INSIDE THIS EDITION… SKIING FOR THE COTTAGE, PAGE 6
27 JUNE - 10 JULY, 2025
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Grove grabs brave victory
(Justin Flynn) 485656_12
Campbell Snookes’ action in this photograph typified the never say die attitude that Ocean Grove displayed on Saturday against last year’s runners-up Anglesea. Snookes desperately tries to hold on with a tackle despite not being in the best position. In a way it mirrored his side’s day. Staring at a 10th consecutive defeat and against a high calibre opponent, the Grubbers started brilliantly, but by late in the third term, Anglesea closed the gap to two points and most thought they would run away with it. But like Snookes in the photo, Grove not only withstood the pressure, but thrived on it. The end result was a 41-point win at Ray Menzies Oval with a promising youth policy starting to come to fruition. There will be more losses to come, but for now, perhaps Saturday’s game will be known as the line in the sand that the team finally made. For more pictures, see page 21 and for the match report and interviews, see page 23.
Progress on pool Drysdale’s 25-metre indoor pool will be open by late 2027 after design plans for Stage Two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre were released. Stage Two of the aquatic centre builds on the 50-metre outdoor pool, with a 25-metre indoor pool and warm water exercise pool in a dedicated pool hall, along with a gym, two group fitness rooms and a cafe. Both new pools will offer ramps for easy entry and exit. City of Greater Geelong has now gone out to market for a construction tender, with submissions now being evaluated. A recommendation will be made to council on a preferred head contractor to build the facility.
How the North Bellarine pool will look after Stage 2 completion. (Supplied)
The City expects the centre will be ready for community use in late 2027, allowing for swimming, fitness classes, learn-to-swim programs and warm water therapy. “It is exciting to see the great work of
the Project Control Group, who have come together to oversee and guide the development of an exceptional indoor aquatic facility for our Bellarine community,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said. “The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been very popular within our local community so far over the warmer months, and I know many locals are looking forward to enjoying an even bigger and better facility that will be open year-round.” The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributing up to $300,000. “This project has been driven by the
North Bellarine community, and I’m so pleased to see it take another big step forward,” Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said. “Stage Two will deliver year-round access to vital health and wellbeing facilities – including warm water therapy, learn-to-swim programs, and fitness spaces.” “We’re proud to reach this significant milestone on our long-term plan to provide better aquatic facilities for residents on the Bellarine,” Murradoc Ward councillor Rowan Story said. “It’s exciting to be able to easily visualise how the pool hall, gym and cafe will look inside and how the centre will complement the 50-metre outdoor pool overall.”
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