Grovers clinch bowls double
Ocean Grove cemented its position as the best bowls club in the region with wins in the Midweek Division 1 and Saturday Premier Division grand finals.
The Grovers defeated Torquay in the Midweek title and on Sunday defeated Highton in the Premier decider.
Ocean Grove also won the Midweek Division 2 title and the Saturday Division 6 and 9 premierships.
The Saturday Premier team atoned for last year’s heartbreaking one-shot loss to Highton in the decider to win 81 to 64 at Belmont.
The Grovers lost just once all season - to Highton in round 11 and finished 30 points clear as minor premiers.
See our double-page spread in Sport on pages 24 and 25.
Beach wheelchair boost
By Matt Hewson
Enjoying Ocean Grove Beach has never been easier for people with mobility challenges now Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC) has an accessible beach wheelchair for public use.
Provided by the City of Greater Geelong to OGSLSC, the new MobiChair is free to use by community members and visitors to the beach.
The chair allows users of all ages to move easily from the car park to the beach and into the water, with large armrests that also serve as flotation devices.
It is the third MobiChair provided to local beaches by the City, with existing chairs at Eastern Beach public pool and the Indented Head Boat Club, but the first to be made available in the region at an ocean beach. The MobiChair is part of a bigger push to
increase accessibility at Ocean Grove Beach.
A sealed ramp provides easier access to the beach, while construction on a Changing Places facility with a tracking hoist and accessible bathroom, delivered in partnership by the Victorian government and Barwon Coast Committee of Management, began in late February.
OGSLSC vice president of Operations Bruce Honey said the club was pleased to be able to give people the chance to experience the beach and the water who would otherwise find it difficult.
“Everyone that lives locally and all the members of the surf club love the beach, the atmosphere and getting into the water,” Mr Honey said.
“So the MobiChair helps those who historically haven’t been able to get down to the beach or access the sand and the water. It gives them the opportunity to do what we take
for granted every day.
“It’s a good way for us to share our love for the water and beach and sand with those who historically haven’t been able to.
“The thanks (from the public) for supplying the chair and enabling it has been overwhelming. Everyone who has used the chair has absolutely loved it.”
Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said it was wonderful the City’s partnership with OGSLSC could provide the MobiChair to the community.
“The partnership and this initiative is a small but meaningful step that enables our beaches to be more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors,” Cr Wilkinson said.
“It’s been such a great collaboration, including life jackets donated by the Ocean Grove Disabled Surfers Association, and accessible toilets managed by Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc.”
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club VP Bruce Honey and president Lyndie Freestone with Cr Elise Wilkinson.
Ocean Grove celebrates the Saturday Premier Division premiership. (Ivan Kemp) 464678_34
NBAC stage two will open in 2027
The next phase of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is set to go forward with $40 million in funding secured from the federal and state governments.
The Victorian and Australian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City of Greater Geelong contributing up to $300,000.
Stage One of the aquatic centre, which included an eight-lane 50m outdoor pool, all abilities change facilities, kiosk, car park, electric vehicle charging station and lawn areas, was completed in late 2023.
Stage Two will see the addition of a 25m
Food Assist 3223 president Prue Drever received the Monica Hayes Award. (Ivan Kemp) 464828_01
indoor pool, warm water pool, health and wellness facilities, cafe and a Changing Places changeroom.
While the funding split for the new developments was announced last year, the project control group gave the final approval of the design recently, locking in Stage Two.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby CokersaidthiswasaproudmomentforNorth Bellarine communities.
“It brings us one step closer to providing localswiththefacilitiesthey’velongadvocated for,” Ms Coker said.
“The project will ensure that our
community, no matter their age or ability, has access to first-class swimming, fitness, rehabilitation and learn-to-swim services right on their doorstep.”
“It’s all about creating a space that serves everyone, whether you’re a young family, an older resident, or someone with a disability.
“These new indoor facilities will support the well-being of our community for many years to come.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the expansion would be a major boost for the community.
“The community has advocated for an
Prue receives Monica Hayes Award
Prue Drever has won the Monica Hayes Award for her dedication to a Portarlington food relief charity during an International Women’s Day (IWD) event.
The Monica Hayes Award recognised womenmakingadifferenceinthecommunity and honoured the life of feminist, activist and community leader Monica Hayes, who died from motor neurone disease in 2016.
Ms Drever is president of Food Assist 3223 and received the award during Northern Bellarine’s 10th IWD celebration on March 6. She said it was “really lovely” to win the award
as Ms Hayes was a “force to be reckoned with”.
“I feel really honoured as Monica Hayes was an incredibly active woman. She was well ahead of her time and her work in the community was really well known and very well received,” she said.
Ms Drever said she felt the award also represented the skills of the food relief service team that helped provide an accessible and responsive service for the community.
“Our food relief program has been going for 10 years, and we help between about 70 to 80 people a week by providing essential food
relief to people on the North Bellarine,” she said.
“When I was accepting the award, I said that it felt like I was receiving it on behalf of the team. It’s very humbling, and I prefer not to be in the spotlight; I prefer it to be about the food bank.
“There’s a lot more people that are feeling the pinch, so we provide somewhere they can cometoandwheretheywon’tfeeljudged,they just feel welcomed and we’re really happy to see them.”
Jena Carr
indoor pool for many years, and Stage Two of this project will provide just that; an Aquatic Centre that our community can be proud of, with a vast range of facilities to fill the gap within the Bellarine Peninsula.”
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the council was thrilled to see the funding secured.
“Once complete, Stage Two of NBAC will offer world-class facilities that will become a central hub in the community for years to come,” Mayor Kontelj said.
Stage Two is scheduled for completion in late 2027.
A busy Connewarre intersection will get a new roundabout as work begins to help make the roads safer and keep drivers on the move.
The major upgrade would involve constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road and Staceys Road, along with new safety barriers.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said Barwon Heads Road was one of the region’s busiest tourist routes as it connected Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula.
“We’re investing in this key infrastructure upgrade to ensure everyone can safely and quickly get to where they need to go,” she said.
“Whetherit’sfixinglocalcountryroads or upgrading dangerous intersections, we’regettingonwithmakingsurepeople have roads they can rely on.”
The roundabout would improve sight lines and allow people to find an appropriate gap to cross the intersection, with works on the project expected to take up to 10 months to complete.
“This new roundabout will make this intersection safer and simpler for the people who use it every day whether they’re walking, riding or driving,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.
Workswillincludetheinstallationofleft and right turning lanes into the Barwon Heads airport, the implementation of an 80km/h speed limit, and upgraded line marking, signage and street lighting. Dedicated on-road bicycle lanes will also be installed on Barwon Heads Road, and new pedestrian paths and parking areas will be added to Staceys Road.
Urgent care proposed for Torquay
By Jena Carr
A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will open in Torquay if Labor is re-elected at the next federal election.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler announced on Tuesday, March 11, that the new clinic would provide urgent care for the region.
Mr Butler said the Torquay facility was one of 33 proposed fully bulk billing general practitioner (GP) practices in the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong regions.
“There is clearly a strong case for the clinic to be in Torquay, which is at the centre of the Surf Coast with a growing population,” he said.
“Our strengthening Medicare agenda rests on three key pillars: more bulk billing, more doctors and more urgent care clinics.
“They’re designed to take the pressure off hospital emergency departments and provide people with convenient and high-quality hospital care for emergencies that are not life-threatening.
“Geelong is the closest hospital for the Surf CoastandBellarinecommunity...andweneed to ensure that many Australians live within a reasonable block of distance from a Medicare urgent care clinic.”
Mr Butler said there would also be an additional 306,600 bulk billed visits for the region and a further 4.9 million statewide if the Albanese Labor government was
Mokin on the Bellarine
A ‘cheerful little car’ event will roll through Geelong and Queenscliff this weekend to celebrate the history of Mokes.
Moke Owners Association of Victoria will host Mokin’ Vic25 on the Bellarine Peninsula from Friday March 21 to Monday March 24, featuring meet-ups, a Show and Shine, and driving trips across the region.
Organising committee member Graeme Deller said up to 150 cars would be displayed duringthefreeShowandShineeventonMarch 22 from 9am to 1pm at Queenscliff’s Lower Princess Park.
Mr Deller has owned his 1980 red Moke for close to eight years and said there would be something for everyone over the weekend.
“They’re a cheerful little car to drive and they’re just fun... You get the feeling that you’re
on the open road, it’s like a motorbike on four wheels in a way,” he said.
“They’re known for being around the beach, townships and everything like that. Originally, they were designed for the military but never took off as they didn’t have ground clearance.
“When I was a young fellow, we were driving backfromPortarlingtonwithmyfatherandwe saw this Moke sitting in the paddock for sale, but I was too young to get my licence at that stage.
“I’ve always wanted one ever since and the time came along when the children left home and I’ve needed a passion, so I got one that was partially done up and finished it off.”
Visit moke.org.au/mokin-vic-25#events for more information and full event details.
Jena Carr
re-elected.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the centre would allow for more free GP visits and bulk billing across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
“We want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need,” she said.
“Fifty-five GP practices across our region willgetsupporttogofullybulkbilling,getting more in Medicare payments than they lose in charging patients out-of-pocket.
“This is an amazing announcement. This means that people in Torquay, Armstrong Creek, and the broader Surf Coast will have an emergency care clinic.
“It means that instead of coming into Geelong’s emergency clinic and potentially waiting hours, you can go to your local clinic instead. It is free and open seven days a week with extended hours.”
The current federal government’s proposed investmentwouldseektosupportGPpractices across the region to bulk bill and achieve a better financial position.
The investment also aimed to save families money on GP visits in Geelong, potentially saving a family with young children around $209 to $220 a year.
An older family with two parents and two young adult children could save around $366 to $374 a year, and a retiree couple could save $224 to $425 a year in out-of-pocket costs.
