As thousands of children across the region returned to school after the summer break, two new primary schools in Greater Geelong opened their doors to excited studentsforthefirsttime.
Charlemont’s Yirrama Primary School and Armstrong Creek’s Biyala Primary School welcomed their first students this week.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who toured Yirrama Primary School with Education Minister Ben Carroll on Wednesday, said every family deserved a great local government school in their area and that she was proud to see the two Greater Geelongschoolsnowopen.
“Labor promised 100 new government schools, and today (28 January), that promiseisdelivered,”shesaid.
“What’s the number one way to help families fight the cost of living? Investing ingreat,affordable,publicservices.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the new schools provided families more choices in growing areas wheretoenroltheirchildren.
“What an exciting day for families in Charlemont,withabrand-newgovernment school officially opening its doors,” she said.
“It feels especially special to be welcoming local students into two new
schoolsacrossourgrowingcommunities.”
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said 19newschoolsopenedacrossthestatethis week, marking the most schools to open in asingleyear.
As Victoria’s youngest students started their primary school journey, the state government is again rolling out Prep bags andfreebooks.
The bags included books and learning activities that featured this year’s theme of ‘reachforthestars’.
Mr Carroll said the bags included five books selected by a panel of experts, a bus-shaped holder for the Youth Myki, whichprovidesfreetravelacrossthestate.
Anchors aweigh
Sailing kicked off over the long weekend as the Festival of Sails returned with spectacular racing and family-friendly fun.
Hundreds of community members made their way down to the Geelong waterfront from 24 to 26 January to enjoy the festival and watch world-class racing on Corio Bay.
Sarah McVittie and her son Otis (pictured) were treated to a range of onshore entertainment during the festival, with the 183rd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race also a key highlight throughout the weekend.
The STS Young Endeavour also arrived in Geelong after an 11-day voyage from Hobart, which marked the ship’s final visit to the port.
“It’s events like this that really showcase what Geelong can do,” Festival of Sails chair Phil Francis said.
Turn to page 18 for more pictures from the Festival of Sails or page 24 for more on the festival’s passage races.
Open for learning
“Readingisagreatwaytoexpandachild’s vocabulary and their understanding of the world while also spending valuable time togetherasafamily,“hesaid.
The state government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund will also be available fromthistermwithincreasedpayments.
The fund aims to support more than 190,000 eligible students a year to attend camps, sporting programs, excursions, graduations and more. Eligible students will receive $400 from this year to participate in core school experiences, whichisanincreasefromtheprior$154for primary students and $256 for secondary students.
Be Tru rally for justice
First Nations people and allies gathered on the corner of Geelong’s Little Malop Street and Moorabool Street for the Be Tru Cry Justice Invasion Day Rally and March. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp attended the rally on 26 January to capture community members as they campaigned to change the date of Australia Day.
Torres Strait Islander Woman Julie Saylor-Briggs addresses the crowd. 530191_01
The crowd attending the rally. 530191_02
Cr Anthony Aitken speaks to the crowd. 530191_03
Jaimie Jeffrey and Kirsty Wilson. 530191_04
Brodie Murray and his daughter Delilah. 530191_07
Remi, Bea, Holly and Thea. 530191_08
Noongar, Ngapuhi, and Ngati Yaburara Woman Kiri Tawhai gives a speech. 530191_09
Above: Brianna Muldoon with her banner. 530191_05
Left: Zoe Tizard and Patrick Johnson with banners. 530191_10
Left: Trevor and Peter supporting the rally. 530191_11 Centre: Cordy B and Lydia Bennett with protest banners. 530191_06
Right: Sarah Hathway addresses the rally. 530191_12
Family violence court open
A dedicated family violence court is now open in Geelong to give victim-survivors of family violence across the region better access to justice and support.
The Specialist Family Violence Court (SFVC), based out of the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, was officially opened on 23 January and will hear a variety of matters, including bail applications, criminal case pleas and family law parenting matters.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said thenewcourtwouldsupportthewellbeing of people affected by family violence and promote greater accountability for perpetrators.
“The Geelong SFVC will provide invaluable support for victim-survivors and their loved ones whilst holding perpetrators to account,” she said.
“SFVCs are a safe, comfortable space for those affected by family violence to receivededicatedsupportastheynavigate the court system, which we know can be a daunting experience.”
The facility features separate entry and exit points, along with four separate zones for the public, staff, judiciary, and thoseincustody,tominimiseinteractions between court users.
