Ocean Grove Voice - 21st February 2025 by Star News Group

Milestone for triathlon

By Jena Carr

Athletesarecelebratingadecadeofswimming, 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 10thyearandthatthecoursehadsomethingfor 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 just utilises the natural landscape while people 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.”

Prizes will be awarded following the race across many categories, including fastest male and female overall, age groups, family teams, and team categories.

Last year’s female category winners included Penny Nevill (Female Open) with a time of 46.02, Harper Bolton (15-19) with 51.12, Emilie Guy (20-29) with 51.41, Pip Minney (30-39) with 52.28, Janice De Vries (40-49) with 55.38, Elizabeth Bell (50-59) with 53.49, and Sussan Frame (60-69) with 1.08.55.

The male category winners featured David Fawkes (Male Open) with a time of 39.49, Merlin Tzaros (15-19) with 42.11, Cameron Marshall(20-29)with42.59,PaulSpeed(30-39) with 42.55, Chris Tzaros (40-49) with 45.55, Adam Conquest (50-59) with 42.10, and Brett O’Neill (60-69) with 50.37.

TheOver70winnerswereJuliettaMaquignaz in the female category with a time of 1.12.33 andJohnAlleninthemalecategorywith59.31. Teams were also welcome to compete in the

‘‘ Cycling along the beautiful coastline of 13th Beach Road, swimming in the Barwon River and running out towards Ocean Grove just utilises the natural landscape ’’ - Lincoln Beckworth

triathlon, with 2024’s event seeing Ebz taking out the first-place female team title (57.32) and Without A Fight securing the first-place male title (46.00).

Barwon Heads Triathlon is presented by 13th Beach Health Services, with more event and course information available at barwonheadstri.com.au

Race organiser and founder Lincoln Beckworth. (Ivan Kemp) 459984_06

Radios to help the Coast Guard

Queenscliff Coast Guard will get new digital radios to improve communications on the water as part of a state government roll out.

The more than $1.3 million investment will deliver 130 portable radios to Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units and volunteers across the state and install radios on 22 vessels and in eight vehicles.

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said there were five fixed-base stations and a console at the Water Police Coordination Centre with two portable

consoles available.

“Marine Search and Rescue volunteers do an amazing job providing assistance to those in need around our coastline, sea, and inland waterways,” he said.

“Equipping our volunteers with more than 180 digital radios will support greater coordination and information sharing between units during emergencies, helping to keep our community safe.”

The radios are connected to the Victorian Radio Network to give MSAR units real-time

communication with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre.

Coast Guard Queenscliff Flotilla commander Michael Donohue said the radios were a step up in connectivity when responding to rescue operations while helping monitor and locate vessels and crews in the water.

“This enables us to communicate directly with other services like the CFA, Lifesaving Victoria and Ambulance,” he said.

“Thenewradiosystemhasgreatlyenhanced

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.

communication between MSAR and Water Police... and the statewide coverage enables us to communicate and work statewide if, and when, required.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said Victoria’s MSAR fleet had 48 marine response vessels across 26 locations with around 800 volunteers.

“MSAR play a critical role in keeping people safe in the water - which is why we’re making sure they have the best resources to do that,” she 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.

The day will be held on Tuesday, March 4, from 9am to 9pm to fundraise for the charity’s programs to help give children a 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.

“This year, our 135th year of operation, it is crucial that we reach as many children as we can on our programs, but we need the generosity of our community 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.

The charity hosts many different programs like outdoor activities and short-stay camps, with participants able to build positive relationships with peers and adult role models.

Visit cottagebythesea.com.au/ giving-day-2025 for more information about Cottage by the Sea’s Giving Day or to donate.

Matt Hewson

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

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

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 (the festival)originated,theydoitatthistimeofyear 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

The Festival of Colours, also known as Holi, is a day where coloured powder is thrown over friends and family. (Supplied)

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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Paramedics busy across region

Barwon South West paramedics are attending more Code 1 cases across the region while recording improved response times over three months.

The Queenscliffe local government area (LGA) recorded the biggest response time improvements across the state, according to recent Ambulance Victoria (AV) data.

Paramedics attended 65.6 per cent of Queenscliffe LGA Code 1 patients within 15 minutes, up from 54.7 per cent in 2023, arriving one minute and 36 seconds faster between October and December last year.

The Greater Geelong LGA was the second busiest in the state as paramedics attended 4,860 Code 1 cases, 4.87 per cent of the state’s total Code 1 workload.

Barwon South West regional director Ian Hunt said 84 new graduate paramedics had been employed to help meet the increased demand.

“We know there is more work to do. AV continues to work with hospitals to promptly transfer patients and ensure all Victorians receive the right care at the right time,” he said.

“Our people are our greatest assets. Through

them, we continue to lead the way in patient care, including one of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world.

“In 2023-24, paramedics referred nearly 43,000 patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), with over three quarters cared for without transport to a physical ED.”

Mr Hunt said people should save Triple Zero (000) calls for emergencies, with the VVED, urgent care clinics, Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) and other options available for less urgent cases. “From October to December, 43,864

people across Victoria who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in Secondary Triage,” he said.

Regional Operations executive director Danielle North said there had been a 26.6 per cent increase in Code 1 cases across the state “since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than five years ago”.

“October to December is commonly one of our busiest times, and last year was no exception as our crews were called to 99,799 Code 1 emergencies,” she said.

Sculpting sand for climate action at Ocean Grove

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 everyone really got into it.