Graeme Deller with his red 1980 Moke. (Ivan Kemp) 465626_01
Exhibition is a dream
A free exhibition will take flight in Curlewis to celebrate the power of dreams and explore the beauty of aspirations, freedom and transformation.
Artisans of Australia Gallery will host Feathered Dreams from March 26 to April 21, with the exhibition officially opening on March 28 from 6pm.
Artist Cherie Budd said the exhibition was about birds and colour, symbolising the journey of letting dreams soar.
“The best bit for me when I’m doing a print is when I just peel that paper back when I’ve done that print and it’s either worked or it hasn’t,” she said.
“I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with birds because of all their beautiful and bright coloured feathers as a very colourful person myself.
“I am also going to have some photos up that mybrother,whoisaphotographer,hastakenof birds... So, there will be some photos of things fromwhichI’vedrawnmyinspirationtodomy artwork.
“I hope people get the same joy as I do when I look at something and that it makes them realise things don’t always have to be what you think theyare,andyouneedtobejustwhoever you are.”
Ms Budd said the exhibition inspired people to reflect on their dreams while capturing birds’ movements, linking them to the human form.
Artworks featured in the collection will include intricately carved, hand-inked and painted lino prints and three-dimensional sculptures.
Jena Carr
Cat wins scarecrow comp
Leopold aged care residents took first place in a Bellarine scarecrow competition with a giant pink and purple Cheshire Cat.
Kensington Grange residents won the sixth annual Flying Brick Scarecrow Competition for their scarecrow inspired by Alice in Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat.
Lifestyle coordinator Alana O’Keefe said the residents were “thrilled” to win the competition and felt proud of the finished product.
“We were overwhelmed with joy when we were notified of the competition win, especially because of the effort that the residents put in,” she said.
“We talked about what a scarecrow was for and its purpose, which was to frighten away birds. So, what are birds more scared of than cats?
“The residents have loved every part of the process. If they were not gluing wool,
they were knitting or doing something else. Everyone played a different part, but all worked together.”
Ms O’Keefe said the residents put a lot of thoughtintomakingsurethescarecrowmet the competition’s criteria of weird, wacky, scary and pretty.
“The base was made from wire, shade cloth and pool noodles, which the residents threaded wire through the pool noodle to mold them into shapes,” she said.
“When you stand in front of it, it’s got a sensorinitsear,anditwillmeow,butit’snot just any meow; it’s the meows from all the residents, and it’s pretty frightening.
“We’ve been working on it since January, and it took about seven weeks. We just had to chip away a little bit every day and in the lasttwoweekswejustreallysmasheditout.”
Jena Carr
Park P side Lucas, Lucas
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Leopold aged care residents wins Flying Brick Scarecrow Competition for giant Cheshire Cat.
Cherie Budd with a piece of artwork from her Feathered Dreams exhibition. (Ivan Kemp) 466430_02
Creatives flock to North Bellarine
Artists across the Bellarine are getting out their brushes and art materials as the North Bellarine Arts Trail returns for another year.
Twenty-nine venues will open their doors to the public for people to explore different artworks and creative pieces during Bellarine Peninsula Arts Committee’s free event on March 29 and 30.
Committee member and artist Karen Coulson said the trail was a “real community event” with many venues open across the region from Wallington to St Leonards. Ms Coulson said she will also showcase her
work with Bayview Artists at venue 22 during the trail including pieces made with resin, acrylic paints and mixed media.
“We generally work on our own, so it’s good to be able to see what others are doing and creating,” she said.
“There’s a lot of opportunities for people to get information, so they can come in, have a wander and talk to the artists.
“We also have music this year, so we’re in partnership with the National Celtic Festival, and we’ll have roving musicians at six of our venues.
“I love being around like-minded people for the weekend and it provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their work who may not have had that opportunity.”
The arts trail was launched in 2016 and focused initially on Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove,PointLonsdaleandQueenscliffbeforeit was expanded into the northern areas in 2019.
The North Bellarine Arts Trail is a not-for-profit event celebrating its sixth year. Visit bellarinepeninsulaarts.com for more information.
Jena Carr
Booklet sparks energy ideas
A Geelong and Bellarine climate group will release a new book and hold an informative event to improve energy use and conservation.
Parents for Climate will officially launch its Energy Conservation and RenewableEnergyforChildren’sHealthy Futures booklet on Friday, March 21, at Woodlands House Childcare in Ocean Grove.
The booklet features play-based activities, real-world case studies and practical guidance to empower young children to understand the importance of clean energy and reducing waste.
Parents for Climate development director Laura Grufas said providing more education about energy saving and support for transitioning to clean energy was important.
“This is more than a book launch. It’s about showing what’s possible when early learning centres embrace clean energy solutions,” she said.
“Many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, but small changes like sealing drafts, switching to energy-efficient appliances, or advocating for better energy policies can make a huge difference.”
The climate advocate group will also host a Smarter Homes, Cleaner Energy community event with Goodbye Gas from 3.30pm on March 30 at the Ocean Grove Pavilion. The free event will help families explore ways to improve energy efficiency, cut bills, and transition away from gas.
Susan Jefford and Bellarine Peninsula Arts Committee’s Renae Chapman preparing for the North Bellarine Arts Trail. (Ivan Kemp) 466632_02
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Explore our wonderful art
By Cr Trent Sullivan
Many artists call the Bellarine home, and it will be a delight to see their work on display next weekend in the North Bellarine Arts Trail.
More than 50 local artists will have their work showcased across a network of venues throughout the peninsula across the two-day event.
Twenty-nine venues are opening their doors for the trail, creating a visual art journey spanning from Curlewis to St Leonards.
Hosted within studios, galleries and public halls, the arts trail promotes accessibility to art and highlights the incredible talent we have in the region.
Bellarine Peninsula Arts has curated the trail, featuring works by individual artists and community arts groups including St Leonards Creative Arts, Bellarine Woodworkers, Portarlington Lifestyle Village Art Group and Artisans of Australia.
Bellarine Secondary students’ work will also be on display, painting a picture of the future of art in the Bellarine.
The artworks span a variety of painting mediums, mosaics, drawings, ceramics, prints, textiles and more, quite literally illustrating the breadth of techniques used by our region’s artists.
Established in 2019 following the success of the Bellarine Arts Trail, the North Bellarine iteration quickly gathered momentum, showcasing 75 artists in 2020 prior to the pandemic.
It’s encouraging to see this event continuing to grow again, gaining interest from both the arts community and the general public.
Fostering creativity in the region, particularly given how many talented artists
live here, is vital for the success of arts and culture in the Bellarine.
Regardless of your experiences or your technical abilities, engaging in the arts offers numerous a wide range of mental health benefits.
Whether it’s attending a gallery exhibition or taking an art class, participating in the arts unlocks different parts of the mind while boosting emotional wellbeing and enhancing creativity.
I encourage you to venture out and discover the wonderful artistic talent we have here on the Bellarine on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March. Pencil it in.
If you can’t get along to the Arts Trail next weekend, Greater Geelong has an extensive public art collection that can be enjoyed year-round.
The Geelong Arts and Culture Trails App is free to download from Apple and Android stores. It provides detailed information about several public art displays, and maps out galleries, public artworks, street art, heritage buildings and First Nations stories.
I encourage you to go out and see all the diverse art we have in the region.
Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)
‘‘ So here’s me, a bloody school teacher in Ocean Grove, and I thought, do I have the right to write a song through their eyes ’’ - Vin Healy
Songs and stories of the
Anzacs
Ocean Grove educator Vin Healy will spend this Anzac Day in Villers-Bretonneux, where he will perform his songs about the Australian men and women who fought for France’s freedom. He spoke to Matt Hewson about the importance of keeping history alive through music and storytelling.
When Vin Healy, then the director of learning for primary years at Kardinia International College, was asked in 2008 to perform at the school’s Anzac Day ceremony, he quickly accepted.
The youngest of 10 children growing up in Norlane, Vin had a healthy respect for both his father, who had served in the Second World War, and his mother, who had raised the kids by herself while her husband was overseas fighting.
For the school’s event, Vin struggled to find an appropriate tune, eventually settling on an Eric Bogle song, No Man’s Land.
“Afterwards I stopped and thought about it; (Bogle’s) music was for a different era, for a different time,” Vin said.
“So I decided to write some more songs that were (initially) primary school orientated… some songs that kids could relate to about real people, the real stories and real unlikely heroes that I described.
“And when I did some research and found out some things the lyrics actually came quite easily.
“One of the first songs I wrote was about the school in Villers-Bretonneux, which was rebuilt by kids in Melbourne through a thing called a penny drive. The kids at Middle Park Primary School raised money to rebuild the school in the 1920s.”
Vin will visit the school, now called École Victoria, when he visits the small French town of Villers-Bretonneux in April to perform his songs about the efforts of the Anzacs in France and around the world for Anzac Day. Less than 100km from the Belgian border in northern France, Villers-Bretonneux holds its own Anzac Day services each year to remember the thousands of Australians who died defending the town from the invading Germans during WWI.
ThetownisalsohometotheSirJohnMonash Centre (SJMC), a modern museum dedicated to telling the story of Australians who served on the Western Front in their own words.
The centre sits on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, adjacent to the Australian National Memorial.
Vin will perform at SJMC on April 23, ahead of his tribute concert at the Villers-Bretonneux Covered Market on Anzac Day itself.
In 2017, Vin’s music was featured in the documentary Never Forget Australia, which tells the stories of how the connection between Australia and Viller-Bretonneux was forged in the fires of war.
“I had sent a song through to Guillaume Cornet, who’s the head teacher of École Victoria, and they were using it (in the school),” Vin said. “So when Alan McGirvan and Vicki Bennett, the producers of Never Forget Australia, were there filming this documentary they said to Guillaume it was a shame there wasn’t an Australian song.
“And Guillaume said, well, there’s a teacher in Australia called Vin Healy who has written some songs, you might want to contact him.
