Ocean Grove Voice - 28th November 2025

Paths one-third done Christmas street party in the Grove

Another 2km of Ocean Grove’s delayed Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) has been completed with more than 16km still togo.

About one-third of the proposed 24.3km PPN has been delivered with the eastern side of Sunset Strip recently finished and EcclesRoadnextontheworksschedule.

The network was initially hoped to be completed by June 2026, but the Special Rates and Charges Scheme allows the City to deliver the project within five years from commencement, with a final completion dateof2028,theCitysaidinMay.

Theannualinfluxofsummertourismwill halttheprojectinmid-Decemberanditwill resumeinearlyFebruary.

Owners of Collendina’s Twelve Sea cafe

KenWallandBridgetMcCluresaidthenew Sunset Strip footpath has been a boost for theirbusiness.

“The footpath has been great for the businessandthearea,ithasenabledpeople towalktothecafefromsurroundingstreets, improved access for elderly and made it a lot safer for pedestrians along the street,” they said. “We have definitely noticed an increase in people walking to the cafe insteadofdriving.

“So many of our customers have commentedonhowgreatitistofinallyhave a footpath that connects from the beach all thewaytoourcafeandthenearbyshopping centreandretirementvillages.”

The PPN met with opposition from some residents when they were initially asked to

payfor50percentofthecosts.

Councileventuallysettledona65/35cost share model which reduced the affected costbyabout$100perratepayer.

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said the new footpaths were makingarealdifferenceforlocals.

“We’re proud to have already delivered about eight kilometres of new footpaths in OceanGrove,”shesaid.

“These paths are helping people move around more safely and easily, whether they’re walking to school, the shops, or just enjoyingtheneighbourhood.”

The next stages for completion are Parma Crescent, Somerdale Avenue and Eccles Road and Bonnyvale Road from Shell Road toPembrokeRoad.

SPECIALISING IN QUALITY VINYL PLANKS AND CARPET RANGES

What began in 2015 as an idea to boost sales leading into Christmas on Ocean Grove’s main shopping street has now turned into a much anticipated annual event.

Christmas in the Grove started as a small concept, but quickly won a place in many locals’ hearts for its vibrant atmosphere, kids activities, food and drink, music and shopping.

Held by Ocean Grove Business Association on The Terrace, the busy thoroughfare will be closed to vehicular traffic from 3.30pm to 8.30pm when the event takes place from 5pm on Wednesday 3 December.

Pictured are Wes Kiddle from Blackman’s Brewery & Burger Bar, Driftwood Cafe’s Ty Simons, RT Edgar’s Cait Merriman, Bendigo Bank’s Zara White and Ross Maglaras, newsXpress’ and event organiser Cathy Staehr, youngsters Summer and Indigo and Lauren Hanson from Lamisaru getting ready for Christmas in the Grove.  For the full story, see page 3.

Grigau elected new mayor

Queenscliff has a new mayor, with Donnie Grigau chosen by his fellow councillors to take the helm.

The Borough of Queenscliffe elected Cr Grigau as mayor for the next year, after he was the only councillor nominated for the role during council’s 26 November meeting.

Cr Grigau said he looked forward to communicating council’s shared decisions while presenting one consistent and respectful voice to the community.

“My commitment is simple; Queenscliff deserves a council that works together and

a mayor that brings people together,” he said.“Myaimistosupportopendiscussion, good governance and decisions guided by evidence and community engagement.”

Cr Grigau said he was excited to take on the role of mayor and hoped to represent the community and council to the best of his abilities.

“Our direction is already set by the borough’s community vision and council plan and will stay focused on delivering what our ratepayers and community has asked of us,” he said.

“This includes protecting and

celebrating our heritage, from Fisherman’s Flat to our maritime and military history, and...ensuring responsible financial management across our work.

“(Italsoincludes)supportingcommunity well-being, including navigating the federal aged care reforms in a way that respects our long tradition of local care.

“And delivering climate and environmental projects, including coastal management, water, planning, weeding, and energy efficiency improvements.”

Cr Grigau will take over as mayor from Cr Di Rule, who was also unanimously

Little Ocean Grove artists put on big show

Local primary students got the chance last week to experience the thrill of exhibiting their art in a real gallery.

Ocean Grove Primary School (OGPS) held its art show at The Hive on Friday 21 November from 4pm to 6pm, with more than 600 contributing students presenting approximately 1000 artworks.

While it has been an annual event at The Hive since 2019, art teacher and event organiser Lyn Stirling enjoyed her first OGPS art show, having joined the school this year.

She praised the students for their efforts

Final

throughout the year, which culminated in the large-scale art show.

“They’ve put in an excellent effort; they’re always trying their best, especially if they’re working on a piece they want to be in the art show,” Ms Stirling said.

“It’s a major event and it’s important for the students to have their artwork seen and appreciated. It’s part of the art process, being able to exhibit and having the opportunity for others to view your work.

“It’s very good of (gallery owners) Karen (Spreadborough) and Will (Wilson) to

open it up for us every year and give the kids a real gallery experience.”

Theworkscoveredawiderangeofmedia including drawings, paintings, collage, sculpture and skate decks, which Ms Stirling said was a deliberate choice.

“Throughout the year I collected one or two pieces from every lesson we did,” she said.

“There’s a hundred kids in each year level, but I didn’t want it to be a hundred of the same thing. I wanted the parents to seeeverythingthatwe’vedonethroughout the year.”

electedasdeputymayorduringthecouncil meeting.

The night also marked the last council meeting for outgoing chief executive Martin Gill, following the early finalisation of his employment contract at the end of November.

“Iwouldliketoacknowledgetheservices over the last six years of Mr Gill, who has made a significant contribution to our community,” Cr Rule said.

“I thank Mr Gill for his efforts and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Swim classic makes a splash

One of the Bellarine’s most popular community events is ready to return forits37thyear.

The Rip View Swim Classic welcomes more than 1000 swimmers - often more than 1500 - each year to Point Lonsdale for an open water swim following the curve of Lonsdale Bay. Early bird registrations are still open for the three events - 600m, 1.4km and 3.8km - until Sunday 30 November.

Hosted by Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) on 29 December, the event is the club’s major annual fundraising event, with the club keen toexpandtheeventinthefuture.

Race director Liam Petrie-Allbutt said the focus moving forward was about growing the event’s profile while maintaining its welcoming, communityspirit.

“This year’s event is about consolidating what makes the event special,”hesaid.

“Over future years, we’re excited to grow participation, involve more community groups, and build an event that truly celebrates the coastline, the town, and the people whomakeitwhatitis.”

The life saving club also plans to work more closely with local organisations, traders and tourism partners, ensuring the swim contributes to the wider Bellarine summereconomy.

Point Lonsdale SLSC president Michael Doery said the swim had an importantrolebeyondthebeach.

“This event brings people to the Bellarine, supports local businesses and strengthens community connection,”hesaid

“As we grow the Rip View Swim Classic over the coming years, we’ll be working closely with local organisations, clubs and tourism partnerstoensuretheeventcontinues tobenefitthewholecommunity.”

book sale for local Oxfam group as it winds up after 50 years

Ocean Grove’s Oxfam group has called it a day after half a century of helping to alleviate poverty and provide humanitarian relief.

At its 50th AGM recently, president and long-timememberLesleyPopeannounced the group will close down at the end of the year. AfinalbooksalewillbeheldonSaturday 29 November from 9am to 1pm at Ocean GroveUnitingChurchHallonthecornerof EgglestonStandTheParade.Asathankyou to its many customers, all books including

new stock will be reduced by 50 per cent from the already heavily discounted marked prices.

The Ocean Grove group was formed 50 years ago by a small band of volunteers to both promote local awareness of the vital workofOxfamandtoraisefundsforOxfam projects.Manyoftheoriginalmembersare still active in the group.

“This important milestone has only been possible due to both our wonderful band of volunteers and the many loyal customers who have supported our book sales over

many years,” Mr Pope said at the group’s final AGM.

More than $200,000 has been raised. A number of different fundraising initiatives were undertaken in the early days. In more recent years the primary focus has been the twice-yearly sales of new and recently published books. These book sales in OceanGroveandBarwonHeadshavebeen the major source of revenue. The books have always been donated, so all proceeds have been forwarded to Oxfam for their immediate use.

Ride centre now underway

Ocean Grove’s $3.5 million District Ride Centre is starting to take shape with constructionbeginningatKingstonPark.

The Ride Centre will accommodate 100 riders at any time and is being built by WorldTrailUnitTrust.

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise WilkinsonwasjoinedbyOceanGroveBike Park committee members Julian Toscano, Megan McKnight and Rachael Thomas to turn the first sod following a smoking ceremony, conducted by Wadawurrung TraditionalOwnerMelindaKennedy.

The long-awaited district ride centre is set to open to the public in mid-2026 and

will boast multiple jump lines catering for beginner to advanced riders and an asphalt pump track, accessible to a range of wheeled uses including mountain bikes, BMXandscooters.

Councillor Wilkinson said she was excited to see the project reach such an excitingmilestone.

“Council is proud to invest $3.5 million into this industry-leading, flagship riding facility for local and visiting riders,” she said.

“The Ocean Grove District Ride Centre is driven by community demand and shaped by local voices - we thank residents and

riders for ensuring this project became a reality.”

The layout and features bring together ideas and feedback raised during community consultation and by the CommunityReferenceGroup.

The ride centre’s landscape design aims to protect the park’s surrounding remnant landscape conservation zones and will integrate local provenance indigenous plant species. By adopting this design approach, the project hopes to ensure ecological resilience, enhance local Bellarine Peninsula biodiversity and celebratelong-termsustainability.

Festive street party returns to Ocean Grove

By Jena Carr

A vibrant street party is returning to Ocean Grove next week for a day of festive activities,musicandfood.

Ocean Grove Business Association will host its popular Christmas in the Grove event along The Terrace from 5pm on Wednesday3December.

Event organiser and newXpress owner Cathy Staehr said the free annual event wouldhavesomethingforeveryone.

“We’ve got all sorts of different community groups coming along to do little bits and pieces during the event,”

she said. “People can expect lots of kids’ activities, some yummy food and maybe a glass of wine, with free face painting and Santavisitingaswell,sopeoplewillbeable togetphotoswithSanta.

“We also have about five different buskers coming along, which is going to be brilliant as we’ll have lots of music and locations with a chilled atmosphere, so I’m reallylookingforwardtothat.”

Ms Staehr said the event was a great chance for traders to connect with the communityduringafunnight.

“You bump into people you haven’t seen all year, and you’re chatting with your

Deck the halls with Christmas trees

OceanGroveScoutGroupwillbringfestive cheer to Ocean Grove Park with hundreds of Christmas trees available over two big days.

The 1st and 2nd Ocean Grove Scout Group will sell Christmas trees during their annual fundraiser to help support Joey, Cub, and Scout youth members in participating in events and activities throughouttheyear.

Chairman Ken Harper said the Christmas tree sale was the group’s major fundraiserfortheyearandthatitwasafun timeforallofitsmembers.

“The thing I love the most is seeing people turning up and happy to pick what theywantfortheirChristmastree,”hesaid.

“We have up to 600 trees to sell...and it’s not like selling raffle tickets or doing a sausagesizzle,asyouhavearealinteraction withthepeoplewhilethey’rethere.