We had some unique 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’sfosteringaloveforourenvironmentand 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

Left: Astrid Leslie with children Eloise, Howie, Ted and Georgia. Top right: Ian Zulic, a passionate sand sculptor, with his sand creation made during Sunday’s event. Above, left to right: Melissa and Alex with their children Charlotte, William and Tahlia; David and Erin with their children Annabelle, Sophia and Patrick; Gina Sheridan, Chris and Sabrina Lunn with their children Morgan, Riley and Erin.

(Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 458651

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Help for young learners

By Cr Trent Sullivan

The L2P Program has been changing lives in Greater Geelong for more than 15 years and now it will make an even more significant impact right here in Ocean Grove.

A dedicated L2P vehicle is now stationed in Ocean Grove giving young learners better access to supervised driving – thanks to a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and local Lions Clubs, together with Leopold Community Bank.

The L2P Program helps learner drivers aged 16 to 21 (and in some cases up to 23), who don’t have access to a suitable car or supervising driver, to reach the 120 hours of supervised driving required to obtain their probationary licence.

Learning to drive is a significant milestone, butit’snotaneasypathformanyyoungpeople.

That’s where L2P steps in, pairing L-platers with volunteer mentors who generously give theirtimetohelpyoungdriversgainconfidence and experience on the road.

OceanGrovenowhasfivelearnersandseven mentors actively involved in the program and, with the arrival of a new Kia Rio, more young people will have the chance to get behind the wheel.

Previously, the closest car was more than 20 minutes away. Having a vehicle stationed in Ocean Grove makes the program more accessible and ensures more young people on the Bellarine can participate.

The L2P Program is funded by the TAC, administered by the Department of Transport and Planning and coordinated by the City.

The program is also built on strong community partnerships.

The new L2P car in Ocean Grove has

been made possible thanks to the support of the Leopold, Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads, Portarlington-Drysdale and Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale Lions Clubs, and Community Bank Leopold.

Last financial year, 202 learner drivers participatedintheL2PProgramacrossGreater Geelong, with 56 successfully obtaining their probationary licences.

Of course, the success of the L2P Program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteer mentors.

They do more than just supervise and teach learners to drive - they provide encouragement, patience and guidance.

Teaching a young person to drive is about more than learning road rules; it’s about building their independence and confidence.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, now is the perfect time to get involved.

The City of Greater Geelong is seeking more volunteers, and even a few hours a week can greatly impact a young person’s future.

With the new car in Ocean Grove, we’re opening even more doors for our young people, ensuring they can become safe, confident drivers.

Here’s to many more years of success and to the learners who are now one step closer to achieving their independence.

For more information, visit geelongaustralia.com.au and search for ‘L2P’.

Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

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. Bee-keeper Nicholas Dowse installing a bee tower

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 emphasised the importance of community feedback.

“We are committed to ensuring that our community’s voice is heard in the budgeting process,” Mayor Kontelj said.

“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.”

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These items cannot be put in recycling bins in Greater Geelong: paper cartons and drink cups, tissues and paper towels, recycling in plastic bags and soft plastics.

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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 for trees on private land except for those covered by an existing heritage or environmental overlay.

Councillor Andrew Katos said there were

a range of regulatory and non-regulatory options available going forward.

“There are currently no consistent state-wide policy provisions on the issue,” Cr Katos said.

“Somecouncilshavenoprivatetreecontrols inplace,whileothershaveregulatorycontrols 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.

Trail puts artists on 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 said that artists across the region should join in 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.

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.”

Community engagement on the issue is now open at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com. au/privatetrees until Friday 14 March.

Funeral Planning

Torquay artist Erin Reinboth will participate in the Surf Coast Arts Trail for her third year.

(Bobby Dazzler Photography)

How healthy is your heart?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Early detection can save lives

If you or a loved one has a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or experience chest pain or breathlessness, a cardiac scan can provide critical insights into the heart’s condition.

At Lake Imaging, we offer advanced cardiac imaging to assess heart health with precision. Some of these examinations include Calcium Score CT, CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA), Cardiac Stress Test and MRI to assess heart health with precision.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Speak to your doctor about a referral to Lake Imaging at your next check-up.

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71 The Parade, Ocean Grove 5255 5444 or 1300 LAKE 00 (1300 525 300)

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Make an appointment online at www.lakeimaging.com.au or email bookings@lakeimaging.com.au

Lake Imaging supports heart research and saves lives

Thismonth,LakeImagingissupportingHeart Research Australia in recognising REDFEB. With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the leading cause of death in Australia, it unfortunately accounts for one in four Australian deaths each year: one person every 12 minutes.

Additionally, one in six Australians are living with CVD.

ThegoodnewsisthattheprevalenceofCVD has decreased over time, due to a combination of people being more proactive about their heart health and understanding risk factors, together with improved medical imaging techniques, intervention and treatment.

If diagnosed early, the risk of a cardiovascular event can be prevented, and, even after diagnosis, can often be treated and managed effectively.

Here in Geelong, Lake Imaging has invested in state-of-the-art medical imaging scanners and technology, enhancing clinical findings by their expert radiologists.

This provides peace of mind for those receiving cardiac scans, knowing they are in good hands and will be provided with the best that radiology has to offer.

Lake’s comprehensive range of advanced cardiac imaging services allows them to accurately diagnose conditions in order to assist doctors in developing effective treatment plans. Some of their cardiac services include:

CT Calcium Score – A fast, 10-minute scan which provides the ability to visualise, measure and create a report of coronary calcification. It calculates the ‘calcium score’ using a non-contrast cardiac CT exam. The CT Calcium Score indicates whether someone is at low, medium or high risk of a cardiac

event. Anyone can have this test and although it is not rebated by Medicare, this inexpensive test gives people assurance of their heart health.

