‘Key moment’ in gas fight
By Matt Hewson
Community members will hold a family-friendly gathering at North Shore this weekend in opposition to the proposed Viva Energy gas import terminal.
After a picnic lunch with live music, attendees will form a human sign that will be photographed from the air, sending a message to the Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.
The fate of the project is currently in Ms Kilkenny’s hands, with the minister poised to make a decision on the gas terminal’s approval after she receives recommendations from a supplemental environmental effects statement inquiry that concluded in late January. The demonstration is being organised by Geelong Renewables Not Gas, a coalition of organisations and community groups
concerned about the environmental impacts of the gas terminal, in both the short and long terms.
But Geelong Sustainability campaign coordinator Karina Donkers said opposition to the terminal went beyond just environmental concerns and sustainability groups.
“The campaign includes a multitude of different organisations and people; fishery people, the North Shore Residents Group, schools,” Ms Donkers said.
“There’s such a diversity of concern here because it’s going to impact people for different reasons, so people are opposing it for reasons that are much wider than just the climate.
“This diversity of opposition… shows the strength of community, but also the layers of the issues with this project.
“If there was just one element you would get one type of group or person concerned about
it, whereas (on this occasion) different people, different groups, different organisations and schools have taken a stand and said this is not okay.”
Ms Donkers said this weekend’s event was a “key opportunity” for the community to make itsvoiceheardbeforetheMinisterforPlanning made her decision.
“Thisisreallyakeymomentinthecampaign forthecommunitytotelltheplanningminister that this is a deeply concerning proposal and that she should reject it,” she said.
A Viva Energy spokesperson said expert modellinghadconfirmedtheprojectwouldnot significantly impact Corio Bay or its marine environment.
“Based on our extensive engagement with the community throughout the EES process we are confident the vast majority of Geelong residents support the project because they
recognise that gas will be needed to support their livelihoods and also for the energy transition,” the spokesperson said.
“The project does not promote additional gas usage but will ensure the security of gas supply while it is needed in the economy. When it is no longer needed, the facility can be sailed away and repurposed, leaving minimal infrastructure. The project will also provide jobs and further investment in the region.
“The refinery has been operating at its site on Corio Bay for more than 70 years and has established its reputation with the local community as a safe operator of a Major Hazard Facility and a good corporate citizen committed to supporting the local Geelong community.”
GotoGeelongSustainability’sFacebookpage or acf.org.au/protest_picnic_re_viva_2025 for more information on the protest picnic.
Karina Donkers (second from left) and fellow protesters make a statement. (Ivan Kemp) 460390_01
Troy Selwood ‘fought for all of us’
Troy Selwood has been remembered for his ’laughter, light and love’ during a memorial service at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
Family, friends, football figures and students from Geelong Grammar (where Troy was head of football and sports performance) filled the Brownlow Stand on February 14 following the former AFL player’s death on February 4 at age 40.
Troy’s mother Maree Selwood started the service with a poem about her love for her son, followed by a prayer by father Bryce Selwood who shared his appreciation for the time spent with his son.
“I forgot to read the fine print when I signed
up to be your mum. I thought it would be hugs and smiles and quite a lot of fun. I didn’t see thebitthatreadofpain,loss,griefanddespair,” Maree said.
“We pray that the memories of Troy’s life remain in the hearts of all who knew him, bringing him comfort and joy in the years to come. May his legacy live on in the laughter, light and love he left behind,” Bryce said.
Identical twin brother Adam Selwood said Troywasn’tjusthisbrotherandthatlosinghim had “left a massive hole” in his life.
“He was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally, and the one person that knew what I was always thinking,” Adam said.
“A twin is more than a sibling; they’re a constant presence, a built-in best mate, and someonewhounderstandsyouinawaythatno one ever could.
“I’m the luckiest person in the world to have had that connection and support from him for so many years... and while he may no longer be with us in body, he will always be with us in spirit and in memory.”
Younger brother Joel Selwood said Troy was “a proud, doting father” to his two young children, who enjoyed sharing riddles and nurseryrhymeswithsonTomandlovedhaving cuddles with daughter Sadie.
“He(Troy)foughtforallofus,andhewanted
Pako Festa ready to roll once again
The award-winning Pako Festa returns to Geelong this weekend for the 43rd time.
The event will transform Pakington Street into a microcosm of the world this Saturday, with the iconic Geelong thoroughfare awash with colour, music and the aroma of food from around the globe.
Pako Festa, which draws upward of 90,000 people to Geelong West each year, is all about celebrating the diversity of the region, said Cultura chief executive Joy Leggo.
“We showcase that diversity, and it’s also about social cohesion and civic pride,” Ms Leggo said.
“Pride in people’s nationalities, pride in their national costumes. Cooking their food, being happy and joyful and having a party.
“The world’s not in a great place at the moment,soifwecantakeafewhoursoutofthe day and share this diversity and the richness it brings, through music, language and food, then I think that’s a good thing.”
Ms Leggo, who has overseen the previous four festivals in her role at Cultura but been involved in Pako Festa for 30 years, said this year’s event had a strong focus on youth.
“Our theme is Our Youth, Our Tomorrow; we’ve done a lot of work with our youth and we want to give them the opportunity to showcase what it means to be a young refugee or new arrival in Australia,” she said.
“They are our future leaders, so they’ll be rightupthefrontleadingtheparadeandhavea role to play in the official opening as well.
“They’re the most amazing group of young ambassadors, which is really exciting.”
Ms Leggo invited everyone to “come along and have a good time”.
“We’d love to break that 100,000 mark, 100,000 people being down at Pakington Street,” she said.
“There will be 91 points where people can buy food on the day. We’ve got 24 different ethnic community food stalls, stages with music happening all afternoon.
“It’s all about wandering down and just soaking up the experience, I think.”
Visit pakofesta.com.au for more details and the full Pako Festa program.
Matt Hewson
to keep fighting as he always did in life, but in the end, he simply couldn’t lift his arms to throw another punch back,” Joel said.
“He was dealt some pretty tough cards over his lifetime. Some he was dealt; he found a way to deal with. But sadly, there were others that, no matter how hard he tried, he could never fully control.
“He tried so hard. He put up a hell of a fight; for mum and dad, for his kids, for his brothers, for his friends and for others that are fighting the same fight, just as he was.”
HelpisavailablethroughLifelineon131114, 13YARN on 13 92 76, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Council invites budget input
Geelong council has begun its community engagement process ahead of the preparation of its budget for the next financial year.
Community members can share their thoughts on the City of Greater Geelong’s spending priorities via online submissions at yoursay.geelongaustralia. com.au/2025-26budgetideasuntilFriday, March 14. The submissions will be collated into a shortlist for review by the council in March and be used to inform the first draft of the 2025-26 budget. That first draft will then be presented publiclyatacouncilmeeting,typicallyin April, before the final budget document is declared in June.
Recent budgets have met with mixed reactions from sections of the community, in large part due to cuts required by rising costs and the cap on the council’s income from rates.
Submissions can cover basic services suchascapitalworks,wastemanagement andfamilyservices,aswellascommunity programs and initiatives.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said “We are committed to ensuring that our community’s voice is heard in the budgeting process”.
“Your feedback is crucial in helping us allocate funds effectively to meet the needs of our growing city and make sure we deliver the basics to the best of our ability.”
Finance portfolio chair Councillor Andrew Katos added “The input from our community is invaluable in shaping a budget that not only addresses current needs but also plans for a financially sustainable future.”
Xi Chen, Peijun Li and Lishan Ai.
Left: Sienna Ru, Aiden Qian, Elsie Xia, Nora Feng, Aiden He and Olivia Ru. Right: Ying Sun, Yimei Lin and Xiuhua Lin. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 460297
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Giving Victorian children the best start means more qualified teachers and educators are needed across the state.
Get up to $50,000* on top of your salary for positions at a priority service.
Relocation support is also available.
Search for a position with a financial incentive through the Early Childhood Jobs website at vic.gov.au/kinder
Duck season start announced
A Valentine’s Day announcement of the 2025 duck shooting season has flown over the heads of Geelong wildlife rescuers.
The state government announced the terms for this year’s hunting season on February 14 and provided certainty about future seasons with dates for the next three years listed in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations.
The 2025 duck season will run from March 19 to June 9, with an 8am start time for the first five days of the season before hours are extended to 30 minutes before sunrise for the rest of the season.
Geelong Duck Rescue’s Natalie Kopas said
hunters were legally allowed to shoot nine native birds during the season, which didn’t count for the “number of birds they will kill illegally”.
“The Premier’s pet project, the protection of recreational bloodsports, is not the Valentine’s Day announcement struggling populations of native waterbirds needed,” she said.
“The government has demonised and persecuted people trying to protect native wildlife and shielded those who relish blasting birds out of the sky for fun.
“Wildlife rescuers will be out again, as
Breaking stereotypes
A North Geelong woman is using her position as a finalist in a national pageant to encourage men and women to break gender stereotypes.
Abby Sharma is a finalist in the 2025 Mrs GalaxyAustralia,formingpartoftheAustralia Galaxy Pageants, an inclusive competition that gives women and girls a chance to be the best versions of themselves.
The 32-year-old said she was an “architect by profession” and competed in pageants as a hobby and to help motivate women.
“This is my happy place and where I get to be myself. There are no judgements, constraints, or restrictions. We’re just all married women having fun while competing,” Mrs Sharma said.
“It’s helping us to build our platform and be involved with the community, and many things are going on in terms of fundraising, charity events, and just working on ourselves. “I’m representing my community and my
culture.I’mnotanoutsider,butIcome from a different background. So, it’s a good platform to represent myself and my identity.
“Women are empowered, and we just need a little bit of support to help us achieve what we want. Through this platform, I challenge men to bring change and break gender stereotypes.
“I’ve done pageants in the past, so this is not my first pageant. I was first runner up in Mrs India Worldwide, so that was my starting point. I then took a break back in 2022 when I was pregnant with my son.”
The pageant’s National Final will occur from April 30 to May 3, and the Crowning Gala will be held on May 3.
Jena Carr
Abby Sharma is a 2025 Mrs Galaxy Australia finalist. (Ivan Kemp) 459954_05
always, to save as many lives as possible. Though the government has set about making it virtually impossible for anyone to protect wildlife in Victoria nowadays.”
Seven duck game species can be hunted during the season, not including the blue-winged shoveler, which is off-limits. The use of lead shots for quail hunting is also banned.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said the Adaptive Harvest Management model would guide the daily bag limit for its first season.
New hunters will be required to complete
online knowledge training for a duck shooting license as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan. Hunters renewing their license from next year must also do the training.
“Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly – backed by science,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a significant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria.”
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Builder needed for Stead Park
New hockey facilities are one step closer to becoming a reality at Corio’s Stead Park, with the search now on to find the right builder.
The expression of interest process opened on February 14 to find a head contractor to lead the redevelopment.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the upgraded facilities, which would include a new pavilion and upgraded pitch, was a project that mattered to the community.
“It’s a venue that will bring the community together, strengthen Stead Park’s reputation as a premier hockey venue, all while backing local jobs and businesses,” she said.
Member for Lara Ella George said the redevelopment would boost Stead Park’s reputation through upgrades to the western pitch, including fencing, draining, sports lighting and an electronic scoreboard.
“Corio’s Stead Park is the proud home of
Ten years for triathlon
Athletes are celebrating a decade of swimming, cycling and running at Barwon Heads this weekend.
Barwon Heads Triathlon will return to the region on Sunday, February 23, from 8.20am with a 400-metre swim, 14-kilometre cycle and four-kilometre run across Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
Race organiser and founder Lincoln Beckworth said the event was celebrating its 10th year and that the course had something for all levels of competitors, including first-timers and experienced triathletes.
“I love seeing competitors enjoying the event and everyone having a go, all types of abilities and the families cheering them on,” he said.
“We get lots of experienced triathletes, but also lots of first-timers and people who just like to attend the event each year.
“People can expect another great event. We’ve got record numbers again with nearly 1000 competitors competing. So, it’ll be a great day down there on Sunday morning.
“The best part of hosting the triathlon in
Barwon Heads is the picturesque nature of Barwon Heads... and it’s something to train towards, to keep fit, get outside and exercise.
“Cycling along the beautiful coastline of 13th Beach Road, swimming in the Barwon River and running out towards Ocean Grove justutilisesthenaturallandscapewhilepeople enjoy the coast.
“There’s going to be around 400 people that are doing their first triathlon ever. So, that’s a cool part of the event and over 50 per cent of the competitors on the field are female, which is also really cool.”
Barwon Heads Triathlon is presented by 13th Beach Health Services, with more event and course information available at barwonheadstri.com.au
Jena Carr
Race organiser and founder Lincoln Beckworth. (Ivan Kemp) 459984_06
hockeyinGeelongandtheStateGovernment’s redevelopment gives players, fans and families the world class facilities they deserve,” she said.
Geelong Hockey Association president Graeme Dent said Stead Park was one of five projects across Geelong and the Surf Coast regions delivered through the state government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
“We appreciate the support of the Victorian Government and are excited to see the growth of hockey in the Geelong and Surf Coast region as a result of these upgrades,” he said.