“The community is a very big part of scouting...and they’re generally happy because they’re actually here to collect something that’s going to be a joyous occasion.

“The community loves seeing a scout carryingaChristmastreetotheircarwhen they’ve selected one, and there’s no better feelingforuswhenpeopleareturningup.”

The sale will be held on Sunday 30 November and Saturday 6 December, with peopleencouragedtocomealongoneither daytoselectatreeandtakeithome.

Ocean Grove Scout Group will also offer apick-upserviceafterChristmastorecycle thetree,withpeopleabletoleavetheirtree outforcollectiononSunday11January,for asmallfee.

Visit oceangrovescouts.com/christmastree-order-page for more information or to orderatreeonline.

Wine industry’s night of nights

Geelong celebrates the best wines in the region this month with the 26th annualGeelongWineShow.

The event, which culminates on 29 November at the Geelong Wine Show Awards night, is a showcase of the qualityoflocalwines.

The show provides winegrowers with an opportunity for learning and development via the formalised judging process and through general conversation.

Oakdene Wines general manager and Geelong Wine Show chair Steven Paul said the awards night in particularwasaunifyingeventforthe localindustry.

“Whethertheygrowthefruit,make the wine, sell the wine, whether they work in cellar doors, offices or the wineries, it’s the one opportunity whenwebringeveryonetogether,”he said. “Our industry is quite unique, because everyone is actually very open,verycloseandveryloyaltoeach other. We celebrate each other’s wins andfeelthelossestogether.

neighbours, so it’s really lovely for the communityaswellasthetraders,”shesaid.

“Events like this are really important in helping remind our locals just how magnificent our little street is...and it’s about showing the region who we are and gettingpeopletocomedown.”

The Terrace, between Presidents Avenue andHodgsonStreet,willbeclosedtotraffic from3.30pmto8.30pmfortheevent.

City of Greater Geelong Council has advised motorists to park in designated areas, and that residents should prepare for increased traffic and noise in the area’s vicinityoftheevent.

“And if something presented to the show does really well, that producer always shares their information on what the new variety is…how they’ve madeit.Sothat’sahighlightforme.”

Judging for the various classes was completed last week, but the results are tightly under wraps until the awardsnight.

MrPaulsaidthisyearhadproduced a“reallynicespreadofresults”.

“The gold medals are spread very evenly across a large number of producers,whichisreallyexciting.”

Stumped by tree removal

By Jena Carr

Queenscliff community members have been left stumped over the surprise removal of two trees from a war memorial site.

Two 70-year-old trees were removed from the Queenscliffe Avenue of Honour, a memorial established in the 1920s to commemorate World War One.

Queenscliff Community Association

president David Connoley said he was upset to see the trees removed from the memorial and felt the community had not

been consulted about the change.

“We’re a little bit in the dark about what processcouncilusedtodeterminewhether the trees should be removed,” he said.

“We can understand in cases where there is an immediate risk, but to remove a whole tree requires some significant analysis.

“No one likes to see a tree go, and a tree removal should be the last resort, as there should be every effort undertaken to preserve the trees.

“The trees were part of the Avenue of Honour and had relevance to the area,

particularly because they were part of the post-World War plantings in that memorial.”

Borough of Queenscliffe outgoing chief executive Martin Gill said council was working hard to ensure the avenue remained part of the town’s collective identity and a lasting memorial.

“The trees within the Avenue of Honour are inspected annually by an arborist and, following the 2025 inspections, the arborist recommended removal of both trees,” he said.

“The community is notified when a

Riding for cancer on the fifth Tour de Cure

Cyclists hit the road along Geelong and Ocean Grove this week to raise money for cancer research.

Morethan120ridersandtheirsupport crews covered over 336km during the Tour de Cure’s fifth annual Victorian Discovery Tour to support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.

Participant Rebecca Brown said she “loved being a part” of the three-day ride that helped create a positive impact on the lives of people living with cancer.

“Every dollar received through the tour is absolutely important in cancer research as curing cancer changes lives,” she said.

“I’ve loved the camaraderie that’s come out of the ride, as everyone has been very supportive and willing to help each other out.

“The Tour de Cure hosts training rides throughout the year and helps inform you how to ride your bike properly and safely along the course.”

Two $10,000 grants were also awarded during the tour to Torquay’s Peace of Mind Foundation and St John of God Foundation Geelong to fund cuttingedge surgical technology for breast cancer treatment.

Tour de Cure’s grants committee chair Paul Mirabelle said every dollar raised during the tour supported “vital cancer research” and prevention programs.

“We work closely with leading researchers, medical institutions, and community organisations to fund breakthroughs that improve outcomes for those impacted by cancer,” he said.

“Thanks to the generosity of our

donors and partners, we are not just funding research; we are giving hope, changing lives, and making a real difference in the fight to discover cures for all cancer types.”

The tour started in Torquay on 24 November and finished in Melbourne on 26 November, passing through Lorne, Diamond Hill, Geelong, Ocean Grove, Sorrento, and the Mornington Peninsula.

tree requires removal through council’s usual communication channels unless an emergency removal is required, like after storm events.

“Council has been removing two to three Avenue of Honour trees per year becauseofeitherstormdamageorarborist recommendation following the annual inspection program.

“A similar number of removals is anticipated to continue to be required each year as trees that were planted in the early 20th century are unable to be safely managed beside an arterial road.”

to support cancer research. (Supplied)

Challenging poverty

By Jena Carr

People across Geelong and the Bellarine are being asked to help close the period povertygapandrestoredignityforwomen this Christmas season.

Share the Dignity is looking to donate 150,000 bags filled with essential items, including period products, to women and girls fleeing domestic violence or experiencing homelessness during the It’s in the Bag campaign.

Charity partner Geelong Foodshare’s Felicia Bell said Share the Dignity was a “really wonderful initiative” and that everyone deserved fair access to the products they needed.

“Menstrual products are a necessity for all women, but they can also be an expensive item for a family that could be struggling financially,” she said.

“There shouldn’t be any boundaries for accessing those products, so for women to be able to access them through the Share the Dignity program is just fantastic.

“It’s all about equity and working towards that for all women of Geelong, Australia, and the world...and taking part in this initiative is so great to be a part of.”

Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said the community could help support people in need by donating money on the period poverty charity’s website or by dropping off a bag at their local Bunnings Warehouse.

“Until the system changes, we’ll keep showing up, because we can’t change their circumstances, but we can change their Christmas,” she said.

“It’s devastating to know that for every bag donated, there’s another woman we can’t reach...and we can never meet demand, but this year we’re trying really hard to try and close that gap.”

It’s in the Bag encouraged people across the country to fill a new or unused bag with unopened essential items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, roll-on or solid deodorant, soap or body wash and period products.

Calls for dog park ramp up

By Jena Carr

Residents are calling on the Borough of Queenscliffe to make Royal Park Oval an off-leash dog area despite council deciding ontwonewtriallocations.

Theboroughhadproposedthreelocations for the dog park, including the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, Queenscliff LonsdaleYachtClubandCitizensPark.

TheMaketheRoyalParkOvalanOff-leash Dog Area petition has since argued that the Royal Park Oval should have been

consideredasalocation.

Point Lonsdale resident Taki, who declined to provide his full name due to privacy concerns, created the petition, which has gained 146 signatures as of 5pm on26November.

“Thewholenotionthatit’snotsafetohave dogs off leash is cynical and absurd,” he said.

“The amount of times Royal Park Oval gets used for sport is seldom, and if it is, it’s like two hours for football training or one gameofcricketinsummer.

“I think it’s great that the council has mademoreoff-leashareas,butthelocations theysuggested,likethelighthouse,canbea longwayforsomepeopletogetto.”

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve and Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club were identified as the preferred spots out of the three provided options during the Borough of Queenscliffe’s Off Leash Open Space for Dogssurvey.

Outgoing borough chief executive Martin Gill said Royal Park Oval had emerged as a popularsitewiththecommunityduringthe

survey, but that it was not being considered asalocation.

“A dog park at Royal Park is not currently under consideration by the borough, but this does not rule out future decisions by council,” he said. “Some preparation work isrequiredonthenewtrialsites,andweare currently getting that underway with the plan being that the trials would commence late2025orearly2026.”

Visit change.org/p/make-the-royal-parkoval-an-off-leash-dog-area to access the dogparkpetition.

New online hub for keen cyclists, runners and walkers

By Matt Hewson

Cycling and walking enthusiasts now have a new online resource at their fingertips to find out where to go and what’s on across theBellarine.

TheBellarineBicycleUsersGroup(BBUG) launched the Ride and Walk the Bellarine websitethisweek,ago-toguideshowcasing the best walking and cycling routes across theregion.

Delivered with support from the City of Greater Geelong, the site also connects people with local cycling, walking and running groups, highlights active travel events and activities and gives people a way to support BBUG’s advocacy for more sharedtrailsontheBellarine.

The launch event, held at Wirrng Wirrng Hub in Queenscliff on Tuesday 25 November, brought together about 60 trail advocates, recreational groups, community

organisations and local leaders, including Borough of Queenscliffe councillor Isabelle Tolhurst.

BBUG co-convener Jeremy Klitzing said cycling, walking and running were hugely popular recreational activities on the Bellarine.

“I’m astounded how this initiative has broughtoutsomanygroups,”hesaid.

“Therearesomanyhiddencyclinggroups, walking groups as well, full of people who wanttokeepfit.

“The Bellarine is accessible from Geelong and Melbourne, it’s an attractive place, a mixtureofurbanandcountry.

“People travel internationally to ride on rail trails…so it’s a really growing tourism area. And people want access to local knowledge.”

Visit ridewalkbellarine.org to find out more about cycling, walking and running ontheBellarine.

VICTORIA’S CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME

GROVE

Teddies help keep kids calm

By Matt Hewson

This Christmas a local organisation is helping support children when they need it the most.

The Ocean Grove Barwon Heads (OGBH) Lions Club donated 24 trauma bears to local police officers Sergeant Steve Taylor and Acting Sergeant Matthew Wensley at its Christmas dinner event last week.

The handmade teddies are an important tool for emergency services personneltohelpcalmchildrenwhoare in difficult situations, Sgt Taylor said.

“When we have children in the police station, we’re seeing them on what for them could be the worst day of their lives,” he said. “We use them with child victims, the children of victims and the children of perpetrators. The bears are something they are familiar with, something tactile and soft…it’s something the kids can hang on to.

“It’s also an icebreaker for us to

present them with the bear and often leads to conversations with the children to put them at ease.

“For the Lions to get together and present us with two boxes of bears was fantastic, greatly appreciated.”

OGBH Lions Club president Lyn Jenkins said the idea to donate the trauma bears arose when police delivered a talk to the club on security and safety.

“We try to support the community in many different ways, whether it’s helping them raise money at barbecues or giving sponsorships to children,” she said. “We’ve helped students go overseas to do work programs, we help Feed Me Bellarine with people working in the kitchen there. It’s all about giving back to the community.”

OGBH Lions Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Call membership secretary Neil Rankcom on0438320841formoreinformationon joining the club.

Emergency funding

Bellarine emergency services will receive more equipment and modern facilities to helpkeeptheircommunitysafe.

CountryFireAuthority(CFA),LifeSaving Victoria, and other organisations across the region received grants through the state government’s Volunteer Emergency ServicesEquipmentProgram(VESEP).

