Geelong’s favourite street festival returned on Saturday and although it ended early, it was still hailed as a success.
Rising temperatures forced organisers of Pako Festa to close down the festival at 2pm, three hours before its original finish time.
Temperatures soared into the high 30s forcing the street festival on Pakington Street, Geelong West to shut down.
“Due to the heat and its impact on our audiences, stage performers and stall holders, we regretfully need to announce that Pako Festa 2025 is closing early,” it said on its Facebook site.
“However we must say, the massive response from the public out there on Pakington Street today has been incredible.”
There was enough time for the street parade and representatives from dozens of countries and cultures marched as one.
Pictured during the parade are Emilia, Masha and Elsa from the Serbian community.
See pages 10 and 11 for all the colour from the parade.
Shire’s ‘no’ to Aus Day
By Jena Carr
Surf Coast Shire Council chose not to reinstateAustraliaDaycelebrationsduringan emotional meeting on Tuesday night.
Councillor Rebecca Bourke brought her Future Recognition of Australia Day motion to council during its first meeting of the year on Tuesday February 25. The chambers were filled with concerned community members, most of whom were against Cr Bourke’s proposal.
Cr Bourke said the purpose of the motion was to support events celebrating Australia Day, reinstate citizenship ceremonies and bring the “community together with kindness and respect”.
“This motion aims to bring our wider community together on a day that is gazetted
by the federal government,” she said.
“Australia Day (should be a) tier one event in all future event calendars for the purpose of supporting community groups or organisations with Australia Day events which are open to the general public.”
Council ultimately voted against the motion, four votes to five, leading to Cr Liz Pattison putting forward an alternative motion to advocate to the federal government to change Australia Day’s date, which passed seven votes to two.
CrPattisonsaidshewas“sorryforthehurt” caused by Cr Bourke’s notice of motion and that council had a “responsibility to be fully informed about the impacts” of its decisions.
“In the four-and-a-half years that I have had the privilege of being a councillor at the SurfCoastShire,wehaveneverhadthismany
people in the gallery,” she said.
“January 26, 2026, is still 11 months away. We do not need to make divisive decisions tonight without all the information and understanding at hand. That is not good governance.”
There were tense moments during the debate when Cr Paul Barker lashed out after hewasdisruptedbythegallerywhenhespoke out in support of Cr Bourke’s motion.
Cr Barker told the Independent on Wednesday February 26, that “disrespect being shown” by councillors and community members resulted in him abruptly leaving the meeting later in the night.
“The lack of control (was not acceptable).
During council meetings, people have disagreements and vote different ways, and that’s okay,” he said.
“But the disrespect that was being shown from many people on both sides of the tables, was unacceptable in my view, and the lack of control of that only made it worse.”
Wadawurrung Woman Corrina Eccles also spoke during the meeting, providing an emotional talk on the “deep hurt” reinstating Australia Day celebrations would have on First Nations people.
“I am a proud Wadawurrung Woman and daughter of my father, a Wadawurrung Elder stolenfromhismotherbecauseofgovernment acts and policies made about us and without us,” she said.
“(The notice of motion would) create division, alienate new citizens from First Nations experiences and negatively impact our wellbeing as First Nations residents here on the Surf Coast.”
Highton fight not over: Aitken
City of Greater Geelong councillor Anthony Aitken warned those celebrating council’s decision to recommend a change to the HightonVillageUrbanDesignFrameworkthat the “fight may not be over”. Publicconcernsraisedincludedtheproposed rezoning of two City-owned car parks at 19 Belle Vue Avenue and 1A Taylor Court to the Commercial 1 Zone, proposed development heights and the inclusion of an affordable housing policy.
As a result of community feedback, the City proposed some changes to the amendment, to
the delight of some in the gallery, including to remove the adopted UDF as a background document in the planning scheme.
However, after most of the gallery cleared out, Cr Aitken issued a word of warning.
“The recent comments that have been made bytheMinisterforPlanningandthepremierof Victoriaindicatethattheremaybeintervention into local governments’ planning capacity,” Cr Aitken said at City of Greater Geelong’s monthly council meeting. “This fight may not beoverandI-sadly,thegalleryhasclearedfrom those that actually are celebrating this point on
Clean up Oz goes local
Australia’s largest and longest running national day of environmental action swings into action this weekend around Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Morethan20separateeventswillrunacross the region as part of Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday, March 2.
More than 22 million Australians have volunteered for Clean Up Australia events since the organisation’s founding in 1990.
Volunteer organisation Geelong Intrepid Landcare will host a clean up at Cowies Creek on Sunday.
Event organiser Courtney Jennings, who has registered as an individual over the past few years, said it was “amazing how much a small group of volunteers can do in an hour or two”.
“Cowies Creek gets a lot of public activity, particularly in the area of Seagull Park, so there’s often quite a bit of rubbish in that area,” Ms Jennings said.
Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare Group treasurer and Clean Up Australia coordinator Rob Gardner said everyone was welcome to join its third Clean Up Australia Day event at Clifton Springs Harbour this Sunday.
“Clifton Springs is scenically very attractive with a nice coastline and it’s quiet,” he said.
“We do a lot of work along the coastline as the coastcare group. It’s improving slowly, but there’s still more work to do.
“We had 39 people participate last year and collected close to 1650 bits of rubbish, most of them soft plastics. They’re usually reasonable size pieces, but they break down into millions of pieces.”
Visit cleanup.org.au to register for a local event or donate to Clean Up Australia.
Jena Carr and Matt Hewson
Courtney Jennings will lead the clean up at Cowies Creek this weekend. (Ivan Kemp) 461423_01
- but I just give some very cautious words to say that they may have to continue their fight to influence our state government, that has a different opinion about how local government should exercise its voice in planning.”
The City’s response to community submissions will be submitted to the panel, as well as Council’s resolution on Tuesday night to reduce building height limits for the Commercial1zonetoninemetres,tomaintain the character of Highton Village.
An independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning will now consider 25
submissions from the community about the long-term vision for the area.
On Tuesday night, council referred the submissions about the proposed amendment tothepanelfollowingcommunityconsultation in late 2024. One submission was supportive, two provided comments, four were duplicate submissions and 18 objected.
Deputy mayor Ron Nelson said it was important that everyone’s views were heard.
“By referring the submissions to an independent panel, we can ensure an open and accountable process,” he said.
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Mayor wants Ring Road support
By Matt Hewson
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has called upon all candidates in the upcoming federal election to commit to making the Bellarine Link a reality.
The mayor released statements this week advocating for bipartisan support for the Geelong Ring Road extension, which has seemingly been in limbo since 2023.
TheBellarineLinkextensionwouldconnect the terminus of Baanip Boulevard at the Surf Coast Highway to Barwon Heads Road, likely via Precinct Road, providing a direct link from the Ring Road to the Bellarine.
The extension would relieve congestion by diverting car and truck traffic from central
Geelong, while improving travel times for residents, visitors and travellers alike.
Allocated$4millioninthe2016-17Victorian budget, there has been no official word since a 2023 update to the state government’s project webpage saying planning development and community engagement had been completed.
Mayor Kontelj said extending the Geelong Ring Road to Barwon Heads Road was vital for the region.
“As the population grows, and the traffic through that area increases, and we need infrastructure that keeps pace with community need,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“The extension would reduce travel times by up to 15 minutes and support our region’s growing population by improving the links
A celebration of sport
KickstartyourLabourDaylongweekendwith celebration of sports and recreation when the fifth annual Festival of Sport returns to Kardinia Park this weekend.
The free festival will host more than 30 activities on GMHBA Stadium, Barwon Regional Cricket Centre, the Joel Selwood Stand and outside in Djilang Plaza.
KardiniaParkStadiumTrustchiefexecutive
Gerard Griffin said the family-friendly twilight event, which was sponsored by Deakin University, would feature sports for all ages and abilities.
“This year’s festival is a fantastic opportunity to have fun on the same oval where the sporting greats play,” Mr Griffin said.
“Our region boasts a rich and vibrant
sporting sector. From the traditional to the non-traditional and the obscure, we love celebrating them all right here at the heart of sport in Geelong,” Mr Griffin said.
The event regularly draws thousands of people to the sporting precinct to get involved with the activities and entertainment on offer.
The Geelong Sports Museum, which opened in June last year, will also be open with free entry during the festival.
The museum gives patrons the opportunity to explore the sporting stories of the region, including luminaries such as Charles Brownlow and Cadel Evans, with a host of historical artefacts from over 30 sports.
The Festival runs from 5pm, to 8pm on Friday, March 7, with food trucks and entertainment for the whole family.
between the Bellarine and Melbourne.
“It would also support rail connections to Marshall Station and support active travel through separate paths that keep cars, cyclists and pedestrians safely apart.”
The2023onlineprojectupdatealsoincluded the possibility of a future development continuing the extension to the Bellarine Highway and Portarlington Road.
Mayor Kontelj emphasised the importance of reducing truck movement through Geelong’s CBD.
“For sustainable growth and liveability we need fewer trucks in central Geelong, and the Geelong Ring Road extension would enable a direct link between Geelong’s north and the Bellarine without trucks in our CBD,” he said.
“As we approach the upcoming federal election, I want to see every candidate commit to this project - we need the support of all parties so that this infrastructure is delivered regardless of the result.”
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the Albanese Labor Government was “committed to delivering the infrastructure projects our region needs and deserves”.
“We know the Bellarine Link has potential to be an amazing connection that could serve our region for decades to come, and, as with any infrastructure proposal, it will be considered.”
Member for Geelong Richard Marles and Senator Sarah Henderson were also contacted for comment.
Geelong’s Festival of Sport returns for its fifth year this Labour Day weekend. (Supplied)
GSODA calls on mayor for support
By Matt Hewson
The president of Geelong’s longest-running amateur theatre company has called on Mayor Stretch Kontelj to invest in grass roots arts organisations.
In a statement provided to the Independent, The Geelong Society of Operatic and Dramatic Arts (GSODA) president Jo Manderson responded to the mayor’s column in the February 14 edition titled ‘Arts and culture a priority’.
Mayor Kontelj’s column focused on the need to invest in the Geelong Gallery, the expansion of which was the “one piece of the puzzle remain(ing) for our cultural precinct to reach
its full potential”.
While praising the council’s “bold and visionary projects that have reimagined
Geelong’s arts and culture precinct”, Ms Manderson emphasised the “essential role” of community theatre and grassroots arts projects.
“While these larger-scale institutions and initiatives undeniably have their place, it is crucial to remember that community theatre plays an equally vital role in shaping our local culture,” she said. “It is in these spaces where raw talent, diverse voices, and new ideas emerge—often against the odds.
“Yes, expanding the Geelong Gallery and attracting international exhibitions is exciting,
but what about the next Guy Pearce or Sophia Katos that might come from a local theatre program?
“If we truly want to be an internationally recognized arts and culture hub, we must invest in all forms of artistic expression—not just the high-profile, marketable projects, but the intimate, community-driven ones as well.”
GSODA, a multi-award-winning not-forprofit company, lost its permanent home in 2022, and a commissioned infrastructure feasibility study last year identified a new, permanent,council-fundedhomeas“essential” for the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
Ms Manderson pointed out that while both
Community sends ‘clear message’
Hundreds of Geelong community members gathered last weekend to make a powerful statement about Viva Energy’sproposedgasimportterminal.
Organised by Geelong Renewables
Not Gas (GRNG), a coalition of community organisations and groups including schools, environmental organisations and residents groups, the event saw attendees form a human sign saying ‘no gas terminal’.
The message was directed to the Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, who will soon make a decision on the future of the gas terminal project.
The family-friendly picnic protest, held at North Shore’s Moorpanyal Park on Sunday, February 23, included addresses from campaign coordinator Karina Donkers and others,aswellaslivemusicperformancesfrom Sarah Carroll and Wayne Jury.
MsDonkerssaidseeingsomanypeopleturn out to voice their opposition to the terminal was fantastic.
“It really sends a strong message to the Planning Minister,” she said.
“We formed a really powerful image, spelling out ‘no gas terminal’, which really showcases our community’s deep concerns and their incredible passion for protecting our bay, community safety and addressing the climate crisis instead of fueling it.
“It demonstrates the strong opposition to this project and lack of social licence for it to go ahead.
“We’re calling on the Victorian government to listen to the people of Geelong and the surrounding regions and make the right decision to reject this proposal.”
Ms Donkers said GRNG had been trying to organise a meeting with Ms Kilkenny, but so far the minister had not accepted the organisation’s invitation.
Visit geelongrenewablesnotgas.org for more information on the campaign.
Matt Hewson
sport and arts were important to communities and young people, the funding disparities were stark.
“GSODA, (is)nearly 100 years old and (has) the longest running youth theatre section in Australia, GSODA Junior Players, that is celebrating the amazing milestone of 60 years in operation this year... and yet we face the predicament of having no permanent home,” she said. “To put the plight of GSODA into another light – if it was in fact a footy club with this much history, it would never find itself homeless or without strong council focus to keep them alive and flourishing!”
Visit geelongindy.com.au to see Ms Manderson’s full response.
Free TAFE for Geelong
Free TAFE has been locked in for the Geelong region this week following many enrolments from people looking to develop their skills.
