Future Grubbers show their support
Under 11 netballers Shelby, Zara, Sylvie and Kenzie had the chance to be mascots for Ocean Grove’s A Grade side on Saturday.
The budding young future Grubbers gave their support as Grove won its second straight game, defeating Portarlington by 38 goals at Ray Menzies Oval.
The youngsters had a short netball clinic at half time before taking their spots back on the sidelines to cheer the red and white to victory.
The reigning premiers are looking good for another tilt at the Bellarine Netball League premiership.
The Grubbers had a clean sweep in the senior netball grades and won all the juniors although Port had a good win in the 19 & Under grade and also had a stirring victory in the senior footy.
For all the pictures and reports, see pages 25 and 27.
Project funds guaranteed
By Matt Hewson
Labor announced this week it would match the Liberal Party’s $5 million commitment to a major sports infrastructure project in Ocean Grove.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker was joined by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King on Tuesday to announce the funding commitment for the Devlins Road Reserve.
The priority project of the broader Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan, the Devlins Road redevelopment would see Ocean Grove Soccer Club relocated to a
purpose-built soccer complex at the site.
The club’s current home at Shell Road Reservewouldthenbeconvertedintoasecond football and cricket oval, with expanded cricket nets and an extra undercover netball court as well.
The infrastructure plan also includes further improvements and upgrades at Collendina, Memorial, Arthur Powell and Wallington Recreation reserves.
Ms Coker said Ocean Grove was a “passionate sporting community” and Labor recognised the important role local clubs played in “bringing people together and building stronger, more-connected communities”.
“That’s why I’m so proud that Devlins Road Reserve will become Ocean Grove’s new home of soccer under a re-elected Albanese Labor government,” Ms Coker said.
“For the hundreds of local players and their families, this means access to the quality facilities they deserve, and it will help take pressure off Shell Road Reserve, supporting the continued growth of sport in our region.”
Ms King said soccer was a fast growing and inclusive sport that was going from strength to strength in Ocean Grove.
“This $5 million investment at Devlins Reserve will accommodate the current growth and support generations of soccer players to come,” she said.
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988
Earlier this month the City of Greater Geelong, which will administer the sports infrastructure plan, called out for bipartisan support for the project after opposition leader Peter Dutton said a Liberal government would provide $5 million for Devlins Road if elected.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj urged both major parties at both federal and state level to commit to supporting the project, which he said was important for the growing Bellarine community.
“More and more women and girls are taking up sport and we need fit for purpose and modern facilities that support them,” Mayor Kontelj said.
ROY TURNS 100,PAGE3
Outpouring of grief for little Heidi
The parents of a three-year-old girl who was tragically killed after being struck by a car in Ocean Grove on Friday April 18 have expressed their “deep anguish at the loss of their beautiful daughter”.
Heidi’s parents, Nathan and Liesl, also spoke oftheirdeepgratitudeforthemanyexpressions of love and support they have received.
“At the scene of the tragic accident there were many passers-by and wonderful individuals from local businesses who offered Liesl comfort and support,” the family said in
a statement.
“Likewise, the paramedics and police showed incredible compassion and care. Since last Friday, the outpouring of love has been beyond description. Nathan and Liesl spoke of how they are being held and comforted by their large extended families, their church community and their many friends. They have received and read the many cards and messages left at the scene of the accident and treasure each one. The support of the local community and many from across Australia
Roy raises bat for 100
World War II veteran Roy Porter celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday April 7.
The Ocean Grove resident was thrown a surprise birthday party by Ocean Grove Men’s Shed with his wife Norma.
Mr Porter will attend the Ocean Grove morning service on Anzac Day.
Mr Porter was 18 when he joined the Royal Australian Air Force in the midst of World War II.
He was desperately hoping it wouldn’t end so he could play his part in defending the country.
“You sort of get excited and hope that the war doesn’t finish before you get into it,” he said when the Independent interviewed him last year.
“Really, it’s sort of a funny feeling. You don’t want people to get hurt, but you want to do your bit for the country. I was at the time frightened…frightened that the war was going to finish before I got into it.
“My mother and father both agreed that it was the right thing to do, but they didn’t want to see their little boy killed.
“My father was at Gallipoli, so I think that’s another reason that I joined up. He was somewhat of a hero. He got himself a citation because he went out and saved wounded soldiers.”
After gunnery school, Roy and 19 other members of his squadron were “put on an aircraft and taken away” to Batchelor, about 80km south of Darwin.
The day after he arrived, Mr Porter was thrust into his first operational mission as an air gunner in the 18th Squadron on the B-25 Mitchell aircraft, renowned for low-level skip bombing and strafing.
“I did over fifty missions. Didn’t get injured, although I crashed three times. One in Brisbane, once in Canberra,” he said.
“And a third time I crashed when we were returning from a mission and we didn’t know, but our plane had been shot up and the landing gear was no good. We had a burst tyre which damaged all the landing gear.”
Norma and Roy Porter. (Ivan Kemp) 468982_01
and abroad has been overwhelming.”
MajorCollisionInvestigationUnitdetectives are investigating the incident after emergency services were called to reports a car had lost control and collided with a child on the footpath at Presidents Avenue about 4.50pm.
The driver, a 71-year-old Ocean Grove woman, has been arrested and released pending further investigations.
“Heidi was the most beautiful child who loved to sing,” the family said.
“Her favourite song being ‘This little light
of mine, I’m gonna let it shine’. Heidi has been shining her light into the lives of her family and the lives of all who met her throughout her three-and-a-half years.”
Nathan and Liesl shared how they know they will be able to go forward with the love and support of their family, friends, church communityandtheirfaithintheirlovingGod. They also expressed their deep concern for the driver involved in the accident and are praying she is receiving the love and support she needs.
How to remember our fallen Diggers on Anzac Day
Anzac Day services and ceremonies will be held on April 25.
It was 110 years ago (1915) that our brave ANZAC sons landed at Gallipoli in an event that has gone onto shape Australia and its people.
Anglesea: Dawn service at War Memorial, Cameron Park, Anglesea, 5.30am, followed by a gunfire breakfast. March and service at Anglesea Memorial Hall, McMillan Street, 9.30am for 9.50am step off, followed by a commemorative service at the Cenotaph, 30 Murray Street.
Barwon Heads: Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch service at 9am, Barwon Heads
Community Hall, Hitchcock Ave. March at 8.30am for assembly with step off 8.45am sharp. March participants are to form up at 8.30am on the corner of Hitchcock Ave and Bridge Road. All are then welcome back to the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club for refreshments.
Drysdale: Drysdale RSL sub-branch commemoration service at the Cenotaph, High Street Drysdale. Begins with a march at 10.50am from the corner of Eversly and Princess Streets, along Princess Street to disperse at the CFA forecourt. at 10.50am.
Geelong: Pre-dawn service at Johnstone Park, 4.15am. Dawn service at Eastern Beach, 6am.
Boer War Memorial dawn Servicexx at Boer War Memorial Park, Latrobe Terrace, 6.30am. Gunfire breakfast at Geelong RSL at 7.30am. Wreath laying at Geelong RSL cenotaph, 9am. March at Malop Street, 11am. Main service at Johnstone Park, 11.30am.
Ocean Grove: Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch dawn service at Ocean Grove Parkat6am.Teaandlight‘gunfirebreakfast’at theoldfirestationbuilding,cornerofHodgson St and The Avenue at the conclusion of the service. Service at 10am Friday, the Cenotaph, Ocean Grove Park. The march begins at 9.30am. March participants are to form up at 9.30am in front of the Commonwealth Bank, The Terrace.
Portarlington and St Leonards: Portarlington RSL sub-branch dawn service at Cenotaph at 6.30am. Service at St Leonards Memorial hall at 9am. March at 10.45am commencing from the RSL clubrooms on Harding Street and concluding at the Portarlington Cenotaph for a commemorative and wreath laying service. Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale: Queenscliff Point Lonsdale RSL sub-branch dawn service, 5.45am at Ocean View carpark, Hesse Street, Queenscliff. March and service, 9am at the Cenotaph, Kirk Road, Point Lonsdale. March and service, 11am at Fort Queenscliff.
Torquay: Dawn service at Point Danger at 5.45am.