“They used three or four songs in the doco, including the Unknown Soldier, which is probably the most powerful song I’ve written. It was used so beautifully in the documentary, I was so proud that song was used in that.
“And I’ve been told that they’re going to use sections of that documentary before the dawn service (this year at Villers-Bretonneux), as people arrive before the dawn service starts, so I’m really hoping that song is going to be used there too.”
Vin’s performances in France this April will feature his newly released song, Sister Ella Tucker, which tells the story of a 28-year-old Australian nurse on the HS Gascon during the entire Gallipoli campaign.
“There’s not much written about the nurses at all, so I just thought this would be a great lens to maybe write something about,” he said.
When Sister Tucker and her story came to Vin’s attention, he reached out to artist Sue Macleod-Beere, who was a finalist in the 2021 Gallipoli Art Prize for her portrait of the nurse.
Sue connected Vin with Sister Tucker’s family, who supplied him with the text from her wartime journal.
“I was reading through it and I thought, this is just so powerful, the way she’s written it,”
Vin said.
“Foraveryeducatedperson,therewashardly any punctuation through it. You can actually see her writing this stuff down between the carnage of what was happening in Gallipoli.
“So what I wanted to do in this song was to contrast her with a young backpacker; one that lived that experience, and then the young
person going back a hundred years later and paying their respects.”
Vin has always played guitar and sung - “I was that school teacher in the 80s who brought his guitar into the room, singing with the kids” - and while he has performed at weddings, funerals and other events for decades it has never been a financial pursuit.
“It’s funny, because I suppose part of this process is I’m hoping I can reach a wider audience, but the important thing for me is not so much how many people hear my music, but who, who you can actually touch with your stories and your songwriting,” he said.
While performing a dawn ceremony prior to the pandemic, Vin noticed the hundreds of Vietnam vets who were affected by his music.
Feeling inspired to write a song for those vets, he began researching the Battle of Long Tan.
“Long Tan was a rubber plantation, and during the battle these monsoonal rains came through - it must have been horrendous - and I wrote the song through the eyes of one of the (Australian soldiers),” Vin said.
“So here’s me, a bloody school teacher in Ocean Grove, and I thought, do I have the right to write a song through their eyes about what they saw? So I sent a letter and the song to David Sabben.
“He actually got back to me, and we’ve connected four or five times since. He’s an amazing man in his late 70s now, highly articulate,andhewrotethisbeautifulfeedback.
“His line to me was, ‘Thank you, this song will be the balm to all those who cannot readjust to the lives they now find themselves in. I hope they find peace in their lives.’
“I just thought, well, that’s the reason to keep writing songs, no matter if it’s only touching a small audience. It’s the ones who it does reach that are most important.”
Ocean Grove singer/songwriter Vin Healy will perform in France this Anzac Day.
(Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 465655
Aqueduct collapse unavoidable
By Matt Hewson
A century-old Geelong icon of engineering will soonceasetoexistafterextensiveinvestigations into its conservation concluded its collapse was unavoidable.
The Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, constructed between 1912 and 1915, runs from Barwon Water’s Asset Solutions head office in Breakwater across the Barwon River, terminating on private property.
The 756m-long, 53m-tall concrete and steel structure has been falling apart for the last 20
years, with falling concrete posing a serious danger and contractors refusing to continue maintenance since the early 90s.
After years of investigations, Barwon Water announced on Wednesday (March 12) the aqueduct could not be safely maintained and its structural failure was unavoidable.
ManagingdirectorShaunCummingsaidthe decision had been several years in the making.
“We have explored all avenues, with a range of experts,” Mr Cumming said.
“Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct,
with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure.”
Added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 1991 for its architectural, historical, scientific and aesthetic significance, the aqueduct was decommissioned a year later when a new sewer pipeline was built under the river.
The land surrounding the deteriorating structure has been closed to the public since 1995.
The aqueduct’s existing Heritage Victoria permit allows for four of its 14 spans to be removed, with the remaining 10 to be
‘Exhilarating’ airshow flies into town
The southern hemisphere’s premier airshow and aerospace and defence expo is ready for takeoff.
The biannual Avalon Australian International Airshow returns to Geelong this week, showcasing military and civilian aircraft, aerobatic displays and the newest innovations in aviation technology.
With three-and-a-half trade days and three days of public displays, the airshow will transform Avalon into an aviation Mecca from Tuesday March 25 to Sunday March 30.
conserved and maintained.
However, Barwon Water intends to develop a new Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) and apply for a permit allowing almost all of the structure to be deconstructed.
Mr Cumming said Barwon Water would work collaboratively with the Community Reference Group, a body formed from heritage, environmental and cultural stakeholders in 2021, to develop the HIP, as well as seeking input from the broader community through public engagement.
The 2023 edition of the event was a huge success, drawing more than 80,000 members of the public through the turnstiles from Friday to Saturday, but traffic jams created hours-long waits for some.
In response, the airshow announced it had revamped its transport and parking systems to improve the visitor experience this year, including a park-and-ride shuttle bus option.
Chief executive of organisers AMDA Foundation Justin Giddings said the “sheer scale” of the event meant it couldn’t go ahead
This year’s attractions include the Friday night flying demonstration Night Alight, performances by the Royal Australian Air Force’s F35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet, Matt Hall Racing’s high performance aviation unit and fan favourites the military working dogs.
without great support from the community.
“We are indebted to the Victorian state government and the City of Greater Geelong for their long-term support of this event, and the teamwork that makes it successful,” Mr Giddings said.
“With exhilarating flying displays, interactive experiences, and the chance to get up close and personal with aircraft on the ground, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and the world to one of the world’s great airshows.
“We are proud of the Avalon Australian International Airshow, and Geelong should be too.
BUSINESS IN F CUS
unique, fun and memorable way to celebrate 100 days of
Memories are on the cards
In an era where digital interactions often overshadow tangible keepsakes, Cards in the Yard offers a refreshing return to personalised mementos that celebrate individual journeys and collective milestones.
FoundedbyMichaelPanckridge,aseasoned teacher and children’s author with a lifelong passionforcardcollecting,thisGeelong-based company specialises in crafting custom trading cards for schools, sports clubs, and communities.
One standout offering is the Year Level Graduation cards, designed to provide students and their families with lasting memories of their academic cohorts. Each card features a student’s image on the front, whilethereversesidehighlights10descriptive words that encapsulate their unique qualities, fostering a sense of individual recognition and pride.
Another innovative product is the 100 Days of School cards, which commemorate this educational milestone by showcasing both
current and ‘olden’ days dressed-up images of students. The backs of these cards cleverly transform into jigsaw pieces, which, when assembled, create a fun group photo of the entire class, reinforcing unity and shared experiences.
The process of creating these custom cards is both straightforward and collaborative. It begins with nominating an individual or team to oversee the project, followed by decisions regarding the classes or teams to be featured. Schools and clubs then provide theircolours,logos,andselectedphotographs. Once all information is submitted through the order form, Cards in the Yard handles the design and production, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to delivery. By blending traditional card-collecting enthusiasm with modern customisation, CardsintheYardnotonlypreservescherished memories but also strengthens community bonds,makingeachcardatreasuredkeepsake for years to come.
Cards in the Yard offers a refreshing return to personalised mementos. (Supplied)
Matt Hewson
The Skycats wing walking display. (Ivan Kemp) 322448_05
Take our federal election survey
With a federal election due by mid-May, we want to know what issues matter most to voters across greater Geelong and the Surf Coast.
Voters will head to the polls to have their say on the next federal government by May 17.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to reveal when the election will be head, the constitutional requirement that there must be a minimum of 33 days between writs being issued by the governor-general, which dissolves parliament after the prime minister calls the election, and polling day,
means the vote will take place sometime in April or May.
As one of the largest publishers of independent regional news in Victoria, Star News is conducting a survey to gauge community sentiment around the election.
The results of the survey will help us gauge the appetite for readers toward the federal election.
We will share the results of the survey with our readers.
The survey, which can be completed online or in print, includes 16 questions and will take about five minutes to complete.
The Independent wants to know what our readers consider to be the most important issue in their area that the next federal government needs to address.
We also want to know how important issues such as electricity prices, climate change policies, inflation and cost of living, health services, immigration and border control,nationalroadandrailinfrastructure, water infrastructure and broadband internet access are to you.
The survey also features questions about nuclear energy in Australia and reducing carbon emissions.
Readers are also being asked to consider where they would most like to see a local increase in federal funding and why, the specific infrastructure projects they want funded locally, and issues in their backyard that they feel federal politicians are not paying enough attention to.
The Independent also wants to gauge readers’ concerns about issues such as global security, housing affordability and the influence of social media on public discourse and political decision-making in Australia.
To complete the survey, visit geelongindy. com.au/competitions/
Push on in March to end period poverty across the region
Demand for period products continues to rise, and the Geelong community is urged to donate what they can during March.
Share the Dignity Drive will continue to occur throughout the month to collect period products and incontinence aids that will be donated to charities to distribute.
Leopold volunteer Deborah Gould said the idea that someone could be working and unable to purchase period products was shocking.
“The fact that there was even period poverty in Australia was complete news to me. I was so shocked and surprised at the beginning that there was such a thing, it was a bit of an eye opener,” she said.
“The places that we drop them off to serve varied communities. You’ve got people who are escaping domestic violence or working or having some income but are still struggling.
“You’ve also got young teenagers who are just starting off and may not get the support at home, and middle-aged or older women who can’t afford to buy products.”
Ms Gould said there was currently a big call for tampons, which was “always greatly appreciated”, with all products donated in Geelong going towards people within the community.
“Every packet of pads and tampons helps... If one family in five donated something, it would make such a huge difference,” she said.
BUSINESS
Looking for a prime business suite right in the heart of Drysdale? (Supplied)
Prime Business Suites in the heart of Drysdale
“Eight charities are listed in this drive, but there’s usually about 15, but we’ve got a demand for 2000 products that the charities have asked for and that is the bare minimum.”
