Splash of colour for Easter home
Evan with
music and entertainment is expected
Protests soar at airshow
By Jena Carr
Vandalism,protestsandbombthreatshave marred the lead-up to the Avalon Airshow, with activists continuing to oppose the event this weekend.
Anti-war rallies have been organised in North Geelong, Corio and Lara during the Avalon Australian International Airshow’s public days from Friday March 28 to Sunday March 30.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said he was disappointed in the actions people were
taking against the airshow.
“The airshow is really one of the great Geelongeventsandthey’re(protestors)not going to get in the way of that,” he said.
Activists previously held a blockade alongBeachRoadfrom7amonWednesday March 26 to stop defence personnel from enteringtheairshowduringitsmajortrade day.
Mr Marles’ Brougham Street office was targeted on March 19 with anti-war graffiti that read ‘weapons out of Geelong’ and ‘war crimes start here’, along with a smashed window.
ThebombsquadwasalsocalledtoAMDA Foundation’s (organiser of the Avalon Airshow) North Geelong office on March 21 after two female protestors dropped off a suspicious package at reception while chanting and filming.
A bomb detection robot removed the package at about 1.30pm, which was later found not to contain any dangerous materials.
Mr Marles said acts of vandalism and threats were “not making any point” and that “freedom of speech should be exercised with speech”.
“It’s a small number of people who are really behaving in a way which is so reprehensible, and I don’t think it’s representative of how people feel,” he said.
“Along the way, they’re seeking to intimidate people in a completely inappropriate way. Ultimately, the victims are ordinary people in Geelong who are just going about their business.
“We live in a society where there’s freedom of speech and people have the righttohaveanopinionbutvandalismand intimidating people in their workplace is not freedom of speech.”
Torquay artist Kirsten Walsh has created a large-scale mural inspired by artwork from children whose lives had been touched by
Children’s Hospital. The mural is at the 2025 Good Friday Appeal Home in Mount Duneed and honours volunteer tradies and
Juno home by Henley at Villawood Properties’ award-winning Armstrong Mount Duneed estate will go to
auction on April 18 at 19 Electric Crescent, Mount Duneed. A giant family street party with food stalls, kids’ rides,
to draw up to 1000 people. Pictured are Alan Miller (chief executive Villawood Properties),
his dad Jake Murrell, Kirsten Walsh (artist), Charlotte, Rebecca Cowan (Good Friday Appeal director) and Liz Rand (Henley Homes). See page 5 for more.
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Property, deception offences rise
By Jena Carr
Greater Geelong’s property and deception offences have risen to the highest number of incidents in seven years, according to the latest Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) figures.
CSA’s crime statistics for the year ending December 2024 were released on Thursday,March20,whichrecorded11,054 propertyanddeceptionoffencesinGreater Geelong,thehighestsince2017with11,388 incidents.
Victoria Police Western Region Division One Superintendent Michael Reid told
the Independent that crime incidents had “gone up by 11 per cent” from 16,670 in 2023 to 18,509 in 2024 in the Greater Geelong area.
“We want people to feel safe not only in their homes but as they go about their normalactivityinthebroadercommunity,” he said. “Over the last six to eight months... we’reseeingoffendingoccurringbypeople whowouldn’tordinarilycomeunderpolice attention.
“Shop stealing is something that we’ve seen an increase in, and we contributed that to the cost of living, as well as theft of petrol... with a lot of incidents being
opportunistic. When we see a higher volume (of crime) in any areas, we do have plans in place to reduce that, and we do see a reduction, (but) it is a little bit like following the bouncing ball.
“We reduce crime in those areas, and it dies off or decreases across the Geelong region for a period, but then it will increase at another location, and we’ll just repeat that process.”
Theft incidents recorded highest ever numbers in Geelong (947), Corio (721), Armstrong Creek (224), Lara (416), Charlemont (88), Avalon (82), Mount Duneed (79), Wallington (20), and Anakie (14). imesagainstthepersonalsoexhibited high numbers in the Greater Geelong region, with the total number of incidents recording 482 more offences in 2024 (3178) than the previous year with 2696. A Neighbourhood Policing Forum will be held at Geelong West Town Hall from 5.30pm on April 2 for the community to talk with police members. The forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel that will welcome questions from the audience throughout the event. Visit eventbrite. com/e/geelong-psa-neighbourhoodpolicing-forum-tickets-1257710819919 to reserve a free spot.
‘Unique’ car collection honours the MG
Aworld-classcollectionofrareMGvehicles
will be open to the public following the launch of a private museum this weekend.
The MG Car Club Geelong, the museum in Curtis Street, Belmont will hold a club event on Sunday, March 30 to exhibit 37 MGs manufactured between 1914 and 2000.
The collection is owned by Ray and John Abikhair, began gathering the cars seven years ago when Ray joined the Geelong club.
Ray said his love affair with MGs, though only recently reignited, went back to his younger days.
“MG’s were the cheap man’s sports car; I’m now 88 years old, and like most of the people in the club, I had an MG in my early days,” he said.
“When I was 22 years old… I had a garage, and one of the guys that worked in the garage is a life member of our club, Ted Heriot. I joined the club in 2018 so that I’d see more of Ted.
“HehadacaronthemarketandIthought well,I’dbettergetanMGifI’mgoingtojoin the club. But I think I overdid it a bit.”
Club permit officer Lawrie Ulph said the collection was possibly the largest and most comprehensive collection of MGs in the world.
“There are a lot of motoring museums around the UK museums that have a range of different manufacturers,” he said.
“This is unique. It’s specifically MG and that’s why it’s called the Museum of the Marque..”
After the launch on Sunday the museum will be open to the public every Friday, with 50 per cent of admission prices being donated to local charities.
A
Matt Hewson
467075
Have your say on public art
Surf Coast Shire residents can have their say on the types of public art and its maintenance across the region with a new draft policy.
Council endorsed the draft Surf Coast Public Art Policy for public exhibition during its March 25, meeting with seven councillors voting for the draft policy and one against. Deputy mayor Libby Stapleton said the policy would help ensure a structured framework to manage public art as it helped “tell local stories old and new” and define a community’s identity.
“SurfCoastestablishedareputation as one of regional Australia’s top creative hotspots. We know that public art is important so we should be looking after it,” she said.
“Public art adds so much value to our community. I can think of many sculptures and murals in public spaces that add vibrancy and help create a sense of place. There’s an amazing array of artwork, but we didn’tnecessarilyalwaysknowwhere itwas,whyitwasthere,whoprovided it and whether or how it was being maintained.”
Ms Stapleton said a public art policy was recognised as a priority in the creative places strategy adopted in 2023.
“We are committing through this policy to ensure best practice management and care of Surf Coast public art collection. This policy will help ensure long-term preservation of public art and help maintain the significanceandintegrityofartworks while protecting artist rights.”
1939 MG VA (top), and 1962 MGA 1600 Mk II De-Luxe Roadster. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp)
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Financial support to help you study and Free TAFE courses are available.
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Grants to help First Nations firms
By Matt Hewson
Threelocally-basedFirstNationsbusinesses are primed for further success after receiving state government grants through a$3millionprogram.
Geelong’s Troy and Cerisa Benjamin haveseentheirteaandcoffeebusinessBlak Brews go from strength to strength since launchingin2023.
Last year Blak Brews, which focuses on quality tea crafted from ethically sourced native ingredients, was co-winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Australia, winning $250,000 and receiving a year’s
mentorshipfromthecelebritychef.
Blak Brews has grown quickly since launch, with the company now needing to expand.
“Cash is king when you’re talking startups, to be able to expand and to have morebuyingpower”MrBenjaminsaid.
“Instead of buying 500 of something you can potentially buy 5000, which pulls your price point down and returns profits back intoyourbusiness.
“Since we won Gordon Ramsay’s Food Starswe’vebeenthrustintoadifferentlevel ofdemand.
“There are some things that are really
urgent and obvious and other things that can wait, but the urgent and obvious is sometimes on hold because of cash flow. Youhavetospendmoneytomakemoney.”
VictorianMinisterforSmallBusinessand Employment Natalie Suleyman recently announced Blak Brews, along with fellow Geelong businesses Wanyaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services and AH Plumbing Services, would receive grants through the Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program.
BlakBrewsandWanyaariwillreceiveupto $10,000fortraining,mentorship,marketing and expert advisory services, while AH
Plumbing were one of 20 businesses statewidetoreceiveupto$100,000.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship would be a future where Aboriginalcommunitiescouldthrive.
“Investing in Aboriginal businesses is not just an economic opportunity, it’s a pathway to empowering communities, creating sustainable jobs, and driving us towardachievingeconomicequalitywithin a generation. These grants help successful, innovative First Nations businesses to grow and provide even more jobs in regional Victoria.”
2025 Good Friday Appeal Home honours volunteers
The 2025 Good Friday Appeal Home has a new splash of colour to honour the volunteertradiesandsupplierswhohelped makethehomepossible.
Torquay artist Kirsten Walsh created a large-scalemuralinspiredbyartworkfrom children whose lives had been touched by TheRoyalChildren’sHospital.
Ms Walsh said she loved the impact art could have in transforming a space and bringingpeopletogether.
“To be able to create a piece for the Good Friday Appeal Home, where every brushstroke represents community, care and generosity, is an absolute honour,” she said. “When I heard about the children’s artwork being the inspiration, my mind immediately went to Banksy’s Girl with Balloon, a simple yet powerful image recognisedacrosstheworld.
“I wanted to capture that same raw emotion, but through the eyes of the children, in a street-art-inspired explosion
of colour and creativity... Artwork that is bold,joyousandfilledwithartisticenergy.”
Carpenter Jake Murrell was among the
many volunteers who helped build the home and is the father of four-year-old Evan, who has been battling X-linked hypophosphatemia(XLH).
XLHisararegeneticdisorderthatoccurs when levels of the mineral phosphorus, crucial for bone and teeth formations, are low in the blood, leading to possible bone abnormalitiesanddefects.
“Being part of something that supports families like ours reminds me of the incredible strength Evan shows every day. He inspires me to do what I can to support others,”MrMurrellsaid.
The 2025 Good Friday Appeal Home is a double-story building on a 512 square-metre block in Mount Duneed and will be auctioned on Good Friday on April 18 to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Artist Kirsten Wash created this large-scale mural. (Ivan Kemp) 466453_03
Apprentices recognised
By Matt Hewson
Two local apprentices were recognised for their work at the Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards thisweek.
East Geelong’s Eva Hay and Torquay’s Jack Logan both received awards at the ceremony on Thursday, March 20, which was held at the Geelong Arts Centre and attendedbymorethan200guests.
Ms Hay, a third year painting and decorating apprentice employed by Prime White Painting, was awarded the South West Chairperson’s Award for her “exceptional skills, dedication and a strong workethic”,accordingtojudges.
“Eva’s passion for the arts naturally led her into the industry, where she finds joy in seeingprojectscometolifewithabeautiful finish,”thejudgesnoted.
“Eva has consistently gone above and beyond to overcome obstacles and prove herself. She serves as an inspiration to other apprentices and takes great pride in her growth throughout her apprenticeship journey.”
Mr Logan received the South West Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award,thefinalawardoftheevening.
A fourth year apprentice at JM Homes Surf Coast, Mr Logan was recognised for his strong leadership and willingness to mentor younger apprentices to “help shape abetterfuturefortheindustry”.
“From a young age, Jack knew he wanted topursuecarpentry,”thejudgessaid.
“Looking ahead, Jack is eager to continue expanding his skills and deepen his knowledge in business and project management, with the goal of running his ownbusinessoneday.”
Builders Victoria chief executive
on their awards, noting the strength of this year’snominations.
“Aswewrapupourjudgingacrossregional Victoria, I continue to be so impressed by the apprentices committed to making the building and construction industry their passionandtheirlivelihoods,”shesaid.
“It is so heartening for the future of our
industry and the outlook for Victorian builders. I’m really looking forward to seeing who will win the overall regional awards when these very worthy winners battleitoutheadtoheadforthemajortitles comingupinMay.”
The South West winners will go on to the overall Victorian State Apprentice of the Year Awards at Melbourne’s Marvel StadiumonThursday,May8.
Last chance to pick up pickets
Community members who supported the former Rippleside Playground’s construction have one last chance to collecttheirnamedfencepicket.
Constructed in 2001, the wooden playground was made possible through the financial support of residents, with the wooden pickets of its boundary fence engraved with the name of the person or family who purchasedthem.
With the playground removed by the City of Greater Geelong to make way for the new Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, the named pickets were retained for collection by those they belongedto.
While the City invited people to register to collect their pickets in September and October last year, a numberofunclaimedpicketsremain.
The pickets will be available for collection at the City’s Belmont depot on April 3 and 5 between 8am and noon.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said those who had registered could attend on eitherdayforcollection.
“We know some people didn’t get a chance to register for their picket last year, so we’re doing a final call. If you want to get your picket please get in touch and we’ll make it available on oneofthetwocollectiondays.”
Email comrec@geelongcity.vic.gov. au for information on how to claim your picket. Due to vandalism and damage not all registered pickets are availableforcollection.
Master
MichaelaLihoucongratulatedEvaandJack
Chairperson’s Award winner Eva Hay, and Developing Leader of the Year Jack Logan (Pictures: Supplied)
Budget ticks off road and clinic
The Barwon Heads Road upgrade will be officially funded, and an urgent health care cliniciscomingtotheSurfCoast,according toTuesday’sbudget.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered his fourth federal budget on March 25, confirming that Barwon Heads Road Upgrade would receive a $68.2 million boost to fully deliver the project’s second stage.
The funding will help upgrade close to 6km of road infrastructure from a two-lane to a four-lane arterial road along Reserve RoadtoLowerDuneedRoad.