Coronary Angiography (CTCA) – CTCA is a non-invasive examination of the coronary arteries. It can accurately detect and grade stenoses or narrowing within the coronary arteries,aswellasdetectinganydevelopmental anomalies of the coronary vessels.

Myocardial Perfusion Stress Test – A cardiac stress test can either be a physical test using a treadmill or a chemically enhanced test to stress the heart. Combined with imaging techniques, a radioactive tracer called Sestamibi is injected to visualise blood flow and identify lack of blood supply. This test is useful in diagnosing coronary artery disease, dead tissue resulting from infarcts and diseasesoftheheartmuscle(cardiomyopathy).

Cardiac MRI – Using sophisticated techniques, a cardiac MRI is a non-invasive procedure used to assess the function and structure of the cardiovascular system by producing high-quality images.

Lake Imaging is proud to provide the Ocean Grove community with non-invasive

cardiac imaging, complementing their array of cardiac imaging services offered at Ryrie Street, Latrobe Terrace and St John of God Hospital practices in Geelong.

As Geelong’s trusted radiology provider, Lake Imaging provides a high-quality and compassionate service to all of their patients.

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or experience chest pain or breathlessness, a cardiac scan can provide critical insights into your heart’s condition. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Early detection is key. Speak to your doctor about a referral to Lake Imaging at your next health check-up.

For more information to enquire about an appointment, visit lakeimaging.com.au or phone 1300 LAKE 00 (1300 525 300).

Lake Imaging has invested in state-of-the-art medical imaging scanners and technology, enhancing clinical ﬁndings by their expert radiologists.

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.

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,sonofrenownedUKboogie-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 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.

World music extravaganza

the Spanish dancing and dresses,” Leiva said.

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 theflutesandpipes,theCaribbeanandAfrican influence with the drums, jazz from American,

“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 dressup,wehaveadancerwhodoestraditional 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 peoplewholiketoparticipatecanputonaskirt or sombrero and participate.”

La Descarga are at the Barwon Club at 4pm on Sunday, February 23.

Latin-Aussie band La Descarga bring their energetic show to Geelong. (Supplied)

Geoff Achison and Tom Waters (UK) hit the Bellarine as part of their east coast tour. (Supplied)

Taking on stereotypes

By Jena Carr

ANorthGeelongwomanisusingherposition

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 Galaxy Australia, forming part of the Australia 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.

“ThisismyhappyplaceandwhereIgettobe 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’m not an outsider, but I come 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

Barwon Coast Update

EXPLORE OUR NEW BIRD OBSERVATION POINT IN OCEAN GROVE

We’re excited to announce a new bird observation point along the Barwon River Estuary Walk in Ocean Grove.

The observation point provides views across the Barwon River estuary, a habitat for both local and migratory shorebirds. New interpretive signage shares Wadawurrung connections to Country and the vital role these wetlands play in supporting local birdlife.

Find this viewing area along Peers Crescent, near Dare Street. This project was made possible through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grant program.

ANOTHER

FANTASTIC

COASTAL DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Throughout January, over 1,730 locals and visitors joined activities as part of the Coastal Discovery Program.

Rockpool Rambles in Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary were a standout success, along with Bluff Discovery Walks, coastal education stalls and visits to the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre.

Thank you to everyone who came out to learn, connect and help care for the coast.

This immersive program wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteer community and conservation groups: huge thanks to Friends of the Bluff, Friends of the Lobster Pot, Ocean Grove Coastcare, Breamlea Coastcare and Bellarine Catchment Network.

New virtual health service

Women’s healthcare in Geelong will receive another boost, with a free virtual women’shealthclinicsettolaunchbefore the middle of the year.

Part of the state government’s $153 million women’s health package, the virtual clinic will facilitate access to servicessuchasendometriosisandpelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion.

Available via telehealth or online, the clinic will be led by specialist nurses and deliver initial health assessments and some treatment followed by referrals to GPs and other healthcare services.

The service, delivered in partnership with community health organisation EACH, is intended to reduce barriers to care for women in the region and will also provide access to mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the gender health gap was real and “That is why we’re establishing this virtual women’s clinic to help breakdown the barriers to care.”

“Abortioncareishealthcare,andwhile we have already made abortion more accessible, we know there is more to do – because Victorian women deserve to have a choice, no matter where they live.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said “This new clinic will make a huge difference for women across Geelong, providing them with free and easily accessible healthcare.”

COLLENDINA • OCEAN GROVE • BREAMLEA BARWON RIVER ESTUARY • 13TH BEACH

WHAT MAKES THE BARWON COAST FORESHORE A GREAT PLACE?

We want to hear from you!

Barwon Coast is developing a 15-year Master Plan for the Forshore from Breamlea to Collendina, and your insights are essential.

We want to hear what’s working, what could be improved, and your big ideas for the future. Join us at our Community Consultation Launch event to share your ideas and vision.

Community Consultation Launch

Where: Lahey Square (Jetty Rd, Barwon Heads)

When: Saturday, 1 March 2025 8.30am - 10.30am

We’d love to see you - come along, chat with our team, ask questions, and help shape the the future of the coast.

Then, keep the conversation going! Complete our community survey, open from 1 March to 31 March, to ensure your voice is heard.

Be part of this important planning process. To sign up for project updates, email Sam Foster at sam@barwoncoast.com.au

Your coast, your voice – let’s shape its future together!

The new bird observation point, Peers Crescent, Ocean Grove

Coastal Discovery Stall, supported by Breamlea Coastcare volunteers

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.