Share the Dignity is a national charity working to end period poverty and is celebrating 10 years helping people this year. Donations will continue to be accepted in pink collection boxes outside Woolworths Supermarkets during March or visit sharethedignity.org.au to donate online.
Jena Carr
• Affordable rates – offices from less than $50 per day
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• Unlimited printing & high-speed internet • Bright, sun-filled rooms for a productive work environment
• Ample parking and external signage options Don’t miss out, book a tour today.
Share the Dignity Drive Leopold volunteer Deborah Gould. (Ivan Kemp) 466719_02
Feel the Bee Gees fever at Geelong Arts Centre
Some tribute artists are a natural fit for the musicians they emulate, told that they look and sound like a particular performer for years before they begin playing them on stage.
Not Michael Clift, who takes the role of Barry Gibb as frontman of the world renowned Australian Bee Gees show.
Formed in Melbourne in 1996, the award-winning tribute act has clocked up more than 4000 shows over 14 years during its residency at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
But according to Clift, when the band began he “hadn’t quite figured out” how to sing and perform like the legendary Gibb.
“It was more like, bite off more than you can chew, and chew like hell,” he said. “I had short hair, I was clean-shaven… and I really didn’t have a falsetto, which is a key part to Barry’s stuff, especially the stuff from the 70s. So I was the antithesis of a Barry Gibb type of singer.
“But we fell in love with the idea of doing the show and we all had our roles to play. So it was up to me to figure out how to do it.
“It wasn’t so much we were born to do it, more like we thought it was a fantastic concept and enjoyed the music, and then we made ourselves fit the roles.”
In the mid-90s Clift and band were pursuing their dreams of being an original “quirky pop rock band”. However, shortly after financially committing to an album, grunge swept across the music scene.
“Iremember,wewereinthestudiorecording, and our producer was like, we’re pretty much screwed,” Clift said. “All our money was put intooursecondalbumandNirvanacamefrom nowhere, and what we were recording wasn’t ‘it’. Every record company in Australia was looking for flannelette shirt copies of Nirvana and we knew we’d done our dash.”
Inspired by the rise of other tribute shows during that time, Clift had the idea to start a Bee Gees band, and once the idea took hold he couldn’t let go. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Australian Bee Gees show is at Geelong Arts Centre on Thursday, April 3. Matt Hewson
Lyster Opera brings Mozart to Geelong and the Bellarine
Bellarine and Geelong audiences will have the chance to broaden their opera experience when Melbourne-based company Lyster Opera brings one of Mozart’s hidden gems to the Potato Shed in Drysdale.
While not as well-known to the general public as Mozart’s other operas such as The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro or Don Giovanni, Abduction from the Seraglio (Die Entführung aus dem Serail) is still one of Amadeus’ most popular and highly respected works Lyster Opera, established in 2018 by
bass-baritone and historian Jamie Moffat, continues the work of William Saurin Lyster, an Irish-born entrepreneur who brought opera tonewaudiencesinAustraliaduringthe1800s.
A registered charity, Lyster Opera brings togetherestablishedoperastarsandrisingstars to perform throughout regional Australia as well as Melbourne.
The Drysdale stop is one of seven shows in Victoria, and Moffat explained he selected Abduction from the Seraglio because, based on his experience, regional audiences are particularly open to exploring lesser-known
operas. “I embarked on the journey of recreatingtheoriginalLysterCompany’smodel of touring small country towns and presenting grand operas because I truly believe that opera should be for everyone,” Moffat said.
“Our company’s mission is to make opera accessible to all, at a price everyone can afford. The enjoyment of great music should never be limited by where you live.”
French pianist Kevin Tamanini, who has worked with Opera Australia and Melbourne Opera since his arrival to Australia in 2022, features as musical director.
Lyster Opera enjoyed a successful performance of Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers at the Potato Shed in 2024.
Moffat said the Drysdale venue was “perfect” for the company.
“We were so overwhelmed by the reception we received at The Potato Shed on our last tour, thatwereallyhopetobeabletoincludeitinour regular rotation,” he said.
Abduction from the Seraglio is at the Potato Shed on Saturday, April 5. Visit lysteropera. com.au or call the Potato Shed box office on 5251 1998 for tickets or more information.
The Australian Bee Gees Show comes to the GAC this April. (Supplied)
Healthcare collaboration is working to bridge the gap HERE TO SUPPORT
In the healthcare landscape, collaboration stands as a cornerstone for achieving remarkable outcomes.
When professionals unite their expertise and resources, they can accomplish far more than they ever could alone.
This fundamental principle is at the core of the dynamic partnership between Crossing The Gap and Barwon Occupational Therapy (OT).
These two esteemed organisations have joinedforcestoprovidecomprehensivesupport and services to their community, with a particular focus on mental health, paediatrics, senior health, and the disability sector.
Kristy from Crossing The Gap provides her insight on the partnership.
“We support each other, promoting each other’s businesses,” she said.“We found that by working together, we can go a lot further.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Anna, the director of Barwon OT, for a good seven years. I first met Anna when working for another organisation; she not only trained my staff but continues to provide invaluable training to my team today.
“When I ventured out on my own, Anna and Gwen helped me establish my company and have stood by my side every day since.”
Barwon OT
Barwon OT is renowned for its diverse team of passionatealliedhealthprofessionalsdedicated to making a difference in the lives of their clients and communities.
They strongly believe in matching participants with the right OT, social worker, psychologist, or therapy assistant to ensure personalised and effective care.
Furthermore, Barwon OT offers its clients the option to complete appointments in their
comfortable consulting rooms, to attend group of staff training in its multipurpose training hub, or to trial equipment in the impressive sensory gym, providing a range of versatile environments for therapy and development.
The option to complete appointments in the clinic provides participants with important cost savings options for therapist time and travel.
One of the standout features of Barwon OT is its provision of behaviour support, led by experienced allied health professionals.
This aspect of their services underscores their commitment to holistic care, addressing not only the physical but also the behavioural and emotional well-being of their clients, carers, and communities.
Barwon OT offers flexible treatment options, working collaboratively with families, carers, and other health professionals.
Its advanced practice areas, such as sensory modulation, highlight its commitment to remaining at the forefront of the field.
To learn more about Barwon OT visit www. barwonoccupationaltherapy.com or call 5200 2684.
Crossing The Gap
Crossing The Gap is a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning needs.
Its specialisation in supporting students with Specific Learning Differences (SLD) is underscored by a strong emphasis on school
readiness. What sets Crossing The Gap apart is its unwavering commitment to working alongside Allied Health professionals.
This approach ensures that each student receivespersonalisedattention,tailoredtotheir unique learning style, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Collaboration is at the heart of Crossing The Gap’s ethos. It prioritises partnerships with parents, carers, and schoolteachers, recognising that a united front leads to the best outcomes for students.
This collaborative approach extends beyond the classroom, with resources available to support students’ learning at home and at school.
Crossing The Gap ensures that each child has access to the tools and support they need to succeed, empowering them to reach their full potential.
To learn more about Crossing The Gap and its transformative approach to education, visit www.ctgdisability.com.au or call Kristy today on 0493 057 276.
Crossing The Gap and Barwon OT share a vision of empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
By pooling their expertise and resources, they have created a robust network of support thatextendsacrosstheBarwonregion,covering areas like Geelong, Golden Plains, Colac, Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, and more.
The partnership between Crossing The Gap and Barwon OT epitomises the power of collaboration in healthcare.
Together, they are bridging gaps and providing holistic, client-centered care to their community.Theirsharedvaluesofcompassion, professionalism, and innovation make them a formidable team, dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.
Kristy from Crossing the Gap and Anna from Barwon Occupational Therapy form a dynamic partnership. (Supplied)
Dry conditions are a concern
I’m writing this on a lovely day as at last it has rained,afteraveryhotanddrystarttoautumn.
Forthefirsttimeinafewweeks,Ihaven’thad to water my garden, and hopefully some of the blue-greenalgaeinwaterwayshasbeendiluted.
I haven’t been out and about much over the lastfewweeks,duetothehotweatherandother commitments.
I did drop around to my friend Robyn’s property in Wallington to check out the birds on the sizeable pond situated on her fence line. There were not many birds at all around, which is not surprising considering how hot it has been. Robyn told me that she has two breeding pairs of Indian peafowl on her property, but unfortunately foxes have been responsible for killing the unfortunate hatchlings.
I took my dogs for a walk to the strip of land between Jenelle Crescent and the farmland near Oakdene Estate in Ocean Grove, and I didn’t think to bring my camera. I was stunned that when I turned right from the roundabout at Oakdene Boulevard towards the paddock, on the farm fence were a male and female Australian hobby. They were literally five metres from me, and if I had brought my camera the photos would have been fantastic, as they didn’t move from the fence until we were really close to them.
This was such an unexpected and lovely encounter. Eventually they both flew west in the direction of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. TheAustralianhobbyisafalconorbirdofprey, and is one of Australia’s smallest raptors being around 30cm to 36 cm in length. Last year there was a breeding pair near Tareeda Way in Ocean Grove, and I wonder if this is the same pair.
I received an email from Andrew, who sent some photos of migratory waders that he
spotted in the Barwon River Estuary. Andrew photographed a common greenshank at Ocean Grove, and a common sandpiper on the Barwon Heads side of the estuary. These birds will both be preparing to undertake the long flight to the northern hemisphere for the breeding season, so will not
Barwon Coast Update
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT TO CELEBRATE NEW BIRD OBSERVATION POINT!
Join us for a free, family-friendly event at the new Barwon River bird observation point in Ocean Grove! Learn about the incredible migratory birds preparing to journey back to the Arctic and discover why the Barwon River estuary is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Saturday, 22 March, 2025
10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Peers Cres, near Dare St,Ocean Grove
This event is a partnership between Barwon Coast, local community groups and volunteers. The project was funded by the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grant program.