Local government members were joined by Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles at The Gordan TAFE on Wednesday, February 26, to celebrate the federalgovernment’sFreeTAFEprogram.
Deputy Prime Minister and federal member for Corio Richard Marles said there have been 5,775 Free TAFE enrolments across the Corio and Corangamite communities since the program started.
“With nearly 5,800 Free TAFE enrolments from the Geelong area, our community will see the real benefits of these skills and jobs,” he said. “We know TAFE provides the skills you need for well-paid jobs and through Labor’s Free TAFE policies, more people in Geelong are getting access to this training.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said Free TAFE was about ensuring everyone had the opportunity toimproveorgetnewskillswithoutbeing held back by costs.
“I’ve spoken with countless locals who agree that Free TAFE is all about opportunity, fairness, and a stronger future for all Australians,” she said.
“Free TAFE is changing the lives of so many people across our region, from the Surf Coast to Armstrong Creek and across the Bellarine and Geelong region.
“It’s about investing in our growing industries, like the care economy, clean energy, and housing construction, and ensuring more locals have the skills they need to thrive and a qualification to get ahead.”
Inaugural short-play festival now accepting submissions
Geelong’s newest arts festival is encouraging buddingplaywrightsandactorstogetinvolved.
The inaugural Geelong Short Play Festival, which will be held in November at the Geelong Arts Centre, is accepting submissions of previously unperformed 15-minute plays on any theme from today (Friday, February 28) until Sunday, April 27.
Judges will compile a shortlist of six plays, which will be performed by local theatre groups at the festival in November.
Festival organisers at Geelong Writers Inc will run two workshops facilitated by Melbourne-based playwright Christine CroydenatEasternHubCommunityCentrein Marchtoassistwritersaheadofthesubmission due date.
Festival coordinator Paul Bucci relocated to
Geelong four years ago from the South West district, where he was a writer and coordinator with the Port Fairy Short Play Festival.
He said the beauty of short plays was they involved far less work to both write and produce, lowering the barrier to entry for people new to both writing and performing.
“What we found in Port Fairy, and I’m going toassumeitwillhappenheretoo,isthatalotof people got involved that hadn’t been involved with theatre before,” Mr Bucci said.
“Short plays are very accessible… so it will hopefully attract people who have done some writingbutperhapsneverwrittenaplaybefore.
“Also, people who are already involved in theatre have a capacity to become a performed playwright, which, as a performed playwright, is a real buzz.”
Geelong Repertory Theatre, Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre, Theatre 3Triple2 and new Geelong West group Kaleidoscopic Void are among the local theatre organisations who will
be randomly allocated plays to perform.
Mr Bucci, who has both won and judged short play competitions, said natural-sounding dialogue was key to a good short play.
“One of the big turn-offs when you judge is plays that don’t actually sound like real people speaking,” he said.
“Also, while a longer play gives much more opportunity for character and plot development, different kinds of sets and costumes, in a short play you don’t have time for any of that.”
Email competitions@geelongwriters.org.au forcompetitioninformationortosubmitplays, or call Paul Bucci on 0428 326 012 for general information on the festival, the competition or acting opportunities.
Matt Hewson
Geelong Short Play Festival coordinator Paul Bucci. (Ivan Kemp) 393259_03
Event organiser Karina Donkers addresses the crowd on Sunday. (Ivan Kemp) 461183_05
Inset: Protesters formed a human sign for the Planning Minister. (Supplied)
Employment land plans begin
Investigations into potential employment land in Geelong’s south-west will soon begin to meet increasing needs.
The City of Greater Geelong Council adopted Amendment C468ggee during its Tuesday, February 25, council meeting.
The amendment identifies 170 hectares of land as a site that could be developed to meet the region’s growing employment land needs.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson said it was important for growing communities to access employment near their home.
“TheSouth-WestGeelongInvestigationArea prioritises further examination of 170 hectares
of land that would help to ensure the supply of employment land up to 2051,” he said.
Council will now undertake work to determine the potential of the South-West Geelong Investigation Area, covering Waurn Ponds’ former Boral quarry and Mount Duneed’s Western Industrial Precinct.
Further work will be needed before land rezoning is entertained, with the amendment introducing local policy, strategic directions and other clauses to the planning scheme.
City Planning portfolio chair Councillor Andrew Katos said managing land disruptions and meeting industry needs were key to
Beauty of the Bellarine
Everlasting Seascapes is coming to Barwon Heads to highlight the natural diversity and beauty of the area through art.
The group exhibition will be launched at the Barwon Heads Arts Hub on Thursday, March 6, from 6pm to 8pm, celebrating the Bellarine Peninsula’s environment and coastlines.
Belmont artist Katia Ksr said the exhibition featured different artworks from five female artists, which also recognised International Women’s Day on March 8. “We’re contributing to the show collectively as well as individually abouttheenvironmentanditsbeauty,”shesaid.
“We work across different mediums, so I’ve curated the show, organised for us to meet and you collaborate in the way that showcases all of us and makes our work visible.”
The exhibition features multidimensional sculptures by Britt Silvester, paintings and ceramics by Madeleine Thornton-Smith, oil paintings by Sara Leanne Perry, and landscape
photos by Karen Williamson.
Ms Ksr will also present installations of large paintings on transparent textiles during the exhibition, with people able to experience meditative moments surrounded by pastel horizons.
“I’m looking forward to artists hopefully being inspired by some of the mediums we will be sharing through our work,” she said.
“It’s about connecting through the community to women and artists who appreciate the environment and how we feel around marine protection.
“It’s very beautiful to be by the sea and I’ve always connected to that as a moment of tranquillyasabreakfromallthebusylivesthat we have.”
The Everlasting Seascapes exhibition will be showcased at the 5 Clifford Parade arts hub from March 7 to 10 and March 13 to 15 from 10am to 3pm.
creating an expanding population and supporting the local economy.
“Amendment C468ggee is in line with recommendations from the South-West Employment Land Review, commissioned as part of work in the wake of Council’s Settlement Strategy,” he said.
“The amendment is in line with strategic priorities in Our Community Plan and the community’s clever and creative aspirations by facilitating sustainable development that supports population growth.”
The amendment will allow for the delivery of a diverse range of industrial lot sizes,
including sites for large-scale manufacturing operations and the potential for surplus land to be used for housing and tourism, subject to further work.
Nine submissions were received during the amendment’s community exhibition from September 5 to October 14, with five submissions accepting the amendment while four government agency submissions provided comments.
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/amendments/ item/8dc2989dcacdb41.aspx for more informationonAmendmentC468-South-West Geelong Investigation Area.
A central Geelong market has the potential to bring our CBD to life by showcasing the best fresh produce, beverages and boutique wares our city has to offer.
Which is why the City of Greater Geelong is exploring options for a regular market that could drive visitation to our CBD, much like Hobart’s famed Salamanca Market.
Established in 1972, the Salamanca Market has evolved over half a century to become a vibrant, colourful local institution featuring 300 stallholders offering a huge variety of locally made products.
Visitors can meet the artisans, designers and producers behind these unique items, creating furtheropportunitiesforstallholderstomarket their products and services.
The Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visitedtourismattraction,accordingtotheCity of Hobart, and draws shoppers from interstate and overseas.
As mayor, I envisage a central Geelong market which, like Salamanca, could become a regional and even an international drawcard for our city.
And Geelong has the credentials for this to be successful.
Food and beverage generated $1.2 billion in revenue for Greater Geelong in 2022, up 36 per cent since 2018.
During the same period, food and beverage manufacturejobsinGreaterGeelongincreased by 18 per cent to more than 2400, and the sector is the largest contributor to the local manufacturing industry for jobs and output.
So there’s no shortage of traders that could
benefit from a regular central Geelong market.
The market would provide a valuable pop-up shopfrontforourproducers,boutiquedistillers and creatives and makers seeking to market their wares.
The unique market experience would also bolster foot traffic in our CBD, increasing business for local traders and attracting people to nearby restaurants, eateries and bars.
But initiatives like these don’t just happen –they require extensive research, analysis and planning to reach their full potential.
Several locations are being considered, with my preferred location being Little Malop Street West to revitalise the Market Square precinct.
My vision is for a weekly Saturday market in the mall, with the option of a night market.
Andcouncilofficersareexploring several other important questions –likewhoshouldoperatethemarket.
Council? A private operator? Should it be a community-driven initiative? Or perhaps there is potential for a public-private partnership or hybrid model.
Central Geelong already hosts a handful of popular yearly, quarterly and monthly community and private-run markets, which demonstrates an appetite for a more regular market in our CBD.
I look forward to working with Council to create a unique ‘Geelong experience’ – a market that markets our region to the world.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (Supplied)
ENTERTAINMENT
Sammy J warns
‘no prisoners’
By Jena Carr
SammyJ(SamuelJonathanMcMillan)wentto his friend’s 40th birthday in a kangaroo suit, only to realise it was not a dress-up party.
The Australian comedian, author, composer and broadcaster will explore the events that led to his most embarrassing memory in The Kangaroo Effect, coming to Geelong Arts Centre on Saturday, March 1.
“This show is a deep dive, sort of like the butterflyeffect,asI’mtryingtoworkoutallthe moments in my life that led to that moment of humiliation,” he said.
“There’sapartintheshowwhereI’vegotthe security camera footage from his house of me walking up the driveway in the outfit, so I sort pieced together a crime scene.
“I walked into the house, and I realised that everyone had dressed up nicely, but not in fancy dress, and I completely got it wrong, and itwasthemosthumiliatingmomentofmylife.
“It’s interesting as I have spent my whole life being an attention seeker and this was
really the first time where I felt properly embarrassed, like I didn’t want anybody to look at me.”
Sammy J, who is now 41, said it was hard to talk about his life without including moments from his extensive career, with the show featuring a special appearance from purple puppet Randy.
“I’m going to be coming out swinging when I hit Geelong, and I won’t be taking any prisoners..., so I’m genuinely pumped to get back on stage,” he said.
“I talk in the show about being on tour 20 years ago as a new comedian and how many mistakes I would make, not just on stage, but while trying to impress other comedians on the road.
“I’m not answering to anyone except the crowd, and there’s a really liberating aspect to that... It’s me and a keyboard with a screen and the crowd. There’s something beautifully simple about that as well.”
Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets to Sammy J’s The Kangaroo Effect in Geelong.
Toddler techno at GAC
Australia’stoddlertechnopioneeriscelebrating 25 years of one of the world’s beloved cartoon shows.
Multi-platinum and ARIA-nominated DJ and producer Lenny Pearce will bring the Reef Rave tour to Geelong this weekend, paying homage to a quarter of a century of SpongeBob SquarePants.
Pearce originally shot to fame as a member of dance and music group Justice Crew and is now a well-known performer in the Australian electronic music scene.
However, 18 months ago Pearce’s career took an unexpected turn when he began to create remixes for his infant daughter.
“She was three months old at the time, so I wantedtoremixnurseryrhymesthatsheknew, but that could also play in clubs,” Pearce said.
“So I did that, I was posting on TikTok and Instagram and they started to go super viral.”
Pearce swiftly became Australia’s number one proponent of rave music for young children, releasing a slew of music under the banner of Toddler Techno.
It’s music that kids love and parents and other family members can also enjoy.
“There’s no real science to it; if I can enjoy something with my daughter, it’s as simple a connection as that,” Pearce said.
“With toddlers, they like music and things that they’re familiar with. And if you’re having
BE PART OF TASTES OF GREATER GEELONG THS YEAR
We’re inviting restaurants, bars, cafés, producers, retailers, community organisations and individuals to dream up extraordinary experiences that showcase our region as one of Australia’s most renowned food, beverage, and hospitality destinations. Expressions of Interest (EOI) to be included in the program are open for our annual mid-winter festival, which last year injected $1.681 million into the local economy over 24 days.
The festival is open to all Greater Geelong businesses to host food and drink related events between Friday 20 June until Sunday 20 July.
If you’re in food and hospitality, whether you’re new to the festival or a seasoned regular, we’d love you to be part of it and encourage you to submit your EOI.
For more information and to register your EOI by Friday 28 March, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/TastesEOI2
fun, they have fun too.” Pearce has worked with the Children’s Hospital Foundation over the past year on various events, and $1 from every ticket on the Reef Rave tour will be donated to the charity.
Lenny Pearce’s Reef Rave is at Geelong Arts CentrefortwoshowsonSunday,March2.Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.
Matt Hewson
Cats & Dogs - All at Sea photo submission
Ahoy, pet lovers! Do you have a water loving dog or a seafaring pet?
Our National Wool Museum is seeking photographs of your adventurous furry friends for a digital display as part of the Cats & Dogs - All at Sea exhibition on now until Sunday 20 July.
To complement this endearing exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, we’ll be showcasing your photographs in a digital display.
Share your photographs with your beloved pets either at the ocean, beach, or river or create a simulated environment with your pets at home.
All submissions will in the running to win one of five family Museum memberships!