Recognising Kate’s service
By Jena Carr
A Leopold woman has received a National Emergency Medal for her service to the community during the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Leopold Fire Bridgae member Kate Conway worked at Country Fire Authority’s headquarters in Burwood during the major fire event that broke out across Victoria and New South Wales.
Ms Conway also filled support roles in the State Control Centre and Incident Control Centre in Northern Victoria. She said she was
“pretty chuffed” and “really proud” to receive the award.
“It’s (the fire event) opened up a range of different skill sets and knowledge groups that I didn’t know I had and it’s a huge part of my lifenow,”shesaid.“Ireallyliketheopportunity to do something that not everyone else gets to doandsimultaneouslyhelpyourcommunityat the same time.
“Thecontinuoustrustandacknowledgement from the community is what makes me feel the proudest. The medal is a nice thing to receive, but I didn’t do it thinking I could get one.”
Ms Conway said emergency services were an important part of her life as she also worked as a paramedic for Ambulance Victoria in regional Western Victoria.
“What I like most about working with the Leopold Fire Bridge is how dynamic it is, all the different skills that you get to learn and the people you can do it with,” she said.
“For complete strangers to call this generic number for help, and you’re the one that ends up delivering that help and to be trusted by a community to do the right thing, is a really big honour.”
Libs promise mobile boost
Mobile phone coverage at Drysdale, Curlewis and Armstrong Creek will receive a boost to the tune of $1.3 million iftheCoalitionwinsnextmonth’sfederal election.
The investment would fix mobile blackspots in Corangamite, specifically Drysdale, Curlewis and Armstrong Creek, through new towers and mobile base stations.
“I’ve heard from people right across these areas that poor mobile phone coverage is a critical issue,” Liberal candidate for Corangamite Darcy Dunstan said.
“Residents and businesses have been telling me about how unreliable our local connectivity is. Patchy reception makes it difficult to run a small business and access everyday services.
“This project will mean that families, schools, businesses, health services and others will all be able to rely on better mobile coverage.”
Shadow Minister for Communications MelissaMcIntoshsaidtheannouncement will address connectivity issues for communities across Corangamite, who have been calling for better mobile coverage.
“Digital connectivity is now an essential part of how we work, learn, stay safe and remain in contact with family and friends,” she said.
“The Liberals will continue to invest in telecommunications infrastructure as part of our plan to strengthen local communities and to get Australia back on track.”
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
Kate Conway, middle, receiving a National Emergency Medal by CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan and board chair Jo Plummer. (Supplied)
Financial incentives for kindergarten teachers and educators.
Giving Victorian children the best start means more qualified teachers and educators are needed across the state.
Get up to $50,000* on top of your salary for positions at a priority service.
Relocation support is also available.
Search for a position with a financial incentive through the Early Childhood Jobs website at vic.gov.au/kinder
Better boating for Clifton Springs
Casting a line or cruising the open seas aroundCliftonSpringsisnoweasier,thanksto upgrades to the boating ramps and carparks.
The boating precinct now features a pair of ramps with two concrete lanes, several floating pontoons to tie boats up to, and 85 parks big enough for cars with trailers.
MemberforBellarineAlisonMarchantsaid the ramp would be valuable to the fishing and boating community for many years.
“Ensuring you can find a park and head out
at a range of tides are fundamental elements to an enjoyable day’s boating,” she said.
“The Geelong and Bellarine region has one of Victoria’s highest rates of boat ownership and Clifton Springs is a premier boating facility providing great access to the water.”
The informal overflow area at the precinct’s eastern end was converted into 30 asphalt parks, and the new ramps were placed within an enclosed harbour as part of the project.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said
A quacking good time
Witness the Barwon River’s ‘yellow waterfall’ asthousandsofducksfallfromthefootbridge this Easter Saturday.
Rotary Club of Ocean Grove will host the 23rd Great Barwon River Duck Race on April 19, with more than 2000 yellow ducks racing along the Barwon River to the Ozone Jetty.
Organiser and ‘mother duck’ Heather Willson said the event would also feature many dressed-up corporate ducks and blue kids’ ducks competing along the river.
“The rotary club run it, so we give all the proceeds to local charities... and we had almost $30,000 to give away last year,” she said.
“We’re hoping for good weather, but that could change at any minute. The race varies in time because of the tides, and we must be careful not to get the wrong tide.
“The interesting part is that the tide probably has less influence than the wind. One year, we had a howling gale, and the ducks went straight over to one side and beached themselves.
“Last year, we sold virtually all the ducks, which is quite a lot. We had 2000 yellow ducks,350blueducks,andabout40corporate ducks, each decorated by a company.
“The best part is watching the yellow ducks fall from the footbridge. The bags sit on top of the footbridge, and, when I blow the horn, they all tip off and it’s like a great big yellow waterfall. It’s quite spectacular.”
The event will begin with the Corporate Duck race at 11am, followed by the Quacker Kids race at 11.15am before the yellow ducks are launched from the Barwon Heads footbridge at 11.30am.
Kids, adults and corporate ducks are still available. Visit trybooking.com/events/ landing/1364254 for more information.
Jena Carr
Mother Duck (Heather Willson) and Plucka Duck (aka Lisa Hanley). (Ivan Kemp) 471823_08
the upgrades were a “real win” for families and boaters across the region.
“Better parking, safer access, and more reliable facilities mean less time waiting and more time enjoying the bay,” she said.
“Investing in our local boating infrastructure not only benefits the recreational community. It helps support tourism, small business, and jobs across the Bellarine.”
The state government reinvested $767,800
from marine licenses and registrations through the Better Boating Fund and the Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
A further $211,000 from the Better Boating Fund was used to develop a long-term dredging plan and conduct several months of maintenance.
The federal government also contributed $200,000 to the project through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Spinebills make an appearance
The daylight hours are shorter and nights are cooler, which has prompted some movements of birds from mountainous regions to the Bellarine.
I haven’t seen any reports of flame robins around the area yet, but I did spot a few eastern spinebills in my local park.
Eastern spinebills are mostly sedentary, but they do undergo some local movements away from higher elevations in autumn and winter. They are such a lovely bird so it’s great to see them around the corner from where I live.
The eastern spinebill is most easily recognisable by its long, down-curved bill.
These birds have a brisk flight between shrubs, and in flight the white outer tail feathers are obvious. Males have a grey-black crown, which extends in a black line to the breast. I love these birds, but they are so hard to photograph, especially where there is a thick cover of shrubs.
I walked around the farm in Wallington last week and managed to see the family of weebills that are always in the yellow gums on a small patch of the farm.
These birds are one of the smallest birds in Australia, and their name comes from the short, stout, pale beak. Their eyes are almost white, and their plumage is dull grey, brown on the head and olive-brown on the back, with yellow underparts. They have a pale line above the eye.
These birds are not commonly seen around
the Bellarine, and it does astound me that they just seem to survive in such a small patch of gum trees, and that they haven’t been predated upon in that area. I also spotted a fan-tailed cuckoo, and the
pair of wedge-tailed eagles that seem to have made the farm their home. I received an email from Carole. Carole was watched as she walked along the dog beach in Ocean Grove. A black-shouldered kite was
Barwon Coast Update
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: CHANGING PLACES FACILITY
The Changing Places facility at Main Beach, Ocean Grove, is progressing well. The structural steel has been installed, and the timber framing is complete. This week, contractors will begin roofing works and the rough-in of services.
Work will continue over the school holidays, but the site will be closed on weekends and public holidays.
We’re excited to see this important project take shape and look forward to providing further updates as construction moves forward.
WEDGE STREET BEACH ACCESS STAIRS AND VIEWING PLATFORM NOW OPEN!
The newly upgraded Wedge Street (formerly 11W) beach access stairs and viewing platform in Ocean Grove are now open to the public.
The project features safer, more accessible stairs, a new viewing area with seating, and improved track and fencing to enhance the beach experience for all visitors. Approved by DEECA, the works also address past damage from tidal and storm events, while minimising environmental impact.
We sincerely thank the community for their patience during construction and invite everyone to enjoy the improved access and stunning ocean views now available at this popular coastal location.
This project was delivered with support from the Victorian Governments Coastal Protection and Risk Grants Program.
hovering over the dunes and the low-lying tea trees for quite a long time. It mustn’t have seen anythingtastyasitdidn’tdivebutmovedalong towards Point Lonsdale stopping every now and then.