The Stead Park redevelopment will be complemented by a new hockey pitch that will be delivered at Torquay’s Banyul-Warri Fields, which is also funded through the state government’s program.
Buzzing with excitement
A new exhibition featuring creative collaboration between humans and bees opens today at Platform Arts in Geelong.
The Honey Fingers Collective is a group of artists, food artisans and bees exploring beekeeping,fermentation,fineart,ceramicsand education and research organised around the central theme of the honeybee, Apis mellifera.
The collective’s Geelong exhibition will feature human- and bee-made projects, including ceramics created by artists and repaired or modified by bees and exhibits focused on fermented products such as ‘bee bread’, which is made from sourdough starter inoculated by the hive microbiome.
Honey Fingers Collective founder, Otways-based beekeeper Nicholas Dowse, said thefactbeesfermentedtheirfoodwasnotwidely known. “Bees collect pollen, inoculate it with microbesfromtheirhive,mixitwithhoneyand saliva, and store it in honeycomb cells as ‘bee bread’ for future use,” Mr Dowse said.
“This is particularly critical during winter, when floral resources are scarce, as bee bread provides a vital food source for the colony and its developing brood.
“A remarkable aspect of this natural process is the involvement of Lactobacillus bacteria in fermenting pollen—the same bacteria humans usetoinoculateandfermentsourdoughstarters.
“With the Inoculation Oven, we draw upon the microbiome of the beehive to inoculate sourdough, which we propose to bake and share with the community, fostering a dialogue around human and non-human life forms— including the microbiomes that thrive in beehives, human bodies, and the bread we share.”
The Honey Fingers exhibition runs from today (Friday, February 21) to Thursday, April 17, with the free opening event on tonight from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
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Pool makes a big splash
Winchelsea community members will soon make a splash as the $8.9 million pool opens next week.
The redeveloped Barwon Terrace site will feature new leisure and 25-metre pools with heated water, a pavilion, a splash park, shelters, landscaping, a barbecue, a water fountain and a plant room.
A formal opening ceremony will be heldforthepoolonFebruary27withSurf Coast Shire Council working to open the gates several days earlier, pending the progress of final commissioning processes.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said admission into the pool would be free from the day gates open until the close of a free gala family fun day on March 2, running from 10am to 5pm.
“Council is proud to be delivering this wonderful, state-of-the-art community asset which has been fully funded through council’s asset renewal program,” he said. “We look forward to having people from the Winchelsea community coming together to celebrate during the free opening days and at the free family day.
“The previous pool opened to the public in February 1963 and served the community for 60 years. Now we look forward to a new era, with the new facilities being loved and valued just as much.”
The new pool season will run until March 30, with gates open to the public from 3pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on weekends.
Bee-keeper Nicholas Dowse installing
bee tower at Platform Arts. (Ivan Kemp) 460516_07
Have your say on important trees
By Matt Hewson
Geelong community members have the opportunity to have their voices heard on the protection of important trees.
The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) has begun a community engagement process aimed at gauging community support for different policy options for the protection of trees on private land in residential areas.
CoGG does not currently provide protection fortreesonprivatelandexceptforthosecovered by an existing heritage or environmental overlay.
Councillor Andrew Katos said there were a rangeofregulatoryandnon-regulatoryoptions available going forward.
“There are currently no consistent state-wide policy provisions on the issue,” Cr Katos said.
“Some councils have no private tree controls in place, while others have regulatory controls via a local law, a planning overlay or both.”
Regulatory options would involve requiring permits to remove trees identified for protection. Such permits would come with charging fees and requiring arborist reports, with financial penalties for those who remove identified trees without a permit.
Canteen funds welcome
Two cricket clubs in the region have received a funding boost to improve their clubroom facilities.
Anglesea and Corio cricket clubs both received grants through the 2024-25 CitiPower and Cricket Victoria Canteen Grants program.
The local organisations were two of the 21 accepted clubs out of 175 applicants to receive funding totalling $78,000, which is intended to deliver projects that develop or improve electrical safety in club canteens.
Anglesea Cricket Club secretary Janet Lister said her club would use the money to replace its outdated commercial fridge, which poses a “serious and immediate hazard”.
“It was a second-hand fridge initially… it’s leaking, it’s got exposed elements at the back, so for safety it doesn’t really fit the purpose anymore,” Ms Lister said. “We got a grant for $5000,andwithabout$1000fromtheclubthat will allow us to purchase a replacement fridge
that is slightly bigger, a lot more functional and a lot more safe.”
Anglesea fields five men’s teams in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association, as well as a women’s team and four junior teams. The club also hopes to get a girls team up and running next season.
Applications for the next round of the Canteen Grants program open in October and Ms Lister encouraged any clubs needing to update canteen facilities to apply.
“The application process was really straightforward, almost so easy that I thought perhaps I’d missed something,” she said.
“But we were really very grateful when we got notified by CitiPower and Cricket Victoria that we’d won the grant. These types of things are really important to clubs to keep things moving.”
Visit cricketvictoria.com.au/citipowercanteen-grant for more information.
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Non-regulatory options would include free arborist advice, tree maintenance grants, education on tree selection, planting, and maintenance and free tube stock as part of special events or programs.
The City has offered two options for identifying trees for protection on private land: establishing a tree register for trees with scientific, social, historical and amenity values; or a size threshold, which would be calibrated to capture large canopy trees.
Jeanne Nel, a member of CoolGeelong and a passionate advocate for the responsible management of the city’s trees, said the
council’s outreach was “a long time coming” after years of community agitation for more tree protection.
“It’s really encouraging that the City is responding to those calls now, because trees are our best defence, not just for heat, but for flooding and wind,” Ms Nel said.
“Tree planting is great, but we really need to look at better regulation and responsive regulation of existing trees that we have in our tree canopy, because more trees and a healthy tree canopy means a more liveable future.”
Have a say at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com. au/privatetrees until Friday 14 March.
Surf Coast gets charged up
Surf Coast Shire will get three electric vehicle charging stations (EVs) following an upgrade to the Lorne Visitor Information Centre station.
Thenewstationswillbeinstalledthroughout the year at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall car park, Winchelsea’s Barwon Terrace precinct and in Anglesea, with a location still to be confirmed.
The old 7kW single port EV charger in front of the Lorne Visitor Information Centre has also been replaced with a 50kW dual port charger.
Councilor Leon Walker said it was great to have a “public EV charging station back up and running in Lorne” and looked forward to seeing more stations across the shire.
“With more visitors driving hybrid or
electric vehicles, it is convenient they now have a public option to charge their vehicles,” he said.
“Once all of the EV chargers are installed it will mean visitors travelling through our area will have four more options for fast charging.”
The new charging stations will be dual port 50kW fast chargers, with two-hour parking limits applied to each charging parking bay.
TheEVstationswillbepartoftheChargefox network, Australia’s largest EV charging network, with the Aireys Inlet and Anglesea projects as the first public charging stations in each town.
The stations have been funded through the state government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria program to establish a public EV fast-charging network across Victoria.
Anglesea and Corio cricket clubs at last weekend’s Pink Stumps Day. (Supplied)
CITYNEWS
A NIGHT OF AMERICANA ON THE BELLARINE
Music lovers, rejoice! Americana on the Bellarine, presented by Ocean Grove based Andrea Robertson, returns from 5.30pm Saturday 22 February for the Potato Shed’s annual Summer Series show.
Gather your family and friends, and spread out a picnic rug, as twilight descends for a night of the best in alt-country, folk, blues and rock.
Join multi-award-winning artist Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves (Music Victoria Country Album of the Year, New Zealand Country Music Award), Andrea Robertson and her band, folkrock singer Jasmin Adria, and Geelong
legends The Mojo Corner for a night of superlative, sublime music under the Bellarine summer sky.
The Worker’s BBQ will also be on hand slinging the best in American-style BBQ fare.
All ages are welcome, with children under 12 free of charge. All under 18-year-olds to be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
To book tickets and to see the full Potato Shed 2025 season program, scan the QR code or visit geelong. link/PotatoShed2
NEWS
2024-25 rates reminder
If you’re paying your 2024-25 rates in instalments, the third is due Friday 28 February 2025.
There are several arrangements for rate payment depending on your personal situation.
Payment options:
•direct debit
•BPay
•via our website geelong.link/Rates1
•by phone 1300 858 058.
Credit card payments incur a payment processing fee of 0.25 per cent.
If you’re experiencing difficulty paying your rates, please contact us on 5272 5272 or email revenue@geelongcity.vic.
gov.au so we can assist you.
For more information or to sign up to receive your rates notice by email, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ Rates2
TRAFFIC CHANGES
If you are travelling in the areas listed below on the following dates and times, scan the QR code or visit geelong. link/Events2 for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions.
Barwon Heads Triathlon
•Sunday 23 February
•8.00am-10.15am
MEETINGS
Council meeting
The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 February at the Council Conference and Reception Centre, City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong at 6.00pm (doors open 5.45pm).
Reports for consideration include:
•Environment Strategy Action Plan 2024-26 and Outcomes 2020-24
•Financial Performance Report Year to Date Ended 31 December 2024
•Amendment C457ggee - Highton Village Urban Design FrameworkConsideration of Submissions
•Amendment C468 - South-West Geelong Investigation Area (SWGIA).
For full details of the agenda, and to watch the Council meeting please visit geelong. link/Council Meetings2
Questions and submissions must be provided in writing by 12.00 noon on Monday 24 February via the web page above.
Planning Committee meeting
The next meeting of the Planning Committee will be held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre, City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong on Thursday 27 February at 5.30pm.
Item to be discussed:
•Full road closure will affect Ewing Blythe Drive and Thirteenth Beach Road, Barwon Heads.
Emergency access will be maintained during the event.
•Planning Permit Application No. PP-1176-2023 - Buildings and Works for Horse Stables and Horse Pool associated with a Major Sports and Recreation Facility at 99 Breakwater Road, Breakwater
For more information, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ PlanningCommittee2
Andrea Robertson and band entertain the crowd outdoors at the Potato Shed.
Image: Patrick Callow Photography
Spreading colourful fun
Ocean Grove will be immersed in a sea of colours to spread joy and happiness during the arrivals of autumn and spring.
The Festival of Colours is a free event that will be held at Ocean Grove Park on Sunday, February 23, from 11am to 4.30pm.
The event is based on the Holi festival, originating in the Indian subcontinent, which symbolises forgiveness and new beginnings, with people throwing colourful powders and enjoying live stage entertainment.
Lead organiser Keshava Jenkins said the event was “drug free, alcohol free, meat free, and anger free”, while people celebrated the oneness of the human spirit.
“It’s a family and cultural event and we try to run it every year. This is the first time we’re doing it at Ocean Grove Park,” he said.
“In the northern hemisphere, which is where
it(thefestival)originated,theydoitatthistime of year because it represents the blooming of spring.
“But down here in the southern hemisphere, it’sthebloomingofautumnratherthanspring, so it just means the change of seasons and colours.
“It’s basically to bring the community together and create good vibes, because the world is a little bit dismal, and people just need anexcusetogettogetherandhaveagoodtime.”
Face painting, fortune telling, jumping castles,andkids’activitieswillalsobeavailable during the festival.
Mr Jenkins said everyone was welcome to bring their smiles, an open heart, and a white shirt (for best results) to the event.
Jena Carr
Exciting times for foundation
Local community organisation the Give Where You Live Foundation has had a big February, welcoming a new boss and hosting a hugely successful fundraising event.
Zac Lewis had commenced his role as new chief executive, while earlier in the month the foundation raised more than $106,000 to support food security, homelessness and employment at its annual Golf Classic at Curlewis.
Mr Lewis’s previous role was as chief of Western Chances, which helps young people overcome barriers to success through education, and also worked at FoodbankVictoriaasFoodProgramand Partnerships manager.
Mr Lewis said he was looking forward to working with the organisation’s partners and the wider community to create lasting change.
“In my first week as CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation, it was wonderful to take part in the e&s Golf Classic and witness the generosity of the Geelong business community firsthand,” Mr Lewis said. “The foundation has such an incredible history, over 70 years of working towards a fairer Geelong.
“It’s an honour to be part of that legacy and step into this role and continue the foundation’s important work in supporting the people of Geelong.
“What I love most about working in the community is the opportunity to see social challenges firsthand, bring passionate people together around a common purpose, and drive meaningful impact.”
The Festival of Colours is a day where coloured powder is thrown over friends and family. (Supplied)
Reserve is ready for play
Greater Geelong’s Anakie Reserve is now ready for competitions with a new netball court and upgraded facilities.
The more than $506,000 project featured anextranetballcourtwithlighting,drainage, line marking, a players’ shelter and fencing.
State Member for Lara Ella George said the Anakie Football and Netball Club could provide more court time for its players thanks to the project.
“Netball at the Anakie Roos is thriving and will continue to go from strength to strength with these new facilities,” she said.
“The new netball court, lighting and other facilities will mean more netballers can get out and enjoy the sport they love.
“I’m proud to be a member of a state government that invests in world class community facilities like these at Anakie Reserve.”
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the project helped secure the future of sport in Anakie.
