Ocean Grove Voice - 14th June 2024

Local legend nears 400

By Justin Flynn

If ever there was the epitome of a humble local sporting champion, then Paula Birch is it.

The surname is synonymous with netball in Ocean Grove and the Shell Road home of the Grubbers is named after her grandfather, Ray Menzies.

A life member of the club in 2011, Birch will play her 400th game next Saturday against Torquay. First, she needs to get through game number 399 this week and then all eyes will turn to the D Grade game, but to single out Birch’s contribution to the club as just a player

wouldbesellingherwayshort.Shehascoached the club’s A, B and D Grades as well as the Under 19, 17s, 15s and 13s.

“I’m not sure I can split them, they both hold a special place with me,” Birch said when asked whether playing or coaching had been more rewarding.

“As a player knowing you’ve done the work behind the scenes to take the court with your teammates and work your structures and compete and give it everything is why I play.

“Coaching–juniorsespecially–isrewarding in a different way, seeing the development and progression from season start to end is always

amazing and seeing players try to work things that you’ve asked of them.”

Birch is the current playing coach of the D Gradesideandthe15&UnderDivision1team, which also won a premiership last year under her guidance.

“We went into that game as the underdogs and the girls just went about their work so well, I was so proud of them,” she said. “Seeing their skill development and game sense at that age is so rewarding. I’ve even been lucky enough to take the court with a couple of those players this year in D Grade as they start their senior netball careers. Weird to think that at that age I

hadn’t even played one senior game yet.”

The club has been such a massive part of Birch’s life and vice-versa. Plans are well underway to celebrate the milestone.

“I’m not sure what they’re planning, they’ve kept it pretty hush hush,” she said.

“Being centre of attention isn’t really where I enjoy being so whilst I am appreciative of their acknowledgement hopefully it’s short and sweet and we can get a win on the board. It’s been a huge part of my life since before I was even old enough to play.

Paula Birch with her Under 15 girls Sammi Needham, Alex Norgard, Reagan McKenzie, Charli Burke, Lucy Neaves, Heidi Armstrong, Amber Pallero, Airlie Bennett and Maci Dean. (Louisa Jones) 413117_13

A week to focus on men’s health

Geelong men are urged to speak out and seek help for their mental and physical wellbeing during International Men’s Health Week. This year’s Men’s Health Week, running from June 10 to 16, focuses on Men’s Health Checks, with Geelong Men urged to reach out for help for their health.

CancerCouncilVictoria’sheadofprevention and adjunct associate professor Craig Sinclair said men were more likely to develop cancer than women and less likely to seek help.

“Having conversations with your mates

about the importance of cancer screening or speaking to a health professional can save your life,” he said. “Cancer Council Victoria wants to encourage men to be more proactive about their own health, and that of their mates, becausepreventionisalwaysbetterthanacure.

“Keepuptodatewithbowelscreening,ifyou notice any unusual changes to your body speak toaGP,reducealcoholintake,increasephysical activity, and take steps to quit smoking or vaping.”

Kids Helpline recorded 57 responses a day

from young men compared with 195 women during May, with males aged between 19 and 25 representing 37 per cent of those seeking help.

yourtown,whichpowersKidsHelpline,chief executive Tracy Adams said many young men had trouble talking about their emotions and feelings.

“Social norms have encouraged them to conform to a masculine ideal that emphasizes values like stoicism, toughness, and competitiveness,” she said. “These social

Archbishop opens MacKillop Centre

St Ignatius College Geelong’s state-of-the-art MacKillop Centre was officially opened at a ceremony at the college’s Drysdale campus on Friday June 7.

Archbishop Peter Comensoli was among the guests to attend the official blessing and opening of the facility, which consists of 16 general learning areas, a dedicated maker space, and a 400-seat lecture theatre with associated spaces.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant also attended with the state government

chipping in $1 million to the $24 million centre.

“The Victorian government is making sure that all Victorian schools have the best facilities,” Ms Marchant said.

“We can’t be the Education State without improving schools across all sectors. Non-government schools are an important part of Bellarine, providing local families with choice when it comes to educating their children.”

“Local families can now enjoy world class

learning facilities at Saint Ignatius College.”

Archbishop Comensoli was joined by Fr Quyen Vu SJ Jesuit Provincial, Fr Darian Sticklen, Fr Ray Bugeja, Fr Gerard Healy SJ, members of the current and former College Advisory Board, Plan Group, CDF, Clarke HopkinsClarkeArchitects,OldCompanions, parents and carers, staff and students.

Attendees gathered in the College MPC for the archbishop’s address, Principal Michael Exton’s address before visiting the new centre for the blessing, and a light lunch.

dynamicshavelong-termimplicationsfortheir mental health... As a community, we need to teach boys that it’s OK to reach out for help. “Young males aged between 15 to 18 years of age are the least likely to seek mental health support due to societal stigma, often delaying seeking professional counsellor help until they are in crisis.”

Help is available through Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Cancer Council on 13 11 20, MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Local legend nears 400

■ From page 1.

“My mum is a life member of the club and hall of famer. Coming down to the old Draper Street courts and climbing the big tree there so I could watch mum coach was the best. It’s in my blood, the Shell Road oval is named after my grandfather (Ray Menzies). I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Birch listed the 2005 B Grade grand final as her most memorable game.

“We went through the season undefeated, it was a draw at full time so we had to play extra time,” she said.

“Right before the final whistle of extra time the umpire paid a penalty shot in our goal circle over halfway out, Tracey Thorleyhittheshotafterthesirenandwe won by that goal.”

So is 500 games a possibility?

“I’ve got an overseas trip planned for next year so I think this season is looking like it will probably be my last,” Birch said.

“EveryoneItalktosaystokeepplaying as long as you can, so I’ll never say never, but it’s pretty close to never.”

Paula Birch with her girls. (Louisa Jones) 413117_05

St Ignatius College Geelong opened its state-of-the-art MacKillop Centre. (Supplied)

Demand grows for sport venues

By Jena Carr

AFL Barwon and the Member for Bellarine are calling for more sporting venues across the Barwon South West to meet the growing participant demand.

The Greater Geelong local government area’s population increased by 2.2 per cent in 2023 as 6208 more people moved to the region, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released early this year.

AFL Barwon regional manager Edward Wilson said the demand for sporting facilities increased as the number of football and netball participants grew.

“When it comes to delivering competitions

that cater for the community, it is becoming more challenging when your resourcing gets stretched across multiple sites,” he said.

“The netball competitions that we run on a Tuesday and Friday night have grown so significantly in the last two years that we’ve expanded from hosting that at just one venue.

“We’ve now expanded to three venues with the likelihood that we might use four venues for this upcoming summer season, as across both the winter and summer seasons, we’re hitting capacity.”

Mr Wilson said more projects were needed to help meet the demand, such as the proposed Armstrong Creek indoor sports stadium that recently received $6 million in the federal budget.

“Whether that’s football or netball or a different sport, being able to provide opportunities, that’s what is the best part or way that we can cater for our community,” he said. “When you’re turning people away from a sport at any age, but especially when they’re juniors and children, it creates a challenging situation where it’s not what you want to do.

“We do have some do have some great community assets at the moment, but for the future,anydevelopmentsthatworkinlinewith supporting our population and participant growth, the better.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she had asked the City of Greater Geelong to

Partnership to drive gender equality

A new Barwon South West partnership is driving gender equity and violence prevention against women across the region.

The inaugural Respect 2040 Executive Governance Group was launched on Thursday, May30,totacklegender-basedinequalitiesand promotesaferandmoreinclusivecommunities.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive Jodie Hill said the partnership consisted of 12 organisations that represented education, government, sport, health and services.

“By uniting forces, we can amplify our impact and create change that extends far beyond our individual capacities,” she said.

“This collaboration represents a great step forward in our collective efforts to achieve gender equality and eliminate violence against women.

“This partnership enables us to expand our reach and implement innovative strategies that address the root causes of gender inequality andpromotepositive,respectfulrelationships.”

Barwon South West Public Health Unit health promotion and primary prevention managerAnitaHillsaidthepartnershipunited organisations in a collaborative regional effort.

“Respect 2040 provides a critical platform andopportunityforawholeofregionapproach to reducing the impact of family violence,” she

said. “The Barwon South West Population Health Catchment Plan 2023-2029 identifies the prevention of family violence and the promotionofgenderequityasakeypriorityfor collective action.”

The Executive Governance Group includes the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Brophy Family and Youth Services, Sexual and Family Violence Centre, South West Sport and South West TAFE.

The group also comprises Wannon Water, Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Corangamite Shire Council, Warrnambool East Primary School and the Western Victoria Public Health Network.

apply for the state government’s Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund to support new facilities on the Bellarine.

“I have met with the Bellarine Basketball Association, Basketball Victoria and heard from local basketball clubs to further understand the needs of growing basketball community on the Bellarine,” she said.

Mr Wilson said “I’m pleased that a proactive approach is taking place, but we do have a status quo at the moment where the demand outweighs the supply”.

“We need to ensure that we all collectively are getting the most out of our facilities but utilising them in ways that they provide opportunities for everyone.”

John Terry Moore will tackle issues facing LGBTQIA+ youth through the release of his fourth book in Geelong.

The Wandana Heights author will launch ‘A Gentle Man’ at Beav’s Bar on Little Malop Street at 6pm on Friday, June14,aspartofBetterTogether2024,a national LGBTIQA+ conference.

Mr Moore said he was “absolutely excited” to release the book about two friendsandaloveaffairwitha“surprising person”.

The book is Mr Moore’s fourth.

“Each one of those has a message of some sort behind it. There are kids out there still suffering from homophobic attitudes...andhopefully,mystorytelling, along with a lot of other people in the world, makes kids feel a little bit better about themselves,” he said.

“I have buried a lot of young people whose parents had no idea (about their kid’s sexuality), but I knew. That’s what turned me around and I looked to do something before they think of suicide.”

Mr Moore said it was important to address issues facing young people following his experience in coming to terms with his sexuality.

“As a kid in deepest, darkest Tasmania where I was born, no one even knew what gay meant and I struggled with my identity,” he said. “I was very fortunate as I refused to give in, and I knew nothing was wrong with me. I was just another humanbeing,and...Iseeotherkidsthese days struggling in the same way.”

People can contact Mr Moore on 0407 048 602 to book a spot for the launch. HelpisavailablethroughLifeline on 13 11 14.

The Respect 2040 Executive Governance Group consisting of 12 organisations launched on May 30. (Supplied)

Plan for 30 years of river health

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has released its plans for the management and protection of the Barwon River for the next three decades.

TheBarwonFlagshipWaterwayManagement Plan will guide the delivery of the Barwon Flagship project, a large-scale rehabilitation project aiming to improve waterway and riverside health in the Barwon Catchment.

The plan sets out the activities, outcomes, roles and responsibilities required to maintain health of the river system

Begun in 2021 as a result of the Victorian government’s statewide investment of $248

million and the delivery of the Rivers of the Barwon Action Plan, the Barwon Flagship Waterway Project will be delivered over 30 years, with the focus on the Upper Barwon during the initial stages.

Its objectives concern effective riparian management, healthy river flow and community stewardship, with particular emphasis given to supporting both Traditional Owners and land managers such as farmers and community groups.