“Building Australia’s future also means building on the strength of our regions... with roads and railways connecting our regions to our cities and support economic growth,”MrChalmerssaid.
“We are investing more than $120 billion ininfrastructureineverystateandterritory overthedecade,improvingtheproductivity, resilience, livability and sustainability of ourcities,regionsandcommunities.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the works would feature new traffic lights, a shared-use path, and upgraded intersections, with construction
Free aged care support
Older members of the community will be able to better navigate the aged care system as Bellarine Community Health (BCH) expands its support services.
BCH established a volunteer-run hub in Portarlington last year to try to help people over the age of 65 connect with My Aged Care.
Many people accessing the service have come from the Drysdale/Clifton Springs area, so BCH is expanding this free service to include a second site at the BCH centre in Drysdale.
The BCH Ageing Well Hub will operate on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from both Drysdale and Portarlington from 10am to noon.
BCH home care packages manager Laura Fitzpatrick said many people want to stay at home as long as possible and maintain their independence as they age,
but knowing what to do and how to access supports and services can be difficult.
“In terms of aged care information and services, there is so much out there,” she said.
“Some of it is irrelevant and outdated and funding or programs are no longer in existence, but on the flip side there is so much information that can assist and guide our local community to age well and remain safe in their homes and communities.
“We look forward to welcoming more of our locals as well as visitors to our community into the ‘BCH Ageing Well Hub’ and keeping you updated on how we can all play a part in helping people and ourselves age well and remain safe in our own homes and communities.”
Make an appointment for either site on 1800 007 224.
expectedtostartlaterthisyear.
“By2031BarwonHeadsRoadisprojected to carry up to 44,000 cars and trucks every day, and Armstrong Creek is one of the Victoria’s fastest growing suburbs,” she said.
“The Barwon Heads Road duplication will create a safer road environment for our fast-growing region by improving traffic flow and ensuring working families spend lesstimeinthecarandmoretimeathome.”
The budget also revealed a $657.9 million commitment to deliver 50 urgent care clinics across the country, including a
TorquayMedicareUrgentCareClinic.
The clinic was initially announced by Ms Coker earlier this month as an election promise by the Labor Party, with the exact federal funding for the project not yet known.
“(This will help in) taking pressure of hospitals and emergency departments, and all you need is your Medicare card,” Mr Chalmerssaid.
“Four in every five Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of an urgent care clinic as a consequence; opening early, closinglate,availableonweekends.”
BCH volunteer coordinator Kai Whyte, BCH volunteer Lindy Parker and BCH home care packages manager Laura Fitzpatrick. (Supplied)
Council to exhibit Lara rezoning
Geelong council will publicly exhibit plans to rezone a 114-hectare section of land in Lara from farming land to residential and industrial zones.
The wedge-shaped section of land is located south of the main Lara township, bordered by Canterbury Road to the north, Rennie Street to the east and the Geelong railway line to the west.
TwoamendmentstotheGreaterGeelong Planning Scheme would see the northern section of the land rezoned as General Residential Zone Schedule 1, the southern section rezoned as Industrial 1 Zone, with an Industrial Zone 3 acting as a buffer
between the two.
Prompted by applications submitted by Tract Consultants, the proposed rezoning would facilitate the development of 600 dwellings and an industrial and commercial business park, with the potential for an outdoor sports facility.
The land was identified in the council’s Lara Structure Plan 2011 as suitable for development and the proposed development would also align with the City of Greater Geelong Settlement Strategy 2021, which describes Lara as an established urban area capable of facilitating infill housing.
Explore Africa through art
Africa is coming to Geelong with a new exhibition showcasing art, installations, andmultimediaworksfromAfricanartists.
Geelong African organisation Bantu Collective will launch the 54 Art Fair at the genUGalleryat4JamesStreetonApril1and will be open daily from 10am to 5pm from April2to25.
Curator Ngoni Dzashe said diversity and representation were important in art and that he was excited to showcase African art inGeelong.
“Withmostartists,it’sahardcareertoget recognition for. So, it’s amazing that we can showcasesomeoftheirtalent,”hesaid.“The exhibition comes from a love of culture and wanting to have the African culture be a partofwhat’salreadyhereinGeelong.
“Collaborating with the artists and showcasingtheirtalentsisatthecoreofthis
event. It gives me joy to be part of the whole process...andthelaunchisacombinationof excitinganddaunting.
“We’ve got pieces from different arts and people from across Africa...and I’m looking forward to seeing new audiences enjoying different art pieces and the thought processesbehindtheart.”
MrDzashesaidthe54ArtFairhighlighted Africa’s54countrieswithworksshowcasing thecontinent’srichdiversity.
TheexhibitionfeaturesworkfromGeelong andinternationalartists,amixoftraditional and modern art styles, art displays, music, andinteractiveandculturalworkshops.
Visit eventbrite.com.au/e/54-art-fairtickets-1234223609039?aff=oddtdtcreator for tickets to the launch of the free exhibition on April 1.
Jena Carr
YouYangsWardcouncillorChrisBurson, who tabled the proposal, said City officers wouldhelpthecommunityunderstandthe proposed rezoning and what it means.
“I’ve spoken to the officers and they are going to speak to the community about what (the industrial zoning) means… (given) that we don’t want an incinerator,” Cr Burson said. “They’re going to explain what industrial one and three is to the peoplesothattheycanputincomplaintsif they wish to, or know more about it.”
Cr Burson also noted the potential traffic issues 600 new dwellings and an industrial centre could create for Lara, suggesting
new Princes Freeway entry and exit ramps as a possible solution.
CrAnthonyAitkensaidheandCrBurson had already been contacted by community members about the proposed amendment, acknowledging the Lara community did not see the council in “a trusted light”. “This proposed multi-amendment has once again raised concerns in the community because of that (lack of trust) I do encourage those people… to please have a look at the proposed planning amendment and the components of it to (see) what impact it actually does make on the broader Lara community.”
Bantu Collective’s 54 Art Fair exhibition mascot Kion and Francis Gala. (Ivan Kemp) 468123_05
Darby champions Challenge Brain Cancer
Geelong Cats player Kate Darby has signed on as ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer 2025.
Peace of Mind Foundation’s annual fundraiserinvitesindividualsandteamsto sign up to swim, run and ride throughout Maytoraisemoneytosupportbraincancer patients and their families.
Darby, who received a life membership from the club last year, also won the Cats’ Community Champion Award for the fourth time for her off-field contributions.
“I’m encouraging everyone, no matter your level of fitness, to get behind this fantastic event, which will help Peace of Mind provide hands-on, practical support for people diagnosed with brain cancer,” Ms Darby said.
“Brain cancer is an insidious disease which kills more people under 40 than any other cancer, and patients and families of all ages need as much support and compassion as possible.
“Challenge Brain Cancer will help fund the vital support programs and services to help patients and their loved ones navigate the incredibly challenging path from diagnosis through to bereavement.”
Peace of Mind Foundation founder and chief executive Rebecca Mallett thanked Ms Darby for her support.
“We’re thrilled to have Kate join us in support of Challenge Brain Cancer, which will help us continue to help hundreds of families impacted by brain cancer that reach out to us,” she said.
“We are hoping to expand our programs and services because there are so many in need, and so we’re hopeful this year we’ll have a record year for people signing up to ourvirtualfitnesseventtoChallengeBrain Cancer.”
Visit challengebraincancer.gofundraise. com.au for more information on the fundraiser.
Season ruffles feathers again
The controversial duck hunting season continuestoreceivebacklash,withwildlife activists holding protests in Geelong. Protestors gathered outside Member for Geelong Christine Couzens’ office on PakingtonStreetonMarch22toprotestthe 2025 duck season, which started at 8am on March 19.
Geelong Duck Rescue also revealed a new Blue Bill Duck mascot during the protest to support a ban on duck shooting across the region.
Coordinator Natalie Kopas said the protest called on Ms Couzens to take a stand against the season as Reedy Lake, one of the duck-hunting wetlands, was within the state member’s electorate.
“The wildlife officers here should be at the wetlands, monitoring hunters for compliance and protecting waterbirds, not standing outside an MP’s office to stare down peaceful protesters,” she said. “This new mascot is campaigning for an end to recreational duck shooting in Victoria and will appear frequently at Labor MPs offices from now until the bloodsport is banned.”
CITYNEWS
Watch breathtaking flying displays featuring both military and civil aircraft at the Avalon Australian International Airshow.
GREATER GEELONG THE PLACE FOR MAJOR EVENTS
With all eyes on our region this weekend as we again host the Avalon Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition, it’s easy to see why we are the premier regional destination for events in Australia!
Our region draws tens of thousands of spectators and participants for events including the Airshow, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Festival of Sails, Pako Festa and the Vic Open Golf Tournament.
Media coverage of events beams our region around Australia and the world, highlighting the beauty and liveability of Greater Geelong.
The events provide millions of dollars in economic benefit to our local economy, supporting businesses and jobs.
From major events to smaller local ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, like the recent Northern Nights Festival at Norlane ARC bringing local people together and fostering community spirit.
And there’s always more to come, including the National Celtic Festival in June. Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Events1 to see what’s on and sign up to receive our e-newsletter.
NEWS
Permit to Burn applications
As we approach the end of the Fire Danger Period, it’s time to think about your Permit to Burn.
Applications can be made online immediately after the expiration of the fire danger period in late April or early May. The application fee is $73.00.
Burns must meet permit conditions and comply with our Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law 2014, Clause 15.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Help shape the future of our public art
We’re seeking your ideas and feedback in the development of a new Public Art Strategy to drive the way we commission public art over the next decade.
Meaningful city design and urban planning includes public art as an essential component, recognising that art makes a city attractive and interesting for all.
Join a workshop or complete the online survey. Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ HYSPublicArtStrategy2 for sessions or to have your say by 5.00pm on Sunday 27 April.
2025 Geelong Youth Survey
We want to hear from young people aged 12-25 years old, parents, carers, those who work at education or tertiary institutions, and interested community members.
This is your chance to tell us what you think, share your ideas and insights, and provide us with the information we need to create a city that enables young people to thrive. The feedback collected will inform and guide the City's delivery of youth programs, events, and opportunities for 2025-26. Join a workshop or complete the online survey. Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ YouthSurvey7 to have your say by 11.59pm on Monday 12 May.
TRAFFIC CHANGES
If you are travelling in the areas listed below, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Airshow2 for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions.
Avalon Australian International Airshow ›Friday 28 to Sunday 30 March.
›Changed traffic conditions will be implemented along sections of Hicks Street, Lara; McIntyre Road, Lara; Princes Highway, Lara; Point Wilson Road, Point Wilson; Beach Road, Point Wilson; Pousties Road, Avalon; Dandos Road, Avalon; Avalon Road, Avalon; Old Melbourne Road, Lara and Plantation Road, Corio. Motorists should expect traffic delays in and around these areas.
During the protest, a wildlife rescuer said people in the community were “outraged” by the impacts of the season on bird populations and wetlands.
“Christine Couzens needs to listen to her constituents and speak out against this outdated and destructive practice,” they said. “We’re watching our wetlands dry up, and bird numbers plummet, yet the government has approved three months of shooting.”
Theduckhuntingseasonwillcontinueto rununtil30minutesaftersunsetonJune9, with a daily bag limit of nine game ducks per day.
Duck species allowed to be hunted include the pacific black duck, chestnut teal, grey teal, mountain duck, pink-eared duck, wood duck and hardhead, according to the Game Management Authority (GMA).
The blue-winged shoveler is prohibited from being hunted, with GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and authorised officers patrolling wetlands across the state.
For more information including eligibility and to apply for a permit, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ PermitToBurn2
›The Melbourne Park and Ride will be available from Point Wilson Road and Little River Road.
›The Geelong Park and Ride will be available at Sutcliffe Reserve.
›A Friday Night Alight Fireworks show and the wall of fire display will run on Friday 28 March between approximately 8.15pm to 8.30pm. Pet owners please ensure animals are safe and secure during the fireworks display.
›Emergency access will be maintained.
Cats star Kate Darby is ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer. (Ivan Kemp) 467932_04
Wildlife activists and the new Blue Bill Duck mascot protested against duck hunting outside Member for Geelong Christine Couzens. (Supplied)
Navy flies in for a defence career lesson
Geelong and Ocean Grove students were blown away on Monday after a special visit fromaNavyhelicopterinthelead-uptothe Avalon Airshow.
The Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter landed on Geelong High School’s oval at 9.30am on March 24.
The aircrew met with students before taking off towards Bellarine Secondary College’s Ocean Grove Campus.
Geelong High School principal Davin Reid said the visit from the aircrew and Navy personnel was a great chance for
students to learn more about careers in the defence force.
“For a lot of kids, they need to see things. We can talk about careers, but for the students to see it in real life just gives them that passion and drive, especially for our Year 12s,” he said.
“We’ve got a number of students that are thinking about joining the defence forces, so having the helicopter at the school creates passion, excitement and enthusiasm for the students.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Defence Richard Marles said showing off the helicopter in the Geelong and Ocean Grove communities was exciting.
“The looks on the kids’ faces (is great) and they’re not just seeing the helicopter but meeting the people who operate the platform,” he said.
“What it would look like to have a life or career in the ADF is something that they’re seeing for the first time, so that’s fantastic. This is Australia’s defence force and it’s owned by all of us in that sense.”
Jena Carr
Free return to work program
Women can access a free program boosting their ability to return to work thanks to a partnership between Geelong Regional Libraries and The Gordon.
The WorkWise Women program is a free, four-week course supporting women returning to paid work, particularly after time spent away from work due to parenting or caring responsibilities.
Beginning Tuesday, April 29, the program will be held at Corio Library over four weekly sessions of two and a half hours.