“Thankstothisproject,theAnakieFootball and Netball Club will better support the next generation of avid netballers and boost participation amongst the community,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see work complete on the new netball court at Anakie, sport is the heartbeat of every community, which is why we are ensuring that local facilities are fit for purpose.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles said the program was supported by $267,000 through the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The state government also provided over $197,000, and the City of Greater Geelong contributed over $41,000 to the project.
“I’m so pleased that these new facilities at Anakie will enable to club to continue to grow into the future, and importantly,
give netball the safe and proper facilities to support women and girls in sport,” Mr Marles said.
Giving Day for children
Cottage by the Sea’s annual Giving Day is nearly here, with the children’s charity matching and doubling every dollar donated for one day only.
ThedaywillbeheldonTuesday,March 4, from 9am to 9pm to fundraise for the charity’sprogramstohelpgivechildrena break from the hard times in their lives.
Chief executive Adam Wake said that “last year’s Giving Day was a huge success”, with all funds raised from the event helping create fun opportunities for children and young people.
“More than 1,700 children benefited from Cottage by the Sea in the 2023/24 financial year through life-changing experiences by the sea and adventures in nature,” he said.
“Our young people are finding it tough. We are experiencing a shift in how children present at Cottage, with a definite increase in those who need additional support.
“Thisyear,our135thyearofoperation, it is crucial that we reach as many children as we can on our programs, but weneedthegenerosityofourcommunity to make it possible.”
Cottage by the Sea was established in 1890 to enhance children’s lives by providing inspiration, fun, and opportunities within a seaside environment.
Visit cottagebythesea.com.au/ giving-day-2025 for more information about Cottage by the Sea’s Giving Day or to donate.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Member for Lara Ella George with City of Greater Geelong councillors Chris Burson and Anthony Aitken, along with Anakie Football and Netball Club representatives and players. (Supplied)
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.
ToreadmoreabouthowIcansupportyou, pleasescantheQRCodeorcontactmyoffice.
Strengthening Medicare
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.
Large stockpiles equal large fines
A Moolap recycling company has been fined after failing to notify the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) when stockpiles of soft plastic waste exceeded size limits.
G.T. Plastic Recyclers was fined $10,000 for breaching the conditions of a permit from EPA Victoria after officers found stockpiles of soft plastics up to four meters high during an unannounced inspection.
EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-RoseLoughnanesaidremedialnotices wereissuedimmediatelyasthewastepileswere too high and close together, increasing the risk and severity of a fire.
“Aerial photography showed us the large stockpilesofcombustiblewastedidnotcomply with the EPA guidelines that are designed to minimise the risk of fire,” she said.
“The message for other waste and recycling
businesses is that they must comply with their EPA permission conditions to avoid a fine or prosecution.
“The company’s failure to report the non-compliance to EPA was another breach of the permit conditions and demonstrates poor risk management practices that can lead to an uncontrollable fire.”
Ms Loughnane said a registration, permit, or license was an authorisation for business activity, and a clear set of conditions must be met.
“These conditions are designed to manage to risk of a fire that can be disastrous for human health and the environment,” she said.
“EPA officers conducting proactive fire prevention work are still finding unacceptable fire risks in the waste and recycling industry, and G.T. Recyclers is just another example.”
Putting artists on the map
The Surf Coast Arts Trail will return this August for its 15th, with artist registrations now open to put artists on the map.
The trail will run from August 2 to 3 to feature works from hundreds of artists across many mediums, with artist registrations open until March 30.
DeputymayorLibbyStapletonsaidlastyear’s trailfeaturedworksfrommorethan200artists and showcased the artistic talents of the Surf Coast Shire.
“From our beautiful hinterland areas to the coast, we have so much creative talent to share, and the trail provides such an important boost for our creative economy,” she said.
“The wonderful diversity of mediums and works on show is one of the elements that makes our Surf Coast Arts Trail such a special experience for the thousands of patrons each year.”
The 2025 trail will be Torquay artist Erin Reinboth’s third year being a part of, and she saidthatartistsacrosstheregionshouldjoinin to show their works and craft.
“The arts trail is amazing; I can’t even think of another word. Just to celebrate art like that and be around community, that’s what I’m all about,” she said.
“You meet your customers, aspiring artists, other local artists, and kids. It’s just beautiful and it showcases all this beautiful art we have to offer down here that a lot of people don’t know about.
“I’ve always been really interested in abstract because for me it’s truly about the process of painting and not necessarily the end result. My art, and the way I paint, it really is raw and really is me on a canvas.”
Artistscanfindmoreinformationorregister forthetrailattheSurfCoastArtsTrailwebsite.
Torquay artist Erin Reinboth will participate in the Surf Coast Arts Trail for her third year.
(Bobby Dazzler Photography)
Blasting horns for kids’ cancer
Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong will celebrate its 10th anniversary of helping kids facing cancer at Beckley Park from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Sunday, February 23. Ahead of the annual fundraiser, Jena Carr speaks with former Camp Quality kid Hayley Rabbas about her journey with cancer.
What Hayley Rabbas went through at 10 years old is something that most people could not imagine.
It was just before her 10th birthday when the now 20-year-old from Lara was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, which is a fast-growing cancerous brain tumour that starts near the brainstem in the cerebellum.
“I was just throwing up and throwing up and throwing up, until I pretty much had nothing else to throw up. That’s when my parents thought that I better go to the hospital and get an MRI,” Hayley said.
“The week before that, though, I started to feel a bit off, and doctors treated it as an ear infection at first, but it was cancer.
“I was just like, ‘geez, this is going to be a story to tell’. I reckon it was more challenging for my mum and dad because I didn’t know what was going on then, so it was definitely harder for them.
“They tried to dig their worry down deep and put a smile on their face every time. So, for about a year I did about six weeks of radiation and then I was in and out doing weeks of chemo at a time.”
‘‘ Seeing hundreds of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud to be part of an event that makes an incredible difference ’’ - Hayley Rabbas
Following her diagnosis, Hayley spent most of the next year undergoing treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne before being declared cancer-free.
“As soon as I got diagnosed, in March the following year I got the all clear and I’ve been clear of cancer ever since, besides just a few side effects,” she said.
“I have Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder), which affects my thyroid, so that’s what I’m going through at the moment, but other than that, I’m all good.
“Cancer is not something that I go around telling everyone, so people just see me as a normal person until they ask. I’ve been through more than what most people have through their life.
“Staying positive is the best thing you can do, and my mum and dad, every time in hospital, we played card games... It’s just finding the little things that make you happy at that time.
“We studied all the rules of card games while I was undergoing treatment,sothatwasprettyfunny because we called each other out whensomethingwasn’tdoneright, and Uno was the main one.”
During her cancer journey, Hayley and her family found comfort and support through the registered charity Camp Quality, which looks to bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer.
Hayley said she had attended every Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong fundraiser since she was diagnosed 10 years ago.
“When I was diagnosed about 10 years ago, Camp Quality involved us in family fun days and the camps. So, when I wasn’t as sick, I went on these camps with my siblings,” she said.
“During the family days, we met new families and everything like that, so it was really good... and then you’d have Camp
Quality puppets come in to see you while in hospital, which was pretty funny.
“You would be there watching TV, and then you would see a puppet around the corner... So, Camp Quality has just been there and helped keep my parents sane.
“I love attending the Geelong Convoys to see the trucks driving past and hear their horns. Unfortunately, Mum and Dad are away thisyear,soDadcan’tdrivehistruck...butI’m trying to jump in a friend’s truck.
“I’m planning to get into airbrushing and pinstriping, but otherwise I’m going to go in the animal field after my apprenticeship. I’m
a spray painter apprentice now and I just finished spraying some cars. So, nothing can keep me down.”
Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong will bring together more than 250 trucks for a 43km journey through Lara, Corio, Waurn Ponds and Geelong, starting and finishing at Beckley Park for its 10th year.
Joff van Ek was part of the original team that helped bring Convoy Geelong to life and said he “never imagined” that Convoy Geelong would “grow into what it is today” after being launched 10 years ago.
“As a kid, I loved watching convoys with my dad, and when I lost a close friend to cancer as a teenager, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to support organisations like Camp Quality,” he said.
“Seeing hundreds of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud to be part of an event that makes an incredible difference for kids and families in need.”
One of the families attending this year’s free convoy is six-year-old Penny and her father Martin.
After being diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow) at age two, Penny went through nearly two years of treatment while facing severe side effects, including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
Penny has been part of Camp Quality since 2021 and is now in Year 1 of school. She will join her dad in supporting a cause that meant so much to them.
Camp Quality chief executive Deborah Thomas said Convoy Geelong united the trucking and transport industry with the broader community to help make a difference for kids facing cancer.
“We cannot do what we do to support Australian children and their families during their darkest days without the generous support of the community,” she said.
“Every year we see more and more families register for our services and we strive to provide support for them from diagnosis through to remission, as well as in the tragic case of bereavement.”
Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong has raised more than $177,000 as of 5pm on Wednesday, January 19, with people able to make donations on fundraise.campquality.org.au/ convoy/geelong
Hayley Rabbas with her dad’s truck which has previously driven in Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 460035
Hayley Rabbas was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma just before her 10th birthday.
Focus on Education
A dynamic, high-quality government school for your child
Parents and guardians, you are invited to discover a dynamic, high-quality government school for your child at our upcoming Open Night.
Visit North Geelong Secondary College’s Open Night on Thursday March 6 and hear details of our specialist programs and innovative learning opportunities.
Why should I consider North Geelong Secondary College for my child?
NGSC is a creative, caring and diverse college, where young people grow into autonomous learners by engaging with our imaginative and intellectually rigorous programs.
Ourcommunityisafriendlyandsupportive environment, underpinned by the values of Respect, Excellence, Achievement and Diversity.
The school places high expectations on student behaviour and academic endeavour, as evidenced by outstanding results and outcomes.
What facilities does the College have?
Our students are privileged to enjoy:
• Learning areas equipped with the latest ICT facilities.
• An extensive, well-resourced, library
• Plentiful, state of the art sporting facilities
• A creative art and technology complex which caters for food technology, studio art, ceramics, woodwork and performing arts.
What type of extracurricular activities does the college offer?
Students are encouraged to engage in a myriad of extracurricular activities, including Human Powered Vehicle, Debating, Student Representative Council and lunchtime clubs, such as chess club, cultural appreciation club, dungeons and dragons and Japanese club, as well as the many sporting teams to join.
My Grade 6 student is anxious about starting high school, how does NGSC make it easy for students?
The transition from primary to secondary school is seamless for our year 7 students.
In grade 6 all students are invited to the College early in the year for a ‘taste’ of secondary school and then later in the year there is a specialised two day program that allows students to develop new friendships and familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
Students start the secondary school year with confidence.
What excellence and support programs are available at NGSC?
NGSC is proud to offer a number of excellence programs:
• The Scholarship Program,
• Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program,
• Strive Program,
• Strive to Achieve Results (STAR),
• Achieving Core Education (ACE) Programs and
• Excellence in Sport Program.
The Scholarship program promotes and recognises outstanding commitment by school students who have displayed a strong involvement in their school community. Scholarships are available in the following areas: Academic Excellence, Student Leadership, Community, Sporting Excellence and The Arts.
The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, provides a focussed educational environment for academically oriented students. SEAL classes incorporate a fast-paced curriculum, with less repetition than mainstream classes.
Strive - is a supplementary program that is based around fostering research skills, academic writing, and grounded in inquiry
based learning. The program prepares students for the rigours of senior secondary, tertiary education and learning beyond the classroom.
Strive to Achieve Results (STAR) is an innovative Literacy and Numeracy program unique to our college. This program identifies students who have the potential to become our future ‘stars’ and achieve outstanding results in Years 7 to 9.
The Achieving Core Education (ACE) program aims to improve the numeracy and literacy development of students who are performing below the expected level.
The Excellence in Sport (EIS) Program develops students’ sport specific skills, knowledge and practical application in their chosen sports of Australian Rules football, soccer or volleyball.
Your children are welcome at Open Night and there will even be special activities and ‘scavenger hunts’ for children to take part in.
To find out more and to register for the upcoming Open Night on Thursday March 6 at 6pm, visit ngsc.vic.edu.au
Focus on Education
GBC is passionate about inspiring a love for learning
Geelong Baptist College (GBC) is a unique independent college with an open enrolment policy.
Families are invited to meet the principals and tour the grounds year-round. Enrolments for the 2025 academic year are well underway and we invite students to join a vibrant community that is committed to academic excellence, personal development and spiritual growth. GBC offers classes from Foundation to Year 12.
Established in 2002, GBC is a young and vibrant school, located in a lovely semi-rural setting, only 10km from the centre of Geelong. The school has six college buses, which service most of Geelong and surrounding areas like Point Cook. The school is established on Christian values and consists of a small, close-knit community where parents, students and teachers work together assisting students to pursue academic excellence.
GBC’s dedicated team of educators are passionate about inspiring a love for learning and equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. With small class sizes and personalised attention, they create an atmosphere where students feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
From the classroom to the sports field, from the stage to community service projects, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, challenge themselves, and make a positive impact in the world around them.