Corangamite CMA’s general manager of strategy and planning services Amy Leith said the priority on the Upper Barwon section was

due to the impact of weeds such as willows and glyceria, which cause choke points along the river.

“Thesechokesinhibitwaterflowdownstream and currently restrict our ability to deliver important environmental water releases to the Barwon River,” Ms Leith said.

“The Barwon River is important to both Traditional Owners and local communities. It is a critical drinking water supply catchment for the Geelong region, and it is an important ecosystem for diverse plant and animal species.

“By focusing on the upper river, we aim to improve waterway health and in the long

Charity push-up challenge kicks off

The Push-Up Challenge returns this month, with headspace Ocean Grove encouraging Bellarine locals to participate in Australia’s biggest mental health and fitness event.

The nationwide event will see participants doing 3249 push-ups from June 5 to 28 to put the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia last year and raise money for mental health charities.

Spokesperson Tanya Fitzpatrick said the challenge was a great opportunity for Australians to talk about their mental health, learn how to best support each other and recognise when they might need to ask for help.

“We know The Push-Up Challenge is going to be a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to connecting with our local community throughout June,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“headspace is proud to be trusted by young people and their families on the Bellarine, and the funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge will help us continue to support their mental health and wellbeing. We also know that physical activity improves mental health.”

Participants can register as an individual or team and set their own exercise goals if the target of 3249 push-ups feels out of reach.

The Push-Up Challenge founder Nick Hudson said the event was a great way to get fit and learn about mental health while honouring lives lost to suicide.

“It’s likely everyone will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, so by getting down, pushing up and learning about mental health, we hope to break down the stigma attached to mental illness so that Australians don’t think twice about reaching out for help,” he said.

Visit thepushupchallenge.com.au to register. Support is available at headspace Ocean Grove, via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

term enable the delivery of an increased environmental water entitlement, ultimately leading to improvements to flow and health in the river downstream where it flows through Geelong and out to sea.

“Together we are working towards a well-connected, healthy and accessible river and wetland corridor that supports fish and platypus populations, a river that continues to be a treasured place for locals and visitors to enjoy now and into the future.”

Visit ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/barwonflagship-waterwaytoviewtheBarwonFlagship Water Management Plan in full.

Blood young Grubbers

Justin Flynn, as a regular supporter of the Grubbers I think it might be time to take off your kid gloves and ask some pertinent questions as to the abysmal performances of our local team. They’re worse off than last year’s miserable efforts. Making a comparison with a 14-point loss to Newcomb and suggesting they played well is really sugarcoating the loss (Voice 7 June, 2024). Newcomb are second last, just above Ocean Grove (at the time of writing). Two easy beats and not forgetting OG’s loss to cellar dwellers Portarlington (round 2). Hardly an endorsement for the 2024 performances of OG.

Questions should be aimed at recruiting, the coach and his assistants. It must be galling for the large crowds to turn up each home game and watch these very ordinary efforts.

Why do kids who play in our under age teams seek transfers to neighbouring clubs once they reach senior ranks? Is everything cosy with the OG junior organisation?

I’m not throwing stones but surely it can’t be a question of payments as the attendances at home games is quite good and suggest the club is financially secure and viable.

Blood some kids, give em’ a taste of senior football. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism, it’s always available from diehard locals. PP, Ocean Grove

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Youth engagement workers Charlie Martin and Lauren Bretthauer from headspace Ocean Grove demonstrate their push up style. (Supplied)

Rotary rewards its community

Ocean Grove Rotary hosted its Community Awards at Ocean Bowling Club on June 4. Nominations for the awards were open during March and April for people who lived or worked in the southern Bellarine area with judging held during May.

The 2024 winners were selected from a large field of strong submissions.

TheTeamMemberoftheYearAwardwinner was Brooklyn Sacchetta from Salon Utopia. Brooklyn was chosen for her commitment to ongoing personal development through study in community services and mental health. Her newly developed skills have contributed to the team wellbeing through dedication and a positive attitude. She has actively supported and guided her team to face a range of challenges.

Runner-up was Nola Laverty from Piping Hot Chicken & Burger Grill.

Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award winner was Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine.

Thisorganisationisvolunteer-based,offering support to people facing the challenge of end of lifetoremainathome.Theyarecreatingamore caring and connected community through compassion, kindness, respect and dignity.

Runner-up was Barwon Heads Arts Council, whose vision is to develop a sustainable community arts hub for the Bellarine.

LeanneWardofSalonUtopiawasthewinner in the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award.

Leanne’s experience in beauty and hairdressing, plus a preparedness to tackle administration tasks, make her an ideal

employee for any salon.

Runner-up was Layne Buttler of Ocean Breeze Dental. Layne’s bubbly personality and breadth of skills allow her to excellently deal with the requirements of the patients and the dentists in her workplace.

The Small Business Excellence Award of the Year was Point Lonsdale Health & Wellness.

This business excelled in all of the required criteria,inparticular,thewaytheysupporttheir staff and build a collaborative environment for the workplace. Runner-up was Salon Utopia, a popular provider of hairdressing and makeup solutions.

This year a new award was introduced –the People’s Choice Award. Members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite nominated small business. The winner was The

Grove Coffee Co.

“Rotary is pleased to promote service excellence within our community through the annual vocational awards program,” Vocational Director Marita Scott said.

“It is evident in the number of nominations received, the excellent standard of the submissions and the obvious delight of the winners and runners-up that community recognition matters.”

The awards sponsors were Barwon Heads Community Bank, Ryman Health Care, Ocean Grove, Ocean Grove Bowling Club, 360Q, Beach Terrace Cafe, Barwon Heads IGA, Barwon Heads Pharmacy, Barwon Heads Hotel, Ocean Grove Business Association, DC Roofing, Chopped & Bobbed and Coastline Alfresco.

Our Funeral Team are here when you need support and guidance.

President Lynne Carlson and Vocational Director Marita Scott with winners and runners-up (left), and with award sponsors (right). (Pictures: Supplied)

Footy umpires training boost

AFL Barwon Region has launched a new satellite training facility for umpires in Drysdale.

This development addresses the logistical challenges faced by umpires but also underscores a commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience for umpires residing in the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding suburbs, AFL Barwon said.

The new training venue offers convenience and efficiency for current umpires, who can now benefit from the proximity of a dedicated facility in their local area. By bringing training closer to home, the initiative not only streamlinesthelogisticalaspectsofpreparation but also fosters a stronger sense of community

Pool reaches major milestone

The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has reached a significant milestone, with work on stage two of the design to begin soon.

The $40.3 million indoor pool project in Drysdale was endorsed by the City of Greater Geelong Council last year to begin the design process, with construction expected to start next year.

The stage two concept design included an eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, a cafe, a social space, a gymnasium, a group exercise studio/s, and a changing places changeroom.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the project aimed to enhance the community’s health, wellbeing and social cohesion.

“The increased accessibility and convenience will encourage a higher number of local residents to participate in healthy activity,” she said. “I am proud to support our communities on the north Bellarine who fought hard for an indoor pool, and this announcement marks a significant milestone in fulfilling their vision.

“These facilities will provide much-needed services and access for older people, people withadisability,thosewithmobilityissuesand people undertaking rehabilitation from major injuries.”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said stage one of the project featured the delivery of a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, with the facility expected to be open in 2027.

“The 50-metre outdoor pool built as stage one has been a stunning success, and the community is now looking forward with great anticipation to the indoor component being added,”hesaid.“Stagetwowillbroadentheuse of the aquatic centre and ensure community members on the north Bellarine never have to travel outside their local area to access aquatic facilities they need.”

The project was supported with $20 million from the federal government, $20 million from the state government, and $300,000 from the City of Greater Geelong Council.

engagement among umpires and enthusiasts alike.

TheplacementoftheDrysdalesatellitevenue not only provides options, but also serves as a catalyst for new umpires, talent development and retention. AFL Barwon football participation numbers continue to grow across the region, however with growth requires more umpires to officiate the matches.

“Theestablishmentofthisumpiringprogram is testament to a continued commitment to underpin the growth in umpiring numbers, with programs that support development, recruitment and retention,” AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson said.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support

of this vision from Drysdale and thank all involved for their collective contributions to the implementation of this program”.

Drysdale president Trevor Hume expressed his gratitude for the support to get the satellite venue off the ground.

“Drysdale Hawks are grateful for AFL Barwon’s support of the launch of our umpire academy,” he said.

“It has been two years in the making, having trialledtheprogramlastyearwithhugesuccess.

The AFL Barwon satellite umpire training venue offers to support the recruitment and retention of umpires in our region. We would welcome anyone 13 years and older to be involved.”

AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson. (Louisa Jones) 411107_07

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, left, Anne Brackley, Darryl Beales, Member for Corangamite Libby Coker, Gina Bell, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, Les Littleford, Wayne Pick, Meredith Boardman, and Lee Knight. (Supplied)

Library wins architecture award

Drysdale’s Boronggook Library won a public architecture award for its distinctive design at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.

The building was one of five winners to receive an award and was a finalist for the Regional Prize.

The innovative green rooftop features 4300 plants, including 18 different native species, which continue to attract birds, butterflies and bees.

Since 1929, the Victorian Architecture Awards recognise best practice in the field and

Club’s

encourage the use of architecture to positively shape communities.

Designed by Antarctica in collaboration with Architecture Associates, the $9.15 million public library features a circular design, community activity spaces, an adult changing places facility and a City of Greater Geelong Customer Service contact point.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said recognition from the prestigious Victorian Architecture Awards comes a year after the two-storey building on Wyndham Street officially opened to the public.

ace upgrades

It’s game, set and match for Barwon Heads Tennis Club with facilities upgrades providing local players with improved conditions for competitive and social play.

The $275,000 project has been fully funded by the Victorian government through its 2021-22 Strategic Projects initiative and is being delivered by the City of Greater Geelong.

Two courts have been resurfaced with synthetic grass, while installation of LED sports lighting on the club’s two unlit courts is in progress. Remaining funds will be put towards minor clubhouse renovations.

Mayor Trent Sullivan joined state Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, Barwon Heads Tennis Club committee members Gary Willson, David Reid, Emma Webb, and Jason Schoenmaekers, and councillors Jim Mason and Elise Wilkinson to view the progress of the works.

“TheBarwonHeadsTennisClubupgradewill go a long way to support the growing number

of people in Barwon Heads and surrounds who areinterestedingettinginvolvedincommunity sport,” Ms Marchant said.

“We’re investing in great projects like this as they encourage more people to get fit, active, and involved in local sport, create more local jobs and boost homegrown sporting communities.”

Mayor Sullivan said the two re-surfaced courts would provide an alternative to the venue’s existing hard courts.

“The synthetic grass is great for all-round play and easier on joints than hard courts, and the completion of the lighting upgrade will mean all six of the club’s courts can be used at night,” he said.

“We appreciate the Victorian government’s funding to enable us to deliver a project that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the Barwon Heads community.”

It’sexpectedthefullprojectwillbecompleted in September.