Abby Sharma is a 2025 Mrs Galaxy Australia ﬁnalist. (Ivan Kemp) 459954_05

Crossing the Gap provides more than regular care DISABILITY SERVICES

The motto at Crossing The Gap Disability Services has always been ‘Your choice, your goals, your pace’, and the local organisation is committed to helping individuals live their lives and thrive within the community.

Established in 2021 as a response to the community’s growing need for experienced and care-focused disability support services in Geelong, Crossing the Gap works with participants to empower the individual.

As well as the core services of disability in-home care and personalised complex care, Crossing the Gap offers a range of services to help people achieve their goals, such as independentlivingskillssupport,community access and disability respite.

Developing life skills allows participants to experience greater independence and live a more enjoyable and self-managed life. Crossing the Gap tailors its independent life skills programs to the interests, goals and abilities of each person, covering activities such as travel and transport, finance management, domestic skills like laundry and cleaning, shopping, meal planning and preparation and organising and attending appointments.

Company director Kristy Browning said seeing participants flourish and gain more independence was one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.

“It’s amazing to see them get to that stage where they can do all these things themselves, especially when they’ve most likely had people tell them that they can’t,” she said.

“Seeing our participants get to that stage, they just get so happy and excited when they realise that they can do it on their own.”

Crossing the Gap staff understand the importance of providing access to recreational tasks and social opportunities,

which enable individuals to develop skills and competencies that improve quality of life. The service’s support in Geelong includes goal-based activities such as catching public transport or shopping, recreational activities such as going to movies or the zoo, or navigating to a relative or friend’s residence.

Thesesupportedexperienceshelpparticipants improve their confidence and independence, as well as providing enjoyment.

“Some people we work with haven’t had a lot of opportunities to go out in public,” Kristy said. “So we really enjoy providing that chance when they go out with us.”

Giving carers the chance to refresh and recharge their batteries allows them to better take care of their loved one, which is why Crossing the Gap offers disability respite care to participants. Kristy’s team can organise everything for short-term, temporary and emergency relief periods for primary carers, including accommodation, food, travel and activities.

Participants are matched with the right support worker for them to cater for their needs while their primary carer takes a planned break, short holiday or attends to emergency situations.

Kristy said the focus for her staff was to provide a fun time for participants while their carer had a break. “We don’t call it respite, especially with the kids; we like to call it a holiday,” she said. “It’s a time when they can get away, have fun and take part in a range of activities. We try to make it as fun as possible.”

To find out more about Crossing the Gap’s services and start getting help from the team you deserve contact Kristy Browning at kristy@ctgdisability.com.au or call 0493 057 276.

Crossing The Gap’s respite program is all about fun. (Pictures: Supplied)

Tuesday

Wednesday 5th March 2025: 6:00-7:00pm www.trybooking.com/CTRFY

Bringing untold stories to the fore

Geelong actor and creative producer Laura Jane Turner stars in new show Our Monster’s Name is Jerry at Theatre Works in St Kilda this month. They spoke to Matt Hewson about becoming an artist, finding oneself and creativity in the Geelong region.

Growing up in Freemans Reach, New South Wales, Laura Jane Turner didn’t decide they wanted to be an actor, not in the sense that one decides on either the chicken or the beef.

It was a path that revealed itself; “It’s kind of in your blood, in your DNA”.

“If you ask my family, they’ll say that I’ve always been very performative, very theatrical from the moment I could express, whether facially, vocally, whatever it would be,” Laura said.

“I grew up very creative; I always loved to express myself, putting on performances at home with my teddies, or rollerblade shows in the carport for my whole family to watch.

“In regional New South Wales I went to a very small school that had a passionate drama department but not a lot of resources.”

Nevertheless, when they discovered at age 12 that studying acting at university was a possibility, nothing else was on the table.

“From that day on I promised myself I would do anything to make it happen, to get into drama school,” Laura said.

“Then when I moved to Queensland (in year 11) I ended up in this huge school with an incredibly resourced performing arts department.

“There was a teacher there that really saw how passionate I was and would collaborate with me to create short films. They kind of pushed me to take it more seriously.

“I didn’t get (into drama school) for the first two years that I auditioned, but then on the third attempt I got into VCA (Victorian College of the Arts), packed up my whole life and drove across two states.”

The decision to transplant themselves to Victoria in 2011 - alone and with little experience of living independently - was one Laura might not have made today.

“I think about it now as a mid-thirties adult who would probably weigh up the consequences a little more and go, whoa, that’s really risky,” they said.

“But as a 20-year-old, I was like, of course, that’s my dream, that’s what I’m doing, I’m not evensecond-guessingit.SoIpackedupthecar with everything that would fit, I had 50 bucks to my name, and drove away.

“It was one of the best and most challenging things I’ve ever experienced, and I’m so grateful for it.”

Laura quickly found a community in Melbourne. Moreover, their experience in the creative and exploratory space of university began a process of self-discovery and

‘‘ It’s

about amplifying

lived experiences and joy for folks that aren’t necessarily heteronormative ’’

- Laura Jane Turner

actualisation that continues to inform their artistic practice to this day.

“Drama school is incredibly transformative and an incredible privilege to experience, but it also reshapes you in a way where sometimes it can take you some time to rediscover who you are and to find your own voice in the creative space,” they said.

“I was very lucky, I had some really exciting opportunities out of drama school. But once it quietened down a bit I had to reflect on what projects I wanted to do, what stories I wanted to be a part of telling and how I wanted to tell them.”