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said there had been a high demand for
specialised family violence facilities in the Barwon South West Region.
“This SFVC will make a real difference for people in the Bellarine, giving victim-survivors a safer, more supportive place to seek justice close to home,” she said.
Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard more than15,000caseslastyear,whichincluded 3478 family violence intervention orders.
Safe waiting areas, remote witness facilities, and private interview rooms have been included at Geelong Law Courts, along with child-friendly spaces for victim-survivors and their loved ones as they navigate the court system.
Youth leaders are ready to represent
Geelong’s newest youth councillors are readytomaketheirmarkontheircity.
The 11 members of the 2026 Youth Council, aged between 13 and 17, were officially inducted last week at a ceremony at City Hall in front of councillors, family andfriends.
Vignesh Ram, 15, was elected to lead the Youth Council as junior mayor, with BaileyRoberts,14,toserveasdeputyjunior mayor.
The Youth Council group has already undergone a three-day orientation, during which they formed a new charter and established the priority areas of protecting
native land, skies and waterways, youth health and wellbeing, economic equality andopportunityandinclusivityandsafety.
Thegroupwillmeetmonthlythroughout the year, presenting advice and recommendations to Geelong council in December.
Junior mayor Vignesh said reflected on theopportunitytoleadtheYouthCouncil.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent young people acrossGreaterGeelong,”Vigneshsaid.
“Our Youth Council is excited to learn, collaborate and advocate on issues that matter to us, and we’re looking forward to
makingapositivedifferencetogether.”
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj the newest youth councillors “should feel very proudofthisachievement”.
“They were selected from a pool of 26 candidates and nearly 2100 votes from theirpeersacross17localschools,”hesaid.
“Councilisexcitedtoworkalongsidethis important advisory committee and hear directly from young people about what matterstothem.
“I’m confident these individuals will make a difference in the community and use their new knowledge and skills in all aspectsoftheirlives.”
The state government provided more than $77 million to establish SFVCs across the state, which responds to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
More than $4 billion has been invested by the state government to strengthen the prevention and response to family violence across the state.
A further $172 million was invested in the last state budget to help keep women and children safe, hold perpetrators to account and support victim survivors throughimprovedaccesstolegalservices, case management and therapeutic supports.
Man arrested after body found
A man has been arrested after the body of a woman was found in GeelongonWednesday..
A community member alerted emergency services to the body of a 49-year-old Springvale woman located at Eastern Beach Pavilion at 11.25amon28January.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told the Independent that emergency services remained at the scene for mostoftheday,withHomicideSquad detectiveslaterarrivingatthescene. A53-year-oldman,whoisofnofixed address,wasarrestedandinterviewed in relation to the woman’s death. Detectives believe the man and the deceased woman were known to one another, and the investigation into the exact circumstances of the death remainsongoing.
An Ambulance Victoria spokespersonsaidthatAdvancedLife Support paramedics also responded tothescene.
City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie said she was sad to hear of the woman’s death and that council would continue to assist authoritieswiththeirinvestigations.
“The lifeguards responded quickly and immediately notified emergency services,” she said. “City officers are reviewing the CCTV footage, and we are assisting Victoria Police with their investigations. I want to praise the first responders for their prompt effortsinthistragicsituation,andalso recognise the community member whoalertedthelifeguards.”
Geelong councillors Rowan Story, Elise Wilkinson, mayor Stretch Kontelj, deputy mayor Ron Nelson, Anthony Aitken and Emma Sinclair with Geelong’s 2026 Youth Council. (Supplied)
Humbled to be honoured
An esteemed robotics professor, a transport infrastructure specialist, a sportsman with a life-long love of archery and an advocate for equality were four locals honoured among hundreds of other outstanding Australians on 26 January.
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. (Supplied)
Professor Saeid Nahavandi (AO)
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi contributes his knowledge and skills to tertiary education, engineering, robotics, and haptics research and innovation, as well as defence capability development.
The Highton man was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division for his distinguished service during the Australia Day Honours.
Distinguished Professor Nahavandi has published more than 1300 scientific papers and was Australian Space researcher of the year in 2021.
He has received a World Automation Congress lifetime achievement award andwonfirstprizeontheABC’sTheNew Inventors program in 2009, among many other accolades.
Distinguished Professor Nahavandi hasalsoworkedacrossmanyuniversities, including Deakin University, Harvard University,MasseyUniversity,University of Windsor, University of Texas in San Antonio and Swinburne University of Technology.
His roles span across many organisations, including the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Department of Defence.