“The Boronggook Drysdale Library is a building for the community and tells the story of our community,” he said. “The building’s design reinterprets the rich Aboriginal and masonry history of Drysdale’s town centre and is named ‘Boronggook’ after the traditional Wadawurrung name for the area.

“Congratulations to Antarctica and ArchitectureAssociatesfordevelopingadesign with the City, local residents, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders that now offers a special gathering place for the community.”

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said the unique and inclusive design of Boronggook Drysdale Library had created a welcoming and safe atmosphere.

“Boronggook Drysdale Library is a popular library in our municipality, with thousands of community members coming through the doors over the first year of operation,” he said.

“There is a real sense of community here and a culture of learning and innovation.”

The library was jointly funded by council ($8.156 million) and the Victorian government ($1 million).

Trent Sullivan joined Alison Marchant, Barwon Heads Tennis Club committee members Gary Willson, David Reid, Emma Webb and Jason Schoenmaekers and councillors Jim Mason and Elise Wilkinson to view the progress of the works. (Supplied)

Business as usual for Colin Hay

By Matt Hewson

To say Colin Hay has had a big couple of years would be putting it mildly.

Scottish-born Hay, who first came to fame in theearly1980sasthefrontmanoficonicAussie band Men at Work, has received sustained critical acclaim as a solo artist over the past three and half decades.

Since the entertainment industry reawakened after the COVID-19 pandemic Hay has released his 15th studio album Now And The Evermore and toured the US with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.

Men at Work’s hit Down Under was recognised with the Billions Award, marking one billion streams of the song, while Hay himself received APRA’s Ted Albert Award for outstanding services to Australian music.

He has worked with Luude to produce a remix of Men at Work’s hit Down Under and appeared in a cameo of Lime Cordiale’s Colin,

a tribute to Hay from the indie pop-rock band.

But for Hay, the accolades of the past two years are nothing to make a big fuss about.

“It’s been really just a continuation of things hat have been going on for the last 30 or 35

years; making records, going out on the road,” he said. “The Ted Albert award, that was lovely. I came down to Sydney, and then I drove down to Melbourne, down the coast road. That was magic.

“COVID put a stop to everything, so I think alotofthingsgotsquashedintothosetwoyears that maybe would have happened before that.

“I don’t know, I just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward, that’s really what I do.”

Now based in California, Hay brings his LA band of vocal and instrumental virtuosos to Australia, kicking off an east coast tour at Geelong Arts Centre’s Costa Hall.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Geelong, mindyou,Ihaven’tplayedthereallthatmuch,” he said.

“Back in the old band we used to play at the Eureka, it was always a good place to play. But I’ve always found Geelong audiences to be pretty responsive… it’s not like they’ve come there to hear Down Under and that it’s, which is always a bit disappointing if that’s the case.”

Colin Hay and band are at Costa Hall on Saturday, June 29. Visit colinhay.com/tour for tickets.

Killer Queen show to rock Geelong Arts Centre

By his best reckoning, Thomas Crane is Australia’s longest-running Freddie Mercury tribute artist.

A fan of Queen throughout his childhood, the Edinburgh native was an avid music student through his school years.

But it wasn’t until he immigrated to Australia with his parents that Crane took singing seriously, enrolling in opera singing lessons in 1991 - the year Freddie Mercury died.

“It seems strange that when Freddie passed,

I started doing this the same year,” he said.

“It just seems weird; maybe I was chosen to do this for some reason, I’m not sure. I just love Freddie, he’s my god.

“I was singing in a rock and roll band, and I was told I sounded like Freddie. I tried a Queen song in the end and I just found my niche.”

Crane kept working his regular job by day and playing and singing on weekends – “It was $20, $30 a night, it was minimal” – until everything changed in 2011.

“One day I auditioned for a show… it was supposed to be The Voice,” he said.

“So I went in there with my manager at the time and it was Australia’s Got Talent. They rotated every year from The Voice to Australia’s Got Talent, but I wasn’t aware of that.

“I walked out because I thought it wasn’t the right show for me, but I ended up getting in and getting to the finals.”

His time on the show wasn’t an entirely pleasant experience for Crane, but it thrust

himandhistributeshowBohemianRhapsody in front of the listening public.

“My hobby became my day job and my day job became my hobby,” Crane said.

“I’ve always had a passion for music, getting out there on stage and entertaining people. Getting in the zone, it’s a feeling I wish everyone could experience. I love it.”

Thomas Crane and Bohemian Rhapsody present Made In Heaven at Geelong Arts Centre this Saturday, June 15.

Matt Hewson

Colin Hay and band come to Geelong on Saturday, June 29. (Supplied)

Plenty happening locally

By Cr Trent Sullivan

The role surf lifesaving clubs play, not only in keeping beachgoers safe but also in connecting the community, cannot be overstated.

And Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC) is no exception.

Ocean Grove surf lifesavers have plucked stranded swimmers from the waves since 18 November 1948 and the club – rightly so – has become a local institution creating lifelong friendships among its members.

Last November the club marked 75 years since it officially affiliated with Life Saving Victoria and this February it held a family day to celebrate the milestone.

That theme continues on Saturday 22 June at the OGSLSC Senior Presentation Night in which the club will again acknowledge this important anniversary.

Icongratulatethisyear’sawardeesinadvance and thank all club members for the important work you do in keeping our community safe and engaged.

In more good news for those who love getting into the water, council recently voted to keep the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre open throughout the cooler months.

The centre, located just up the road in Drysdale, will remain open from 6am to 10am on weekdays and 8am to noon on Saturdays, following extensive community feedback.

We reached this decision after listening closely to the Bellarine community and I am thrilled the centre will continue to be used in winter by swimmers and residents who just enjoy the warm water and socialising.

And the design of stage two of this facility will soon commence following a recently executed $20 million funding agreement with the Australian government.

As part of the $40.3 million project, an indoor aquatic centre will be built next to the 50-metre heated outdoor pool delivered in stage one.

The detailed design will also include a gym and group exercise studios, a cafe and social space and changerooms, with construction works pencilled in to start in late 2025.

The Victorian government has also committed $20 million, with council to contribute the remaining $300,000.

Meanwhile, Ocean Grove’s foodies and culinary critics can satisfy their cravings this winter with the 13th Tastes of Greater Geelong kicking off on 21 June.

This year’s festival features a Winter Warm Up’ solstice celebration, tasting trails and an exclusive farm-to-table experience with Masterchef alumni, plant-based cook and sustainability advocate Simon Toohey.

Closer to home, The Dunes, Yes Bar, Flying Brick Cider Co and At The Heads are all getting involved, serving up cocktails and camembert, multi-course menus and drink specials along with scenic rural and ocean views.

And around the Bellarine there is even more on offer with gourmet BBQ feasts at The Range @ Curlewis, a beer versus wine event on the Q-Train and a voyage across Port Phillip Bay in search of mouthwatering mussels with Portarlington Mussel Tours, just to mention a few.

I encourage everyone to check out this year’s program and indulge your senses at all the fantastic wine and dining destinations Greater Geelong has to offer.

For more info visit: geelongaustralia. com.au/tastes

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

Farewell Bruce Ward

Ocean Grove and District Men’s Shed instigator Bruce Ward has passed away, leaving a huge gap in the local community.

Bruce played a pivotal role as coordinator of the steering group that established the Ocean Grove and District Men’s Shed in 2009.

Bruce’s involvement as the shed’s coordinator and secretary continued until he became seriously ill earlier this year.

His leadership provided a strong and clear direction from its foundation to the present time.

Bruce will be sadly missed by members of the shed. Bruce, and five other shed members, were recently awarded life membership

plaques for their service.

Bruce also gave to many others in the community as a volunteer and will be missed.

Bruce was a member of Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and was an avid supporter of both R&R in Victoria and at a national level. He was treasurer of OGSLSC and was 2004/05 recipient of the Graeme Long Medal for Life Saving Victoria Volunteer of the Year and a 2008 recipient of the inaugural Bob Woodger Trophy for R&R Official of the meet at the Australian Championships in Perth.

A memorial to celebrate Bruce’s life was held at the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club on Monday June 3.

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ABUDGET THAT WORKS FOR WOMEN

Federal Labor is investing to make life fairer, safer and more equal for women & girls.

Superannuation on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave

Payments for nursing, midwifery, social work and teaching students while they’re on prac.

Support for women who have experienced miscarriage.

Funding crisis accomodation for women and children fleeing violence.

Scan here to read more:

Bruce Ward will be missed by many in the community. (Supplied)

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Happier and healthier ageing with Nurse Next Door

In the heart of Geelong, a dedicated Bold Pink team is transforming the way care is delivered to those in need.

At the forefront of this change is Kristy Kayler-Thomson, a registered nurse with over 18 years of experience.

Afterwitnessingthelimitationsoftraditional care settings, Kristy felt a deep calling to create a service that would allow people to receive personalised care in the comfort of their own homes, on their own terms.

Kristy’s journey began with a simple yet profound observation: small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

“Our core purpose of making lives better means doing the little things to put a smile on someone’s face,” Kristy explained.

“Whether it’s offering to paint a client’s nails or helping someone rediscover a lost hobby, these small gestures are at the heart of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services’ approach and underpinned by their philosophy of care known as Happier Ageing.”

One particularly touching story involves a client who had suffered a stroke and could no longer enjoy her beloved cross-stitching.

Kristy and her team devised a way to adapt the activity,creatinglargerpatternstheclientcould manage. This thoughtful adaptation brought immense joy and a sense of accomplishment back into the client’s life.

Nurse Next Door Geelong officially opened its doors in October last year, starting with just one client.

Since then, the service has grown rapidly, now boasting a team of around 20 caregivers, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses and caregivers. This compassionate team providespremiumpersonalisedcomprehensive in-home care in the Geelong region.

Kristy’s vision for Nurse Next Door Home Care Services was deeply influenced by personal experiences.

During the pandemic, she saw her grandparents’ health decline rapidly in a nursing home, isolated from their loved ones. This painful experience reinforced her belief in the importance of home care.

“My grandparents wanted to stay at home, but the resources and knowledge to support them were lacking,” Kristy shared.

Thisrealisationbecameadrivingforcebehind her commitment to providing high-quality

Wellness centre to open at Homestyle Aged Care

Homestyle Aged Care is set to open a wellness centre at its Belmont Grange home in Grovedale early next month.

The new facility is part of a major refurbishment project currently being undertaken at the home.

The wellness centre will be home to the award-winning rehabilitation program provided by Concentric Health Care Services.

The Wellness Package by Concentric provides goal centred, personalised multi-discipline therapy to the residents, in group and individual sessions with regular reassessments, and ongoing goal setting.

Concentric have already helped residents achieve some fantastic goals with wellness centres already in operation in their homes in Rowville, Bayswater North, and Tarneit.

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

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

in-home care and nursing services.

The team believes in helping clients continue to do what they love, regardless of their age or physical condition.

“We always ask, ‘what did you used to love doing that you no longer do?’ and then we find ways to bring that joy back into their lives,” Kristy explained.

Services provided by Nurse Next Door Geelong include dementia and Alzheimers care, assistance with activities of daily living, nursing care, and companionship, to name a few, all tailored to meet the unique needs of

each client.