MOONAH TREE SAFETY WORKS COMPLETED AT BARWON HEADS CARAVAN PARK
Barwon Coast has recently completed essential safety works on the iconic Moonah tree at the entrance to Barwon Heads Caravan Park.
be hanging around for much longer. Thanks so much Andrew for the observations and photos. The barbaric 2025 duck killing, shooting, extermination season will open on Wednesday March 19 and close on Monday June 9, despite the dry weather. Vale the beautiful, gentle ducks that get killed in the name of sport.
COLLENDINA • OCEAN GROVE • BREAMLEA BARWON HEADS • 13TH BEACH
COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER FOR CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2025
A huge thank you to Friends of the Bluff, Ocean Grove Coastcare, and CONNECT Ocean Grove for making a real impact through their Clean Up Australia Day events on the coast.
Following regular monitoring and an independent arborist assessment, two high-risk trunks were removed while the main trunk remains, ensuring safety for the community, campers, and staff.
In consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Barwon Coast will also plant five new Moonah trees within the coastal reserve to support the long-term presence of this important species.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we continue to care for our coastal environment.
Over 90 community volunteers collected 21 bags of rubbish in Barwon Heads alone, including 3,620 pieces of litter - plastic, cigarette butts, bottles, cans, and more.
We also appreciate Barwon Heads Scouts and the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club. Special thanks to the organisers, who even counted indivdual pieces of litter. Events like these remind us of our shared responsibility for the environment - we are so grateful for our passionate communities. Together, we made a difference!
HAVE YOUR SAY & HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR FORESHORE
Share your ideas and thoughts in our Community Survey via the below QR Code or by visiting engage.vic.gov.au/project/ barwon-coast-foreshore-master-plan
Feedback from this survey will help shape our Community and Stakeholder Design Workshops (Jun 2025).
closes on Monday, 31 March.
Andrew’s common greenshank at Ocean Grove, and inset, common sandpiper at Barwon River Estuary.
The new bird observation point, Peers Crescent, Ocean Grove
The pruned Moonah is now healthy and safe for our community. The survey
Jenny wins first writing competition prize
The first topic for the 2025 Bellarine Writing Competition obtained 24 entries, which this year were anonymous. The winner was Jenny Macaulay who also won the final last year. Highly recommended was Carole Glasgow for her story about a group of convict women on a ship transporting them to Australia.
Judges’ comments:
Jenny’s story was as usual very well written but it was the funny, imaginative idea of the talking snail helping the unhappy little girl tackle the questions set by her teacher that made the story outstanding. Then the ending, genuinely frightening Lindy from the room, was so clever. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Alan Cobham
Quest by Quest
By Jenny Macaulay
Lindy wiped away a tiny tear as she placed a dash next to number one.
“Number two,” the teacher said, looking over her students, checking they were ready for the next question.
“If a snail began to climb a three metre vertical drainpipe at 9am, what time would it get to the top if it climbed 75cm an hour but had a fifteen minute rest half way up?”
This time the tear swelled and plopped right onto the page of Lindy’s maths book. Raindrops trickled down the classroom window blurring her vision even further until a tiny movement in the bottom left hand corner of the glass caught her eye. The shadowy lines of muscular movement on the underside of a garden snail making its way up the wet glass had Lindy suddenly absorbed.
“I did that yesterday.” The voice was so clear she couldn’t believe the whole class didn’t turn around. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the snail’s eyes waving around on the ends of long stalks, beckoning her to focus.
“Climbed that pipe against the wall over there. Started right on the school bell. By 10 o’clock I was 75cm from the ground. It didn’t worry me looking down as my eyes aren’t that sharp. Probably a little like yours at the moment.”
Lindy dried her eyes on her sleeve and stared at the snail which continued its climb in spite of the increasing downpour.
“But did I stop? No way! Never give up I always say. Once you put your mind to it you can do anything! So, I climbed for another 75cm before I heard the bell for
morning recess. I knew it must be 11am. That’s a time I usually dread unless I’m under some rotting log out of harm’s way. One and a half metres was a danger zone. Some of your lot began hitting tennis balls against the wall with those wooden bat-tennis bats. Great to see them so enthusiastic but my poor old drainpipe shuddered with every blow. Almost lost my footing, so to speak, but an extra burst of mucin helped me cling on. Being slimy comes in handy from time to time, just ask a politic…no, maybe not. Anyway, fifteen minutes later they all shot off to play something else, thankfully, and I continued my climb uninterrupted for a while.”
Lindy looked around the room. Heads were down and Mrs Oliver was standing, as if frozen, between the groups of tables. She stared back at the snail which was now snuggled closer to the edge of the window-pane, sheltering from the steady flow of rainwater.
The snail’s voice continued.
“It took me another hour to go the next 75cm, so by now it was 12.15pm and I knew I still had 75cm to go. I can actually go a lot faster than this in real life, but I was following your teacher’s requirements and trying to keep things straightforward. Going that slowly and at that time of day naturally put me in a lot more danger than usual. I was totally exposed to sunlight, children and, worst of all, birds. It was during this leg, yes I know…an odd term for a snail to use…that a pesky magpie came snooping around, the same one that’s been swooping your friends on the netball court. I knew I couldn’t stop climbing because of this maths task, so I squeezed into the gap between the pipe and the brickwork. Maintaining 75cm per hour with a sharp beak prodding me from both sides made things a little hectic for a while until the bird noticed one of your classmates marching across the playground towards the
bike shed. He was a far more accessible target. Finally I managed to reach the top.”
Lindy glanced around the room again. Heads were slowly rising and the teacher’s slow-motion walk was increasing to a normal pace towards the front of the room, her note pad of questions lying on the palm of her hand.
Lindy smiled and confidently wrote her answer in her book. When she looked back at the window, the snail was gone.
“Question three,” said Mrs Oliver. “If a taipan was twice as long as a death adder but only one and a half times the length of a tiger snake, how long would an eastern brown be if…”
Lindy snapped her maths book closed and sprinted from the room.
Jenny Macaulay. (Supplied)
Jenny Macaulay
Jenny is a retired primary school teacher enjoying life in Portarlington facilitating art and writing groups between gardening and just appreciating a relaxed lifestyle. Jenny organises activities where others can enjoy the experience of writing in its many forms. She facilitates a poetry group in Geelong under the umbrella of Geelong Writers and runs the Portarlington Haiku Society where members participate in a monthly competition. She and a colleague also organise the Midwinter Words writers’ weekend which will be enjoying its 10th year this August after a break since the COVID years.
Jenny also runs a drawing class at the Portarlington Neighbourhood House and the occasional Sumi e workshops (Japanese ink painting) and nature journaling workshops for Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management. In her spare time she enjoys painting small watercolours of Bellarine’s beautiful surrounds.
Temptation back for a fourth year
After all the tourists have packed their beach bags and headed back to the places they call home, the locals who ‘know stuff’ come out to play.
And, in the case of Autumn Temptations at Leura Park Estate, it’s for good reason. Now in its fourth year, Autumn Temptations is a much-anticipated midweek concept at the ever-popular Leura Park Estate.
For just $25, patrons get to enjoy a sumptuous main meal accompanied by a glass of premium Leura Park wine of choice (or beer or soft drink). While the menu is always evolving, to kick start the Temptation’s mojo, head chef Darius Sarkis has created the following delicious line up:
• Mushroom, caramelised onion and fetta tart, pickled onion and confit tomato salad, balsamic glaze (v)
• Pork & fennel meatballs, creamy potato mash, tomato sugu and crusty bread (gfo)
• Lemon-pepper calamari with house slaw, chips and lemon aioli (gf,df)
• Roquette, quinoa, roast pumpkin, chickpea and pepita salad with spiced chicken and a tahini lemon dressing (vgo, gf,df)
Patrons are spoiled for choice in the wine stakes too – Leura Park is a renowned producer of premium artisan wines, all grown and crafted onsite.ThestellarstableofwinesincludesSparkling Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay Rose’, SauvignonBlanc,Riesling,PinotGris,Chardonnay, Rose’, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s even a Moscato-style wine, Ms Flamingo & Associates, for those who like their wines a little sweeter.
It’s super popular for a reason – hearty and delicious don’t need to break the bank.
Autumn Temptations is on offer Thursday and Friday each week. It’s a super popular concept so best to book to avoid disappointment.
Bookings via leuraparkestate.com.au or 5253 3180.
LEURA PARK ESTATE
Artisan wines without compromise
• Sensational setting
• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare
• Live Music Sundays
• Wine Tastings
• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm
1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au
12606035-SN21-23
FLYING BRICK CIDER CO
Funky, Fabulous, Fun.
• Landmark Bellarine venue
• Innovative space
• Delicious food
• 100% naturally crafted ciders
• Luxurious grounds & vineyard
• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au
12606701-KG21-23
JACK RABBIT VINEYARD
• Iconic Bellarine winery
• Unrivalled panoramic views
• Contemporary a la carte
• Sophisticated wines
• Lunch / Wine Tastings
• OPEN 7 Days
85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
12606706-RR21-23
THE RANGE @CURLEWIS
Finesse your form or just for fun.
• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks
• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages
• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails
• OPEN 7 days
1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au
Be tempted this autumn at Leura Park Estate. (Supplied)
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors
9 years ago
March 16 to March 29, 2016
Calls for more police officers and CCTV have grown louder after burglars smashed their way into three stores in The Terrace last week.
The burglars used sledgehammers to break into The Groove, Seaside Pizza and Ocean Grove Pizza and Pasta on 9 March.
7 years ago
March 28 to April 10, 2018
The Sheepwash Easter Classic is still going strong after 39 years.
The iconic Barwon Heads run attracts hundreds of participants each year and is the major fundraiser for Barwon Heads Primary School.
4 years ago
March 26 to April 8, 2021
Every household in Ocean Grove will fork out $507 to partially fund a 25.2 kilometre network of footpaths under a proposed shared funding model announced by the City of Greater Geelong.