New gothic suburban horror Our Monster’s Name is Jerry is one such story. Laura plays Maud, one half of a young queer couple struggling with money after multiple unsuccessful rounds of IVF.

However, financial relief seems to be on the horizon when Maud is bequeathed a house in her home town. There is just one catch; she must live in the house for a year. Well, two catches; the house is haunted by a monster named Jerry.

Maud and partner Lou must not only grapplewiththechallengesofmoney,griefand the anxiety of potentially becoming parents,

but also contend with the shapeshifting Jerry, who can appear as whatever you fear the most.

Laura said not only is the play “one of the most exciting projects” they’ve ever been involved in, it also aligns with the intention of their artistic practice more broadly.

“Artissotransformative,whetherit’svisual, music, theatre, film, drawing, whatever; it has so much power to change the way people see the world,” they said.

“And with the stories I tell, I want to be amplifying voices that have historically been silenced. I came out as queer in 2020 and then as non-binary in 2022, so that’s definitely at the forefront of the stories I want to be involved with.

“The lack of representation that I saw growing up, particularly in my regional town, absolutely impacted that delay in me discovering and feeling comfortable with who I am.

“I’m not sure who said it, but if you can see it, you can be it. It’s about amplifying lived experiences and joy for folks that aren’t necessarily heteronormative and mightn’t fit that traditionalist ideology of what a person is and how one should live their life.”

To that end, in 2017 Laura founded F Word

Focus on Education

Info tours on for Bellarine Seconday College

Bellarine Secondary College is proudly the only public school on the Bellarine Peninsula and provides excellent diverse educational opportunities and pathways for local students.

The College’s Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program is one of the original certified courses and provides a curated program for students seeking additional learning challenges.

The newly introduced Basketball Program is already highly regarded next to the excellent learning and extra-curricula programs provided by the College. The College enjoys wonderful partnerships with Bellarine Landcare, Farm My School, Bellarine Basketball, the Potato Shed and City of Greater Geelong which enrich the College program.

2024 VCE results, which saw 11 students

an ATAR in the 90s, reflects the excellent academic outcomes achieved by students of the College. The College’s Information Evening and

Films, which produces stories led by women and gender-diverse people.

Having been based in Geelong since 2018, Laura said they were excited to see the continued growth of the “hub of creative minds” in the region.

“I love Geelong, I think it’s so beautiful and the locations around here are just stunning,” they said.

“I feel a lot of calm when I’m around water, so I love being able to go for sunrise walks along the beach, and every time I have to drive throughtownIgothelongway,nearthewater.

“In terms of creativity, I’ve been really lucky to collaborate with Platform Arts and Geelong Rep, and more and more exciting works are coming to Geelong Arts Centre. It’s such a gorgeous venue and I think it’s going to continue growing, especially with the development that’s happening along the waterfront.

“I think over the next few years we’re going to start seeing the arts sector really take off, which is exciting because there are so many creative people in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.”

Our Monster’s Name is Jerry is at Theatre Works, St Kilda from February 14 to 22.

of the College’s Ocean Grove and Drysdale campuses are on Tuesday February 25 at the Ocean Grove campus and on Wednesday March 5 at the Drysdale campus.

Laura Jane Turner. (Alex Vaughan)

Bellarine Secondary College is the only public high school on the peninsula. (Supplied)

Running against the sunset

Nearly 2000 runners took over Portarlington and St Leonards during the the Flying Brick Sunset Run’s 21km half-marathon, 10km run and 4km Bully Buster races. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp dropped by on Saturday, February 8, to catch all the action during the event’s 10th year.

Hayley and Gary Richert with their children Ava and Oscar. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 458195

Rafael Butterifs, winner of the boys section of the Bully Busters run, with his medal.

Sage Capuani, winner of the girls section of the Bully Busters run, with her medal.

Felicity Kavanagh and Alex complete the 4km run.

Hudson, after completing the Bully Busters run.

Scott Krakour wins the men’s section of the 10km run.

Mikhaila Remilton wins the women’s section of the 10km run.

Granola and gratitude - breakfast with Carolyn Creswell

Getsetforamorningofinspiration,connection andgivingbackwithCarolynCreswell,founder of Carman’s, as she shares her journey from humble beginnings to build Carman’s into a globally recognised brand, highlighting the power of community and sustainability.

Hosted by award winning Claribeaux, this event is designed to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

It includes sparkling on arrival, a sumptuous two-course breakfast and the opportunity to support Feed Me’s mission to reduce food waste and feed communities in need.

Be welcomed with a glass of premium Jack RabbitVineyardSparklingBlancdeBlancupon arrival.

Peruse the silent auction and raffle items. You’ll then enjoy breakfast, curated by the talented Claribeaux culinary team.

Enjoy a morning of gratitude. Be inspired by Carolyn to embrace purpose, community and positive change.

Hosted by the Sharp Group’s Lyndsay Sharp, guest speakers are Carolyn Creswell and Feed Me Bellarine’s Lana Purcell.

Duringthemorningyou’llalsobeentertained by a local musician and have the opportunity to get involved in a silent auction (featuring a range of exclusive items including Carman’s producthampersandlocalartisanexperiences).

There will also be a unique raffle where everyone is a winner. For $20 per ticket you are guaranteed a great prize worth at least that amount.

All attendees will leave with a goodie bag including (of course) a Carman’s granola bar.