GBC also offers a semester-long program which caters to the needs of Year 9 students in developing their whole person. In the first
term, the focus of the program is to ‘unpack’ who they are as individuals discussing topics such as trust, personality types, resilience and growth mindset, team building, healthy relationships, values, purpose and destiny, self-esteem, goal setting and physical challenges.
In the second term, the program focuses on ‘Making a Difference’ where students are challenged to make a difference in their local community. The topics covered during this experience are community, creative thinking, being an Entrepreneur and the ‘Docs and Teens’ program. Students attend camps, and partake in entrepreneurial projects along with a myriad of physical activities.
Whether you’re entering primary school, transitioning to secondary education, or seeking a supportive environment for your senior years, Geelong Baptist College offers a range of programs tailored to meet the needs of students at every stage of their educational journey. We invite families to discover the difference a Geelong Baptist College education can make in the lives of their children.
Here at GBC, we believe that every child deserves a quality education that will help them achieve their true potential. Come and discover the difference a GBC education can make!
Established in 2002, GBC is a young and vibrant school, located in a lovely semi-rural setting, only 10km from the centre of Geelong. (Pictures: Supplied)
The Guide
SOCCER: A-LEAGUE
10 Bold, Saturday, 7.25pm
Finals are still a little way off, but there’s everything to play for in the final Melbourne derby of the 202425 season, with both teams currently caught in the middle of the table and hungry for the three points. After Victory clinched the first clash 3-1 and a 65th-minute equaliser from skipper Roderick Miranda prevented City from celebrating in Round 9, this third showdown live from a packed-out AAMI Park promises to be a season-defining match. City’s had a shocking away record of late, but their home showings have been strong in 2025 – captain Aziz Behich (pictured) will be hoping that the home ground advantage applies despite technically being the “away” side tonight.
Friday, February 21
MATLOCK
10, Sunday, 8.30pm
This week, Matlockdraws inspiration from the excellent Netflix comedy AManontheInside, which sees Ted Danson go undercover as a private eye in an aged care home. While not going to the same lengths in the name of espionage, “Crash Helmets On” sees legal eagles Matty (Kathy Bates) and Sarah (Leah Lewis, pictured) bond after posing as family members to gather intel about the goings on at Tranquil Pines, an assisted living facility being defended against claims of negligence by the Jacobson-Moore team. But when Sarah opens up about her childhood and real-life grandmother, Matty once again risks getting too close to a colleague and endangering her secret sabotage mission.
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30
Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.05 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)
3.00 Nigella Bites. (R)
3.25 Grand Designs. (R)
4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
PICK OF THE WEEK
SUITS L.A.
Seven, Monday, 9.10pm
It’s a story every TV producer dreams of: four years after legal drama Suitscalled it quits in 2019, the series became the most-streamed show of 2023 (even beating Bluey). Whatever the reason for its belated surge in popularity (though razorsharp writing, racy office romances and curiosity about Meghan Markle’s acting talents come to mind), creator Aaron Korsh can only hope lightning strikes twice with this West Coast spin-off. It follows former New York federal prosecutor Ted Black (Arrow’s Stephen Amell), whose fresh start as an entertainment lawyer isn’t going to plan – his Black Lane firm is in dire straits and he’s not at all keen on the only way to save it from ruin.
NCIS
10, Tuesday, 9pm
Along with fast-paced investigations, intriguing cases and snappy dialogue, one of the joys in watching this long-running naval crime procedural lies in teasing out the details of its character’s personal lives. While Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole, pictured) isn’t quite as mysterious as his predecessor Gibbs (Mark Harmon), we still don’t know much about the team leader when he’s not on the clock. However, Tuesday’s episode makes one thing crystal clear about Parker: his penchant for pastries. Directed by Rocky Carroll, who (fittingly) plays Director Vance, “Baker’s Man” sees Eleni (CSI:NYstar Melina Kanakaredes), the owner of Parker’s favourite bakery, targeted by blackmailers.
SEVEN (6, 7)
5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. (PG, R) 10.00 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (Final, R) 11.00 Georgia From Above. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGav, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of Royal Gardens. (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 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. Monty Don travels across the north of Spain.
8.30 Silent Witness. (Final, Ma) Nikki and the team are called to Kings Cross station museum, after eight bodies are found entombed below.
10.15 Optics. (Mls, R)
10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (R)
1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Programs. 4.50pm Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Pfffirates. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Fireman
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy: God’s Apology. (Premiere, Ml) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Mighty Machines. (R) A look at mighty machines. 9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead: Zoroastrians, Mongolia, The Bo. A look at a well filled with bones.
10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Bonn. (Msv) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+s, R) 2.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 3.30 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Adam Dovile travels in Canada. 8.30 MOVIE: The Greatest Showman. (2017, PGa, R) After meeting a wealthy playwright, entrepreneur PT Barnum sets out to create a wax museum and circus. Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron.
10.40 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.10 To Be Advised.
12.50 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31)
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The 13th Summer. (2022, Mlv, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG, R) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: The New Wild. (PG) Looks at how mammals must adapt.
8.40 MOVIE: The Hitman’s Bodyguard. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A bodyguard must protect the life of a hit man who is set to testify at the International Criminal Court. Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson.
11.05 MOVIE: No Sudden Move. (2021, MA15+lv) Don Cheadle.
1.00 Getaway. (PG, 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 Postcards. (PG, R)
5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 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 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family.
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 Wheel Of Fortune UK. Game show. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by actors Julianne Moore and Paapa Essiedu, comedian Ricky Gervais and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Singer Olivia Dean performs her single Dive 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15
10 PEACH (52, 11)
Back in business: Stephen Amell leads SuitsL.A. as entertainment lawyer Ted Black.
Saturday, February 22
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 1.30 Optics. (Mls, R) 2.00 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (PGl, R) 2.55 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.45 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Australian Story: Heartfelt –Colin Clausen And Laura Aisbett. (R) Presented by Leigh Sales.
6.30 Back Roads: Kangaroo Island, South Australia. (PG, R) Paul West visits Kangaroo Island. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team rallies round Selwyn.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) When the badly beaten body of a homeless veteran is found on the streets of central Newcastle, DCI Vera Stanhope must piece together the life of a forgotten man to get to the cause of his death.
10.05 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) Dale hosts a lavish birthday party.
10.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The victim’s past comes to light.
11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Love Your Home And Garden. (PGa, R) 10.00 The World From Above. (R) 11.05 Ageless Gardens. (Md, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU European Championships. Highlights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.35 Wonders Of Scotland. (PGa, R) 5.30 The Graveyard Of Truk Lagoon.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. Sandi Toksvig asks for help managing the woods.
8.25 Scotland The New Wild: Lowlands. (PG) Explores Scotland’s Lowlands, home to more than 80 per cent of the country’s population. 9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Main Yarra Trail. (PG, R) Julia Zemiro heads to the Yarra River. 10.20 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Dunbar To Edinburgh. (PGa, R)
11.30 Home Jacking. (MA15+av) 1.15 The Man Who Died. (Mals, R) 3.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.55 Employable Me (USA) (Mal, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Silver Slipper Stakes Day and Caulfield Blue Diamond. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (R) A musician has a run-in with Immigration.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Pre-race and race. 9.15 MOVIE: The Bourne Ultimatum. (2007, Mv, R) Lured out of hiding by a reporter researching a story connected to his past, a former secret agent is once again hunted by the agency that created him to prevent him exposing their secrets. Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn. 11.35 Motorway Patrol. (PGa, R)
A 12-year-old is caught driving. 12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Highlights. 1.05 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
7TWO (62,
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (PG) 12.30 My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Your Next Cruise. 2.00 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.10 MOVIE: City Slickers. (1991, PGlsv, R) Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby. 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) A senior snaggletooth may have found the perfect retirement home with an expat professional. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter help Australians renovate or find a new home. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) A diverse range of people open their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which capture every unpredictable moment. 9.30 Matlock. (PGl, R) Matty helps Olympia with her cousin’s wrongful dismissal case. 10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) A man is crushed by a crane. 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Paramedics deal with a hit-and-run accident. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up. 11.35 Fashionista. 11.45 MOVIE: Sione’s Wedding. (2006, M) 1.30pm
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) The team helps a mother and daughter declutter.
8.30 MOVIE: A Star Is Born. (2018, Madls, R) A musician helps a young singer find fame as his own career spirals downward. Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott.
11.15 My Life As A Rolling Stone: Charlie Watts. (Mad, R) Takes a look at Charlie Watts.
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 Let’s Eat With George. (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, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. (Return) 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm The Nanny. 1.00
6am The Last Wave. Continued. (1977, PG) 7.15 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 9.15 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PG) 11.20 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 12.55pm Blue Jean. (2022, M) 2.45 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 4.50 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 6.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 8.35 L.A. Confidential. (1997, MA15+) 11.00 Getaway Of Love. (2015, MA15+, Italian) 12.40am Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Great Blue Wild. 2.20 Nula. 2.50 The Panther Within. 3.50 First People’s Kitchen. 4.20 Haka Warriors 2023. 4.30 Strait To The Plate. 5.05 Spirit Talker. 5.35 The Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 6.00 Black As. 6.05 Carpool Koorioke. 6.20 News. 6.35 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Housebound. (2014, MA15+) 10.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 11.55 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm
9GO! (82, 93)
Sunday, February 23
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. (Final, R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGn, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.05 This Is Going To Be Big. (PG, R)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG) The pups must become working dogs.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Mal) Rob makes a controversial comment on air when discussing apartheid sports boycotts.
9.25 Love Me. (Ml) As Glen, Clara and Aaron’s relationships struggle under pressure, they each find themselves alone again.
10.20 MOVIE: Sunday Too Far Away. (1975, Mlv, R) Jack Thompson.
11.50 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+as, R)
12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Powerchair Football. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 1. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU European Championships. Highlights. 4.30 Beyond The Pitch. (R) 4.40 Sensei: Australia’s Karate Master. (PG, R) 5.30 The Master Of Submarines.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Ancient Greece By Train: Thessaloniki To Delphi. (Premiere) 8.25 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Premiere) Looks at Livia Drusilla. 9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Akhenaton, The Enigma. (Ma, R) Takes a look at Akhenaton. 10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers. (R) 11.15 Death Of An Icon: Marilyn Monroe. (Mads, R) 12.15 Nadia: A Stolen Life. (Malv, R) 1.50 Love Your Garden. (R) 2.40 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.30 Sing St Patrick. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
WorldWatch.
(6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Qualifying and support races. From Sydney Motorsport Park. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Pre-race and race.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 The Hunters: Beaumont Children Mystery. (Mav) Takes a minute-by-minute look of the day that the three Beaumont siblings disappeared in January, 1966.
10.10 Murder In The Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery. (Mdlv, R) Takes a look at the murder of Peter Falconio. 12.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 2. Highlights. 1.10 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
2.30 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 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. 9.15 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Front Up. 11.10 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. NHK Trophy. H’lights. 1.20pm Fashionista. 1.30 Jeopardy! 3.35 WorldWatch. 4.05 PBS Washington Week. 4.30 Queer Sports. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Surfing Australia TV. 10.30 For The
Of
(PGm, R) 11.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PGa, R) 12.40 To Be Advised. 1.40 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 2.40 MOVIE: Me
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) The next commitment ceremony takes place.
8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.30 9News Late.
10.00 See No Evil: Austin Serial Bomber. (MA15+av) Police hunt down a serial bomber.
11.00 The First 48: Snatched. (MA15+v)
11.50 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PGa, R) 12.50 Destination WA. (R) 1.20 Talking Honey. (PGa) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Surfing Australia TV. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Extreme Railways. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Getaway. 10.30 Explore. 10.40 Skippy. 11.10 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.30pm MOVIE: Rich And Strange. (1931, PG) 2.15 MOVIE: The Scarlet Blade. (1963, PG) 4.00 MOVIE: The Bridge At Remagen. (1969, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Rambo 3. (1988, M) 10.30 The Closer. 11.30 Late Programs. 9GEM (81, 92)
6am Children’s Programs. 1pm MOVIE: Mr. Peabody & Sherman. (2014, PG) 2.45 Children’s Programs. 3.00 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Basketball. WNBL Playoffs. Second semi-final series. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Batman Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016, M) 10.35 Gotham. 12.35am Arrow. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 Australian Survivor. (PGa) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor. 8.30 Matlock. (PGals) Matty and Sarah pose as family to gather information at a senior living facility facing a wrongful death suit.
Monday, February 24
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 Creative
Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00
Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mals, R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (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. Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.
9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.
9.35 Q+A. (Return) Presented by Patricia Karvelas.
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 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. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 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. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGav, R) 3.00 Shepherdess. (PGl, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of Royal Gardens. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Sicily With Michael Portillo. (Premiere, PG) Michael Portillo journeys to the island of Sicily.
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve: Kalahari. (PG) Simon Reeve travels across the Kalahari in southern Africa, one of the last great unspoiled African wildernesses.
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport: Maintenance. (PGa, R) A look at Sydney Airport’s operations.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Wisting. (Malv)
12.45 A French Case. (Mas, R)
2.45 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (MA15+a, R)
3.40 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (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’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Theo ignores Justin’s advice.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) As the top 30 continues, the contestants strive to avoid elimination and earn a place in the live shows.