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she congratulated all the Bellarine volunteer groups for their work within the community.

“The VESEP is an important annual programprovidingessentialsupporttoour localvolunteers,”shesaid.

“It ensures that their equipment and

facilitiesarekeptuptodate,enablingthem to continue their tireless work keeping our regionsafe.”

The grants included $71,000 for Wallington CFA, $69,334 for Ocean Grove CFA, and $44,000 for Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad Incorporated to purchase vehicles that would support their operations.

Surf Life Saving Clubs across the region also received funding for surf rescue equipment, including Ocean Grove ($42,411), Barwon Heads 13th Beach ($26,376) and Point Lonsdale’s ($21,325) clubs.

VESEP is an annual grant program

that helps the state’s emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so that they can strengthen and support theirvitalwork.

This year’s round delivered more than $30 million in grants across the state, with groupsreceivinggrantsofupto$250,000.

Rod Run gets safety barriers

Crowdcontrolbarrierswillbeinplace for next year’s Rod Run to ensure the safety of community members observingtheevent’svehicles.

The Borough of Queenscliffe unanimously decided during its 26 November council meeting to install safety barriers along Hesse Street, between Hobsons and Stokes Street, on31January.

Mayor Donnie Grigau said it was important to help “mitigate the identified risks” during the Rod Run byinstallingsafetybarriers.

“Officers (have recommended) that councilnotestheoperationaldecision to install crowd control barriers in HesseStreet,”hesaid.

Councillor Isabelle Tolhurst said communitysafetywasimportantand that the event was a great chance for peopletoseehotrods,customvehicles andclassiccars.

“Council (has received) the operational work undertaken to date and requests more information on risk mitigation for the 2026 Rod Run,” shesaid.“Thiswouldbeincluding,but notlimitedto,thecontentofmeetings with key stakeholders, risk analysis, data and advice from council’s insurer.”

Victoria Police previously advised Rod Run event organisers during a debrief in March that early road closureswithnovehicleaccessshould be an important consideration for nextyear’sevent.

NEW BREAKFAST SERVICE

Ebonee joins CFA

By Jena Carr

Ocean Grove Fire Brigade has its newest and youngest firefighter, who is now ready toprovidehelptopeopleinneed.

Ebonee Millsteed, 19, joined Ocean Grove CFA’s firefighting ranks following six monthsoftrainingtobuildupherskillsand becomeofficiallyqualified.

Ms Millsteed said her grandfather had been a firefighter for 45 years and that he hadbeenthedrivingforcebehindinspiring hertotakeontherole.

“After I finished school last year, I didn’t know what I really wanted to do, but I knew Iwantedtohelppeople,”shesaid.

“My grandpa suggested firefighting and encouraged me to give it a try, so I did, and I loved it...and everyone in the brigade has beenreallywelcoming.

“It’salotofworkandveryphysical,soyou probablyneedtobeabitphysicallyinclined, but it’s very fun, and I reckon anyone could reallygiveitatry.”

Ms Millsteed was a welcome addition to the Ocean Grove brigade, especially with the south-west region entering its Fire DangerPeriodthisweek.

The period started on 24 November for the Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong,SurfCoastShireandGoldenPlains Shire municipalities, and will end on 1 May nextyear.

CFA District 7 acting assistant chief fire officer Wayne Aylmer said he encouraged people to remain fire safe this season.

“There are concerns about the dryness within nearby bushland areas, particularly more so than previous years, and grassfires that ignite will travel quickly in the

forecastedconditions,”hesaid.

“We’re really encouraging residents to take the opportunity to clean up their

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dry leaves and woodpiles, clear out their gutters, remove other flammable materials andkeepgrasscutshort.”

Tudball appointed borough chief

MichaelTudballwilltakeoverthehead spot at the Borough of Queenscliffe after the current chief executive was votedoutbycouncil.

Mr Tudball was appointed to the acting chief executive position during a special meeting on 17 November, following council’s decision on 10 November to finalise Martin Gill’s contractearly.

Mayor Di Rule said she looked forward to welcoming Mr Tudball into the role for a minimum of three monthsfrom1December.

“Councilispleasedtoannouncethe appointmentofMichaelTudballtothe Borough of Queenscliffe in an interim capacity until a new chief executive officer is formally appointed,” she said. “Following a selection process conducted by council’s CEO Recruitment Advisory Committee, we are confident that Michael is exceptionallyqualifiedforthisrole.

“With a strong professional reputation and proven expertise, he possesses the experience and commitment required to guide the borough effectively through this transitionalperiod.”

Mr Gill will finish in the chief executive role on 28 November after beingwithcouncilforsixyears,ahead of his initial contract end date of Octobernextyear.

“I am excited by the opportunity to bring fresh energy and ideas to the management and culture of our council,”MayorRulesaid.

Olympic opportunity

Christian College Geelong’s Ellie Morgan was one of just 25 students nationwide selected to attend the Olympic Change-MakerSummitinCanberra.

Young leaders from across Australia convergedonthenation’scapitalthisweek to influence the future of the Olympic MovementontheroadtotheBrisbane2032 OlympicGames.

Ellie was selected from nearly 1000 nominations to be part of this year’s program.

Hosted by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the summit featured workshops, leadership development sessions, and the opportunity to problem-solve alongside Olympians Noemie Fox, Emma Jeffcoat, Brodie Summers, Conor Nicholas and Nathan Katz.

Ellie and the other Change-Makers explored how sport can be a powerful tool for leadership, personal growth, inclusion, wellbeing,andsocialimpact.

“It is such a huge honour, all the people herearesoamazing,”Elliesaid.

“So many like-minded people. Just the opportunities, getting to meet Olympians and getting to hear from them and their stories, like the stories about how they’ve had to deal from setbacks and injuries, so itreallyhelpsyougrowasaperson,andI’m justverygratefulfortheexperience.”

Change-Maker culminated in a presentation at Parliament House where students pitched their ideas to influential members of the Australian Government andOlympicMovement.

Christian College Geelong student Ellie Morgan. (Supplied)

Barwon Coast Update

Works start at Corner and Cylinders

Barwon Coast commenced major upgrades to two beach access points at 13th Beach on Monday, 20 October. The works involve replacing aging staircases at the easternmost car park, The Corner, and repairing Cylinders beach access stairs which have deteriorated due to coastal erosion and storm damage.

Funded by the Victorian Government’s Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program, the new structures are designed to meet current safety standards, minimise environmental impact, and improve accessibility for beachgoers. Construction is expected to be completed before the summer peak.

Volunteers wanted!

Looking to lend a hand, helping care for the coast this summer? Find a match for your interests and skills by joining a local volunteer group!

• Love talking to people about our local environment and history? The Barwon Coast Discovery Centre (Lobster Pot) could be for you! Open Sundays 1-4pm, training provided.

• Passionate about the marine environment and keen to participate in local citizen science activities? Friends of the Bluff are waiting for you to join them!

• Enjoy planning events and keeping the cogs turning in a small team? Ocean Grove Coastcare is seeking committee members to be appointed at the 19 November AGM (all welcome to attend).

• Keen to help protect Hooded Plovers that live and nest on our local beaches? BirdLife Australia/Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine could be your match!

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about these and other wonderful local groups at barwoncoast.com.au/volunteer

Film festival duo awarded

This year’s North Bellarine Film Festival’s winners have been announced.

Jeanie Kane and Emma Tripp took top honours at the Emerging Filmmaker Awards in Portarlington recently.

JeaniewontheEmergingFilmmaker award for her film Big Johnny while Emma was awarded Emerging DocumentaryawardforStripped:The PowerofLingerie.

Judgessaidthewinnerswerechosen from a competitive field of finalists who demonstrated excellence, talent andcommitmenttotheircraft.

Jeanie’s film also received the People’sChoiceaward,selectedbythe audience.

Jeanie, along with the Big Johnny’s producer Sarah Pierce, are graduates of Swinburne University’s Film and Television program. Big Johnny tells thestoryofalonelywarehouseworker who, after an unexpected encounter with Melbourne’s vibrant drag scene, finds the courage to embrace his true self when traditional male expectations threaten to hold him back.

Emma, and Stripped: The Power of Lingerie’s producer Kasey Woolley, are students at Swinburne’s Film and Televisionprogram.Strippedexplores the world of lingerie, highlighting its practicality and power as a tool for self-expression, exploring femininity, identity,andcomfort.

Collendina • Ocean Grove • Breamlea • Barwon Heads • Black Rock • 13th Beach

Have your say on two key Barwon Coast strategies

Community consultation is now open on two important Barwon Coast draft strategies – the Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35 and the Mature Tree Strategy. These strategies will guide how we protect and enhance our coastal environment and manage our much-loved mature trees.

Consultation closes 5 November; please read the draft strategies, complete the online feedback survey, or attend our dropin information session at the Barwon Heads Makers Market on 1 November.

Your feedback will help us test and improve these strategies before they’re finalised. Find out more via the QR code or visit barwoncoast.com.au/ project/hys-biodiversitymature-tree

Learn the ukulele

Discover the joy of ukulele playing in a relaxed and welcoming environment at OceanGroveSeniorCitizensClub.

Every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm, the club hosts an informal ukulele strumming group open to beginners, novices and experiencedplayers.

Participants learn easy chords, simple strumming patterns, and well-known songs that make it easy to join in straight away. All you need is a ukulele, a tuner, andawillingnesstohavefunwithnoprior experiencerequired.

When former tutor Maree had to step back from the group, long-time members

John and Kevin stepped up to keep the music going. Their dedication ensures that the cheerful sound of singing and strumming continues to fill the music roomeachweek.

Friendly facilitator John brings a relaxed, social approach to the sessions, making newcomers feel comfortable and encouraging experienced players to share their tips. Each gathering includes group playing, learning new songs, and plenty of laughter.

“Why do I enjoy the group? Simply due to the calibre of all the people I’ve met,” participantKieransaid.

“Everyone has been most welcoming, sincereandfriendly.It’sapleasuremeeting with them weekly, and to also strum out a few ‘rough’ notes and harmonies along the way.”

“The best part is the people,” Kevin added. “Everyone is supportive, patient, and here to enjoy themselves. It’s a real community.”

New members are welcomed, whether absolutebeginnersorseasonedplayers.

Venue: Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club, 101TheParade,OceanGrove

When: Wednesdays,2pmto3pm Contact: John0417057617

Find your new best friend at GAWS

Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has reminded potential cat buyers that kittens are not just for Christmas.

The not-for-profit organisation, which received nearly 60 kittens during September and October, encouraged people to adopt a cat ratherthanbuyfromabreeder.

GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks said both the on-site shelter and in-home foster program were currently inundated with cats in need oflovingforeverhomes.

“We encourage anyone who has been considering a feline companion tovisitGAWSandadopt,”shesaid.

“We have cats of various ages, from six months and older, to suit all types of homes, from playful youngsters to older cats looking for a comfortable retirement.

“Notonlywillyougainanewfamily member, you’ll also be giving a cat a second chance at a happy life and making space for more animals who needourhelp.”

Ms Cocks said current cat owners could also make a big difference by desexingtheirpets,helpingtoprevent unwanted litters and reduce pressure onalreadycrowdedshelters.

“Wealsoencourageallcatownersto ensure their pets are microchipped,” shesaid.