When: Thursday March 6

Time: 8am to 10.30am

Where: Claribeaux on The Bellarine Tickets and more info: claribeaux.com.au

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

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

12606035-SN21-23

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

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

12606701-KG21-23

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223

jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

12606706-RR21-23

THE RANGE

@CURLEWIS

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days

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

Founder of Carman’s Carolyn Creswell, and inset, Claribeaux will host the sumptuous two-course breakfast (Pictures: Supplied)

Shopping local in the Grove

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp braved a cool start to the week to

Competition

Writing comp back for 2025

Welcome to the seventh year of the Bellarine Writing Competition.

You will see in the advertisement on this pagethattherehavebeenchangesmadetothe way the competition is run.

Firstly, entries will be anonymous for the judges.

The stories will be sent to Barry Sproull, who will forward them without names or emails to the four judges – myself, Jan Sproull, the winner of the previous month’s competition and a representative from the monthly meeting of our writers’ group.

Also, at least for this topic, all entrants are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday March 18 at the Barwon Heads Hotel to hear who has

Lynda and Sue Wishart.

Bronagh Ritchie and her mother Sioban Hanna from Ireland. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp_ 460102

Ann-Maree Cassells with her son Daniel.

Eleanor Michie.

Jack Barnes.

Mal Cooper.

Pamela Ginnane (left) and Karen Place (above).

won and discuss their story with one of the judges. Get writing everyone. Alan Cobham

The ﬁve ﬁnalists from last year: Christine Scheiner, Kristal Sorby, Jenny Macaulay (winner), Wes Furyk and Maxine Flakemore.

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 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)

1 What is the capital of Ethiopia? 2 In which US state is the John F. Kennedy Space Center located?

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? 6 Which NFL team originally called Staley Field its home?

Jessica Biel (pictured) starred in which 2000s slasher film?

8 Name the two countries located on the island of Hispaniola in the

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

9 years ago

February 17 to March 1, 2016

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville was at Shell Road Reserve last Friday to announce funding for new interchange benches and netting behind the goals.

“We worked with the clubs to find out what they wanted,” she told the Voice.

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

7 years ago

February 28 to March 13, 2018

Meet Ocean Grove’s first lady, Madam President Judy Greer.

You name a voluntary organisation and Judy has probably been the president of it, and in recognition of more than 48 years of volunteering and general community heroics she has been recognised for her work by the Victorian Government.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

5 years ago

February 26 to March 10, 2020

An Ocean Grove resident has claimed a planned footpath along Thacker Street is a “nightmare waiting to happen”.

Joanne Eaton said Geelong council’s plans to build a footpath network in Ocean Grove would make Thacker Street more unsafe.

3 years ago

February 25 to March 10, 2022

More than 6000 households in Ocean Grove will each pay $333.87 to help fund a network of connected footpaths. The City of Greater Geelong on Tuesday night voted to adopt a shared funding model for 24.3 kilometres of footpaths that will be built around the town.

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

Ocean Grove Library

• Monday 24 February 9.30am-2.30pm Local and Family History - drop in session

• Wednesday 26 February 2pm-3pm Book chat

• Thursday 27 February 2pm-3pm Digital Cyber Safety – staying safer online

• Thursdays 3pm-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs

• Mondays 10.30am-11.30am Preschool story time

• Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)

• Wednesdays 9.30am-10am Toddler Time

• Thursdays 11.30am-11.50am Baby Time

• Thursdays 4pm-5pm Play with OSMOs

The Big Read

Motivate and deepen your reading, focused reading of classics - books that have stood the test of time. Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday February 22, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Charles.

 0400 500 402

Croquet Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.

 0428 740 591

Live music

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.

 5258 1150

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.

 Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

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

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

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

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

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

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

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

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

Carpet bowls

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

 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

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

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

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm.

Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.

Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

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

Monthly

Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.

 Dianne, 5255 1372

Cards

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

 Dianne, 5255 1372

TOWN club

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

 Bev, 0421 636 830

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

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

 oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Drysdale Day VIEW

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

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Great weekend for the Vic Open

The Vic Open came to the Bellarine Peninsula to celebrate its 12th year from February 6 to 9. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at the 13th Beach Golf Links on Saturday, February 8, to catch the men and women battle it out during the golf competition.

Paul Johnston with his daughter June.

Peter and Sharlene Whyte.

Kyle Neenan with his daughter Mila.

Peter Chappell with his children Isla and Archie.

Sarah Yamaki Branch (Qld) ﬁnished with a par 71.

Rhianna Lewis (Qld) at the top of her follow through.

Lion Higo (Qld) drives at the opening hole.

James Mee (Qld) drops this putt at the 9th hole.

Left: Caitlin Peirce (SA) follows through on her drive. Centre: Australian rookie, Amy Walsh drives from the ﬁrst tee. Right: Deyen Lawson (Vic) drives at the ﬁrst hole. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 454876

Hannah Reeves (Qld, amateur) drives at the ﬁrst.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team finished on top of the ladder at the end of the 2024–25 NBL regular season?

2. Brad Donald most recently coached which sport’s Australian national women’s team?

3. Super Bowl LIX was held in which US city?

4. What medal did cross country skier Rosie Fordham win at the recent U23 World Ski

5. Dricus du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland in their middleweight title fight at UFC 312, held in which Australian state capital?

6. Which player was awarded MVP of Super Bowl LIX?

7. Australian surfer Tyler Wright was the women’s winner of the 2025 Pipe Pro, held off the coast of which US state?

Jordan Mailata is the first Australian to play in and win the championship game of which US sports league?

Australian middledistance runner Cameron Myers recently broke the world under-20 indoor record for what distance?

After which marine mammal is US golf professional Craig Stadler nicknamed?

How many top-10 seeded opponents did Madison Keys defeat to win the 2025 Australian Open?