9.10 Suits L.A. (Premiere, M) A former New York prosecutor opens a Los Angeles law firm that specialises in criminal and entertainment law.
10.10 St. Denis Medical. (M) Joyce is smitten by a burly prison guard.
11.10 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGas) George gets distracted at work.
12.10 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) Coach Taylor has a meeting with TMU.
2.00 To Be Advised.
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)
When the couples’ family and friends get together, it tests relationships to the limit.
9.00 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Stolen Lives. (M) Looks at how Detective Dennis Bray solved one of Australia’s most notorious kidnapping.
10.10 To Be Advised.
11.10 9News Late.
11.40 First On Scene. (Mv, R)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Kung Fu Yoga. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.00 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 9.10 Basmati Blues. (2017, PG) 11.10 Baby Done. (2020, M) 12.50pm Hidden Away. (2020, M, Italian) 3.00 Tourism. (2017) 4.25 Whisky Galore. (2016,
Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. H’lights. Replay. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. H’lights. Replay. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Late Programs.
Tuesday, February 25
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Who Do You Think You Are? Heather Ewart. (PGa, R) Heather Ewart explores her roots. 8.35 Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive. Looks at the comeback journey of 79-year-old artist Gloria Gaynor as she works on a passion gospel project.
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Prisoner. (MA15+av) The clean-up campaign begins.
12.10 Fargo. (Malv, R) 1.55 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
3.00 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R)
(MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cash and Remi’s tension continues.
8.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
9.00 The Hunting Party. (M) The team searches for Dr Ezekiel Malak, a hospital psychiatrist turned deranged killer, who is prowling for new victims in Chicago.
10.00 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec enters the world of K-pop fandom when a superfan is murdered.
12.00 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) The semi-final has to be relocated.
2.00 To Be Advised.
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) Meet the family week continues. 9.00 Madam. (MA15+dls) Mack searches for a missing Tui. The Sweethearts deal with their synchronised menstrual cycles.
10.20 9News Late.
10.50 My Feet Are Killing Me. (Mm)
Dr Vincent faces an eight-hour surgery.
11.40 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Building Ideas. (PG) 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 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted
Wednesday, February 26
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Mals, R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (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 almost has the best day of his life. Meredith draws closer to Fritz’s secrets.
9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
9.45 Planet America. A look at American politics.
10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R)
11.20 Gold Diggers. (Mls, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Vienna: Empire, Dynasty And Dream. (PGas, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lord Lucan: Revelations. (M) Neil starts his own facial analyses.
8.35 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Premiere) A real-life trial, regarding the murder of a woman, is restaged in front of two juries of ordinary people. 9.30 Rogue Heroes. (Return) Mayne grapples with the death of his father, the capture of Stirling and trauma suffered from the war. 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) A property search ends disastrously. 12.05 My Brilliant Friend. (Mav, R) 3.25 Employable Me (UK) (Mals, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Thicker Than Water. (2019, Mav) Andrea Roth. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) John and Leah worry for Irene.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Ludwig. (Ma) A cryptic late night call from Holly sees Lucy lured into danger. Back at the station, all eyes are on John as the pressure ramps up.
9.45 How To Poison Your Husband. (M) Details the shocking true story of Heather Mook, a conwoman who was convicted of poisoning her husband. 11.15 Breathtaking. (Mal) The team deals with a COVID-19 wave.
12.15 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 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. (Mas) A dinner party takes place.
9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) 39-year-old Anna is determined to become a solo mum before it’s too late. Angie Kent reaches the most crucial stage of her IVF journey.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mam, R) Follows staff and patients at a hospital.
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Your Next Cruise. (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.
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 The Dog House Australia. (Return, a) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 Elsbeth. (Mv) After one of New York’s most sought-after plastic surgeons is found dead, Elsbeth has her eye on the victim’s former boss. 9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (PGav) When the fiancée of a naval officer seeks help from the NCIS, the team discovers his secrets go deeper than suspected. 10.25 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.50 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Hudson & Rex. 2.20 Cryptoland. 3.20 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Risky Business. (1983, M) 10.20 Shoresy. (Return) 1.20am Letterkenny. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am TBA. 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 Investigations. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
Programs. 5.35pm Fireman Sam. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 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 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Doctor Who. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 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 MOVIE: Rocky Balboa. (2006, M) 9.30 Boxing. Nowhere To Run. WBC International Bridgerweight Title Bout. Tyson Pedro v Taimoor Khan. 11.00 Seinfeld. 11.30 Late Programs. 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.
6am Morning Programs. 12.55pm Monochrome. 2.00 Kairakau. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Nanny Tuta. 3.10 Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. 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 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Great Australian Walks. 8.30 Island Echoes With Nornie Bero. 9.00 MOVIE: Monster’s Ball. (2001, MA15+) 10.55 Late Programs. NITV (34)
9GO! (82, 93) 6am A Handful Of Dust. Continued. (1988, PG) 8.05 Topkapi. (1964, PG) 10.15 Miss Marx. (2020, M) 12.15pm Shaft. (1971, M) 2.10 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 4.00 The Movie Show. 4.30 A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 6.50 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 8.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 10.55 A Most Wanted Man. (2014, M) 1.05am Joe. (2013, MA15+) 3.15 Late Programs.
Thursday, February 27
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
(8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) 2.00 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Final, Mal, R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.45 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. (PGl, R) 10.55 South Africa From Above. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Great Keppel, Queensland.
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul: Salzburg And Vienna. (PGn) Comedian Sue Perkins visits Salzburg. 9.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (Return, PG) The story of grandmother Kathleen Fraser Jackson. 10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.30 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mls, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots: Hold The Laughter. (PG) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG) Alan Cumming gets a taste of another luxurious journey that only happens twice every year.
9.30 Boiling Point. (Premiere) A head chef and her team juggle the challenges of running a new restaurant.
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Golden Boy. (Mlns) 11.55 Blackport. (MA15+s, R)
1.50 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
2.55 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (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’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit. (2024, Mav) Nikki Deloach. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Abigail is shaken by a lack of trust. Irene prepares for the next step. Rose drops a bombshell. 8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PGs, R) A young woman deals with a series of challenges threatening to derail the reopening of her family hotel, Bella Donna, while learning more about the free-spirited life of her late mother. Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) A traveling carnival comes to Holden.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
TEN (5,
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mas, R) 1.30 Mr Mayor. (PGs, 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 Drew Barrymore. (PGas) 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa,
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The travel guides head to Los Angeles.
9.00 MOVIE: The Hangover. (2009, MA15+lnsv, R) Three friends wake up after a buck’s night and realise the groom is missing. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis.
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 First On Scene. (MA15+a)
11.55 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.45 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)
A Current Affair. (R)
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 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Robert De Niro, Mikey Madison, Alan Carr and Brandi
Unforgettable journey to stunning destinations
IF it’s time to embark on an unforgettable journey to a myriad of destinations where each day unveils nature’s wonders and with itineraries shaped by the elements, then its time to explore a Viking cruise.
If water is a love language, then Viking have some of the most glorious lagoons and hot spring adventures to tick off the bucket list.
The famous cruise line’s wellness-focused shore excursions are highly sought after by travellers who want a little more from their holiday.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland with impressive natural wonders including the famed Golden Circle waterfall, rugged canyons and geothermal features including the Blue Lagoon.
Soak in the mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s fabled Blue Lagoon, said to be the nation’s health and beauty secret. Meet a guide for a drive through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, home of this famous geothermal pool
Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. The breathtaking natural sites are in abundance, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to blue thermal springs. Relax in the warmth of a rejuvenating oceanside geothermal lagoon during a visit to the Sky Lagoon. Unwind as and enjoy breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean through the largest single window in Iceland.
There will be free time to explore the spa at leisure, or choose to partake in the ‘Ritual’; a unique seven-step experience. Start with an immune system-stimulating dip in the cold plunge, then visit the sauna, letting the heat open pores, remove toxins and cleanse the skin. Slowly stroll through the cold fog-mist space, balancing out the heat of the sauna breathing deeply and refreshing the senses. Then, apply the lagoon’s signature body scrub to exfoliate the skin before entering the steam saunatomaximizeitshealingbenefits.Closing eyes and enjoying the moment of tranquillity. After, feeling renewed and relaxed, passengers return to the ship.
When in Budapest it is time to soak up the restorative powers of thermal baths and join locals in a centuries-old tradition. Ancient
Romans discovered the benefits of bathing in the thermal waters that flow through Budapest.
Accompany a guide to one of the city’s historic baths, immersing in the therapeutic waters that have flowed here for centuries.
During the visit, mingle with the locals taking a soak or observe some bathers as they pass the time with a game of chess in the pool. So reveredhavethesewatersbeenthatmanyhave been sheltered within facilities that exude a temple-like aura.
For those yearning to travel this October, then it’s time to unravel the mysteries of one of the most captivating corners of Asia with the Hong Kong to Tokyo cruise.
Mingle with merchants at Hong Kong’s famed Stanley Market. Learn the nuances of Taiwan from a local. Hear about the recovery
of Nagasaki and Hiroshima from residents, connect to their rebirths. And make sense of the dazzling cultures of Shimizu and Tokyo with the help of those who live there.
Overnight stays in four ports allow passengers to delve deeply.
Immerse in one of Japan’s most cherished rituals, bathing in a hot spring. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the Aqua Garden, set in the hills above Beppu. Here, 11 onsens, or open-air pools, invite a relaxing dip in the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters.
There are also sauna with a variety of salt scrubs to massage away any aches and leave feeling refreshed and invigorated.
For an authentic Japanese bathing experience, soak in the Tanayu spring pool where a guide will explain the culture and
etiquette behind the tradition. Afterward, travel to Umi Jigoku, one of Beppu’s ‘Boiling Hells’. Marvel at its boiling turquoise waters and enchanting, otherworldly aura. Viking state-of-the-art ships turn every room into a panoramic gallery, offering incredible views with floor-to-ceiling windows inspired by Norway’s bird hides. Whether indoors or outdoors, be immersed in extraordinary views in absolute comfort while exploring the Viking way.
JoinVikingforatrulyimmersiveexperience that bringing passengers closer to nature and all her splendour and where prices cover everything guests needs, and nothing they do not.
To learn more about the many Viking adventures that await, please visit viking.com or phone 138 747.
Soak in the mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s fabled Blue Lagoon.
LEE MCCARTHY
Immerse in one of Japan’s most cherished rituals, bathing in a hot spring.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland with impressive natural wonders.
A joy for the spirit and the mind
CONSIDER the joy of taking a journey to engage your mind and delight your spirit where you return home from your dream holiday in better shade physically and mentally than when you left.
This is not only possible but by indulging in the centuries-old Nordic bathing ritual of hot and cold therapy during your voyage you will be booking your next vacation before you leave the ship.
Following Nordic tradition, Viking’s onboard Badestamp, a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, is perfect for relaxing afteradayofexploration.Trythelongstanding Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when bathing to relax and rejuvenate.
Or spend time discovering the benefits of utilising the world’s first snow grotto at sea aboard all Viking cruise ships.
As Steve McKenna discovered on his fifteen-day voyage on Viking Jupiter from Barcelona to Copenhagen, the snow grotto is among the most irresistible features of the Viking Cruise Line.
“The key to the Nordic bathing ritual, we’re told by the spa’s therapists, is not necessarily how long you spend in each place, but how often you repeat the process. Warming the body opens the pores; the cold rinses the toxins and closes pores,” he said.
“The spa area has other wellness diversions, including a free-to-use gym with weights and cardio machines, daily yoga and stretching classes and a hair salon offering everything from trims to Nordic scalp treatments.”
As spa designer Raison d’Etre explained these relaxation therapies are onboard to
help you rejuvenate the body and calm the mind enhancing your health and well-being, with the entire process designed to detoxify, energize, and restore balance.
“Connectivity to nature, a healthy lifestyle, beauty, and sound mindfulness are characteristics of the Nordic people. The LivNordic Spa pursues holistic wellbeing by drawing on the rich resource that Nordic culture–traditional and contemporary, has to offer.”
For the second consecutive year, Cruise Critic editors awarded Viking Best for Light Expedition and Best Spa.
“The LivNordic Spa is among the most
gorgeousandserenespaswe’veseenatsea.The spa, found aboard all of Viking’s oceangoing vessels,isinspiredbyNordictraditions,which offer a balance between hot and cold therapies that are said to stimulate the circulatory system,” Cruise Critic said
“The pretty thermal suite features a beautifully designed thalassotherapy pool with an adjacent hot tub. They’re backed by a fireplace, which uses flame-like water vapor and is the first we’ve seen in a cruise ship spa.”
“In keeping with hot and cold traditions, other features include warmed tile loungers, a rustic Norwegian-style shower that features a
bucket that dumps cold water on your head, a steamy sauna and a snow grotto.”
“Even better, whereas most cruise lines charge a premium for thermal spa time, Viking has bucked the trend, making access complimentary. Viking sets the bar sky-high for cruise ship spas.”