The WorkWise Women program, which returns after a first successful run in November 2024, is based on research highlighting the significant barriersfacedbywomen,particularly new migrants, when attempting to return to the workforce after unpaid caregiving.
One of last year’s participants, a first-generation immigrant, encouraged other women to sign up.
“I knew nothing about the local job market and felt desperate and helpless,” she said.
“Now, I feel confident about searching for a job.”
The Gordon career practitioners Caroline Caldwell and Melinda Smith will deliver the program. For more information about the Workwise Women program contact The Gordon Skills and Jobs team via email at skillscentre@gordontafe. edu.au or call 5225 0700.
Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter comes into land at Geelong High School’s oval. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 467140
Top right: Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Geelong High School principal David Reid with students and Navy staff. Centre: Lieutenant Aaron Glenville talks with students. Right: Petty Officer Brad Firkin and Lieutenant Aaron Glenville walk from the helicopter to talk with students.
Drug help coming closer to home
By Jena Carr
People seeking help for opioid dependence in Geelong will be able to access medical treatmentclosertohomeasBarwonHealth begins to increase services.
The regional health service received $750,000 from the state government to deliver pharmacotherapy (use of medication to treat opioid dependence) over three years.
BarwonHealthMentalHealth,Drugsand
Alcohol Services interim clinical director
Dr Roth Trisno said the funding was a “significant step forward in addressing
addiction” and improving people’s lives.
“Thegrantoffersimportantopportunities to improve Barwon Health services, including more timely interventions for those in need,” he said.
“(It’s)enhancingthewaysweprovidecare to support more people in the community and attracting and retaining a dedicated and skilled workforce.
“(Also) expanding our network and resourcestoreachmorepeople,particularly in rural and more remote areas.
“Details around the new services and locations are currently being finalised and we will release this information as soon as
Trek celebrates 10 years
One of the region’s biggest fundraisers will smash its previous participation records as it celebrates 10 years.
The Surf Coast Trek community fundraising walk, taking place between Aireys Inlet and Torquay on Saturday, April 5, has already registered more than 1200 participants, already more than the previous peak of 1100 in 2024.
Theeventisajointfundraiserforchildren and young adults service provider Kids+ and philanthropic community foundation Give Where You Live.
Over the past decade the Trek has raised $2.1 million for the two organisations, helping them in their core missions of supporting local families.
For Kids+, that means helping young people with disabilities with everything from paediatric physiotherapy and allied
healthassistancetosocialworkandsupport coordination, while Give Where You Live focuses on homelessness assistance, food security and employment support.
Give Where You Live communications lead Kelly Suvoltos said the event was the biggest on the organisation’s calendar.
“It’sbeenanamazingeventtocollaborate with Kids+ on for the last 10 years,” Ms Suvoltos said. “It really has gone from strength to strength, and each year the amount raised has got higher each time.
“At the moment we’ve already got more registrations than we had last year, so it’s certainly tracking to be a sell-out.”
Theeventfeaturesbotha40kmwalkfrom Aireys Inlet to Torquay and a 26km stroll from Anglesea to Torquay.
Registrations are open until 5pm on Wednesday, April 2 or until full.
possible.”
BarwonHealthwasamong15community health services that received a share in the stategovernment’s$8.4millionCommunity Health Pharmacotherapy Grants program.
The pharmacotherapy grants form part of the state government’s $95 million StatewideActionPlantoreducedrugharms and a $3 billion investment in alcohol and drug treatments, supports and services.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said making pharmacotherapy more accessible across the state meant that 1500 Victorians could access help.
“Victorians struggling with addiction
deservethebestcare,nomatterwherethey live, and our Statewide Action Plan will change and save lives,” she said.
“Pharmacotherapy is a proven, lifesaving treatment for people with opioid dependence, which is why we are making it more accessible through community health services right across Victoria.”
The pharmacotherapy grants program looks to expand the availability of life-changing addiction treatment and will run until June 30, 2028.
Close to 15,000 Victorians use pharmacotherapy daily.
Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.
Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.
At kindergarten, your child will:
• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance
• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment
• build skills and confidence before primary school.
Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder
The Surf Coast Trek celebrates 10 years. (Supplied)
Using tech to save time
By Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM
Atcouncilweareconstantlylookingforthe most efficient and effective delivery of our services across the region.
We’re actively seeking ways to work smarter, save resources, and enhance our everyday operations.
Thisrequiresustobetterutiliseourassets while trialling and adopting technology to streamline our processes and improve our output.
Weareconstantlyexploringavenuesthat not only save money, but best support our teams to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Our surveying teams have benefitted from a major timesaver, taking advantage oftechnologythathasdrasticallycutdown the setup time at building sites across Greater Geelong.
For the past 18 months we have used Total Stations surveying equipment to cut an average of five working days from road and other construction projects.
This equipment has the capability to map out areas using a mix of 3D modelling and conventional survey methods to a level of accuracy that previously couldn’t be achieved.
Othercouncilshaveusedthisequipment for a range of projects spanning public lighting design and street upgrades.
Wehavealsoharnessednewtechnologies to help our street sweeping services go the extra mile.
The City has employed telematic technology to collect and transmit data
fromourstreetsweepervehiclestoimprove routes.
The GPS and data tracking provides insight into street mapping and route adjustments, as well as reducing idle time and fuel consumption.
Already this has significantly improved the efficiency of street sweeping by 20 per cent,equatingtoanextra5000kmofstreets swept in our city in a year.
Keeping our streets clean is a fundamental council responsibility and we have also invested in new equipment to address the spate of illegal rubbish dumping in Greater Geelong.
Our team responds to almost 7000 reports of rubbish dumped on our nature strips, roadsides, parks and public places each year – which has increased by a concerning 18 per cent in the past year.
Thisincreaseisahugecosttoratepayers, to the tune of more than $1,000,000 annually, and impacts our environment and wildlife, as well as public health and safety.
To address these concerns and alleviate the pressure this puts on our rubbish collection teams we have invested in a rubbish grabber attachment for our collection truck.
Previously, our teams would respond to rubbish dumping with a front-end loader, requiring more teams and trucks to be out on our roads responding to call outs.
Thenewgrabberattachmentsignificantly cuts down the clean-up time at collection jobs, helps protect our sensitive rural roadsidevegetationandsupportsourteam to keep our streets tidy.
We acknowledge that our population is growing rapidly, and for us to meet the changing needs of our city we need to be agile to work as an effective local government.
We are always considering new ways to save money and resources, so that we can deliver more projects that ultimately benefit everyone in Greater Geelong.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (Supplied)
Have a say on public art
The City of Greater Geelong wants your feedback on public art.
Well-known examples of public art in the region include The Newsboy (Frank Costa) statue and the relocatable ‘I AM’ sculpture currently at Geelong Botanic Gardens.
The City’s new Public Art Strategy will providecleardirectionfortheCity‘spublic art program and establish processes to drive a contemporary program and vision for the next decade.
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said public art was important to Greater Geelong’s character and identity.
“Public art such as the Poppy Kettle statues near Cunningham Pier, The Secret playable structure at Boronggook Drysdale Library and central Geelong’s Women’s Street Art Commission Project spark interest in people of all ages and renew our urban areas,” he said.
“We want to continue providing a public art program over the next 10 years that meets community and creative industry expectations, enriches our lives, celebrates who we are and attracts visitors to Greater Geelong.”
Interactive workshops for community members of all backgrounds will be held to share ideas and experiences on Thursday April 3 at Wurriki Nyal and at Barwon Heads Arts Hub on Saturday April 5.
Libraries in central Geelong, Corio, Lara, Armstrong Creek and Drysdale will host informal pop-up sessions across various dates to encourage casual conversations.
Community members can also fill out the survey at yoursay.geelongaustralia. com.au/publicartstrategy and indicate
what existing public art they value on the interactive map, say what public art they love in Geelong or beyond and share
great local stories that could be explored through public art. Feedback closes on Sunday April 27.
Housing help at Corio library
Geelong community members have the chance to learn how to tackle housing challenges this week. Geelong Regional Libraries will host the Housing Information Fair at Corio Library on Monday, March 31 from 10am to 1pm. The free event will bring together representatives from key housing support organisations to provide expert advice about the housing challenges and information about important services available to the public.
Organisations represented on the day will include Barwon Community Legal Service, the Department of Health and Aged Care, genU Outreach, Housing for the Aged Action Group, Meli, Neami National Towards Home+ Geelong, Tenants Victoria and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.
The fair is aimed at a broad cross-section of the community, including young people, older Australians, First Nations communities,renters,publichousing residents and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
From 10.15am to 11.15am Housing fortheAgedActionGroupwillpresent information on affordable housing options and advice on retirement housing for older Australians, while Barwon Community Legal Service and Tenants Victorian will introduce the Renter Stress Hub, a free and confidential legal assistance service for renters, from 11.30am to 12.15pm.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj with The News Boy (Frank Costa). (Supplied)
A pregnancy cut short
Geelong’s Luci Hadler, 43, gave birth to her daughter Coco only 29 weeks into her pregnancy. She speaks with Jena Carr about the challenges of giving birth prematurely.
Everything about Luci Hadler’s regnancy over three years ago was going normally until she hit the 29-week mark.
The Geelong mother didn’t initially have many issues with her pregnancy, despite being classed as high risk due to her age of 39 at the time, until events led to the early birth of daughter Coco Deppeler on May 10, 2021.
“It was a completely normal pregnancy, and I was healthy and not sick at all. I was perfectly fine... until my water broke at 29 weeks and five days into my pregnancy,” Luci, 43, said.
“It was a Saturday morning, and I went straight into hospital... I still had no signs of labour, and I felt perfectly fine, but I was hospitalised immediately after my water broke.
“The same thing happened with my older daughter, who was born nine years earlier.Iwas36weekspregnantwhenIhad her, so it was a much safer pregnancy. So, I definitely knew what was going on.”
After being hospitalised in Geelong, Luci was transferred to Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg so she could be near a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
‘‘ For parents of premature and sick babies, the NICU journey is not just emotionally and physically exhausting as it can also be financially devastating ’’ - Kylie Pussell
“I was an inpatient there until Coco was born at 31 weeks. Doctors had to keep a close eye on me because the risk of infection was a lot higher,” she said.
“She was born at 1537 grams, so she was tiny. We were very lucky, though, that she was born in good condition and had no other issues apart from her prematurity.
“She spent the first week in NICU at special care in Melbourne before she was transferred to Barwon Health, and she spent the next six weeks there in special care nursery in Geelong.”
Preterm labour begins before the 37th weekofpregnancy,withbabiesbornbefore this time more likely to need help with breathing and keeping warm, according to Barwon Health.
Luci said the concerning pregnancy and birth of her daughter was a “stressful time” for her and her husband as they were away from home.
“My husband, from the first time I was hospitalised, also got accommodation in Melbourne. So, he was close by, but that wasonanight-by-nightbooking,”shesaid.
“I finished work six weeks earlier than I planned to finish. I planned to work up until about 37 weeks, but I had to finish work abruptly, so I didn’t have a lot of annual leave banked up.
“I was lucky with the couple weeks of annual leave that I did have, but that was still about seven weeks of working and pay that I missed out on because I had to finish
work straight away.
“I did get the 18 weeks of paid parental leave after Coco was born, but it was still seven weeks less than I had with my baby at home, which is what you’d expect from a normal pregnancy.
“Thebillsstillneededtobepaid,andyou still need to keep a household running at home, so costs are just an extra stress that you’ve got on top of the emotional side of having a prem baby.”
Coco has come a long way since being born prematurely, and Luci said that “you would never know she was a prem baby”.
“She’s going to be four in May, which is exciting. She’s very active and talkative and she goes to daycare four days a week.
She’sinthree-year-oldkinderthisyearand she’s loving that,” she said.
More than 48,000 babies require specialised care for premature or sick births each year in Australia, according to the Miracle Babies Foundation.
Co-founder and chief executive Kylie Pussellsaidtherewasaneedforthefederal government to provide more support and paid leave for parents.
“For parents of premature and sick babies, the NICU journey is not just emotionally and physically exhausting as it can also be financially devastating,” she said.
“Up to half of NICU parents will experience mental health challenges, yet the current government Paid Parental Leave entitlements do not reflect the unique and complex needs of these families.
“Many of these parents are using their paid parental leave whilst their baby is in hospital, placing higher financial pressure on them to return to work earlier than their peers who had a full-term, healthy baby.
“A critical care payment for the time spent in NICU should be made available through additional paid parental leave for neonatal (the first 28 days of a newborn infant’s life) families.
“We firmly believe all babies should be discharged from hospital with the same paid parental leave entitlements, so we are calling for an additional paid leave to support parents when a baby is born prematurely or in hospital for over two weeks, during the most critical care period in hospital.”
Geelong’s Luci Hadler with husband Matt and daughters Coco and Siena. Inset: Coco spent a total of seven weeks in the NICU. (Pictures: Supplied)
Show is as good as the real thing
By Matt Hewson
Melbourne-based tribute band BABBA has been coming to Geelong for more than 30 years.
Hailed by Aussie music guru Molly Meldrum as being “as good as ABBA”, Australia’s number one ABBA show returns to Geelong for a celebration of the Swedish supergroup’smusicandstory.
In a Richmond pub in 1994 a group of friendsdecidedtoconquerthetributeband scene with a show that would perfect every aspect of ABBA’s musical and performance
style.
Michael Ingvarson, who has played
Benny Andersson in BABBA as well as serving as the musical director since its inception, has also been responsible for much of the continual refinement of the show.
He said BABBA’s ongoing journey had been“somuchfun”.
“From the beginning, playing in a tiny little pub in Fitzroy… to playing the closing of the Masters Games one year to 45,000 people at Colonial Stadium… there have beensomanygreatshows,”Ingvarsonsaid.
