time to dust off the books and whip out those pens as students return to school after a warm summer holiday.
Students across the region went back to school this week, with a new class of kids starting their studies for the first time.
Lincoln, Arlo and Mia are pictured enjoying their first day of prep at Lara Primary School at 120 Flinders Avenue as the school welcomed its new preppies on Thursday, January 30.
Term 1 officially started on Tuesday, January 28 (or Wednesday, January 29, in government schools) and will run until Friday, April 4, when students will have a break for the Easter school holidays from April 7 to 17.
Disruptive gallery ejected
By Matt Hewson
At a Tuesday night meeting marred by disruptions and the eventual ejection of the entire public gallery, Geelong council’s conservative bloc followed through on its dismantling of the previous council’s changes surrounding January 26.
The drama began when Councillor Eddy Kontelj began to introduce the agenda item, with community members calling out their opposition to the rollbacks.
The situation was further inflamed when supporters of Cr Kontelj’s motion confronted the protestors, attempting to shout them down.
With calls for a return to civility ignored, Mayor Stretch Kontelj ejected the gallery on security grounds and adjourned the meeting. When the meeting resumed, Cr Kontelj
again introduced the motion, which proposed that January 26 be called Australia Day in all municipal communications, confirmed council’ssupportforthedateanddiscontinued any advocacy to the federal government for a change of date.
“By adopting tonight’s 26th of January officer report the people of Geelong will once again be represented by a council that recognises and acknowledges our past and present, and proudly celebrate Australia Day as proclaimed by the federal government, as it should be,” Cr Kontelj said.
“I want everything that we do in the future when it comes to acknowledging and celebrating Australia Day to be focused on all that is good and great about Australia and Geelong, and to acknowledge and celebrate our rich and valuable diversity, including that of our First Nations people.”
Cr Anthony Aitken expressed his sadness at the division on display at the meeting.
“We, certainly, as councillors should not be participating in any processes, actions, behaviours or words which are creating division within our community,” he said.
“It is clear to me that the date is too significant for people to continue on the 26th of January, and as a consequence we should be working with our community to see how we can bring unity and peace back to our community.
“If that means the date needs to be changed, I think we have a responsibility as councillors to participate in that process.”
The voting went along the same lines as it had in December ; Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Crs Chris Burson, Andrew Katos, Eddy Kontelj, Ron Nelson, Rowan Story and Trent Sullivan voted for the rollbacks, while Crs
Anthony Aitken, Melissa Cadwell, Emma Sinclair and Elise Wilkinson voted against.
Earlier in the day a newly-formed coalition of First Nations organisations released a statement ahead of the meeting expressing its disappointment at the council’s intentions.
“We, the First Peoples United Together Djilang, held our inaugural meeting on January22,2025,onWadawurrungCountry,” the statement read.
“Duringthismeeting,wepassedamotionof no confidence in the City of Greater Geelong Mayor and Councillors.
“January 26 is not a day of celebration for First Nations Peoples, but one of mourning, survival, and remembrance. Changing the dateisapowerfulsteptowardsunderstanding, healing and respect, so we can all celebrate this great country, together.”
Cafe and council clash
By Matt Hewson
A Geelong cafe owner is fighting to retain a roadside outdoor dining area after City officials demanded its removal.
Ben McLachlan, operator of The Local in Geelong, constructed the parklet on Garden Street during the COVID-19 pandemic, when regulations around such areas were relaxed.
Last Thursday council contractors arrived to remove the structure but were unable to do so after Mr McLachlan mobilised cafe supporters to conduct a sit-in at the site.
Mr McLachlan said he was at the business “bychance”at7pmwhentheworkersarrived.
“I then went live on Instagram and attempted to get some community support down here,” he said.
“Within about five minutes we had around 30 people down here, and we then did a little sit-in.
“About an hour and a half later the officers backed down and walked away.”
Mr McLachlan said City officers had informed him he had until 4pm Thursday to provide “relevant documentation” for the outdoor area, which he had done by 1pm that day.
But the City’s executive director of City Infrastructure James Stirton said The Local had been given more than two years to comply with the council’s safety rules and had continually failed to do so.
“The permit for The Local’s outdoor dining space expired on 31 December last year and unfortunately the City has not yet received the documentation and plans to show how the area will comply with the safety rules that will allow us to issue a permit,” he said.
“We have received some documentation from The Local, but this is not anywhere near
the required standard.
“Standards are rigorous for a reason – as part of the extensive reviews conducted by the City, independent experts were consulted and they determined this area to be high risk
due to its position close to the intersection.
“We can’t sit by and wait until something terriblehappens,weneedtotakeactionnow.”
Mr McLachlan maintained he was willing to comply with whatever the council required.
Youth space officially open
Geelong’s newest space for young people officially opened last week.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj and member for Geelong Christine Couzens were joined by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman on Thursday, January 23 to open purpose-built youth hub The Nest.
The hub offers locals aged 12 to 25 the opportunity to access programs and services tailored for young people to support their mental health, improve their employment and life skills and provide social connection.
Supported by $400,000 in funding from the Victorian government as part of its five-year youth strategy Our Promise, Your Future, the hub will operate for a two-year pilot program.
LocatedintheBusportcomplexat17 Gheringhap Street, The Nest features an open plan area for socialising and group activities, a large multipurpose space for creative uses and workshops, a kitchen and an accessible bathroom.
The feedback and submissions of morethan1100localyoungpeoplehas informed the design of The Nest and the services it will provide.
“Young people in Geelong came to me with a vision for a dedicated Youth Hub,” Ms Couzens said.
“I’m proud to stand with them and see The Nest delivered, ensuring that local young people have a safe space with the support and tools they need to thrive.”
The Local’s Ben McLachlan. (Ivan Kemp) 456171_05
Council united over incinerator
Geelong council reflected the community consensus at this week’s meeting when it resolved to step up its opposition to the proposed Lara waste-to-energy incinerator.
You Yangs councillor Chris Burson introduced the notice of motion, which was seconded by Cr Elise Wilkinson and supported unanimously by the rest of the council group.
The motion proposed that the council reiterate its opposition to the incinerator due to health and pollution concerns, continue to advocate for the immediate abandonment of the project and write to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to change planning laws so
Geelong council would be the decision-maker for future waste-to-energy projects.
Corio councillor Anthony Aitken successfully sought to add a fourth point, that the City develop its own waste-to-energy policy.
CrBursonsaidwhenhebecameacouncillor late last year he was not informed about the issue.
“Since then I’ve been barraged with reports about the incinerator and the distinct lack of support for it,” Cr Burson said.
“I’m yet to see any minister that has been supportive of it. The Energy Minister (Lily D’Ambrosio)seemstobeagainstit…(member
Cycling fest in full flight
World-class cycling has kicked off again in Geelong with the tenth Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race this week.
The five-day cycling festival began with the women’s Surf Coast Classic on Wednesday, won by New Zealand rising star Ally Wollaston (FDJ - Suez) and will culminate in the men’s Great Ocean Road Race on Sunday. OneofGeelong’spremierannualeventsand featuring the first UCI Men’s and Women’s WorldTour one-day races of the season, the event drew more than 140,000 people to the region last year.
Evans, Australia’s only winner of the Tour de France’s general classification, said the decade since his retirement and the inaugural Great Ocean Road Race in 2015 had passed quickly.
“It’snicetohavea10yearanniversaryofthe race, but it’s a little bit scary that it’s been 10
years since I stopped racing,” he said.
“That time’s gone very fast, but in 10 years I feeltheracehasbecomereallyestablished,not only with the riders within the international season but with the residents of Geelong and the Surf Coast.
“I feel we’re a really strong part of the community in the region and the state.”
This year’s People’s Ride, which gives members of the public the chance to cycle with professional riders, has drawn record numbers of registrations.
Evans said the popularity of the People’s Ride lay in the sense of togetherness offered by the event.
“People love the big public rides; road cycling is something you normally do in a group, so doing it in a group of 3000 is pretty special,” he said.
for Lara) Ella (George) has been against it, Richard Marles has been against it… so I’m confused as to why it’s still going ahead.
“This is not just a Lara issue, it’s a City of Greater Geelong issue, and I would like to think that anything that’s going to be inside the City would be at least brought past us first.”
In December 2023 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Prospect Hill International a developer’s license to build the incinerator, which would burn 400,000 tonnes of waste each year.
That decision has since been appealed by a coalition of local businesses and community
organisations.
Cr Wilkinson said waste-to-energy incinerators were expensive and inefficient, with 25 tonnes of “toxic ash” produced for every 100 tonnes of waste burnt.
“All waste incinerators emit deadly forever chemicals and toxic pollutants that travel long distances,” Cr Wilkinson said.
“We cannot fix one environmental problem by creating another.
“This is a project with no local support, no business case, and is an environmental disaster waiting to happen.”
Summer Open Days 2025
Lakeside Lara, Greater Geelong New homes from $529,000* Wednesday, 12 February 10:30am – 11:30am 11:30am – 12:30pm
Parkside Lucas, Ballarat
New homes from $530,000* Thursday, 13 February 10:30am – 11:30am 11:30am – 12:30pm
George Zimmerman, Lewis Askey, Cadel Evans, Josie Talbot and Karlijn Swinkels. (Ivan Kemp)
455883_03
Environmental efforts awarded
Geoffrey McFarlane spends time giving back to his environment and helping with conservation projects.
The Armstrong Creek man was acknowledged with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Sunday, January 26.
Mr McFarlane said he liked working in the environment and was excited to be honoured by the OAM for his efforts.
“It’s good that there’s some awareness going on about the problems and it’s a pity we couldn’t involve many more people in the
OAM program,” he said.
“Working with wonderful communities out there having a go and trying to do something about the problems we are facing is a highlight, and it was very rewarding to work with them.
“There’s lots of problems out there and a lot of people in our communities don’t realise what’s going on and the ones that are facing the problem are doing their best to try and do something about it.”
MrMcFarlanehasworkedinenvironmental
OAM for decades of giving
Pauline Cline, 77, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of the Bellarine region.
After a successful 32-year career with Barclays Bank in the UK, Mrs Cline and husband Mark, a retired Royal Marine, came to Australia in 2004, settling in Clifton Springs.
Not accustomed to resting on her laurels, Mrs Cline soon became very active in her community.
“It’s a lovely place and there’s such pleasant people around, it’s nice to get involved and see what you can do,” Mrs Cline said.
She joined Drysdale’s St James Anglican Church community immediately, becoming the fundraising organiser for the church’s restoration fund in her first year on the Bellarine and holding that position until 2018.
Mrs Cline also began donating materials for Drysdale Neighbourhood Watch in 2004, joining the organisation as its secretary from
2005 to 2011 and helping with the formation of two new groups in the area.
Throughout her years on the Bellarine Mrs Cline has helped organise projects from the building of the Drysdale Town Square Rotunda to social volleyball and raised funds for community hall refurbishments and animal welfare groups.
The cornerstone of her fundraising activities has been her locally renowned jams, chutneys and preserves, which she only learnt to cook when she arrived in Australia.
Mrs Cline said the Australia Day honour was“acompletesurprise”,andnotsomething she had ever thought about.
“It’s very gratifying; I just thought it was nice to be recognised, it’s not something you queue up for,” she said.
“You just want to make sure that you’re helping your community in the best way that you can.”
Matt Hewson
roles for organisations, including the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Bellarine Landcare Group, and the Soil Conservation Authority.
He also received the Sidney Plowman Award for Services to Soil Conservation from Landcare Victoria in 1992 and the Nationwide Cooperative Research Centre Award for his work on Invasive Animals in 2024.