Viking thrives on being the number one destination focused and culturally enriching cruise line. Is it time for you to discover what makes Viking the world’s leading small ship cruise line?
Book your therapeutic cruise today by visiting www.viking.com or by phoning (AU) 138 747.
The Nordic Spa, found aboard all of Viking’s oceangoing vessels, is inspired by Nordic traditions, which offer a balance between hot and cold therapies.
LEE MCCARTHY
Utilise the well equipped fitness centre while on board a Viking cruise.
Relaxation therapies including the sauna are all onboard to help you rejuvenate the body and calm the mind.
If yoga is part of your fitness routine you can enjoy onboard.
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 19 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT 2025; APR-OCT 2026; 2027
From $13,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $19,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: APR-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $9,295pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
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.
PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa
11 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $7,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $9,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
BAMBERG, GERMANY
Your itinerary
China’s Ancient Treasures, Luxury East Asia Voyage & Cherry Blossom Discovery.
23 Nights | 22 February 2026 | Prices fr $8,899pp
Witness China’s Terracotta Army and the Great Wall, cruise the highlights of the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan on Holland America Line’s Westerdam, and experience Mount Fuji in bloom.
Be swept away in China’s extraordinary ancient past during this all-encompassing trip. Follow in the footsteps of emperors in Beijing’s Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and see the Great Wall of China. Meet Xi’an’s 8,000 terracotta warriors, every one unique.
Fly to Hong Kong for a one-night stay before embarking Holland America Line’s elegant Westerdam. Be awed by Boracay’s powdery white-sand beaches before exploring vibrant Manila. From port in Keelung, discover Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan. Witness the tranquil beauty of Japan’s Ishigaki Island ahead of Osaka, home to sacred shrines and sushi dens. Disembarking in Tokyo for a two-night hotel stay, you’ll experience a full-day Mount Fuji tour.
In Xi’an, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, witness the astounding 8,000 life-sized sculptures of the Terracotta Army. Discovered by sheer chance in 1974 when a group of farmers were digging a well, the soldiers form part of the necropolis built for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang in 210 BC.
Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
14 night full-board cruise on board Westerdam
Visiting: Hong Kong, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Manila, Kaohsiung, Keelung, Ishigaki Island, Naha, Osaka, Yokohama
Fully Escorted Tours
Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square; Great Wall of China and Summer Palace; fast Train to Xi’an; Terracotta Warriors; complimentary tour of Mount Fuji including the Hakone
Holland America Line’s Westerdam is a superb ship for those looking for a leisurely pace of life at sea, yet with interesting activities, modern innovations, high-quality dining options, and contemporary entertainment venues.
Ropeway cable car; complimentary boat trip across Lake Ashi and complimentary high-speed bullet train to Tokyo
Hotel Stays
Five-star hotel stays in Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong
Four-star hotel stay in Tokyo
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers Overnight flight
Ishigaki Island, Naha, Osaka, Yokohama, Tokyo
Sculpting sand to help the climate
It was a day of creativity, community, climate action and sandy masterpieces at Ocean Grove Main Beach on Sunday.
The ‘Protect What You Love’ Sand Sculpting Competition celebrated its second year on February 16 from 10am to noon.
Parents for Climate Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast volunteer organiser Laura Billings said the day was fun and “sparked some great conversations between everyone”.
“As an older person, it definitely takes you back to your years as a kid, so we all get to be kids again in the sand,” she said. “We had
families and kids of all ages participating, and everyonereallygotintoit.Wehadsomeunique and incredible creations come from the sand.
“The winds were pretty strong, but we still had a huge crowd of families turn up and compete. It was pretty exciting to see all the fun, laughs, conversations and the friendly competitions.”
Ms Billings said the day’s ‘Protect What You Love’ theme encouraged the community to have conversations about the environment and advocate for a safe climate.
“It’s fostering a love for our environment and
creatingastewardshipnotonlyinourselvesbut in our kids to really look after this incredible place we live in,” she said.
“As parents and families, our number one goal in life is to protect what we love, whether that’s our children and families or this incredible planet we call home.
“The process of people connecting to the sand and natural environment around them to create beautiful works of art while connecting to the land and nature, it’s so critical.”
Jena Carr
Call for art submissions
Submissions are now open for Geelong’s biggest art exhibition for people with disabilities.
The artX Regional 2025 exhibition, previously known as artX Geelong, will feature the most outstanding artwork produced by artists with disability or a history of mental illness from the Western District to the Mornington Peninsula.
The exhibition will be on show at Eastern Hub Community Centre’s Rachinger Gallery from Wednesday, April 2 until Thursday, April 24, with the official opening event on Thursday, April 3.
Competition organisers at locally based support services organisation genU said the 2025 event promised to be the largest in the event’s 17-year history.
“There will be a vibrant and diverse range of artwork for sale, as we anticipate at least 150 entries this year, so there will be something to suit everyone’s style,” genU chief executive Clare Amies said.
“Having an artX original in your office or home will enrich any space, create a positive talking point, and you’ll be supporting artists financially and creatively.
“We look forward to purchasing the winner’s artwork to add to our genU art Hall of Fame at our head office in Belmont.”
Each artist can submit up to three artworks. Submissions can be made at www.genu.org.au/artx-application and close Friday, March 21.
Aussie UK blues combo on fire
By Matt Hewson
The Bellarine will light up this March when UK saxophone phenom Tom Waters joins one of Australia’s premier guitarists, Geoff Achison.
Part of their 17-date Brush With the Blues tour of the east coast, the duo will be joined by Achison’s regular band the Algo-Rhythms - Rob Dabbs (bass), Dean Matters (drums) and Richard Tankard (keys) - at the Bellarine Estate on Saturday, March 8.
Achison needs no introduction for Australian blues lovers, having been a driving
force in the national blues and roots scene and electrifying listeners with his blistering guitar work for three decades.
But the tour will serve as the country’s introduction to Waters, who at 24 has already been lighting up the UK scene with his facility and unique voice on the saxophone.
Waters, son of renowned UK boogie-woogie pianist Ben Waters, may be young but he has already shared the stage with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jules Holland, George Thorogood and Chanel Haynes.
Achison said Waters had “the X factor” and had charmed audiences through the first week
World music extravaganza
The party continues after Pako Festa when La Descarga bring their Latin-Aussie tropical grooves to the Barwon Club this Sunday . The all-singing, all-dancing eight-piece bring their unique blend of Afro-Latin carnival vibes, electronica and broader world music flavours to Geelong as part of their Fiesta de Corazón Australia Tour.
Formed in 2010, La Descarga has been a pioneer of latin - particularly Colombianmusic in this country ever since.
BandfounderJorgeLeivasaidtheColombian cumbia genre of music and dance was one of the backbones of latin music that had evolved and influenced music worldwide.
“Colombian music is a really interesting mix of styles… it has the indigenous influence with the flutes and pipes, the Caribbean and African influence with the drums, jazz from American,
the Spanish dancing and dresses,” Leiva said.
“I grew up in the 80s in Colombia, and they were complicated times. But the music was always there, and it’s very upbeat, happy music that brings the spirit up.”
La Descarga’s shows are more than just music. The band brings the carnival vibe with costumes, dancing and plenty of crowd interaction.
“Visually it’s appealing, I think, because we dress up,we havea dancer who does traditional dances, we do conga lines, we organise limbo,” Leiva said. “For Geelong, it’s a family friendly event so we’ll bring all our dress-ups and traditional skirts and masks from Carnival. So people who like to participate can put on a skirt or sombrero and participate.”
La Descarga are at the Barwon Club at 4pm on Sunday, February 23.
of the tour.
“I think the thing every musician is going for, what we’re all striving to find, is that uniquely identifiable sound,” Achison said.
“When BB King comes on the radio, you don’t have to ask who it is; you instantly know.
And Tom has got this tone that he’s blasting through that horn… it’s so strong, just these beautiful round notes and cascading lines.
“Immediately as he starts playing, it’s like wow, this is exciting. This kid’s got something special, and I’m just loving seeing audiences react to his playing from his first solo in the first song of the set.”
The two met in 2019 when Waters and his father joined Achison on stage during his tour of the UK, and when Waters was setting up the Brush With the Blues tour Achison was first on his list.
“I never thought he’d say yes, but he did and it’s just been so much fun so far,” Waters said.
“Him having a bit more experience, he’s just so relaxed about everything. It’s so easy playing with him, there are very free guitarists who could come close to him, and the whole band are fantastic musicians.”
Tom Waters and Geoff Achison are at the Bellarine Estate on Saturday, March 8.
Latin-Aussie
band La Descarga bring their energetic show to Geelong. (Supplied)
Ian Zulic, a passionate sand sculptor, with his sand creation made during Sunday’s event.
(Ivan Kemp) 458651_01
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives
17 years ago
February 22, 2008
Two sharks at the top of the region’s gamefishing menu could end up on an internationallistofanimalsfacingextinction.
Reports this week said International Union fortheConservationofNature(IUCN)would list the short-fin mako and common thresher sharks as endangered in October. The reports saidthesharks’endangeredlistingscouldlead toworldwidefishingbans.
12 years ago
February 22, 2013
Hard rubbish collections would be a “financially unviable” failure in dealing with illegal dumping, according to a Geelong councillor.
Environment and sustainability portfolio holder Andy Richards said a “fullblown” collection across the municipality would cost “several million dollars” but residents would stillcontinuedumpingrubbish.
7 years ago
February 23, 2018
Lara MP John Eren has denied assaulting Labor factional boss Adem Somyurek amid allegations of a serious altercation on Wednesdaynight.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy grilled theTourismMinisterinParliamentyesterday, demanding he apologise to Mr Somyurek and parliamentary staff for his “appalling behaviour”.
2 years ago
February 24, 2023
Geelong residents indirectly ‘smoke’ 89 cigarettes a year through air pollution, a new studyhasfound.
The study, done by HouseFresh, reviewed dataonaveragePM2.5concentrationsincities worldwide from AQICN.org and converted it to the equivalent number of cigarettes passivelysmokedperyearintermsofnegative health effects using a formula from Berkeley Earth.
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
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 Linen fibre (4)
3 Huge statues (10)
10 Holiday spots (7)
11 1970s band, – Lake & Palmer (7)
12 Bluetooth (8)
13 Horse’s call (5)
14 Chinese currency (4)
15 Medications given to a patient (10)
18 Synthetic (10)
20 – and cons (4)
21 Plant secretion (5)
23 Manacles or fetters (8)
26 New (7)
27 Dismiss (7)
28 County town of Dorset (10)
29 Black mineral (4)
DOWN
1 Stronghold (4)
2 Attacker (9)
4 Related to childbirth (9)
5 Auguries (5)
6 Breastbone (7)
7 Japanese dish (5)
8 Combination into a whole (9)
9 Conifer, e.g. (4)
14 Not seasonal (4-5)
16 Mountain danger (9)
17 From Oslo, e.g. (9)
19 From Helsinki, e.g. (7)
22 Lecher (5)
23 Teams (5)
24 Smooch (4)
25 French for prize (4)
3 Which chemical element has the symbol Bi? 4 In which state or territory is Coffin Bay? 5 True or false: the giraffe is a ruminant?
8 Name the two countries located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.
No. 257
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.
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens
101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am. Fortnightly
CWA 1st and 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Monthly
Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.
Dianne, 5255 1372
Hamlyn Heights Probus
Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Road, Herne Hill.
Noel, 0425 706 339
Geelong Central Probus
Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.
geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus
Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.
Gary, 0407 320 735
Polish language for kids
Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.
Dorota, 5224 1105
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton.
Elma, 0411 065 524
Adfas Geelong
Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.
adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.
griddlepop@hotmail.com
Stamps
Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West and 1pm third Monday of the month at Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont.
Julie, 0438 270 549
Scrabble club
Christ Church hall, cornner Moorabool and McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.
Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282
Games
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.
Dinah, 0418 547 753
Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday February 22, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Charles. 0400 500 402
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Sing Australia Geelong Choir
Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.
Mary, 0419 278 456
Mindfulness & meditation
Wednesdays 11am at U3A Geelong, Thursdays 10am, U3A Torquay.
Jean, 5264 7484
Geelong Breakfast Lions
Morning club for those who want to help others, first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (formerly Karingal) in East Geelong. Dinner somewhere in Geelong each month to suit members.
ajd53m@yahoo.com
Ocean Grove Seniors
Play 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. Cost $20 annually and coffee included.
102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.
Lyn, 5256 2540
Scribes Writers Group
South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills.
geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388
Mr Perfect
Monthly free bbq for men of all ages to get together over a BBQ for a chat. Norlane Community Centre first Sunday each month except January, 10.30am-12.30pm.
0430 022 446, or michaeldg999@gmail.com
Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm.
Val, 5251 3529
Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged three to six years; 7-10 years; and 10+ years at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am.
Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea 0403-005 449
Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am.
Free one-month trial.
revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons
Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential.
zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au
Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net
Choir
St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays 7.458.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir.
Dr Terry Norman, 0411 875 033, or termernorman@gmail.com
Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate. Afternoon tea dance, Wednesdays 2pm-4pm. Teaching segment for a new dance 1.30-2pm 5278 9740, or geelongballroomdc.com.au
Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.
geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au
Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. 0420 910 763
Belmont Seniors
Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.