Council is proposing that the city and ratepayers jointly fund the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN), with council tipping in $3.65 million and ratepayers footing the remaining $3.17 million. There are 6245 rateable properties in the town that will help pay for the network.
1 year ago
March 22 to April 4, 2024
Drysdale’s recently opened aquatic centre faces closure for six months of the year because the City of Greater Geelong can’t afford to keep it open.
The $15 million North Bellarine Aquatic CentreopenedinNovember,buttheheated outdoor 50 metre pool is set to close down at the end of the month and won’t reopen until November.
COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
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 Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Bellarine Historical Society Inc.
Sunday March 30, 2pm, Remembering the Edina, talk and short film Steamship Travel on the Bellarine, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale. refreshments from 1.30pm.
Ann, 0407 234 541
Ocean Grove Library
Tuesday March 25, 2pm-3pm Author talk: No Place Quite Like it
Wednesday March 26, 2pm-3pm Book
Chat; 5.30pm-6.30pm Lecture: Birdlife on the Bellarine
Thursdays 3pm-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs
Mondays 10.30am-11.30am Preschool story time
Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)
Wednesdays 9.30am-10am Toddler Time
Thursdays 11.30am-11.50am Baby Time
Thursdays 4pm-5pm Play with OSMOs
The Big Read
Motivate and deepen your reading, focused reading of classics - books that have stood the test of time beginning with George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’ (free to download). Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.
Paul, 0425 110 792
Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.
5258 1150
Seachange Quilters
Destash sale, Barwon Heads Senior Citizens Centre, Clifford Parade, Saturday March 29, 9.30am-3pm, 22 tables booked - grab a bargain.
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809
Bellarine Hwy, Saturday January 25, 7.30pm-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Charles.
0419 463 306
Live music
Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.
Ocean Grove Soft Tennis Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove
Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.
Megan, 0439 317 344
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove
CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.
Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Chess clubs
For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington,
Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.
Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)
Carpet bowls
Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday from 1pm to 3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea.
0400 500 402
Scottish country dancing classes GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.
Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly
Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am. Fortnightly
CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585 Monthly
Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm. Dianne, 5255 1372
Out and about
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp ventured to Ocean Grove main beach on Tuesday March 17 after a couple of chilly days to see who was out and about.
1/ Victoria Murphy and Jessie Zhou enjoyed the surf. 2/ Doug and Cathy Maloney take a break from their bike ride. 3/ Kim Winstanley. 4/ Tyrone Andrik just after a surf. 5/ Emma and Josh Reynolds with their son Asher. 6/ Liz and Michael Waud with Milo. 7/ Lucy Church. 8/ Jan and Melissa. 9/ Cheryl Barboulos and Diane Middleton at the end of their walk. 10/ Steph McGlenchy. 11/ Mariagrazia and Giovanni Dell’Albani from Giarratana, Sicily. 12/ Prue and Enrico Carr with their son Theo. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 465834
no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Even-tempered (7)
5 Herbaceous plant (7)
9 Dividing screen (9)
10 Wanderer (5)
11 Contributes (6)
12 Heavenly (8)
14 Soldiers (6)
15 Average (4)
19 Sporting side (4)
20 Oral (6)
24 Rapturous (8)
25 Limited (6)
27 Size (5)
28 Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9)
29 Stableman (7)
30 Depict (7)
1 Verve (6)
2 Unready, green (6)
3 Irritated skin bubbles (8)
4 Arrange (4)
5 Mild cranial trauma (10)
6 Custodian (6)
7 Plant yielding fragrant oil (8)
8 Having impaired vision (arch) (8)
13 Devotee (10)
16 Intensity (8)
17 Masters of music (8)
18 Decode (8)
21 Friends character, – Green (6)
22 Diligence (6)
23 Every seven days (6)
26 Pace (4)
1 Diamonds are made up of what chemical element?
2 Name the famous English poem in which a bird says 'Nevermore'.
3 Do piranhas live in freshwater or saltwater?
4 Which 2003 film starring Tobey Maguire (pictured) is loosely based on the life of a champion racehorse?
5 The Wrath of Cortex is a video game in which franchise?
6 What is a zither?
7 As of 2025, which country most recently gained independence?
8 What type of art is Banksy best known for?
9 In which US state was the fast food chain Taco Bell founded?
10 The Limousin is a breed of which farm animal?
No. 261 No. 229
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which basketball team did Bendigo Spirit defeat to win the 2025 WNBL Grand Final Series?
2. Before winning the 2025 Puerto Rico Open, how many PGA Tour tournaments had Australian golfer Karl Vilips played?
3. Which rodents share a name with Michael J.
4. Name any of the four European countries whose teams played in the transatlantic American football league NFL Europe before its official closure in 2007.
5. Which state men’s cricket team has won the right to host the final of the Sheffield Shield?
6. Which NBA team has announced plans to play exhibition games in Melbourne in October
And which two NBL teams are they set to
Which club is reportedly being audited by the AFL in regard to third-party player payments?
Nick Kyrgios was forced to retire hurt from the 2025 Indian Wells Open due to pain from an injury to what body part?
Dylan Brown has announced he will be leaving the Parramatta Eels and joining which club for the 2026 NRL season?
11. Which AFL club was once known as the magentas, due to their pink uniform?
12. F1 favourite Oscar Piastri teamed up with which burger chain to release a limited-edition burger?
13. Which 2024 biographical sports drama tells the story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born without a leg who overcame significant obstacles?
14. Which NBA legend famously proclaimed his love for McDonald’s, claiming he would eat it before practices?
15. Which NBL player scored a historic 41 points, including 10 three-pointers, to lead Melbourne United to a win over Perth Wildcats in the NBL25 Play-offs?
16. What is the maximum score available in a game of tenpin bowling?
17. What are the two most popular forms of hockey?
18. What does NASCAR stand for?
19. Which NRL team has the westernmost home ground?
20. Which of the following sports has featured at a Summer Olympics: darts, ballooning, squash or wakeboarding?
21. ‘Silly point’ is a field position in which sport?
22. In what year did Melbourne Storm win their first premiership?
23. Trinity Fatu is the real name of which WWE wrestler?
24. Mars Stadium is located where?
25. The Steelers play NFL out of which city?
26. How many players are on field per team in a baseball game?
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
RocheAccounting52562764
ANTENNAS
ArrowAntennas0439785703
KendallAntennaServices0404019781
27. Which nation won the ICC Champions Trophy?
28. And who did they beat?
29. In golf, how many shots under par is an albatross?
30. NHL player Brad Marchand was recently traded to the Florida Panthers after spending his whole career with which other team?
AUTOMOTIVE
AutoCareOceanGrove(Repco)52551045
GardinerAutomotive52555380
BUILDING DESIGNERS
MichaelHigginsBuildingDesign52553355
BUTCHERS
Benno’sMeatingPlace52541828
CHIMNEY SWEEPS
A1ChimneySweep&Co0426897479
CONVEYANCING VinesConveyancing52554480
CLEANING AND LAUNDRY
AussieCleaning&Laundry0430215264
DENTAL
DrysdaleDentureServices
RyanDavies52511683
OceanGroveDentureServices RyanDavies 52554533
ELECTRICIAN
GavinBurnettElectrical0467554941
Oscar Piastri
Nissan X-Trail passes the road test
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Petrol/electric powered vehicles have been around for nearly a quarter of a century when Honda and Toyota launched their Insight and Prius models respectively.
Over the years more hybrids have arrived to the stage where now almost every brand has a variety of them. Indeed, most Toyota passenger vehicles are only available as hybrids. Along the way batteries and electric motors have evolved while the price surcharges have made them much more affordable than the early models.
Although Nissan was an early adopter of fully-electric cars, mainly the Leaf hatchback, it didn’t offer hybrids until 2023 when the Qashqai and X-Trail e-Power variants were added.
There is a significant difference between the conventional petrol/electric powertrains of other hybrids and that of the e-Power models. Where others use the battery-powered motor to drive the car at low speeds before switching over to their relatively large petrol engines, the e-Power operates in reverse where two large motors always drive the wheels and are constantly being charged by a smaller engine.
It’s a bit like an electric car with a range extender, minus the capacity to store the power generated. Because the engine is always running it sounds like a petrol car but drives like an EV.
It delivers responsive performance thanks to the fact the electric motor powers the wheels, providing EV-like instant, linear and smooth throttle response. The power for the electric motor is generated by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder advanced variable compression turbocharged petrol engine.
Our test car was the X-Trail hybrid or, to give it its full name, the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce with the latter tag describing the all-wheel drive system that controls torque and braking for each wheel individually.
The X-Trail hybrid comes in three variants, ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, priced at $50,765, $55,465 and $58,465 respectively plus on-road costs.
Styling
The fourth-generation X-Trail follows the distinctly Nissan angular design direction, sharing several sharp lines with the Pathfinder and Qashqai. Only a revised V-Motion grille and badging distinguish the e-Power hybrids from the petrol variants.
Lighting is up to present-day standards with auto LED headlamps, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.
ST-L rides on 18-inch alloys wheels, Ti and Ti-L have 19-inch alloys as standard while Ti-L gets the option of 20-inch alloys.
Depending on variant, there are 13 colours from which to choose. Only one, red, is standard; all others are cost options including a number of two-tone.
Interior
All X-Trail hybrids are five-seaters with the two extra rear seats only available with the petrol variants.
Inside, the surroundings are a blendofqualitycraftsmanshipand materials highlighting comfort and convenience all round.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7.5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort is covered by 10-way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, three-zone climate control, six-speaker audio (with digital radio), leather-accented trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Specialattentionhasbeenpaidtoergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.
A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices.
Move to the back and the first thing you notice is the rear door opening to 85 degrees, which makes it easier to get in and out. The rear seats (split 40/20/40) can slide forward for more boot space, or back for maximum passenger room.