BARWON COAST LAUNCHES COASTAL VEGETATION RESTORATION TRIAL
We are commencing a new vegetation restoration trial at Barwon Bluff, focused on enhancing biodiversity and improving the health of native coastal ecosystems.
The trial involves the careful removal of the abundant Coast Tea-tree, a native species that has become overly dominant in some areas. By reducing its density, the trial aims to create space and light for a wider variety of local plant species to regenerate, improving overall habitat quality.
The project is supported by a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) conservation work exemption and will take place across two sites near Barwon Bluff.
Works are scheduled to begin in mid-May and will take approximately four weeks. We will monitor the sites post-works to assess biodiversity outcomes and guide future restoration efforts.
See maps and learn more about the project at: www.barwoncoast.com.au/vegetationrestoration-trial
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
We are now on Instagram!
Follow us for coastal updates, conservation projects and ways to get involved in caring for the coast!
Construction progress on the new Ocean Grove Changing Places
The upgraded Wedge Street beach access stairs and viewing point
Left: Jen’s eastern spinebill at Ocean Grove (top), and weebill at Wallington.
Above: Carole’s black-shouldered kite at Ocean Grove.
At Deborah Cheetham Village, you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year*, when you sign up to a villa at our village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.
Inflation, health are top concerns
With Saturday 3 May announced as the date for the 2025 Federal election, the Ocean Grove Voice closed its Federal Election Survey to peruse the views of its readership across its publications around the country.
Here’s an overview of what readers of the Independent and Ocean Grove Voice had to say in the lead up to election day.
Independent readers made up the majority of the respondents (84 per cent).
Of the respondents, 61-75 year olds were the most prevalent (46 per cent of the total), with Over 76 (26 per cent), 41-60 year olds (22 per cent), 26-40 year olds (4 per cent) and under the age of 26 (2 per cent).
When asked for their least and most important political issues, local readers had varying and even conflicting opinions:
The top five most common ‘extremely important issues’ were Inflation (Cost of Living), Health Services, Electricity Prices, Immigration and Border Control and National Roads and Rail Infrastructure.
The issues most commonly deemed ‘least important’ were Broadband Internet Access, Water Infrastructure, Climate Change Policies, Influence of Social Media and Immigration and Border Control.
Onthetopicofenergyandtheenvironment, 32 per cent of all readers said they want to prioritise reducing carbon emissions, while the remaining 68 per cent favoured whatever results in the cheapest electricity
prices. A small majority of respondents (56 per cent) said they supported nuclear energy in Australia, but when asked if they would support a nuclear plant in their area, 46 per cent said yes.
Respondents most want to see federal funding for local hospitals increase (32 per cent) over local infrastructure projects (24 per cent), defence (12 per cent), local national highways (14 per cent). 18 per cent had ‘other’ areas in mind for federal funding.
66 per cent of respondents wanted to reduce immigration, with 32 per cent wanting to keep it the same and 2 per cent in favour of boosting it.
Atthetimeoftakingthesurvey,themajority (60 per cent) of respondents indicated they were likely to vote for a major party candidate
NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE
To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –
You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.
But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.
Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.
RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER UNSINKABLE GUY
(Labor or Coalition), while 24 per cent indicated they would vote for an Independent candidate and 16 per cent for a minor party.
For the remaining questions, respondents were asked to indicate their thoughts on a few topics on a scale from one to five, with a five being the highest. Respondents were asked how significant social media’s influence is on public discourse and political decision-making in Australia, how important improved national road and transport infrastructure is to them and how concerned they are about global security and housing affordability in their region.
Respondents for social media having a significant impact was a pretty widely shared view with 40 per cent of respondents picking ‘four’ as their answer, 28 per cent selecting ‘five’, 26 per cent selecting ‘three’, 4 per cent choosing ‘two’ and only 2 per cent selecting the lowest option of ‘one’.
Improved national road and transport infrastructure was similarly valued with respondent choices also scaling down from ‘five’; 32 per cent voted ‘five’, 32 per cent for ‘four’, 24 per cent for ‘three’, 10 per cent for ‘two’ and 2 per cent for ‘one’. 34 per cent picked ‘five’ as a representation of their global security concerns, 30 per cent chose ‘four’, 28 per cent selected ‘three’, 6 per cent selected ‘two’ and 2 per cent for ‘one’. 36 per cent of respondents rated their concern for housing affordability in their region as a ‘three’, 24 per cent at ‘five’, 16 per cent at ‘four’ and 12 per cent for both ‘one’ and ‘two’.
Opposition to care service cuts
By Matt Hewson
A Bellarine community group has written an open letter to Geelong councillors urging them not to withdraw from aged care services.
Positive ageing community group Staying in Portarlington(SiP)sentthelettertocouncillors on April 6, expressing alarm over the future of the City of Greater Geelong’s (CoGG) in-home care programs.
Theletter,signedbySiPpresidentJennyWills, was a response to the City’s announcement on Wednesday, April 2 that the council was poised to decide on whether to adopt City officers’
recommendation to axe the services and “transition all in-home community care clients to specialist local providers”.
“SiP is alarmed that Council could withdraw from providing its highly valued aged care services and terminate the employment of 300 skilled and respected aged care workers,” Ms Wills wrote.
“Such actions would contravene Council’s current commitments as per its formally endorsed Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2047Respected, Connected and Thriving.
“The new Aged Care Act, as a result of the negative findings of the Aged Care Royal
Portrait pic wins for Ivan
Local photographer Ivan Kemp has won the Queenscliff Art Prize for portrait photography.
Mr Kemp, whose work graces the pages of the Ocean Grove Voice and the Geelong Independent each week, took out the esteemed award with his piece Roaring.
The work features actor Barry Tudor in 1920s dress after a costume fitting for the play Roaring, which showed at the Vue Grande Hotel in Queenscliff in June last year.
With more than 220 entries across 16 categories, the Queenscliff Art Prize is the biggestoutdoorartandphotographyexhibition in Australia, with the submitted works on exhibit at the Queenscliff Pier between December and April each year.
Formerly working in IT, Mr Kemp made a career change after studying photojournalism at South Melbourne’s Photography Studios College. “I was still working full-time when I was studying, but it was something I thought
of doing in retirement; I never thought for a moment I’d be making a living out of it like I am now,” he said.
Mr Kemp said he believed a good photographer needed to be a good communicator.
“If you’re dealing with people, and I love doing portrait photography, that ability to capture who they are and what it feels like to be with them is something I keep on looking at,” he said. “I try to make it an enjoyable experience for everybody that’s involved in it.”
Mr Kemp said he would “never stop photographing”.
“If I die with a camera in my hand, I’ll be happy,” he said. “I love the challenge of it every time; whether it’s news photography, whether it’s sport, portraiture, or live performance, I really get involved in what I’m doing.”
Matt Hewson
Commission, will from 1st July 2025 enshrine the human rights of older people in legislation.
“Itisthereforeastoundingthatcouncilatthis time would consider disrespecting the rights and the dignity of older people by defunding essential aged care services.”
CoGG’s initial announcement said the officers’ recommendation was based on an “independent review” that “found specialist aged care providers are well placed to provide the best quality client service, with Greater Geelong benefiting from a strong and well-serviced market.”
Ms Wills called the recommendation
“nonsensical” and asked for details of the review process.
“Who undertook the review? What were its terms of reference?” she wrote.
The council was due to decide on the future ofitsin-homeservicesataconfidentialmeeting on Thursday, April 10, but after backlash from unions, stakeholders and the community CoGG chief executive Ali Wastie cancelled the meeting “to enable further consultation”.
“The City welcomes the opportunity to work through this process in good faith with our employees and the Australian Services Union,” Ms Wastie said.
Local Rotary art on show
Hundreds of artworks and photos will line the walls of Christian College’s music, sports and performing arts centre this Easter weekend.
Bellarine North Rotary Club will host the 46th Bellarine North Rotary Easter Expo at Drysdale’s 40 Collins Street location from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20.
President Ken Withers said the expo showcased works from many styles across the stateandwouldfeaturedisplaysbytheBellarine Camera Club and the Festival of Glass.
“We love seeing people coming through the door and I like looking at the art myself too,” he said.
“We have about 230 paintings and about 80 photos op on display... We also have about $7000 worth of prizes for the artists.