Jena Carr
Pauline Cline OAM. (Ivan Kemp) 455906
Geoffrey McFarlane OAM. (Ivan Kemp) 455540
Academic and mentor honoured
Ocean Grove’s Professor David Runia has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education and as an academic in the fields of humanities and social sciences.
Born in the Netherlands, Professor Runia’s family moved to Geelong when he was five years old, where he attended Geelong College. He went on to work for 25 years as an academic at the Netherlands’ University of Leiden and other universities, specialising in classics and ancient philosophy.
In 2002 Prof Runia returned to Australia, taking up the position of Master at the University of Melbourne’s Queen’s College until 2016.
Prof Runia said his love of the ancient world wasinspiredbyhisteachersatGeelongCollege.
“I was very grateful to my Latin teacher at the Geelong College, Michael Keary, and other teachers, they really helped me on my path,” he said.
Prof Runia said he had enjoyed both aspects of his career.
“Itwasarealhighlightworkingatuniversities in Europe… using libraries with ancient books and manuscripts, I loved doing that,” he said.
“And I very much enjoyed working (at Queen’s College) too, because very often you’re working with really talented young people who do need a bit of guidance at 18, 19 years old.”
Prof Runia thanked Gonni, his wife of more than 50 years, saying it would have been “really nice” if the AM could have been awarded jointly to her as well.
Matt Hewson
Dual honour for couple who have given much
A Barwon Heads husband and wife team have swept up during the Australia Day Honours for service to their community.
Christine and John (Tony) Wheal were honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Sunday, January 26.
Mrs Wheal works at the All Saints Opportunity Shop in Barwon Heads and is a welfare support officer at the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Sub-branch Returned and Services League (RSL).
She said she and her husband were “proud but very humbled” by the OAMs.
“Neither of us blow our own trumpets, and we find this overwhelming because we’re very humbled but appreciative of the people who put us up for it,” she said.
“I work at the op shop, and I’ve been doing that for about 15-16 years. I love it. I do that because they distribute the money to really good causes. I do it for the friendships, and I love people.
“I turn 80 next year, but I can’t see myself
giving up. I can’t sit still, and I like people. When I retired, I started volunteering straight away and I’m still using my nursing skills, which I like doing.”
Mr Wheal served 366 days in Vietnam and is an Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Sub-branch RSL member.
“IwasintheAirForce,andIwasahelicopter pilot. Our job was supporting the Australian Army out in the field,” he said.
“Probably the best thing I’ve done in my view is that I was a sole organiser of Anzac Day in Barwon Heads for many years, and I kept that going for a long time.”
Jena Carr
Construction expert Stephen Kip honoured, page 9
Tony and Christine Wheal, pictured with dog Missy, were honoured with OAMs for their service to the Barwon Heads community.
(Jena Carr) 455917_01
Professor David Runia. (Supplied)
We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re putting the finishing touches on the new West Gate Tunnel, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. When the tunnel opens in 2025, you can enter on the West Gate Freeway near Williamstown Road, and take advantage of new exits to Footscray Road, Dynon Road or CityLink.
Two new bacterial infection trials are underway in Geelong to help reduce the overuse of antibiotics prescribed to treat common illnesses.
Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), a partnership between Deakin’s School of Medicine and Barwon Health, will continue to conduct trials at Geelong GP clinics.
Research fellow Dr Sajal Saha said the trials involved a finger prick or throat swab to provideimmediateresultsonwhetherapatient requiresantibioticsoranalternativetreatment.
“The finger prick test has been trialled internationally, but we don’t have the data needed to show its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in reducing antibiotic over prescription in Australia,” he said.
“It allows doctors to assess whether a range of common respiratory infections are the result of bacterial infections or viral infection andwhethertheinfectionissevereenoughfor antibiotic treatment.
“Thisisanimportantdistinctionbecausewe know that too often, antibiotics are prescribed for viral illnesses that won’t respond to antibiotics and for less severe infections that don’t need antibiotics.”
DrSahasaidearlyresultsfromtwoGeelong GP clinics found that the “simple, low-cost
test” reduced antibiotic use by up to 30 per cent.
“Thisworkistryingtoimprovethecapacity of GPs and community pharmacists with point-of-care diagnostic testing services,” he said.
“The second test currently being trialled in five GP clinics across Geelong is a throat swab that enables doctors to confirm within minutes whether a sore throat is caused by Strep A bacteria.”
CIIDIR co-director Professor Eugene Athan said Australia was among the “highest antibiotic prescribing countries in the developed world”.
“Taking them when not needed, for longer than required or an incorrect dose causes antibiotics to become ineffective over time, a phenomenon called antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” he said.
“AMR is making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease, severe illness and deaths. It’s the cause of death for 700,000 people worldwide each year.
“Compared to national guideline recommendations, antimicrobials continue to be overprescribed in Australia, with 30 to 50 per cent of prescriptions in primary care inappropriate either in choice, dose or duration.”
Constructing a future
Stephen Kip has been recognised for his work in the construction industry with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
The Geelong man has performed numerous construction roles, including as an Australian BuildingCodesBoardmemberandInstitution of Engineers (Australia) fellow.
He has also worked as a Department of Health and Human Services consultant fire safety engineer and a member of the Fire Research Group.
Mr Kip said the OAM was a “huge shock and surprise” and that he felt the honour was more for his family than for him.
“I think the building industry is a great career for anybody who wants to work hard
andhaveaninterestingandveryvariedcareer, really,” he said.
“I first went on building sites as a 12 year old in the school holidays. So, it’s part of our vocation and family, and I did my apprenticeship with my father.
“I’m a first-generation Australian. My family, grandparents, father and uncles came here from Holland after the Second World War, and they were all builders.
“I’ve got uncles who are building inspectors and other uncles who are builders, cousins who’ve worked in the industry, and nephews whoarecarpentersandbuildersnow.Mysonis alsoacabinet-makerinthebuildingindustry”
Jena
Carr
CRUISE SHIPS CREATE A SPECTACLE IN OUR BAY
Two cruise ships visiting our region, the Regatta and the Silver Muse, brought just over 1,000 passengers, plus crew and staff making for quite a sight, especially as the Spirit of Tasmania passed by.
Our cruise welcome team of Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine volunteers were on site to greet passengers with a warm welcome and a bag including maps and visitor information. They often share advice on where to go and what to do, and help passengers find their way either on foot, or to the organised tour buses nearby.
Our location is a key advantage, with passengers disembarking in walking distance to the CBD and major attractions and shopping centres. We are perfectly positioned to showcase both local experiences, world class wineries and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.
We are actively working to increase the cruise market and since cruise ships recommenced sailings in Australia postCOVID, Geelong has hosted 15 cruise ships, welcoming close to 12,000 visitors and delivering around $5 million in direct economic impact.
To read more about Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Tourism2
NEWS
Potato Shed – Expression of Interest for voluntary community representative positions
Our home of the performing arts on the Bellarine, the Potato Shed, seeks an Expression of Interest (EOI) from people with experience relevant to performing arts, theatre and music sectors to fill two voluntary, external, community representative member positions for a 2-year term commencing March 2025 and ending February 2027.
The EOI closes at 5.00pm on Friday 7 February 2025.
For more information, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ PotatoShedEOI2
Free Detox Your Home event in February You can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and cooking oil by booking your place today.
Saturday 15 February, 8.00am to 1.00pm: Corio Operations Centre, 299 Anakie Road, Lovely Banks (opposite Leisuretime) Bookings essential. This is a free event. Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/DetoxHome2 to book and see a full list of items being collected on the day.
TRAFFIC CHANGES
If you are travelling in the areas listed below within these dates, please scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/CadelRoadRace2 for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions and public transport.
›Cycling events from Wednesday 29 January – Sunday 2 February 2025
›There will be various changed traffic conditions throughout the region including Geelong and the Bellarine.
Emergency access will be maintained.
Front to rear: View of the Silver Muse, Spirit of Tasmania and Regatta from our waterfront.
Stephen Kip has been honoured with an OAM for his service to the construction industry. (Ivan Kemp: 455498_01)
No to Lara incinerator
By Mayor Stretch Kontelj
A proposal for a waste-to-energy incinerator in Lara was formally opposed by Council at our meeting this Tuesday.
We unanimously voted in opposition to the incinerator, citing concerns for the health and safety of Lara residents, and environmental impacts to the area.
Council joins local community and advocacy groups in their opposition to the incinerator.
Say NO to the Lara Big Incinerator, Committee for Geelong and Geelong Sustainability have continued to raise concernsabouttheproposalsinceitsapproval in 2023.
Consultation with the Lara community has also shown overwhelming opposition to the construction of this plant.
The Environmental Protection Authority approved the 80-metre-tall incinerator to be built in Lara’s industrial estate on McManus Road.
Significantconcernsabouttheplant’ssafety included its proximity to homes as close as 350 metres, and schools and preschools within five kilometres.
We are concerned about the potential impacts to the quality of life in the area with air pollution and odour posing potential issues for residents.
From an environmental perspective, the incinerator would produce 4.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over its lifetime. Residual particles from the plant could also potentially impact the produce grown in the area.
From a health perspective, incinerators havebeenlinkedwithsignificantassociations to some cancers, birth defects and infant deaths.
With all these factors in mind, Council is committed to continue supporting the community in advocating against this project, and we thank each and every person who has shared their feedback with us.
Prior to Tuesday’s council meeting, the City had been limited to providing advice
and feedback on the application in relation to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
The formal opposition will see Council continue to advocate for the rejection of the incinerator’s license.
Council has written to the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny twice on this issue, and we will continue to advocate for the plant’s rejection.
In addition to this advocacy, we will request changes to the Planning Scheme to ensure that in future we have more authority in the decision-making processes for any future waste-to-energy proposals.
Our concern is broader than just this incinerator. We want to send a signal to other developers looking at the Geelong region for their future proposals.
They will be able to refer to our policy and recognise that waste-to-energy facilities aren’t supported by the City of Greater Geelong.
We recognise that Lara residents are concerned about both the health and environmental impacts that the planned incinerator could pose to the community.
I agree with the sentiments shared by Cr Wilkinson at the council meeting: we should not be destroying the environment in a bid to protect the environment.
We want this area, and our entire Greater Geelong community, to rest assured that future projects like this won’t pose a threat to their homes, businesses and health.
We hope that proposed changes to the Planning Scheme can alleviate similar fears long into the future.
We thank the Lara community for providing us with their insights and concerns and will continue to advocate against this project on their behalf.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (supplied)
Seagulls turn heads on Jan 26
Justin Flynn
BarwonHeads’annualcricketersvsfootballers day keeps on getting bigger.
A huge crowd turned out at RT Fuller Oval on Sunday January 26 for two games of cricket as the town’s best sports people put on a show. It all started with the women’s match, which the cricket club won, and then the men’s with both sides boasting star quality.
Former Geelong Cats great Joel Selwood, who lives in Barwon Heads, played for the
footballers as did Geelong Premier Cricket star Josh McDonald.
McDonald top scored while livewire forward and midfielder Sammy Baker showed that he could comfortably don the whites for the cricket club if he ever wants to.
Fox broadcaster and Howie Games podcaster Mark Howard, who plays C Grade cricket with the Seagulls, also participated and batted well.
Cricket club president Steven Yates said the crowd was well over 1000.
“I’m not great at estimating crowds,but it was the biggest crowd I’ve seen down there, the day was a massive success,” he said.
“A lot of hard work went into it from some key people and the committee.”