“Onlyaround10percentofanimals thatcomeintoGAWSarereclaimedby theirowners.“

Readers spot bird activity

Ihaven’tbeenabletogooutandaboutover the past few weeks.

Luckily,afewVoicereadershavesentme some of their observations of birds seen around the Bellarine.

Gerald and Robyn have been watching three pairs of birds, namely rainbow lorikeets, eastern rosellas, and sulphur-crested cockatoos, raucously vying for one hollow in a dead tree in their backyard.

The cockies dominate, but the others come back when they aren’t there. Robyn and Gerald can’t see the hollow because it faces upwards, but in the photo, one cockatoo is in it, so it’s only big enough for half a cockatoo, so sometimes all they see is the lower half of a bird.

Thelorikeetsfitinthehollowsothatthey disappear from view. It will be interesting todeterminewhichspeciesusesthehollow for breeding, and I’m sure the cockatoos couldextendthesizeofthehollowopening if they wanted to use the space.

I received an email from Carole, who lives in St Leonards. She took a photo of a seabird sitting on the water off the Heads at Queenscliff, which was an Australasian gannet gently floating in the waves.

This magnificent bird kept bouncing in and out of view with the waves and Carole had difficulty focusing. She noted that the

bird was certainly not disturbed by the few fishing boats that chugged by.

CarolealsowalkedalongRamblersTrack near Ramblers Road at Portarlington. The track looks superb with nature in full bloom and even the house sparrows look impressive as seen in Carole’s photo.

Carole noted plenty of bird life while walking along the track on certain days. On her walk this week, she spent an age admiringtheplantsthatwereinfullbloom. Itwasadelighttoseehowmanywereoutin bloom and the variety.

Live Where Others Holiday

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Relocation Assistance for the right candidate Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities and career advancement prospects Applications are assessed upon receipt. Email HR@alpinehealth.org.au for more information.

Carole wasn’t the only one admiring the blooms, as she noted a few spotted doves were feeding on the seeds on the ground. House sparrows and spotted doves are introduced birds that are thriving around the local area.

Andrewsentmesomephotosofbirdsthat he had seen in the Northern Territory on a recent holiday, including a white-winged triller, great bowerbird, crimson finch, and lemon-bellied flyrobin. Flyrobins are members of the robin family of birds.

The adult lemon-bellied flyrobin is

around 11.5 centimetres long and is commonly seen around the Darwin area while sitting on park fences and posts, looking to pounce on insects. Thanks Andrew, your email made me want to immediately take off to Darwin. Hooded plovers are trying to breed on local beaches currently. There are a few tiny chicks on 13th Beach that hatched a few days ago. Please take note of the signs on the beach and take care when walking dogs to ensure that the chicks may have some chance of survival.

Ready to shake a tail feather

John Landis’ 1980 musical comedy The Blues Brothers is a much-loved film, full of car chases, clever humour and fantastic bluesandR&Bnumbers.

But for Blues Roulette’s Ben Wicks, who brings The Blues Brother Revue to Geelong this weekend, the film changed the course ofmusicalhistory.

“By the late 70s a lot of labels had essentially evolved out of big band R&B stuff, and the focus of pop music had really changed in a very short period of time,” he said.

“WhentheydecidedtomakethefilmDan Ackroyd just got on the phone and called SteveCropperandDonald‘Duck’Dunnand said, hey, do you want to come and do this thing?’

“And these absolute titans of R&B and blues music had nothing in the calendar; they had months available to go and work

on this silly film. That speaks volumes to where blues and R&B was at, in a pop culturesense.

“The Blues Brothers was really important to revitalising blues and R&B. The whole thing probably would have dried up and died,haditnotbeenforTheBluesBrothers.” Blues Roulette’s 11-piece big band features Paul Slattery and Vincent Bradley intherolesofJakeandElwoodBlues.

Wickssaidhewas“reallyblessed”tohave somany“incrediblemusicians”intheshow.

“For me, it’s about breathing life and vibe into this music, and the band being excited bythemusicmeansit’sinescapablethatthe roomisthenexcited,”hesaid.

“We’re just trying to bring a party, bring thecircusthatistheBluesBrothers.”

The Blues Brothers Revue is at Piano Bar on Sunday 30 November. Visit trybooking. comfortickets.

Students are offered a range of pathways at Bellarine SC

The VCE-VM pathway at Bellarine Secondary College has continued to grow overthepasttwoyears.

Students have been provided with hands-on and community-focused opportunities to apply their learning in meaningfulways.

A highlight of the program has been Bellarine Boss, where students worked in teamstocreate,produceandsellaproduct forourVMMarketDay.

This year’s stalls showcased incredible innovation, with students making beef jerky, flavoured salts, music stickers, body scrubsandmore.

Not only did they learn about budgeting, marketing and teamwork, but they also chose to donate profits to GAWS, demonstrating generosity and social awareness.

Students from the college also made a difference in our local community by planning and delivering events linked to causestheycareabout.

Theyhelpedcleanupalocalbeach,raised money for farmers and supported the local charity The Winged Horse, which showed that advocacy and action can start at any age.

Students have explored a wide range of industries and careers by visiting workplaces, including the Port of Geelong, Melbourne Zoo, Multiskills and Searoad Ferries.

This has helped them gain first-hand insight into how different sectors operate, andanessentialcomponentoftheprogram hasbeenthestructuredworkplacelearning, with students spending one to two days eachweekinauthenticworkenvironments.

This year, students gained experience in boat building, hairdressing, landscaping, event planning, aged care, and many other industries.

Several students have already made impressive progress in their chosen pathways while completing traineeships in horticulture and childcare while still at school.

This year’s College Valedictory, held at 1915inNorthGeelong,wasanopportunity to celebrate alongside families and honour the students’ achievements, not just the past two years, but their 13-year school

journey.

As the college farewells this year’s VCE-VM graduates, we are excited to see wheretheirnextstepswilltakethem.

The students are following diverse and exciting pathways, including further study at both TAFE and Universities, along with full-timeapprenticeships.

BellarineSecondaryCollegeiscommitted to restorative practices and believes that positive, empathetic relationships are critical to an environment where students canachievetheirfullpotential.

Studentsareprovidedwithahigh-quality

education within a safe, orderly and supportive environment where everyone is nurtured as valued members of the community.

The college is inclusive and provides a learningcommunitywithhighexpectations for all members to help provide excellent outcomesforeverystudent.

Reach out to Bellarine Secondary College at 03 5251 9000 or bellarine.sc@ education.vic.gov.au to see how you can get your child started on the educational journey of a lifetime.

Vet cares for all creatures

Dr Alicia Kennedy is the founder of social enterprise Cherished Pets, which provides vet care and social support to vulnerable people and their pets. In January she heads to Europe and North America to conduct a Churchill Fellowship research tour. She spoke to Matt Hewson about how and why she does what she does.

Ten years ago Alicia Kennedy put her dream into action.

Having trained and built a career as a veterinarian, by 2015 Alicia had spent eight years as the founding director of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) of Australia.

While still acting in that position, she decided to launch a unique concept, one she felt certain would benefit, and resonate with, the community.

In April 2015, with the assistance of a Geelong Community Foundation grant, Alicia launched a service combining veterinary care and social support she called Cherished Pets in Ocean Grove.

It was the realisation of a dream that began as a childhood love of animals and developed over years of vet practice into a vision for her community.

“I grew up in Adelaide and I decided whenIwasfiveyearsoldthatIwantedtobe a vet; it was almost an obsession,” she said.

“I was an average student so it was an against the odds mission for me to get into vet school.

“I had two people that believed in me; my dad and one of my teachers. Dad used to sing me the Frank Sinatra rubber plant song, High Hopes, he really backed me.”

“I worked very hard…(and he) would drive me across town to tutors so I could increase my scores in physics and maths, because I was dreadful.”

With her father’s unwavering support, Alicia’s hard work paid off. She was accepted into veterinary science at Perth’s Murdoch University.

After graduating in 1986, she began her career as a vet. As she gained experience, she began to see a gap that lay between the care of animals and the care of humans.

“I met my husband at uni and he ended up working with Alcoa, so we moved around a bit…Portland, Geelong, we lived in China,” Alicia said.

“I remember working as a very young vet graduate in mixed practice. We had a golden retriever at the time, and on my day off I would take her to the local nursing home and I started to become fascinated with this human-animal bond space.

“It’s interesting, I spent a lot of time as a little girl with my nanna, and after my grandad died I could see how lonely she was.

“She had this really fat and feisty fox terrier called Jenny, who nobody else in the world liked, but my nanna just loved this dog. And I really do think that was one of those very early experiences that made me see how important a dog could be to a lonely old lady.”

That seed continued to grow in Alicia’s mind. She found herself drawn to the end-of-life space of vet care.

“People are no more vulnerable than when their pet is dying,” she said.

“Our pets are so embedded in our world, our families, our health and well-being thatwhenourpetsaredying…we’reaunit.”

And so, armed with a simple question“What do we need to do as a community to better support pets of our elderly neighbours?” - Alicia organised a community conversation at Bellarine Training and Community Hub.

“The (Ocean Grove) Voice ran a little piece…about this local vet who wanted to start doing something; I wasn’t quite sure what it was but I knew that I wanted to support pets for the elderly and I knew I’d need volunteers,” she said.

“And 25 people came and that actually seeded the first committee that then led to the establishment of Cherished Pets Foundation.

“Cherished Pets Foundation was seeded with a question and community, and community is always at the heart of everything that we do.”

At first, Alicia was able to balance her burgeoning enterprise with her volunteer role as JGI director.

She had been inspired to get in contact with the pioneering primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall after reading one of her books while living in China.

Alicia managed to organise a meeting with Jane in 2003, where she asked why her institute had not been established in Australia.

“And she said to me ‘because no one’s set it up’, so I said, ’well, I’ll help’,” Alicia said.

“In 2006…we coordinated Jane’s first visit to Australia, and that seeded the establishmentoftheJaneGoodallInstitute AustralianChapter,whichwasmylifeuntil Iretiredasadirectorfromthatorganisation in 2017.”

By that stage, Alicia had spent the better part of three years working for both Cherished Pets and JGI and the situation was becoming untenable.

“I spoke to Jane and said, I need permission to step out of JGI and focus on Cherished Pets…she totally got our work and what my mission is,” she said.

“She shaped me as a founder and a leader trying to make a difference for pets and people, especially those who are experiencing vulnerability.

“She’s been a friend and a mentor, so when she died (in October this year) it came as a great shock because we honestly thought she’d live until she was 100.”

Since 2017, Cherished Pets has grown far beyond simply supporting elderly people and their pets.

The organisation now has a full team of specialists, both veterinarians and social workers, who now also support people experiencing domestic violence, homelessness or mental health crises and their pets.

“What we know for sure is that the human-animalbondisapowerfuldriverof human health and well-being, and people

will choose their pet’s health and safety over their own,” Alicia said.

“So what that means is a woman and her children will choose to stay in an unsafe household rather than be separated from their pets.

“People will choose to remain homeless rather than be separated from their pets and people will refuse to go into a hospital for the care that they need. So our crisis care service addresses that.”

In addition to grants from Geelong Community Foundation and state government, Cherished Pets has received unflagging support from a number of local businesses and organisations, including AnthonyCostaFoundation,KingsFunerals and Urban Paws Doggy Daycare.