Mauro Schmid and Ally Wollaston won the 2025 men’s and women’s titles of which Australian cycling race?

13. An NRL rule tweak will punish defenders judged to be ‘playing for’ obstruction penalties by awarding what to the opposing team?

14. Which Australian golfing great reportedly helped arrange a meeting between US president Donald Trump and Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd?

15. Who became the first person to coach a team in both the AFL and AFLW when he was appointed head coach of the AFLW’s Gold Coast Suns in January?

16. In which city will the 2025 NBA All-Star game be held?

17. Which NFL team won this year’s Super Bowl?

18. And who was the feature performer during the halftime show?

19. Prior to their recent February victory, when was the last time Australia won a Test series in Sri Lanka?

20. Two NBA exhibition games will be held in Australia this October: in which city will they take place?

21. Which Adam Sandler character is a failed ice hockey player?

22. How many countries currently have Test Match status?

23. What is the name of France’s Grand Slam tennis event?

24. In what year did Sydney host the Summer Olympics?

25. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2003?

26. How many lions are in the logo for the England cricket team?

27. David Beckham made his professional debut for which Premier League club?

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

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ANTENNAS

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AUTOMOTIVE

AutoCareOceanGrove(Repco) 52551045

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BUILDING DESIGNERS

MichaelHigginsBuildingDesign 52553355

BUTCHERS

Benno’sMeatingPlace 52541828

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A1ChimneySweep&Co 0426897479

CONVEYANCING

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CLEANING AND LAUNDRY

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DENTAL

DrysdaleDentureServices

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OceanGroveDentureServices

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ELECTRICIAN

GavinBurnettElectrical 0467554941

28. In golf, what is a double bogey?

29. Which animal was the Brisbane AFL team previously associated with?

30. Former American football player Terry Crews starred in which police procedural sitcom?

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,Bluetoothwithaudiostreaming,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 anadvantage,butwithoutanythingintheback, 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 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.

Astartbuttonislocatednearthetoplefthand 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, unless perhaps it was picking up the exit limits.

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. Ivan Kemp was there to see the action unfold.

Cheyne Verrier adds to Ocean Grove’s position.

Left: Hugh O’Reilly wraps this end for Ocean Grove. 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.

Glenn Baudinette concentrates on this bowl.

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.

Teams prepare for ﬁnals

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

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 away from home. Highton started well winning 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 McNabb put the Heads in front with his 6-2, 6-1 win in the first singles, but Wandana countered in the doubles with brothers Lachie and Xavier Hanson winning 6-2, 6-3. From there Wandana 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.

Smith shines in ﬁrst hit-out with 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 lastyear’stradeperiodviaafour-clubdealand 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 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

Cromie stars nailing two champion titles

Tyson Cromie is the Geelong Bowls Region 2025/25 Men’s Singles champion.

TheOceanGrovestardefeatedQueenscliff’s Jackson Reilly in the final 25 to 7.

Cromie also won the Champion of Champions trophy in a thrilling final against Queenscliff’s Matt Lawrence. The match went down to the wire with Cromie prevailing 25 to 24.

Highton’s Sue Kerr won the Women’s Singles Championship, defeating Geelong’s Kerry Gooley 25 to 6.

With one round remaining in the Saturday Premier Division before finals, Ocean Grove has sewn up top spot on the ladder.

The race for second spot is between Highton and Queenscliff with just five points between

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.

the two teams. Highton faces fifth placed Drysdale while Queenscliff will need to take all the points against bottom placed City of Geelong to have any chance of leapfrogging into second spot.

The last finals spot is also a close race. Torquay is currently just one point ahead of Drysdale in fourth place.

Torquay should defeat Bell Post Hill while Drysdale faces a tough one against Highton.

Eastern Park remains an outside chance to make finals, but it’s unlikely, especially seeing as it meets Ocean Grove.

Bell Post Hill is two points ahead of City of Geelong. Both teams will want to avoid the wooden spoon.

Tyson Cromie won two Geelong Bowls Region titles on Sunday. (Ivan Kemp) 445440_08

Bailey Smith in action during a simulation match between Geelong and Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium on Monday February 17.

(AAP Image/Julian Smith)

Aaron McCurdy with some kingﬁsh. (Supplied)

Highton’s Jamie Heaton had a good day for his team. (Supplied)

Moment of truth arrives for Grubbers and Coutas

By Justin Flynn

The moment of truth for Ocean Grove and Queenscliff has arrived.

The two teams are locked in an absorbing A1 Grade battle with the result to have major ramifications on each club’s season.

Lose and it’s quite probably a wooden spoon and relegation to A2 Grade. Win and it’s survival in the top flight, but also a shot at finals.

It’s been that sort of season.

Anglesea, Armstrong Creek and Barwon Heads have been the standout teams in the comp, but fourth spot is up for grabs.

Barrabool and Jan Juc are on 30 points with Queenscliff, Drysdale and Ocean Grove on 21.

After day one of the penultimate round, Ocean Grove is 7/167 after several rain delays restricted play to 71 of the allotted 75 overs. Grove skipper Fletcher Long said his side had four overs this week to try and push to a

winning total.

“Hopefully we get a few more on our total,” he said.

“They (Queenscliff) bowled well, but the ground is also extremely slow. We are pretty confident whatever score we put on the board we can defend and get the much needed six points.”

Grove openers David Turner (23 off 43 balls) and Shaun Fankhauser (21 off 37) got the team off to a good start.

But the Coutas’ bowlers proved difficult to get away, especially Tom Kidd, who sent down a marathon 31 overs and although he got just the one wicket, conceded only 54 runs in a superb display of control.