Get lost in Madagascar
Kids and parents alike can enjoy family favourite Madagascar live on stage when the musical production of the beloved animated film comes to Geelong these school holidays.
From the same producers who brought Shrek the Musical and Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat to town, Madagascar the Musical tells the story of zoo animals Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe.
Stranded on Madagascar, the four friends must navigate the wilderness in a journey of friendship and self-discovery, with the musical stage show bringing new originalmusictothestoryinariotofcolour and sound.
ProducerLaytonLillassaidtheshowwas “a real spectacle”.
“It’s not lost on us that in some cases this could be the gateway for children to first start coming and seeing theatre,” he said.
“So it’s something familiar, they’ve watched the movie, they can follow the storyline and have loads of fun. It’s 75 minutes, which we think is the perfect amountoftimeforchildrentobeabletosit and get the maximum enjoyment from the show.”
Lillas said he was keen to bring the productiontoGeelong,asthecastincludes a local connection.
“Our Alex the Lion is a local Geelong person, Lochlan Erard; I didn’t realise this until he told me the other day,” he said.
“So he’s born and bred in that part of the worldandhe’sdoinganabsolutelyfantastic job, so we’re looking forward to seeing him on stage there.
“OurmajorMOisbringingshowbiztothe regions, and we love coming to somewhere like Geelong.” Madagascar the Musical is at Geelong Arts Centre from April 10-12.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
17 years ago
March 28, 2008
TheemployerofModewarretrainsmash survivor Tony Angel will establish an appeal to raise money for his surviving familymembers.
Statewide Fire Protection director Jim Cooper said he felt devastated after the deaths of his Mr Angel’s wife, Sue, and 12-year-old daughter Caitlin when their carcollidedwithaWarrnambool-bound passengertrainonMonday.
“Thecombinationofpeople,theperformers, was really good right from the start. We did ourbesttorecreatethesesongsreallywell.
“I put a lot of time into researching and pulling apart ABBA, the arrangements and the parts. I really had to study it and then we had to work together to do it properly. ABBA’s music is a lot more complicated thanyoumightthink.”
Ingvarson said when they began the project he never imagined they would be goingstrongmorethanthreedecadeslater.
“It’s a great job, such a rewarding job, becausethereactionyougetfromaudiences
isjustsowarmandfullofenergy,”hesaid.
“We play to such a wide variety of age groups. We play at Melbourne or Monash University and they just crowd in there, a thousand of them, because they’ve grown up listening to the Mamma Mia movie (soundtrack).
“We played at a high school last year, it waslikeaBeatlesconcert.Andthenweplay theatresandthings,whereit’samucholder age group. ABBA’s just got such a massive appeal,andthat’skeptusrollingalong.”
BABBA are at Geelong Performing Arts CentreonSaturday,April5.
The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives
12 years ago March 29, 2013
Geelong has received a $2 billion boost with the approval of Armstrong Creek’s west precinct structure, Planning MinisterMatthewGuyhasannounced. He called the approval an investment in Geelong’s building and housing industry. Developers estimate the first residents could move into the new precinct by mid-2014, with building creatingalmost2000jobs.
7 years ago March 30, 2018
More than a dozen Geelong volunteers are helping farmers rebuild their burnt out properties after fires devastated Victoria’ssouthwest.
Highton retiree John Howie joined efforts to rebuild more than 3000km of fencinglostinfourfiresthattorethrough nearly300farms.
2 years ago March 31, 2023
Greater Geelong council will abandon its proposed Lara flood overlays under significantpressurefromresidents. DuringtheMarch28councilmeeting, councillors heard questions and submissions from Lara residents in a question time that stretched out to over anhourand35minutes.
The Guide
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
7TWO, Friday, 7pm
If making the trek to Melbourne’s lush International Flower and Garden Show is out of the question, let Charlie Albone, Melissa King and Graham Ross (pictured, from left) be your guides to the flower-powered event. Taking an in-depth look at the breathtaking show gardens before they open to the public, the trio chat with the visionary landscape designers behind the tranquil and lavish displays. For more practical tips, the “achievable gardens” competition offers students the chance to see their sustainable, affordable designs brought to life – with ideas that are easy to replicate at home. Blooming with colour, creativity and impact, there’s plenty of inspiration here for even the more casual gardeners among us.
NOTRE DAME: THE RENAISSANCE CONCERT
SBS, Sunday, 8.40pm
Almost six years have passed since the world watched on in horror as France’s renowned NotreDame de Paris cathedral was damaged by a devastating fire in April, 2019. Though the painstaking reconstruction and restoration work goes on, the historic heart of the city reopened to visitors at the end of 2024, marking the occasion with this glamorous concert. Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and featuring the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, this moving spectacle also includes breathtaking light shows and performances from Yo-Yo Ma, Pharrell Williams, Marion Cotillard and Angélique Kidjo.
Friday, March 28
A BITE TO EAT WITH ALICE
ABC TV, Monday, 5pm
Colourful chef Alice Zaslavsky is back in the kitchen with a second serving of her fresh and relatable weeknight cooking staple, joined this evening by food critic and journalist Matt Preston (pictured with Zaslavsky) for an energetic premiere. Old habits die hard for the former MasterChefcontestant and judge: Zaslavsky is keen to hear feedback from “Presto” on her mum’s baked beetroot and Georgian spiced walnuts; while he gives a masterclass in simple country cooking by sharing his “dowry dish”, a take on the braised lamb recipe his mother-in-law gifted him when he married her daughter. Tune in later this week to see what dishes Gina Chick, Rhys Nicholson, Mary Coustas and Bob Murphy have up their sleeves.
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Unforgotten. (Mals, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
2.55 Back Roads. (PG, R)
3.25 Grand Designs. (R)
4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 10.00 Food Markets. (PGa, R) 11.00 UAE From Above. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Hannah Moloney health checks her worm farm.
8.30 Under The Vines. (PG) Daisy tries to bond with her future daughter-in-law, Sienna, on a trip to find her a wedding dress. 9.15 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) A satirical news program.
9.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
10.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)
12.20 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
4.40
4.50
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (PGal) 8.30 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (Premiere, PG) Bettany Hughes uncovers the mysteries of the Nabataeans.
9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways: The Jacobite Steam Railway. (R) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 A Body That Works. (Ml) 12.00 Romulus. (MA15+av, R) 1.55 Elizabeth. (PGa, R) 3.40 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
TV, Tuesday, 8.30pm
Australia punches above its weight in a lot of respects: on the sporting field, in medical research and, of course, in creativity. There’s something unique about the way our country’s artists and performers see the world, and Walkley Award-winning journalist Virginia Trioli wants to find out what makes our culture so special. Returning tonight with a second season of intimate interviews, her intrepid investigation starts with visionary filmmaker George Miller (pictured with Trioli).
The MadMaxcreator meets Trioli in Silverton, NSW, where he filmed two of his iconic movies, to discuss the “visual rock and roll” in his work and the importance of landscape in storytelling.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 Suits L.A. (Ma, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Carlton v Western Bulldogs.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 The Americas: The Atlantic Coast. (PG, R) A look at the natural beauty of the Americas.
12.45 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGlv, R) Sketch comedy series.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Sydney Weekender. 3.00 DVine Living. 3.30
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Romantic Rewrite. (2022, PGa)
2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon.
TEN (5, 10)
4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG, R) 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas) 7.00 Frugal Foodie. (R) 7.30 GCBC.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 West Coast Cops. (Premiere, PGlv) UK police officers move to Western Australia.
8.30 MOVIE: The Notebook. (2004, PGals, R) An old man reads a love story from a faded notebook to a woman with Alzheimer’s disease. Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, James Garner.
11.00 MOVIE: If I Stay. (2014, Ma, R) Chloë Grace Moretz.
1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) Presented by Sam Pang. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv, R) Guests include Jodie Foster, Olivia Colman, Austin Butler, Wanda Sykes and Lorraine Kelly.
10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.
12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Pfffirates. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Fireman Sam. 5.45 Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.30 Bakugan. Noon Pretty Little Liars. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 8.40 Spartakus. 9.40 The World According To Grandpa. 9.50 Chums. 10.00 The Big Dry. 10.50 News. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: Snakes On A Plane. (2006, M) 1.55 Yarning Culture Through Film. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.50 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.00 Girls Will Be Girls. (2024, M, Hindi) 12.10pm My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 2.05 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 3.45 Goddess. (2013, PG) 5.40 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 7.30 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 9.25 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. (2012) 11.20 Titane. (2021, MA15+, French) 1.20am How To Have Sex. (2023, MA15+) 3.00 Stand By Me. (1986, M) 4.35 The Movie Show. 5.10 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG)
7MATE (64, 73)
10 PEACH (52, 11)
(34)
CREATIVE TYPES WITH VIRGINIA TRIOLI
PICK OF THE WEEK
Saturday, March 29
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 6.55 Rage Closer. (R) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 11.55 Rage Closer. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30
Darby And Joan. (PGa, R) 2.15 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes: Christmas Special. (Final, R) 3.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PG, R) 4.40 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 5.10 Landline. (R) 5.40 Australian Story. (R)
6.10 Father Brown. (Return, PGav)
Rivalries escalate at a local athletics event.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) As the team investigates a murder, they discover a family with skeletons in the closet.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after a young man is found dead following a collision with a car. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not an accident and is more than a hit and run.
10.05 Unforgotten. (Mals, R)
The Bishop Street team investigates Gerry Cooper’s life and criminal record and make contact with his widow.
10.50 Boat Story. (MA15+av, R) Janet and Samuel try to find a buyer for the drugs.
11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm
Masks
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid Championship. Round 2. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Highlights. 3.00 Athletics. World Indoor Championships. Day 1. Highlights. 4.00 Heroines. 4.30 Mental As Everything. (PGal, R) 5.30 WWII War Machine. (Premiere, PGa)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: Florence Cathedral. (Return) Looks at Florence’s cathedral. 8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. The events team prepares for the arrival of the Knights of Middle England. 9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Naples And The Amalfi Coast. (R) Actor Stanley Tucci sets out to explore the culture and cuisine of Italy, beginning with Naples. 10.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Cullen To Cawdor. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo. 11.15 All Those Things We Never Said. (Ma, R) 3.30 Icons. (PGav, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Stakes Day and Australian Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. From Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne. 9.00 MOVIE: Apollo 13. (1995, PGal, R)
Based on a true story. Three NASA astronauts, on a mission to the Moon, find their lives in danger after a potentially catastrophic explosion forces them to abandon their journey and return to Earth. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon.
11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGadl) Officers deal with a cargo of cannabis. 12.20 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGalv, R) Sketch comedy series.
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R) Peter Maneas explores the tiny island of Sifnos.
7TWO (62,
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Hybrid Horizons. (Final) 2.00 Mr Mayor. (PGs, R) 2.30 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R) 3.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) A woman’s collecting has filled her small home.
8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015, Mlv, R)
A rescue helicopter pilot searches for his daughter following a massive earthquake. Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario.
10.45 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997, Mv, R) A volcano threatens Los Angeles. Tommy Lee Jones.
12.40 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)
1.30 Hybrid Horizons. (Final, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
TEN (5, 10)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R)
A dog’s appetite for destruction might get in the way of it finding a happy new home.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple, who have nine children, have all the space in their home in the wrong place. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) A diverse range of people open their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which capture every unpredictable moment. 9.30 Matlock. (PGa, R) Olympia hires an outside party to select jurors rather than using Shae, putting the case at risk. 10.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) An unlikeable fashion photographer is murdered. 11.30 FBI. (Mav, R) Two jurors for a mafia trial are gunned down. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts:
And Beyond. 6.35
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 12.30pm MOVIE: Charlotte’s Web. (2006, PG)
Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Premiere) 8.10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 1pm The Nanny. 2.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.10 Surfing Aust. 4.10 Young Sheldon. 5.40 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip. (2015, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: 10 Things I Hate About You. (1999, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Coyote Ugly. (2000, PG)
2.05 Inside The Pack. 3.00 Nula. 3.25 On Australian Shores: Survivor Stories. 4.30 Tradition On A Plate. 5.00 Shepherdess. 5.30 Spirit Talker. 6.00 The Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 9.35 MOVIE: Child’s Play. (1972, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs. NITV (34)
Sunday, March 30
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
9GO! (82, 93) 6am
Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. Continued. (2012, PG) 7.00 Goddess. (2013, PG) 8.55 Every Day. (2018, PG) 10.45 Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 12.10pm Stand By Me. (1986, M) 1.45 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 3.55 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 6.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.30 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) 10.45 Body Double. (1984, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: 25 Years And Counting. (PGl, R) 4.30 The Jubilee Pudding: 70 Years In The Baking. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Taekwondo. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Athletics. World Indoor Championships. Day 2. Highlights. 4.00 Athletics. World Indoor Championships. Day 3. Highlights. 5.00 Heroines. 5.30 WWII War Machine. (PGa)
6.30 Compass: The DJ And The Gospel Choir. (Return, PG) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (PGa) Joan and Jack are invited to an island resort.
8.15 Unforgotten. (Ml) The team discovers Gerry’s nationalist views, his connections to the suspects and his violent streak.
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+l) Janet and Samuel celebrate their newfound riches but The Tailor’s henchman is on their trail.
10.05 MOVIE: Two Hands. (1999, MA15+lv, R) A teenager gets in trouble with a gangster. Heath Ledger. 11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R) 3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral Pt 2. (R) Lucy Worsley revisits Notre Dame. 8.40 Notre Dame: The Renaissance Concert. Coverage of an event to celebrate the rebuilding of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, which went up in flames in 2019.