“It is important for us to put on a show for thecommunity,andwewantasmanypeopleas possibletocomealongandlookattheartshow.
“It also gives the opportunity for artists to display their work, and we raise money for the club that goes towards our programs, so our club puts about $40,000 a year mainly into the local community.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant will officially open the event on Saturday, with the artworks judged by Queenscliff Gallery’s Soula and Theo Mantalvanos.
Bellarine North Rotary Club has raised close to $350,000 over 46 years through the event, which goes towards initiatives that help make a real difference in the community.
Jena Carr
Queenscliff Art Prize portrait photography winner Ivan Kemp. Inset: Winning entry Roaring. (Ivan Kemp) 472612_02
Step back in time to Canyon
By Matt Hewson
Sell-out show Songs from the Canyon comes to Geelong for the first time since its inception in 2022.
Featuring renowned Australian singers and musicians such as Husky Gawenda, Dan Kelly, Charm of Finches, Hannah Cameron, Stephen Grady and Dan Challis, Songs from the Canyon is centred around the music that emerged from counterculture hotspot Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles during the 60s and 70s.
From Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash
and Carole King to the Beach Boys, the Byrds and the Mamas & the Papas, the show hearkens back to a golden age where vocal harmonies reigned and music had the power to change the world.
Gawenda, the show’s musical director as well as performer, has toured the world with hisbandHusky,openedforartistssuchasNeil Young and won international songwriting competitions.
He said performing Songs from the Canyon alongsidehisfellowartistswasa“transcendent experience”.
“I’veneverhadanexperiencelikethisbefore
Man, I feel like a woman
It’s up to Geelong to decide the queen of country music as ‘Man, I Feel Like A Woman’ coming to the city next month.
Amber Joy Poulton will perform hits from Shania Twain, Linda Ronstadt, Tammy WynetteandOliviaNewton-Johnfrom7.30pm at the Geelong Arts Centre on May 1.
Ambersaidherjobwastoshinealightonthe careers, songs and life stories of musical icons to her band, The Governing Bodies, to induct oneofthemtothefictitiousQueensofCountry Music Hall of Fame.
“I’m just so proud of them and what they were able to achieve in their own lifetimes, careers, and genres with their personal drama’s going on in their lives,” she said.
“The show’s got both the tongue in the cheek (feel) that we love as well as a great respect for these women in music and it all comes down to a vote from the audience.”
Viewers can sing along to favourites like ‘Just One Look’, ‘Stand By Your Man’, ‘If You’re Not In It For Love’, and of course, ‘Man, I Feel Like A Woman’.
Amber said she had “a lot of enjoyment” and an “immense amount of admiration” in performing hits by the powerhouse women.
“Getting out there on stage when their worlds were sometimes, falling apart is so braveandsuchatriumphforwomeninmusic,” she said. “Once all the beans are spilt, the audience get to vote with the power of their applause who their favourite queen is. So far, it’sbeendifferentinallthetownswe’vetoured.”
Visit Geelong Arts Centre’s website for tickets.
Jena Carr
Amber Joy Poulton will perform hits from four female country music greats. (Supplied)
performing,” he said. “There are some songs where all seven of us are singing together at once… I’m surrounded by these incredible singers, we’re singing some of the best harmony songs ever written in these beautiful theatres… it’s an experience beyond words.
“And I really feel that reflected from the audience, too. I can feel that they’re having that same experience.”
Gawenda said from the beginning Song from the Canyon’s central premise was an “ambitious enterprise”, given the quality of the artists whose material made up the show.
“They are some of the greatest songs of
all time, performed by some of the greatest singers and musicians of all time,” he said.
“Thevoices,theharmonies,arealwaysatthe fore, and that’s probably the most challenging part of the show… so a lot of work goes into that.
“Before we started, I was not sure that we’d be able to do it, but I wasn’t prepared to do it unless we were really doing these songs and artists justice.”
Songs from the Canyon is at Geelong Arts Centre on Thursday, April 24. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets or more information.
CONTACT
LOCATION
A boost for the arts
By Cr Elise Wilkinson
The Ocean Grove Film Society is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when locals with a shared interest band together to pursue a common goal.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the society’s launch and it was remarkable to see everyone gathered for their shared love of film.
The society is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led initiativewhich,initsinfancy,hasalreadydone a tremendous job working together to make its idea a reality.
This financial year, the society secured a $10,000 City of Greater Geelong Community Grant to purchase a state-of-the-art projector and sound equipment for film screenings.
Thegrantalsoenabledthesocietytopurchase essential administrative items including payment systems, advertising, insurance and membership with the Federation of Victorian Film Societies.
I’m proud that council is supporting community groups like Ocean Grove Film Society in their formative years to build strong connections in our community.
The society has already forged ties with established organisations to bolster support, teaming up with the Bellarine Training and Community Hub to host its screenings.
Inclusivity is at the group’s core and the community hub offers an accessible space for everyone to come and enjoy a film.
It’s a fantastic outcome that means film buffs on the peninsula no longer need to travel into central Geelong to enjoy a night at the movies.
I look forward to seeing the society continue to draw more crowds for a night at the movies in Ocean Grove.
Our appreciation for arts runs deep in the Bellarine.
If you consider yourself a lover of arts, council would like to hear from you to help shape our Public Art Strategy 2025.
Thenewstrategywillhelpshapethefutureof public art in Geelong over the coming decade, including everything from murals through to monuments and sculptures.
We are seeking the community’s input to deliver a range of diverse outcomes that excite and inspire our community and visitors to the region, reflecting Geelong’s identity as a UNESCO City of Design.
I was fortunate to attend a community workshop in at our Wurriki Nyal civic precinct earlier this month where artists and creatives shared their thoughts on the strategy.
More than 40 people attended, which goes to show how engaged our region is with the arts.
This is why it’s imperative that we consult our community on this strategy.
You still have one more week to submit your thoughts via the online survey before feedback closes at 5pm, Sunday 27 April.
Toshareyourthoughts,visit: yoursay.geelongaustralia. com.au/publicartstrategy
Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinson. (supplied)
Counselling and behaviour support for positive change
Emotionalwell-beingandbehaviouralstability are important for adults and children alike, and for the general community and people withdisabilities.
Many individuals face challenges that stem from disability, past experiences, emotional struggles, or difficulty managing behaviours. Counselling, play therapy, and behaviour support are kinds of allied health that can assist.
Counsellingoffersasafespaceforindividuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences, helping them gain insight into how these factors influence their behaviour. It allowsindividualstoexpressthemselvesfreely, processdifficultemotions,anddevelophealthy copingskills.
Behaviour support focuses on practical strategies to encourage positive changes in daily life. Individuals can learn better ways to navigate their environment, manage their reactions,andfosterhealthierinteractionswith others.
Counselling and behaviour support can work in tandem to help individuals develop coping skills and enhance relationships and dailyfunctioning.
Play therapy and behaviour support
Play therapy and behaviour support can play a crucial role in fostering emotional and behaviouralwell-being.
Play therapy can be particularly beneficial for children and individuals with cognitive or developmental challenges, creating a safe and engaging way to express emotions, process experiences,anddevelopsocialskills.
Through structured play activities, individuals can communicate their thoughts and feelings in a comfortable way. This therapeutic approach is especially effective in
helping individuals who struggle with verbal expressionorhaveexperiencedtrauma.
Play therapy can form part of a behaviour support intervention designed to increase positive behavioural changes and reduce challengingbehaviours.
By implementing structured interventions
tailored to an individual’s specific needs, behaviour support helps individuals develop effective coping mechanisms and social interaction skills. It promotes independence and self-regulation, which are essential for successfulday-to-dayliving.
Barwon OT provides allied health services
(occupationaltherapy,psychology,counselling, social work, play therapy, dietetics) to the general community and individuals and familiesaffectedbydisabilities.
Call 0490 972 201, or visit barwonoccupationaltherapy.com
Far left: Play therapist Dani can help through structured play activities.
Dilkie is a counsellor and helps individuals develop coping skills and enhance relationships and daily functioning.
Shopping local in the Grove
It was a nice day on Tuesday for shopping local and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took to The Terrace to see who was there.
Below: Andy and Shannan Bruce with sons Sidney and Louis.
Right: Guy and Cathy Mahar.
Greta Mawbey and Candace Smith.