As Nurse Next Door Home Care Services continues to grow, the impact on the local community is undeniable. Kristy and her team are not just providing care; they are fostering a sense of positivity, possibility and purpose.

If you, or someone you know, needs care Nurse Next Door Home Care Services are open 24/7 simply call 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au for more information.

Kristy Kayler-Thomson with the Nurse Next Door car. (Pictures: Supplied)

CELEBRATING SENIORS

The ’angels’ in healthcare

Trust the ‘angels’ of healthcare to live the way you want with Just Better Care.

Rosalie Endrei said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service provided many services to help her and her husband, Les, age gracefully in the comfort of their home.

“We have been able to get lots of support for Les through Vision Australia via Les’s Home Care Package,” she said.

“Les has macular degeneration (an eye disease that causes vision loss). Just Better Care paid for this little gadget called a MyEye Pro and it works very well.

“We found that everyone here is just lovely. Everyonethatwe’vebeenincontactwithhave

that special care for us and I hate to think about where we’d be without them.”

Les said Just Better Care was an excellent resource and helped him with his mental and physical health.

“You’vegotthecharmofaneworganisation, and they have people looking to make things better...and I think that it is wonderful to have so many angels working here,” he said.

To start your Just Better Care journey, call 03 5222 1518, email mailge@justbettercare. com or visit the caring team at their office at Level 1 114a Mt Pleasant Road in Belmont. Visit justbettercare.com/Geelong for more information

KG Lawyers takes all the worry out of organising your will. (Supplied)

Go to family firm for wills

When do I need a will?

If you are asking yourself this question, the chances are, you already need a will. It can be a daunting process. KG Lawyers understands that each client is unique and provides tailored solutions for your estate now and in the future.

A well-executed will can help avoid confusion and conflict among your loved ones and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Just as a will directs your wishes for the distribution of your assets after your death, an enduring power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf, if required.

Consulting a lawyer ensures your will and enduring power of attorney are valid, enforceable, and tailored to your specific needs. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in good hands. Our team has extensive experience and expertise and can guide our clients through the preparation of wills, powers of attorney and to navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence.

KGLawyersinvitesyoutovisititswebsiteat kglawyers.com.au to use the estate planning tool, or call the office 5253 1238 so they may assist you.

KG Lawyers, the family firm on the Bellarine.

are a family firm proudly servicing the Bellarine Peninsula for more than 30 years.

Providing legal services and advice in an easy to understand manner.

Helen dances to her own beat

Local dance and theatre artist Helen Duncan’s new experimental show Cabaret of Calm comes to Geelong later this month. She spoke to Geelong Independent’s Matt Hewson about her work and the experiences that have shaped her creative practice.

Local creative Helen Duncan has always danced to her own beat.

Her work centres on dance and theatre withastrongfocusoncommunityinvolvement, but Helen was a latecomer to both disciplines.

Growing up on remote sheep stations on Yamaji and Tjiwari Country in Western Australia’s North West and Goldfields regions, she said her childhood “offered a very unique upbringing”.

“In my view my childhood was certainly sprinkled with dysfunction, but ultimately life in the outback offered an incredibly freerange lifestyle where we were entirely responsible for creating our own entertainment, whether than was causing trouble in the shearing shed or building makeshift tree houses out of whatever scrap was lying at the tip,” Helen said.

“I’ve no doubt the isolation and self-reliance has influenced my approach to my arts practice and probably has been very useful given how much resilience you need to thrive in the performing arts landscape in Australia.”

Helen’s first encounter with dance didn’t come until she was 22 and studying drama and teaching at university, but the experience was transformative.

“I went to uni to study… to become a drama and English teacher and a job at a dance school came up to teach drama,” she said.

“So I applied and got that job and they said, look, we like your teaching style, would you stay and learn some ballet with us so you can teach ballet? And I said, for sure.

“The first ballet class I took was a very emotional experience – I get a bit emotional recalling it – but the penny dropped and I realised that I’d found the thing that I felt was missing. I’d found my calling.”

From then on Helen dedicated herself to dance, training in classes where she was the only adult.

Two years later she was accepted into the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

“It was pretty phenomenal to have even gotten in, and I was very behind... I was extremely behind,” she said. “All my peers had been dancing since they were children. But I fought my way through it and honestly, the training is so exceptional there.

“It was up to 40 hours a week for four years and that’s enough to turn anyone into a professional. So I was very, very lucky there.”

Since graduating from WAAPA with a bachelor of arts (honours) in dance Helen has had a diverse career as an independent artist, working across Australia and in the United Kingdom.

Her original works have been featured at Edinburgh and Melbourne Fringe Festivals, she has driven initiatives such as Creative Behaviours Dance Collective, produced fashion shows and managed projects for arts festivals and events including at Geelong Arts Centre (GAC).

When Helen and her partner arrived in Geelong some eight years ago she opened her own dance studio, Adult Ballet Studio.

As it did for many artists, COVID-19 had a big impact on Helen’s practice. She opted to close Adult Ballet due to the pressures of the pandemic, but received a commission from the City of Greater Geelong to deliver the site-specific Micro-Moves project in 2021.

Using QR codes, film and digital technologies, the Micro-Moves team created a seriesoffilmsthatcouldbewatchedonpeople’s phones at the locations they were filmed.

However, the closure of her dance studio “left quite a big bruise” and she and her family moved to Busselton in Western Australia.

“When the borders opened to Western Australia, I went back; that’s where I’m originally from and we moved to a regional coastal city and it was lovely,” she said.

“But ultimately, after two years we just missed Geelong. We missed our friends and we missed access to all the amazing arts and

cultural happenings here at the moment, so we made the choice to move back.”

Her latest work Cabaret of Calm comes to the Geelong public as part of GAC’s Creative Engine Launchpad initiative, which aims to create pathways to help artists develop and present new works.

cause us more harm than calm, either because we don’t think we’re doing the suggestions right or it takes too much time or we have to make an investment or we buy something.

“So for me it’s about looking at those contradictions and really questioning who

these messages are serving. I suspect it’s not me.”

Cabaret of Calm is at GAC on Saturday, June 22. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/ whats-on/launchpad-2024 for tickets and more information.

Areyouoramemberof yourimmediatefamily celebratingamilestone birthdayorwedding anniversary?

Helen Duncan. (Louisa Jones) 411673_07 Right: Helen (left) with Creative Behaviours Collective performers. (Pier Carthew)

DISABILITY SERVICES

Helping make lives better

In the vibrant community of Geelong, Kristy Kayler-Thomson, a registered nurse with over 18 years of experience, leads a Bold Pink team transforming care for NDIS participants.

Motivated by the limitations of traditional care settings, Kristy is dedicated to providing personalised care at home, empowering participants to lead independent lives.

Kristy’s journey began with a simple yet profound observation: small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

“Our core purpose of Making Lives Better means doing the little things to put a smile on someone’s face,” Kristy explained.

Whether it’s offering to paint a client’s nails or helping someone rediscover a lost hobby, these small gestures are at the heart of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services’ approach.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in the disability sector for Kristy has been witnessing the growth and development of her clients. One client, once unable to boil water, now confidently prepares meals like pork chops and vegetables, guiding Kristy during recent visits.

“Seeing him take the lead and be so proud of his achievements has been an incredible experience,” Kristy reflects.

Another touching story involves a nearly two-year-old client with complex needs, including a tracheostomy and feeding tube.

Nurse Next Door Geelong is working closely with her wider healthcare team and family to support her progress toward the goal of being tube-free by school age. Watching her achieve inspiring milestones brings immense gratitude to the team.

Nurse Next Door Geelong officially opened its doors in October 2023, starting with just one client. Since then, the service has grown rapidly,withacareteamofover20individuals, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses and caregivers. This compassionate team providespremiumpersonalisedcomprehensive in-home care in the Geelong region.

Kristy’s vision for Nurse Next Door was shaped by seeing her grandparents decline in a nursing home during the pandemic. Their desire to stay home highlighted the need for better support in local communities and drove her commitment to quality in-home care and nursing services.

The team believes in helping clients continue to do what they love, regardless of their disability.

“We always ask, ‘What did you used to love doing that you no longer do?’ and then we find ways to bring that joy back into their lives,” Kristy explained.

Services provided by Nurse Next Door Geelong include disability support, assistance with activities of daily living, nursing care, and companionship care, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

As Nurse Next Door Home Care Services continues to grow, the impact on the local community is undeniable. Kristy and her team are not just providing care; they are fostering a sense of positivity, possibility and purpose.

If you, or someone you know, requires care, Nurse Next Door Home Care Services are open 24/7. Call 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au for more information.

Carly Headlam is a dedicated Continence Nurse Consultant for Continence at Conquip. (Supplied)

Carly joins Continence

Continence at Conquip is proud to present CarlyHeadlam,adedicatedContinenceNurse Consultant serving the Geelong community.

With a wealth of experience in urology, colorectal, community, and mental health, Carly brings a comprehensive approach to managing continence issues.

Carly’s expertise lies in conducting thorough assessments, focusing on urinary and faecal incontinence, skin integrity, diet, nutrition, physical and mental health, and neurological factors.

Her holistic methodology helps identify the root causes of incontinence, allowing her to craft tailored care plans for her patients.

Beyond her core role, Carly is passionate about educating patients, families, and support workers about incontinence, its

causes, potential treatments, and preventive techniques.

She also actively implements and oversees management tactics like bladder and bowel training programs. In her personal life, Carly is a dedicated mother and community member. She coaches netball for the Queenscliff Netball and Football Club and volunteers with Netball Victoria, teaching primary students the essential skills of the sport. In her leisure time, Carly enjoys fishing and immersing herself in the tranquillity it offers.

Contact Carly today at carly@suttonhouse. com.au or call 03 9876 3374 to discuss your continence needs and take the first step towards a better quality of life.

Nurse Next Door – making lives better. (Pictures: Supplied)

Trust Leisure Options and experience the difference DISABILITY SERVICES

In the vast landscape of supported travel providers, the task of choosing one that’s just right for you can be quite a daunting task.

Withanever-growingnumberofoperatorsin the market, each with their unique differences, it’s crucial to make a well-informed decision as your travel experience can ultimately hinge on selecting a company that not only meets your specific needs but also ensures you receive the best travel experience possible.

Leisure Options stands out as an IATA accredited, fully licensed travel agency and a NDIS registered service provider with over 30 years’ expertise in providing unforgettable supported travel adventures and relaxing respite stays.

Being solely focused on travel and respite packages, the dedicated team offers comprehensive industry and destination knowledge ensuring your travel requirements are met with meticulously crafted itineraries that enhance your experience within your capabilities, guaranteeing a memorable and enjoyable getaway.

Leisure Options prides itself on creating truly memorable experiences for each of their travellers by specialising in small group itineraries that ensure that you can actively participate whilst receiving the necessary care and support to succeed in your travel goals.

With a view to creating a family-like atmosphere whilst on tour luxury houses or apartments are selected wherever possible and throughout the holiday, culinary needs are met with three delicious meals daily.

Dining experiences include a mix of inhouse dining and dining at local restaurants and cafes. Dietary needs are fully catered for, promoting health choices and diverse cuisines.