10.40 Windsor Castle Fire: The Untold Story. (PGa, R) 11.40 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Men’s race. 2.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Gent-Wevelgem. Women’s race. 4.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Rostelecom Cup. H’lights. 1.40 Jeopardy! 3.45 WorldWatch. 4.10 PBS Washington Week. 4.35 Haramain: The Train Of The Desert. 5.35 Domino Masters. 6.30 Abandoned Engineering. 7.25 Abandoned Americana. 9.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 7. 11.15 Late Programs.
(6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 3. Adelaide v North Melbourne.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 The Hunters: Bondi Hate Murders. (Mav) Steve van Aperen and Adam Shand look at the killings suffered by the Sydney gay community from the 1970s to the 1990s. 10.10 Tabloids On Trial. (Premiere, Mal) An expose of illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloids.
11.40 Pembrokeshire Murders: Catching The Gameshow Killer. (Mav, R)
12.40 The Bay. (Malv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) The couples make a big decision.
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) Tom Morris, Jimmy Bartel and James Hird recap the highs and lows from the latest round of the AFL.
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 The First 48: Cover Story. (Mav) Detectives investigate a suicide.
12.00 Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)
1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Better Homes. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Getaway. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1pm MOVIE: Cairo Road. (1950, PG) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels. 6.00 Dad’s Army. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Angel Has Fallen. (2019, MA15+) 10.50
Road Chip. (2015, PG) 3.20 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.20 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Dr Seuss’ The Lorax. (2012) 7.30 MOVIE: Wonder Woman. (2017, M)
6.00 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.
7.00 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
8.30 Matlock. (PGa) Olympia’s dream of partnership is on the line as she and the team scramble to remove a dangerous drink from the market. 9.30 FBI. (Madv) The team races against the clock to take back control of a hijacked train that an unarmed OA and Gemma are riding. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.
Monday, March 31
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (Return) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.
9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R)
12.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6am Morning Programs. 11.10 Van Gogh: The Real Story. (Premiere) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.40 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG, R) 3.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lisbon With Michael Portillo: Lisbon 3. (PG) Michael Portillo journeys to Lisbon.
8.25 Pompeii: The New Dig: The Bodies. (PGa, R) Follows the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation. 9.30 24 Hours In Emergency: Everything To Me. A 44-year-old is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre. 10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Syndrome E. (MA15+av)
12.05 The Night Manager. (MA15+v, R)
2.20 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 3.20 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Morning
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Sonny finds himself in dodgy company.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) The 126 races to contain a toxic chlorine cloud of death unleashed by the train derailment. Owen names the station’s new lieutenant.
9.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) A team of trusted and respected footy voices tackles the biggest topics in the AFL world.
10.30 Suits L.A. (M)
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGals)
12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGals, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
League. Portland Timbers v Houston Dynamo FC. 12.30pm WorldWatch. 1.00 Devoured. 1.55 Big Zuu Goes To Mecca. 3.05 Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 10.35 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm DVine Living. 1.30
10.00 Soccer.
(34)
(64, 73) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm
As. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Cities Of Gold.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. The remaining couples take their final vows. 9.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard: On The Run. (Mad) Gypsy and Dee Dee relocate to Springfield, Missouri.
11.30 Police After Dark. (Mlv, R)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (5, 10)
9GO! (82, 93)
Mr. Fox. Continued. (2009, PG) 6.35 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.55 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 11.10 My Own Good. (2018, M, Italian) 1pm Man Who Didn’t Want To
(2023, M, Arabic) Midnight Late Programs.
4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Departed. (2006, MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Border Security: Int. Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. 3.30 Storage Wars: NY. 4.00 Mountain Men. 5.00 American Resto.
Tuesday, April 1
TV (2) SBS (3)
(R) 1.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 2.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Hornsea To Spurn Point. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo.
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi explores citizen sleuths and whether they help or hinder the search for truth.
9.30 Dateline: Inside Spain’s Narco Submarines. Looks at the gangs using submarines to smuggle cocaine.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.00 Snow. (Premiere, PGas) 11.55 Illegals. (Malsv, R) 1.50 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 3.55 Inside The Modelling Agency. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cash wrestles with writer’s block.
7.30 The Americas: Mexico. (PG) A journey through Mexico.
8.30 The Hunting Party. (M)
9.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) A team of trusted and respected footy voices tackles the biggest topics in the AFL world.
10.30 The Irrational. (Mav) The head of Rose’s firm arrives from Europe.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.00 MOVIE: House Of Chains. (2022, MA15+av, R) Mena Suvari.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The travel guides head to Peru.
8.40 To Be Advised.
9.40 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 The Equalizer. (Mav, R) A singer is threatened by a stalker.
12.00 Next Stop. (PGd)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Building Ideas. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Taskmaster Australia. (Mls, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks. Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics. 7.30 To Be Advised. 8.40 NCIS. After a navy lieutenant’s death reveals ties to Sawyer, Torres and Knight uncover a murder linked
Wednesday, April 2
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)
2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 2.55 Back Roads. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) A satirical news program exposing the humorous, absurd and downright hypocritical.
9.00 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. Features a line-up of festival favourites and new stars at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 The Business. (R)
11.35 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe. (Ml, R)
12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Food Markets. (PGaw, R) 11.00 Van Gogh: The Real Story. 11.55 Ky’s Story: My Sister Jorja. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Highway To The Sky. (PG) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) A catch staves off hunger for one survivalist.
8.40 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. Looks at the Eurostar, which has transported passengers between Paris and London for 30 years. 9.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+v)
The SAS returns to Britain. Stirling’s attempt to escape is stalled by the arrival of German soldiers in the camp.
10.45 SBS World News Late. 11.15 Blackwater. (Malsv) Petrus confirms Annie’s suspicion.
12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Malv, R)
3.50 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: The Good Sister. (2014, Mav) Sonya Walger. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Levi has a change of heart.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGal) Hamish McLachlan sits down with key football stars and personalities to reveal their stories.
10.00 Lawrence Mooney: Embracing Your Limitations. (MA15+s, R) A performance by Lawrence Mooney.
11.30 Autopsy USA: Sonny Bono. (Mad)
12.30 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Wrong Cheerleader Coach. (2017, Ma) Vivica A. Fox, Corin Nemec, Tara Reid. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Return, PGs) Comedy panel show.
8.30 The Grand Tour. (Return, MA15+l) Richard, Jeremy and James head to Stuttgart, Germany, the home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
9.50 Wild Cards. (Mv) Ellis goes undercover.
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R) Mel engages in a tense family reunion.
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
(81,
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 To Be Advised. 8.40 Elsbeth. (Return, Mv) Elsbeth suspects an obsessed opera lover was driven to murder when a finance executive is found stabbed to death. 9.40 NCIS: Origins. (Mav) As Gibbs prepares for his first Christmas without his wife and daughter, he reflects on the journey that led to his first day on the job. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 MOVIE: Joyride. (2022, M) 2.15 Queer Sports. 3.10 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. 6.05 Are You Autistic? 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+) 11.15 MOVIE: The Handmaid’s Tale. (1990, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs. 6am TBA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Seaway. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 1.50 New Tricks. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Baby And
6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Nganampa Anwernekenhe. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Great Blue Wild.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 6.55 Rocket Club. 7.05 Odd Squad. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.10 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.45 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Bewitched. 9.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 10.00 Seinfeld. 11.00 Project Impossible. Noon MOVIE: Conan The Destroyer. (1984, M) 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Suicide Squad. (2016, M) 10.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 American Resto. 10.30 Storage Wars. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Storage Wars: NY. 4.00 Mountain Men. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.
7.30 Home, Land & Sea. 8.30 MOVIE: The Pelican Brief. (1993) 11.05 Late Programs. NITV (34)
Thursday, April 3
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
9GO! (82, 93) 6am
Tourism. Continued. (2017) 6.25 Belle. (2013, PG) 8.20 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.55 Dafne. (2019, PG, Italian) 11.40 Hajjan. (2023, M, Arabic) 2pm The Movie Show. 2.35 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 4.15 Viajeros. (2022, PG, Spanish) 5.50 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 7.30 Made In America. (1993, M) 9.35 Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery. (1997, M) 11.15 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Food Markets. (PGaw, R) 11.00 Music Voyager. (Return) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 Restoration Australia: Tivey Manor. (Return, PG) Follows Australians restoring buildings.
9.00 Grand Designs Australia: Kevin McCloud Special. (PG, R) Hosted by Anthony Burke. 10.00 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R)
11.20 Darby And Joan. (PGa, R)
12.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots: Viewers Like You. (PGa) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. 8.30 Sydney’s Super Tunnel: Great Expectations. (Return) An extension is now underway to get people the rest of the way into the centre of Australia’s biggest city.
9.30 Virdee. (M) Harry searches for a killer. 10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Breaking Point. (Mlsv)
11.55 Blinded. (Madl, R) 1.40 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 3.45 Inside The Modelling Agency. (Ml, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: The Sisterhood. (2019, Mav) Claire Coffee. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Football. AFL. Round 4. Collingwood v Carlton.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.
11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.
11.30 The Chernobyl Disaster: Meltdown. (Ma, R) A look inside the control room at Chernobyl.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Seth and Creeley must confront their past.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
(5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Death She Wrote. (2021, Mav) Samora Smallwood, Paula Brancati, Emmanuel Kabongo. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Emergency. (Mlm, R) Doctors fear a cyclist with glass sticking out of his neck could bleed out.
9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mlm) Looks behind the scenes at three UK hospitals.
10.30 My Feet Are Killing Me. (Mam)
11.20 9News Late.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
Seaway. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 1.50 Yes Minister. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Mls) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks. Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Msv, R) The team tracks down a mysterious suspect targeting tourists staying in hostels. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
Project Impossible. Noon MOVIE: Suicide Squad. (2016, M) 2.20 Innovation Nation. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
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
Lectures
Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society
Geelong Inc welcomes members and guests to illustrated lectures each month, Newcomb Hall 10.15am, Geelong West Town Hall 6pm. Guest speaker April 9 John Williamson on polar art, history and exploration as well as Antarctic history.
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Higway, Saturday March 29, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Kevin.
0419 463 306
GROW Australia
Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.
grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268
Grovedale Seniors
Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.
Julie, 0419 549 521
Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.
0418 521 265
Drysdale Day VIEW
Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.
Margaret, 0431 636 090
Geelong Day VIEW
First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio.
geelongdayview@gmail.com
Leopold VIEW
Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.
leopold.viewclub@gmail com
Geelong Evening VIEW
Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com
Lions Club International
Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.
Les, 0428 466 446
Grovedale Marshall Probus
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.
Anne, 0425 356 973
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.
Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457
Anakie Community Day
Annual get together, primary school, fire brigade, community house, Koala Clancy and more. Food, stalls, jumping castle. Sunday March 30, 9am-1pm, Anakie Community House, 2115 Ballan Road, Anakie.
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?
healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org.
au
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
Barefoot bowls
Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown, Friday twilight starting 6pm. $15 covers bowls and BBQ. Drinks at Crackerjack bar prices.
Wendy, 0401 221 061
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens
101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.
Fortnightly
CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Monthly
Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.
Dianne, 5255 1372
Hamlyn Heights Probus
Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Road, Herne Hill.
Noel, 0425 706 339
Geelong Central Probus
Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.
geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus
Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.
Gary, 0407 320 735
Polish language for kids
Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.
Dorota, 5224 1105
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Rostrum meets Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton.
Elma, 0411 065 524
Adfas Geelong
Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.
adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.
griddlepop@hotmail.com
Geelong Historical Society Inc.
Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West. AGM April 2.
Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Scrabble club
Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool and McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.
Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282
Games
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided. Dinah, 0418 547 753
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior
Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.
Mary, 0419 278 456
Stamps
Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West and 1pm third Monday of the month at Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont.
Julie, 0438 270 549
Mindfulness & meditation U3A 9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale. Jean, 5264 7484
Geelong Breakfast Lions
Morning club for those who want to help others, first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (formerly Karingal) in East Geelong. Dinner somewhere in Geelong each month to suit members.
ajd53m@yahoo.com
Ocean Grove Seniors Play 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. Cost $20 annually and coffee included. 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.
Lyn, 5256 2540
Scribes Writers Group South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills.
geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388
Mr Perfect Monthly free bbq for men of all ages to get together over a BBQ for a chat. Norlane Community Centre first Sunday each month except January, 10.30am-12.30pm.
0430 022 446, or michaeldg999@gmail.com
Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm. Val, 5251 3529
Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged three to six years; 7-10 years; and 10+ years at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am. Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea, 0403 005 449
Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial.
revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons
Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential.
zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au
Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net
Choir
St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays 7.45-8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir. Dr Terry Norman, 0411 875 033, or termernorman@gmail.com
Swim, cycle, run at Ironman
Independent photogrpher Ivan Kemp went to the Geelong waterfront on Sunday for the Ironman 70.3 event.
1/ Sadie Wise and Grace Adamson, a support group for Pappi. 2/ Hannah Berry (NZ, 2nd place), Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS, winner) and Grace Thek (AUS, 3rd place).
3/ Jake Birtwhistle (AUS, 2nd place), Jelle Geens (Belgium, winner) and Tayler Reid (UK, 3rd place). 4/ Jamie Edwards and Bethany Lloyd with their children Beckham and Oakley. 5/ Jelle Geens celebrates with family after his win. 6/ Samantha Kingsford and Sam Osborne (last year’s winner) after the race. 7/ Evelyn Parr and Ken Balhouse with their children Bronte and Mackay. 8/ Patrick White and daughter Lindsay. 9/ Erin and Nick Moore with baby Scottie. 10/ Women’s race winner Natalie Van Coevorden in the run leg. 11/ Josh Tinton and Hannah Maughan out to support a friend. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 467231
Embark on a global adventure
For the young at heart who finally have time on their hands to see the world, this is couldbethecruiseofalifetime-atthevery least one to seriously consider.