Mr Yates said there was some serious talent representing the footy club.
“There are quite a few that we’d love to come and represent us at Village Park,” he said.
“Joel (Selwood) was fantastic. He fitted in really well and was only too happy to be a part of it.”
The day culminated with the club’s reverse raffle and plans are already underway for next year’s reenactment.
On the same day down in Portarlington, the Portarlington Rotunda Forecourt was transformed for the Australia Day long weekend with a free community event. Many people visited multiple venues across Portarlington to participate in family friendly events and activities.
Barwon Heads cricketers and footballers joined forces for a memorable day. (Supplied)
Stephanie and Nick Skinner with their children James, Charlotte, Christian and William. (Ivan Kemp: 455346)
Rachel, Sara with her daughters Elsie and Sienna and Jordan with her daughter Grace. (Ivan Kemp: 455346)
Supportingyou andyourfamily
Expanding Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks with super payments included.
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering more support for families.
The Albanese Labor Government is working to improve our health system.
We are strengthening Medicare, the heart of universal healthcare, easing cost of living pressures with cheaper medicines, and establishing Urgent Care Clinics across the nationincluding one in Belmont.
Truth-telling at dawn in Torquay
Torquay was the sight of truth-telling on Sunday as the sun rose at Warri Dja (Sea Country).
Close to 2500 people gathered on Wadawurrung Country at Cosy Corner Torquay on January 26 during Pilk Purriyn’s third year to listen as Wadawurrung Traditional Owners shared testimonies and reflections.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Greg Robinson said January 26 was not a date to celebrateandthankedeveryonewhoattended thesunriseevent.
“Pilk Purriyn is important because gathering together to reflect as the sun rises honoursourAncestorsandthefullhistoryof WadawurrungPeopleandCountry,”hesaid.
“We say nyatne (thank you) to all who joined us this morning, for sitting and deeply listening to what we have to say, hearing our truth and for ‘koling wada ngal’ (walking together with us) into a reconciled future where there is a unification of our histories and our people and Culture are celebrated.”
Event proceedings included a traditional
Welcome to Country, a smoking ceremony, andsonganddanceceremonies.
Surf Coast Shire Council mayor Mike Bodsworth said it was important to acknowledge past wrongs and strengthen the community’s resolve for reconciliation and healing.
“Respectful deep listening is fundamental as we seek to grow our understanding of the deepsadness,lossanddislocationexperienced byFirstNationspeoplesincecolonisation,”he said.
“Once again, we thank Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for their strength and grace in having provided our community with that opportunity through the sharing of truthsatPilkPurriyn.”
Wadawurrung Man Greg Robinson truth-telling. (Supplied)
Traditional Smoking Ceremony. (Supplied)
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION
TRAFFIC ALTERATIONS & ROLLING ROAD CLOSURE TIMES
CADEL EVANS GREAT OCEAN ROAD RACE
Join us this summer at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with five days of cycling action in Geelong, the Bellarine, Surf Coast and The Otways regions.
See the megastars of UCI WorldTour cycling in the first men’s and women’s classics of the season.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Wednesday 29 January (Surf Coast & The Otways)
» 11:00 Surf Coast Classic - Women
Thursday 30 January (Surf Coast & The Otways)
» 11:00 Surf Coast Classic - Men
Friday 31 January (Geelong)
» 17:30 GeelongPort Family Ride
Saturday 1 February (Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast)
» 07:00 TAC People’s Ride
» 12:40 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Women
Sunday 2 February (Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast)
» 11:10 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Men
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is an initiative of the Victorian Government, created by Visit Victoria, and a pillar of Australia’s major events calendar.
ELITE RACES TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION
» In 2025, the Women’s and Men’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Races will race in the reverse (clockwise) direction, from the traditional start/finish line on the Geelong waterfront.
» Victoria Police will facilitate a rolling road closure for these races, which reduces the impact of the event. Vehicles will not be able to travel on or cross the route while the rolling road closure passes through. Delays of 15–20 minutes are expected.
» All towns will remain open and accessible including Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Torquay and Moriac, with the exception of when the race passes through for 15–20 minutes.
» The course roads must be free of traffic as the race approaches. Therefore, vehicle access on the busier course roads on the Geelong Circuit will be restricted to local access only, with the exception of when the race comes through. All other traffic will be directed to use alternate routes or side roads.
» The rolling road closure will be supported by some fixed road closures to assist in keeping the course roads free of traffic when the race is coming through. All major intersections remain open, except when the race passes by.
» Latrobe Terrace (Princes Hwy) in Geelong and the Geelong Ring Road will remain open at all times during the weekend to ensure north/south traffic movements through the City of Greater Geelong are maintained.
» Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during the event via existing footpaths. Where roads are closed for short periods, access across roads will be via marshalled course crossing points.
» It is advised to allow extra travel time during the weekend in case you experience short delays whilst travelling near the course.
» If you are travelling along a course road as a rolling road closure comes through, you will be stopped by the lead police vehicle and asked to park in a safe area on the side of the road.
» Once the race has passed the rear police car will inform you that it is safe for you to move off.
» There will be restricted parking on any road which the course travels along. To assist, please ensure you park your car either on a driveway if available or on a side street off the course.
TAC PEOPLE’S RIDE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION
» This is not a race and cyclists will be adhering to normal road rules. There will be minor changed traffic conditions in some areas, such as traffic diversions, lane closures, reduced speed limits and intersection management.
» Due to the large number of cyclists on the roads during this event, please take extra care when driving and allow extra travel time.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
» There will be changes to public transport services on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and customers are advised to check the PTV website for further updates: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/events/
EMERGENCY ACCESS
Emergency access will be maintained at all times. In an emergency please call 000.
VOLUNTEER
Want to be part of the action? SIGN UP AND VOLUNTEER TODAY! With plenty of course and field of play marshal positions available across the five days, there’s bound to be an exciting role not too far from you. For more info head to: www.cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au/about/volunteer
CONTACT US
There are many ways to receive event updates, get the latest traffic and transport advice or contact us for further information;
The Guide
TARONGA: WHO’S WHO IN THE ZOO Nine, Friday, 7.30pm
If Thailand’s pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng or Melbourne Aquarium’s giant king penguin chick Pesto caught your attention recently, make an appointment with the couch because there’s another cute creature that deserves to go viral. In Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital, rehabilitation co-ordinator Libby (pictured) introduces viewers to a vulnerable penguin who’s been brought in after a run-in with a dog. Despite being underweight and in need of some serious TLC, the feathered fella shows off plenty of personality as he recovers.
THE NEWSREADER
ABC TV, Sunday, 8.30pm
From wardrobe to set design, this award-winning Aussie drama set in a 1980s TV newsroom has always done an exceptional job of recreating the glitzy period. But the production team really ups the ante for this season three premiere that takes viewers back to the 1989 Logies, with stretch limousines and shoulder pads for days. NewsatSix Dale Jennings (Sam Reid) has well and truly cemented his position as a media personality and is up for the coveted Gold Logie. Meanwhile, his former lover and colleague Helen (Anna Torv, pictured) has secured her very own current affairs program and finds herself in direct competition with her ex and old crew.
Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
MEDIA WATCH ABC TV, Monday, 9.15pm
There’s not much happening in Australia’s print, online and broadcast spheres that gets past the eagle-eyed MediaWatch team. For the past 36 years, they’ve covered embarrassing media mishaps as well as bringing to light serious issues of journalistic bias and ethical failures. When the series returns for 2025, it’s with a new host in the hot seat – investigative journalist Linton Besser (pictured) takes the reins from veteran presenter Paul Barry. The Monday-night staple is in safe hands: Besser is a four-time Walkley Award winner whose work has prompted public inquiries, corruption findings and a Royal Commission. Perhaps his toughest challenge will be condensing the week’s gaffes into just 20 minutes.
SEVEN (6, 7)
1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.55 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 9.20 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Tea. (PGd, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Such Was Life. (R) 2.10 Amazing Railway Adventures. (PGl, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Scotland: In Search Of Sir Walter Scott. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PGa, R) 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 2.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session. From the MCG. 3.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Australia. Day 3. Morning session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden: The 20th Century. (Final, R) Monty Don concludes his journey.
8.30 Silent Witness. (Masv) The team works on a suspected suicide, but the investigation raises more questions than it answers.
10.15 Optics. (Ml, R)
10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
11.20 ABC Late News.
11.35 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
12.20 Grand Designs. (R)
1.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Programs. 4.25pm Nella The
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: Argo. (2012, Mlv, R) A CIA agent launches an undercover operation. Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston. 9.55 Rock Legends: David Bowie. (PG, R) Explores the life of David Bowie. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Bonn. (Premiere, Mav) 11.50 Kin. (MA15+lv, R) 1.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R)
2.35 22 Kids And Counting. (PGa, R) 3.30 Death On The Common: My Mother’s Murder. (Ma, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Australia. Day 3. Afternoon session.
8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far in the First Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.
8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Australia. Day 3. Late afternoon session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka.
11.00 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R) Follows the work of an ambulance service.
12.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
Homes And Gardens. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Jabba’s Movies. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Auction Squad. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Sydney Weekender.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R)
Tipping Point Australia.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Little Penguin Rescue. (PG) Follows the journey of a little penguin.
8.30 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015, Mal, R)
A 70-year-old retired widower is hired as a senior intern for an online fashion startup. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway.
11.00 My Life As A Rolling Stone: Charlie Watts. (Mad, R)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Explore TV: Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
4.40 Vida The Vet. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Pfffirates. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie.
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 7.35 Thalu. 7.50 Bushwhacked! 8.15 Motown Magic. 8.40 Spartakus. 9.40 The World According To Grandpa. 10.00 Tales From Zambia. 10.50 Black As. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: Bedevil. (1993, PG) 1.35 No Ordinary Black: Mudskipper. 1.50 Carpool Koorioke. 2.00 Unsettled. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our
Chiara. (2021, M, Italian) 2.40 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 4.15 Flash Of Genius. (2008, PG) 6.25 Shaolin Soccer. (2001, PG, Cantonese) 8.30 Seven Swords. (2005, MA15+, Mandarin) 11.20 A Guilty Conscience. (2023, MA15+, Cantonese) 1.45am Jiu Jitsu. (2020, MA15+) 3.40 To Chiara. (2021, M, Italian) 5.55 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG)
PICK OF THE WEEK
MADAM Nine, Tuesday, 9pm
A surprising set of circumstances befalls American mum-of-two Mack (Rachel Griffiths, pictured) in this eye-opening new series. You see, Mack has just discovered that her husband Rob (Martin Henderson) is seeing a sex worker. But Mack’s not mad, spiteful or upset – in fact, she’s curious. A visit to Shadows, the local brothel in her small New Zealand town, leaves Mack thoroughly unimpressed. An open-minded woman with an entrepreneurial mindset, she decides to open her own establishment with a feminist, ethical angle – even hiring Tui (Ariāna Osborne), the worker Rob was seeing. Danielle Cormack, Rima Te Wiata and Robbie Magasiva round out the brilliant cast of this distinctly different drama.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Bumblebee. (2018, Mlv, R) After the fall of Cybertron, the Autobot Bumblebee befriends a teenage girl in California in the ’80s. Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena. 9.50 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
11.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
2.45 Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. (Final, PG, R)
3.30 Australia Day Live. (PG, R)
5.30 Eat The Invaders: Camel. (PG, R)
6.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Cricket Balls. (R) Dr Karl learns how cricket balls are made.