Leisure Option’s tour leaders are committed to delivering exceptional service and authentic

experiences, making each holiday truly unforgettable. Their unique knowledge of the destinations visited ensures that you can relax and enjoy your journey. Tour leaders all have appropriate accreditations and NDIS checks.

Respite and travel packages are available throughout Australia and beyond and the team can assist with maximising your NDIS funding towards the support components of your getaway.

If you believe that Leisure Options is the right fit for your travel needs please reach out to the friendly team at 03 9646 0666 or 1300 363 713 or via mail@leisureoptions. com.au

Above: A Singapore getaway. Below right: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. (Pictures: Supplied)

So many children need safe, secure, loving homes

MacKillop Family Services is well established in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast region, providing support for foster carers in thepreciousworktheydocaringforvulnerable children and young people.

Due to a combination of factors, including thecostoflivingandrentalcrises,aswellasthe long-term impacts of COVID, enquiries into foster care from residents across the region are low.

“Most people in our community just don’t know of the need,” MacKillop’s Victorian Foster Carer Recruitment Manager Tania Ferris says.

“At any given time there are around 10,000 children and young people across the state who are living away from their families, many of whom require temporary care in a safe and secure home.”

MacKillop’s foster carers come from all walks of life.

“There is no blueprint for a foster carer,” Tania says.

“Our carers are singles, couples, families, home-owners, renters, students, part or full-time workers or retirees. They live in diverse family structures and come from many different cultures. The common factors are that they have a spare room in their home, and some room in their heart.”

MacKillop carers choose the type of care they wish to provide. That can range from emergency care for a night, respite care for a weekend, short term care for a couple of months or longer term care.

“One of the misconceptions about foster care is that people think it is a full-time commitment,” Tania says.

“That is so not the case. Our carers make it work for them – around their busy work, family and lifestyle commitments.”

Geelong carers Rachael and Matt Buck, who

have three children of their own, have been foster caring with MacKillop for eight years.

“We felt we had more to give,” says Rachael.

“Being able to give children the security of a loving, safe and happy environment is the most rewarding feeling. When people hear I’m a foster carer they think you have to be some kindofsuperhero,butit’snotlikethatatall.We just do what we can, and we get back far more than we put in.

“We love that we can do this as a family. Our own boys have learnt so much about empathy, gratitude and sharing. If foster care is something you’ve been thinking about, take the next step and find out if foster care is for you. There are so many children who need our support.”

MacKillop provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for their carers, including financial assistance to help with costs involved.

If you would like to learn more, register for one of MacKillop’s monthly online information sessions and hear directly from a MacKillop carer about their experience. Visit mackillop.org.au/get-involved/becomea-foster-carer or ring 1300 791 677.

Geelong carers Rachael and Matt Buck, who have three children of their own, have been foster caring with MacKillop for eight years. (Pictures: Supplied)

Kristal’s story a winner

There were 16 entries for this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition, all of a very high standard and some with an unusual innovative approach to the story.

The winner, Kristal Sorby, presented a different approach to a murder story and Ali Holborn, highly recommended for her story with its unique approach to hell and heaven. Also recommended was Jenny Eddy with her light-hearted, amusing approach to prison life.

The next Writers Group will meet on Thursday July 4 to do an unusual writing stimulation exercise plus examine a male writer’s effort to produce a story from the female point of view.

Anyone interested should find out details by emailing acobham@bigpond.com

JUDGES’ COMMENT: Kristal’s story was engaging and very well written, with great use of historical imagery. A clever and enjoyable story, with an almost comedic use of sinister murders! We thought the story used the ‘Free Again’ theme exceptionally well and particularly we liked the way all the characters were portrayed so well.

Three Again

By Kristal Sorby

The cliche is that the first one is always the hardest, but for Elsie it was the second.

Her portrait afterwards had been lovely; the black of her dress in sharp relief to the pale of her face, the daguerreotype softening her curls about her head. The dress itself had been too plain for her tastes, but after the first she’d seen no need to have another one made.

By contrast the third had been almost a holiday. Number Three – Edward, maybe? Edwin? – had ordered her to stop spending nearly so much time in the library; a waste of her time with the piano there to be practised. But Charles Dickens had been publishing his monthly instalments of Oliver Twist, and Elsie hadn’t been able to abide by such nonsense – it was 1840 for God’s sake –and had eventually found herself back on the market.

It had always been her mother’s idea, really. “Getting on in years, Elspeth,” she would say each time, her father nodding behind his pipe and opining that he only wanted to see her taken care of.

Elsie had always railed against the whims of her mother, dodging embroidery and gala balls to sneak out of the house to watch every hunt her father and his friends had galloped off on.

She would return with twigs and leaves in her hair, and always welcomed back by her governess wielding a cane across her knuckles.

Kristal Sorby

Kris started writing at about five years old, and her parents were cool enough to support the habit with a computer, a typewriter, and reams upon reams of paper. While at high school she was invited to a local adult’s writing group, and since then has written in international flash fiction contests and within LGBTQIA+ online-publishing circles. Now 33, Kris works full time in Disability Employment Services in East Geelong and Ocean Grove, and as a serial learner she is also studying a Diploma of Auslan. In her leisure time she can be found in a pile of ‘to be read’ books, nose-to-screen in a video game, or hiking the Victorian bushland.

So when Number One –Jack – had been trotted out in front of her, Elsie had outright said no. She’d ended up in wedding silks despite her protests, and had her liberty stripped from her to be replaced with ‘housewife’ with all the pomp and circumstance expected of her social status. Though it was fortuitous that he had allowed Elsie to choose the wallpaper of their new sitting room, and the resplendent yellow-green had complemented the dark wood of the floors. It was a terrible shame, people noted much later, that the wallpaper had started flaking almost as soon as it was laid.

And Number Three – definitely Edward – had been so insufferable that she’d hardly managed to tolerate him for the summer

“Our

focus is you”

before she asked for the rats in the cellar to be sorted out. A horrible way to go, the doctor said as she donned the black dress again, how unlucky that he insisted on always laying the strychnine pellets himself, so terribly unfortunate that it contaminated the wine he was keeping down there.

Kristal Sorby won this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition. (Supplied)

But oh, Number Two, dear Charles. He had been content to sit near and read with her, or follow her to the theatre, or take her to dinner in her best gown simply to be seen with her. He had been charming in his own way, but so close as to be a shadow. It had suffocated her, to always have him by her, taking her hand in his or laying his lips close to her temple. He had never let her breathe. His horse had thrown him – a horse fly bite to the rump, she was told, but in truth a well-placed jab of her hatpin – and he had landed against a rock wall in a most terrible way. There was no saving him, they’d said, but the deep red soaking into his pale hair had spoken to that already.

And finally, Number Four. She had been left to her own devices a full year from the end of her half-mourning before her mother had wheedled him before her, thrice-widowed and no longer the catch her family hoped. A drunk, though at least not a cruel one, he was found most nights purple-lipped from wine and preferred sleeping on the floor than his bed. It had taken Elsie time to find an appropriate birthday gift for him, but the old antimony cup had been so well received that he used it most nights, and the vomiting assumed more an effect of the drink than its vessel. The vomiting ceased only with his breathing.

Ever the dutiful wife, Elsie dressed once more in her blacks. There would be no more suitors, her mother cried, not for one so unlucky. The corset would constrict her breathing, she knew, and the veil hide the world from her eyes, and the shoes pinch her toes and stop her from dancing.

This portrait of her, free at last, is sweeter. The silver-plating on copper once more

softening her curls, the corners of her mouth dancing to hold back the smile.

Two Old Souls and a Bottle of Red

By Ali Holborn Colours

drifting through the thermosphere wreaked havoc on Earth. Awed drivers watching the sky. Not the roads. Too many folks currently in Shadowland trying to figure the way out.

Sam would have sold his soul to take the night off. Best aurora in decades, but no rest for the wicked, eh? Once a joy, he now found the graveyard shift soul destroying.

When witching hour ended, Sam dropped his uniform and trident into his locker, grabbed the bottle of red he’d procured on his way to work, and headed to the only working elevator in Shadowland. Gone were his days of using stairs. Even downwards.

At the next gate, Mary was struggling to keep her eyes open. Retirement age had long passed, but she was constantly having to cover Peter’s shift. Some people called him a saint. Mary called him anything but. Having worked her fingers to the bone, the hypnotic kaleidoscope of light was just the tonic she needed – the bigger than normal crowd at triage, not so much. Lights constantly flickering because of the geomagnetic interference hadn’t helped either.

These days, the concept of time was irrelevant to Mary, and normally she’d stay until the last in the waiting room had left. Tonight though, she had nothing more to give.

For the first time in an eternity, at 4am, Mary left her minions to cope without her.

Too exhausted for the long climb home, she weaved her way through the crowd to the lift. She startled at the sight of Sam heading in

the same direction. Flaming insolent good for nothing! Tsk! These days the arrogant upstart called himself Lucifer.

Adrenalin surging, she ran to the elevator and thumped the ‘ascend’ button, but Sam swept beside her and pressed ‘descend’ with equal force.

Mary hurried inside when the doors opened, trying unsuccessfully to block Sam’s access. His presence was overwhelming, his sulphurous aftershave nauseating.

Brimstone, Mary guessed. She turned her back to him, pounding the up arrow, but mirrored walls hide nothing, and Sam was just as madly thumping the down arrow on the opposite control panel.

Mary screwed her eyes shut. Enclosed space. Not good. The elevator jerked. She kept her eyes shut, couldn’t tell if they were headed up or down.

“Up!” she begged. “Please!”

“You’re hilarious,” Sam chuckled. “Who you praying to?”

Mary opened her eyes to glare at him, but the lights had gone out. It was pitch black in the elevator and it wasn’t moving. Up or down.

Dark, confined and trapped. She moaned, groping her way down to sit on the floor.

“This is hell!”

“It really isn’t.” Sam laughed. “Between you and me, though, I’m too old for this shit.”

Sam nudged her as he too sat. A bottle unscrewed, the glug of liquid and the smell of alcohol. An aged shiraz if Mary wasn’t mistaken.

“Want some?” Sam pressed the bottle to her.

“Sinful.”

“You know full well it’s not a sin, and since when did you get so virtuous!” Sam

scoffed. “Wasn’t it you that instigated the miraculous production of wine when it ran out at that wedding?”

Mary’s cheeks burned. There was no denying it.

“I will not break bread with a devil such as you,” Mary muttered.

“What, no baguette or cheese? We could have had a last supper.”

Mary’s breath caught.

“Ah, shouldn’t have said that,” Sam mumbled.

Dammit, that wine smelled good! Mary fumbled for the bottle and took a long swig. It tasted fantastic, but too much of a good thing was bad. Led to stupid mistakes. She’d made enough herself, but Sam sure as hell had paid for his. Still was, in fact. How much punishment was enough? Tears of guilt pricked her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Samael,” she said quietly. “Will you forgive my hatred?”

“Heart of an angel me,” Sam muttered, “albeit a fallen one. Just so you know, I hate my job and the hell I’ve put so many through.”

“Time for a truce?” Mary suggested.

As they shook hands firmly in the darkness, the elevator doors suddenly opened.

“Hallelujah!” Mary scrambled to freedom. “Oh, pity. The aurora’s over.”