For more information and to submit your images by Monday 14 July, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/AllAtSea2
Feedback sought about protecting trees on private residential land
We’re exploring tree protection options available on private residential property in Greater Geelong. Residents don’t currently require a permit to remove a tree on residential private property unless the tree is identified for protection under an existing heritage or environmental planning overlay. We’re seeking your feedback on the level of support for the different options including regulatory and non-regulatory approaches. Feedback will help inform a decision whether we will pursue some form of tree protection on private residential land.
For more information and to provide feedback by 5.00pm on Friday 14 March, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ PrivateTrees2
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM with Miek Paulus from Ket Baker, Manpreet Sekhon from Eastern Spice and Brian Anderson from Bahjong and Baah Lah!
Seaman with cat and kitten, 1910s, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection, Samuel J Hood Studio.
Lenny Pearce. (Lenny Pearce)
Sammy J will bring The Kangaroo Effect to Geelong on Saturday. (Supplied)
Sun shines on Pakington Street
The annual Pako Festa was as colourful as always, although organisers made the decision to halt the day early at 2pm due to temperatures into the high 30s. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there for the parade before it got too hot.
Monica Villeda and Olga Herrera. 460441_02
Lithuania. 460441_05
Russia. 460441_15
Above: Macedonia. 460441_16
Below: Serbia. 460441_07
Latin America. 460441_22
Geelong Latin America Movement. 460441_25
Nepal. 460441_28
China. 460441_39
Bosnia. 460441_41
Thailand and Laos. 460441_43
Vietnam. 460441_47
Spain. 460441_10
‘‘ It just pulls the rug out from under everything you know and love, like your life can change in an instant ’’
- Nicky Mackay
Melanoma can happen to anyone
Melanoma Institute Australia will host Geelong’s Melanoma March on March 2. Ahead of the event’s 14th year, Jena Carr speaks with Jan Juc’s Nicky Mackay about her experience losing her husband Sean to skin cancer.
Jan Juc’s Nicky Mackay was living the classic love story with a loving husband and three beautiful kids when melanoma rocked her family’s world forever.
The 50-year-old mum met her husband Sean close to 34 years ago when she was 16 and remembered him as someone who “had time for everybody” and knew how to make people laugh.
“I knew him quite well, and we just clicked and were together for about nine years until he proposed, and we got married,” Nicky said.
“The happiest memories (I have with him) are of raising our kids and spending time with family and friends. He loved his friends and had a lot of friends.
“He’d just light up a room. If you went somewhere and it was a bit boring, you’d go and stand next to Sean, and you knew you’d have a good time. He was fun and lived life to the fullest.
“He would always smile and provide a happy presence... We had a lot of fun. We loved doing thingsasafamilyandgoingonholidaysandhe always liked to pull silly faces, and he was a bit inappropriate.”
Nicky and Sean went on to have three kids together and live a cancer-free life until Sean was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2008.
“Sean had a melanoma just on his chest wall, but he had that removed. He had to go back and have a wider section cut out, but we got the good news that it was gone,” Nicky said.
“Then he initially had regular skin cheques every six months, and then they were moved to every 12 months. We were a bit complacent
because he was getting skin cheques, and we thought we were on top of it.
“But he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma in July of 2016 and had all of his lymph nodes taken out and had radiation.
“One morning, he came up and said, ‘Feel this, have I got a lump under my arm?’. So, he went to the doctor and got the lump checked.
“A couple weeks later, we found out it was melanoma which was in his lymph nodes. We don’t know if it was from the original melanoma or if he’d had another one because they couldn’t find another mole.”
Sean’s condition continued to get worse in February 2017 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma.
“The melanoma had spread. It had broken one of his ribs. It was in his lungs and adrenal glands. It was kind of everywhere,” Nicky said.
“The cancer was dreadful. Sean was an incredible person. He was so positive and kept everythingfromthekidsandme.Noonereally
knew how much he was suffering.
“We couldn’t access immunotherapy at the time, so he had a different treatment. Ultimately, that failed, and he had a seizure at home one night. That was in July 2018.
“He’d just picked up our son from football training and made dinner. I’d been out with my daughter at footy training in Geelong, and when I got home, he just wasn’t himself.
“We were getting ready to take him to the doctors when he had a seizure. That’s when we found out the melanoma had spread to his brain.
“He had surgery, but there were a lot of tumours, and they were in the lining of his brain. So, he passed away about eight weeks after that.”
Nicky said Sean was 47 years old when he died and that losing him had been hard on their kids, who were 11, 13 and 15 years old at the time.
“I still can’t believe it’s real, it’s awful and the kidswereyoung.Ithappenedquitequickly,but rightuntiltheend,wedidn’texpecthewasever going to die,” she said.
“It was shocking. With them coming into being teenagers, they just needed their dad. Sean was a really hands-on dad and a bubbly, bright, charismatic, and cheeky person.
“He was a huge presence in our house, and thenhewasjustgone.Then,duringtheCOVID pandemic,wewerestillprettydeepingriefand isolation, so it was hard.
“Wemisshimeveryday,andIthinkit’sbeen hard for them seeing their friends doing stuff with their dads, going camping, and all that sort of stuff while they missed out on so much not having him here.
“Some of the times when Sean was sick were
some of our most beautiful times as a family because you realise how precious someone is to you.
“The kids are good, but he’s always with us and always will be. I see him in the kids, especially my youngest son. He’s a bit cheeky and reminds me a lot of him.”
With the Melanoma March Geelong returning on Sunday, Nicky said it was important for people to remain sun-smart.
“It can happen to anybody. It just pulls the rug out from under everything you know and love, like your life can change in an instant,” she said.
“I knew about melanoma, we both did, and you hear about people with cancer, and you’re aware of the risks, but it’s just so distant, and I think you don’t ever truly believe that it’s going to happen to you.
“It’s such a simple thing to be sun smart and to get skin cheques. The more awareness that’s out there, it could save somebody else from going through what we’ve been through.
“The prospects for people facing melanoma now are much better than it was seven or eight years ago when we were going through it, and it’s getting better all the time.
“Someofthethingsthatyoucareaboutwhen life is going along normally really don’t matter, and it’s so obvious to you what matters in life.
“Be positive, ask lots of questions, seek support from people and accept help when it’s offered. Family and friends are so important in times like these as they can help get you through it.”
Visit melanomamarch.org.au to donate or formoreinformationontheMelanomaMarch. Help is also available through Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Jan Juc’s Nicky Mackay with daughter Georgie. (Ivan Kemp) 461398_02
Sean Mackay with his children Ned, Henry and Georgie on his 47th birthday, before he lost his life to melanoma. (Supplied)
IN PROFILE
Major victories for local travel company
Geelong Travel is celebrating major wins at Scenic Group’s national awards in Sydney.
The Belmont-based company, led by Stuart Coffield, was awarded two prestigious honors: 2024 Highest Sales Single Location Australia-Wide and 2024 Highest Agency Sales VIC State Winner at Scenic Group’s 9th Annual Night of Stars.
Scenic Group’s director of travel and commercial sales Emma Davie praised the local company’s outstanding achievement.
“Geelong Travel’s success is driven by their commitment to high-quality integrated campaigns, client expos and events, exclusive charter and group departures, which have grown their business significantly during 2024,” she said.
“With an unwavering passion and dedication, Stuart and his team continue to excel in client service and bookings across the Scenic Group portfolio of luxury ocean, river and land products.”
Coming off the huge success of Geelong Travel’s recent expo, which attracted 5000 people, these awards cement Geelong Travel’s position as Australia’s leading independent travel agency.
Mr Coffield, who established the business just over 30 years ago and now runs it with 20 dedicatedteammembers,saidtheresurrection of the travel industry and the surge in demand after the COVID-19 pandemic had been exhilarating.
“We are very proud of these awards,” he said.
“We’ve always had growth every year, but with Scenic, it’s gone to a new level – we’ve seen a 50 percent increase in sales of their products in the last year. It’s wonderful to see so many people wanting to travel again and experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime, luxury experiences that Scenic provides.”
BMX facility plans online
Initial plans for the revamp of three Geelong bike facilities are now out for public viewing.
Draft concept plans for The Hill Mountain Bike Park in Newtown, Corio’s Stead Park Dirt Jumps and the Waurn Ponds Dirt Jumps in Grovedale are now up on the City’s website.
The plans, designed by World Trail, were informed by the first round of community engagement that ran from July to August last year.
Some of the community’s ideas from round one were not included due to budgetary constraints, such as asphalt pump tracks, toilets, drinking water and shelter.
Community members are able to view the drafts and share their thoughts via an online submissions form.
GeelongmayorStretchKonteljsaidthe community’s feedback was pivotal.
“A big thank you to our mountain bike andBMXcommunity,includingparents, for their insightful feedback on how to improve these facilities,” he said.
“Let us know if the proposed plans meet your needs and expectations, and if there’s anything that has been left out.”
Sports&RecreationchairEddyKontelj said the proposed changes were designed to make the trails more challenging, fun and safe.
“Construction works will be rolled out over several years, funded through renewal funding, future council budgets and external grants,” he said.
Visityoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ GMBFR before 5pm on March 20 to have your say.
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Our experienced funeral directors are available to meet with you to answer your questions and provide personalized information tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Making conversations about funeral care options a little easier and convenient.
To start the conversation please call us on 5221 4788
Bannockburn Office
Open every Thursday from 9AM to 1PM
(Also available by appointment)
Lara Chapel
Open every Monday from 9AM to 1PM
(Also available by appointment)
AFDA Member
Geelong Travel’s Robert Kalemba, managing director Stuart Coffield, Helen Paulus, Lena Paterson, Rita Carlini and Anthony Laver. (Supplied)
Wrapping up 10 years of triathlon
It was a great day for running, cycling and swimming with the return of the Barwon Heads Triathlon on Sunday, February 23. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to catch the excitement as the event wrapped up it’s 10th year.
IWD events across the Surf Coast
Events will occur across the Surf Coast this month in recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. Surf Coast Shire Council will host a free grassroots discussion led by gender-based violence author, advocate and TEDx Talk speakerJaneGilmoreatitsTorquaychambers on March 5 at 10.30am.
The Resilience exhibition will continue to be showcased at the Anglesea Art Space until March 9, which features female artists highlighting the challenges and strength of resilient women in everyday life.
Gowing Winchelsea will also deliver an event for women in business on March 18 at the Winchelsea and District Women’s Brunch to help increase community connections and build business success.
Councillor Liz Pattison said the IWD events helped “foster a thriving, connected, (and) healthy community”.
“I’m looking forward to being in a room with people from across our communities, gaining insights and sharing ideas on how we can advance gender equality in Surf Coast Shire,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see the
community taking the lead on International Women’s Day events across the shire, and no doubt there will be plenty more that people can attend throughout March.”
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West will also hold an IWD film screening of ‘Equal the Contest: When the Rules Exclude You, Rewrite Them’ in Aireys Inlet on March 12.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD for more information on Surf Coast Shire’s IWD events, or visit Humanitix to register for the Aireys Inlet
More housing for veterans
New dwellings are coming to Geelong to help establish crisis and transitional housingforveteransandtheirfamilies.
Ten houses will be constructed in GeelongaspartofVaseyReturnedServices League’s (RSL’s) V Satellite Centre, thanks to $4,675,669 in funding through the federal government’s Veterans’ Acute HousingProgram.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the program was helping increase the capacity of organisations nationwidetodelivercoordinatedsupport.
“This investment will help to provide veterans and their families with a pathway to access safe and secure temporary accommodation,”hesaid.
“Withveteransthreetimesmorelikelyto experience homelessness than the general population, this Program is intended to support veterans experiencing, or at risk of,homelessness.”
Funding for the Geelong dwellings forms part of the more than $5.86 million received by not-for-profit organisation Vasey RSL Care to address veteran homelessnessinVictoria.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone said the funding allowed veterans to access support and affordable housing acrossthestate.
“We have an obligation to look after these local heroes who have given so much toourcountry,”hesaid.
Veteransatriskorcurrentlyexperiencing homelessness can reach out to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 to beconnectedwithappropriatesupport.
film screening.
Catherine McAloon, Jayne McArthur and Meg Cook.
Bailey Tuddenham wins the men’s race.
F Open winners Johanna Clark (2nd), Penny Nevill (1st) and Lauren Amy (3rd) immediately after the finish.
Above: First swimmers coming out of the water. Left: Competitor heads to the start of the cycle leg.
Left: Competitors run the cycle transition. Centre: Tom Wakefield, Emily Conroy and Jesse Smith. Right: Swimmers and supporters walking to the start of the swim. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 461055
gforce genuinely believes in being part of the community.
DISABILITYSERVICES
gforce connecting people
gforce is dedicated to helping people with disability find rewarding employment.
We deliver Disability Employment Services and NDIS Employment Supports including school leaver employment supports on behalf of the Australian government.
We connect people living with disability with employment opportunities to deliver successful employment outcomes. Participants are supported with positive coaching and mentoring during their pathway and post placement. We also help businesses create inclusive workplaces. With a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, our team offers expertise across a range of specialist fields including disability and mental health, training and
recruitment, and workplace adjustments. Most importantly, we are passionate about what we do and want to help people and local businesses reap the rewards of an inclusive workplace.