5241 1776
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and a chat at 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-3pm. Fortnightly lunch at various locations. Meetings second Monday of each month.
Gary, 0400 862 727
Welcome mat Belmont Uniting Church every Friday from 10am-1pm. Games, lunch and friendship.
Fay, 0409 361 414
OMNI
Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am.
Allan, 0409 665 608
Lara Community Market Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL from 9am to 1pm.
Geelong Amateur Radio Club Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30-4pm and Fridays at 6.30pm.
Robert, 0438 409 979, or vk3atl.org
Geelong’s Soroptimist International Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL.
0455 835 691, or geelong@siswp.com
Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.
John, 0409 234 307
Combined Probus Belmont Central The Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome.
Secretary, 0417 555 547
Geelong Anglers Club Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions.
Brian, 0417 190 092, or Ian, 0470 114 787
Drysdale CWA
Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every fourth Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club.
Jenny, 0452 258 333
Scottish dancing
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed.
Vicki, 0412 762 983, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
Geelong Scottish Dance Highland dance classes for all ages Wednesday from 4pm and Saturday from 10am at Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, St Herne Hill.
Christine 0468-311 788, or facebook.com/GeelongScottishDance
Bingo
Tuesdays 1-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. Frank, 5241 1776
First steps in music Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.
info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
Dragons Abreast Geelong Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try.
Traci, 0417 301 226, or Facebook Dragons Abreast Geelong - Juggernauts
Out and about along the river
1/ Rhonda Roberts with Pippa. 2/ Megan Dunstan with her daughter Hannah. 3/ Will Wright and Kobe. 4/ Josie Jones, Trevor and Sandra Mackrell (rear), Pauline Larkins, Michael Nicol, Marg Bulmer and Ray Jones. 5/ Sue Scarlet. 6/ Hsadoh Wah and James Guy. 7/ Jeremy Wright goes for a cycle. 8/ Joanne Andrews. 9/ Andrew. 10/ Frank Viti. 11/ Ryan Marino. 12/ Sarah French strides out. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 460308
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to the Barwon River path in Newtown on Tuesday to see who was out and about
Summing up Ford Transit Custom
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The van section of the market is totally dominated by the Toyota HiAce, with 47.7 per cent of the market.
Behind it trails the Hyundai Staria Load, with a 13.8 per cent share followed closely by the Ford Transit Custom, with 13.5 per cent.
The only other significant player is the Chinese LDV G10+, with 11.2 per cent.
Transit Custom is not to be confused with Transit (no Custom) which applies to a range of larger vans.
Sitting on an all-new platform, the latest version of Ford’s mid-sized van arrived here in the first half of 2024.
While it was awarded International Van of the Year, it remains one of the more expensive options in a highly competitive section of the market where operators are keen to cut costs to a minimum.
To put this in perspective, HiAce prices start from $48,886, Staria from $46,740 and the Chinese G10+ from a low $37,358. Transit is priced from $55,990.
Due later this year, the new VW Transporter will be a rejigged Transit Custom, in the same way that Amarok is a rebadged Ford Ranger.
A plug-in hybrid will swell the ranks of TransitCustomtowardsthemiddleoftheyear.
Styling Transit Custom is one of the more stylish vans available, particularly the Sport model with its stripes and alloy wheels.
Prices start from $56,590 plus on-road costs for the short wheelbase, front-wheel drive Trend 320S.
Our test vehicle, the 320L long wheelbase version, is priced from $57,590, or $64,214 driveaway by the time you put it on the road. It has seating for three with cloth-trimmed front seats, a separate, manual-adjust driver seat and two-seater pew for passengers, together with driver armrest, fold down tray table, barn-style rear doors and kerb-side slide entry.
The two outer seats are heated, the middle seat folds down to reveal a tray table for paperwork, and the passenger seat hides under seat storage. The faux leather steering wheel is both height and reach adjustable.
Standard kit includes push-button start, single-zone climate air, auto lights and wipers, auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, plus front and rear parking sensors.
Transit Custom is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with 12 months roadside assistance.
Service intervals are 12 months/30,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 13.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync4 operating system, with voice-activated controls and an embedded modem compatible with FordPass.
OtherfeaturesincludeFMandDAB+digital radio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, built-in satellite navigation (12 month subscription to Connected Navigation Services), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four-speaker audio.
There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and USB-C ports plus a 12 volt outlet in the front.
Safety
Transit Custom is by far and away the safest van available to buy today.
Not only was it awarded five stars from ANCAP, but recorded an overall score of 96 per cent.
It performed exceptionally well across all scenarios, solidifying it as one of the safest options in its segment.
Six airbags are standard along with a rear view camera with a 180 degree split view and Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
There’s also Intersection Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert, and Lane Keeping Aid with Lane Departure Warning. Add to this Roll over Mitigation,ReverseBrakeAssist,ExitWarning and Hill Launch Assist.
Emergency Call Assist will trigger your mobile to dial 000 in the event of an accident. Note, however, there is no provision for a children’s car seat.
Engines/transmissions
Power comes from a 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 125kW of power and 390Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500 revs.
Drive is to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a steering column-mounted gear selector. You don’t see many of them these days.
Driving
Ford engineers have worked hard to improve useability of this new generation Transit Custom.
The floor has been lowered to improve ease of loading and unloading, and the overall height has been reduced to under two metres to help access height-restricted areas such as multi-storey car parks, garages, and underground loading bays.
A new access step makes climbing into the load compartment easier and a rear camera with180-degreewideviewingcapabilityassists rear visibility.
At 5450mm in length, the long wheelbase version is 40cm longer than its sibling, with a 40mm longer wheelbase, and stands 1980mm high.
It has a 12.1 metre turning circle.
A full width metal bulkhead is fitted, separating the cabin and cargo area, with a window and load-through hatch.
Our test vehicle was fitted with a moulded vinyl cargo floor liner, with eight tie-down pointsandLEDlighting,butlackedanywallor roof panels to protect the bodywork.
The load area is 1425mm high and 3002mm long, extending to 3450mm with the load-throughhatch,with1392mmbetweenthe wheel arches.
Maximum load capacity is 6.8 cubic metres and it has a 2500kg tow capacity.
Unless you make use of the tie downs anything placed in the back is going to slide around and could possibly be damaged if you are forced to make an emergency stop. A combined alarm and immobiliser are fitted.
There’s auto stop-start and four drive modes from which to choose: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul.
With a 70-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 8.0L/100km. It also has a 20-litre AdBlue reservoir that helps clean exhaust emissions and that needs to be topped up occasionally.
There’s disc brakes front and back, independent rear suspension and an electric parking brake.
Trend rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65rubberandplasticwheelcoversfinished in ‘Sparkle’ silver.
A full size steel spare is provided which is located under the rear.
Now I used to work as a courier with Australia Post and the fleet consisted mainly of rear-drive LDV G10s, rear-drive Hyundai iLoads and front-drive VW Transporters.
Some people might think rear wheel drive is an advantage, but without anything in the back, which occurs as the day wears on — traction or lack of it can be a problem.
Ioncehadtobepulledoffagrassnaturestrip because the rear wheels simply could not find traction on the slick grass.
Front-drive vehicles with the weight of the engineoverthewheelsdon’thavethisproblem. I kid you not.
The entry model comes with a single, kerb-side sliding door and barn-style rear doors.
A second slider and/or a lift-style tailgate are optional, but must be specified at the time of order.
Most of the vans we drove were kitted out in this way and the liftgate was great in the rain because it provided some shelter.
Getting into the van for the first time, I was disappointed to find a grab handle is not provided. It should be standard.
The driver seat has eight-way manual adjustment including lumbar and the steering wheel is tilt and reach adjustable.
But the seating feels short and minimalist, and a long way from what we’d describe as
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7.5/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Overall: 7/10
comfortable. Check out the seat in the G10+.
Double-decker exterior mirrors are fitted, with a wide angle section at the bottom, a driver’s footrest is provided and the floor covering is rubber.
The driver faces a 12.0-inch display which incorporates a 7.0-inch digital colour instrument cluster that is configurable.
A start button is located near the top left hand corner of the display from where it is a step up to the infotainment unit rather than flowing seamlessly from one to the other.
Shrug.
Alas, there are no physical controls for the climate system which is controlled from the touchscreen.
Like most diesel vans it gets along fairly briskly. You change gears manually with the shifter, but who’s going to bother?
The steering and brakes are excellent, while handling one way or the other is not really a consideration.
What’s not so good is the adaptive cruise/ autonomous braking system. Travelling through one of Sydney’s many underground tunnels generated numerous false alarms. It saw the speed drop from a nominated 90km/h to 60 or 70km/h for no discernible reason, unlessperhapsitwaspickinguptheexitlimits. With daylight dead ahead, it false-alarmed again as we exited the tunnel, this time dropping to a low as 37km/h, much to the consternation of those around us.
What the hell?
The system also seems to have a problem reading electronic speed signs. All in all, it needs some work and in this context, it is difficult to understand how the judges missed this one?
Intermsoffuelconsumption,weweregetting a long-term fuel average of 7.8L/100km after 2124km, a little better than the manufacturer’s claim.
Summing up
Ford Transit Custom is as safe as it gets for this type of vehicle, with a near perfect score of 96 per cent in crash tests.
But, and it’s a big BUT, bosses generally put price before the safety of their employees, although they would never admit to it – and this is Ford’s Achilles heel. It’s just too damned expensive compared with its competitors, all of which are several thousand dollars cheaper and as such much more boss friendly. Given the choice we would, however, spend the extra $1000 for the long wheel base version as tested – you’d be silly not to.
Transit Custom is by far and away the safest van available to buy today. (Pictures: Supplied)
Grovers move into Division 1 top spot
A comprehensive win against Geelong has seen Ocean Grove leapfrog Lara into top spot on the Geelong Bowls Region Saturday Division 1 ladder. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see the action unfold.
Shane Grellet for Geelong.
Left: Greg Hutchins in action. Centre: Alan Drury skips Ocean Grove to win this end by seven shots. Right: Tom Warren leads the way for Ocean Grove. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 454880
Paul Entwistle is happy with this bowl.
Brian Boyle leads off for Ocean Grove.
Lauren Maclachlan plays for position for Geelong, and right, Allan Fawthrop rides this bowl home.
Rowan Kent leads off for Geelong.
Left: Garry Briggs plays the backhand for Ocean Grove. Centre: Christine Fawthrop leads the way for Geelong. Right: Casper John is well dressed for the rain.
Rain annoys local cricketers
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp dodged the rain showers on Saturday to take these photographs of the GCA Division 4 2nds game between Guild St Mary’s and Little River and the 1sts clash between Newcomb & District and Meredith.
David Robson made 33 for Little River.
Chris Dickinson walks back to his bowling mark.
Jack Tabor plays this delivery through gully for Little River.
Darcey Webber swings this ball to leg for two runs.
Left: Chesney Milne takes a catch for the Rams. Centre: Newcomb & District’s Tyler O’Neill takes a quick single. Right: Ben Miles turns this ball behind square. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 459709
Harli Givvens bowled well for Meredith, taking 2 for 18 off eight overs.
Tyler O’Neill cuts behind point.
Darcey Webber is bowled by Tyler Dittloff, and right, Guild St Mary’s Zaib Ullah in action.
Jack Halliday swings and misses for the Dinos.
Teams prepare for finals
This week marked the second-last home and away round for eight team sections in Tennis Geelong’s Saturday Pennants.
Numerous sections have teams fighting to make the four, including Section 1 Open where the top six teams were still in contention at the start of round 13.
Ladder leaders Highton dashed sixth placed Surfcoast Jan Juc Blue’s chances, with a win awayfromhome.Hightonstartedwellwinning both opening rubbers with Jamie Heaton taking the singles 6-2, 6-3 while Campbell Spong and Aaron Hanson followed suit in the doubles 6-2, 6-4.
Sibimanyu Jothikumar kept Juc in touch, winning the reverse singles 6-4, 6-3, but Heaton and Hanson sealed the win taking the doubles 6-2, 7-5. The win keeps Highton 12 points ahead of Newcomb, while Juc need a clean sweep and Barwon Heads to remain winless next week against Geelong Lawn to have a chance at sneaking into fourth.
Geelong Lawn received a welcome boost with Surfcoast Jan Juc White not being able to field a team this week. Receiving the full 16 points means that they remain eight points
clear of Wandana Heights and 13 points ahead of Barwon Heads in fifth, almost guaranteeing their finals berth.
Newcomb proved too strong against eighth placed Surfcoast Torquay, keeping them in
second. Taj Cayzer and Kai Crosby came through in the singles 6-2, 6-1 and 6-3, 6-3, while Cayzer teamed with David Kos to win the reverse doubles 6-1, 6-0. Torquay did take the first doubles rubber with Ryan Costello and Andrew Osburn prevailing after a slow start 2-6, 6-3, 10-8. The win leaves Newcomb nine points ahead of Geelong Lawn in third, but with match-ups next week, they could finish anywhere from first to third.