Withallseatsupright,cargospaceis575litres and to around 2000 litres. A power tailgate eases loading. Note that these dimensions are to the roofline rather than the normal seat height.
There’s no spare wheel of any sort, only a puncture repair kit.
The centre console has a floating design, with room for large items in a rubberised section underneath. A shift-by-wire gear selector is compact and user-friendly. Also on hand
are buttons for EV and e-Pedal modes, as well as a rotary dial to access drive and terrain systems.
Infotainment
The entry level X-Trail hybrid ST-L comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/ FMandDAB+digitalradio,wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).
Ti and Ti-L get a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, and wireless charging.
There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.
There’s also a 10.8-inch head-up windscreen display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with customisation of information clearly and easily accessible.
Smartphone integration has been upgraded withwirelesssmartphonechargingandwireless Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity, along with additional USB-A and USB-C charge ports for keeping smartphones and tablets topped up.
Engines/transmissions
As mentioned, the e-Power system uses motors at the front and rear. Outputs are 150 kW and 330 Nm at the front and 100 kW/195 Nm at the rear for a combined 157kW.
The 2.1 kWh electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack.
The e-Power with e-4orce system consists of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150k W for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157 kW).
The turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder charges the battery pack or the electric motor, the petrol engine and so eliminates the need for an EV charger.
Like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.
Towing capacity for the e-Power models is rated at 1650 kg, compared to 2000 kg for petrol versions.
Safety
The X-Trail hybrids earn a five-star ANCAP rating under 2021 test conditions and added information and testing.
Active safety is covered by forward autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and ProPilot lane keeping,
traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian).
In Ti and Ti-L variants, pedestrians close to the vehicle are alerted by an external audible warning when it is in almost silent EV mode. Seven airbags include a centre airbag between front seat occupants.
Driving
Aswithallvehiclesthatstartoffwithanelectric motor the Nissan X-Trail e-Power delivers smooth and almost instant acceleration off the mark. Add excellent noise cancelling measures within the cabin, it’s almost silent. When called on for more power, the petrol engine and generator chime in with a non-too unpleasant hum, keeping the battery pack charged and, if needed, directly powering the electric motor.
EV or e-Pedal controls are instigated by means of buttons on the centre console. EV is what it says – no petrol engine input here – and can be operated for a short distance.
Ontest,pressingtheEVbuttonwasanswered byamessagesayingthebatterywasnotcharged enough to sustain electric-only operation. The e-Pedal had no such impediment, leaving the accelerator to apply the brakes automatically when the foot was lifted off, calling on the regenerating capacity to slow the car almost to a halt.
A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.
With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2. Nissan claims combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres using 95 RON fuel. The test car recorded 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving where the battery is dominant but jumped up to 7.1 L/100km on a motorway due to the extra engine usage.
Summary
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. The instant response delivers fast and safe acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.
In its performance it does lean more to the full electric vehicle rather than the hybrid SUV. However, there’s the added running cost of buying petrol.
Thepremiumpurchasepriceoverpetrol-only models is covered somewhat by the increased Ti/Ti-L equipment
As of 1 February 2025 all new Nissan vehicles come with a 10-year, 300,000km standard warranty but with the stipulation that all servicing is carried out at dealerships.
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. (Pictures: Supplied)
Semi-finals for local cricketers
It was semi-finals time for local cricket and Justin Flynn went to RT Fuller Oval, Barwon Heads to see the Heads take on Anglesea in the BPCA A1 Grade clash.
Left: Mick Thornton made 36 for Anglesea. Right: Umpires Daniel Mair and Craig D’Arcy discuss the weather situation. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 464679
Tyron Norman was the dangerman for Anglesea.
Dan Donaldson took three wickets for the Heads.
Will Huby guides the ball behind point while Barwon Heads’ keeper Matteo Surace is waiting.
Brent McMinn rolled his arm over.
Darcy Hewitt took a wicket for Barwon Heads.
Harry Hyland took the new ball.
Grovers win
Midweek title
Ocean Grove defeated Torquay in the Geelong Bowls Region Midweek Division 1 grand final and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see it all unfold at Belmont on Tuesday.
Tyson Cromie skipped his team to a 21 to 16 shot win.
Midweek Pennant Division 1 premiers Ocean Grove.
Midweek Pennant Division 2 premiers Ocean Grove.
Left: Patria McGrath looks for the right line. Above: Thomas Warren concentrates on his line.
Alan Drury skipped his team to a 27 to 13 shot win.
Jenny Keep starred for the Grovers.
Left to right: Bashia Speed plays the backhand; Mick West plays for position; Garry Bowyer looks to get close; Jen Le Cerf leads the way for Ocean Grove. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 463977
Maddie Jacobs leads the way for Ocean Grove.
Rod Brehaut follows his bowl.
Casper John leads the way for Ocean Grove.
Glory for the Grovers
Ocean Grove defeated Highton 81 to 64 in the Premier Division Geelong Bowls Region grand final at Belmont on Sunday March 16 and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there.
Left to right: Chris Burrell leads off for Ocean Grove; Tyson Cromie led his rink to a 22 to 14 shot win; Michael West looks to get this bowl close; Hayley O’Reilly leads the way for Ocean Grove.
Left to right: Max Rowley plays the back hand; Wayne Frith plays the forehand; Tony Joel at point of delivery; Matt Flapper led his rink to a 23 to 16 shot win. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 464678
Andrew Forster leads off for Ocean Grove.
Chris Price plays for position.
Owen Clark rides this bowl home (above), and Bradley Pavey follows this bowl down the rink (left).
Zak Abro plays for position.
Larry Donohue concentrates on this bowl.
Peter Loe skipped his rink to a 24 to 16 shot win.
Cobras teammates break records
By Justin Flynn
Corey Walter and Harrisyn Wingrave created BellarinePeninsulaCricketAssociationhistory on the weekend with a 363-run partnership for Collendina in A2 Grade.
The Cobras’ score of 7/559 was the highest ever team total in A Grade, easily surpassing Barrabool’s 6/423 in 2015-16. The partnership was the highest ever for the fifth wicket Walter made 210 from 282 deliveries while 17-year-old Wingrave smacked 208 from 146, which included 22 fours and 11 sixes.
Walter is one of the BPCA’s best ever players, but Wingrave was coming off his maiden senior century only weeks before and now has a double ton to his name.
“It’s a great reward for Haz because he’s
been working really hard at training and went back to the twos to try and get some runs and he did that by making a hundred a couple of weeks beforehand,” Walter said of his young teammate.
“And to come out and just hit the ball as cleanly as he did was unbelievable to be honest. He’s got a really good eye. And I think he’s starting to realise that once you give yourself a bit of time and get a feel for the conditions and the bowling, he can do some damage.
“I think after 50 balls, he might have only been 20 runs or so on Saturday. To get to 100, I think he probably scored his next 80 off about 40.”
Walter said the partnership unfolded very quickly. “It’s all a bit of a blur really,” he said.
“While we’re out there, it seemed to just go
really quick and I don’t think he (Wingrave) realised what was happening at the time, and to be fair, I probably don’t think it as well. Going from 100 to 200 seemed like it happened in 10 or 15 minutes.
“It probably still hasn’t quite really sunk in I suppose, but it definitely won’t happen for me again that’s for sure.”
Walter said the reason for batting so long after claiming first-innings points against St Leonards on day one, was to keep an eye on the Winchelsea-Inverleigh game and possibly climb into second spot on the ladder. Had Inverleigh lost, net run rate would have decided second and Collendina’s ended up superior, but the Kookaburras scraped home.
Collendina was defeated by Inverleigh in its semi-final last weekend.
Prelim finals victory and heartbreak
It was preliminary final week for Tennis Geelong’s Senior Pennant with all grades in knockout matches and hopes of making next week’s grand finals. Players were fresh after last week’s break for Labour Day weekend, although it was a day for the home teams, with only one breaking the trend.
In the Men’s sections Grovedale won their first four sets against Highton (M1), while Surfcoast Bellbrae will face Bannockburn (M2) after posting wins against Hamlyn Park (5-1) and Highton (4-2).
Fyans Park took thefirstset against Drysdale (M3), and despite winning 29 games for the day, didn’t manage to win another set with Drysdale taking the win 5-1.
In the Mixed sections, it came down to the final set for Moriac Blue and Grovedale Yellow (X1), but Moriac prevailed in a tie-break to win 4-2 by one game. Clifton Springs matched sets with Moolap Gold (X2), also winners by one, but three sets all. Moolap’s luck didn’t improve against Newcomb (X3), with three tie breaks and at 7-5 the match was neck and neck, but Newcomb prevailed 4-2.
It was a club battle for Western Heights Uniting with Red and Blue teams facing off in
Section 4. Both teams had posted a win during theseason,butBluesteppedupandtooktheday 5-1. Teesdale (X5) had the best win accounting for Highton 6-0, while Grovedale’s Black and Yellow teams battled for the remaining place next week. In a tight encounter Yellow got over the line.
Section6wentwiththeladderwithSurfcoast
Close matches in junior finals
There was a mix of junior semi and prelim finals this week and with matches in total, there was plenty of action across the region.
There were six club vs club battles, with Grovedale in three of them.
While Black defeated Yellow three rubbers to love in Premier A, both singles went to the super tie-break. Black defeated White in Premier A, while Yellow in fourth upset minor premiers Black in Boys 2.
St Mary’s Green had a good win over Blue 5-1 (Boys 13), Ocean Grove’s Blue got over White 6-0 (Girls 5) and Barwon Heads Blue were victors over White 4-2 (Green Ball 3).
There were few upsets, however, Surfcoast Jan Juc ousted Ocean Grove 4-2 (B3), Inverleigh posted a 5-1 win over Point Lonsdale (GB2), Grovedale gotupinBoys9againstAllSaints(4-2) and Boys 4 against Wandana Heights (5-1), while Wandana’s Premier B got the win over Hamlyn Park.