6.30 Back Roads: Kandos, NSW. (PG, R) Heather Ewart journeys to Kandos, in NSW, a town famous for making cement.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa) Panic spreads when an arsonist targets three businesses, invoking the story of the ThreeLittlePigs
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) After a local teacher is found dead at the bottom of a cliff-side coastal walkway in what appears to be a terrible accident, Vera uncovers evidence that the body may have been tampered with. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6am Morning Programs. 9.10 The World From Above. (PGa, R) 10.10 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Round 3. 3.00
PBS News. 3.55 Dance In Focus: Still Life. (R) 4.20 Best Australian Dance Short Films 2021. (PG, R) 5.25 999 The Forgotten Girls Of The Holocaust.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland: From Lucerne Via Interlaken To Jungfraujoch. (Mn)
8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. (PGa, R) Pam Ayres heads to the Oxfordshire. 9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PG, R) Julia Zemiro heads to the Blue Mountains. 10.15 Ruby Wax: Castaway. (Final, Mal, R) 11.10 Everything You Love. (Mals, R)
2.35 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.25 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Front Up. 11.30 Front Up 2000. 12.05pm MOVIE: Still Standing. (2023, PG) 1.35 Beyond Oak Island. 2.25 Ten Year Old Tom. 2.55 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.55 The Food That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons
SEVEN (6, 7)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 2.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Afternoon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 3.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. (Alt schedule may be shown). 5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Australia. Day 4. Afternoon session. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far in the First Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. 8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka v Australia. Day 4. Late afternoon session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka.
11.00 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv, R) A biochemist inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism. Jared Leto, Matt Smith. 1.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Dr Harry Cooper travels to Western Australia. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Drive Safer. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 Attenborough’s Wonder Of Song. (R) 1.30 MOVIE: The Dust Factory. (2004, PGa, R) Ryan Kelley. 3.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Elvis. (2022, Mal)
The life of Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s. Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge.
10.35 Becoming Madonna. (MA15+als, R)
A retelling of Madonna’s journey.
12.25 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGa, R) A countdown of the top 10 songbirds.
1.20 Destination WA. (R) Christina Morrissy visits the Onslow Beach Resort.
1.45 My Way. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! (2022) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.20 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm Young Sheldon. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 Surf Boat Tsunami. 4.00 Rugby Sevens Highlights. 5.10 MOVIE: The Flintstones. (1994) 7.00 MOVIE: Trolls World Tour. (2020) 8.45 MOVIE: Zookeeper. (2011, PG) 10.50 MOVIE: Locked Down. (2021, M) 1.10am The Originals. 3.00 Teen Titans
6am Morning Programs. 11.40 MOVIE: Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 1.15pm Tales From Zambia. 2.05 Nula. 2.35 MOVIE: Three Wise Cousins. (2016, PG) 4.10 Songlines On Screen. 4.30 Strait To The Plate. 5.00 Spirit Talker. 5.30 Ice Cowboys. 6.20 News. 6.30 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Friday The 13th. (1980, MA15+) 10.10 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 11.35 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to find the right fit for a blue Staffordshire bull terrier.
8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Follows a team of matchmakers as they pair homeless dogs with hopeful companions. A frisky French bulldog gets attached to a couple. Wood Green’s unluckiest dog, Peaches, has not just one, but two dates. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mad, R) NSW Ambulance crews race to a call for a slashed throat, perform life-saving CPR on teens, treat a suspected drug overdose at a brothel and rush to a potential stroke at a building site. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (M, R) First responders attend to elderly patients. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am The
Man Who Invented Christmas. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.50 Flash Of Genius. (2008, PG) 10.00 I’m Not There. (2007, M) 12.30pm The Space Between The Lines. (2019, M, German) 2.45 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 4.45 An Ideal Husband. (1999, PG) 6.35 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 8.30 The Royal Hotel. (2023, MA15+) 10.10 Lonesome. (2022, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
Sunday, February 2
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 9.00 Insiders. (Return) 10.00 Offsiders. (Return) 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. (R) 1.00 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. (Final, R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (Return, PG) Follows six puppies becoming muster dogs.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Return, Ml)
In 1989, Helen and Dale are forced into direct competition as they fight to become number one.
9.25 Love Me. (Return, MA15+s) Clara and Peter decide to start a family.
10.10 MOVIE: Sirens. (1994, MA15+ans, R) An artist creates an offensive painting. Hugh Grant.
11.45 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 The Great Acceleration. (PG, R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 12.00 APAC Weekly. (R) 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Nippers. (R) 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Round 4. 3.00 Best Of Dakar Rally Highlights. 4.00 Trampolining. (R) 4.05 Beyond The Pitch. (R) 4.15 Inferno: Letters From Auschwitz. (PGavw, R) 5.15 Saving The Children.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mysteries Of Stonehenge: Secrets Of The Sun. (Mav) Takes a look at Stonehenge. 9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Birth Of The Tutankhamun Dynasty. (Mav, R) Takes a look at ancient Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty that included Tutankhamun.
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers: Canterbury Cathedral. (PGa, R) Craftspeople restore Canterbury Cathedral. 11.15 Signed, Theo Schoon. 1.10 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019, Mavw, R) 3.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.00 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6am WorldWatch.
9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 Front Up. 12.10pm Figure Skating. ISU European C’ships. H’lights. Replay. 1.45 Jeopardy! 3.55 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Queer Sports. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 Deadly Funny 2023. 11.15 Hoarders. 12.55am The X-Files. 3.40 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 2.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia v England. Day 4. Afternoon session. (Please note: alternative schedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage). 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (Return, PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
8.50 Billy Joel Live At Madison Square Garden. (PGl) A concert celebrating Billy Joel’s 100th consecutive performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
10.50 April Jones: The Interrogation Tapes. (MA15+a, R) Explores the 2012 murder of April Jones.
12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) Jason struggles to cope with his injury.
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 For The Love Of Pets. (PGm, R) 11.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. (PG, R) 12.00 Fishing Aust. 12.30 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R) 1.00 Swimming. Australian Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 1.30 MOVIE: Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PGs, R) 3.50 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (Return, PG) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 9.30 Loving Gluten Free.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) It is time for the final weddings.
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 See No Evil: Nowhere Girl. (Mav) Takes a look at how the 2020 murder of 21-year-old Dioneth Lopez was solved.
11.10 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Mav) An actor playing Jesus is found dead.
1.00 Destination WA. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.
8.30 MOVIE: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. (2014, Mlv, R) After a CIA analyst and former US Marine officer uncovers a Russian oligarch’s scheme to collapse the American economy and spark global chaos, he realises he may be the only person able to stop the madman. Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley. 10.35 FBI. (Mav, R) The president of the NY Fed is gunned down. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road 4.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Afternoon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 4.30 Tea Break. 5.10 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Late arvo. 7.10 Dinner Break. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Evening session. 10.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: The Floating Dutchman. (1952, PG) 12.05pm MOVIE: Father’s Doing Fine. (1952) 1.50 MOVIE: The Constant Husband. (1955) 3.40 MOVIE: The Honey Pot. (1967, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Monuments Men. (2014, M) 10.50 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 11.25 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Bendigo Spirit v Southside Flyers. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 MOVIE: Flight Of The Navigator. (1986) 5.00 MOVIE: Short Circuit. (1986, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Three Amigos! (1986, PG) 9.05 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 4. (1998, MA15+) 11.35 Gotham. 12.35am Arrow. 2.30
1.00 The Human Revolution. (PG, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Australian Story. (Return) Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. (Return) Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.
9.15 Media Watch. (Return) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (Premiere, Ml) Explores the life of Mozart.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.10 Planet America. (R)
11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.25 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.25 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Amazing Railway Adventures. (PGa, R) 2.55 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. (Premiere, PG) Michael Portillo heads to Madrid.
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve: Congo. (Premiere, PGa) Simon Reeve travels through the Congo, the second greatest rainforest on Earth.
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport: Training. (PGad, R) A passenger is found travelling with a gun. 10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Clean Sweep. (Malsv)
12.05 Wisting. (MA15+v, R) 1.00 You Shall Not Lie. (MA15+als, R) 2.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.35 22 Kids And Counting. (PGal, R) 4.25 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 The Chase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.40 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Eden wants answers from Cash.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) It is day two of the auditions as hopeful superstars strive to impress the judges.
9.15 St. Denis Medical. (Premiere, PGals) Alex is torn between her daughter’s school play and a situation in the emergency department.
10.15 First Dates UK. (M) Singles experience the thrills of dating.
11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (Return, PG) George challenges the family.
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) Ray Tatom raises doubts about his leadership.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
It is time for the first dinner party.
9.00 Australian Crime Stories: Operation Moon. (Return, Mlv) Former Queensland Assistant Commissioner Ross Barnett explores one of his most confounding cases.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 NCIS: Sydney. (Mdv, R) The team investigates when a shark spits out the arm of an ex-US Navy SEAL. 10.00 48 Hours: Death By Eye Drops. (Ma) Looks at the case of Jessy Kurczewski. 11.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.25 The Project. (R) A look
Tuesday, February 4
(2) SBS (3)
News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 History Of Britain. (Ma, R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
(PG) Hosted by Tony Armstrong. 9.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. (PG, R) Presented by Steve Backshall.
Ningaloo Nyinggulu: Connections. (R) 10.45 ABC Late News. 11.00 The Business. (R)
Four Corners. (R) 12.05 Media Watch. (R) 12.20 Parliament Question Time. 1.20 Grand Designs. (R) 2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Pat Rafter. (PGa, R) Pat Rafter explores his roots. 8.35 Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Eating. (PG) Dr Chris van Tulleken explores why ultra-processed foods are so irresistible.
10.05 The Artist’s View: U2. (Mls, R)
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a) 12.05 Fargo. (Mlv, R) 2.00 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 2.50 Inside The Modelling Agency. (R) 3.45 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Leah is a fully fledged activist.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) It is the end of the first week of auditions as singers travel from across the country in hopes of a golden ticket.
9.15 The Hunting Party. (Premiere, Mav) When a serial killer escapes custody, a disgraced FBI agent is called back into action to hunt him down.
10.15 The Irrational. (Return, Mav) Rose goes missing.
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) It is Confessions Week. 9.00 Madam. (Premiere, MA15+ls)
Following her husband’s affair, a mother of two opens a brothel in small-town New Zealand.
10.20 9News Late.
10.50 My Feet Are Killing Me. (Mm) Vincent performs a delicate surgery.
11.40 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Our State On A Plate. (PG, R)
Wednesday, February 5
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 Optics. (Ml) Ian is sidelined as Greta and Nicole push hard to make an impact in the office.
9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 History Of Britain. (PGan, R) 2.55 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor: Heirs And Spares. (PG, R) The story of the royal family draws to a close. 8.30 Wonders Of The Moon With Dara Ó Briain. Presented by Dara Ó Briain. 9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Mal) Pete and Maddie visit a lawyer. 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av)
11.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+lsv, R) 12.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 2.30 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.20 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 The Chase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) The clock is ticking for Lyrik’s return.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (Return, PG) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.30 Ludwig. (Premiere, Ma) The life of puzzle setter John “Ludwig” Taylor is upended when his identical twin, DCI James Taylor, disappears, and John must assume his identity to track him down.
11.00 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Mlv, R) Hosted by Roy Billing.
12.00 Black-ish. (PGa, R)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) As Confessions Week continues, some of the couples are pushed to the brink.
9.00 Big Miracles. (Return, Mam) Follows a new group of hopefuls on their journey to becoming parents with the help of IVF.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 To Be Advised.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) McCall is hired by the wife of a rapper.