Linda (left), and Leah Spiteri and Tony Baltar (above).
Left: Jude and John Clements with their granddaughter Sammi. Centre: Lisa Sofoulis and daughter Abby. Right: Judy Jefferies (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 471644
Season of rich flavours and cosy indulgence
When winter rolls in over Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, the vineyards take on a quiet, mystical charm.
The crowds of summer may have thinned, but for true wine lovers, this is the season that reveals the Bellarine’s soul. Crisp sea air, misty mornings,andcracklingfireplacessetthescene for an immersive tasting experience - welcome to Winter Wine on the Bellarine.
A cooler climate, a richer pour
The Bellarine Peninsula is known for its maritime climate, and in winter, the cool conditions slow down the ripening process of grapes, deepening their complexity. This region produces some of Victoria’s finest cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Gris. Winter is the perfect time to experience these wines at theirexpressivebest-withboldredsandoaked whites taking centre stage.
Wineries like Scotchmans Hill, Oakdene, Jack Rabbit, and Leura Park are open year-round, offering tastings of their seasonal releases alongside hearty winter fare. Whether you’re into a peppery Shiraz or a buttery, barrel-aged Chardonnay, winter on the Bellarine is a masterclass in balance and body.
Fireside tastings and cellar door charm
There’s something magical about sipping wine beside a roaring fire, and Bellarine cellar doors lean into that magic with cosy, intimate settings. Many offer indoor tastings with sweeping views of the peninsula’s wintry landscapes - all mist-covered hills and rugged coastline.
white wine, or a charcuterie board heavy with cured meats and warm, crusty bread.
Off the beaten track
Winter also offers the perfect excuse to explore the smaller, lesser-known vineyards that dot the Bellarine’s back roads. These boutique producers may not have the size or fame of theirbiggercounterparts,buttheyoftendeliver unique varietals, experimental blends, and deeply personal stories.
Places like Banks Road Vineyard, Yes Said The Seal, and Terindah Estate each bring something different to the table, whether it’s minimal-intervention winemaking or a coastal vineyard stroll between tastings.
Make a weekend of it
A winter wine tour of the Bellarine isn’t something to rush. Fortunately, the region offers plenty of charming accommodation options-fromvineyardstaystoseasidecottages -makingitidealforaromanticweekendescape or a laid-back road trip with friends.
Wakeuptomistyvineyardviews,spendyour days hopping cellar doors, and your nights wrapped in blankets under the stars with a glass of red in hand. It’s the kind of winter getaway that feels luxurious without the need for extravagance.
Winter food pairings
Some venues go further, hosting winter wine events, from winemaker dinners to live acoustic sessions in the barrel room. These are unhurried experiences, where you can talk to the people behind the wine and explore limited releases that often don’t make it past the cellar door.
LEURA PARK ESTATE
Artisan wines without compromise
• Sensational setting
• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare
• Live Music Sundays
• Wine Tastings
• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm
1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au
12606035-SN21-23
Winter on the Bellarine isn’t just about wine - it’s about what goes with it. The peninsula is home to incredible local produce, and wineries
FLYING BRICK CIDER CO
Funky, Fabulous, Fun.
• Landmark Bellarine venue
• Innovative space
• Delicious food
• 100% naturally crafted ciders
• Luxurious grounds & vineyard
• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au
12606701-KG21-23
often pair their pours with seasonal dishes like slow-cooked lamb, creamy mushroom risottos, and rich, local cheeses. The cool weather is perfect for indulgent pairings that elevate both the food and the wine.
Many cellar doors offer winter-specific menus, turning a simple tasting into a long, lazy lunch. Think local mussels steamed in
JACK RABBIT VINEYARD
• Iconic Bellarine winery
• Unrivalled panoramic views
• Contemporary a la carte
• Sophisticated wines
• Lunch / Wine Tastings
• OPEN 7 Days
85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
12606706-RR21-23
Final sip Winter on the Bellarine is for those who love their wine with depth, their meals with warmth, and their weekends with a touch of rustic elegance. It’s about slowing down, diving deep into flavour, and discovering what makes this coastal wine region a year-round gem. So grab your coat, round up your favourite people, and follow the scent of oak and spice to the Bellarine - where winter is just another reason to raise a glass.
THE RANGE
@CURLEWIS
Finesse your form or just for fun.
• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks
• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages
• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails
• OPEN 7 days
1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au
David and Lyndsay Sharp at Leura Park. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 212807
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors
7 years ago
April 25 to May 8, 2018
Ocean Grove’s new Commonwealth Games silver medallist was told he’d never walk normally again after a freak accident playing American football.
Martin Jackson, an arborist at the City of Greater Geelong, allowed himself one day to process his thoughts and then immediately set about figuring out what sport he could try next.
COMMUNITY
OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU
5 years ago
April 22 to May 5, 2020
Anzac Day services across the country have been cancelled, but local RSL sub-branches are encouraging Australians to remember our fallen Diggers on Saturday.
Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch secretary Richard Lewis said locals can still reflect on the meaning of Anzac Day despite there being no public services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
3 years ago
April 22 to May 5, 2022
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews officially opened the new $20 million Curlewis Clubhouse and Accommodation facility on Wednesday.
The premier joined Bellarine MP Lisa Neville for a tour of the complex and a meeting with Curlewis staff and local business and community leaders before speaking to invited guests and participatinginaribboncuttingceremony.
1 year ago
April 19 to May 2, 2024
Portarlington residents continue to push for answers – and solutions – over a newly constructed intersection on Portarlington Road.
The intersection, at the corner of Point Richards, Batman and Portarlington roads, has been upgraded due to a housing development that will see 300 homes built adjacent to roads.
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Destash market
Sunday April 27, 8.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington. Gold coin entry, indoor venue.
Social Sunday
Portarlington Neighbourhood House, Sunday April 27, 3pm-6pm, Parkview Room, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington. Drinks and snacks available for purchase, live music, free entry.
Bellarine Historical Society Inc. Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. 1st & 3rd Sundays, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.
Ann, 0407 234 541
Ocean Grove Library
School holiday programs: see website for details and bookings
Thursdays 3-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs
Mondays 10.30-11.30am Preschool story time
Tuesdays 4-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)
Wednesdays 9.30-10am Toddler Time Thursdays 11.30-11.50am Baby Time Thursdays 4-5pm Play with OSMOs
Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.
Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976
The Big Read Motivate and deepen your reading, focused
Chess clubs
For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.
Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)
reading of classics - books that have stood the test of time beginning with George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’ (free to download). Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.
Paul, 0425 110 792
Barefoot bowls
Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and
Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.
5258 1150
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809
Bellarine Highway, Saturday April 19, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben.
0419 463 306
Live music
Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
Ocean Grove Soft Tennis
Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30pm-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.
Megan, 0439 317 344
CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of
the month.
Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Carpet bowls
Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday from 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea.
0400 500 402
Scottish country dancing classes
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.
Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
Tuesday: 1pm, snooker, chess, indoor bowls. Wednesday: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500.
Fortnightly CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585 Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.
Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372
Out and about
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took advantage of the glorious weather on Tuesday to see who was out and about at Ocean Grove main beach.
1/ Alex and Scott Foley with their children Ella and George. 2/ Laura Plant with her daughter Isla and friend Fran Cornford. 3/ Lucy before hitting the waves. 4/ Ron Tabone. 5/ Jason Barker checking out the surf. 6/ Rachael Ewert with daughter Tully and friend Lynita Taylor. 7/ Greg and Karina Costaras. 8/ Sarah and Pat Kennedy with their son William. 9/ Colin Armstrong with his granddaughter Georgia. 10/ Warren Girvan on his way for a surf. 11/ Mark and Gabby. 12/ Skye McCormick with Tippy, Elyse Allen and Jade O’Callaghan with her son Dusty. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 471645
Living with a brain injury
Leopold’s Kirsten Macdonald recently won the international Literary Titan Book Award for her second poetry collection, Orphic Wonder. Jena Carr speaks with the poet and mother about her book and experience living with an acquired brain injury.
Kirsten Macdonald, 48, is a fun-loving mother and poet, but what many people may not see is a person living with an acquired brain injury.
In 2012, the Leopold woman underwent a craniotomy, which is the surgical removal of part of the skull, to treat a life-threatening aneurysm (abnormal swelling or bulge in a blood vessel wall) in her brain.