When the organisation had full funding from the state government in 2022-23 it received referrals from 18 organisations across the community, including mental health, domestic violence and housing bodies as well as Barwon Health.

“This is a circular model of care because bysupportingpeopleyou’realsoprotecting animals,” Alicia said. “I often say when people struggle, animals suffer. And that’s notfromalackoflove,it’salackofcapacity.

“So our service addresses that to build capacity in people and keep their pets healthy and together with them.”

As a result of this work, Alicia was approached by three different people who all suggested she apply for a Churchill Fellowship.

“Every year 100 Australians receive one, and the intention is to explore initiatives that are new and emerging, to go overseas and explore what’s happening and bring those insights back to Australia to inform and better Australian society,” she said.

“I’ve been selected for a Churchill Fellowship to explore organisations that are operating at the intersection of social and veterinary services.”

In January Alicia, or more often referred to as Dr Lissy, will depart to visit England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Canada and the USA over an eight-week schedule of visiting organisations, meeting experts and presenting her own work.

Her first stop was meant to be a visit to Jane Goodall, but after her unexpected death, Alicia decided to instead prepare a tribute book for Jane’s family.

“I was born in the ’60s, Jane Goodall was my childhood hero; I wanted to be Dr Jane when I grew up,” she said.

“I have her voice in my head saying we must never give up, and her voice has become louder since she died.

“One of the things she always used to say was,we’vejustgottorollupoursleevesand do the hard work that needs to be done to create a kinder planet for animals, people and the environment.

“And when I feel a bit anxious or stressed or tense I say two things: ‘have a cup of tea’, because everything feels better after a cup of tea; and ’roll up your sleeves’.”

Cherished Pets is launching a funding appeal in early December. Visit cherishedpetcare.com.au to donate or for more information.

An active Bellarine

By Cr Rowan Story

Recently I had the pleasure of joining 130 people celebrating this year’s Active GeelongBusinessandCommunityAwards.

This annual event shines a light on the people and organisations who are helping our region move more, feel better and live healthierlives.

This work is incredibly important, and these awards recognise local leaders who areinspiringotherstobeactiveinavariety ofways.

The2025awardwinnerswere:

•TheGeelongCollege–LargeWorkplaceof theYear

•LBW–SmallWorkplaceoftheYear

•Leisure Networks and Vines Road

Community Centre – Joint Community Award

•Kieser – Allied Health/GP Clinic of the Year

I congratulate this year’s winners and nominees, and I was pleased to see them recognised for their good work at the awards.

This year’s awards also featured a few fresh touches, including a pledge to introduce at least one new physical activityatworkin2026andathree-minute stretchingsession.

All 130 attendees participated in the session featuring head-to-toe stretches thatcanbedoneat yourdeskatwork.

These quirky additions demonstrated whatActiveGeelongisallabout–inspiring people across Greater Geelong to enjoy physicalactivityandallthehealthbenefits thatcomewithit.

Here on the Bellarine Peninsula, we fortunate to have access to so many fantastic opportunities for physical activity.

Our beaches, shared paths and walking trails are full of people staying active in ways that suit their lifestyles, whether it’s a morning walk along the Ocean Grove foreshore, a family ride on the Bellarine Rail Trail or a peaceful lap around the BegolaWetlandstrack.

Our residents’ commitment to staying healthy and active is reflected in the findings of our 2024 Geelong Preventative HealthSurvey,releasedearlierthisyear.

Nearly eight out of ten people across Geelongaresatisfiedwiththeirlivesand65 per cent of residents are meeting physical activityguidelines.

But the survey also identifies areas for improvement: 20 per cent of Greater

Geelong residents are classified as sedentary.

That is one in five people who are doing verylittlephysicalactivityeachday,which we know increases the risk of chronic diseaseandaffectsmentalhealth.

Thesurveyalsoshowsbroaderwellbeing challenges. One in four people across Greater Geelong report feeling lonely, and the rates are significantly higher among youngpeopleandpeoplewithdisability.

Issues such as food security, alcohol harm and personal safety also feature prominently.

These findings remind us that health is influenced by many factors, and that activity, connection and community all playimportantroles.

That is why partnerships like Active Geelong work so well alongside the facilities and community support already inplaceacrosstheBellarine.

They help people take manageable steps toward a healthier lifestyle, supported by theplacesandnetworkstheyalreadyknow andtrust.

AsaCouncil,thehealthandwellbeingof ourcommunityiscentraltoeverythingwe do.

Our Community Plan 2025-29 and CommunityHealthandWellbeingStrategy 2025-29 are our guiding documents in creating a happier, healthier region and you can find them on our website at geelongaustralia.com.au

With strong partnerships and a continuedfocusonpreventativehealth,we can make Geelong and the Bellarine even more active, connected and healthy for everyone.

Shopping local in the Grove

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Wednesday 26 November to see who was getting in some early Christmas shopping.

Light summer dinner

With December fast approaching, marking the beginning of warmer weather, enjoy this light and refreshing summer meal.

Grilled halloumi and watermelon salad

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 small seedless watermelon (about 4 cups cubed)

8 oz block of halloumi cheese

4 cups mixed baby greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup toasted pecans or slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)

For the lemon-mint vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

1 teaspoon fresh mint, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, minced garlic (if using), and finely chopped mint. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Grill the halloumi: Cut the halloumi block into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with a

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• Live Music Sundays

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small amount of olive oil (this prevents sticking, though halloumi is naturally non-stick). Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and tender. The cheese should soften slightly but retain its shape. Set aside.

Assemble the salad: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes.In a large bowl, combine the mixed baby greens, cubed watermelon, chopped mint leaves, and red onion (if using). Drizzle about two-thirds of the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat.

Serve: Divide the salad mixture among serving plates and top each plate with the warm grilled halloumi slices. Sprinkle with toasted nuts (if using). Drizzle any remaining vinaigrette over the halloumi and serve immediately.

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au

12606701-KG21-23

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

12606706-RR21-23

THE RANGE @CURLEWIS

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days 1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.

Bellarine Historical Society

Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Every Sunday until end December, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.

 bellarinehistory.org

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am.

 oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday November 29, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Puff.

 0400-500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. Next year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers.

 0448 391 366

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

Portarlington playgroup

Experience play in an unstructured, relaxed environment. Large indoor space with toilets and baby change facilities. Suits 0-4years. Free to attend. Wednesdays 10-11.30am, Parks Hall Portarlington.

Ocean Grove Library

Tuesday 25 November, 11am-noon: seed saving for beginners

Wednesday 17 December, 2pm-3pm, book chat

Thursdays 3pm-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs

Mondays 10.30am-11.30am Preschool story time Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)

Wednesdays 9.30am-10am Toddler Time Thursdays 11.30am-11.50am Baby Time Thursdays 3.45pm-4.45pm After School Program

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

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

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

Book sale

Uniting Grovedale book sale. All books $1, children’s books 50 cents. 272 Torquay Road, corner Reserve & Torquay Roads, Friday 5 & Saturday 6 December, 10am-2pm.

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.

 Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.

 Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

 Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday 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.

 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

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education.

 oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.

 Raelene 4244 0376

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

 Bev, 0421 636 830

Afternoon tea dance

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5.

 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members.

 Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, on the first Sunday of the month 2-4pm. New members welcome.

 dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Massive crowd for carols

A huge crowd turned out for Carols by the Bay in Geelong on Saturday night, including the lighting of the floating Christmas tree in Corio Bay. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at the waterfront to capture some of the festivities.

row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Australian tree which bears yellow flowers (6)

4 Not representative of a type or group (8)

9 Notions (5)

10 Doom (9)

11 Zest (5)

12 Offering (9)

13 Dodge (8)

15 Resident doctor (6)

16 Oppose (6)

18 Omission represented by three periods (8)

23 Opinion (9)

24 Writing material (5)

26 Result of a taipan attack; cocktail (9)

27 Sugary (5)

28 Observation (8)

29 Against (6)

1 Complains (coll) (7) 2 Layers (5) 3 Classes (7) 5 Ditch (6) 6 Modern Iranian language 7 Skinny wind instruments (9)

8 Source of light (7) 10 Deputised group (5) 14 Dilapidation (9)

16 Amends (7)

17 Wise (7)

19 Liquid measure (5)

20 Way that has no outlet (7)

21 Impish persons (7)

22 Hanger-on (6)

25 Newspapers (5)

1 Riyadh is the capital of which country?

2 Which British journalist was part of a series of conversations known as the Nixon Interviews?

3 Which letter of N’SYNC’s name was represented by Justin Timberlake?

4 The Battle of Iwo Jima took place during which war? 5 Mount St. Helens is in which US state? 6 What is John Legend’s (pictured) original surname?

7 Who played Nyles in the 2020 movie PalmSprings? 8 The Liberation of Paris occurred in which year? 9 Roberto Benigni starred as Guido Orefice in which film? 10 In which country would you find the Malagasy people?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which former AFL coach recently stepped down as CEO of Dick Johnson Racing?

2. Who is the new captain of the Sydney Sixers women’s team?

3. The AFL stadium project Mac Point is planned for which Australian state capital?

4. Which top jockey has been charged with two serious rule breaches after his Champions Mile win?

5. In what year did the Wallabies last lose four straight Tests in Europe?

6. Nico Harrison recently lost his job as the GM of which US sports

And what is the main reason he was fired?

Who will captain Western Australia in AFL State of Origin

What is special about a knuckleball pitch?

The Wallabies recently lost to what nation for the second time in history?

Which club had both the first and second overall picks in the 2025 AFL draft?

At what weight division did Australian Jack Della Maddalena lose to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322?

13. Originally signed to Nike, Steph Curry began a partnership with which sportswear brand in 2013?

14. Which Australian city is hosting the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships?

15. Gemma Houghton was the first player to kick how many AFLW career goals?

16. The 2025 NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins was held in which Spanish city?

17. Rockhampton-born bowler Brendan Doggett has represented which state in first-class cricket since 2021?

18. New teams Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes will play what sport in the upcoming PWHL season?

19. Adelaide 36ers basketballer Isaac Humphries played for which US college team?

20.Canberra-born Mack Hansen plays for which country’s national rugby league team?

21. Apple is a slang term for an assist in which sport?

22.Which two birds are the nicknames for Baltimore’s MLB and NFL teams respectively?

23.In which year was the last AFL ‘State of Origin’ game played?

24.On a dartboard, which number is directly opposite the 9?

25.Which WBBL team does Sophie Devine play for?

26.Mary Fowler plays for which WSL team?

27. The Townsville Crocodiles played in which league between 1993 and 2016?

28.The Power Within is the name of which recently retired AFL player’s biography?

29. Jessica Campbell is the first female coach of which sporting league?

30.How many points is the pink ball worth in snooker?

Tasman is good - it had to be

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Kia Tasman is Kia’s first ute.

And it has a big task ahead of it as Kia attempts to acquire a chunk of the lucrative light commercial market.

Now the number four brand in the Australian market, the South Korean car maker has come a long way in the past decade.

But it can’t take the fight up to market leader Toyota without a ute as part of its arsenal – and what a ute it is.

Together with partner Hyundai, the pair are now number two in sales, with Toyota in its sights.

Styling

The Tasman dual cab ute is priced from $46,490 driveaway for the 4×2 S.

There are five grades: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, andX-Pro,withallbuttheentrySfour-wheel drive.