We are a full-service employment and recruitment organisation that seeks to assist all job seekers, participants and employers. Our team is passionate and skilled and focus on an excellent customer experience. We have served the Barwon community for more than 40 years. We believe in being genuinely part of communities we serve and embracing a community-driven approach.
Find out more. Visit gforce.org.au or call 1800 436 723.
Topcat’s dedicated team
Topcat Healthcare, a family-owned and operated business, specialises in premium incontinence products for all ages.
As an NDIS-registered provider, they are dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions that meet a variety of needs.
Their range includes popular items such as absorbent pads and disposable underwear, designed to provide comfort and reliability.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant or a private customer, Topcat ensures exceptional products tailored to your requirements.
Topcat Healthcare will showcase their products at the Geelong Disability &
WorkAbility Expo on March 14 and 15 at Geelong Arena.
This inclusive event features a wide range of aids, equipment, health products, and support services, along with all-ability entertainment, Auslan interpreters, and live captioning.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Topcat team, explore their innovative range, and see how they’re helping Australians maintain dignity and independence in their daily lives.
Visit topcathealthcare.com.au for more information.
DISABILITYSERVICES
Social engagement fosters community and purpose
In today’s increasingly busy and fast-paced digital world, many individuals struggle with social isolation and loneliness. Maintaining meaningful connections can be especially challenging for migrants facing emotional difficulties, language and cultural barriers, and social isolation.
Recognising this need, Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) developed the Connections for Wellbeing program to support individuals concerned about their emotional wellbeing by helping them build relationships, access services, and engage in social activities.
Finding community and purpose
Social engagement is essential for emotional well-being, yet many find it difficult to join or access activities that align with their interests. TheConnectionsforWellbeingprogramoffers guidance and opportunities for participants to explore new hobbies, join local groups, and take part in culturally tailored activities. From yoga and tai chi to book clubs and community gardening, the program improves their overall health and wellbeing and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
Encouraging inclusivity and participation
Open to individuals aged 21 and over, the program also welcomes carers and family members who want to support loved ones in reconnecting with their communities. In addition to structured activities, AMCS hosts drop-incentresessions,whereparticipantscan discuss their interests and explore available support options.
Australian Multicultural Community Services developed the Connections for Wellbeing program to support individuals concerned about their emotional wellbeing. (Supplied)
Strengthening social bonds
By engaging in this initiative, individuals can set personal goals, enhance their independence, and learn new skills in a welcoming environment. Programs like these not only provide practical support but also highlight the importance of fostering strong, connected communities in an increasingly fragmented world.
To find out more, call Nalika, AMCS Senior Program Coordinator – Community Strengthening (03) 8371 2358, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Help for wonderful carers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging.
Recognising these challenges, Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) has established Multicultural Dementia Care & Support Centres, offering a free support program for both carers and individuals with dementia in greater Geelong and metro Melbourne.
A space for connection and support
The program provides a welcoming environment where carers can access small group sessions to share experiences, develop skills, and receive guidance on dementia care. Information sessions help improve carers’ knowledge, while connections with other caregivers provide emotional support in a relaxed setting.
Referrals to relevant services and practical strategies ensure carers feel empowered in their role.
Connections for Wellbeing
Helping you to engage in social activities and learn new skills by connecting you to community groups and events.
Are you concerned about your emotional wellbeing and find it challenging to engage in the community?
At your Geelong Community Connection Centre, your support will include:
Fun group sessions, including dancing, yoga, tai chi, gym
Introductions to sports clubs and assistance with membership fees
Connecting you with a local interest group or ethnic community group
Cultural events in the local community
Our free multicultural program is designed for you or a loved one who needs support in connecting with others, engaging in fun activities, and learning new skills.
We also welcome their carers, loved ones and family members. Together, we work to create and achieve goals.
Who can benefit?
Anyone aged 21 or older who faces emotional challenges that prevent them from enjoying activities or learning new skills
Find out more:
Contact Nalika at AMCS 0403 158 359
wellbeingcenters@ amcservices.org.au
Enhancing well-being for individuals with dementia
For individuals with dementia, the centres offer engaging activities in a friendly space, helpingtoimprovequalityoflifeandmaintain independence for as long as possible. With support from AMCS, participants can enjoy meaningfulinteractionsthatfosterconnection and well-being.
Practical assistance for families
To ease the burden on carers, AMCS provides free transport support, along with morning tea and lunch for participants. By creating a supportive, multicultural environment, the program ensures that both carers and individuals with dementia receive the resources they need to navigate their journey with confidence.
For more information or to join the program in Geelong, call (03) 9689 9170, email sah@amcservices.org.au or visit amcservices.org.au
Multicultural Dementia Care & Support Centres
A FREE support program for both carers & their loved one who has dementia.
Benefits for Carers: Our Multicultural Dementia Care & Support Centres make a positive impact for the caregiver and the individual.
Enhance personal wellbeing and reduce stress
Small group sessions to share experiences and ideas and make connections
Skill development sessions to strengthen at-home care abilities & boost confidence
Information sessions to improve knowledge of dementia care
Referrals to relevant services
Fun activities in a friendly & welcoming environment
Improve quality of life
Carers and their loved ones who have dementia, are welcome to join our centres at no cost.
FREE
– Transportation support available upon request – Morning tea & lunch
For more information & to join our progam, contact us:
Benefits for Individuals with Dementia: Find
Assistance with ways to stay at home longer
sah@amcservices.org.au
0413 376 079 amcservices.org.au
Australian Multicultural Community Services’ dementia well-being groups are a space for connection and support. (Supplied)
The Guide
Trouble in paradise: Charles Edwards and Rebecca Gibney.
UNDER THE VINES
ABC TV, Friday, 8.30pm
Set in idyllic New Zealand in the Peak View wine district (Central Otago doubles for the picturesque, albeit fictional, region), this third season of the sunny dramedy sees newcomer William (Mark Mitchinson) ruffling feathers. Charles Edwards and Rebecca Gibney are ripe with feel-good warmth as stepcousins Louis and Daisy, now running their inherited Oakley Wines vineyard together. However, as Daisy readies to marry again, the duo must focus on ousting self-declared heir William to save their shared love: the winery. While former lawyer Louis believes his legal nous will come in handy, Daisy has some more “creative” ideas for getting rid of their supremely annoying co-owner.
Nine, Saturday, 7.30pm
Helping overwhelmed Aussies get back on their feet, this uplifting series does more than just declutter the homes of folks who are dealing with loss, illness or hardship – it aims to set them up for future successes in life. Even if his tough-love advice doesn’t win too many friends, there’s no doubt that professional organiser and NewYorkTimesbestselling author Peter Walsh (pictured) is making a difference. But tonight, when the team steps in to help single mum and cancer survivor Jo, Peter’s pushy approach lands him in trouble. Meanwhile, renovation specialist Cherie Barber is shocked to come across one of the worst safety breaches she’s seen in her career.
Friday, February 28
PICK OF THE WEEK
THE NEWSREADER
ABC TV, Sunday, 8.30pm
There’s lights, cameras and plenty of action as Australia’s favourite fictional newsreaders leave it all on the table before we bid farewell to the stellar, cinematic drama next week. Three seasons’ worth of secrets and personal struggles explode tonight after threatened NewsatSixboss Lindsay (William McInnes) takes to destroying the careers he built in a bid to save his own. Dale (Sam Reid) spirals under the pressure of blackmail about his sexuality, while Helen (Anna Torv) – riding high after PublicEyewon the ratings war – is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health issues. No one is safe from Lindsay’s vitriol as TheNewsreadersets the scene for an unforgettable finale.
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30
Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.05 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 Silent Witness. (Final, Ma, R)
2.55 Simply Nigella. (R)
3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R)
4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return)
8.30 Under The Vines. (Return, PG) Daisy plans her wedding.
9.15 Optics. (Ml, R) Greta and Nicole get a board meeting date.
9.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
11.35 ABC Late News. 11.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
4.25pm Nella The
4.50
Pfffirates. 5.20
DAN SNOW’S GREATEST DISCOVERIES
SBS, Monday, 8.25pm
History buffs are in safe hands tonight with experienced archaeologist Dan Snow (pictured). True to his profession, Snow is passionate about unearthing mysteries and hidden histories. The return of this docuseries follows the intrepid explorer on a journey to China, where he yearns to learn more about an amazing discovery made just a few years before he was born: the Terracotta Army. Made up of thousands of life-size warriors armed with bronze weapons, the collection of sculptures that guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang dates back to 210 BCE. Later episodes take Snow in search of the secrets of Stonehenge, Machu Picchu and even Atlantis. If anyone can track down the fictional island, it’s Snow.
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.50 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. (PGl, R) 11.00 The Story Of Ramadan. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Edward VIII: Britain’s Traitor King. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 The Hunting Party. (Mav, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Our Take On Love. (2022, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG, R) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy: House Of Pain. (M) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Artificial Intelligence. (R) Tony Robinson explores AI. 9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead: Vikings, Inca, Tel Banat. (PG) Looks at Jell Mound in Gjellstad, Norway. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Bonn. (Msv) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+s, R) 2.40 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (Final, PG, R) 3.45 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00
NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) 6am
4.40
5.00
5.35
5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with Nicole Maguire.
8.30 MOVIE: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, Mdl) An exploration of the life and music of singer Whitney Houston, chronicling her journey from obscurity to superstardom. Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders. 11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing. 12.00 To Be Advised.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72)
Home Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Surf Patrol. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep.
Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am DVine Living. 1.00 Auction Squad. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Surf Patrol. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Late Programs.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Water. (PG) Looks at how air-breathing mammals live in water.
8.40 MOVIE: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021, MA15+lv, R) A bodyguard and a hitman work together. Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek. 11.00 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R) 12.45 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. Game show. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Malv, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by comedian Kevin Hart and actors Jodie Comer, Sofia Vergara and Alan Cumming. English singer-songwriter Tom Odell performs his single BlackFriday 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
Moving forward: Helen (Anna Torv) confronts her past.
At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Optics. (Ml, R) 2.00 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 2.45 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R)
3.35 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Australian Story: Second Innings – Bharat Sundaresan. (R) Leigh Sales chats to Bharat Sundaresan.
6.30 Back Roads: Great Keppel, Queensland. (R) Heather Ewart heads to Queensland’s Great Keppel Island, and meets some friendly locals.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.
7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025. Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney.
10.30 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) Rob makes a controversial comment on air. 11.25 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Sunny and Jess struggle to focus on the case. 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden. (R) 10.00 The World From Above. (R) 11.00 BBC News At Ten. 11.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.00 PBS News. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 1. Day 1. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding A Dictator. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Sacre-Coeur. (Return) Looks at the Sacre-Coeur. 8.35 Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother. Looks at the remarkable story of Queen Camilla and examines how she has succeeded in transforming her public persona. 9.30 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Bondi Coastal Walk. (PGal, R) Julia Zemiro heads to Bondi Beach. 10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Stirling To East Neuk. (PG, R) 11.25 Suspect. (MA15+av, R) 3.20 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A mystery bag contains a massive concealment.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A backpack catches the attention of officers.
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A top-secret government project, involving the creation of super soldiers, is threatened with exposure. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz.
10.15 MOVIE: Green Zone. (2010, Malv, R) A rogue military officer uncovers a conspiracy. Matt Damon, Brendan Gleeson.
12.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R) Sketch comedy series.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) The team help a single mum declutter her home.
8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde. (2001, PGls, R) A ditzy blonde enrols in a prestigious law school to woo her ex-boyfriend. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair.
10.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, Mls) ‘Magic’ Mike is lured to London by a socialite. Channing Tatum.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 Let’s Eat With George. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (s, R) A diverse range of people open their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which capture every unpredictable moment. 9.30 Matlock. (PGals, R) Matty and Sarah pose as family to gather information at a senior living facility facing a wrongful death suit. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A plastic surgeon is found dead. 11.30 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm Undiscovered Vistas. 2.05 Nula. 2.35 The Casketeers. 3.05 Black As. 3.10 MOVIE: Legend. (1985, PG) 4.50 Strait To The Plate. 5.20 Spirit Talker. 5.55 The Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 6.20 News. 6.30 The Other Side. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 MOVIE: Hellboy. (2019, MA15+) 10.35 MOVIE: Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny. (2006, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs. NITV (34)
7MATE (64, 73)
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 7.40 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.00 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.25pm Silverado. (1985, M) 2.50 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.45 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PG) 8.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) Midnight Secretary. (2002, MA15+) 2.00 Ferocious Wolf. (2023, MA15+, Spanish) 3.55 Falling. (2020, M)
Sunday, March 2
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGn, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PGl, R) 5.00 This Is Going To Be Big. (PG, R) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden With Alan Titchmarsh. (PGa, R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Range Of Motion. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 1. Day 2. 5.00 Heroines. (Premiere) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding A Dictator.
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG) The mentors evaluate the teams.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Madl) Helen is blindsided by a front-page story revealing her history of mental health struggles.
9.25 Love Me. (MA15+s) Clara and Peter struggle to move past the night before. Glen and Peter rescue Aaron from a drunken night out.