“That’s not all that’s over,” Sam mused. “Listen!”

Mary’s eyes widened. “As above, so below!” she exclaimed. “It’s peaceful!”

With conflict between heaven and hell at an end, peace on earth was finally free to reign again.

“We should have a party to celebrate,” Mary laughed.

With a wicked glint in his eye, Sam held out his hand. “Shall we dance?” he winked.

Dining out in Ocean Grove

Voice photographer Louisa Jones ventured to The Terrace in Ocean Grove on the King’s Birthday holiday on Monday to see who was dining locally.

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

12606035-SN21-23

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au

12606701-KG21-23

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

12606706-RR21-23

THE RANGE @CURLEWIS

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days

1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

Florence, Emma, Paige and Bonnie enjoy some ice cream.

Left to right: Phoebe, Craig, Flynn and Blair Searle; Mel and James McKenzie with Ralph; Lazarus Lewis doing some busking; Rick Hambrook and Tahni. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 412356

Above: Ian Dohle, Jenny Dohle, Lynne Clarke and Tilley.

1 Suns (5) 4 Stages (9) 9 Sneak (5) 10 Bite-sized appetiser (5,4) 11 Work of Charles Dickens – Twist (6) 12 Nullify (8) 14 Preferred things (10)

15 First book of the Christian Bible (abbr) (3) 17 Pile (3) 19 Self-centred (10)

23 Women’s underwear and nightwear (8) 24 Doctor (6) 26 Happen (9) 27 Smooth transition (5)

28 Settler (9) 29 ‘Not on your – !’ (coll) (5)

1 Aid (6)

2 The A in USA (7) 3 Highest rank (coll) (7) 4 Pontiff (4) 5 Exercises (10) 6 – contract, a standardised forward contract (7) 7 Rampaging (7)

8 Scalpel users (8) 13 First concerns (10) 16 Logical (8) 18 Arcade game involving steel balls (7) 19 1970s band, – Lake and Palmer (7)

Treachery (7)

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”.

15 words: Good 23 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

3 LETTERS

4 Which US state is the only one with a single-syllable name?

The fictional Lydia

No.

Day out with Denis in Bendigo

I went to Bendigo for a week, which I must say was just wonderful for birdwatching and had a dayoutwithex-OceanGrovelocalDenisSleep, who moved there two years ago.

Hetookmetohisfavouritelocalbirdwatching spots, and I had the best day out. We went to Mount Korong Scenic Reserve, and the first birds we saw were diamond firetails.

We also saw a wedge-tailed eagle, hooded robin, striated pardalotes, white-plumed honeyeaters, spiny-cheeked honeyeaters, brown treecreepers, brush bronzewings and white-browed babblers. It was difficult to leave this spot and go to the next one, which was a place called Diamond Dove Dam.

I have never seen so many different species of honeyeaters in the one spot - fuscous, New Holland, white-eared, yellow-plumed, white-plumed, white-naped, yellow-faced and brown-headed.Therewerealsomusk,littleand purple-crown lorikeets everywhere. We also saw a few Gilbert’s whistlers.

I received a few messages from John Murray who is a long-time Bellarine Hooded Plover volunteer extraordinaire. John is so dedicated to helping the local hoodies in the summer and spring nesting seasons. Last week the Birdlife Australia held their annual Beach Nesting Birds Conference at Anglesea, and this attracted people from all over Australia.

John said the conference speakers were fascinating. There was a presenter from New

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Zealand who spoke about hand rearing critically endangered little tern chicks until they fledge, which involves around the clock resources. There were also speakers from Cairns,WesternAustraliaandSouthAustralia.

Thanks John for all you do for the local beach nesting birds, you certainly are a champion hooded plover hoodlum. John also found a newly deceased juvenile grey-headed albatross washed up on the beach.

I received an email from Alan, who was walking at Lake Victoria when this bird sailed so close overhead that I could not fit it in the frame. That’s the downside of a prime lens where zooming in or out means running

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

towards or away from your subject. The bird was a whistling kite and I too have had this experience of being so close to one of these raptors flying overhead that the wings are cut off in the photo.

Alan also saw two tawny frogmouths at Blue Waters Lake. Another interesting viewing was 15 to 20 nankeen night herons. They were quite high, weaving in and out so hard to get a solid count. They eventually landed in various trees around the lake, a mix of adults and juveniles so perhaps this was a training flight?

I received an email from Lynne, who lives in Ocean Grove. It has been so long since she has had any small birds in her garden (due to the presence of noisy miners). She was excited to

share that she has had the cutest little eastern spinebill visiting her garden for the past two weeks. The poor little thing flits in under the cover of the foliage and tentatively drinks from the flowers until it is spotted by the noisy miners, but it is so good to see it keep coming back. She has also had musk lorikeets in her leucoxylon. Luckily they, and the rainbow lorikeets, and the eastern rosella pair are not bothered by the miners.

Lynn also saw a flock of at least 80 yellow-tailed black cockatoos while driving along the Drysdale Bypass.

Lynn also was lucky enough to see two wedge-tailed eagles over Grubb Road, Wallington a few weeks back.

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

Harrison’s grave monument

Interested people welcome at Eastern Cemetery on June 27, 11am, to mark his family’s restoration of James Harrison’s grave monument. 141 Ormond Road, East Geelong

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.

■ Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.

■ Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

■ Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche

Geelong Showgrounds Museum Celebrate Geelong’s 170 years of refrigeration - World Refrigeration Day, June 26 & 29, 10am-4pm. Model demonstration of James Harrison’s first commercial ice-making machine, displays, talks. Geelong Showgrounds, gate 2. ■ trybooking.com/CQZTL

Street), St Leonards.

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

Carpet bowls

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

■ 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.

■ Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly

Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.

Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 2nd Thursday 7.30pm

Monthly

Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.

■ Dianne 5255 1372

Cards

Ocean Grove Seniors play card game 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. If you are new to the game a quick lesson will get you in play. The core group of six players adjust to any number and you will enjoy the friendship of like-minded players. Cost: $30 annually and coffee included. At 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Dianne, 5255 1372

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

■ Bev, 0421 636 830

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month, 10.30am for 11am.

■ oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged Students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.

■ Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Email oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com for details.

■ 0428 546 796

Ocean Grove on Barwon Probus Meets 9.45am for 10am every third Wednesday at Ocean Grove Golf Club.

■ gwen.anne.james@gmail.com

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.

■ Lorraine, 0412 805 858

Afternoon tea dance

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5.

■ 5251 3529

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

■ Jenni, 0452 258 333

Lynne’s eastern spinebill in her Ocean Grove garden, and right, Alan’s nankeen night herons at Blue Waters Lake.

1/ Daniel Aristotle, Alice Fowler, Ella Ballerini, Josie Daniels, Lucas Czajko, Josh Gilfillan and Tom Minari. 2/ Jo, Nathan and Archie with Claudia. 3/ Kai has some fun on the sand. 4/ Ella and Scarlett. 5/ Lucinda and Steven Scott. 6/ Tony and Julie Ernikiolis and Pippa. 7/ Alice McCormack and Laura Del Biondo. 8/ Sarah D and Maddy G. 9/ Nick Ward, Ruby Ward and Brendan Sartori. 10/ Hazel and Keira Steven. 11/ Jeremy and Hamish. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 412357

Voice photographer Louisa Jones headed to Ocean Grove main beach on the King’s Birthday Monday holiday.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did Central Coast Mariners defeat 3-1 to win the 2024 A-League Men Grand Final?

2. Which Canadian city is set to become home to the WNBA’s 14th team?

3. Which 1977 NBA MVP and two-time champion (1977 and 1986) was the number one pick in the 1974 draft?

4. What women’s single sculls medal did Tara Rigney win at both the 2022 and 2023 World Rowing Championships?

5. Which Australian bowler was awarded player of the match after Kolkata defeated Hyderabad in the 2024 IPL final?

6. Jack O’Loughlin became the 38th Australian to play Major League Baseball, after debuting for which team?

7. A proposed NHL team in which US state is said to be choosing from names including Ice, Yetis, and Blizzard?

8. Which Slovenia-born NBA player wears number 77 for the Dallas Mavericks?

Michael Maguire coaches which rugby league State

Leek Aleer plays for which AFL club?

Which two Italian Serie A soccer clubs played a friendly match in Perth in late May?

Which Monégasque Formula One driver recently won his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix?

13. Which Indian batsman was the leading runscorer in this year’s IPL cricket tournament?

14. And which team were the eventual champions for the third time in its history?

15. Which golfer, the women’s world No.1 player, scored a 10-over par in the opening round of the US Women’s Open?

16. Which country has won the most men’s and women’s World Curling Championships?

17. Which Norwegian men’s tennis player finished runner-up at the French Open in both 2022 and 2023?

18. Phil Waugh is the CEO of which Australian sports governing body?

19. Which AFL team has had a continuous, active sponsorship with the Ford Motor Company since 1925?

20. In which country is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee located?

21. In which year did Carlos Alcaraz win his first Grand Slam singles title?

22. Former Geelong captain Tom Harley is the current CEO of which AFL club?

23. In curling, what is the name of the circular target area on the ice that players aim to get their stones into?

24. In darts, how many points is a bullseye worth?

25. In which year did West Coast play its first AFL season?

26. Which country has emerged as a contender to become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games?

27. Which men’s Super Rugby team will be axed at the end of the 2024 season due to financial difficulties?

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Roche Accounting5256 2764

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ANTENNAS

Arrow Antennas0439 785 703

Kendall Antenna Services0404 019 781

AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Care Ocean Grove (Repco)5255 1045

Gardiner Automotive5255 5380

BEAUTY/HAIR

Hair By Dana0400 065 431

Swish Beauty & Hair - Leopold 5250 3242

BUILDERS & NEW HOMES

Beechmore Building Solutions5250 4638

MB Builders0400 406 030

BUILDING DESIGNERS

Michael Higgins Building Design5255 3355

BUTCHERS

Benno’s Meating Place5254 1828

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaners Geelong5255 3510

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A1 Chimney Sweep & Co0426 897 479

CONVEYANCING

Surfside Conveyancing Pty Ltd5255 5556

Vines Conveyancing5255 4480

DENTAL

Drysdale Denture Services

Ryan Davies & Andrew Irving5251 1683

Ocean Grove Denture Services

Ryan Davies & Andrew Irving5255 4533

ELECTRICIANS

Grove Electrical (REC 16943)0404 022 952

28. Which club has never been relegated since the foundation of the English Premier League in 1992: Aston Villa, Everton or Manchester City?

29. Only two countries have won Olympic gold medals in skateboarding: Australia (1) and which other country (3)?

30. In which year did Lance Franklin kick more than 100 goals in a season?

Alcaraz

Good things come in small cars

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The Q2 is the entry-level model into Audi’s five-model SUV range sitting below the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8.

Between them they account for around 80 percent of the brand’s total Australian sales.

First released in late 2017, and upgraded in February 2021, the Q2 now comes in two variants: 1.5-litre 35 TFSI and 2.0-litre quattro 40 TFSI. At the same time a new high-performance SQ2 was added which will justify a separate review down the track.