“I remember going in that morning and laying on the gurney and one of them were testing out the medical equipment and they started up the saw,” she said.
“It hadn’t occurred to me until that moment that I was actually going to have my head cut open. All I wanted to do was jump out of that bed... It was like a horror movie to think of somebody doing that.
“Despite all that, I came out of surgery okay. Therearesomepeoplethatgoinandhavethese typesofsurgeriesthatcomeoutasacompletely different person or don’t come out at all.”
Following the surgery, Kirsten had to go through intensive rehabilitation to learn to walk again and adapt to a world without her sight.
“I do have a weird way of looking at things. I remember thinking, ‘I’ve never been blind before. This will be interesting’ and I decided to go with it and see what happens,” she said.
“I had to learn how to make a coffee in the morning without burning myself, make my kids breakfast, and feel my way around.
“Within about five days, my hearing became almost bionic. It doesn’t happen to everyone that’s blind, but it can happen.
‘‘ Extreme life events can crack open something in us. It’s scary, it’s uninvited, but it can also lead to profound transformation and deeper understanding ’’
- Kirsten Macdonald
“I could hear a conversation down the other end of the ward. My husband took me for a walk one day around the block on my little walker, and I heard a mouse.
“I felt like Spiderman with these spidey senses, so no one could creep up on you and it was fascinating as it took away all the visual information.”
Kirsten’svisionwouldreturnsuddenlyabout five months later, but her challenges were not over when a second aneurysm was discovered in 2015.
“The idea of not seeing my kids smile was really hard and it was amazing that I got to see that again. My life’s never going to be the same again because it all feels different,” she said.
“I craved colour. I didn’t know you could crave colour, and I remember that when I got my vision back, I went for a walk to Ocean Grove beach and took in the sunrise.
“A couple of years later, I went in to do a regular scan, and this big aneurysm was there, which was inoperable.
“They gave me three days to decide what to do as doctors had this brand-new surgery that they could do. So, through your arteries, they could put a little stent up through your heart into your brain.
“It was very risky, but doctors said that if I didn’t do that, they didn’t expect me to make it to Christmas. I’ve got three kids, so that was a hard decision to make.
“The surgery went ahead, and I was home within a few days... but doctors came back and said that the surgery didn’t work and that there was nothing more they could do: go and enjoy (what time was left).
“They didn’t know how much time I had; it could be tomorrow or five years. That was in
2015, and I am still here. What’s happened since then is that the aneurysm started to stabilise a little bit.
“That doesn’t mean I have less of a chance of a rupture, but I’ve defied the odds before, and I’ve been very blessed.”
Ten years later, Kirsten has released two poetry collections under the pen name KB Eliza, with her second book, Orphic Wonder, receivingtheinternationalLiteraryTitanBook Award.
The award acknowledges writers who push the boundaries of language, expression and form, and Kirsten said she was shocked to be honoured in that way.
“There is an element of bravery to writing poetry, but it’s also powerful, as there could be somebody out there with whom it resonates and impacts in some way,” she said.
“What I love about it the most is how to express something in a way that’s not normally expressed and find the words to convey what the heart is feeling.
“When the first book came out, I didn’t tell anybody about it. Only three or four people knew that I was doing it, and I just loved the concept of being anonymous.”
Kirsten said that one of the hardest poems to write, which is featured in her latest book, was called ‘The Postman is a Stranger’ and detailed the value people held in beauty.
“Before I went into surgery, I was a size eight with really long red hair, but afterwards, I was on different medications and stuff like that, and I was blind, so I couldn’t see myself,” she said.
“The next time I saw myself when my vision just turned on, I was about a size 16 with no hair, but my body was healing, which was the main thing.
“My postie came to the door one day, and when I answered the door, he asked, ‘Where’s Kirsten?’. I said, ‘It’s me’, and he was like, ‘Oh my God, what happened to you?’.
“I just remember feeling like someone had punched me, and it was interesting how many people were affected by what I looked like.
“That really opened my eyes to how much people value beauty, normal brains and all that stuff. It might sound silly, but in a lot of ways it was a blessing because I got to walk in all these different shoes.”
Kirsten said she has been very lucky as she has been able to see her three kids grow up,
with one of them getting married and having kids of their own.
“We all carry a responsibility to make the world more accessible - but being neurodiverse or not fully able-bodied is not ‘less than’,” she said.
“Living with an acquired brain injury has since become a part of my neurodiverse journey,offeringbothprofoundchallengesand unexpected insights.
“Extreme life events can crack open something in us. It’s scary, it’s uninvited, but it can also lead to profound transformation and deeper understanding.
“In my experience, people with neurodiverse minds and a different ability often offer refreshing, original perspectives that challenge the status quo in brilliant ways.
“What really seems to be resonating with readers, and has been reflected in the literary award, are themes around women’s lived experiences, neurodiversity, and challenging the beauty myth.
“These are the threads I’m most passionate about weaving through my work. I’d love to see the stigma around neurodiversity and disability softened, if not erased altogether.”
Leopold poet Kirsten Macdonald. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which college team did the UConn Huskies defeat to win the 2025 NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship?
2. Which two college teams faced off in the final of the 2025 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament?
3. Australian Olympic bronze medallist
Matthew Denny recently threw which object 72.07m, the fifth-longest throw in history?
4. Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia recently signed a three-year deal with which California-based NFL team?
5. Washington Capitals ice hockey player Alex Ovechkin recently scored his 895th NHL goal, breaking the record set by which former player?
Former Melbourne United basketballer
Matthew Dellavedova recently agreed to a multi-year deal with which NBL team?
In France recently, a parachutist became entangled in a stadium roof, delaying the start of what sport?
Mac Andrew plays for which AFL club?
Australian golfer Marc Leishman won the 2025 edition of which LIV Golf tournament?
10. Taylor Jenkins was most recently head coach for which NBA team?
11. Which club recently fielded the oldest team in AFL history?
12. Name the object hit back and forth in badminton.
13. Name the super rugby team based in Queensland.
14. Is a netball hoop shorter, taller or the same height as a basketball hoop?
15. In which 2009 film did Mike Tyson have a cameo as himself?
16. Which classic AFL song forms the basis of Derby County Football Club’s anthem Steve Bloomer’s Watchin’?
17. Which AFLW coach will step down after the upcoming season, having led their team to two premierships?
18. Daria Kasatkina recently won her first tennis match representing Australia, having played for which country previously?
19. Tom Sermanni is currently the interim coach of which Australian national team?
20. Name the two Formula One teams owned by Red Bull GmbH.
21. Which AIHL team will play their home games out of AIS Arena in the 2025 season?
22.In metres, how far away from the dartboard is the oche?
23. A twizzle is a move in which sport?
24. When did karate get added to the summer Olympics program?
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
RocheAccounting 52562764
ANTENNAS
ArrowAntennas 0439785703
KendallAntennaServices 0404019781
AUTOMOTIVE
AutoCareOceanGrove(Repco) 52551045
GardinerAutomotive 52555380
BUILDING DESIGNERS
MichaelHigginsBuildingDesign 52553355
BUTCHERS
Benno’sMeatingPlace 52541828
CHIMNEY SWEEPS
A1ChimneySweep&Co 0426897479
25. Which sport is prominent in the TV show One Tree Hill?
26. In what year did Lauren Jackson make her national team debut?
27. Aurelio Vidmar coaches which A-League men’s team?
28. How many laps is the Formula One Japan Grand Prix?
29. What is the nickname of Pittsburgh’s MLB team?
30.Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose made up which former WWE faction?
CONVEYANCING
VinesConveyancing 52554480
CLEANING AND LAUNDRY
AussieCleaning&Laundry 0430215264
DENTAL
DrysdaleDentureServices
RyanDavies 52511683
OceanGroveDentureServices
RyanDavies 52554533
ELECTRICIAN
GavinBurnettElectrical 0467554941
Lauren Jackson
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Attribute (6)
4 Castigate (8)
9 Rodeo ropes (7)
11 Lighthearted (7)
12 Connection (11)
13 Hearing organ (3)
14 Royal family member (8)
16 Doorkeeper (5)
19 Follower of a Jamaican religion related to reggae music (5)
20 Masters (8)
22 Obtain (3)
24 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)
26 Fears (7)
27 Sewer entrance (7)
29 Salad additive (8)
30 Writing desk (6)
DOWN
1 Unwell (3)
2 Paintings of people (9)
3 Feudal lord (5)
5 Genetic mixture (6)
6 Measurements, – of sugar (9)
7 Idiotic (5)
8 Bold undertakings (11)
10 Meagre (6)
12 Describes a legally protected creative work (11)
15 Ultimate winners (9)
17 Astrological prediction (9)
18 Large bottle of wine (6)
21 Place of confinement (6)
23 Laconic (5)
25 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
28 Australian bird (3)
Using the nine
be included and each letter may only be used
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is the science of epigraphy?