Single Cab Chassis is offered in either S 4×2 ($38,010), S 4×4 ($45,010), or SX 4×4 ($49,520),whiletheDualCabChassiscomes as either S 4×4 ($48,240) or SX 4×4 ($52,740).

On road costs must be added to the cab chassis prices, but the following dual cab figures are driveaway – no more to pay.

TheDualCabPick-Upspansallfivegrades, from S 4×2 ($46,490) to S 4×4 ($53,890), SX 4×4 ($58,490), SX+ 4×4 ($66,490), X-Line 4×4 ($70,990), and X-Pro 4×4 ($77,990).

In this report we’re looking at the dual cab version and our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line X-Pro priced from $77,990 driveaway.

The Kia design team has deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades.

It says this fresh approach strips away the unnecessary to begin with a basic, honest form that highlights the vehicle’s sense of solid power through simple yet functional elements, without relying on the oversized styling that has come to dominate the pickup segment.

Note the X-Line and X-Pro are fitted with a differently styled grille and front bumper. Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, cloth trim and dual zone climate air, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing lights, auto wipers for SX+ and above, auto-dimming rear view mirror on SX+ and above, LED head and daytime running lights, smart key with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors,andintegratedtrailerbrakecontrol.

By the time you get to X-Pro there’s alloys with all-terrain rubber, artificial leather trim, tinted windows, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, power adjust front seats, ambient mood lighting, tilt and slide sunroof, auto-dip on reverse mirrors, front, side and reverse parking sensors as well as a tray liner – to name some features.

Tasmanincludesthebrand’s10must-have sustainability items such as a crash pad made from bio-plastics, seats crafted with recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather, a paint composition that includes BTX-free and bio-paint, and an interior carpet is made from recycled PET material. Tasman is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with three-, five- and seven-year prepaid service plans available.

Infotainment

Kia’s latest integrated infotainment display, comprises a 12.3-inch driver screen, 5.0-inch climate control and 12.3-inch multimedia displays.

There’s also voice control, multi-connect Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sounds of Nature background noise,

six-speaker generic audio and Kia Connect with intelligent remote-control functions as well as innovative in-car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

SX adds built-in satellite navigation, while X-Lineaddsdoublewirelessphonecharging and X-Pro adds eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound.

Weirdly SX+ only gets single wireless charging. Stepping up to the X-Line reverts to a double charger.

There are two USB-C ports in the front as well as a 12-volt outlet and another two USB-C ports on the side of the front seats for use in the back, along with a 240-volt outlet.

The position of the front passenger seat can also be adjusted from the back.

Safety

Tasman gets a five-star rating for safety from the ANCAP organisation, but this rating specifically excludes the X-Line and X-Pro versions of the ute which remain unrated.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing, together with Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing and Head-On), as well as a lane-support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard across the lineup.

Notably absent on the top-of-the-line X-Pro is head-up display.

Two top tether and two ISOFix child restraint anchor points are provided in the rear.

A full-size alloy spare is provided.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.2-litre engine produces 154kW of power at 3800 rpm and 440Nm of torque from 1750-2750 rpm.

It’spairedwithaconventionaleight-speed automatic transmission, including paddle shifters.

Driving

Basedonanall-newladderchassisplatform, Tasman has a kerb weight of 2237kg and

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7.5/10

Safety: 7.5/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7.5/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Overall: 7.6/10

is 5410mm long, 1930mm wide, with a 3270mm wheelbase and in the case of X-Pro stands 1920mm high.

The off-road focused X-Pro has been specifically engineered for off-road performance, with 252mm of ground clearance and an 800mm water fording ability.

It’s equipped with 17-inch gloss-black alloys with all-terrain tyres and offers enhanced off-road performance thanks to a 28mm higher ride height.

There are also no pesky side steps to get hung up on, but of course that makes entry and exit more difficult for the 99 per cent of the time it will spend on the road.

Suspension is double-wishbone at the front with a rigid axle and leaf springs under the back, incorporating vertically mounted shock absorbers to ensure more effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.

The suspension units are enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.

The brakes are ventilated discs front and back.

A gross vehicle mass of 3250kg across all variants, contributes to a gross combination mass (GCM) rating of 6200kg.

All Tasmans can carry a payload in excess of one tonne, with even the better equipped X-Pro 4×4 capable of carrying 1013kg. All grades are rated to tow 3500kg braked load.

Dual cab variants are also available with a reduced payload option specifically at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1000kg.

Helping to make towing heavier loads as safe as possible is an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) which integrates with Towing Mode (TBC), enabling the driver to set up specific loads and optimise all other towing related functions including Trailer Sway Control.

Dual Cab pick-up set a new benchmark for tub size, at 1512mm in length, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep, with the ability to accommodate an Australian-sized pallet.

Given its size we expected more legroom in the back, but it’s not much more than adequate.

X-Line and X-Pro feature under-seat storage with a slide and recline function for the second-row seating.

Another segment first is a folding console table on X-Line and X-Pro.

Rear bumper corner steps provide easy access to the tub which has two lights plus a 240-volt power outlet.

However, the plastic corner steps appear prone to damage because of their position and one had already received a scrape.

The dash with its sweeping infotainment panel is a feature of most models in the Kia lineup, but the surrounding honeycomb trim is a departure.

Separate controls are provided for volume and air, with other touch sensitive shortcut buttons located below the air vents.

However, there’s no shortcut for the radio which we found difficult to access.

PoweredbyKia’sprovenR2.2turbo-diesel, Tasman is built for durability and longevity.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 10.4 seconds and, with an 80-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 8.1L/100km. That gives it a theoretical range of 988km.

The advanced 4×4 system includes a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and an intelligent traction control system – the requisite for serious off-road adventure.

A Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.

Drive is to the rear wheels in 2H, or to all four wheels as required in 4A.

Lock in 4H and Drive is split evenly between the front and rear wheels.

Moving to 4L requires stopping and putting transmission it engages, which takes only a few seconds.

Drive modes include Eco, Sport, Normal, Tow and MyDrive, plus Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock all-terrain selections.

There’s also an off-road section in the infotainment system.

It’s a lot of information to digest, so we’ve tried to keep it to the essentials. With zero preconceptions, we found Tasman engaging and comfortable to drive, with predictable handling.

Even Mrs Riley enjoyed driving this one and she’s no pushover.

We took the time to take the X-Pro for a spin down our favourite fire trail, which includes some low range sections. No worries. Tasman is just as enjoyable and capable to drive off-road as it is on. It feels relaxed and confident, and ride quality is impressive – even over rough terrain.

This is a real ute, not a pretend one, with the necessary credentials to take up the fight to the three established utes that are now a regular inclusion in the list of the top 10 selling vehicles in Australia.

We clocked up 534km at a rate of 8.9L/100km. A 60km run down the freeway returned 6.5L while the trip computer showed a long-term average of 11.2L after 3700km. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Summing up

Kia Tasman is good and it had to be, as Kia’s first offering in this segment of the market. It’s easier to lose customers than it is to win them back again and Tasman has all the hallmarks of a winner.

Having said that, buyers, especially ute buyers, tend to be followers of fashion – and that means they want the same Hilux or Ranger as their mates.

Tasman’sstylingwillbepolarisingandwe note both the brand and name are stamped on the tailgate, just so there’s no mistaking it for anything else.

At the end of the day there’s no point doing the same old thing as everyone else, is there? But who’ll be the first to break ranks?

Action around the grounds

GEELONG CRICKET ASSOCIATION

DIVISION 1

Round 6, day 1, Saturday 22 November

Lara 113 (A. Hughes 32, V. Malhotra 25, J. Stokes 7/42) vs St Peters 1/96 (O. Trewin 56no)

St Joseph’s 6/285 (A. Casey 87, J. Appleford 81, J. Casey 58, S. Coutts 2/44, N. Berry 2/61) vs Grovedale Newtown & Chilwell 215 (P. McKenna 64, T. Windus 58, S. Taylor 30, L. Molyneux 4/53, D. Moroney 3/49, J. Jenkins 3/53) vs East Belmont 2/99 (S. McNamara 43, J. Lidgett 32no)

South Barwon 117 (C. Mulgrew 77no, D. Kerr 3/33, T. Mathieson 3/33, A. Cranny 2/9, A. McCann 2/9) vs North Geelong 1/72 (P. Visser 43no)

DIVISION 2

Bell Park 241 (N. Deep Pottabathini 56, J. Spiller 49, B. Kelly 28, J. Grozdanovski 6/60, D. Dementiev 2/47) vs Bell Post Hill Torquay 122 (F. Carter 35, R. Plumridge 5/26, H. Butterworth 3/15) vs Leopold 3/107 (R. O’Donnell 52, H. Butterworth 26no, D. O’Brien 3/20)

Highton 9/314 declared (H. Gillard 102, L. Campbell 90, B. Taylor 5/68, E. Guida 3/49) vs Geelong City 1/7

Geelong West 256 (D. Periyapatna Satishkumar 58, J. Muraca 48, K. Spence 39, D. Naralasetti 29, N. Harvey 5/54, M. Juffermans-Goodluck 3/46) vs Alexander Thomson 2/16 (C. George-Eldridge 2/2)

DIVISION 3

Lethbridge 241 (T. Saunders 78, K. Lawton 59, S. Giles 51no, J. Spalding 3/46, G. Dew 2/26, J. McDonald 2/42, X. Dew 2/62) vs Thomson Bannockburn 238 (B. Roberts 62, T. Hay

31, J. Hickleton 30, D. Haturusingha 5/60, E. Rogers 2/59) vs Waurn Ponds Deakin

Marshall 218 (P. Lang 55, S. Blythe 45, L. Cameron 32, W. Skene 29, C. O’Hanlon 3/38, F. Royal 2/21, B. Ross 2/38) vs Modewarre

Murgheboluc 204 (L. Brown 54, O. Dunipace 42, S. Hutley 39, C. Daffy 28, S. Calder 4/41, M. Humm 2/13, T. Laurie 2/46) vs Corio

DIVISION 4

Newcomb & District 5/167 (T. O’Neill 48, H. Nield 26) def Manifold Heights 166 (Nathan Pratt 40, Nick Pratt 39, N. Keevil 5/25, H. Nield 3/23)

Meredith 9/205 (T. Dittloff 74, A. Hart 35, L.