Priced at $43,600 plus on-roads, the 35 TFSI has LED headlights, contrasting bumpers and C-pillar, leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, digital driver information display as well as Audi smartphone interface and phone box light wireless charging among its equipment highlights.

For an extra $7000 the 40 TFSI quattro adds new Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels, Audi drive select, a powered tailgate, sport front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, and of course, all-wheel drive.

Styling

Aswithmostvehiclesintheboomingcompact SUV segment the Q2 treads that very fine line of distinction between hatchback and SUV. Q2 is fairly conservative in its looks when compared with larger vehicles in the Audi range. Because of its small dimensions it has a boxier, less coupe-like profile than the others.

The large single frame grille with its four intersecting ring badge immediately identifies it as an Audi. The 2021 upgrade gets a more chiselled look that really suits it as do the new pentagonal shape to the front (dummy) air inlets and rear bumper trim.

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range with different designs.

An optional Style Package includes 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels; matrix LED headlights; extended black exterior and a full body paint finish in the 35 TFSI. It adds $3490 to the price of the 35 TFSI and $2690 to the 40 TFSI.

The Q2 range is available in 11 exterior colours and two interior colour combinations, depending on the model.

The C-pillar in the Q2, called the ‘C-Blade’, can be ordered in a variety of interchangeable

finishes and colours.

All models get LED headlights.

Interior

The interior is neat and functional with the premium feel that we’ve come to expect from Audi. The dash is simple and uncluttered with the controls for the dual-zone climate control in the centre. The front air vents are round and can be swivelled for optimum coverage. The rear doors are large and so make entry easier. There’s good headroom thanks to the relatively flat roofline but legroom will be very tight for taller occupants. There is no centre armrest or rear air vents.

Storage space in the front is limited with the large infotainment knob ensuring there’s nowhere to leave keys, phones, wallets etc meaning that the two cup holders get used at the bottom of the dashboard.

Boot capacity in the 40 TFSI is a moderate 355 litres (405 in the 2WD 35 TFSI). The boot floor can be set at two levels, to either provide security for smallish objects under it, or for tall cargo. There is no spare wheel of any size, with a puncture repair kit the only emergency option.

Engines & transmissions

The 1.5-litre engine in the Q2 35 TFSI is new and replaces the previous 1.4-litre unit albeit with the same outputs of 140 kW and 320 Nm but is more refined, quieter and with slightly better fuel consumption. As before it comes with a Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) function that can shut down two of its four cylinders imperceptibly at low throttle load and engine speeds and helps reduce official fuel consumption to just 5.2 L/100km.

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine in the 40

TFSI carries over from the previous model. It puts out 140 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque at 1450 rpm.

Both engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

Infotainment

TheAudiMMI(MultiMediaInterface)system is displayed via a new 8.3-inch tablet-style screen above the centre of the dashboard. The quality of the graphics is excellent and the system itself is easy enough to operate once you get used to the rotary dial control which we still prefer over the more distracting touchscreens which are very much the norm nowadays.

There is Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Audi connect technology with WiFi hotspot and Google services.

Safety

Audi Q2 gets a five-star rating from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP with standard features that include six airbags; electronic stability program with enhanced ABS brakes; blind spot monitoring; Audi’s pre-sense city with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection; tyre pressure warning; IsoFix child-seat mounts; plus automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

The SQ2 adds Audi pre-sense basic which initiates protection measures when it senses an imminent collision including tensioning of the front seat belts, activation of hazard warning lights and closing of the windows and sunroof.

The Premium Package is a $3050 option in the Q2 35 TFSI, $2950 in the 40 TFSI and

standard in the SQ2. Among other features it includes adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go; emergency assist; active lane assist; park assist; rollover sensor; and hill hold.

Driving

Our road test vehicle was the Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro with its 140 kW and 320 Nm outputs. It sits neatly between the entry-level 110 kW / 250 Nm 35 FWD TFSI and the 221 kW/400 Nm quattro SQ2.

Entry is a bit awkward for taller drivers and, once seated, we found it necessary to drop the driver’s seat to its lowest setting to get comfortable thus losing the extra driving height that makes SUVs popular.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Rather oddly the Q2 40 doesn’t come with powered seat adjustment, yet it does get a powered tailgate.

Rear seat legroom is borderline for adults and some compromises will have to be made with those in the front if tall travellers are on board. Three adults can sit across the back, but, as is the norm in cars of this size, two and a child makes more sense.

Around town the Q2 was sharp and manoeuvrable. It cruised effortlessly on the motorwaybutoutontoourlocalcountryroads was where it came into its own. Although steering is relatively light it’s nicely weighted and combined with the quattro AWD system provides an engaging, dynamic drive.

Ride comfort is very good and the interior is generally quiet.

There’s plenty of road grip and the car is more assured and stable in corners than most of its similarly-sized 2WD SUV rivals.

Ataclaimed7.0litresper100kilometresthe AWD 40 TFSI is a fair bit thirstier than the 5.2 L/100 km FWD 35 TFSI no doubt helped along by its Cylinder-on-Demand system. We averaged just on 8.0 L/100km during our week-long test.

Summing up

Audi Q2 is a stylish compact SUV at a reasonable price (for a premium car, that is). It’s easy to drive and park in its urban natural habitat but, especially in AWD mode, can provide plenty of driving enjoyment in more challenging rural conditions.

All Audi models now come with a five year, unlimited distance warranty.

Audi Q2 is a stylish compact SUV at a reasonable price. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grubbers’ narrow loss to Dees

Portarlington prevailed in a close 17 & Under Division 2 match against Ocean Grove, 22 to 18 at Portarlington on Saturday June 8. Voice photographer Louisa Jones was there to capture the action.

Emily Johnston and Bella Mawson in action.

Left: Annika Willis shoots despite pressure from Skylah Ihimaera-Skelton. Centre: Holly Spong takes possession. Above right: Eve Lake surveys her options (top); Alexus Pope in midcourt. Right: Ellison Jolly, who shot 13 goals from 14 attempts, has Liv Richardson defending.

Ava Verhagen shoots for goal.

Ava Verhagen and Nikita Melnyk. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 412162

Above: Mia Kiely gets the ball away from Ava Verhagen. Left: Emilia Evans was among the best players (top); Arleya Hillier was named Port’s best.

Young Grubbers win by 53 points

Voice photographer Louisa Jones was at Memorial Oval on Saturday June 8 for the Under 15 Division 5 game between Ocean Grove and Portarlington where the Grubbers prevailed by 53 points.

Left: Sean Stewart has eyes for the ball. Right: Jordan Robinson, Alby Arto, Rhys O’Neil, Oliver Bentley and Spencer Cormack are involved. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 412175

Luka Wuest marks strongly.

Murphy Lougheed is off and running.

Above: Oliver Bentley, Alby Arto, Jordan Robinson and Xavier Kiddle get involved in this piece of play. Left: Murphy Lougheed and Alby Arto all tangled up.

Left to right: Xavier Barker finds some space; Charlie Rae and Henry Wynn contest the footy; Frankie Aitken surveys his options; Henry Wynn and Asher Green in a ruck contest.

Noah Brooks streams down the wing.

No shortcuts: Farrell

By Justin Flynn

OceanGrovecoachDaveFarrellhasreiterated

thattheclubwillnotdeviatefromitslong-term plan to return to premiership contention.

The Grubbers snapped a nine-game losing streak to notch their first win of the season on Saturday, a 12-point triumph against Portarlington.

Ocean Grove has fielded 36 players at senior level this season, 12 of them debutants and seven that were part of the 2023 underage program.

While the heady days of the 1990s and early 2000s when Ocean Grove won eight flags in 10 years are a distant memory, Farrell insists the club would play the long game.

“Strategy around long-term success and player development are both going to draw some very different opinions,” he said.

“Internally we are confident we are best informed to plan for, and affect, both. Our netball successes and connection with the

community support our belief that the culture is strong within the club and by extension our senior footy program.

“Our junior program continues to be a shining light with some great leadership and outstanding coaching that is pivotal to the long-term success of the club. We have worked to strengthen our relationship with the Geelong Falcons this year to best support our young players that have been recognised through their talent ID process, but to also educate our coaches around focus areas for those still developing with ambition to play at a higher level.”

Kye Annand played for Geelong West in the Geelong Football League last season, but returned to Ocean Grove for the 2024 campaign.

Farrell said Annand has been “playing some unbelievable footy this year”.

Annand is contracted to Geelong’s VFL program and played for the Cats against Greater Western Sydney two games ago.

“It is reflective of the improved standard of Bellarine football, but also our program and club being able to support players wanting to reach their potential without needing to leave their home club,” Farrell said.

Meanwhile co-coach and player Nick Bourke got to experience his first win in the redandwhiteanditwasamemorable50-game milestone for Ollie Monteith and Max Sutton.

“Was a great feeling amongst the group after the game, certainly some relief but it was reward for effort from the playing group and everyone around the club,” he said.

“Ollie and Max were sensational for us on Saturday both in game 50. It’s always nice to come away with the win especially for those two boys who are so respected amongst the group.”

Bourke said debutant Jack Connolly “did not look out of place”.

“Great to see another Ocean Grove junior come through the program and reap the rewards for his senior debut,” he said.

Soutar leads the way in touring cars

Ocean Grove’s Zac Soutar started racing go karts at the age of 10, progressed to Formula Ford and is now starring in touring car racing. During the fourth round of the SuperCheap Auto TCR Australia Series at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, Soutar won two out of three races and is currently leading the TCR Australia Championship ahead of names such as Tony D’Alberto, Ben Bargwanna and Clay Richards.

What makes this even more impressive is that Soutar is a privateer running his team in conjunction with his father Shane. They are the only professional level circuit racing team based in Greater Geelong.

Although Soutar was able to secure two race wins, the weekend was far from trouble free. Friday practice was a wash out, with Soutar only recording a small handful of laps in very wet conditions at the Tailem Bend circuit. This would mean that the first opportunity to get a feel for the car’s pace in dry conditions would come on Saturday morning during qualifying.

Not to be deterred by the unknown quantity of the car underneath him, Soutar was able to

qualify in a solid 4th place.

However, this was as good as Saturday would get. Upon pulling up to his grid box to start Race 1, Soutar realised that his clutch had failed, causing him to stall on the grid.

With the clutch not engaging, some quick thinkingallowedSoutartorestartthecarusing the starter motor, but only once the entire field had already made their way by.

A solid recovery effort saw Soutar drive back up to 9th place by the end of the race.

Fortunes would change on Sunday for Soutar. Starting in second place as a result of the inverted Top 10 grid positions based on the results of Race 1, he was able to make the most of a repaired clutch to make a decent getaway from the line.

A great battle ensued into Turn 1 with fellow rival Ben Bargwanna, in which Soutar was able to hang around the outside and take the lead.

From there the #110 Tufflift Racing Audi driver never looked back, and was able to stretch out a gap of 7.5 seconds to bring home a commanding victory, his first in more than two years.

The celebrations wouldn’t stop there

Long weekend rewards anglers

ON THE BITE Peri

Stavropoulos

The long weekend offered some hot fishing in the local waters with anglers braving the average weather being rewarded with some nice fish.

The outer harbour has had a spike with King George whiting with reports improving drastically over the past few weeks.