Bellbrae and Wandana Heights posting wins over Leopold (4-2) and Sutherland’s Creek (5-1).
In the Open sections, Wandana Heights posted the one upset for the week, overcoming Newcomb (O1) three rubbers to one, with both doubles rubbers going to a super tie-break, both the way of the Heights.
Barwon Heads also posted a 3-1 win over Moolap Black in Section 2, again two rubbers going to a super tie-break, but the Heads winning both singles.
Highton’s day improved with wins in Section 3 and 6 over Ocean Grove and Section 4 in a clean sweep over Moolap Gold. Grovedale posted their third win for the day against Surfcoast Jan Juc (O5), and after a slow start were eventual winners 4-0.
Section 7 had two semi-finals where minor premiers Wandana Heights proved too strong for Ocean Grove 3-1 while in the other final Barwon
Heads, after dropping the first two rubbers, pulled off a massive comeback with David Reid battling through to win the reverse singles 7-5, 6-3whileShaunTaylorandPaulCreatiwonthe doubles, managing it in two sets 6-2, 7-6. These straight sets wins coupled with the first doubles goingtoasupertie-break,meantthatattheend of the day, the Heads prevailed 2-5-38 to 2-3-37.
There were a mammoth 12 matches that were three sets all, and decided on games, including six of the eight girls finals. Geelong Lawn Green (G1), Ocean Grove Sand (G2), Drysdale (G3), Wandana Heights (G4 and G6) and Highton (G5) all made their respective grand finals and will fight on next week, along with Western Heights Uniting (B2), Highton (B3), Hamlyn Park Green (B6), Bannockburn (B7) and Highton White (GB1).
Special mention goes to Geelong Lawn and Surfcoast Jan Juc in Boys 5, who were tied at three sets 28 games, sending the match to a seventh set, where Oliver Evans and Tahnee Sarim won the match for Lawn.
Geelong Lawn were also victorious in Boys 6, Boys 8 and Boys 9, Highton in Boys 4 and Boys 8.
Ocean Grove would have hoped for better with four of their 12 finalist teams (PremA, B1, B10, G5) winning through this week, however, with strong performances by the winners, their hopes will be high.
Other winners include Surfcoast Jan Juc (B7), Western Heights Uniting (B10), Bannockburn (B11), St Mary’s (B11), Point Lonsdale (B12 and GB4, Grovedale (B13), Inverleigh (G6) and Lara (GB5).
SS3X Moolap and Newcomb: Felicia Johnston, Rob Allsop, Bec Reinert, Cooper Walter, Cameron Dempster, Alison Steele, Marc Patrick, Stacey Jensen, Justin Whitworth. Absent: Julia Augello, Liz Phillips.
SS6X Sutherlands Creek: Alfonsous Rowe, Katie Rowe, Nicole Rowe, Thomas Kelly. Absent: William Rowe, Melinda Bate, Cailin Bate.
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
Corey Walter and Harrisyn Wingrave each made double centuries for Collendina. (Ivan Kemp) 464274_08
Wallabies are one win from glory
By Justin Flynn
Inverleigh is now the only obstacle that stands in the way of Wallington winning the premiership and ascending to the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association’s A1 Grade competition next season.
Wallington defeated a gallant Portarlington in the semi-final while Inverleigh defeated Collendina.
Wallington made 9/230 batting first, but was 6/119 when the game could have swung either way after opener Henry McIntosh made a valuable 54.
James Sood made a lively 31 from 44 balls, Dane Wise-Graham was 58 not out at stumps and Billy Gravett dug in for his 33.
“There’s no way Dane and Billy are number seven and eight batters, but it’s just the way we have lined it up,” Wallington captain-coach Matt Sampson-Barnes said.
“On another day, the top order would have hadabitofabetterrun,butitwasreallypleasing. I think we were six for 100 or something at the break. So just to knuckle down and grind it out was really good.”
When rain intervened on day two, it eventually left Port with just 24 overs to make the 231 runs required to advance to the final. Port needed the win due to finishing fourth on the ladder. A draw was enough for Wallington. The Demons gave it a real crack, finishing all out for 178.
“I knew it was going to be a really tough game - every time we play those guys, it’s always really close,” Sampson-Barnes said.
“Theyareareallygoodside.Wewereactually in a situation where we couldn’t bowl three of our bowlers because it was that wet. So we ended up having to put on our slower bowlers and protect the boundaries with them needing 10 and over, or whatever it was.”
Sampson-Barnes was one of those slower bowlers and he took 4/35 from six overs while Aaron Toole clubbed 63 from 44 for Port.
Wallington’s opponent this weekend is
Inverleigh, which bowled Collendina out for 109 and then made the runs with seven wickets to spare. Only the week before, Collendina set a new association record, making 569 against St Leonards.
“They’reareallygoodteam,”Sampson-Barnes said.
“I don’t really see them as having any weaknessesatall.Ithinkit’sgoingtobeareally tough game. Especially playing at a neutral ground as well. It’s always exciting and offers challenges, but I’m expecting a really tough game.”
Inverleigh captain-coach Henry Collins was equally complimentary about his opponent.
“I think Wallington’s strength is that they’re just a really well-rounded team,” he said.
“They’vescoredalotofruns,butthenthey’ve still got some quite challenging bowlers to try and get away as well. They’ve made a whole heap of runs throughout the year and then they’ve been more than handy with the ball as well, so it should be a good challenge.”
Inverleigh dismissed Collendina, a side that made a record 569 the week before, for just 109 in the semi-final.
“Our bowling is definitely our biggest strong suit and I’ve probably said that for the entirety of the season so it’s great that we have been performing so well and it’s good that we’ve got pretty much a full cartel,” Collins said.
“I think we’ve had a few people out every single game for just about for the whole year so it’s good that we’re at full strength at the right time.”
The Kookaburras took their time in chasing down Collendina’s small total in a sign that the top and middle orders were prepared to be in it for the long haul. Will Collins (14 off 41 deliveries), Lachie Platt (61 not out from 152) and Will Stoney (22 from 123) dug in.
“It was really mature batting from Platty and from Stoney,” Collins said.
“Platty is probably the heart and soul of Inverleigh Cricket Club so to see him doing well at this time of year is great.”
Titans and Gulls face off for the premiership flag
Armstrong Creek and Barwon Heads will face off in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade final after both sides struggled at times in their respective semi-finals, but found ways to win as good teams do.
Armstrong Creek will contest its first ever deciderwhiletheSeagullsareladenwithgrand final experience.
“It’s been a couple of years in the making for us since coming up to A1 after we won the A2, and the president keeps reminding us that’s the only one the club hasn’t won,” Titans’ captain-coach Daniel Maclean said.
“It was really rewarding to at least get there now and we’re a 50/50 chance.”
Maclean said his club has a lot of respect for its nearest neighbour.
“There is a lot of respect for Barwon Heads withwhattheydoasateamandaclub,”hesaid.
“They’re a great cricket side and Dan Donaldson does a great job as captain and they’re a really good fielding side. They will bowl a fair bit of spin at us, which we’ll have to navigate our way through.”
Such has been the success of Armstrong Creek’s top order this season, the middle and lower orders haven’t had to do much.
batted well, but at 5/84
Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23, 1pm start. Reserve day March 29.
A1 Grade
Armstrong Creek vs Barwon
Barwon Heads vs Armstrong Creek at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
D Grade (Saturday March 22) Wallington vs Winchelsea at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove.
(20) and Maclean himself (50) got the total to 211.
Barrabool responded to be all out for 122 albeit with reduced overs due to the rain.
Maclean took 4/43 while brother Jack snared 5/36. New-ball pair Clay Mulgrew and Jason Robertson kept things tight at the start of the innings, which drew praise from their skipper.
“They both bowled really well,” Maclean said.
“We wanted to give myself and Jack a chance in case the ball got wet and a little bit stuffed up and we managed to keep it pretty dry and the ball was moving around a fair bit. It was quite good as a bowler that bowls about 70km/h like myself, so a little bit through the air is a good thing.”
Barwon Heads captain-coach Daniel Donaldson said Armstrong Creek deserved to be in the last game of the season.
“Armstrong Creek have been up there the last couple of seasons and I know that they lost last year’s semi-final, but they’ve been the best side all season,” he said.
“They deserve a crack in the final.”
The reigning premiers defeated last season’s runners-up Anglesea in the semi in an absorbing tussle.
The Seagulls made 211 batting first and
Donaldsonsaidhewouldhavetakenthatatthe start of play.
“We said at the start of the day that 180 was par given the outfield was a bit slow,” he said.
“(But) given where we were at three for 150 off around 40 overs, we were pretty hopeful thatwewouldactuallygetasubstantialamount more than what we ended on. But credit to Anglesea - they got themselves back in the game with some good fielding.”
At one stage the Heads were 3/145, but slumped to 7/163.
“That partnership between Harry Hyland (10)andMatteo(Surace,27),andtheydiditthe week before against Jan Juc, was really good,” Donaldson said.
With rain causing several interruptions on day two, Anglesea batted well and at one stage looked headed for victory.
ButteenagesensationAngusMackiestepped in to take six wickets with his leg-spinners to turn the game and have the Seas out for 172.
“He’s taken some clutch wickets at clutch timesthisseason,”Donaldsonsaid.“Withawet ball in those circumstances where I think the match was probably skewed towards Anglesea, to come in and do that as a 15-year-old is just a testament to him.”
Justin Flynn
Ben Norgrove (58)
against a Barrabool outfit with nothing to lose, things were looking unsteady. Adam Trevean (20), keeper Aaron Morgan
Left: Armstrong Creek captain-coach Daniel Maclean. (Louisa Jones) 438356_40 Right: Barwon Heads captain-coach Daniel Donaldson during the semi-final. (Justin Flynn) 464679_22
Matt Sampson-Barnes and Wallington is one win away from premiership glory. (Ivan Kemp) 436306_05