The final match of the day saw a battle for fourth place between Wandana Heights and Barwon Heads. The Heads started the day five points ahead, and with a win in their Round 6 clash, would hope to match the result. Rhys McNabbputtheHeadsinfrontwithhis6-2,6-1 win in the first singles, but Wandana countered in the doubles with brothers Lachie and Xavier Hansonwinning6-2,6-3.FromthereWandana took control with Lachie Hanson winning the reverse singles 7-5, 6-0, and Louis Walker and Xavier Hanson the doubles 7-6, 6-2, giving them the win for the day and pushing them into fourth place.
This week will see Geelong Lawn travel to Barwon Heads, Newcomb hosting Wandana and Highton at home to Surfcoast Torquay. All three matches will determine the final ladder positions.
April Chaudhary has a bright future
April Chaudhary is making her mark on the cricket field at just 13 years old.
Despite being one of the youngest in her normal and representative sides, Chaudhary is showing maturity beyond her age.
She was captain of Geelong’s Marg Jennings
Victorian Premier Cricket under-15 team which claimed the title earlier this year. It was her first time competing in that competition.
“That went really well,” she said. “The year before I was in the squad at a different club but I wasn’t able to play.
“The tournament this year was completely different. The club was a bit far away and it was a bit of a shock being a new club.”
Chaudhary made an instant impact and was named captain of the team despite being bottom age.
She said that she expected one of the older girls to lead the side.
“I was surprised that I got the responsibility of being the captain,” she said. “I was pretty happy.
“I finished as the second highest run scorer over the tournament as a bottom age player.”
The highlight though was Geelong claiming the title as it beat Prahran in the final.
Chaudhary made 31 at the top of the order. Being involved in a premier club was
something different for Chaudhary. Being just 13, she’s too young to play in the regular premier women’s competitions.
“It was a really good experience,” she said. “It wasreallygoodqualitycricketandItwasbetter than I thought it would be.”
Chaudhary is a key member of Werribee’s team in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition Shield 2 side.
Shesaidthatpresentedsomegoodchallenges.
“I find it fun to play with people that really challenge me,” she said. “They make me play my cricket at a higher level.”
Despite her success so far, Chaudhary is still relatively new to cricket.
She started when she was eight or nine after her dad suggested it and fell in love with the game.
Chaudhary, who idolises Ellyse Perry, is an opening batter.
She said she loves that challenge. “You get set and you know what your role is in the game.”
ChaudharyishopingtoqualifyfortheSports
Victoria under-15 team again as a bottom ager.
She’s then hoping to play premier cricket, with a big focus long term.
“I want to play for my state and country,” she said. “I want to represent Australia one day.”
Smith shines in first hit-out with the Cats
Bailey Smith has made an immediate impact at Geelong, starring early in their AFL pre-season hit-out against Hawthorn.
The 24-year-old midfielder is a key recruit for the Cats and he did not disappoint on Monday with plenty of early possessions at GMHBA Stadium.
It was Smith’s first hit-out since he needed a knee reconstruction late in the 2023 season. After months of speculation, he left the Western Bulldogs with minutes remaining in last year’s trade period via a four-club deal and joined Geelong.
Wearing an eye-catching white headband, he played through the midfield and forward, showing no signs of his extended absence.
He dominated in the first half before sitting out most of the rest of the scratch match, which the Cats won 15.16(106) to 13.8(86).
“(It’s) exactlywhatwe’veseenallpre-season,
he’s been really strong. We threw him around in a few positions and he was good,” Cats assistant coach James Rahilly said.
“He was anxious, as anyone would after having a year out. But he accounted (for) himself really well.”
Hawks midfielder Will Day also impressed as he returns from the collarbone injury that sidelined him at the end of last season.
Day was prolific and kicked two goals, reminding the Hawks what they missed last September when their season ended with a tight semi-final loss to Port Adelaide.
Hawks captain James Sicily was also back in action after needing off-season shoulder surgery and played some of the hit-out alongside fellow key defender Josh Battle, recruited from St Kilda.
Battle had to leave the ground with a leg knock and briefly returned, before heading off
Flathead the standout in the bay
ON THE BITE Peri Stavropoulos
Tough conditions have not been making it easy for anglers to venture out in search of a fish as of late but for those making the most of the small windows of opportunity, there have been some impressive captures being reported.
Inside the bay, flathead stood out this week with some impressive numbers.
Anglers drifting with baits such as pilchard fillets and strips of squids have been doing well pretty much anywhere in the bay between 5 to 8 metres of water. You can anchor up and burley however drifting is a great way to cover ground.
Alcoa Pier has still been offering some consistent fishing as of late with Australian salmon, pinkie snapper and flathead.
Casting soft plastics along the structure has been by far the most effective method for success but you will still pick up some nice fish on bait also.
Moving more into the outer harbour and the seafood basket of variety continues for anglers fishing the south part of the bay with King George whiting, flathead, snapper, pike, salmon and calamari all still fishing very well. The spoil grounds (either one) has been holding good numbers of all species mentioned, again soft plastics and baits have both been very effective. Fishing in 6 metres of water seems to be the sweet spot as of late. Calamari have been hanging in a bit shallower along the Curlewis bank in 3 metres of water with natural colour jigs proving to be the standout.
King George whiting have been on the chew between St Leonards and Queenscliff with better tides over the past week. Bag limit captures have been on offer with fish averaging mid to high 30s with a good percentage of fish in the 40s being landed. Gone Fishing Charters has been right in the thick of the action lately getting their customers on some nice fish.
The rip has continued to offer some sensational kingfish action this past week with both knife jigs and live baits dominating reports. Fishing the start of tides seems to be the most productive times of success with fish over a metre being landed. When jigging it does pay to have a variety of weights handy to accommodate the flow of the tides.
for the last few minutes.
Forward Ollie Henry kicked four goals in the second half of the hit-out for Geelong, while 2023 first-round draft pick Connor O’Sulivan impressed in defence.
Meanwhile, the bad news continues for Geelong onballer Cam Guthrie, who has had surgery on his left Achilles.
“The aim for Cameron is to be back on the track in the next fortnight and integrated into football drills within the month. A return to play timeline will be finalised in the early stages of the season,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.
Guthrie shared Geelong’s best and fairest award in 2022, their most recent premiership. But he has managed only 10 games over the last two seasons because of injuries.
- AAP
Donna Schoenmaekers
Tara Murray
April Chaudhary during the Marg Jennings Cup final. (Ivan Kemp) 454211_07
Aaron McCurdy with some kingfish. (Supplied)
Highton’s Jamie Heaton had a good day for his team. (Supplied)
Hawks post 257 against Gulls
By Justin Flynn
Drysdale’s unlikely tilt at a Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade finals spot is still aliveafterpostingahefty5/257againstBarwon Heads on Saturday February 15.
The Hawks are one of five sides striving for fourth spot and couldn’t have made a better start to their game against the reigning premiers.
Led by a superb 92 from opener Jason Malcolm, the Drysdale top and middle order combined well to have the Heads on their feet all afternoon.
“It’s probably the first time all year we’ve just clicked all together,” Malcolm said.
“We feel like we’ve got a pretty good side, enough to be competitive, especially in A1, but we’vejustletourselvesdownafewtimes.We’ve been in games. Unfortunately, it’s taken us all year to (get to) the last two games to get over that 200 mark and bat our overs out.”
In an unpredictable season, Drysdale, Queenscliff and Ocean Grove could all make finals or get relegated to A2 grade.
“You could end up having four wins and get relegated,thecompisthattight,”Malcolmsaid.
After Charlie Clode made 38 from 63 balls, MalcolmandJackWilkinson(43from99)then steadied in the face of some tight bowling.
“We all know after tea, if you’ve got wickets in hand, you can accelerate and you can push and get a big score,” Malcolm said.
“They say you can double your score at tea so for us, it was a big focus. Jack and I just said we need to consolidate and not lose clumps of wickets like we have been in the past. Get to tea one or two down, and then we’ll be okay.”
Malcolm faced 202 deliveries for his 92 and wasdismissedwithafreakishcatchbyDamian Clarke off his own bowling.
“I probably started to get a little bit nervous,” he said.
“I saw the team all start to come out so I thought I must be getting close. I thought I’ll just push the ones and twos and yeah, just got a leading edge. And it was a good catch by
Clarkey.”
Drysdalewillhavetowinwithoutstarbowler BlakeDobbin,whowon’tplayagainthisseason after copping a foot fracture against Jan Juc.
“I will take that (257) at the start of the day everydayoftheweek,butthey’reagoodbatting side Barwon Heads,” Malcolm said.
“Obviously Max (Melzer) is going to be the key, but they have always been a strong batting unit. Hopefully we’ll bowl well and field well and hopefully we’ve got enough.”
Ocean Grove is 7/167 against Queenscliff after several rain delays restricted play to 71 of the allotted 75 overs. Tom Kidd sent down a
marathon 31 overs and although he got just the onewicket,concededonly54runs.DanRoddis is unbeaten on 27 from 50 balls and probably holds the key to Grove scoring 180-plus with four overs left.
Jan Juc made 9/179 against Anglesea with Miles Kerr getting 46 while spinner Tom Beasley bowled 31 overs and took 2/89.
Kane Pickering is back to his run scoring best and looms as a finals dangerman as Barrabool posted 8/206 against Armstrong Creek. Pickering made 82 while Titans skipper DanielMacleansentdown31overstotake3/83 while Jack Maclean took 3/58 from 20.
In A2 Grade, David Peel top scored with 52 inInverleigh’stotalof9/212againstSurfCoast. Rhys Healy took 4/68 from 22 overs for the Suns.
Baiden Luppino made 62 in Winchelsea’s 7/188 against Portarlington. Veteran Paul McGrath took 3/39 from 18 overs for the Demons.
Newcomb looks headed for a win against St Leonards. Shane Healy and Jack Scanlon each took three wickets with the Saints all out for 112. In reply, Healy is on 14 and the Bulls are 1/19.
Wallington has eight overs to add to its 7/177 against Collendina. Dane Wise-Graham is still there on 63 while Adam Southorn made 51. Slow bowlers Jacob Gasior (2/61 off 20 overs) and Stan Grazotis (2/31 from 19) did the bulk of the work for the Cobras.
Rams secure top two finish against finals rivals
Meredith captain Tyler Dittloff produced a superb all-round game to guarantee his side a top two finish in Geelong Cricket Association Division 4 this season.
Dittloff took three wickets and made an unbeaten51from50deliveriesagainstfellow finals aspirant Newcomb & District.
The Rams are 15 points clear of third placed Lethbridge, but had to do it the hard way with opening bowler Jason Murray injuring his calf, which means the team had to field with 10 men for the majority of the Dinos’ innings.
Murray faces a battle against time to be fit for Meredith’s first final on March 15.
WhileDittlofftookthreelatewicketsinthe Dinos’ total of 122 all out, off-spinner Harli Givvens bowled well to take 2/18 from eight overswhileChesneyMilnetooktwowicketsas did Murray before his injury.
“I was pretty happy to roll them for that,” Dittloff said.
“On that ground, I think the pitch didn’t have a lot in it and it was a pretty good batting wicket to be honest.”
Often 120 can be a tricky chase and at one stage Meredith was 4/78, but Dittloff and opener Givvens (31 from 28 balls) and Matt Ringin (11 not out) steadied the ship.
Dittloff has made 409 runs this season, but with a top score of 55, he said it has been frustrating not to get a big score. Apart from one failure against St Albans Breakwater, the skipper has been remarkably consistent with his lowest score being a pair of 21s.
“I’ve had a lot of 30s and 40s so it was good to go on and make sure we got the points,” he said.
“I’ve made a lot of starts and got out, so it’s nice to to be there at the end on Saturday.”
Givvens has made 544 runs and taken 19 wickets this season.
“We’reluckytohavehimandhe’sbeenreally good,” Dittloff said.
“He bowls well and is a good fielder, so it’s the total package.”
Dittloff said securing a top two spot was important, but wasn’t necessarily looking to
Above: Rhys Bath is out lbw to Tyler Dittloff for 20. Right: Tyler Dittloff had a great game for Meredith with three wickets and an unbeaten 51. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 459709
overtake Little River at the top.
“We’lltakeitifwecangetit,butwe’rerelying on Little River to drop one again,” he said.
“We don’t play them again so while top spot would be great, we’re pretty happy we can finish in the top two.”
Dittloff said there were several options to replace Murray in this week’s team.
“We’ve got a couple of blokes in the twos who’vebeengettingsomegoodscores,”hesaid.
“Dan Measures had another 40 on the weekend and made a hundred a couple of weeks ago. Troy Bott’s been injured as well and hasn’t played the last five games, but hopefully we’ll get him back at some stage soon.”
Most of Little River’s batters got runs in the win against Guild St Mary’s. The Redbacks made 7/195 and then bowled Guild St Mary’s out for 94 with Luke Wright (4/20) and Nick Fairchild (3/21) getting wickets.
Hayden Spiller took 4/12 in Lethbridge’s eight-wicketwinagainstStAlbansBreakwater. Spiller then made 33 not out in chasing down the small total of 49.
Justin Flynn
Jason Malcom. (Justin Flynn) 305768