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Cybershack. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Mnv) Elsbeth and Kaya investigate when a reality TV star is found dead in her bathtub. 10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) Thieves rob a Navy Federal Credit Union. 10.55 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.20 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Front Up. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Hudson & Rex. 2.10 Unknown Amazon. 3.05 Fashionista. 3.15 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Alone: The Skills Challenge. 6.10 Loot: Blood Treasure. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Ninja Assassin. (2009) 10.20 MOVIE: Jiu Jitsu. (2020, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Surf Patrol. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 1.55 New Tricks. 3.05 Antiques Roadshow. 3.35 MOVIE: Sea Devils. (1953) 5.30 Our Yorkshire Farm. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 To The Manor Born. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Closer. 11.40
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Yagan. 2.00 Unsettled. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.35 Great Australian Walks. 8.30 Island Echoes With Nornie Bero. 9.00 MOVIE: Legends Of The Fall. (1994, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs. NITV (34)
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Hot Fuzz. (2007, MA15+) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The Nanny. 1.00 Love After Lockup. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 Late Programs.
Thursday, February 6
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Storage Wars. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Counting Cars. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 10.30 World’s Scariest Police Chases. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 8.20 Binti. (2019, PG, Dutch) 10.00 Under The Stars Of Paris. (2020, M, French) 11.35 Saint Omer. (2022, M, Wolof) 1.50pm Goal! (2005, PG) 4.00 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 5.50 Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 7.35 Rob The Mob. (2014, M) 9.30 The Sitting Duck. (2022, M, Hungarian) 11.45 Late Programs.
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 History Of Britain. (PGav, R) 2.55 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 1. Presented by Lisa Millar.
8.30 Long Lost Family. (Final, PG) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell.
9.20 Grand Designs: Derbyshire. (R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud.
7.30 Finding Your Roots: Forever Young. Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. 8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (Premiere, PG) Alan Cumming steps aboard the RoyalScotsmanfor a train adventure through the heart of Scotland.
9.30 The Darkness. (Malsv) Lukas and Hulda’s investigation progresses as they begin to delve into corruption.
10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Divided We Stand. (Ml) 12.40 Blanca. (Malv, R) 2.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.05 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (a, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Farmer Seeking Love. (2022, PGa) Donna Benedicto. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 The Long Drive For Drought. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Harper puts on a brave face. Eden comes clean. Levi challenges Cash to step up.
8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Diary. (2001, Mlv, R) A young British woman struggling with two suitors, one a well-mannered lawyer and the other a charismatic womaniser, who also happens to be her boss, documents a year of her life through her diary. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant.
10.45 To Be Advised.
12.45 Damnation. (Premiere, MA15+asv) A farmer’s strike takes a dangerous twist.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Attendant Murders. 10.20 Homicide: Life On The Street. 1.05am Criminal Planet. 2.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Surf Patrol. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Return, Mdl) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Emergency. (Return, Mlm) Dr James Williams fears for a young cheerleader who has landed on her head during training.
9.30 A+E After Dark. (Return, Mlm) An aggressive patient must be restrained.
10.30 9News Late.
11.00 Resident Alien. (Malv)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 72 Cutest Animals. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. 10.10 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.35 The Project. (R) A look at the
Cruising to historic Riga
I’VE always wanted to visit Riga - I even considerednamingmyfirstchildafterthehistoric Latvian centre to give the family a compelling reason to go there.
Personally, I blame my love of Eurovision, medieval times and too many viewings of Sean Connery’s Hunt for Red October for my interestinthatpartoftheworld–aloveofthe Art Nouveau movement hasn’t helped either.
TheLatviancapitalbillsitselfasit’scountry’s crown jewel and the absolute must-see for anyone wanting to go to the Baltic region.
Thecityhasmorethan600000inhabitants, makingitthelargestintheBalticStatesandis also known as an architectural jewel – a city where you can see churches from the city’s origins, medieval buildings in the Old Town, unique examples of Art Nouveau, as well as wooden architecture that has survived the centuries and modern architectural jewels.
I haven’t got there yet – it’s not a place you see on every European tour itinerary, but the UNESCO-listed city is one of twelve new recurring ports in the Viking cruise line’s ten new ocean itineraries in the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Europe now booking for cruises in 2026 and 2027.
The new itineraries range from eight to twenty-two days and along with Riga, the additional recurring ports for the Viking ocean voyages include Fowey, England; Bordeaux,France;Limerick(Foynes),Ireland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Haugesund, Norway; Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, Spain; Fort William and Tobermory, Scotland; and Karlskrona, Sweden.
“As our award-winning fleet of small ocean ships continues to grow, we are pleased to introduce new voyages that have been thoughtfully planned for curious travellers,” Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said.
“Every Viking itinerary is focused on the destination, and our state-of-the-art ships, with no children and no casinos, allow guests to explore the world in elegant Viking comfort.”
With a fleet of small sister ships, Viking offersmorethan100differentitinerariesacross all five oceans. Viking’s new ocean voyages visit iconic cities—as well as lesser-known destinations—throughoutEuropeandinclude the following, with additional combination voyages also available.
How to see Riga through the new Viking itineraries
• New for 2027: Baltic Discovery: (eight
days; between Stockholm – Copenhagen): Discover a myriad of cultures as you circumnavigate the Baltic Sea. Explore the UNESCO-listed cities of Tallinn and Riga, medievalgemsoftheHanseaticLeague.Call at Klaipeda, Lithuania’s historic port city on theCuroniancoast,andimmerseyourselfin its contemporary art and cultural treasures. Overnight in Copenhagen to experience more of the “City of Spires” and indulge in the many eateries that celebrate its trending Nordic cuisine.
• New for 2027: Scandinavia and Baltic Capitals: (15 days; between Oslo –Copenhagen): Trace the shores of the Baltic Sea to discover magnificent fjords and bustlingcities.CallatUNESCO-listedcities and get a glimpse into the area’s medieval past in the old towns of Tallinn and Riga, and Karlskrona’s historic port. Witness the natural splendour of the Aland Islands, an archipelago of more than 6,500 isles. With overnights in the vibrant capitals of Sweden andDenmark,delvedeeperintotheregion’s rich heritage and Viking legacy.
• New for 2027: Scenic Scandinavia and Baltic Jewels: (15 days; between Bergen – Stockholm) – Delve into the maritime
heritage of Scandinavia as you trace the dramatic coastlines of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Witness stunning natural landscapes sailing amid pristine fjords and the Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Explore more of Oslo and Stockholm with overnight stays, allowing passengers to fully experience two of Europe’s capitals. Sample new Nordic cuisine and stroll historic towns as you spend time mingling with friendly locals.
• New for 2027: Icons of the Viking Age: (22 days; between Bergen – Copenhagen): Circumnavigate the Baltic Sea sailing
through the homelands of the Vikings. Explore the deep-rooted cultural ties of Scandinavia, calling at iconic capitals in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Sail the picturesque Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Immerse in the customs, traditions and fascinating history of the Baltic states, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town of Tallinn and the historical centre of Riga. For additional information, contact Viking on 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit www.viking.com.ForViking’saward-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
TANIA PHILLIPS
Street cafes in the OId Town of Riga. The beautiful and historic capital of Latvia is set to become a Viking Cruise destination in 2027. (Latvia.travel)
The rooftops of historic Tallinn. The beautiful Estonian capital is part of Viking’s Balkan tours and is soon to be joined by Riga, the capital of neighbouring country Latvia. Both capitals are steeped in history. (Viking)
Enjoy a 15 day scenic Scandinavia and Baltic Jewels tour from Bergen (pictured) to Stockholm on Viking. (Viking)
Be one of the first to book the new Baltic Discovery Cruise on Viking in 2027; eight days cruising between Stockholm (pictured) and Copenhagen with a visit to Riga. (Viking)
Tallinn is the capital and most populous city of Estonia. Situated on a bay in north Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. (Viking)
Dreaming of Mediterranean
The magnificent Mediterranean is a divine destination for travellers wishing to dip their toes into a European adventure.
Those who have been before always find something new to excite and those new to the region are taken aback by the richness of their experience.
The ‘Med’ is always a popular choice for Australian travellers who love the architecture,sceneryandthesumptuousfresh food and beverage opportunities on shore and if you are with Viking, on board.
No matter where you wish to visit in the world, there is a Viking ship to take you there and the reality is just as good as the photos.
It is a breathtaking experience and the view from the ship as it enters each port will be etched in your mind forever.
From Barcelona to Venice, Deputy Editor of ‘Explore’, Akash Arora, discovered the most marvellous Mediterranean on cruise ship Viking Sky, visiting some of the most romantic, stunning ports in the world.
The 228 metres long Viking Sky has 465 cabins and sails with only 930 guests - all over eighteen years of age.
Akash equally enjoyed time on the ship as well as the organised walking tours and shore excursions on his Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Venice and said it fulfilled his dreams of exploring this part of the world.
“IwentstraightfortheMed,whichhadbeen on my bucket list for donkey’s years,” he said.
“It was a 15-day cruise from Barcelona to Venice and it ticked every box - Spain, France, Italy and even Croatia. I travelled at the peak of summer - in the month of August. But the weather gods were kind to us: we got great conditions. Clear skies every day. Lots of sun. Warm, but never too hot.
“I basically signed up for all the included excursions at each port. It was my first time at most of these destinations and a simple walking or bus tour is a great way to get a good overview of the place.”
“I have to say, all the guides were so well-informed. And they all had a great sense of humour. The only tour I paid for was a cooking class in a Tuscan castle conducted by a chef who looked like Santa in an apron. It was worth every cent.”
“Marseille in France, and Naples, Messina, Crotone and Bari in Italy, all offer delights of their own, not to mention heavy hitters like Rome and Florence that also feature along the way.”
“There’s an included excursion at every port and I joined almost all of them.”
He said of the many tasting delights in his fifteen days, a bowl of bouillabaisse comes to mind in the city of Marseille, where it is believed to have originated. I also had some incredible gelati on the island of Sicily. It was a warm day so it was a race to gobble it up before it melted away.”
“The most memorable dish of the journey, however, was Bistecca alla Fiorentina on the ship’s Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. I don’t like to repeat restaurants and dishes on a cruise if I can help it - but I went back to this restaurant and this dish three times: it was that good.”
Akash said while onboard he loved the sophisticated interiors saying every Viking ship has very chic Scandi touches.
“Some of my favourite memories are spending time in the Explorer’s Lounge, which is at the front of the ship, so a perfect vantage point when the vessel is nearing a gorgeous European port.”
“I loved my Kir Royales in the ship’s Atrium, too, as the pianist tinkled up Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. And don’t even get me started on the drop-dead gorgeous Wintergarden. I went there for afternoon tea, but it’s so photogenic, I spent all my time taking pictures.”
“I loved the fact that there were no kids or casinos. This elimination of those two things
(sorry, families) immediately turns a cruise into an utterly sophisticated, grown-up experience.”
We asked Akash if he had any suggestions for travellers about to embark on a Viking cruise to ensure a seamless and enjoyabletrip that makes the most of their time?
“Book everything as soon as you can, including your cruise, as well as the dining and shore excursions,” he said
“If you can’t get into every restaurant you want, go to the help desk as soon as you board
the ship.
“Cancellations happen all the time and they’ll be able to help you. If you’re going in summer,signupforearly-morningexcursions. That’s when the weather is at its most pleasant and crowds are not too overbearing.”
Don’t miss this truly exciting adventure on Viking. For a chance to learn more on this and other Viking Cruises please call Reservations (AU) 138 747 or visit website vikingcruises.com.