Wright 2/18, R. Chandran 2/46) def Little River 203 (T. Archer 79, J. Walker 35, H. Cox 28, N. Fairchild 25, C. Milne 4/36, M. Ringin 2/43)

Guild St Mary’s 7/281 (D. Singh 82, D. Thomas 73, K. Khan Pathan 41, J. Bottomley 31no, R. Kennedy 4/57) def Teesdale 71 (M. Vicary 5/9, S. Gupta 3/23, G. Randhawa 2/19)

BELLARINE PENINSULA CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Round 6, day 2, Saturday 22 November A1 Grade

Barwon Heads 9/291 def Jan Juc (N. Hyden 79no, D. Hewitt 4/25, S. Kamea 2/19)

Queenscliff 175 def Anglesea 97 (J. Lengyel

25, P. Mileto 4/31, J. Monahan 4/31, T. Kidd 2/15)

Armstrong Creek 3/172 (B. Norgrove 62no, A. Trevean 58) def Drysdale 171 Barrabool 5/202 (K. Pickering 80, M. Kelson 78no) def Inverleigh 200

A2 GRADE

Portarlington 4/235 declared (J. De Bono 94, B. Toole 35no) def Newcomb 107 & 9/130 (J. Price 39, T. Hapugodage 33, S. Anderton 32no, N. Symes 2/9, T. Wirth 2/27, P. McGrath 2/28)

Ocean Grove 8/264 def Winchelsea 108 (T. Bandara 28, C. Snookes 2/5, A. Mann 2/18, B. Singh Brar 2/26, Z. Jones 2/30) Wallington 226 def Collendina 127 (A. Peters 27, C. Walter 25, D. Wise-Graham 6/32, H. Farnsworth 2/11) St Leonards 7/299 declared def Surf Coast 157 (V. Rathore 38, B. Larkings 28, J. Burns 5/33, O. Cutajar 2/31)

PREMIER CRICKET

1sts

Richmond 4/206 (J. D’Rozario 67no, D. Scholz 53, J. Hinds 30) def Geelong 8/203 (A. Armstrong 66, J. Larkin 43, J. Sawrey 3/35) 2nds

Richmond 2/119 (K. Heigl 35no, A. Bhatia 30no) def Geelong 117 (S. Ramireddy 33, J. Ash 6/20) 3rds

Geelong 3/221 (T. Bain 93, J. Klein 49, T. Courtney 33no) def Richmond 8/179 (C. Dobson 52no) 4ths

Richmond 9/207 (J. Sajeba 58, A. Bauer 37, C. McCormick 31, P. Patel 3/34, J. Antonenko 3/40) def Geelong 9/206 (O. Agg 40, B. Craig 38, M. Freijah 35, J. Sajeba 3/39)

Radhika shines with a five-wicket haul for North Geelong

Theindividualhighlightfromlastweekend’s round of matches was a five-wicket haul by North Geelong’s Radhika Goyal.

Promising young all-rounder Goyal took 5/14 while Queenscliff/St Leonards’ G Grade player Danielle Jennings took 4/15. South Barwon’s Amy Seddon was the round’s top scorer with 67 not out from 66 deliveries. The youngster has 291 runs already this season across all formats.

GEELONG WOMEN’S CRICKET

Round 6, Sunday 23 November

A Grade

East Belmont 5/126 (B. Farey 51, L. Tubb 43no, H. Rooke 2/20, C. Mittermair 2/25) def Bell Park 5/95 (H. Rooke 48no)

St Joseph’s 4/141 (C. Kirk 42, A. Huby 37no, T. Smith 20, E. Hauenstein 3/22) def South Barwon 7/128 (A. Seddon 67no, K. De Alwis 30)

Geelong City 4/130 (I. Storrar 41, M. Eldridge 33) def Barwon Heads 8/52 (M. Eldridge 3/5, B. Summers 2/6) North Geelong 5/120 (I. Hanna-Phillips 24, R. Zdybel 22, S. Meyer 2/13) def Lethbridge 3/114 (M. Waddington 55no, C. Smith 32, I. De Graaff 2/21)

B Grade North Geelong 4/80 (I. Dunne 2/16) def Marshall 58 (R. Goyal 5/14) Lara 6/126 (H. Coyle 30no, B. Milverton 25, I. Dowie 2/21) def Portarlington 3/105 (G. McMahon 35no) Anglesea 3/88 (H. Donoghue 30no, R. McCue 28) def Barrabool 4/87 (M. McKenna 21no, K. Hutchinson 2/15) Highton 6/63 def Queenscliff 47 (D. Sharpe 2/1, J. Harper 2/10, J. Newton 2/13)

C Grade Drysdale 3/75 (A. Eddy 23no, S. Fisher 2/9)

Radhika Goyal at a Melbourne Renegades clinic in Geelong in 2023. (Ivan Kemp) 342837_03

def Teesdale 74 (R. Wood 23, S. Fisher 22, A. Eddy 2/7) East Belmont 2/146 (K. Williams 52ret, L. Chester 41, M. Marcola 27no) def Waurn Ponds Deakin 5/88 (D. Cashin 53no, L. Jeffery 2/16)

Bannockburn 3/74 (A. Richardson 31no) def Torquay 7/72 (C. O’Loughlin 24, R. Galbraith 2/6, J. Jacobs 2/7)

Wallington 2/104 (M. Hogan 43no, P. Davies 28no) def St Leonards 4/103 (J. Phillips 30no, S. Roberts 25, J. Holding 21, L. Dafter 2/9)

D Grade

Newtown & Chilwell 3/88 (R. Wright 31no, S. Watson 2/21) def St Joseph’s 4/86 (C. Wuite 30ret)

Thomson 108 (A. Kennedy 30, H. Brady 3/22, A. Handley 2/17) def Bell Post Hill 6/83 (B. O’Connor 20)

Geelong West 6/85 (H. Rawson 20, T. Woods 2/18, L. Smith 2/22) def Armstrong Creek 5/84 (E. Lang 23, L. Thistlewaite 3/10)

Grovedale 3/94 (A. Tolan 30ret, E. Moon 25, A. Sewell 2/3) def Modewarre 6/93 (B. Hubbert 31ret, O. Tolan 2/18, S. Nurnaitis 2/18)

E Grade

Little River 2/76 (S. Anderson 21ret) def St Peters 5/74 (H. Pula 21no) Murgheboluc 0/72 (E. King 31ret) def Barwon Heads 8/69 (L. Williams 3/15, K. Lewis 2/10)

North Geelong 1/105 (J. Clark 30ret, H. Windt 30ret) def Newcomb & District 8/98 (R. Moreland 26no, J. Clark 2/8, S. Murphy 2/10, J. Hastings 2/14)

Lethbridge 4/70 (T. Reid 27no, M. Harvey 2/16) vs Alexander Thomson 6/69

F Grade

Corio 1/99 (M. Wiles 33ret, M. Hili 30ret) def South Barwon 6/98 (M. Wiles 3/21, M. Orr 2/17)

Jan Juc 3/129 (B. Withers 33ret, C. Boxer 32no, S. Huxtable 23no) def Manifold Heights 6/103 (S. Williamson 23no, P. Pratt 22no, S. Huxtable 2/22, G. Mackay 2/24) Bell Park 3/170 (A. Aldridge 30ret, J. Hutchison 30ret, B. Brown 29, E. Ruseler 23no) def Thomson 4/93 (W. Wyatt 32ret) Wallington 5/98 (M. Kelsall 23no) def Bannockburn 3/97

G Grade

Queenscliff/St Leonards 0/77 (J. Robertson 33ret) def Meredith 75 (D. Jennings 4/15)

Armstrong Creek 3/109 (C. Maclean 27no, C. Lamont 21) def Little River 6/74 (C. Lamont 2/13, J. Henriques 2/13)

Lara 3/128 (A. Johanson 30ret, K. Allan

28no) def Bell Park 5/111 (K. Pearce 30ret, C. Lymer 22no, B. Carson 2/20) Geelong City 3/77 (K. Lambert 33no, M. Eggleton 2/13) def East Belmont 3/84 (J. Learey 24no) - City’s target reduced due to delay

Girls A Grade

North Geelong 4/65 (R. Goyal 13no) def South Barwon 45 (M. Tabor 3/10) Geelong City drew with St Joseph’s - no play

Girls B Grade

Drysdale 2/149 (A. Eddy 30ret, J. Phelan 21ret, P. Carroll 15ret) def Highton 3/89 (R. Foran 2/9) North Geelong 6/145 (R. Zydbel 53no, E. Caruana 28, M. Caruana 22no, E. Edmond 4/13) def Grovedale 5/94 (M. McDonald 18) St Joseph’s 4/111 (C. O’Loughlin 19ret, S. Bellur 16, E. Logan 2/13) def St Peters 6/70 (T. Sorgiovanni 22ret, L. Barnett 15, O. Cruden 2-5) Barwon Heads def Queenscliff by forfeit

Girls C Grade

Geelong City Blue 2/88 (A. Lewis 2-5) def Barrabool 5/72 (E. Vander Bruggen 2/8, O. Grimmer 2/9)

Bannockburn 1/119 (J. Cross 35no) def

Geelong City White 7/64 (Z. Boyd 2/8) South Barwon/Highton def North Geelong by forfeit

Victorian Premier Cricket 1sts: Geelong 8/213 (M. Rogers 85, B. Leishman 40) def Melbourne 180 (A. Taylor 3/41)

2nds: Geelong 116 (S. Ramireddy 33) def by Richmond 2/119

3rds: Geelong 116 (A. Hendriks 34) def by Melbourne 5/120

Pirates rebound with a win

By Justin Flynn

After a thrilling one-shot loss to Belmont in round 4, Portarlington rebounded strongly against north Bellarine neighbour St Leonards in a match that didn’t really reflect the final scoreline.

The Pirates prevailed 85 to 67 and picked up 14 points in the round 5 Geelong Bowls Region Division 1 clash on Saturday 22 November, but St Leonards managed to win two rinks and it was close until late in the game.

Tony Demaria’s rink of Phillip Schmindt, Malcolm Weales and Michael Dennis won 35 to 10, which ultimately proved the difference, but there were some pivotal moments on the other three rinks.

Henry Dahler picked up a two-shot win for St Leonards and Andy Hills’ rink prevailed by 15 to have the match evenly poised for the majority of its duration.

David Dunlop skipped his rink of lead Ian Wiffen, second Ray Malcomson and third Brian Lockyer to a vital 22 to 12 win against Tony Long to help see Port home by 18 shots.

“It was a good game overall,” Dunlop said. “We were very pleased to pick up 14 points. We were confident we’d give a good account of ourselves.

“It’s always a good match between one of our close neighbours. It’s always played in really good spirits.”

While Dunlop praised his rink’s performance, he also singled out St Leonards lead Michael Maddox, for what he described as an “outstanding” and “amazing“ performance.

“I’d have given him best on green if I had to pick one,” he said.

“He was an exceptional leader, but to Ian Wiffen’s credit, he competed really well with him, even though Michael might have held the shot most times.

“It was the most consistent draw bowling fromaleadthatI’veseenforalongtime.He could have bowled for the state today as far

as I was concerned.”

Dunlop felt his rink always had the edge despite the closeness of the game.

“Ian (Wiffen) always had bowls in the head, so he was a good contributor for us,” he said. “And our second Ray (Malcomson) did his job very well. My third (Lockyer) put in some really good bowls and I had a pretty good day myself.

“It was pretty close for most of the game and then we sort of got away towards the lastfewendstoopenupabitofagap.Itwas a pretty high-standard game.”

Port takes on Highton, Leopold, Geelong and Ocean Grove before the Christmas break in what is shaping as a close competition with Geelong the only winless side.

“We could easily be sitting second on the ladder,” Dunlop said. “We’re happy where we’re sitting. It’s a terrific competition. You

want evenness in the competition, you don’t want it one-sided.”

Portarlington and Ocean Grove still have a match in hand in Division 1 after their round 2 fixture was abandoned due to a medical incident on one of the rinks. The game will recommence from where it left off at a date to be set by Geelong Bowls Region.

GEELONG BOWLS REGION

Round 5, Saturday 21 November

Premier Pennant

Highton 106 (16) def Queenscliff 60 (2):

David Priddle 16 def by Benjamin Russell 20, Adam Lee 33 def Steve Sullivan 9, Scott McLachlan 29 def Mitchell Hocking 17, Dan Priddle 28 def Ray Butler 14.