2 Mike Myers (pictured) shares his name with the antagonist from which horror franchise?
3 In which year was the element barium first isolated?
4 Which famous politician said, 'In the twinkling of an eye, I found myself without an office, without a seat, without a party, and without an appendix'?
5 What song does Annie Lennox sing in the 1991 film Edward II?
6 How many kilometres is the diameter of the Earth’s moon?
7 What breed of dog was the original Greyfriars Bobby?
8 Which scale is used to measure the spiciness of chilli peppers?
9 Hyson is used to make which kind of drink?
10 Who was known as 'The Champion' in English Test cricket?
No. 265
No. 233
Big brother gives Prado a lift
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
TheprideoftheToyotaSUVparade,thePrado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain mated to a new eight speed automatic shifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL,VX,AltitudeandKakadu–allfeaturing the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Withthestifferladder-frameunderpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providing more cabin space.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at $87,400, while the off-road focused Altitude ($92,700)issecondonlytotheflagshipKakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicingforthefirst10servicesoversix-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease through Toyota Finance Australia.
Styling
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keep clear of potential damage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatic high beam and auto-levelling.
Interior
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs a home but why build it such a quirky corner.
To accommodate this, the third row of seats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate.
Toyota’ssolutionistofillthegapwithaskinny removable storage box with lid that takes shoppingbagsthreeabreast.Itmakesforquite a lift to load and unload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-row seats to tumble forward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row folded as well.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyre pressure monitor.
Infotainment
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls.OnhandarewirelessAppleCarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/ DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
Engines/transmissions
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
Safety
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomousemergencybrakingpre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera,
along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
Driving
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspension The braking and steering systems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
Summary
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past. (Pictures: Supplied)
Dees beat Grubbers in round two
Portarlington defeated Ocean Grove by 19 points at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday April 12 and Justin Flynn was there to take these pics.
Daniel Riosa is chased by Cameron Fowler.
Kye Annand gets front position over Ethan Hughes. Nathan Down shows some skill on the wing.
Brady Pritchard sends Ocean Grove into attack.
Hugo Walsh and Tom Gillett battle it out.
Nick Lane takes a strong grab.
Left: Mitch Ward is tackled by Zac Kos. Centre: Scott Greenhough sinks the boot in. Right: Harry Sedgman finds plenty of space out of defence. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 468732
Teia Miles gains possession.
Grove too good for Demons
Ocean Grove had its first home game of the new season and defeated Portarlington at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday April 12. Justin Flynn was there to see the A Grade game unfold.
Amanda O’Malley has slotted into the Grubbers’ defence nicely, and below, Gemma Bell with the ball.
Hannah Branson looks to get the ball back into play.
Georgia Ryan with the ball while Madeline Casey puts some pressure on.
Gemma Bell tries to work her way through Port’s defence.
Left: Arlee Bennett tries to gain possession while Lauren Wood is hoping for a mistake. Centre: Arlee Bennett at full stretch. Right: Emily Moroney was lively as always. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 468731
Georgia Ryan passes to Arlee Bennett.
Tyler McLeish passes to Isabella Marsh.
Zanna Woods was a constant threat in attack.
Trio new state champs
By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove’s Tyson Comie is the new bowls state champion, capping off what has been an incredible12monthsforhimandtheclub.
The Grovers won the Saturday Premier and Division 1 Midweek competitions and fared brilliantly at the State Championships in Bendioearlierthismonth.
Cromie defeated Moonee Valley’s Nathan Lynch 25 to 17 in the final and said his form wasalittle“scratchy”intheearlyrounds.
“I thought my first game was a little bit scratchyandtheninmysecondgame,Istarted offreallyslow,”hesaid.
“I was nine down and looked like I could have been in a bit of trouble and then, I don’t know what it was, but something clicked and I sortofclickedintogearandafterthatIthought I played really well in the rest of that game to win.
“And then the semi-final and the final, I thought I played quite well in both. I was in control for probably 80 percent of the game (thefinal),gotmyselfthatfourorfive(shots)in frontthengotouttoabout10atonepoint.Then he(Lynch)caughthiswaybackandIwaslucky enoughtoholdon.”
Ocean Grove duo Brad Pavey and Peter Loe won the Men’s Pairs competition, defeating
Yarraville-Footscray’s Brett Mahoney and WayneRobertsinthefinal,20to18.
Craig Rippon, Mick West, Alan Drury and Pavey then combined to finish runner-up in theMen’sFours,goingdownbyjusttwoshots.
Cromie said the reason why Ocean Grove continuestowintitlesisits“culture”
“Everyone is so supportive of each other,” he said. “We just want to see the club do well. So it doesn’t matter if it’s me, Matt (Flapper), someone playing Division Nine, someone
playingDivisionSix.
“I think it’s built around that supportive culture and a pretty good management team that’s supportive of the fact that we are a bowls club first and foremost and they put the time andeffortin.”
MeanwhileOceanGroveBarwonHeadsRSL is the Edinburgh Shield Champions 2025 after winningatEchuca.
Notonlydidtheywinthesectionbutbecame theStateChampionsfor2025.
Join the Grubbers for female footy
Ocean Grove Football and Netball Club is welcoming girls of all ages and skill levels to joinitsgrowingfemalefootballprogram.
Whether you’re new to the game or have prior experience, the club offers an inclusive and supportive environment where young women can develop their skills, build lasting friendships,andgrowbothonandoffthefield.
They provide opportunities for girls from all backgroundstoengagewiththesporttheylove. From learning the basics to competing at the highest levels, the club fosters an empowering atmosphere that nurtures personal growth, teamwork,andsportsmanship.
This season, the Grubbers are fielding teams across all three junior age groups: Under 14s, Under 16s, and Under 18s. If you’re a girl born between 2007 and 2013 or know someone who would love to give footy a try, be part of this excitingseason.
Training sessions take place at Ocean Grove Memorial Oval, under the new lights, with differenttimesforeachagegroup: U14s & U16s: Tuesday and Thursday, 5.15pm to6.30pm U18s: Tuesday,6.15pmto7.30pm Contact Ocean Grove Grubbers female footballprogram: Bianca:femalefootyogfnc@gmail.com Followonsocialmedia:@oceangrovefnc Visitwebsite:ogfnc.com.au/
Surf Coast pair gain wildcards
Xavier Huxtable and Carly Shannahan have secured their wildcard spots in the 2025 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The trials for the main event wrapped up in spectacular fashion, as local talent battled for the coveted wildcard spots into the main draw of the World Championship Tour event. The competition was moved to the secondary location of Winkipop which provided punchy right hand waves on which the region’s best up-and-coming surfers could display their surfing.
Previous trials’ winner Tully Wylie (Jan Juc) came out swinging in the early rounds, dominating with his sharp backhand attack. In the semifinals, Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc) brought high-octane power surfing, navigating the challenging conditions with precision and speed. Willis Droomer (Jan Juc) also earned his place in the final, putting on a progressive display together with multiple aerials that kept the judges on their toes.
In the final, Droomer stuck to his strengths, combining a powerful carve into a stylish forehand air reverse for a 6.67 point ride. Huxtable countered with a deep snap into a huge layback, earning a 7.17 point ride and briefly taking the lead. Droomer answered back with two clean air reverses on a single wave to take back the lead.
Huxtablethenpaddledintoasetwave at the top of the peak and unleashed a committed carve followed by another critical layback, sending spray flying and the crowd into a frenzy. The score dropped, an 8.17 point ride, enough to snatch the lead and the win. With a combinedtotalof15.34points,Huxtable claimed the men’s wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach main event.