Enjoy the delights of Barcelona and the mosaic park benches and stunning architecture. (Supplied, Viking).
Take in the ancient history of Rome on one of your organised shore excursions with Viking. (Supplied, Viking)
LEE MCCARTHY
AMALFI COAST, AFRICA & IBERIA
Rome to Barcelona
8 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES | 5 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT, DEC 2026; JAN, FEB, MAR 2027
From $5,995pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $7,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
COMPANION FLY FREE*
Lisbon to Barcelona or vice versa
8 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT, NOV 2026; FEB, APR, MAY, JUN, SEP 2027
From $5,995pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $7,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
Lisbon to London or vice versa
12 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: SEP 2026; APR 2027
From $9,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $10,695pp in Penthouse Veranda
SPAIN PORTUGAL
Seville (Cádiz) Granada (Málaga)
(Cartagena)
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Discovery Princess® incorporates a sleek and sophisticated design with state-of-the-art amenities. With a diverse range of on board activities on offer, Discovery Princess® will captivate you along your journey to the many different destinations to which it sails.
15 Nights | 27 March 2026 | Prices fr $7,299pp
Embark on the ultimate Australian adventure, combining a Princess cruise of the Queensland coast with a three-night, all-inclusive journey on board the Indian Pacific.
Fly to Sydney for a 1-night hotel stay before embarking on a 10-night Discovery Princess® cruise, uncovering the coastline of Queensland. Sail to the remote Willis Island, a speck in the coral sea, bask on the beaches of Port Douglas and, in Airlie Beach, explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands before your ship returns to Sydney.
Here, you’ll disembark to enjoy an additional one-night hotel stay. Then, board the legendary Indian Pacific train for an all-inclusive, three-night transcontinental journey to Perth, traversing Australia’s dramatic landscapes as you savour fine cuisine and explore iconic outback destinations during off-train excursions.
Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
10 night full-board cruise on board Discovery Princess®
Visiting: Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney
Upgrade to Princess Plus from $65pppd, including: MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi, Crew appreciation, Plus Beverage Package, Unlimited juice bar, Premium desserts, Fitness classes, Two casual dining meals per guest, OceanNow® delivery, Room service delivery
Rail Journey
3 night all-inclusive Gold Service rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages
Off Train Experiences and short stops in Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna
Hotel Stay
2 nights four-star hotel stay in Sydney at the Rydges World Square with breakfast
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers
Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain, Perth
Legal comedy with heart
Matt Hewson
Sometimes life is stranger than fiction, as demonstrated by Geelong Repertory Theatre Company’s latest offering Bondi Legal.
Written by lawyer/playwright Tony Laumberg, this quintessentially Aussie courtroom comedy was inspired by his own experience with a case in the 1990s involving equine hair loss.
Described as Erin Brockovich meets The Castle, the tale involves hapless lawyer Brad Pitt(no,notthatBradPitt)turninguptoserve as a locum to a legal practice to find he’s on a big case.
The case involves taking on a large pharmaceutical company on behalf of Frances, whose daughter’s prize-winning show pony loses its mane and hair after using one of the company’s products.
Director Scott Beaton has consulted with Laumberg in the lead up to the production, which he said was “awesome” and “pretty rare for us in the community theatre world”.
“It’s a little bit like The Castle, insomuch as it’s the Aussie battler going up against, in this case,bigpharmaorbigbusiness,”Beatonsaid.
“This lady went to the company and said this is clearly cause and effect; they took no liability and so she took them to court out of principle.
“That really resonated with me, and talking to Tony, he agreed that sticking up for your principles and not just rolling over to a big bully… really resonated for him too.”
The production’s cast of seven will be led by Lachy Murphy as Brad Pitt and Tracey McKeague as litigant Frances Denyer.
Beaton said both actors brought a huge amount of personality to their roles.
“Lachy is naturally a comedian; he’s very funny,he’sgotgreattimingandhe’sextremely
lovable and affable, all of which is very important for this character,” he said.
“I haven’t worked with Tracey before but she’s been a delight. She’s Northern Irish, which has brought a really interesting take to the character of Frances, who is a holistic healer and a very funny juxtaposition to
Shark takes time to tell ‘vulnerable’ stories
Are you a music lover but not really into huge concerts, mosh pits or screaming kids?
Amy Shark has you covered.
This February the indie pop singer-songwriter brings her solo acoustic show Songs and Stories to Geelong’s Costa Hall as part of a 20-date tour of regional Australia.
The solo tour comes hot on the heels of the award-winning musician’s The Sadness tour, which saw Shark perform at big arenas in Auckland and six Australian capital cities through October and November last year.
The premise of the tour is simple: Shark, a guitar or two and lots of candles.
Shark said this tour was for listeners who wanted to experience her music in a different way.
“It’s very stripped back, quite vulnerable andthere’stimetotellsomestories,”shesaid.
“We did the West Australian leg, that was three shows, and I’ve just been blown away. I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t think I would enjoy it this much.
“It’s pretty intense. And I love being able to almost hear people’s heartbeats.”
Shark said she found freedom in the solo setting that wasn’t possible in big shows with a full band and scripted lighting and pyrotechnics.
“When it’s just me and the audience I can do whatever I want,” she said.
“I can play the song at whatever pace I want, I can say and do whatever I want, which is dangerous but also really fun.
“It’s a different rush. And a few people have written in saying they’d never really heard the lyrics before.
“And I get to hear them too; it gives me the time and space and quiet to really be like, wow, I remember why I wrote this one. I
think it’s just really rewarding for everyone.”
Amy Shark is at Costa Hall on Tuesday, February 18. Visit geelongarscentre.org.au for tickets and more information. Matt
Wheatus frontman Brendan B Brown and fellow Wheatus member and partner in crime Gabreille Sterbenz come to Torquay this weekend for the final show of their 14-date Dirtbags Across Australia Tour.
ThetourpresentsBrownandSterbenz in acoustic duo mode, stripping back the band’s catalogue of tunes to present them in a more intimate setting.
The band returned to Australia in its entirety in 2024, rocking out Sydney’s Pandemonium Festival in April in what has been described as one of the standout sets of the festival.
Wheatus released their self-titled debut album in 2000, which included their biggest ever hit, Teenage Dirtbag. They recently released an expanded edition of that album, which included ten unreleased tracks.
““We found demos of ten more songs from throughout the band’s history that had such an album-one vibe that they never made it on to our more recent records,” Brown said.
Teenage Dirtbag saw something of a revival after the album rerelease, undergoing a viral social media trend in 2022 that drew in celebrities such Paris Hilton, Madonna, Heidi Klumm, Mark Ruffalo and Christina Aguilera.
Lachy’s fish-out-of-water Brad Pitt.”
The production also features a mural created for the show by local artist Julia Pratt. Bondi Legal is at the Woodbin Theatre from Friday, February 7 until Saturday, February 22.TicketsareavailablethroughGeelongArts Centre.
On the back of that trend, in November 2023 the song managed to re-enter the UK Top 40, much to the astonishment of Brown and his band members.
Wheatus will perform at the Torquay Hotel at 7.30pm on Sunday, February 2.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22 2025, 7.30PM
Hewson
Amy Shark brings her solo acoustic show to Costa Hall. (Supplied)
Tracey McKeague and Lachy Murphy star in Geelong Rep’s Bondi Legal. (Supplied)
Sailing into Geelong
The Festival of Sails returned to the Geelong Waterfront for three days of great sailing over the weekend. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along on Saturday, January 25, to catch all the action during the celebration’s first day.
The crew of the Verve. (454522_02)
Michael and Jodi Young with their sons Jackson and Wyatt. (454522_05)
Brenden Carter and his daughter Eliza. (454522_11)
John and Luana. (454522_09) Paul and Carmel Sayers on board their yacht. (454522_10)
Fran Murphy and Barb West enjoying the water. (454522_12)
Karen Watkins with Trixie and Colin Jones. (454522_06)
Sophie Wardrope and Rob McEniery. (454522_04) Sam Campagna, Lajos and Fabiana Danka. (454522_07)
Maria Benitez and Douglas Villarroel. (454522_03)
Mac and Elli with feathered friends. (454522_01)
Michelle Armour with her daughter Matilda. (454522_08)
Vic Open ready to tee off
The Vic Open will return to the Bellarine Peninsula for another year of great golf and even better competitors.
The event will celebrate its 12th year at the 13th Beach Golf Links from February 6 to 9, with men and women competing simultaneously for equal prize money on the same courses.
Former Vic Open champion Jiyai Shin will go up against defending champion Ashley Lau during the event after securing the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open title at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath in December.
13th Beach general manager Rob Hurley said he was looking forward to seeing the competitors battle it out during the exciting golf event.
“We’re excited to welcome so many former champions back to 13th Beach for this year’s Vic Open,” he said.
“Entry for spectators is free again this year, and there will be plenty to see and do on and off the golf course in the Vic Open’s renowned relaxed atmosphere.
“Having Jiyai return just a few weeks after her Australian Open victory is a big boost
for the women’s event and the men’s field has the best of the rising talent on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.”
Among the men’s championship’s early entries are five of the current 2024/25 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winners: Jack Buchanan, Ben Henkel, Phoenix Campbell, Jordan Doull and Will Bruyeres.
Three former Vic Open champions, Simon Hawkes, Dimi Papadatos and Michael Hendry, will also compete.
The 2025 Vic Open will also coincide with the Victorian Inclusive Championship for golfers with a disability, and the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championship will return for its third year.
The event forms part of the Summer of Golf in Australia’s second half, which includes the New Zealand Open and the Australian WPGA Championship.
Meet Geelong’s new harbour master
Geelong has a new Ports Victoria harbour master following a competitive international recruitment process.
Kylie McDonald will take on the responsibility for the ports of Geelong and Hastings (Western Port) and be promoted from her current position as deputy harbour master-Port of Geelong.
Ms McDonald said her previous career experience incorporated shore-side and sea-based leadership and management.
“I am honoured to continue my work for Ports Victoria in my new position and I am excited for the variety and challenge the role will present,” she said.
“I look forward to working with our port stakeholders and the broader Victorian maritime community to ensure a continued focus on maritime safety and efficient port operations.”
Ports Victoria chief executive Craig Walker said Ms McDonald’s experience and attitude made her a great candidate for the role.
“I look forward to Kylie building upon the work of previous harbour masters and taking our operations to the next level,” he said.
“Kylie will partner closely with Mike Dunn when he assumes the harbour master–Port of Melbourne position and with other members of the Marine Operations Division.
“Manyinthemaritimeindustrywillalready know of Kylie and the capability she has displayed during her time with Ports Victoria and during her impressive career journey.
“She has an outstanding reputation and her wealth of experience across the Australian maritime industry and with the Royal Australian Navy, will be a great boost for Geelong and other regional ports.”
Queenscliff Rod Run is returning for another year for a weekend full of colourful displays and classic cars.
Hot rods will cruise down Hesse Street on Saturday, February 1, between 5pm and 10pm before the main Show’ N’ Shine event in Princess Park on Sunday, February 2, from 9am to 3pm. Geelong Street Rodders organising committee member Greg Morrissey said he was excited to see many classic cars coming through Queenscliff.
“All the entry proceeds entirely goes to the Lions Club and then they’ll distribute it out to all their local recipients and charities,” he said.
“Whether you’re a car person or not, quite often, the hot rods are a bit of a head-turner for people, and they’ll be quite attracted to the car. They’re quite unique to see on the road.
“There’s likely to be about 800 cars, if not more, on display over the day on Sunday...andwe’vegot680oddentrants, which consists of single entries, couples and families.