10.20 MOVIE: Cosi. (1996, Ml, R) Hospital patients stage a play. Ben Mendelsohn.
7.30 Ancient Greece By Train: Athens. Professor Alice Roberts explores Greece. 8.25 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Mav) Looks at Livia, who comes to regret the scheming that put her son Tiberius on the throne. 9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Nefertiti, The Beauty Becomes Queen. (Ma, R) Takes a look at Nefertiti, the wife of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten.
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers: Manchester Town Hall. (R) 11.15 Elvis’ Women. (Mas, R) 2.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.30 Employable Me (UK) (MA15+l, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France
24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
(6, 7)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv) Takes a look at the murder of John Furlan in 1998 by a car bomb, a crime which has never been solved.
10.15 Murder In The Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery. (Mdlv, R) Takes a look at Bradley Murdoch’s guilty verdict.
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.20pm Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Skate Canada. H’lights. 1.20 VICE. 2.15 Rites Of Passage. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Hoarders. 12.30am The X-Files. 3.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals) A groom’s story shocks the experts. 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.45 9News Late.
10.15 See No Evil: Body In The Barrel. (Mav) A look at the disappearance of a 28-year-old musician.
11.15 The First 48: The Standoff. (Malv) A father of three is gunned down. 12.05 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries: Folklore. (PGa, R) 1.00 Destination WA. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Customs. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.
7.00 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
8.30 Matlock. (PGl) Tensions escalate when Shae collaborates with Olympia’s team, investigating stolen trade secrets at a tech startup. 9.30 FBI. (Mv) Jubal must search for the truth when his long-time confidential informant brings intel of an impending large-scale terror attack. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s
Monday, March 3
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 10.25 MOVIE: They Shall Not Grow Old. (2018, Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.
9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.
9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 The Business. (R)
11.10 Planet America. (R)
11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R)
12.10 Grand Designs. (Ml, R)
12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PGs, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PGal, R) 12.05 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.25 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (PGadln, R) 3.05 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Sicily With Michael Portillo. (PGaw) Michael Portillo continues his journey around Sicily.
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries: Terracotta Army. (Return) Dan Snow travels to China. 9.25 Inside Sydney Airport: Holiday Surge. (PGal, R) Christmas brings extra challenges.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Wisting. (Malsv)
12.25 A French Case. (Mav, R) 2.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (Ml, R) 2.50 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 3.55 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 10.30 Oscars Red Carpet. (PG) 11.00 The Oscars. (PGalv) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) Presented by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.
9.10 Suits L.A. (Mav) Ted needs Amanda’s help with a new prosecutor in Lester’s murder trial. Erica tries to stop Rick from poaching a client. Stuart and Samantha argue over Rick’s position in the firm.
10.10 The Oscars. (PGalv, R)
A ceremony honouring achievements in filmmaking over the past year, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals, R) 1.45 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
The couples head to Byron Bay.
9.00 Footy Classified. (Return, Ml)
A team of footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The Life And Murder Of Nicole Brown Simpson. (Mav)
Nicole files for divorce from OJ Simpson.
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
8.40 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv, R) A glitzy tech launch turns into a disaster, leaving half of the NCIS team trapped underground.
9.40 NCIS. (Mv, R) Torres finds himself in prison as the team tries to stop an impending terror attack.
10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch.
9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Most Expensivest. 1.30 The Inside Story. 2.00 Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 3.00 Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Monty Python’s Life Of Brian. (1979, M) 10.15 Late Programs.
7TWO
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm DVine Living. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Extreme Railways. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Inspector
9GEM (81, 92)
The Dancing Years. (1950) 5.30 Filthy Garden SOS. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Good Karma Hospital. 9.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Eight Ladies. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. 3.15 Nanny Tuta. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of
4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our
5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 MOVIE: Girls Can’t Surf. (2020, M) 11.30 Late Programs. NITV (34)
7MATE (64, 73)
And Holly. 6.55 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Surfing Aust. 12.30 Young Sheldon. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Tomorrow War. (2021, MA15+) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am Love Island UK. (Return) 1.30 The Nanny. 2.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Border Security: Int. Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. USA New Year Sprintcars. 3.30 Jade Fever. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers: Best Of. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Tougher In Alaska. 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 7.35 Sissi. (1955, German) 9.35 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 11.15 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.40pm Charade. (1963, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 6.40 Sirocco. (1951, PG) 8.30 Raging Bull. (1980, MA15+) 10.55 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.35am Falling. (2020, M) 2.40 Black Box. (2021, M, French) 5.00 Sirocco. (1951, PG)
Tuesday, March 4
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Optics. (Ml, R) 11.00 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Mal, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. International affairs program. 8.30 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG) Kate Ritchie and Nazeem Hussain look at parenting.
Queerstralia: Community And Belonging. (Malns, R) Looks at how queer people must jostle for space.
10.25 The ABC Of. (Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Four Corners. (R) 12.10 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.25 Q+A. (R)
1.25 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 2.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Douglas To Port Erin. (PGa, R) 8.30 Insight. (Return) Presented by Kumi Taguchi. 9.30 Dateline: Singapore’s Toughest Prison. (Return) Adam Liaw goes inside Changi Prison.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.30 Prisoner. (MA15+av) 12.40 Fargo. (Malv, R) 2.25 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (R) 3.20 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.
9.10 The Hunting Party. (M) The team races to stop Roy Barber, also known as the Couples Killer, before he strikes again.
10.10 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec and Marisa investigate a museum heist.
12.10 Sun, Sea And Surgery. (MA15+a, R)
A look at Turkey’s Comfort Zone clinic.
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples’ retreat continues. 9.00 Madam. (MA15+ls) Following Toby’s medical scare, Mack steps back from the brothel.
10.20 Footy Classified. (Return, Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.
11.20 9News Late.
11.45 The Equalizer. (Mav, R)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Building Ideas. (PG)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
NCIS. (Mv) The NCIS stages a fake wedding for two of its own in an attempt to take down the mob.
10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
Wednesday, March 5
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 2.55 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 Optics. (Final, Ml) A brutal clown car disaster creates headaches. Greta and Nicole get what they always wanted.
9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
9.45 Planet America. A look at American politics.
10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R)
11.20 Gold Diggers. (Mls, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Morning Programs. 9.40 Britain’s Biggest Dig. (PGal, R) 10.50 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PGav, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (l) Looks at Australia in the 1970s.
8.35 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Mal) The defence argue John was provoked into killing his wife, convincing some of the jurors.
9.30 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) Mayne leads the SAS into Augusta but the group is surprised to find the town empty.
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Blackwater. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
A woman journeys to an isolated commune. 12.15 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlv, R)
3.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (PGal, R)
3.50 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R)
4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Full Sweat. (Premiere, M)
A behind-the-scenes look at the Hawthorn Football Club’s pre-season training, as they prepare for the 2025 AFL season.
11.00 Autopsy USA: John Wayne. (Return, Ma) A look at the death of John Wayne.
12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R) The Agency pursues a corrupt Venezuelan businessman.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples have two dinner parties in one night.
9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) Hopeful solo mum Anna turns 40 and decides this round of treatment will be her last attempt to fall pregnant.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) Follows staff and patients at a hospital.
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Your Next Cruise. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Dog House Australia. Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 Elsbeth. (Ma) Elsbeth suspects foul play after a posh country club wedding, meticulously planned by an esteemed, but shady, financial advisor, ends in the golf cart death of the hapless groom. 9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mav) The NCIS discovers a disturbing secret when a marine is murdered during training on the island. 10.25 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.50 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Hudson & Rex. 2.15 Cryptoland. 3.15 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Kimi. (2022, MA15+) 10.10 Am I Being Unreasonable? (Return) 11.55 Late Programs. 6am TBA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat.
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. 3.15 Nanny Tuta. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. (Return) 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Great Australian Walks. 8.30 MOVIE: Moonlight. (2016, MA15+) 10.25 Talking Language. 10.55 Late Programs. NITV (34)
FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs.
Shakespeare And Hathaway. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Private’s Progress. (1956) 5.30 Filthy Garden SOS. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 To The Manor Born. 8.00 Yes Minister. 8.40
9GO! (82, 93) 6am From Here To Eternity. Continued. (1953, PG) 7.10 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 9.10 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 11.10 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.50pm Iron Sky 2. (2019, M) 2.30 Sirocco. (1951, PG) 4.20 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 6.30 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 8.30 Platoon. (1986, MA15+) 10.45 Arkansas. (2020, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.
2.00
2.30 The Nanny. 3.30
4.30 The
Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.00 Basketball. WNBL. Grand Final Series. 9.00 MOVIE: RoboCop 3. (1993, M) 11.05 Seinfeld. 11.35 The O.C. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.35 Love After Lockup. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Storage Wars. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Jade Fever. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 10.30 World’s Scariest Police Chases. 11.30 Late Programs.
1.00 The Newsreader. (Madl, R) Or Fortune? (R) Grand Designs.
6.25 Hard Quiz.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Hilltops Region, NSW. (PG)
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul: Budapest. (PGn) Sue Perkins arrives in Budapest. 9.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. Reunited siblings look into a family mystery.
10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.30 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mdl, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia Christmas Special. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
(R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots: Far And Away. (PG) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. 8.30 Hidden Volcano Abyss. (Mal, R) Takes a look at the devastating 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai. 9.30 Boiling Point. Carly and Liam scramble to cut costs. Liam makes an executive decision to change suppliers.
10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Golden Boy. (MA15+s) 12.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 2.35 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (MA15+l, R) 3.30 Employable Me (UK) (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(6, 7)
Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Glass Houses. (2020, Mads) Bree Turner. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. (R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. Brisbane Lions v Geelong.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-match coverage of the match. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R) A look at the death of Anthony Bourdain.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (PGl, R) A look at police random breath-test patrols.
8.30 Emergency. (Mm, R) Dr Scott Taylor and Dr Jonathan Papson attend a pregnant woman who was badly injured in a high-speed traffic crash.
9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mlm) A&E staff treat a patient with burns.
10.30 To Be Advised.
11.20 9News Late.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. (s) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by celebrities including Pamela Anderson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gracie Abrams. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) The SVU helps a man come to terms with being victimised. Benson tries to support
SEVEN
TEN (5, 10)
NINE (8, 9)
DISABILITYSERVICES
Disability Expo back in Geelong
The Geelong Disability Expo is coming back to Geelong Arena this March and features a new initiative – WorkAbility.
Discover a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services designed to improve the lives of people with disability.
From employment options and services, to healthcare and educational resources, there’s something for everyone.
The WorkAbility Expo connects employers and people with disability, including those with high support needs.
WorkAbility Expos are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and designed to help people with disability find meaningful employment.
The WorkAbility Expo is a vibrant hub designed to connect people with disability who want to work with employers. This event is not just a job fair; it is a supportive environment where people with disability can make meaningful connections to a range of employers, support organisations and find resources to help them succeed on their employment journey.
Thereisanamazingline-upofpresentations that will cover topics related to gaining meaningful employment and starting your own business.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to network and make friends, setting you up for success.
Tash Murabi, Talent Acquisition Manager at RACQ, found the Brisbane WorkAbility Expo experience valuable, not only for talent acquisition, but also for engaging with stakeholders and refining internal processes to better support diverse employment.
“We’ve met amazing people from all walks of life,” she says.
“The environment has been really comfortable, allowing people to sit down with us and discuss their employment aspirations. We talked a lot about opportunities within our contact centres and what we can offer from an organisational perspective. We will be taking back some learnings to the office around flexibility and shift patterns.”
At the Geelong Disability & WorkAbility Expo, you can explore all you need in one place.Theexpooffersawidearrayofexhibitors offering services such as mobility aids, home modifications, accessible travel options, financial advice, and of course employment –and much more.
It’s a one-stop shop for enhancing your quality of life.
Enjoy the ease of having everything under one roof so you can spend your day gathering information and making connections all in a single, convenient venue.
Experience an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone is valued and
respected.
The event is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring that all attendees can comfortably participate and engage with exhibitors and activities.
Navigating the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be daunting, but the Geelong Disability & WorkAbility Expo, on Friday March 14 and Saturday March 15, has everybody covered.
“The transition to the NDIS has proven complex and challenging, our Disability Expo serves as a crucial resource,” ImpactInstitute’s senior advisor Kathryn Carey says.
“By collaborating with local disability representatives, the expo ensures real, meaningful solutions to empower people with disabilities. We’ve noticed businesses increasingly offer innovative services in response to evolving needs.
“The expo has become an informative destinationthatallowspeoplewithdisabilities and their families to interact directly with providers.”
Attendees attest to the expo’s impact, with one first time visitor praising the expo.
“My first Disability Expo and I was very impressed and will be back again,” they said.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event. With interactive exhibits, engaging presentations, and opportunities to network with others in the disability community, the expo promises tobeaninspiringandempoweringexperience. Be part of a supportive community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
• What: Geelong Disability & WorkAbility Expo
• When: Friday March 14 and Saturday March 15, 9am to 3pm
The Geelong Disability Expo is coming back to Geelong in March. (Pictures: Supplied)
Try before you buy: free assistive technology trials with ILS
Finding the right assistive technology can be life-changing, but choosing the best fit isn’t always easy.