The Viking World Voyage III will journey around the world in 170 days, visiting 41 countries with 82 guided tours and overnightstaysin18cities.
Setting sail on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ship, the Viking Sky from Fort Lauderdale on 22 December, 2026, the itinerary will include ports of call across six continents before its destination of Stockholmon 10June,2027.
Viking CEO and chairman Torstein Hagen said the company’s approach in everythingtheydohasalwaysbeentofocus on the destination, from their thoughtfully curated itineraries to their elegant small ships, which are designed to bring guests closerandenableexploration,”
“ExtendedvoyageslikeourWorldCruises allow curious travellers to experience dozens of destinations, iconic landmarks and rich cultures in one seamless journey, making them truly the adventures of a lifetime,”hesaid.
World Cruise guests can explore ports of call in Hawaii and journey through the isles of the South Pacific, including French Polynesia; traverse New Zealand and Australia; sail to iconic destinations throughout Asia; and travel up the western coast of Africa to Europe before concluding ineitherLondonorStockholm.
A shorter, 153-day portion of the sailing, Viking World Voyage IV, departs from Los Angeles on 8 January, 2027, and visits 37
countries with 18 overnight ports of call beforeendinginStockholm.
Guests may also choose the 142-day Viking World Cruise 2026-2027 itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to London visiting 31 countries, or the 125-day voyage, Viking World Discoveries, which departs from Los Angeles and visits 27 countries before endinginLondon.
The World Cruise itineraries include a visit to dozens of the world’s most iconic cities alongside lesser-known destinations inonecontinuousjourney.
Overnight stays in iconic ports such as Zanzibar, Cape Town, Casablanca and many others allow guests to delve deeper. Viking will also visit Africa’s western coast, including Lagos in Nigeria, as well as Accra andTakoradiinGhana.
While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment such as the Viking Resident Historian program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural educationspecifictotheirjourney.
Guests can immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access visitstoculturalinstitutions.
Highlights of the new 2026-2027 Viking World Cruise itineraries include:
· Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii - Nawiliwili is the gateway to the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. The lush vegetationandwildflowersofthistropical paradisehaveearneditthenickname‘The Garden Island’. To many, this is the most authentic of the islands; town ordinances forbid buildings taller than coconut trees
andthecultureofancientHawaiianslives on in respect for the mana, or spiritual essence,oftheirland.
· Mombasa, Kenya - Kenya’s chief port and coastal gem, Mombasa, is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the Africanmainland,itboastsarichtapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, havingbeenakeyIndianOceanportsince the14thcentury.
· Agadir, Morocco - Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is the capital of Amazigh culture—the Indigenous peoples of North Africa. Historians believe the Amazigh migrated to Morocco from the Middle East and are descendants of the pre-Arab population. Today, there is a resurgence to promote greaterrecognitionoftheAmazighethnic identity,withimagesandmusicinfusedin modernculture.
· Phuket, Thailand - The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monumentstoBuddhadottheisland.
· Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-centurynavigatorswhosailedonthe winds of the Age of Discovery. Savouring local cuisine and port wine are favourite pastimeshere.Onanyevening,thestrains of fado spill from clubs in the historic
AlfamaDistrict.
· London (Greenwich), EnglandGreenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to West End musicals.
· Stockholm, Sweden - Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Malaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerousgreenparks.Thewell-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to theartnouveauRoyalDramaticTheatre. · Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.
If this sounds like a journey the perfect journey, visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747.
Lisbon Portugal, enjoy the strains of fado spiling from clubs or enjoy an aperitif on the terrace.
Watch the world go by in perfect comfort from any of the loungers or relaxing settings onboard Viking as you cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Stockholm.
LEE MCCARTHY
Admire Caribbean sunsets
Few cruises tick all the boxes however Viking World Cruises do it brilliantly and whether travellers are seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, sumptuous food and beverages, time out in the spa, a chance to explore unspoilt destinations or all of these, Viking has it covered.
On offer is a magnificent voyage from Antarctica to inland waterways on a 69-day Longitudinal World Cruise VI in 2026 with the option to add pre and post cruise extensions.
Maximize the value of an overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.
(Pre and Post Cruise Extensions vary)
Setsailon24February2026or2March2027 on this epic journey to explore Antarctica, calling at remote outposts in the South Atlantic.
Admire Caribbean sunsets in The Bahamas, traverse the Panama Canal and witness majestic glaciers in Chile.
Enjoy more time to immerse yourself in the unique wildlife of the Galápagos or delve into the fascinating cultures of Peru and Rapa Nui, with optional overland excursions and extension programs that are sure to inspire.
Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s state-of-the-art ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability even in the roughest seas. A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance guest’s experience.
Viking Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Michelle Black said the extended ocean voyages provided plenty of reason for travellers wishing to travel The Viking Way. Longer ocean voyages make travelling for longer periods accessible, offering a relaxing pace and allowing guests time to explore and enjoy the amenities Viking ships have to offer.
“Longer itineraries can vary, but the ones that offer real value generally have fewer port stops and more time at sea, making these types of journeys perfect for relaxing or providing the time needed to explore the amenities and activities of the ship before reaching their next destination,” she said.
“Many of our guests value the additional time they get on the ship to relax and enjoy themselves, so Viking focuses on onboard cultural enrichment programs, performances and Nordic wellness within the elegant surroundings of our ship’s serene Scandinavian spaces.”
The answer is this, the cost per day is less, so these itineraries are a more affordable way to experience Viking.
For the traveller looking for a cruise option, some ask what value is there in choosing a repositioning cruise ie fares; inclusions; multiple destinations to explore or time to chill and luxuriate?
“Our onboard offering includes a cultural enrichment program hosted by guest lecturers and Viking Resident Historians, Munch Moments and Nordic art collection, musical performances, theatre, cooking classes and sommelier-hosted wine tastings, a library curated by Heywood Hill and seven options for destination-focused dining. Our pools, Nordic spa sanctuary and state-of-the-art fitness centre offer the ultimate in onboard relaxation.”
Viking All Inclusive offers guests the chance to step on board with nothing more to pay including beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner, with specialty teas, coffee, and filtered water offered all day. The Nordic spa and fitness centre is free for all guests to use. Wi-Fi, gratuities and all port charges are also included.
Some travellers value the additional time on the ship to relax so Viking onboard offer-
ings are as important as its destination ports. Pricing starts from $80,195 per person in a Nordic Balcony with included Business Class airfare and transfers. Plus US$4,000 shore excursion and US$2,000 shipboard credit per couple, free Visa service and Silver Spirits Beverage Package. Up to US$40,000 additional value per couple included. Offer ends 31 March 2025.(conditions apply)
Don’t waste time as this offer closes soon, visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747 for further information.
Caminito is one of the most colourful streets in Buenos Aires.
Take in Bartolomé Island, a volcanic islet in the Galápagos Islands group during the 69-day Longitudinal Viking World Cruise VI leaving in 2026.
Visit the much-loved and bucket list location of Machu Picchu, site of ancient Inca ruins in Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains during the Viking cruise.
LEE MCCARTHY
EXPL RER
& PROVENCE
Amsterdam to Avignon or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 14 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUL-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $9,595pp in Standard Stateroom
From $12,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
Lyon to Avignon or vice versa
8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JUN-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $6,395pp in Standard Stateroom
From $8,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa
8 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JUN-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $5,395pp in Standard Stateroom
From $6,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
GERMAN DANCERS
The vibrant capital of New South Wales captivates with its iconic landmarks, stunning harbour and cosmopolitan
Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
10 night full-board cruise on board Discovery Princess®
15 Nights | 27 March 2026 | Prices fr $7,799pp
Embark on the ultimate Australian adventure, combining a Princess cruise of the Queensland coast with a three-night, all-inclusive journey on board the Indian Pacific.
Fly to Sydney for a one-night hotel stay before embarking on a 10-night Discovery Princess® cruise, uncovering the coastline of Queensland. Sail to the remote Willis Island, a speck in the coral sea, bask on the beaches of Port Douglas and, in Airlie Beach, explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands before your ship returns to Sydney.
Here, you’ll disembark to enjoy an additional one-night hotel stay. Then, board the legendary Indian Pacific train for an all-inclusive, three-night transcontinental journey to Perth, traversing Australia’s dramatic landscapes as you savour fine cuisine and explore iconic Outback destinations during Off Train Experiences.
Visiting: Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney
Upgrade to Princess Plus from $65pppd, including: MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi, Crew appreciation, Plus Beverage Package, Unlimited juice bar, Premium desserts, Fitness classes, Two casual dining meals per guest, OceanNow® delivery, Room service delivery
Discovery Princess® incorporates a sleek and sophisticated design with state-of-the-art amenities. With a diverse range of on board activities on offer, Discovery Princess® will captivate you along your journey to the many different destinations to which it sails.
Rail Journey
3 night all-inclusive Gold Service rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages
Off Train Experiences and short stops in Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna
Hotel Stay
2 nights four-star hotel stay in Sydney at the Rydges World Square with breakfast
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain, Perth
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Alarm (7)
5 Instructs (7)
9 Aloofness (11)
10 Formerly (3)
11 Oration (6)
12 Activators (7)
14 Wading bird (4)
15 Hostile (10)
17 Law-maker (10)
19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)
20 Reticence (7)
22 A seat for riding an elephant or a camel (6)
25 Hearing organ (3)
26 Containing an abstract meaning (11)
28 Depressants (7)
29 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)
DOWN
1 StarWars:EpisodeIII –Revengeofthe – (4)
2 Complying (9)
3 Honorific (5)
4 Pottery (11)
5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)
6 Whenever (7)
7 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
8 Identifying (9)
12 Ancient coffin (11)
13 Partner (10)
16 Lengths (9)
18 Family name (7)
21 Virago (5)
23 Hyper (5)
24 In addition (4)
Guitarist, – Paul (3)
four letters or more can you list? The
be included and each letter may only be used
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns
1 In The Chronicles of Narnia series, which Pevensie sibling is granted the regnal title of 'The Just'?
2 What is the national flower of the US? 3 Which act represented Finland in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Cha Cha Cha?
What is the scientific term for the shoulder blade?
Who wrote the 2018 essay collection titled How to Write anAutobiographicalNovel? 6 On
7 Saoirse Ronan (pictured) starred opposite Emory Cohen and Jim Broadbent in which period drama film?
8 How many constellations are recognised by the International Astronomical Union?
9 According to urban legend, how long does it take
No. 262 No. 230
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team did Newcastle United defeat 2-1 to win the 2025 English Football League Cup final?
2. In what place did Oscar Piastri finish the 2025 Australian Grand Prix?
3. Michael Voss most recently coached which AFL team?
4. What wind-assisted 200m time did sprinter Gout Gout run at the 2025 Queensland Athletic Championships?
5. Which now-defunct NBL team did NBA legend Magic Johnson join to play a 2002 exhibition game?
6. With the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, how many teams will compete for the 2025 WNBA Championship?
Stuart MacGill began his first-class cricket career representing which Australian state or territory?
Which rugby union competition includes teams such as the Houston SaberCats, Seattle Seawolves and Chicago Hounds?
9. The Indian Panthers are the newest team in which country’s men’s professional basketball league?
10. What is the name of the fictional football team coached by Al Pacino’s character in the 1999 film AnyGivenSunday?
11. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an AFL team?
12. And what is the unofficial team of that city, scheduled to play three games there in 2025?
13. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an NRL team?
14. And what was the proposed name for a club in this city, put forward in a 2024 bid?
15. What is the only team across the AFL and NRL not based in Australia?
16. What was the most recent Australian team to win a Super Rugby championship?
17. In a 2025 charity soccer match in front of 90,000 spectators, YouTuber Max Fosh did what with a yellow card?
18. Has the MCG ever had a naming rights sponsor?
19. What is the name of the target ball in lawn bowls?
20. Lewis Hamilton made his debut with which F1 team at the 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix?
21. Who currently holds the title of Women’s Intercontinental Champion in the WWE?
22. Which sport is the focus of the film Moneyball?
23. How many times did Andy Murray win Wimbledon?
24. Megan Schutt plays for which WBBL team?
25. What is the nickname of Cleveland’s MLB team?
26. Who won the Norm Smith Medal in last year’s AFL grand final?
27. Which NHL team does Alexander Ovechkin play for?
28. How many different types of fencing are there?
29. And what are they called?
30. In what year did the Carlton Football Club last win a premiership?
S-Cross lags behind competitors
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Originally known as the SX4, the current model dates back to 2021 and shares its chassis with the Vitara.
S-Cross brought a major makeover in styling, with a new front and rear-end design.
Inside, the dashboard was updated, with an instrument cluster and 4.2-inch LCD multi-info display from Vitara,
A floating 7.0-inch touchscreen became the focus of the infotainment system.
Driverassistancewasalsoupgradedwith a360degreecamera,blindspotmonitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Interior space remains exactly the same as the previous generation.
The SX4 S-Cross is built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary.
All are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine.
Styling
S-Cross comes in four grades, priced from $38,990 plus on-roads.
Kicking off proceedings is this the front wheel drive S-Cross, followed by the S-Cross Plus at $41,490, then the all-wheel drive AllGrip from $40,990 and ultimately the AllGrip Prestige from $44,490 — all prices before on-roads costs.
OurtestvehiclewasthetopoftheAllGrip Prestige.
Compared to its SX4 predecessor, the compact S-Cross is a step up, both visually, along with cabin trim and equipment.
An aggressive piano black diamond lattice grille and LED headlights have the SUV standing tall, while square wheel arches wrapping polished alloy and silver highlights on the bumpers make for a more robust profile than before.