Ned Stephens did a lot of work with 2/55 from 20 overs while veteran left-arm seamer Tony Hanafin took 3/34 from 14.

Zac Jones top scored for the Grubbers with 38 from 82 deliveries and Jacob Taylor dug in for 27 off 117.

Dan Roddis is unbeaten on 27 from 50

balls and probably holds the key to Grove scoring 180-plus.

The two clubs find themselves in a similar situation in B1 Grade with Ocean Grove to resume on 6/168 with eight overs remaining.

Adam Arnold will stride to the crease on 73 while Billy Foord-Engelsman made 43.

Queenscliff used just three bowls for the afternoon. Nathan Merrett bowled unchanged to take 5/95 from 34 overs.

Drysdale made 202 in C1 Grade with Leon Cox smacking 92 from 84 balls and Dylan Justice making 40 not out from 46.

William Finn took 4/39 and Merric Platt 3/19. In reply, the Grubbers will resume on 1/1 after losing the crucial wicket of captain Grag Scarpa just before stumps.

Newcomb proved too good in D Grade, making 8/165 (Mark Hyland 3/6 and Louis Belsar-LeBel 2/18). In reply, Grove was all out for 116 with Joel Baran unbeaten on 41 from 49 deliveries and Shannon LeBel making 36 from 28.

Ned Stephens (2 for 55) takes the ball at the top of his run.

Left: Jacob Taylor lofts this delivery to mid-wicket during his innings of 27. Right: Dan Roddis gets off the mark with a single. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 454878

Left: Tom Kidd bowled well to take 1 for 54 off 31 overs for Queenscliff. Above centre: Zac Jones top scored for Ocean Grove with 38. Above right: Players run off the field during a rain shower.

Hawks post 250-plus in ﬁnals bid

By Justin Flynn Drysdale’sunlikelytiltataBellarinePeninsula

Cricket Association A1 Grade finals spot is still alive after posting a hefty 5/257 against Barwon 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’ve just let ourselves down a few times. 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, the comp is that tight,” Malcolm said.

After Charlie Clode made 38 from 63 balls, Malcolm and Jack Wilkinson (43 from 99) thensteadiedinthefaceofsometightbowling.

“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 was dismissed with a freakish catch by Damian Clarke off his own bowling.

“Iprobablystartedtogetalittlebitnervous,” 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.”

Drysdale will have to win without star bowler Blake Dobbin, who won’t play again this season after copping a foot fracture against Jan Juc.

“I will take that (257) at the start of the day every day of the week, but they’re a good batting side Barwon Heads,” Malcolm said.

“Obviously Max (Melzer) is going to be the key,buttheyhavealwaysbeenastrongbatting 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 one wicket, conceded only 54 runs. Dan Roddis 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.Pickeringmade82whileTitansskipper Daniel Maclean sent down 31 overs to take 3/83 while Jack Maclean took 3/58 from 20. In A2 Grade, David Peel top scored with 52 in Inverleigh’s total of 9/212 against Surf Coast. 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 7/177againstCollendina.DaneWise-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.

Harrisyn stars with big maiden ton for Collendina

Collendina young gun Harrisyn Wingrave notched up his maiden century with a superb innings against Wallington in C1 Grade on Saturday and said it was a reward for being more patient at the crease.

The 17-year-old made exactly half his side’s total of 6/242 with a magnificent 121 from 143 deliveries, which included 10 boundaries and four sixes at Collendina Recreation Reserve. Batting at No 3, Wingrave was in early.

“I was just thinking to get myself in before I did anything stupid or play any shots,” he said.

“It felt good to make some runs finally. When you bat three, you have enough time to get yourself in, but sometimes the opener goes early, so you can find yourself in a good spot.”

As he approached his century, Wingrave thought he was nowhere near the milestone.

“Richie Peters asked me if I’d like to know how many I was on,” he said.

“He said ‘99’. I thought I was low 80s.”

Wingrave played a few A Grade games earlierintheseason,butbyhisownadmission said he probably wasn’t quite ready.

He has been working on his game by trying to bat for longer periods, which will hopefully help if he is called up again.

“I seemed to struggle a bit more, but I don’t know if that’s just because it’s a bit harder or I found myself attacking from the start,” he said.

“I feel like I didn’t do that yesterday and got myself in first.”

Harry’s father Garry is no stranger to big scores at the Cobras having made 444 runs this season in C2 Grade.

“As a dad it makes you really proud when your son makes a ton when he tries so hard week in week out,” he said proudly.

The Snakes were also well served by Dean Britt (49 not out off 37 balls), Jack Thomson (32) and opener Aidan Foard (25).

In A2 Grade, Wallington has eight overs to build on its score of 7/177 against Collendina after rain interrupted periods of play.

Slow bowlers Jacob Gasior (2/61 off 20 overs) and Stan Grazotis (2/31 from 19) did the bulk of the work.

Drysdale looks headed for a win in C2 Grade with Collendina all out for 113. Jacob Irwin top scored with 30, but new-ball bowlers Mark Friend and Matt Gordon each took three wickets for the Hawks. Drysdale will resume at 0/60 with Aaron Hovey on 37 from just 32 deliveries.

NickGibbontookthreewicketstohelpDina to an easy win against Anglesea in D Grade. Chasing 130 for victory, Tim McKerracher made 39 not out to get the runs with eight wickets and 16 overs in hand.

Justin Flynn

Harrisyn Wingrave made his maiden senior century for Collendina with a superb 121 against Wallington. (Supplied)

Jason Malcom. (Justin Flynn) 305768_12