At Independent Living Specialists (ILS), we believe you should try before you commit. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation trials on many products - both in showrooms and athome-soyoucanfindtheperfectmatchfor your comfort, mobility, and independence.
Why trial assistive technology? Choosing equipment isn’t just about features
- it’s about how it fits into your daily life. Showroom trials let you test multiple options with expert guidance, while at-home trials ensure a product works within your space and routine. Our free trials eliminate guesswork, giving you confidence in your decision.
Flexible trial options
In-showroom trials – Test a wide range of products with expert support. Perfect for quick comparisons.
In-home trials – Experience how a product fits into your space. Ideal for those needing more time or facing mobility challenges. Our team is with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
How it works
Request a trial – Visit our expo booth or book online.
Discuss your needs – Our team helps match you with the best equipment. Try it out – Test in our showroom or at home
with expert support.
Decide with confidence – No pressure, just peace of mind.
Visit us at the expo and book your free trial. Stop by the ILS booth to explore our assistive technology range and chat with our friendly team. We’ll help you book a risk-free trial so you can find the best solution for your independence and comfort. Your journey to better mobility starts here - let’s find the perfect fit together.
Independent Living Specialists believes you should try before you commit. (Pictures: Supplied)
DISABILITYSERVICES
Nurse Next Door has a deep connection to the community
Kristy Kayler-Thomson’s journey into home care was driven by a deep commitment to supporting her community and ensuring that peoplelivingwithdisabilitieshaveaccesstothe caretheyneedintheplacetheylovemost,their home.
Geelong, she is passionate about Making Lives Better - fostering joy, independence, and purpose by creating opportunities for individuals to maintain their dignity, autonomy, and meaningful connections, while living in their own home. Kristy saw first-hand the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities and their families.
When her father, who has multiple sclerosis, expressed his strong desire to remain in his own home rather than move into a facility, she witnessed how essential choice and independence are to overall wellbeing. This reinforced her passion for making home care more accessible, and delivering support that is tailored to each individual’s needs and aspirations.
With nearly two decades of nursing experience, Kristy spent most of her career at Geelong Hospital, working in the Neuro, Stroke, Gastro, and Renal Ward. During her time there, she realised that many people leaving the hospital lacked the necessary support systems to continue their recovery and maintain their quality of life at home.
Recognising this gap in care, she took the opportunity to launch Nurse Next Door Home Care Services in Geelong, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and complex health conditions receive compassionate, high-quality support in their homes and communities.
ForKristy,homecareisaboutmorethanjust assistingwithdailytasks;it’saboutempowering people to live fulfilling lives Whether it’s helping a client rediscover a favorite hobby, or providing essential nursing care, Kristy and her Bold Pink team are committed to making every moment matter.
Byfocusingon‘possibility’,NurseNextDoor Home Care Services fosters an environment where clients can thrive, remain connected to their loved ones, and continue participating in the activities they enjoy.
Since launching Nurse Next Door Home Care Services Geelong, Kristy’s vision has become a reality.
What started with just one client has grown into a thriving network of care. Today, her team consists of more than 35 dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses, caregivers, and a care designer.
Together, they serve Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, providing essential services such as disability support, personal care,companionship,respitecare,andin-home nursing.
At the core of everything Nurse Next Door Home Care Services does is the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to stay living in their own home on their own terms, and that support in the home from a trusted providermakesthisapossibility.independently and with dignity.
Further to this, by carefully matching caregivers with clients based on personality, skills, and needs, Kristy ensures that care is not just a service, it’s a meaningful connection built on trust and mutual respect.
Every member of her team is dedicated to bringing positivity and purpose into the lives of their clients, ensuring they receive not only professional care but also the emotional support they need to thrive.
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
Geelong is excited to participate in the upcoming Geelong Disability Expo, an important event that connects individuals, families, and caregivers with the support services available to them.
Kristy and her team will be there to share
people explore their care options.
Top: Nurse Next Door’s Kristy Kayler-Thomson. Above: Nurse Next Door’s Jayde and client Kim prepare to cook up a storm. (Pictures: Supplied)
The ultimate adventure awaits
BY LEE MCCARTHY
IF you are one of those fortunate travellers who havecoveredtheglobe,seenasmuchofEurope, Africa and Asia as you desire and are seeking a new experience, this one is for you.
It’s time to explore the final frontier, Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.
The diversity and ruggedness of the terrain in the Arctic and Alaska will grip you as you celebrate life on a voyage of extremes.
Viking started sailing in the high Arctic in 2025 offering passengers the chance to be one of the first to pass through the scenic Canadian Maritimes and along the famed St Lawrence Seaway with time to visit historical cities along the East Coast.
Viking’s Australian and New Zealand managing director Michelle Black said this was a unique journey allowing passengers to witness stunning vista’s, unique wildlife and diverse cultures and enjoy a truly memorable voyage to the Earth’s far north by sea.
“Wearepleasedtobeabletooffersuchawide range of new and exciting expedition voyages sailing between the polar regions of the Arctic to Antarctica and the Great Lakes,” she said.
“These destinations offer encounters with wildlife like nowhere else in the world,”
“Guests will sail glassy inlets with whales and penguins between dramatic landscapes, glacier-carved fjords and rugged mountain ranges while immersing in the culture and traditions of the traditional Inuit peoples of the Arctic.”
“Our polar voyages offer an unbelievable opportunity to experience the remote wilderness and excite every type of traveller.”
The journey begins in cosmopolitan Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city and one of the smallest in the world, with just 16,000 residents.
Located on the southwest coast, the city is home to one of the world’s largest fjords, the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, whose waters are brimming with marine life and where whale sightings are commonplace.
VisitorstoNuukcometoenjoynature,hiking along the dramatic coastline or exploring the fjord by boat or kayak. Its rugged landscape is dotted with colourful houses, set amid a beautifulbackdropoftheSermitsiaqmountain.
Passengers will have the chance to cruise these waters on the Viking’s Special Operations Boat and witness Greenland’s west coast, one of the Arctic regions spectacularly scenic highways and a favoured transportation route for Greenlanders. Iceberg-filled waters drift past changing landscapes, evoking experiences that were once followed by intrepid explorers for centuries.
Kayak among Icebergs In Illulissat, Greenland paddling along the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Floating icebergs glisten under the midnight sun as they drift by.
The Pond Inlet in Nunavut, Canada which sits on the northern shores of Baffin Island at the eastern entrance to the famed Northwest Passage is home to a small but vibrant Inuit community, and nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the North.’
The surrounding Arctic landscape a panoramic mix of glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. Pond Inlet is also a gateway to SirmilikNationalPark,‘theplaceoftheglaciers’ in the local language.
Coveringmorethan8,400sqmi,theparkisa declaredmigratorybirdsanctuaryandsupports an array of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, wolves, narwhals and beluga whales.
The Canadian High Arctic is a region of raw natural beauty and is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and extended periods of darkness.
The spectacular natural beauty is dominated by rugged terrain, snowcapped mountains, drifting icebergs and vast ice fields that stretch to the horizon.
During the journey enjoy enriching days of exploration with the use of expedition equipment,includingwalkingpoles,binoculars and dry suits for kayaking which is all included in the fare.
Greenland enjoys a diverse food scene
and the country’s capital encourages visitors to fully embrace the gourmet dining experiences on offer.
These are just a few of the highlights of Artic cruisewithViking-achancetomakememories to cherish forever.
To enjoy the itinerary and find out more please visit www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
With most of the country covered in ice, traditional Greenlandic cuisine heavily features seafood, fish and meat. In restaurants serving traditional fare, Suaasat will commonly be found on the menu—a tasty stew of potatoes, onion, rice or barley and meat. A selection of cafes and eateries offer tasting plates or tapas-style dishes, providing a sampler of local delicacies to enjoy, alongside international favourites.
Viking Orion in the Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska.
Viking guests will sail glassy inlets with whales and penguins between dramatic landscapes, glaciercarved fjords and rugged mountain ranges
Why ‘Coolcations’ are hot
TAKEN a Coolcation recently? All the ‘cool kids’ are taking ’coolcations’ where they explore vivid and exciting destinations like Canada, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.
‘Coolcationing’ is one of the top travel trends of 2025 and is so called as many travellers are tired of travelling in the intense heat so are choosing destinations like Scandinavia, Alaska and Canada.
As this is the very region Viking calls home, they are without question the best placed to show travellers around these spectacular regions and share their homelands with them.
Viking introduces their passengers to the history, culture, architecture and art of the region and offer them the chance to explore their culinary uniqueness all while travelling in understated luxury.
TravellingthefarseasofCanada,Greenland, Iceland and the Arctic is a chance to discover distantshoresandvisitvillagesandscenerynot overrun by tourists.
From quaint fishing villages to snowcapped mountaintops, witness majestic landscapes, and learn about Inuit traditions, revelling in the history of Viking exploration.
Visit vibrant Bergen in Norway, home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence.
Join shrimp-peeling experts as they demonstrate their different preferred methods. Try both and see which techniques works best before savouring a hard-earned meal with white bread and a glass of chilled white wine.
Meet some of the four-footed locals and learn about the classic Norwegian brown goat cheese called Gjetost.
Norwegians love their coffee, and a trip behind closed doors to discover the process that brings Friele, Norwegians favourite coffee to life and learn about the fascinating art of ‘cupping’ will entice the senses.
Explore the stunning beauty of the Svalbard archipelago, hundreds of Norwegian islands halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Stunning panoramas unfold here with dramatic fjords leading into glimmering bays surrounded by massive glaciers and rugged peaks cloaked in snow.
The austere tundra unfolds to an Arctic desertwherepolarbear,Arcticfoxandreindeer roam. Many regions have been designated ImportantBirdAreasbyBirdLifeInternational for the countless winged creatures that breed and hunt along the coast.
Theregion’sendlesswonderscanbeexplored by zodiac, kayak and by land. Discover what life in the Arctic is like during a drive through
Longyearbyen and a visit to the Svalbard Museum.
Journey to Camp Barentz in the remote Advent Valley and meet its lovable husky dogs and their musher.
Fossil hunting, sled ride, and a thrilling ride totheadventValleybyATVarejustafewofthe adventures to experience.
Discover the area’s natural beauty by kayak against a stunning backdrop of sweeping mountains or ascend into hard-to-reach places andadmirepanoramicviewsaroundÍsafjördur on an exhilarating ATV excursion.
Get to know a local Greenlander and share a traditional snack during a home-hosted visit. Learn about the local culture, their traditional clothing and fabric, and gain insight into village life. Cap the visit by sharing a kaffemik, a Greenlandic tradition used to celebrate special events or milestones, such as birthdays or births. Enjoy this cultural exchange while tasting homemade Greenlandic cake and pastries
Viking travellers Jenny and Phil Morup were full of praise for their recent trips.
“AllofourVikingcruiseshavebeenenjoyable
and adventurous. We particularly enjoy scenic cruises in cooler climates,“ they explained.
“It is for this reason we enjoy sailing around Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska and Canada. Cruises we have completed in these regions are Viking Empire (49 days), In the Wake of the Vikings (15 days), North Pacific Passage (22 days) and Iceland and Norway’s Arctic Explorer (15 days).“
Back onboard recharge and renew body, mind and spirit in Viking’s Scandinavianinspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea.
Whether choosing to unwind in the sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, it’s hard not to feel recharged and revitalized.
Viking’s inclusive value includes everything needed for a fabulous trip, such as a guided excursion in every port, all onboard meals including alternative dining venues, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour specialty tea, coffee, and bottled water, access to the state-of-the-art Nordic spa, self-service laundry and all tipping. With no kids,nocasinos,fewerthan1,000guests,andall veranda staterooms, Viking’s award-winning ships take their passengers as close as possible to each destination.
To learn more about Viking’s Coolcations visit www.viking.com or call and speak to member of the team on Reservations (AU) 138 747.
Viking guests Jenny and Phil Morup dressed for kayaking in Canada on the Great Lakes.
Jenny and Phil Morup, guests on Viking’s Arctic Explorer cruise with the sign which signifies the end of the Svalbard City limit and the risk of roaming polar bears. (Supplied)
LEE MCCARTHY
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 19 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JUN-OCT 2025; APR-OCT 2026; 2027
From $13,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $19,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $9,495pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
EXPL RER
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa
11 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $7,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $9,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
Hong Kong seamlessly blends Eastern traditions and Western modernity. The city’s iconic skyline, studded with futuristic skyscrapers, forms a stunning contrast to ancient temples and vibrant markets.
Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
23 night full-board cruise on board the BRAND-NEW Queen Anne
25 Nights | 20 February 2026 | Prices fr $7,299pp
Enjoy a two-night stay in Singapore before embarking the newest addition to Cunard’s fleet, Queen Anne, for the voyage to Sydney.
From the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay to the cultural intrigue of Chinatown, Singapore remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia. Discover the island-state’s beautiful botanical gardens and colonial landmarks during a two-night hotel stay ahead of a 23-night voyage on board Queen Anne as she sails to Sydney.
The newest member of the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne promises everything that makes a Cunard cruise so special, from Gala Evenings to a ernoon teas and enriching guest lectures. Enjoy a night in port in Hong Kong before sailing to Manila and onwards to Darwin. The sunshine of Queensland beckons next, from Airlie Beach to Brisbane, before your cruise culminates with a night in port in Sydney.