Drysdale 77 (16) def Lara 65 (2): M. Godbolt 22 def Michael Kelly 18, John Monahan 17 def Brendan Umbers 13,

Ashley Rees 19 def Ian Polwarth Jnr 13, Luke Lawrence 19 def by Ben Cotter 21. Torquay 81 (16) def Eastern Park 64 (2): James Banks 24 def Cal Inderberg 13, Luke Aiello 9 def by Nick Bell 23, Daryl Kitchin 19 def Adam Martin 15, Nelson Ball 29 def Scott McDonald 13. Ocean Grove vs Bell Post Hill to be played Friday 5 December

DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 95 (13) def Leopold 69 (5): Rod Brehaut 19 def by Brandon Anderson 21, Hugh O’Reilly 44 def David Alderuccio 5, Owen Clark 22 tied with Charlie Sproal 21, Michael West 11 def by Michael Willis 22.

Highton 91 (18) def Geelong 52 (0): Owen Landry 20 def Bryan Wilson 15, Ron Imanse 20 def Graham Harrison 14, Nick Oakes 30 def Troy Thompson 5, Mark Cavanagh 21 def Arthur Crooke 18. Portarlington 85 (14) def St Leonards 67 (4): David Dunlop 22 def Tony Long 12, Barry Hirth 15 def by Henry Dahler 17, Gerard Reed 13 def by Andy Hills 28, Tony Demaria 35 def Antonia Doyle 10. City of Geelong 81 (14) def Belmont 78 (4): Jayden Wombell 32 def Robert Agg 11, David Vogele 10 def by John Harris 29, John Shell 15 def by Robin Hayes 23, Sandra Tillson 24 def Steve Davies 15.

Ocean Grove power their way through to the grand final

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Tuesday Women’s Sections 1 and 3 were at the preliminary final stage and both matches produced upsets.

Kristie Walters and Marg Leigh set Surfcoast Bellbrae off on the right track with a 6-1 win while Mel Keating and Judi Broad backed up their win last week to put Ocean Grove on the board.

Susan Bissett and Kate Lockhart pushed ahead from two-all to win the third for the Grove while Keating and Alison Lugg put themaheadwinning6-4.Bellbrae’sWalters and Colleen Battye blew out to a 4-0 lead, before taking their set 6-2 keeping Bellbrae in the match, but Lockhart and Broad also pushed out to a 4-0 before getting up 6-3. Ocean Grove going into its first Section 1 final in many years.

Section 3 was won well by Highton, which,accordingtoAnglesea,was“justtoo good and too crafty today”.

Highton’s Pauline Edmunds, Liz Worpel, AnnaGoli,LeanneBaxterprovedtoogood, winning 5-1. Anglesea would be licking its woundswiththreesetslost7-6,7-5and6-4, and had its chances. Highton advanced to face Clifton Springs in the final.

Highton’s Section 4 team did not fare so well either against Drysdale. Lisa Leahy and Melanie Wise won the first set 6-1, but Drysdale reeled off the next three, then the final set, spearheaded by Helen Glavocih, winningherthreeforthemorning,andthe team taking a total of four for the win.

Teesdale hosted Surfcoast Bellbrae in Section 4’s first final in one of the closest matches for the day. The teams traded sets through the day, with two of the sets going to 7-5, but minor premier Teesdale was too consistent, getting up by four games.

Surfcoast featured in three finals, with just the one success in Section 2. Torquay hostedAireysInletforthesecondweekina rowanddrewonsetsandgames.Theteams wentsetforsetinthefirstfourmatchesand were level with two sets to play. Winsome Batchelor and Joanne Forde put Torquay in front, winning the fifth, then Josephine Longclinchedherthirdsetforthemorning with Melissa Coulsell to put Surfcoast Torquay into next week’s grand final.

InthefirstfinalMoolaptravelledtoPoint Lonsdale to take on the minor premiers, but did not have much joy on the court,

with the home team winning the first four sets giving it an unassailable lead, before completing the match 5-1.

In Section 6 Moolap also didn’t have a great day against Wandana Heights Green. The two teams have had three close matches through the season, all decided on games, but this week, Wandana blew the match away, winning the first four sets. Moolap rallied in the final two sets, but Wandana progressed and will travel to Barwon Heads next week, after the Heads dominated Newcomb 6-0.

The team of Dallas Cronwright, Katie Hedley, Margie Sanders, Lydia Cover and Maura Sweet, with one loss for the season to Moolap, will take on Wandana Heights Green.

St Mary’s hosted Leopold Green in Section7,andwithtwowinstooneinhome

andaway,itwaslikelytobeclose.Theteams went set for set with St Mary’s holding a four-game lead going into the last two sets. Christie Moores and Teresa Mifsud put St Mary’s ahead 6-4, but Pauline Collier and CarolMillstookanemphatic6-0wininthe last to put the result beyond doubt. In the second-semi, minor premier Grovedaleaccountedforanillnessaffected Point Lonsdale, winning the first four sets to take the win.

In Section 5, it was a good day’s tennis between Grovedale Black and Wandana Heights. The first four sets were split with Grovedale holding a slim lead. Catherine Thompson and Jacqui Blampled put Wandana a set up with a tie-break win, but Kerrie Grinter and Vicki Castven put Grovedale over the line, winning 6-3 and a place in next week’s final.

Port beats local rivals

Neighbours and friendly rivals Portarlington and St Leonards faced off in Saturday Division 1 bowls at Portarlington Bowls Club on Saturday 22 November with the home side coming up trumps. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

Wallabies prove too good

Wallington defeated Collendina in Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade on Saturday and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ocean Grove Memorial Oval to take these pictures.

Gulls pace pair set up win

By Justin Flynn

BarwonHeads’new-ballpairDarcyHewitt

and Sema Kamea ripped through Jan Juc’s top order and spearheaded a big win.

Chasing 292 for victory, Jan Juc lost its first three wickets without a run on the board. Hewitt (4/25) struck with the first and third balls of the innings and Kamea (2/19) also got a wicket in his opening set of six.

Former Papua New Guinea player Kamea is building nicely after adjusting to local conditions and his left-arm pace bowling will be a big key for the Seagulls while Hewitt is enjoying a fine season with wickets and valuable runs.

At 5/12 with the game pretty much out of reach, Nick Hyden and Josh Penton decided to make the Heads earn their win and put a price on their wickets.

Penton made 14, but from 116 balls, and Hyden was there at the end on 79 from 213. The Sharks middle and lower order showed a lot of pride to bat their full 75 overs and ended at 8/134 with No 10 Kai Powers unbeaten on 19 from 42 balls.

Aftergoingthroughthefirstthreerounds winless, Queenscliff is now in the top four after a good win against Anglesea.

Chasing 176 for the win, Anglesea didn’t get close being all out for 97 with Patrick Mileto (4/31 from 18/3 overs), Jordan Monahan (4/41 from 29) and Tom Kidd (2/15 from 10) the only bowlers needed for the Coutas.

Armstrong Creek turned a tricky run chase into a relatively easy win against Drysdale. Resuming at 1/14 in pursuit of

172, nightwatchman Lachie Mulgrew only made4,buttooktheshineofftheballinhis 74-delivery stay at the crease. It allowed Adam Trevean (58), Ben Norgrove (62 not out) and Ben Robertson (22 not out) to score runs at the other end and the Titans got there with seven wickets in hand.

Barrabool timed its run chase of 201 to

perfection, getting there with five wickets and a few overs to spare against Inverleigh. Kane Pickering (80) hit top form and Michael Kelson (78 not out) played a fine leader’s knock for the Bulls and while no Inverleigh bowler took more than one wicket, they all toiled hard, especially left-arm seamer Daniel Midolo (1/60 from 24.3 overs).

Wise-Graham stars in much needed win for Wallington

By Justin Flynn

With the season slowly slipping away, the equation was simple for Wallington going into its round 6 Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 grade clash against Collendina.

The Wallabies simply had to win or risk being left behind even at this relatively early stage of the season.

After a big round 1 win, Wallington’s form started to decline with a string of inconsistent performances before improving with rain-ruined, but strong showings, against Ocean Grove and Newcomb.

And Wallabies rebounded with a 97-run win against the Cobras on Saturday, resurrecting their finals hopes in the process.

Coach Matthew Sampson-Barnes said it took a while for the club’s new players to settle in and a bad hamstring injury to start opener Henry McIntosh and the unavailability of gun bat Sven Burluraux didn’t help.

“It hadn’t quite clicked in the first part of the season,” he said.

“We lost a couple of key players through injury, so it was nice to get back on track. We’ve been winning a few T20s as well so that’s been helpful.

“Henry tore his hamstring pretty bad round two and Sven is in Perth and he misses a fair bit of the season through work.

“We got two overseas players who are like 18, which I think their age makes a big difference so they’re still figuring it out. Not just cricket, but being away from home at 18-years-old is pretty tough.”

Wallington posted 226 all out on day one againsttheCobraswithRichardFaust(60), Billy Gravett (51) and Dane Wise-Graham (31) getting runs although it took a 34-run last-wicket stand between Mitchell Sleeman (25 not out) and Colin Smith (17) to eventually get there.

In reply, Collendina went from 2/67 to 129 all out with Wise-Graham capping off yet another fine all-round performance with 6/32 from 21 overs.

“We haven’t really needed to bowl him as much this year with having so many options,” Sampson-Barnes said.

“But him and Mitch (Sleeman) bowling together, I think we had 55 overs done at break. So they sort of worked together, but he (Wise-Graham) did really well.”

Sampson-Barnes has battled a rare and seriousbacterialinfectionforseveralyears requiring 43 surgeries and more than 100 days in hospital.

Things look to be getting better for the star left-hand batter and he is back playing mainly for his onfield leadership, although in a reduced capacity.

“It was more to get on the ground as captain,” he said.

“I’m probably 90 percent healed. I’m going to try and go back to work in a few

weeks - just try and do a few days before Christmas because I’m on the tools and I haven’t been able to work properly.

“But I’ve been training the last couple of weeks. It’s getting better every time I bat, but I can’t actually swing my bat properly yet.

“I’ll probably bat at 10 or 11 until Christmas. And then I reckon see where we’re at and try and give it a stab after Christmas.”

PORTARLINGTON resumed at 3/175 with a 68-run lead against Newcomb and Joel De Bono needing 13 runs for a century. He would depart for 94 with the Demons declaring on 4/235 in pursuit of outright points. It looked like it would happen at one stage when the Bulls were 9/98 although Jarrod Price (39 from 11 deliveries) had dug in. Sean Anderton counterpunched with 32 not out from 30 and No 11 Jack Scanlon survived and so did Newcomb, getting to 9/130 at stumps.

OCEAN Grove thrashed Winchelsea after making 8/264 last week and bowling out the Blues for 107. All six bowlers used took at least one wicket and not more than two with leg-spinner Alex Mann the pick with 2/18 from 10 overs. The Grubbers are ontopoftheladderwhileWinchstillsitsin second place.

SEAMER James Burns again rose to the occasionforStLeonardswithahaulof5/33 from 16 overs against Surf Coast. Needing 300 for victory, Surf Coast was all out for 157 with Vic Rathore (38) top scoring and young Saints seam bowler Oscar Cutajar grabbing 2/21.