“It feels amazing to win, I’ve had a good couple of months - just got second with the Torquay Boardriders Club at the ABB, qualified for the Challenger Series and now getting into the event makes it even better,” he said.
“It feels so special to be able to surf against the best and hopefully I’ll go well.”
Among the women, Eva Bassed (Sandy Point) stood out through the early rounds with her ability to read the lineup and pick off the best waves. Meanwhile,CarlyShannahan(Torquay) impressed the judges with her crisp forehand surfing and confidence under pressure.
Inthefinal,Shannahanopenedwitha series of forehand snaps for a 5.17 point ride. She backed it up on a beautifully shaped wave that she tore into with a huge carve and then executed a critical snap to finish, scoring an excellent 8.00 point ride. Sarah Hickson (Rye) began mounting a comeback, locking in a 6.33 pointrideandonlyneedinga6.68asthe clock wound down.
With under a minute to go, Hickson found a wave under Shannahan’s priority and attacked it with two powerful top turns. The beach held its breathasthescoredropped,a6.50point ride.WithHicksoncomingupjustshort itsecuredShannahan’swinandherspot in the main draw.
“It feels amazing to take out the trials, I feel like it’s not even real, maybe I’ll wake up soon,” Shannahan said.
“It’s been such a good day. All my mates came down to watch every heat and heaps of people have been messaging for support so I’m so grateful forthat,it’sjustbeenanepicdaywithan epic result,” she continued.
Ivy, Tayla, Belle, Molly, Harriette (rear), Grace, Kenze and Siena will line up for the Grubbers this season.
lLeft: Molly and Ivy. Centre: Harriette, Tayla and Bele. Right: Belle and Harriette compete for a mark at training. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 472028
Men’s singles state champion Tyson Cromie, and right, Men’s Pairs champions Brad Pavey and Peter Loe. (Pictures: Bowls Victoria)
Grove unbeaten after two rounds
By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove is showing no signs of a premiership hangover, racing to consecutive wins to open the Bellarine Netball League A Grade season.
The Grubbers posted a 53-goal win against Modewarre in round 1 and brushed aside Portarlington 64 to 26 on Saturday.
And while Ocean Grove will face better teams than the Warriors and Demons this season, coach Mel Holmes has been pleased with her side’s start.
An impressive Ocean Grove applied full-court pressure on Port from the outset to race to a 19 to 6 lead at the first break.
“That’s something we’ve been working on at training having obviously the two bigs (defenders Georgia Berry and Amanda O’Malley) in there was something different,” Holmes said.
“I thought they executed what we’ve been practising into the game really well. That was our plan so I was happy to see that.”
Holmes made regular rotations given the unseasonably warm conditions at Ray Menzies Oval courts, but this Grove looks fit and able to run out games in any weather.
“They’re fit, they’re running and all that sort of stuff, so it’s sort of not an issue,” Holmes said.
“It’s kind of now just keeping their fitness obviously. But it’s that working together for each other that’s most important. We don’t do heaps and heaps of fitness on Thursday nights, because I (already) expect that they are fit.
“They know we have to use training to work on team stuff.”
Courtney Leith was named best for Ocean Grove in her role in midcourt while defenders Berry and O’Malley made scoring difficult for Port.
“She’s a great addition,” Holmes said of former Werribee Centrals champion O’Malley.
“The girls love having her and Courtney on the right, I thought she was our best.”
Ocean Grove takes on Anglesea on Easter Saturday.
“I think they’ve probably got a young team,” Holmes said.
“They’ve got young girls coaching, I think so for us, early in the season with changes to teams, you don’t really know what to expect.
Anglesea looks quite different on paper. I know a couple of them, but we will just focus on ourselves. It’s later in the year when you’ve played all the teams that you get a feel on where everyone is at.”
Drysdale defeated Modewarre by 28 goals with Paige McGrath starring at wing defence and Grace Hunt doing well at goal attack.
Geelong Amateur got off to a fast start against Anglesea and eased away to a 30-goal win with Georgia Duncan on fire in the middle.
An 11 goal to four last quarter allowed Queenscliff to post a 14-goal win against Barwon Heads with goal keeper Ebony Rolph best on court while the ever reliable Kaitlin Gladman played her role at goal attack.
Despite trailing Torquay by a goal at half-time, Newcomb powered away to an impressive13-goalvictorywithSianMortlock good in attack.
Slick and skilful Demons prove too good for Grubbers
After a great win at Modewarre in round one, Ocean Grove was completely outplayed by a slicker and more skilful Portarlington at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday April 12.
Portarlington’s assured ball use and ability to regularly hit the scoreboard shone out with former AFL player Connor Menadue slotting through six goals.
Ocean Grove improved after half-time, but the Demons recorded an impressive 11.10(76) to 7.15(57) victory.
“We by no means underestimated the opposition,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.
“They brought the pressure we expected and played a refined style of game. I’m sure at times the pressure affected our disposal, but far too oftenwithnopressure,wemadepoordecisions or used it by hand and foot below the level we would have liked.”
In very warm conditions, Port looked the bettersideearlyevenwithMitchWardkeeping the dangerous Teia Miles in check.
Big man Scott Greenhough was a constant aerial threat and Menadue was able to weave his magic.
“We spoke before the game that if we were too focussed on one or two of their top-end players, others would get off the chain and I thoughtourguysdidaterrificjobinrespecting their opponents all day,” Farrell said.
“At times we lacked pressure on the ball going in that gave Menadue a better than 50/50 look at it and that’s not fair on our defenders.”
The Demons took a 20-point lead into half-time and Ocean Grove was struggling in attack, scoring only two majors for the half.
“Port have, clearly over the last few years, continued to add some players to their list that are exceptional ball users,” Farrell said.
“There’s so much space on our home deck thatifyoukickitwellyoucanreallybreakopen a game (and) they did more of that than us.”
The Grubbers booted four goals to one in the final term to run out the game well, but the damage had already been done.
“There’s no doubt our players are clear on
how we would like to play and what our good footy looks like,” Farrell said.
“We didn’t play like that enough but we spoke quickly after the game about it not being a game we need to review in great depth as everyone there could see where the game was won and lost. There’s some clear areas we need to focus on and work hard at.”
Despite the loss, there were areas that Farrell was happy with. Just not enough of them.
“Some really great link up by hand was a highlight for the day,” he said.
“It was a super quick game and I don’t think anyone would have noticed we were down a couple of rotations for half a game, the way our guys ran out the day. They are really fit and couldn’t be prouder of the work they have done to get themselves in that kind of shape.”
The Grubbers now turn their attention to Anglesea on Easter Saturday.
“They’ve (Anglesea) become a real force of
the competition and with every week as the sample size of games becomes larger, we get a clearer picture of where we are at and where our improvement will continue to come from,” Farrell said.
Playing coach Nick Bourke will spend an extended time on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in round one. Farrell said he was hopeful Bourke would be available in round seven after the bye.
Unbeaten Newcomb looks like being the surprise package, condemning reigning premierTorquaytoawinlessstart.JackDukeis set for another big season with five majors with the Power winning by 18 points.
Barwon Heads had to dig deep to defeat an impressive Queenscliff by six points. James Sydall was best while wingman Finn Cornell played well. Lachie Kidd was the Coutas’ best.
Geelong Amateur is the early season flag favouriteaftera25-pointwinagainstAnglesea.
Charlie Green was best while Lara recruit Mitch Day snagged five goals.
An accurate Drysdale booted 20.8 to defeat Modewarre by 75 points. Lachlan Nellis kicked two goals and was best and Tom Ruggles kicked four.
The Ocean Grove vs Portarlington reserves match was called off early due to an injury to Grubbers’ player Luke Devlin. Devlin was knocked unconscious, but has since been released from hospital and is doing well. It is the second week in a row Portarlington has had its reserves game cut short. Ocean Grove was in front at time and because the incident happened after half-time, will receive the four points. Neither Port or Barwon Heads received any points for the round one game as an injury to Baxter Stephenson occurred before half-time.
Justin Flynn
Left: Mitch Turnbull goes for the mark while Jackson Stephenson tries to punch the ball away. Right: Jesse Hunter flies high. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 468732
Georgia Ryan and Courtney Leith were named Ocean Grove’s best players. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 468731
Georgia Ryan passes while Tully Bethune stands guard and Amanda O’Malley watches on.