Visiting: Singapore, Hong Kong (overnight in port), Manila, Bitung, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney (overnight in port)
brand-new Queen Anne is a luxurious cruise liner offering opulent accommodations, fine dining, and exquisite service, promising an unforgettable voyage of elegance and indulgence on the
Complimentary Hotel Stay
2 night four-star hotel stay in Singapore at the PARKROYAL on Beach Road with breakfast
Complimentary Outbound Flight, Taxes & Transfers
Singapore, Hong Kong (overnight in port), Manila, Bitung, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney (overnight in port)
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 Fugitive (7)
5 Fierce wind (7)
9 Creator’s protection (9)
10 Shoals (5)
11 Verse (6)
12 Advantageously (8)
14 Instrumental work (6)
15 Area on the body consisting of pelvis and upper thigh bones (4)
19 Merit (4)
20 Surpass (6)
24 Pseudonyms (3-5)
25 Very small pool of rainwater (6)
27 Woody plants (5)
28 Everlasting (9)
29 Stableman (7)
30 Show (7)
DOWN
1 Formula (6)
2 City and port in Italy (6)
3 Studio (8)
4 Physical and mental discipline (4)
5 Online metropolitan guide (10)
6 Bottle for the table (6)
7 Superimposed (8)
8 Writer of essays (8)
13 Warden of wildlife on an estate (10)
16 Discharge (6)
17 Royal family member (8)
18 Leave by will to another (8)
21 Hanging tuft of threads (6)
22 Meaning modifier (6)
23 Michael Jackson song (4,2)
26 Impel (4)
1 How many 'Arabian Nights’ are there in the Middle Eastern folk tales?
2 Which singer-songwriter wrote and recorded the theme song for the hit series Orangeisthe New Black?
3 What ingredient makes a latte a mocha?
4 True or false: spruce trees are evergreen?
5 Papillon is a breed of what type of animal?
6 In which country are the Cliffs of Moher located?
7 What type of exercise relies on the continual use of oxygen?
8 Annie Lennox (pictured) partnered with Dave Stewart to form which '80s British pop duo?
9 Name the narrator of Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick
10 What device helps musicians keep a steady tempo?
No. 258 No. 226
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Geelong Historical Society Inc.
Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West. AGM April 2.
Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Mr Perfect
Monthly free bbq for men of all ages to get together over a BBQ for a chat. Norlane Community Centre first Sunday each month except January, 10.30am-12.30pm. Next BBQ March 2.
0430 022 446, or michaeldg999@gmail.com
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday March 1, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben.
0400 500 402
PlayLinks
Music and art playgroup where babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.
info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
Grovedale East Ladies Probus Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL.
Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610
Belmont Central Combined Probus Second Wednesday of each month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.
0417 555 547
Waurn Ponds Combined Probus Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am. Maximum 100 members.
probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn
Lions Club of Geelong Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Contact below for venues and times.
geelong.vic@lions.org.au or 0408 599 962
Geelong Harmony Chorus
Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill.
contact@geelongharmony.com.au, or 0406 666 737
Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir
Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English.
0413 406 433, or welshladieschoir.com.au
Chess clubs
Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.
Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm.
0419 591 432, or geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au
Dancer’s Club Geelong Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes
Book sale
Uniting Grovedale book sale Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8, Uniting Barwon Grovedale site, 272 Torquay Road, corner Reserve and Torquay Roads, 10am-2pm Great range of stock on offer. All books $1 and children’s books 50 cents.
supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Puff and Damian.
Russ, 5250 1937
Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc]
Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2-4pm, $5 entry.
Val, 5251 3529
Belmont Combined Probus
First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Road. New members and visitors welcome
Sue, 0409 945 011, or probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com
Barwon Valley Belmont Probus
First Thursday of the month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Membership officer, 0407 333 263, or bobstafford@ozemail.com.au
Sports
Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.
Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available.
Maureen, 0429 397 015
Arts National Geelong
Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at:
artsnational.au
Peace meditation
Non-religious secular group. Our own peace is the basis of world peace. Whittington Neighbourhood House, 20 Worden Court, Whittington. Saturday December 14, 11am-noon, Belmont Library.
Graeme, 0438 785 512
Live music
Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7pm-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Road Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab. Entry $10.
Dawn, 0417 148 493
GROW Australia
Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?
healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
Barefoot bowls
Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown, Friday twilight starting 6pm. $15 covers bowls and BBQ. Drinks at Crackerjack bar prices.
Wendy, 0401 221 061
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.
Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.
0418 521 265
Drysdale Day VIEW
Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.
Margaret, 0431 636 090
Geelong Day VIEW
First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio.
geelongdayview@gmail.com
Leopold VIEW
Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.
leopold.viewclub@gmail com
Geelong Evening VIEW
Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com
Lions Club International
Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.
Les, 0428 466 446
Grovedale Marshall Probus
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.
Anne, 0425 356 973
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.
Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457
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
Hamlyn Heights Probus
Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Road, Herne Hill.
Noel, 0425 706 339
Geelong Central Probus Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.
geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.
Gary, 0407 320 735
Polish language for kids
Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.
Dorota, 5224 1105
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton.
Elma, 0411 065 524
Adfas Geelong Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.
adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.
griddlepop@hotmail.com
Rolling in for cancer awareness
Trucks took over Beckley Park on Sunday, February 23, for Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp to catch the action of the event’s 10th year of raising fund for kids battling cancer and their families.
Blair and Miller.
Above: Kenworth - Mack Muncher. Above left: Jason Barry, Peter Baxter and his daughter Ella.
Michael Hortin, Simon and Kellyanne Sheahan and Ryan Charles with children Jimmy, Addie, Sophia and Penelope. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 460000
Bianca, Riley and Stevie van Ek.
Left: Rodney and Kelly Light were the 3rd highest event money raiser with $12,179. Centre: Camp Quality car. Right: Brad Drew raised $17,525 for Camp Quality (top event money earner).
Gavin and Siobhan Calleja were the 2nd highest event money raiser with $16,058.
Josh Donald, Taylin Bourke and Maycee Kinsella.
Josh De Man and his son Wesley.
How does Honda Civic stack up?
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Civic received a mild makeover towards the end of last year.
The refreshed model sees the sporty styling enhanced with a new front bumper and radiator grille that combined produce improved aerodynamics.
The previous petrol-powered entry model has made way for the hybrid e:HEV L, powered by the same petrol-electric setup that powers the more expensive LX.
You might think Honda is a little late to the hybrid party, but along with Toyota was one of the pioneers of hybrid technology with the launch of the Honda Insight way back in 2001.
The two-seat Insight with its wheel spats was Australia’s first hybrid, beating the Prius to market.
Styling
Civic has become a large small car over the years, with plenty of legroom front and back.
But it sits pretty low to the road and getting in and out could be an issue for older drivers.
Thecabinhasamorepremiumfeel,compared to the hard plastics of the previous model, with a clever, long thin honeycomb grille that hides the air vents in front.
The plunging roofline makes rear access difficult so watch your head, but legroom is good and air outlets prevent it from becoming claustrophobic back there.
The deep luggage area provides reasonable storage space, with 409 litres of luggage capacity.
The refresh unfortunately comes with a price increase, making the Civic even more expensive.
Fortunately, it is limited to $900 and is the first increase since the introduction of the current model in 2022.
Civic comes in two flavours these days, both of them now hybrids.
There’s the 2.0 e:HEV L, priced from $49,900 and 2.0 e:HEV LX, priced from $55,900.
That still leaves the fire-breathing Civic Type R, priced from $74,100 - but that’s another story altogether.
These prices by the way are driveaway and non-negotiable, as part of Honda’s new sales strategy.
What does one get for their Civic money?
Standard kit includes a leather-accented interior with cloth seat inserts, dual-zone climate air, 18-inch alloys, walk-away locking, LEDlightsfrontandbackwithautohighbeam, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto lights and wipers and front and rear parking sensors.
LX adds full-leather trim, ambient interior lighting, power-adjust front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, wireless phone charger and a panoramic sunroof.
Civic comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year premium roadsideassistanceandfivelow-pricedservices.
Infotainment
The infotainment system consists of the same smallish but functional 9.0 inch touchscreen as before.
It’s powered by a new Google-based operating system and includes built-in apps and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store. It supports Bluetooth with audio streaming, AM/FM and DAB digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
There are four USB-C ports plus 12 volt outlets in the front and luggage area, but this grade misses out on wireless phone charging.
A premium 12 speaker Bose audio system is standard in both grades.
Physical buttons are provided for such features as home and return, along with a volume knob.
Honda Connect permits you to remotely adjust climate control settings, as well as lock or unlock the car, check the vehicle location and receive car status checks.
A three-year subscription is included.
Safety
The Honda Civic hybrid carries a five-star safety rating.
Both models feature 11 airbags, a reverse camera with guidelines and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist).
It has dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags are standard, as well as a driver and passenger knee airbag.
A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.
A lane support system with lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard.
Engines/transmissions
The hybrid combines two electric motors with a 2.0-litre direct injection Atkinson style four-cylinder engine.
In addition to direct injection, a number of technologies such as low temperature active catalysts and a modified intake port design contribute to improved fuel efficiency while achieving specific output.
The result is a combined maximum motor output of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, the latter available from 0-2000 rpm.
With the exception of Type R, it is the highest output ever offered by a Civic. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission, with four drive modes from which to choose: Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode.
Driving
The18-inchwheelsareshodwithgrippy235/40 series Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.
The powertrain prioritises electric running, with the ICE chipping in from cold starts, or when battery charge is running low. Regenerative braking that feeds power back to the battery when coasting can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles.
While the Civic is reasonably quick off the mark thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor, Civic tends to run out of breath on the open road.
Like the similarly-powered CR-V hybrid, which has a little more torque, this becomes especially evident when it comes to overtaking and climbing long, steep hills.
It’s then the CVT comes to the fore and the transmissionbeginstowaillikeabansheeinits endeavour to meet the demands of the driver.
Atthispoint,Sportmodecomesintoitsown, as it tries to compensate for the rural-induced
asthma. Sport mode alters the E-CVT and throttle mapping for sportier throttle response and a sportier feel. When in Sport mode, power steering calibrations are optimised for increased steering feel. The gauges also gain a red accent while in Sport mode. It brings the Civic to life, ramping up the revs, enhancing throttleresponseandgivingthevehicleamuch sportier feel.
But of course, it must be selected each and everytimeyoustartthevehicle.Incomparison, performance in Economy mode is woeful and we gave it away within minutes.
Normal as the name suggests is fine for most situations, while Individual mode enables the driver to select individual settings including engineresponsiveness,steeringfeelandgauges.
In addition, with Sport mode activated
Active Sound Control boosts the engine note. Active noise control helps to reduce cabin noise.
By far and away the best aspect of the new Civic is the comfort and quality of the ride. The previous model was good, this one is outstanding.
Steering is light and the ride quality is generallyprettygood,althoughcabinnoisecan be intrusive on coarse bitumen as can be the ride can become jarring.
With a 40-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 4.2L/100km and it runs happily on standard 91 RON unleaded.
We were getting 4.1L/100km after 510km of mixed driving which is very close to the manufacturer’s claim.
A tyre repair kit is provided in the event of a flat tyre.
Summing up
It’s good to see Honda has a game plan as the brands jostle to accommodate the arrival of the Chinese.
But the proof is in the pudding and the latest figuresshowthatHondaisnotoneofthetop10 sellingbrandsinAustralia,nordoesithaveany cars in the list of top 10 selling cars. Toputthisinperspective,Civicwasonceone of the best-selling cars in the world. It kind of suggests the sales strategy might not be working because what we’re left with is anexpensiverangeofcarswithnowiggleroom - that can’t be good?
The latest figures show that Honda is not one of the top 10 selling brands in Australia, nor does it have any cars in the list of top 10 selling cars.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Dons down Cats, Smith right to go
Bailey Smith is a certain round-one starter, despite the star recruit missing Geelong’s pre-season loss to Essendon because of a knee injury.
After starring in last week’s pre-season hitout against Hawthorn, Smith sat out Tuesday night’s 21-point loss to the Bombers at GMHBA Stadium.
He did not play a game last season for the Western Bulldogs because of a knee reconstruction and Smith then joined the Cats
in a high-profile trade.
Assistant coach Steven King said Smith would be ready for Thursday week’s season openeragainstpremiersBrisbaneattheGabba.
“He’ll definitely play - he tweaked his knee a little bit, it was very minor,” he said.
“He was sitting up there tonight going ’I could have played’. We thought he’s missed so much footy, he got through really well against Hawthorn...let’s just give him two or three really good sessions for Brisbane.”
Twin tons in B Grade
Two Geelong Cricket Association Senior Women’s B Grade made stunning centuries on Sunday in a perfect dress rehearsal for this weekend’s semi-finals.
Newtown & Chilwell’s Taliesin Platt and Bell Park’s Alisha Aldridge will go into this Sunday’s semi-finals full of confidence.
Aldridge made a superb 101 not out from 108 deliveries as the Dragons piled on the runs against Lara.