Body-coloured power folding and heated exteriormirrors,anddoorhandlescontrast with 17-inch polished alloy wheels giving the SUV ground clearance of 175mm.
Like all present-day Suzuki cars, the S-Cross is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year capped-price service scheme, the latter at 12 months or 10,000km intervals.
Infotainment
A new 9.0-inch tablet-style touchscreen situated on the centre dashboard provides access to satellite navigation, voice command, DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio consists of four speakers and two tweeters, with a single USB-A port in front, along with AUX and a 12-volt outlet in the centre bin.
Driver’s Information, consisting of analogue speedo and tacho separated by a
digitaldisplay,includesinstantandaverage fuel consumption, driving range and a gear position indicator.
Safety
S-Cross is still waiting for a safety review and that’s not good enough.
Featured are seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop/start in heavy traffic; lane departure warning and mitigation, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability program.
There’s also auto high beam, LED head lights, weaving alert, warning the driver if he or she lets the vehicle go wandering.
Alsoonhandareblindspotmonitor;front and rear parking sensors; hill hold control on moving off on inclines; rear cross-traffic alert and dual sensor brake support.
Acameraandsensorwarnandbrakesfor pedestrians.
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard and there are two ISOFix child seats, plus three child seat tether
anchorages in the rear.
Engines/transmissions
The engine remains unchanged, with the 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged four-cylinder engine being mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with manualmodeandsteeringwheel-mounted shift paddles.
It produces 103kW at 5500 rpm and 220Nm of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm.
In this model drive is to all four wheels throughaconventionalsix-speedautomatic transmission.
Driving
Quality leather appointments are not enough to detract from the firmness of the seats.
Leg room for the average-adult is good, but the back seats lack air outlets.
The dual zone climate control air-con even includes a pollen filter.
Storage consists of a deep centre console box, with padded lid doubling as an arm rest, two cup holders, front and rear and a couple of front and rear bottle slots.
The boot has room for 430 litres of cargo with the rear seat backs up and 1230 litres with seat backs folded. A space saver spare can be found under the floor.
Suzuki’s engineers reckon they have turbo lag by installing the specially developed compact turbocharger attached directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting.
Can’t disagree.
Keyless entry and start provide easy access for the driver.
The carry-over powertrain is already well sorted and provides smooth take-off.
Overseas however it’s offered with a hybrid. It took ages to get the Swift Hybrid, S-Cross will probably be the same.
S-Cross is spritely thanks to the strong torque factor and overtaking can be performed with confidence.
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts add a further level of driver input without
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 7.5/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 7/10 Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Overall: 6.4/10
dialling up too much excitement. The driver is aided by an instrument cluster, comprising two old-style analogue gauges with a digital trip computer between, which includes a speedo. Thisdesignhasbeenaroundforadecade. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?
S-Cross is rated at 1500kg, braked, and 600kg, unbraked, for towing.
AllGrip or all-wheel drive is summoned viaaknobonthecentreconsolebehindthe gearshift.
Automodeswitchesbetweenfront-wheel and all-wheel drive when conditions demand; Sport sends more torque to the rear and improved engine response; Snow enhances traction on slippery surfaces, maximum torque to rear wheels to get out of such as sand or snow.
A lock button delivers 50:50 front/rear distribution.
Our AllGrip Prestige exhibited good road manners on the bitumen in both wet and dry conditions.
But we wouldn’t be venturing too far off road.
Friends have an S-Cross. Before that they had the SX-4. They say voice command is useless and it is a bit noisy inside the cabin. Once you pair a phone, even if you select radio, it often reverts to phone.
Witha47-litretank,fuelconsumptionisa claimed 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres and it takes 95 premium unleaded.
We were getting 6.5L/100km.
Summing up
Like other Suzuki models, S-Cross needs to become competitive with the current crop of small SUVs, particularly those from the Chinese.
Once upon a time it was the bargain of the Japanese offerings. These days it has beeneclipsedbyaswatheofcheaper,better equipped offerings that perform the same function.
Suzuki’s management has been notoriously slow to respond to changes in the industry. Someone needs to sack the lot of them and bring some new, dynamic blood aboard – it’s not rocket science.
Like other Suzuki models, S-Cross needs to become competitive with the current crop of small SUVs. (Pictures: Supplied)
Two Blues, Frogs into grand final
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Queens Park Reserve, Highton, on Saturday March 22 to see Newtown & Chilwell destory Grovedale in the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 preliminary final and at King Lloyd Recreation Reserve, Newtown, for the Division 2 prelim, which was won by Murgheboluc over Bell Park.
Left: Ronnie McKenna runs 30 metres to take this catch. Centre: Ben Grinter works this ball onto the leg side for Bell Park. Right: Daniel Grozdanovski bowled well for Murgheboluc. (Picture: Ivan Kemp) 466928
Sam Abley takes a catch.
Owen Dunipace took 2 wickets for 30 runs off 18 overs.
Jason Grozdanovski was Murgheboluc’s best bowler taking 5 wickets for 14 runs off 21.4 overs, and below, Bailey Kelly guides this delivery to gully.
Noah Guida starred with the ball taking 8 wickets, including a hat-trick, and right, Sam Coutts is bowled by Noah Guida.
Clinton Ford skies this delivery off Nick Burke.
Dylan Hodge took 1 for 19 runs off 9 overs.
Corey Paull drives for Grovedale.
Titans, Kookaburras win A Grade flags
The Independent’s Justin Flynn was at RT Fuller Oval, Barwon Heads on Saturday March 22 for the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade grand final between Wallington and Inverleigh and at Collendina Recreation Reserve on Sunday March 23 for the A1 Grade decider between Armstrong Creek and Barwon Heads. Armstrong Creek and Inverleigh were crowned champions.
Nick Adamson made a gritty 36 for Wallington, and Jack Maclean was superb for the Titans with five wickets.
Sven Burluraux gets behind the ball.
Locke Perrett was superb for Inverleigh, taking 1/14 from 13 overs.
Left: Jason Robertson bowled well early for Armstrong Creek. Centre: Austin Haygarth bowls for the Kookaburras. Right: Henry Collins picked up two key wickets. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 466931
Max Melzer made a half-century for the Seagulls.
Lachlan Mulgrew got the vital wickets.
Daniel Maclean steadied the ship for Armstrong Creek.
Left: Brent McMinn is bowled by Lachlan Mulgrew. Centre: Daniel Donaldson played superbly for the Heads. Right: Will Collins saves a run.
Celebrations for tennis premiers
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
It was perfect conditions for Tennis Geelong’s grand final day, and the teams made the most of it with great tennis across all sections.
Highton were best represented with six teamsmakingittothefinaldaywithsuccess at the top end.
Wandana Heights came from fourth to challenge in 1 Open, and while they came close in a couple of rubbers losing in tie-breaks, Highton proved too strong winning 4-0.
Section 1 Men had a tough match against Grovedale with a come from behind win. Jason Raselli and Joe Horvat were 4-5 down with match points against them, with the match at 3-2 to Grovedale, but managed to pull themselves up to win the final set 7-5 to leave them four games ahead while level of sets.
Grovedale had five teams playing on the day, with success in 4 Open sections, three of which were against Highton.
In 4 Open Highton and Grovedale Yellow didn’t play during the home and away season, due to the weather, but Grovedale proved too strong in both finals, coming home with a 3-1 win on the big day.
3 Open also finished second behind Hightonaftertheregularseason,butposted a 3-1 in the semi and improved with a 4-0 in the grand final to be crowned premiers.
Grovedale Yellow proved dominant all year in 6 Open finishing the season undefeated with a 3-1 win over Highton Blue. Grovedale finished the season one point ahead of Hamlyn Park in 5 Open, and had 3-1 losses in both previous encounters.
All rubbers were hard fought with Grovedale prevailing in the doubles and Hamlyn Park the singles, leaving the match tied at two rubbers all, but with both singles going to a super tie-break, Grovedale had a sixsettotwoadvantage,puttingthemupon the day.
Grovedale didn’t fare so well in their
mixed grades, but did go very close. Teesdale won the first two sets in 5 Mixed before Grovedale won both doubles to put thematchlevelonsetsandgames.Teesdale won the 5th set 6-2 and Grovedale the 6th 6-4, Teesdale took the win by two games.
In 2 Mixed Grovedale were three sets to onegoingintothereversemixed,butClifton
Springs rallied to win both and tie the match on sets and games, forcing a seventh set. Matthew Meier and Elodie Greenwood took the win 6-3 for the Springs, crowning the team premiers.
Surfcoast were triumphant in two of their three finals, although with both at three sets all there was plenty of nail biting on the sidelines.BothSurfcoastandBannockburn had scored a win during home and away in 2 Mens, so both teams needed to play well. The wins seesawed, with Bellbrae 4 games ahead when the final point was won.
It was even tighter in 3 Mixed where Surfcoast Torquay was tied on sets and games with Newcomb going into the reverse mixed. The remaining sets were split with Torquay ahead by one game, the win spearheaded by three set winner Marie Kullenberg.
Newcomb’sbaddaycontinuedwiththeir4 Mixed team going down to Western Heights Uniting Blue. WHU had not managed a win over Newcomb in home and away or the first semi, but pulled it together after losing the first set to win the next five to win 5-1.
Geelong East Uniting Church (3 Men) and Bannockburn (1 Mixed) had dominated their sections through the season, with the final no exception. GEUC accounted for Drysdale5-1andBannockburnposteda6-0 win over Moriac Blue to both be crowned premiers and champions.
Barwon Heads had two teams playing on Saturday, 7 Open coming up against minor premiers Wandana Heights, who proved too strong winning 4-0, while in 2 Open the Heads were at one rubber apiece with Highton going into the reverse rubbers, the Heads managed to take both to claim the win 3-1.
Talent on show as junior season finishes with a bang
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
Tennis Geelong’s Junior Pennant grand finals were played across the region with some fantastic tennis played.
Geelong Lawn had the most successful day with five wins in 6 Boys (6-0), 8 Boys (4-2), 9 Boys (4-2), Green Ball 4 (3-3 and only two games), and the guaranteed win in 1 Girls where their White team accounted for Green (4-2), with the difference coming with White winning both doubles.
Wandana Heights had seven teams participating, however, could only manage two wins, one over Geelong Lawn in 5 Boys (5-1) and Premier B (2-1) where after dropping the doubles to Grovedale Black, won both singles in straight sets to take the win.
Lara regrouped from their first-semi loss against Wandana Heights White in Green Ball 5 winning three singles, laying the foundation for their 4-2 win, in the club’s only final.
Grovedale had a day they would rather forget playing six finals, but not be able to get over the line in any.
Ocean Grove took the title in Premier A over Grovedale with good wins in all sets, followed up with 4-2 wins in 1 Boys over Wandana and in 5 Girls over Highton.
Waurn Ponds made the most of their final in 2 Girls with Ocean Grove Sand. With no score below 6-4, the teams played 61 games with the Ponds prevailing 4-2. Highton had a mixed day with two of their five teams winning on the day. 4 Boys won both doubles to take the win 4-2, while 3 Boys lost the first two singles before levelling the match after the third and fourth singles. The doubles were split between the teams, leaving the final result
three sets all with a one-game advantage to Highton.
Bannockburn had wins in all three outings. 7 Boys came from third to upset Surfcoast Jan Juc 4-2 including two tie-breaks, while 4 Girls eked out three tie-break singles wins in their 4-2 win over Wandana Heights. 11Boys had one of the closest matches with St Mary’s with the teams level on sets through the morning but the final result showed Banno ahead by four games.
St Mary’s proved more successful in theirothertwofinals,withoneofthebetter wins in 13Boys (6-0) over Grovedale, and Barwon Heads Blue pushed them to two tie-breaks in Green Ball 3 with the wins helping them over the line 4-2. Barwon Heads Blue fared better in Green Ball 1, proving too strong for Highton White, winning 6-0. Western Heights were also multiple winners with 2 Boys adding to Grovedale’s woes winning both doubles to seal the
match 4-2, while 10 Boys only dropped the first singles in their 5-1 win over Ocean Grove.
Inverleigh matched sets with Wandana Heightsin5Girlswithclosesets,including three tie-breaks, the match eventually going to Inverleigh five games ahead with sets at three all. There were two tie-breaks inInverleigh’sotherfinalagainstSurfcoast Torquay in Green Ball 2, however things didn’t go quite the same way, with Surfcoast eventual winners 4-2.
SJ3Boys Highton: Heath Agustsson, Ramsay Van Elst, Thomas Harman, Siddarth Sivanesan, Andre Ficca.
SJ8Boys Geelong Lawn: Oliver Chudoschnik, Joshua Wang, George Montgomery, Sebastian McGowan, Noah Williams.
SJ1Girls Geelong Lawn: Frankie Moxham, Aria Williamson, Scarlett Anderson, Zoe Loftus, Esme Lahery. Absent: Elsa Grgic.
SJGB4 Geelong Lawn: Tim Hutton, Zack McLaren, Martin Carrington, Jesse Grills, Henry Montgomery.
SS6Mixed Wandana Heights: Leanne McAlister, Sachin Bhardwaj, Jeet Bhuva, Janette Brown, Anya Brown. (Pictures: Supplied)
SS1Mixed Bannockburn: Pierce Johnson, Angela Le Maitre, Tim Le Maitre, Bridget Le Maitre, Rachael Le Maitre, Nick Le Maitre.
SS3Mixed Surfcoast Torquay Yellow: Darren WAtkins, Marie Kullenberg, Sue Minter, Mark Brogue.
Mulgrew ton secures win
By Justin Flynn
ArmstrongCreekopenerClayMulgrewput on a batting masterclass to guide his club to its maiden Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade premiership.
