done. Our spread from contests and ability to work hard showed over the four quarters.

“We’ve had an even contribution from our boys at the moment. When guys are willing to play their role, it holds you in good stead.”

However, despite the final margin Keras said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the performance.

“I probably did feel like we weren’t moving the ball as well as what we would have liked,” he said. “It sounds silly but we didn’t quite get our mojo going through the game. We had plus 57 inside 50s and a lowish percentage for score involvements.”

Anglesea turns its attention to last year’s runners-up Drysdale in what is shaping as being the most even season in recent memory.

“It will be a decent test in Drysdale,” Keras said. “Every game, you have to rock up and be ready to play.”.

PORTARLINGTON defeated Ocean Grove for the first time 30 years with a 13.5(83) to 7.11(53) win. Teia Miles booted his second bag of five goals for the Demons.

DRYSDALEhungontodefeatafast-finishing BarwonHeads,13.15(93)to12.7(79).TheHeads got to within two points late in the contest, but two steadying goals saw the Hawks home with

Mitch O’Dowd best afield.

TORQUAY survived a mighty scare from Newcomb to win 13.15(93) to 12.10(82). Patrick Hughes booted four for Torquay in a dominant display while Jack Duke kicked another five for the gallant Power.

GEELONG AMATEUR also held on against a rampaging Queenscliff to win 12.13(85) to 11.12(78). Midfielder Riley Ferguson was instrumental for Ammos, but star recruit Tom Gribble suffered an ankle injury that will likely keep him sidelined for a few weeks.

Justin Flynn

performance while Joel Bennett kicked three and was superb for the Devils.

THOMSON prevailed in a close one against Winchelsea even though it kicked poorly for goal, eventually winning 10.21(81) to 11.5(71). Onballer Charley Donohue was best on ground.

BANNOCKBURN defeated Anakie, 12.13(85)to5.6(36)withKieranDultonlooking set for a big season with four goals. Former Bulldog and Cat AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was best for Anakie, which showed enough to suggest it will improve this season.

NOAH Houtsma was huge for Belmont Lions in their 15.20(110) to 10.11(71) win against Inverleigh. Belmont booted 12 goals after half time.

Eagles already soaring high

Flynn Young booted seven goals for Newtown & Chilwell in a 46-point win against North Shore on Saturday April 6.

The game was actually a round 9 clash, but was brought forward as a standalone fixture to open the Geelong Football League season. Final scores at Elderslie Reserve, 19.20(134) to 13.10(88).

Young kicked 18 goals last season, but looks set to easily eclipse that in 2024.

The left-footer was unstoppable as the Eagles piled on seven goals in the opening and third terms.

Mitch Diamond was damaging and Zach Walter looks to have shrugged off his injury woes with a polished performance.

North Shore was far from disgraced with Harry Purcell a shining light up forward with six goals.

In the reserves, the Eagles thrashed North Shore 31.19(205) to 0.3(3).

Jaxon Bruhn booted six for Newtown & Chilwell, Tom Beckworth five and JesseColvillefourwhileRhysDevlinwas best afield and kicked three majors.

BenHubytriedhisbestfortheSeagulls as did Harrison White.

Round 1 officially kicks off this Saturday April 13 with Bell Park hosting Colac, Grovedale entertaining South Barwon, Leopold opening its premiership defence at home against Geelong West, St Mary’s making the short trip to Newtown & Chilwell, Lara travelling to North Shore and St Albans hosting St Joseph’s. All games begin at 2.10pm.

Anglesea’s Jack Baker streams out of defence during last year’s game against Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp) 336330_13

Left: Jack Yates gets up high in this ruck contest. Centre: Austin Mulvahil streams forward to kick one of his five goals for East Geelong (top); Daniel Maher slots one of his three goals for Bell Post Hill. Right: Harry McIntyre marks on the run. He kicked four goals for the Panthers. (Ivan Kemp) 399462

“

Not just a lifestyle,

a

style of life.”

Gordon Armstrong Green Resident

BOUTIQUE VILLAS STARTING FROM $660K

If location is a high priority when considering your next move, look no further. Armstrong Green is conveniently located across the road from the Warralily shopping precinct where you will find:

- Woolworths & Aldi

- Specialty shops and cafés

- Fast food outlets

- Bakery

- Bottleshop

- Pharmacy

- Medical Practices

- Allied Health - Veterinary Practice

When you live at Armstrong Green, you can leave the car at home.

Call 1800 777 898 to book a tour. armstronggreen.com.au