Aldridge shared an opening partnership of 227 with Lauren Marino, who made 82.
Bell Park will take on Queenscliff in a semi-final. The Coutas freshened up for the game with a nine-wicket win against Portarlington.
Newtown & Chilwell will take on Barrabool in the other semi-final with skipper and star all-rounder Platt smacking 100 retired from only 61 deliveries against North Geelong. Bianca Duff contributed a fine 59 not out from 40. Harman Birah starred, taking 4/12.
In A Grade, Geelong City hosts Lethbridge and North Geelong entertains Barwon Heads
in the semi-finals.
City defeated North Geelong in the final round with Roseanne Cox making a brilliant 90 not out from 75 balls while Poppy Agg grabbed three wickets.
Young gun Matilda Cole grabbed three wickets as Barwon Heads easily disposed of South Barwon.
Three wickets each to Tahlia Denham and Sheree Meyer gave Lethbridge a comfortable win against St Joseph’s.
InCGrade,DrysdalewillhostBannockburn and Torquay entertains Anglesea in an all-Surf Coast final. In D Grade, Thomson hosts Bell Post Hill and Geelong West travels to East Belmont.
Murgheboluc hosts South Barwon in E Grade Central and Alexander Thomson hosts St Joseph’s. In E Grade East, Armstrong Creek entertains Wallington while Barwon Heads hosts Newcomb & District. In E Grade North, Little River will welcome Bell Park while Corio travels to North Geelong.
Despite Essendon kicking clear late in the match, King said the Cats were “really happy” and added it had given them five or six hard selection decisions for next week.
“It was a pretty hot game, high intensity. Essendon have been really sharp...we saw enough flexibility within the team to keep our options open for Brisbane next week,” King said.
While having so many players go through the midfield at times created problems, King
said Geelong liked what it saw.
“At times tonight, there was probably a lack of cohesion because so many numbers were going through there,” he said. “That will settle downalittlebitmoreaswegetintotheseason.”
“Bowesy (Jack Bowes) was really important, he got his hands on the ball a lot and when he kicks the footy more than he handballs, he makes great decisions for us.
“That was a real positive for us tonight.” - AAP
All games are on Sunday March 2 at 1pm. Bell
Venue: Stead Park, Corio
Program Start Date: Wed 5th of March,2025
Time: 5:00 -5:50pm Duration: 5 weeks
: $59 (or $129 with equipment purchase)
Juniors finish season
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
It was the final round of home and away matches for eight team sections and also the final round of Juniors Orange Ball sections with 15 teams invited to Drysdale for a Gala Day to celebrate the end of the season.
The Orange Ball sections give newcomers to the junior competition a smaller court and modified format to introduce them to match play and scoring, with the added bonus of parents being able to guide the players, and those not so familiar with the game to also learn the rules and etiquette.
While individual matches are played with scoring, ladders are not kept, to encourage focus on learning the game rather than winning.Duetothisthereisnofinalsseriesfor
these sections, but to congratulate the players on a successful season, the teams were invited to Drysdale to play their final round with Barwon Heads, St Mary’s, Clifton Springs, Leopold, Grovedale, Teesdale, Inverleigh, Meredith, Geelong Lawn and Geelong West all playing on the day.
The matches were run over two time slots, andwiththeweatherwarmingup,thecanteen was given a workout from players, parents and siblings. Play was conducted in great spirits and all the players and families enjoyed a sausage after their matches with the players presented with certificates to commemorate their season, many of whom was their first.
A new season will run over winter giving all players to continue hone their skills, with the most improved having the opportunity to graduate to Green Ball.
Bellarine surfers star at longboards
Bellarine Peninsula surfers Ben Considine and Bea Conroy have claimed the opening round of the Victorian Longboard Titles on Phillip Island, edging one step closer to the Wildcard spot into the WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic later this year.
In typical fashion, Considine (Barwon Heads) was dominant across the event claiming at least an excellent ride in all but one of his heats. “It feels great to get a strong start and take the win at Phillip Island, I had a really good nine months break from contests travelling after the WSL Bells Beach WSL tour contest last year and I just feel I’ve come back with a really fresh approach and super excited to get back into the contests.
“Phillip Island was my third contest for the year, and I feel each heat is just building off the next and I’m developing some really good
momentum,soIcan’twaittotakethattoNoosa soon and then the final round of the Victorian Statetitlestohopefullysecurethatplaceforthe bells wildcard.”
In the final, Considine finished on a heat total of 17.77 with two excellent scoring rides. He took down Thomas Fahey (Mornington Peninsula,11.96points),NathanRivalland(Jan Juc,11.66points)andTasDunton(Mornington Peninsula, 10.44 points).
Bea Conroy (Point Lonsdale) also cruised through to the finals on the fun lefthand bank at Surfies Point Beachbreak.
Locking in a heat total of 11.84, Conroy took down local Ebony Maier (Cape Woolamai) who finished in second on 8.53 points. Natalie Van Der Heyden (Cape Woolamai) finished in third on 6.67 with Rori Reyntjes (Torquay) in fourth on 5.90 points.
Park’s Alisha Aldridge after her stunning century. (Facebook)
Upsets in bowls semi-finals
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Leopold Sportsmans Club on Tuesday to see two upsets in Geelong Bowls Region’s Midweek Division 1 semi-finals. Torquay (2nd) defeated Ocean Grove (1st) and St Leonards (4th) beat City of Geelong (3rd).
Jenny Keep concentrates hard.
Robert Grubb steps into his bowl, and right, Peter Boyle plays the forehand.
Left: Daryl Kitchin led his rink to a decisive 21 to 12 win. Above: Bashia Speed looks for position.
Tim Jenkinson leads the way for Torquay.
Casper John leads off for Ocean Grove, and right, Dianne Roberts leads off for St Leonards.
Left: Nick Craven skipped his team to a narrow 18 to 16 win. Centre: Tonia Doyle looks to get close. Right: Kerry Gooley leads off for City of Geelong. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 461219
Barry Culph studies his bowl closely.
Scorcher greets Geelong cricket
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp braved the scorching temperatures on Saturday to take these pictures from the Murgheboluc vs Geelong West GCA Division 2 and Modewarre vs Marshall GCA Division 3 matches.
Sam Abley made 44 for Murgheboluc.
Left: The Frogs’ Owen Dunipace batted brilliantly for 96. Centre: Brad Brown guides this ball through gully. Right: Jake Nichols takes the catch to dismiss Gautham Sathikumar.
Jackson O’Hanlon took 1 for 34 for Modewarre.
Above: Dylan Ryan took 3 for 32 off 15 overs for Modda.
Right: Geelong West’s Gautham Sathikumar (16 runs) pulls this ball to mid-wicket and is caught.
Left: Mike Norris made 28 for the Bears. Centre: Monty Juffermans-Goodluck drives to mid-wicket for Geelong West. Right: Marshall’s Jake Hilton drives. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 460899
Nat Matthews took 4 for 26 for Modda.
Gautham Sathikumar just makes his ground.
Frogs eye off second Div 2 spot
By Justin Flynn
Murgheboluc will have one eye on its final-round GCA Division 2 clash against Geelong City and one on Myers Reserve where Bell Park plays Bell Post Hill.
The Frogs are currently 0.6 points ahead in second place and skipper Luke Brown said it would be a strange situation.
“We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on their (third placed Bell Park) game - if they get enough bonus points and we both win, they can certainly leapfrog us,” he said.
“So it’s definitely something that we will be keeping an eye on to maximise any potential points that we can get anywhere.”
Brown said even though Geelong City is 7th on the ladder, it is still capable of playing good cricket. City has its own battle to contend with, being just 1.7 points ahead of bottom side Geelong West. No club wants a wooden spoon.
“Geelong City have quite a strong line up still,” Brown said.
“So we know that they’re going to bring their A game to us on the weekend and we need to bring ours also to try and win. I haven’t played
cricket at City for a little bit, so it’ll take a little bit for us to get used to their conditions as well andwe’lldefinitelyhavetoputupourstrongest fight to contend with them.”
The Frogs’ round 13 win was done on the back of a combined 60 overs being delivered and all 10 wickets taken by Daniel (6/73 off 31 overs) and Jason (4/52 off 30) Grozdanovski.
WithSebHutleyoutfortheseasonwithafoot fracture and Luke Webb unavailable, it meant Brown was able to turn to the Grozdanovskis for long spells.
Chasing 216, the Frogs were 2/9 before Owen Dunipace (96) and Sam Abley (44) combined for a 105-run stand.
“Those two batting together - the left-hand, right-hand combination - I thought really worked well together and they capitalised on any balls that were in their scoring zones straight away. It was a credit to them both.”
Brown then came in and made a valuable 65 and Murgheboluc passed the total three wickets down before going on to make 7/289 in pursuit of bonus points.
“Bonus points were definitely on our mind,” Brownsaid.“Itwasaslowwicket,soitwashard
to come in and score straight away. So we were trying to up the ante in terms of runs and see how many we could get on the board.”
Bell Park can still grab second spot after a narrow win against Geelong City. Tynan Kelly was the star with 6/19 from 18.4 overs and Michael Lymer made 62.
Torquay defeated Bell Post Hill and has one
Modda upsets finals-bound Bears
The GCA Division 3 top four looks settled with Thomson almost certain to claim the minor premiership with one round remaining. Alexander-Thomson should hold onto second spot while Marshall squandered a chance to chase second place with a loss to bottom side Modewarre. Rounding out the top four is Waurn Ponds Deakin.
It’s at the bottom of the table where a lot of interest lies with just one game separating Corio, Manifold Heights, Bannockburn and Modewarre.ManifoldHeightsandModewarre meet in the final round in what could decide the wooden spoon. Modda produced a superb bowling display on day two to defeat Marshall by 62 runs.
Defending 208, Nat Matthews (4/26) and Dylan Ryan (3/32) combined to have the Bears all out for 146.
In the final round of the season, Alexander Thomson travels to Bannockburn, Corio hosts Thomson, Manifold Heights entertains Modewarre and Waurn Ponds Deakin makes the short trip to Marshall.
Rams take advantage of Redbacks’ slip up
Meredith moved into pole position on the GCA Division 4 ladder with a resounding win against Guild St Marys.
With two games remaining, the Rams took advantage of Little River’s mishap at Lethbridge to move into top spot. Lethbridge and Newcomb & District round out the top four and can’t be displaced. Bottom team St
Albans Breakwater produced its best effort of the summer to defeat Teesdale by two wickets.
Lethbridge skipper Shane Dillon made a rapid-fire 79 from 65 deliveries to guide his team to a big total against Little River.
Tom Saunders chipped in with 51 from 46 and Hayden Spiller made 37 off 33 with Lethbridge making 6/251.
The Redbacks would be all out for 132 with vice-captain Nick Fairchild having a good game with three wickets and 41.
The Lethbridge attack proved too good, however, with Dillon taking 1/18 from eight miserly overs, Riley Stone 1/9 from five and Jack Giles bowling just 10 deliveries for his three wickets late in proceedings.
hand on fourth spot. Ash Russell (5/57 from 29 overs) dominated for the Tigers with Bell Post Hill all out for 197. Half-centuries to Gurpreet Singh (53) and Russell (50 not out) steered Torquay home with four wickets in hand.
Lara stayed unbeaten with a big win against Leopold with Daniel Weigl (71 and 3/21) and George Blatherwick (6/39) the key players.
Final round to decide fourth spot
Highton and St Peters are locked in an enthralling battle for a spot in the GCA Division 1 finals.
St Peters sit on 40.1 points with the Heat on 40 and with bonus points on offer each round, Highton can still snatch fourth spot even if the Saints win.
St Peters faces a tough assignment against second placed North Geelong while Highton tackles St Joseph’s, which is coming off a stirring win against Newtown & Chilwell.
Highton was defeated by East Belmont after Shane McNamara declared East’s total at 6/289 in reply to Highton’s 135 all out.
McNamara then made a superb 123 from 129 deliveries while Lachlan Inglis (58) and Luke Inglis (56) each passed 50.
Highton fared far better in its second innings, being 0/154 at stumps with Brady Somers (73 not out from 78 balls) and Zac Wills (72 not out from 85) playing nicely.
Grovedale passed St Peters’ total of 9/198 declared with ease.
Michael McNeel (93) and Jack Wrigglesworth (75) were the mainstays of the final total of 6/312, although Rob Smith made a rapid 54 not out from just 25 balls.
A superb 100 from Jonathan Casey helped St Joseph’s to an upset win against Newtown & Chilwell.
Chasing the Two Blues’ 8/248 declared, Joeys were all out for 260 with Casey facing 170 deliveries while Josh Appleford made 52 from 54 balls at the top of the order. Noah Guida grabbed four wickets for the Two Blues.
South Barwon was unable to chase down North Geelong’s 235 although Nick Butters tried his best with 64. Lachlan Hayes did the early damage for the Magpies with three early wickets.
Dylan Ryan took the first three wickets of the innings for Modewarre and finished with 3 for 32 off 15 overs. (Ivan Kemp) 460899_10
Rajasekhar Lankireddy bowls to Owen Dunipace, who made a match-winning 96 for Murgheboluc. (Ivan Kemp) 460896_08