“It’s certainly a community event and we try to make sure that everyone gets something out of it and I’m looking forward to the whole weekend. It’s good to catch up with people throughout the hot rod scene.”
Custom classics and special interest vehicles will be displayed, with a $5 gateway entry fee organised by the local Lions Club.
Jena Carr
Kylie McDonald is the new harbour master for Geelong and Hastings. (Supplied)
The Vic Open will celebrate its 12th year at the 13th Beach Golf Links next weeks. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Free Events at Ocean Grove Library Tech Help drop in sessions every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm, Preschool Story Time on February 3 from 10.30am to 11.30am, Youth Collective (ages 12-18) on February 4 from 4pm to 5pm, Toddler Time on February 5 from 9.30am to 10am, Baby Time on February 6 from 11.30am to 11.50am, and Play with OSMOs on February 6 from 4pm to 5pm.
GROW Australia
Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Rd, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Rd Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.
Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.
0418-521 265
Drysdale Day VIEW
Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.
Margaret 0431-636 090
Geelong Day VIEW
First Monday monthly from 11am at Eastern Hub, East Geelong.
geelongdayview@gmail.com
Leopold VIEW
Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.
leopold.viewclub@gmail com
Geelong Evening VIEW
Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.
? Von 0414-930 259, geelongeveningview@gmail.com
Lions Club International
Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.
Les 0428-466 446
Grovedale Marshall Probus
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Rd, Grovedale.
Anne 0425-356 973
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.
Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406-199 457
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?
healthycommunities@barwonhealth. org.au
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton
Book online or call Leopold Library 42010675
Springs Rd, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428-740 591
Barefoot bowls
Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown, Friday twilight starting 6pm. $15 covers bowls and BBQ. Drinks at Crackerjack bar prices.
Wendy 0401-221 061
Grovedale East Ladies Probus
Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL.
Sally Nelson 0402-450 610
Belmont Central Combined Probus
Second Wednesday of each month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.
0417-555 547
Waurn Ponds Combined Probus
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am. Maximum 100 members.
probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ waurn
Lions Club of Geelong Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Contact below for venues and times.
geelong.vic@lions.org.au or Ph 0408 599 962
Geelong Harmony Chorus
Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill.
contact@geelongharmony.com.au, 0406-666 737
Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir
Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English.
0413-406 433, welshladieschoir.com.
au
Chess clubs
Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe St, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Rd (on Blanche St), St Leonards.
Ralph 0431-458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn 5292 2162 (St Leonards)
Geelong Scout Heritage Centre
Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell St, Newtown, 10am-3pm.
Dancer’s Club Geelong Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30pm-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Puff and Damian.
Russ 5250 1937
Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2pm-4pm, $5 entry.
Val 5251 3529
Belmont Combined Probus First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Rd. New members and visitors welcome
Sue 0409-945 011, probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com
Barwon Valley Belmont Probus First Thursday of the month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.
Netball: YMCA Riversdale Rd, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available.
Maureen 0429-397 015
Arts National Geelong Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at artsnational.au
Peace meditation
Non-religious secular group. Our own peace is the basis of world peace. Whittington Neighbourhood House, 20 Worden Court, Whittington. Saturday December 14, 11am-noon, Belmont Library.
Graeme 0438-785 512
Live music
Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7pm-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Rd Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab. Entry $10.
Dawn 0417-148 493Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society
Art lectures each month, Newcomb Hall, 10.15am. Evening lectures, Geelong West Town Hall, 6pm. February 12 lecturer is Kathleen Olive from Sydney. Topics ‘Renaissance Villas and Gardens’ (morning lecture) and ‘The Development
of a Spanish Style’ (evening).
Search Facebook, program under Arts National-Adfas Geelong
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Hwy, Sunday February 9, 2pm-4pm, admission $5, please bring a small plate to share for afternoon tea, music Kevin.
0400-500 402
Hamlyn Heights Probus
Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Rd, Herne Hill.
Noel 0425-706 339
Geelong Central Probus Third Friday of the month, 9.45 am, Geelong RSL.
geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, cnr Boundary and Ormond Rds.
Gary 0407-320 735
Polish language for kids
Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.
Dorota 5224 1105
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Rd, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda 0437-241 345
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew 0408-369 446, Jan 0407-296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Rd, Highton.
Elma 0411-065 524
Adfas Geelong Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Rd. adfas.org.au, geelong@adfas.org.au
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.
griddlepop@hotmail.com
Leopold Library Swooning at the Library on February 14 from 2pm to 3pm with the Romance Book Quiz – fun for all. First time crime novelist, Geoff Parkes, will be at Leopold Library with his new novel
the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole’ on February 27, 6pm to 7pm.
Out and about at the waterfront
Independent photographer IVAN KEMP was out along the Geelong Waterfront on Wednesday, January 29, to see who was out and about enjoying the summer fun.
John Pork. 455959_01
Emily and Elena from Melbourne. 455959_02
Grace McCartin with her children Conor and Ailish. 455959_03
Noella Price. 455959_04
Darren and Donna Ahearn with Maisy and Koda. 455959_05
Briony Christie with her sons Seb and Jai. 455959_06
Brodie Paul with his son Lachlan. 455959_07
Daniel and Lynn Hong with their daughters Ivy and Iris from Shanghai. 455959_08
Jake Turner with his daughter Novaria. 455959_09 Alex Coloca and Teddy Richards. 455959_10
Felicity Pratt with her children Finn and Rosie. 455959_11
Henry Pelchen and Cas Kovac. 455959_12
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Eight-legged animal (6)
4 A board game with letter-tiles (8)
9 Mosquito-borne disease (7)
11 Inhabitant of Tel Aviv, say (7)
12 Level of hot or cold (11)
13 Biological blueprint (1,1,1)
14 Food of the Olympian gods (8)
16 Banish (5)
19 Teams (5)
20 A golden anniversary (8)
22 Dazzle (3)
24 English scientist who explained gravity (5,6)
26 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)
27 Princess Diana’s maiden name (7)
29 Grotesque imitation (8)
30 For blinking (6)
DOWN
1 Total (3)
2 Pakistani capital (9)
3 Spooky (5)
5 Sex (6)
6 Contract (9)
7 Bakery item (5)
8 Period of 17th-century English queen (11)
10 A Middle Eastern language (6)
12 Clear (11)
15 Stubborn (9)
17 Exactly the same (9)
18 Carnival (6)
21 Aptitude (6)
23 Nickname of Eva Perón (5)
25 Dirge (5)
28 Colour of strawberries (3)
1 What colours appear on Norway’s flag?
2 True or false: Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record by diameter?
3 Hilary Duff (pictured) starred as Sophie in which sitcom?
4 Podgorica is the capital of which country?
5 Laurence Tureaud is the birth name of which US actor?
6 Lake Garda is located in which European country?
7 Which 2021 film stars Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler?
8 Which actress stars as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games film series?
9 The Space Needle is in which US state?
10 Who was the Australian prime minister when decimal currency was introduced?
MOTORING
Happy return for Genesis G70
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
The gift that keeps on giving: due to an ‘unscheduled incident’ on a recent test car I was left with a gap on my normally crowded ‘dance card’.
Nosweat,saidtheAustralianimporter,why take a reprise with the Genesis G70?
Even though I had spent time with the Sports Luxury Sedan earlier in the year, when the upgraded G70 had left a generally positive impression, a second bite of the luxury ‘fruit’ was eagerly accepted.
The G70, which started as a mid-sized luxury sedan with a young and sophisticated design in 2017, was reborn in 2023 as a luxury sports sedan with a differentiated design identity and superior driving manners.
The MY24 upgrade consists of two variants, a Sports Luxury Sedan and a Shooting brake (station wagon) debuting Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and over-the-air software updates. Ride and handling also make use of new-generation Electronic Control Suspension.
The Shooting Brake is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine; the Sports Luxury Sedan by a 3.3-litre V6 turbo. Both are mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission feeding the rear wheels.
Available from $80,065 to $86,914 for the 2025 range of models in wagon and sedan body types, all G70s come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with private usage, complimentary servicing for the first five years or 50,000km, roadside assist (10 years if serviced by Genesis) and concierge and courtesy vehicle service for five years.
STYLING
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan has performance-linked head-turning looks with traditional sports sedan styling mated with the latest technology. Upgrades include new badges, new wheel design and additional exterior colours.
Up front the new emblem features what is described as a guilloche pattern, roughly translated, a type of repetitive decoration symbolising eternity in ancient Assyrian architecture, would you believe.
Newly designed 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels,shodwithMichelinpilotSport4tyres, are the perfect complement to a red Brembo brake package. The updated look is topped off by a selection of 13 colours, including three matte finishes, and new gloss finishes Vatna Gray and Kawah Blue.
INTERIOR
Refined upgrades stamp the cabin with a true sports luxury character. For example, Nappa leather seats in Fog Grey – heated and ventilated up front, heated in the rear –and leather 16-way adjustable driver’s seat and door trim and console are joined by a heated electronic tilt and telescopic adjustable steeringwheel.Andnotforgettingsports-style alloy pedals.
Hey, but hang on there. The rear seat is no place for long legs. In fact, depending on the positioning of the driver and front passenger seats the space speaks 2+2. Toe room fares no better, with front seats too close to the floor for tootsies.
Head and shoulder space are very much mid-size sedan scale. A restricted loading aperture leaves the boot a dark cave-like 330 litres with seat backs up. A temporary spare wheel fits under the floor.
INFOTAINMENT
Therearethreeseparatescreenstokeepaneye on–onecentralinfotainmentscreenmounted on top of the dashboard, which runs the car’s smartphone mirroring, voice recognition, satellite navigation, digital radio and driver settings,
A touchscreen in the stack below, plus separate buttons and switches for controls to air-conditioning, while a digital driver display is situated behind the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, not wireless as in many of the G70’s European rivals.
There are two USB points for rear passengers, while all can take advantage of digital radio DAB+ through a 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
G70 the Sports Luxury Sedan is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Premium unleaded (95 RON) has it stumping up 247kW at 6000rpm and 510Nm from 1300 to 4500 revs.
SAFETY
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan scored a five-star ANCAP rating from 2018 testing. With 10 airbags scattered around the cabin, there is a long list of active safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist / pedestrian awareness andjunctionturningfunction,adaptivecruise control, blind spot warning, lane assistance, road sign recognition, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree
DRIVING
The low stance of the car and major seat bolstering present a skinny slot for getting in and out of the front seats. However, the driver can soon settle in thanks to a 16-way adjustable seat with memory function. Start-upisaccompaniedbythecharacteristic V6 engine note, which is reassuring in these days of electric vehicle stealth. Combined fuel consumption claimed by the maker, 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, translated on test to 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in built-up area crawling and 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a
motorway cruise. The sedan’s ride and handling have been refined with the introduction of a new generation Electronic Control Suspension which reduces damping lag, increased damping force, improved control logic and a wider damping force window, both softer and harder.
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan glided through the city and suburbs in the default comfort mode. Cruising the highway is where the G70 was happiest.
Switching to Sport unleashed a completely different drive. The suspension stiffened, the ride took on a roguish character and the power pedal reacted sharply to the tiniest touch.Itwasasifthecarwasurgingthedriver to ‘give it a go’. Sport+ mode to another time and place.
Back in the built-up environment, the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist tells the driver of the current speed limit based on navigation data and road sign recognition. In addition, the system is able to help the driver to change speed during Smart Cruise Control or Manual Speed Limit Assist.