They had slowed down, but after hearing the reports from the weekend the bite is back on. Anglers were finding large numbers of fish spread right across the Bellarine Peninsula withLeopoldthroughtoPortarlington holding the best numbers.

Fishing in about 4 metres seems to be the sweet spot with some fish still being caught deeper and shallower. Fishing the stronger tides like what we had over the weekend definitely played a big part in getting those extra bites and with fresh baits like pipi and squid you’re in for a great shot.

Calamari were on the menu for many anglers with plenty of reports coming through of anglers picking some up in the shallows. The calamari haven’t been at a huge size, but there appears to be a few getting about. Smaller jigs like size 2.5 have been the more productive size to be throwing around with brighter colours to be the current favourites for the squid.

Offshore has seen some fantastic fishing over the past few weeks with the gummy reports coming through thick and fast. That magic 30 metre line we talk so much about is proving to be the best depth to secure yourself a feed. Not only gummies hanging around on the bottom but some nice snapper to around 6kg in weight taking the same rigs and baits intended for gummies. There have also been a few mako sightings this past week so it pays to have a wire trace on hand just in case one comes up to the back of the boat.

WurdiBuloc has well and truly retained its name as the lake of a thousand casts, however with a lot of patience and persistence there are some great fish to be caught. Brown and rainbow trout are still on the top of anglers list of prized fish to catch with still a healthy amount of reddies amongst them too.

however. Starting in third for the final race of the weekend, Soutar was able to make a fantastic launch to jump straight up into 2nd place.

After some carnage behind and a safety car restart, the leader made a mistake going into the final corner, which allowed him to jump into the lead where he would stay until the end of the race.

“It’s been a fantastic weekend for the team,” Soutar said.

“I’m just so relieved to finally be able to bring home some race wins for the whole Tufflift Racing crew. My heart sank when I realised my clutch had failed at the start of race one. There was a moment there when all of the cars passed me off of the line that I figured our weekend and championship was over.

“I guess it’s a testament to never giving up as we were able to recover to ninth place, which set us up for the double victory on Sunday. A huge thank you goes out to my team and family. They never ever give up and were able to give me a rocket of a car, and I’m so pleased foreveryonethatwe’vebeenabletohaveagreat weekend.”

Casting surface lures, big swimbaits or large jerkbaits at first light is going to give you the best shot at a big trout or redfin and as the day goes on fishing deeper should get you more bites as the fish go down and become a bit harder to tempt.

Matt Vanjek with a snapper. (Supplied)

Zac Soutar is currently leading the TCR Australia Championship. (Insyde Media)

Grubbers on the board after win

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove is finally on the winner’s list after a 12-point round 10 win at Portarlington on Saturday June 8.

The Grubbers held sway to lead by 34 points going into the final change, but Portarlington hit back with a six-goal final term to reduce the margin to six points at one stage.

But Ocean Grove steadied and was able to sing the club song for the first time this season.

“We kicked 2.5 for the quarter ourselves which compounded the situation,” coach Dave Farrell said. “At the time it’s the last thing you want but retrospectively it’s a great experience for our group and one we can draw some great teaching moments from. When an opponent gets a run on like that there sometimes isn’t much you can do from the bench to influence the game. We trusted the players and they were calm and communicated really well.”

Playing co-coach Nick Bourke said there was no panic among the young group when Port’s comeback was taking place.

“Port have some top-end talent who really picked up in the last quarter and got on a bit of aroll,butIwasreallyproudofouryounggroup to gain momentum back and hold on,” he said.

“There was a real sense of composure amongst the group knowing what was needed to get the win.”

Ocean Grove has played 36 players at senior level this season, 12 debutants and seven that were part of its 2023 underage program.

“We want to reward behaviours and

Undermanned Grubbers get the job done

Ocean Grove withstood a determined Portarlington and injuries to key players to record a six-goal win in round 10 on Saturday June 8.

Regular stars Zanna Woods, Georgia Ryan and Jessica Leader missed the match and Georgia Berry was on limited minutes after only just recovering from a bout of COVID. It meant Ocean Grove fielded an inexperienced attack with Arlee Bennett and Kimberley Hart in goal. Hart played a full game in B Grade where she scored 26 goals and followed up with another four quarters and 27 goals in A Grade.

“I feel like Kim and I work a lot at training together so it was good that we could play four quarters together,” Bennett said.

“We’re both quite young, so working to our strengths was a big thing that we focused on this week. And Kim has a really good hold in the ring, so trying to leave her open in the ring was one of our main focuses, especially with the shorter Portarlington defenders.” Bennett, who has just turned 19, said she has learned a lot from playing with Woods this season. Woods rolled her ankle during the week, ruling her out of the clash.

“She’s so good to play with,” Bennett said.

commitment that model is what we are looking for long-term,” Farrell said. “We’ve got some guysperformingreallywellat12pmthatmodel these behaviours at training and in games that will play at some stage, while there’s plenty of consideration around the benefits for and against continuity of players playing under 16 and 18 football at division one level with and against their peers versus exposure to senior level on a case by case basis.”

Farrell said his side learned a lot from the round one loss, which was Port’s first win in 68 games.

“We acknowledged last time we played Port their contest work and effort was first class and expected the same, which this time we were able to match early around the ball,” he said.

“Our starts have been inconsistent and it’s something we are hoping we have gotten on top of now, but will remain a focus each week. We want to put ourselves in a position with 10 minutes to go in a game where if we are not in front we are at least a threat to win and you can’t do that giving sides a five or six goal head

start as we had done.”

TheGrubberstraveltoQueenscliffthisweek. The Coutas lost to Geelong Amateur by 28 points, but were down by only seven points at three-quarter time.

“We walked away from round one pretty disappointed, we got out to a handy lead in the second quarter before Queenscliff adjusted their game and we didn’t respond to that very well,” Farrell said. “Another nine games of experience doesn’t sound like a lot but hoping it plays a part in our performance this week.”

Star ruckman Ed Dayman is likely to miss the rest of the season with ankle syndesmosis sustained during the round eight game against Drysdale.

The reserves face an uphill battle to make the finals after losing by 11 points to Portarlington, 7.8(50) to 9.7(61).

Sam Charville and Rowan Hore were best while Harrison Dolley kicked three goals.

Matthew Farrell and Jaymi Butler were best for the Demons with Zach Mevissen booting three majors.

Results

A GRADE

Ocean Grove 40 def Portarlington 34.

Best: Ocean Grove - Kimberley Hart, Courtney Leith, Arlee Bennett. Portarlington - Madison Robbins Hart, Laura Robinson, Mikayla Mevissen. Barwon Heads 58 def Drysdale 34. Best: Barwon Heads - Maddie Okely, Krystal Baker, Dakota Cosson. Drysdale - Chloe Hobbs, Olivia Young, Aleisha Walters.

Geelong Amateur 78 def Queenscliff 58.

Best: Geelong Amateur - Darcy McFarlane, Georgia Duncan, Keisha Guilmartin. Queenscliff - Kaitlin Gladman, Tess Orvis, Shaiden Smith. Anglesea 63 def Modewarre 34.

Best: Ocean Grove - Emilie Punton, Kylie Collett, Taryn Laverty. Portarlington - Taylah Condon, Megan Hillier, Hannah Pollard. 19 & UNDER

Ocean Grove 4 def by Portarlington 40. Best: Ocean Grove - Molly McLean, Tylah Foley, Georgie Collett. Portarlington - Lila Mustica, Chloe Zahl, Rori Addicoat.

17 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 32 def by Portarlington 35.

Best: Ocean Grove - Emma Barry, Bree Sampson, Laura Ahearn. Portarlington - Poppy Hart, Annalena Hillier, Taiia Devlin.

17 & UNDER DIVISION 2

“She’s very strong within the ring. Trying to move to free her up is also something that we work to do as well. She sets everything up so well,evenifit’snotforher,shesetsupeveryone else and opens up the court.”

Portarlington came to play on Saturday and jumped out to a handy early lead, but the Grubbers were able to steady and then hold on to win 40 to 34.

“We were down by, I think, five or six in the first quarter and we really pulled it together in the second and third and then they started coming back a little bit in the last, but we held on,” Bennett said.

“I think we’re all trying to work really hard trying to get fit and hopefully have a crack at that towards the end of the season in finals.

“I think we’re definitely building up to that. We’ve had some tougher games with people out and injured, there’s people sick, people who have got to work, so being able to work as a whole group – there’s eleven of us so everyone is stepping up when they need to.”

Ocean Grove faces another test this weekend when it travels to Queenscliff, which is in third spot on the ladder.

Justin Flynn

Best: Anglesea - Briana Walters, Isabelle Bartlett, Eliza Toohey. Modewarre - Monique Sefton, Grace Hunt, Keeley Cox. Torquay 49 def Newcomb 45.

Best: Torquay - Tessa Willett, Elisa Hall, Kiralee Collings. Newcomb - Chloe Hoyle, Jessica Duke, Maddie McFarlane.

B GRADE

Ocean Grove 47 def Portarlington 30.

Best: Ocean Grove - Jesse Sutton, Shelby Hackett, Charlotte Vines. Portarlington - Jesse Hasell, Rori Addicoat, Madeline Casey.

C GRADE

Ocean Grove 34 def Portarlington 15.

Best: Ocean Grove - Sofia Dickeson, Amelia Hallam, Remi Bennett.

Portarlington - Marlee Hildebrand-Bull, Jordy Mcintyre, Jayde Fensling.

D GRADE

Ocean Grove 38 def Portarlington 21.

Best: Ocean Grove - Mackenzie Griffin, Abbey Stanic, Giselle Dawson. Portarlington - Amelia Baker, Alex Natoli, Jordy Mcintyre.

E GRADE

Ocean Grove 27 def Portarlington 19.

Ocean Grove 18 def by Portarlington 22.

Best: Ocean Grove - Bella Mawson, Liv Richardson, Olivia Grogan. Portarlington - Arleya Hillier, Emilia Evans, Trinity Palmer.

15 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 21 def Portarlington 20. Best: Ocean Grove - Lucy Neaves, Maci Dean, Alice Sampson. PortarlingtonLucy Jovanovic, Emilia Evans, Teyana Ihimaera-Smiler.

15 & UNDER DIVISION 2

Ocean Grove 21 def Portarlington 20. Best: Ocean Grove - Tess Wolfe, Addison Fowler, Caitlin Parker. Portarlington - Emily Johnston, Isabella Hughes, Evie Carnaffan.

13 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 27 def Portarlington 14.

Best: Ocean Grove - Ava Leske, Willow Stephenson, Allegra Aquilina. Portarlington - Tigi De Crespigny, Flynn McPherson, Milani Fleming.

13 & UNDER DIVISION 2

Ocean Grove 31 def Portarlington 1.

Best: Ocean Grove - Evie Davis, Daisy Coates. Portarlington - Maddy Davis, Tate Scutchings, Ella Eagle.

Charlotte Heenan somehow keeps the ball in play in the 17 & Under Division 2 clash.

Annika Willis looks for a teammate, and right, Eve Lake and Emilia Evans had an absorbing contest all game. (Pictures:Lousia Jones) 412162

Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell. (Justin Flynn)

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