Mulgrew made chanceless 135 from 231 deliveries to take his season’s tally to an astonishing 869 runs as the Titans ended day one on 8/202 against Barwon Heads at Collendina.
It was pretty much a one-man show with Adam Trevean’s 21 the next highest score. Heads’ skipper Daniel Donaldson sent down 32 overs of legspin, taking 4/70 in a superb performance.
Brent McMinn opened the bowling with his off-spinners after the withdrawal of pacemanDarcyHewittduetoasidestrain.
McMinn took 1/57 from 20 tidy overs.
On day two, Titans’ left-arm seamer Jason Robertson barely bowled a bad ball. He went wicketless, but conceded just 13 runs from 12 overs with Seagull openers Max Melzer and Jaxon Mallett struggling to get the bowling away.
Melzer eventually found his groove and went to 51 from 106 balls, but pace bowler Lachlan Mulgrew struck after tea and then got rid of the dangerous McMinn for one with a pearler of a ball that clipped the top of off stump.
Mallett would go on to make a patient 46 from 171 balls, but became Jack Maclean’s
first wicket of the day.
Matt High was promoted up the order, but didn’t last long, while Angus Ford was lbw for a duck.
Donaldsonwasnowplayingalonehand, although Jacko Mallett (12 off 25) chipped in.
With 16 balls remaining, it was fitting that Lachlan Mulgrew took the final wicket. He finished with 3/42 from 16.5 overs while Maclean was superb with 5/64 from 20. Daniel Maclean was his usual tidy self conceding 45 from 17 overs.
Donaldson finished unbeaten on 51 with the Heads all out for 189.
InverleighearnedpromotiontoA1Grade next season with a rousing win against Wallington.
Wallington was sent in and found runs difficult to come by.
Nick Adamson dug in and played well for 36 from 96 balls, but missed a paddle sweep off leggie Henry Collins and was trapped in front.
DannyMidolowasbowlingeconomically and Wallington needed a partnership. Eventually it came in the form of Dane Wise-Graham (31) and Mitchell Sleeman (33) and they got the score up to 141 on a slow outfield at Barwon Heads.
Matthew Spiller, Midolo and Collins each took two wickets for the Kookaburras while Lock Perrett took 1/14 from 13 overs.
Inverleigh took its time to compile a winning score, but the runs were made in the 72nd over with six wickets to spare.
Runs to Lachie Platt (37), David Peel (36 not out) and Kieran McNally (25 not out) ensured Inverleigh’s demotion to A2 Grade lasted only one season.
Iron wins by Geens and Van Coevorden
Jelle Geens and Natalie Van Coevorden claimed the men’s and women’s professionaltitlesatIronman70.3Geelong, with both athletes impressing on their way to victory in the opening round of the 2025 Ironman Pro Series.
Geens, from Belgium, picked up where he left off when he was crowned Ironman 70.3 World Champion in New Zealand last December, crossing the line first in 3:33:23, whileforAustralia’sVanCoevordenitwasa first ever Ironman 70.3 race win, claiming the women’s title in 4:05:58.
Geens came home 45 seconds clear of a fast-finishing Jake Birtwhistle, with New Zealand’s Tayler Reid rounding out the podium, with Geens taking home the maximum2,500IronmanProSeriespoints.
“I’mstokedofcourse,it’sgoodtostartthe season with a win, it was a hard fought win for sure, because I wasn’t 100 percent sure how I was going to feel because I got sick a couple of weeks ago and then my partner got sick and it was very busy with the baby but luckily we had a lot of help from her family, but then in the end I actually felt really good but I needed it today because the guys were on fire.
“There was Aaron Royle and Matt Hauser who are two of the best swimmers in the world so they kept an honest pace on the swim but I was very happy that I actually came with them out of the water and was in the front straight away. I tried to really push from kilometre 15 to kilometre 30 on the bike but you could really see that it was too hard to really make a gap and breakpeoplesothenIdecidedtonotspend too much energy and really focus on that run,” said Geens. “The second lap of the bike was quite a bit faster which hurt some people’s legs, maybe quite a bit. I then set out on quite a fast pace on the run, the ITU boys kept following, I guess they think it’s quite a chilled pace to keep for a couple of kilometres but then I got a gap and I slowly increased it and I could start running my pacethatIknewIfeltIcoulddoforthe21k.”
The early stages of the run were fast and furious, with the top 10 all within touching distance of each other, and after 3.5km
467231
Geens, Birtwhistle, Japan’s Kenji Nener and Reid were all covered by less than a second. From there Geens lifted the pace, openingupaleadoverNenerandReid,who ran shoulder to shoulder for much of the 21.1km. Birtwistle stayed close throughout the middle stages of the run before making his move, working his way up to second ahead of Reid.
In the women’s race Natalie Van Coevorden claimed a breakthrough win, with the Australian Olympian finishing lessthan30secondsclearofNewZealand’s Hannah Berry, with Melbourne’s Grace Thekthird,extendingherimpressiverunof podiums in Geelong to eight in a row.
“I’m pretty ecstatic to be honest, you’re not going to hold up the banner too many times in your career and holding up an Ironman 70.3 one so early in my switch is really special, everything played out how I wantedittotodayanditcouldn’thavegone any more perfectly to be honest,” said Van Coevorden. “We had a pretty fast swim and had a bit of a gap, I had a plan to ride pretty
hard for the first 10k so I could gap the field a little bit, we then had four girls on the bike working pretty well together and then I paced the run to perfection today, I really loved the undulation on the run course, it really kept me focused, I couldn’t ask for anything more.
“Hannah was probably sitting 10 to 20 seconds ahead for that first eight to nine k and then it finally just came down in a k that gap, I just told myself to keep running, youdon’tneedtodoanythingspecialandit paid off in the end and I ran the best race I could,” she said.
Solid fishing in the outer harbour
ON THE BITE Peri Stavropoulos
The outer harbour has continued to offer some good fishing for pinky snapper and flathead to anglers casting soft plastics around the spoil grounds.
4” Turtleback worms, Minnows and Nemesis (all from the Gulp range) have been standouts.
Anglers fishing with baits have been getting stuck into a slightly better average size with the average around the 3kg area. Again, the spoil grounds are where most of the current action is.
Around the peninsula and King George whiting have fired up again this week with St Leonards proving to be the standout location. Fishing the stronger tides is the best time to be chasing them and lately the run outseemstobethemoreproductive tide.
Fish have been averaging the low 30s with plenty getting around over 40.
Anglers have also been finding plenty of calamari between St Leonards and Queenscliff, more so trying to load up on some kingfish baitsbuttheyarestillpickingplenty up.SquidJigswithhighUVgloware workingbestatthemomentinasize 3.0.
Yellowtail kingfish remain high on the priority list of target species this week with the rip continuing to produce. The weekend did fish a little tough which could be due to the moon, small tides, boat traffic etc.Howeveranglersthathavebeen outsincehavebeenpickingupsome fish with knife jigs working best and live baits also accounting for plenty of fish.
Offshore and in particular Point Lonsdale has offered some solid kingfish reports. Anglers slow trolling live baits and poppers have been picking up fish to around the mid-90s in length with plenty of fish bigger. Large poppers have been super popular this season as collecting live bait has not been easy and these make plentyofnoisetogettheattentionof the kingfish.
Making the most of the good weather anglers have also encounteredgoodnumbersofmako sharks with anglers drifting in 70 metres of water picking up sharks to over 50kg in weight along with a bunch of bottom fish whilst waiting for the sharks to come along.
Aston Stavropoulos with a kingfish. (Supplied)
Above: Jelle Geens breaks through the finish line.
Right: Natalie Van Coevorden celebrates her win.
(Pictures: Ivan Kemp)
Top: Armstrong Creek won the A1 Grade premiership. (Armstrong Creek CC) Above: A2 Grade premiers Inverleigh. (Inverleigh CC)
Magpies, Two Blues in grand final
By Justin Flynn
North Geelong and Newtown & Chilwell will contest this season’s Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 premiership with both sides in top form.
North Geelong won the qualifying final two weeks ago, but the Two Blues stormed into the grand final with one of the most complete performances imaginable.
Young quick Noah Guida took 8/20, including a hat-trick, to have Grovedale in the sheds for 72.
Newtown & Chilwell skipper Dylan Hodge said it was a stunning performance that might not have happened. He was one over from giving Guida a spell.
“There was a left-hander still there, so it waslikeI’llkeephimgoingabitlongerand see how it goes,” he said.
“He’s fit. He proved that (the week before). Probably if he didn’t bowl so many overs last week (he might have been taken off, but) he proved his fitness and then a hat-trick later. Good luck getting dragged after that.”
After several dropped chances in the qualifying final, the Two Blues held their catches in the prelim.
“It makes a difference,” Hodge said.
“Ned Cooper last week, we dropped him first ball and he went on to make 130 and I think last week we dropped five or six catches, so everything went our way on Saturday, which is good, but catching is a pretty good start.”
Hodge said not having the ‘top team’ advantage was not really a factor given 200 overs are scheduled for the match.
“We found the last two weeks with so many overs in the game, it levels out the playing field,” he said.
“I think we just take confidence that we beat them twice throughout the year. They got the upper hand on us last week in the first final. I think it’s poised to be a very good battle.”
North Geelong captain Tom Mathieson said direct passage to the grand final and the weekend off helped his side, particularly his pace bowlers.
“Dale (Kerr) and myself have probably been bowling 20 overs pretty much every single week so to physically and mentally have the week off was good for us,” he said.
The qualifying final win means North Geelong replaced Newtown & Chilwell as the top ranked side and only needs to draw to claim yet another flag.
Mathieson said North Geelong’s extensive grand final experience was only the slightest of advantages.
“Maybe at the very start of the game your nerves will take place, but I think once you’re involved in the battle, it’s just another game of cricket,” he said.
Saturday March 29 and
Sunday March 30
Division 1
North Geelong vs Newtown & Chilwell at Reynolds Oval, South Barwon Reserve at 11am
Division 2
Lara vs Murgheboluc at Bisinella Oval, Lara at 11am
Division 3
Thomson vs Marshall at Lawn Addicts Oval, South Barwon Reserve at 11.45am
Saturday March 29
Division 4
Meredith vs Lethbridge at Grinter Reserve, Newcomb at 11.15am
“It’s who can settle themselves the most and just realise it’s just another game of cricket. You’re going to go through your pressure moments, it’s who can take control of them, I reckon.”
Mathieson said the Two Blues’ prelim final win would give his opponents confidence.
“They had an absolute day out, by the looks of it, with the ball,“ he said.
“Obviously Guido’s (Guida) had one of the best finals you’ll see in a long time. I think they’re very similar to us - really strong with the bat and they play an attacking game of cricket and they’re not afraid to take some risks to get going.
“Bowlingwisethey’realittlebitdifferent to us, but it obviously works well for them to finish top of the ladder.”
Undefeated Lara takes on Murgheboluc in the Division 2 grand final. Jason Grozdanovski took 11 wickets and made 74 as the Frogs defeated Bell Park in the prelim.Grozdanovskihastaken48wickets and made 392 runs for the season. Andrew Hughes (550 runs) and Robert Sodomaco (480) have had great seasons for the Cats while George Blatherwick (29 wickets) and
Guida rips through Grovedale line-up
Newtown & Chilwell fast bowler Noah Guida will never forget the 2024-25 Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 preliminary final.
The20-year-oldtook8/20from15probing overs, including a stunning hat-trick to turn the contest completely around.
Grovedale was 0/26, but collapsed to be all out for 72 with Guida’s hat-trick including star batters Michael McNeel and Jordan Moran for first-ball ducks.
The hat-trick ball was caught by Lachie Sperling in the slips cordon, although he did juggle it. It was Guida’s first ever hat-trick.
“Thankfully he caught it,” Guida said.
“I had my heart in my mouth when the ballwasintheair.IthinkIwasmeanttobe taken off the over before I got Rob (Smith) and then obviously that got me another over.
“It just all happened really quickly. Thankfully I got a few wickets and they stuck with me and got a few more, which is always nice.”
Guida’s feat came after getting his wisdom teeth extracted on Tuesday and said he was “still a bit sore”.
Two Blues skipper Dylan Hodge took a wicket amid the Guida carnage.
“We had a few jokes in the changerooms abouthimcostingmemyten-for,butIcan’t
expecttogettenwicketsbecauseobviously that’s just unrealistic. So it’s good that he got Josh Windus out because he’s quite a handy bat.”
Guida said this weekend’s grand final against North Geelong had everyone at the club excited.
“I think it’s about not taking the opportunity for granted,” he said.
“We’ll just train as we’ve been training, prepare the best we can and whatever happens, happens. Just stick to our game plans and hopefully just play our best cricket and win the flag. That’s the plan.”
Justin Flynn
Mitchel Hayward (24) have done well with the ball.
Thomson and Marshall meet in the Division 3 decider with both sides batting deep. Seb Dew (448 runs) and Seaver Cowley (364) have contributed heavily for theTigerswhilePhilipLang(546runs)and Lachie Cameron (412) have played well for the Bears. Wily veteran Brad Greenwood (30 wickets) has given nothing away with theballforMarshallandCowley(27)isone of the comp’s best all-rounders.
It’s a Golden Plains derby in Division 4 between Meredith and Lethbridge. Harli Givvens has made 760 runs and taken 25 wickets for the Rams while Shane Dillon (679 and 30) and Tom Saunders (632 and 20) have been superb for the Rosellas.
Noah Guida starred with the ball taking 8 wickets for 20 runs off 15 overs, including a hat-trick. (Ivan Kemp) 466928_08
Above: North Geelong skipper Tom Mathieson. Right: Newtown & Chilwell captain Dylan Hodge. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 463979
GCA Grand Finals