The blind-spot camera that appears in the driver display every time the indicators are activated are a distraction I could take or leave, while the over-intrusive beeping and the tyre pressure monitor comes up with more numbers than a Keno card. However, the head-up display with a digital speedometer, live traffic sign recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation assistance gets my vote every time.
In the unlikely case of the addition of a tow ball, the G70 Sports Luxury Sedan can tow up to 1200kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.
SUMMARY
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack, especially in its upgrade state.
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack. (pictures supplied)
Premier division bowls delivers
It was City of Geelong against Eastern Park during the premier bowls division on Saturday, January 26. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the City of Geelong Bowls Club to capture all the action.
Russell Symons looks for position. 454510_04
Glenn Slattery looks to defend the head. 454510_14
Gary Connolly plays the backhand. 454510_12
David Vogele is all concentration with this bowl. 454510_13
Rod Sherwell leads off for Eastern Park. 454510_10
Kerry Gooley leads the way for City of Geelong. 454510_09
Adam Martin wins the end and the game 26 points to 13. 454510_16
Jackson Ray concentrates on his line. 454510_03
Scott McDonald gets this bowl really close to the jack. 454510_05
Tom Scorpo leads off for Eastern Park. 454510_01
Nick Oakes starts the end for City of Geelong. 454510_02
Jayden Wombell looks to disrupt the head. 454510_15
Lions draw against the Magpies
Belmont’s finals hopes hang by a thread afteranail-bitingdrawagainstNorthGeelong at Winter Reserve.
The Magpies were bowled out for 321 the previous week, with the Lions falling just eight runs short of a winning score with a wicket to spare.
SkipperShaneMcNamarawasthelinchpin for the East Belmont run chase, belting 109 runs from 186 deliveries.
McNamara,whocameinat3-28,stabilised the Lions and provided the basis for three valuable partnerships.
Opener Danny Hegarty (32) stayed with his captain for more than 30 overs, with the pair adding 80 runs between them, while
Lachlan Inglis (27) and Hayden McMahon (42) batted with McNamara for partnerships of 56 and 69 runs, respectively.
Dale Kerr was a key figure in the Magpies bowlingattackwithfiguresof3-73,including the scalps of both James Lidgett (1) and James McMahon (0) in the third over of the innings.
Bailey Sykes took 2-35 in his 11 overs, including McNamara’s wicket, while Alistair McCann took the wickets of Hegarty and Lachlan Inglis, giving up just 41 runs in 14 overs. Tom Mathieson and Lachlan Hayes also contributed a wicket each.
McNamara said while the result was “disappointing” his team had given itself
every chance.
“Chasing down 320, I’d say that’s a big score in any level of cricket,” he said.
“ButIthinkifyoulookbackatournumbers this year for batting, we’ve scored a lot of runs. The first time we were in Newtown (in round five) we got 280 chasing 290, we’ve chased down 330 in 60-odd overs against St Peter’s and we beat South Barwon chasing down close to 300.
“And then the match before last against Grovedale we fell 10 short chasing 290. So we know we can get big scores, we know how to chase. We just didn’t quite get to finish it off as we would have liked, to get the six points.”
McNamara said other results over the
weekend meant the race for fourth spot was still wide open with three rounds of cricket remaining.
“If we were to win the last three then we won’t be far away, so we’re going to stay positive about it all,” he said.
“But we can’t go talking about the finals or the ladder; if you start doing that you lose focus on what’s right in front of you.
“The ladder doesn’t really say it, but I don’t think we’ve been that far away all year. This time last year we played in the grand final, so with the core group we all believe we can do it on our day.”
Matt Hewson
Summer cricket action heats up as finals loom
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp caught all the action at day two of the GCA1 match between Highton and St Peter’s and the BarraboolvsArmstrongCreekBPCA1match.
Armstrong Creek won its limited overs match while Highton and St Peter’s ground out a draw.
Greg Willows drives a Luke Ford delivery on the up to covers and is caught. (Ivan Kemp) 454516_11
Josh Sorjiovanni was St Peter’s best bowler taking 2/30 off 13 overs. (Ivan Kemp) 454516_19
Michael Kelson cuts behind point. (Ivan Kemp) 454518_07
Highton opener Brady Somers (44 runs) drives Riley East for a single. (Ivan Kemp) 454516_01
Kane Pickering tries an ambitious scoop from outside of off stump and it goes for 4 to fine leg. (Ivan Kemp) 454518_16
Lachie Grigg drives through covers. (Ivan Kemp) 454518_15
Highton’s Jack Cook made 58. (Ivan Kemp) 454516_18
Jack McLean took 0/37 off his 8 overs. (Ivan Kemp) 454518_14
East
Summer tennis competitions are going strong
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
With local competition on hiatus for the summer break, there has been plenty of tennis to watch, and still opportunities to play, no matter your level of play.
Geelong Lawn recently hosted their 2025 OC JC Tuff Lift Grasscourt Championships, with a field of over 200 entrants playing in 42 events. The offerings were across junior and open grades, with participants from across the state, as well as good local support.
Despite rain disrupting on day two, the event continued with some great tennis. Some of the notable winners for the locals were Sienna Clatworthy (A Grade Women),
Troy Cairncross (C Grade Men), Domi Wang (10&U Girls), Azure Shih (12&U Boys) and Lachie Rae (15&U Boys).
Geelong Lawn will also be kicking off their Junior Community Series with their first monthly event this Sunday, with over 40 participants in eight graded groups. The events run the first Sunday of each month and the round robin series gives juniors a great chance to improve their match play against others at their own standard, outside of regular pennant.
There have been some incredibly hot days so far this month and Drysdale, who had the firstBellarineMastersandJCGBSSouthWest eventscheduledforJanuary18-19,wereforced topostponeduetotheultra-hightemperatures
forecast for the weekend, for the safety of the young players. The event will be rescheduled, however, the series will continue with Point Lonsdale the host for 23rd February event.
Western Heights Uniting ran its usual School Holiday Junior tournament at the beginning of January, with almost 40 participants from Geelong and Melbourne, and some as far as the Yarra Valley.
The tournament was held over three days andforthefirsttimeincludedadoublesevent.
Unfortunately, the forecast for the weather on day one was for rain, but with rapid court sweeping, matches were able to start around 11.30 and despite one 10 minute delay after this, all matches were able to be completed.
The weather for days two and three was
Mighty effort from Titans
Matt Hewson
Armstrong Creek have made it six in a row, holding on to second spot after surviving a spirited run chase by Barrabool at Ceres Reserve on the weekend.
The Titans set the agenda in the one-day contest, winning the toss and batting first to make 3/299, with the Bulls falling 30 runs short of their target to make 5/268 in reply.
ThevictoryseesArmstrongCreekmaintain its position in second, three points behind top side Anglesea and ahead of third-placed Barwon Heads by the same margin.
The Bulls, meanwhile, have lost even the mathematical chance of sneaking into third place and are now even on points with fifth-placed Jan Juc.
Titans senior coach and A1 captain Daniel Maclean said the result was “massive” for his side given the context of the season, which has just three rounds of two-day cricket remaining.
“Coming up to finals you want to just keep banking wins, and we’re going really well with that at the moment,” Maclean said.
“And you especially want to be beating
teams that are around you, on similar points or in the top four, that’s always good.”
Openers Chris Marsiglio and Clay Mulgrew set the tone early, belting 126 and 58 respectively, while Ben Norgrove made a valuable contribution of 69.
Bowlers Lachlan Grigg, Lachlan Brown and James Fisher each took a wicket for the home side.
The Bulls’ chase was blunted early by Jason Robertson (2/45), who took the wickets of Barrabool openers Shane Stevens (1) and captain Michael Kelson (51).
Kane Pickering made a valiant 95 from 87 deliveries before being bowled by Adam Trevean (2/53).
Maclean said while his side set a big total for the Bulls, he was keenly aware the pace of the outfield meant any result was possible.
“We were fairly confident but we knew the ground was really, really quick; it was a dot or four all day, with fairly short square boundaries as well,” he said.
“Weknewwestillhadtobowlwelltodefend the total, so it was a bit nerve-wracking at times.
“(Robertson) was massive, he got the big
much improved and the level of tennis was high. Winners for the various sections were JaydenCheng(10&UA),ArchieShih(18&UA), Selena Rosevelt (18&UB), Gaman Manganda and Ilan Im tied (18&UC), Matthew Evans (18&UD), Isabelle Feng (18&UE), Joziah Barron(18&UF)andWillVarszeghy(18&UC). The inaugural winners of the doubles were Louie Smith and Ellie McKenzie.
The next Western Heights event is during the Easter break on the weekend April 15-16. All pennant competitions start or recommence over the next week, so things will soon be back in full swing, with Saturday competitors setting themselves up for the run to the finals starting in March.
Swimmers dominate
Geelong swimmers dominated the regional championships once again in Mildura last weekend.
For the fourth year in a row Geelong Swimming Club secured the Victorian Country Championship title, with a huge haul of 116 medals - 51 gold, 43 silver and 22 bronze - across the three-day meet’s 121 events.
Geelong swimmer Nicole Briscoe, 19, was named the championships’ most successful swimmer, winning the Bruce Carter Trophy with five gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Briscoe’s teammate, 19-year-old Cameron Ricchini, was also a standout during the event, earning himself five gold and five silver medals.
Arabella Johnson and Keppler Snijders, both 13, competed in open sectionsaswellastheiragegroups,with Arabella claiming three gold and three silver medals and Keppler taking home five gold.
Geelong Swimming Club’s multiclass athletes also excelled, with swimmers Riley Blitz (18), Meg Conheady (17), Bradley Doolan (30), Evie Lee (14) and Ryan McGrane (32) earning a collective total of 14 gold, 17 silver and five bronze medals. Head coach Aaron Tenabel expressed pride in the team’s performance.
“Thisvictoryisatestamenttothehard work, dedication, and sportsmanship of all our athletes,” Tenabel said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements this weekend, and the future of our club is looking brighter than ever.”
wicket of Kelson, who looked like he was going to take the game apart at one stage. He’s a very hard hitter of the ball, so that was a very valuable wicket.”
BARWON Heads recorded its seventh win of the season away against Drysdale. The visitors made 5/209 after being sent in to bat by Drysdale, with Brent McMinn leading the run scoring with 72 runs. Harry Melzer was decisive with the ball, taking 5/48 in his first bowling performance for the Seagulls all season and playing a big part in restricting Drysdale to 158 runs.
QUEENSCLIFF narrowly prevailed over Ocean Grove at home, making 9/176 and bowling out the Grubbers for 173 in the final over. Frank Mileto made 54 for Queenscliff, with Zac Jones taking 3/32 for Ocean Grove. Ned Stephens (5/16) was best with the ball for Queenscliff.
LADDER leaders Anglesea defeated Jan Juc in dramatic fashion, with Sharks number 11 Jake Hewittneedingasixoffthelastballbutinstead being bowled by Dylan Taylor for a golden duck. Simon Umbers was top scorer for the victors with 79 runs, while Michael Thornton took 4/24.
Club president Tim Woods praised the talented competitors coming from swimming clubs throughout regional Victoria.
“This weekend once again showcased thetalentanddedicationwithincountry swimming,” he said.
“Thefiercecompetitionandthejoyon the faces of all swimmers is a testament to the continued growth and success of regional swimming programs across Victoria.
“We applaud the hard work and commitment of swimmers, coaches, and committees from all clubs.”
Bruce Carter Trophy winner Nicole Briscoe. (Supplied)
Kane Pickering was top scorer for Barrabool with 95. (Ivan Kemp) 454518_05