He has also provided his expertise to NATO, Simulation Australasia, Robotics Australia Group, Geelong Information and Communication Technology Cluster, Victorian Direct Manufacturing Centre, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Distinguished Professor Nahavandi has fellowships with Engineers Australia, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
AOs are appointed to people for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large, with Distinguished Professor Nahavandi being one of 38 people to receive an AO in the General Division.
Dr Gillian Miles (AM)
For Dr Gillian Miles, the transport and infrastructure sectors present a range of puzzles that she loves to try and solve.
The Portarlington woman was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the industry during this year’s Australia Day Honours.
“It felt slightly weird for a second to be named an AM, but then I felt very honoured that my peers and community had done that for me, and I’m very privileged to have been honoured in that way,” Dr Miles said.
Dr Miles has worked across various sectors, including the Australian Transport Industry, Roads Australia, Transport for Victoria, the Victorian Transport Industry, and TAFE Victoria.
“It’s the complexity and scale of infrastructure, particularly transport, that I’ve never been able to keep away from...andIjustlovesolvingbigandlittle problems,” she said.
“Most of my career has been in infrastructure, mostly on the transport side, and I got into it because I was fascinated by this big, complex system that everyone has to use every day.”
Dr Miles said the transport and infrastructureindustry“wasmuchbetter now than it was 25 years ago” for women.
“A lot of work has been done, both within the government and sector, to recogniseandallowfortheemergenceof gender balance,” she said.
“I used to front up to meetings with
John Womersley (AM)
Leopold’s John Womersley has dedicated hislifetothesportofarchery.
Mr Womersley, 88, was a foundational member and two-time president of local club Geelong Archers, established in 1960, and has served as an officiator and administratorateverylevelofthearchery world.
In 1970 he became president of Archery Victoria, in 1976 he was elected president of Archery Association of Australia (now Archery Australia) and in 1979 he began a nearly 30-year stint as an international judge, including appearances at two Olympicgames.
Mr Womersley has also spent many years on various international archery committees, as an Oceania liaison officer andinternationaldelegate.
He has also been recognised through other awards, including a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1978, the
maybe 20 people in the room where I’d be the only woman, and now that would not happen, so the whole infrastructure industry has changed.”
Australian Sports Medal (2000), the Queen’sMedal(2000)andinductiontothe AustralianArcheryHallofFame(2013).
Mr Womersley’s wife Susanne has also spent years in archery officiating and administration; the two first met in her home country of Austria in 1986 at the WorldFieldArcheryChampionships.
Speaking on behalf of her husband, she said Mr Womersley was “so pleased” to have been recognised for a lifetime of servicetoarcherydespitenothavingbeen involved in the sport for the past several years.
“He’s very proud that Geelong Archers, something that started off on such a small scale, now has over 100 members and has become a real springboard for competitivearchers,”shesaid.
“Hereallylovedthesenseofcommunity and purpose that it gave him…You make friendsallovertheworld.”
Matt Hewson
Michael Betts (AM)
Born and bred in Geelong, Michael Betts has never wanted to live and work anywhereelse.
On Australia Day Mr Betts, 74, was awarded a Member of the Order Australia (AM) for significant service to the communityofGeelong,mostnotablywith organisationsthattackleinequality.
Hehasservedaschairanddirectorofthe Barwon Regional Association for Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Committee for Geelong and Northern Futures and as company director of United Way (now GiveWhereYouLive).
Among numerous other organisations, Mr Betts has belonged to three Rotary clubs, presided over the Old Geelong Collegians Association, chaired St Laurence Community Services (Barwon), andcurrentlychairsGeelongCommunity Foundation.
He spent eight years early in his career commuting to Melbourne, but soon realisedGeelongwaswherehisheartlay.
“In 1973 I joined a small accounting firm in Melbourne…technically I lived in Melbourne for about three months, hated it,andIcameback,”MrBettssaid.
“In 1980 our second child was born and I talked to Ros, my wife…I decided that professionally I would return to Geelong, and it’s been a decision I’ve never regretted.
“I was captain of Geelong College in 1969 and I’ve maintained a lifetime interest in that (institution)...I’m a proud old Geelong Amateurs footballer. It was aneasychoice;IloveGeelong.”
Mr Betts said the example set by his parents Geoff and Betty and his wife’s parents Ray and Shirley Bennett continued to inspire him to give his time andefforttothecommunity.
“I understand that Geelong has been very good to my parents and parents-in-law,soyouputback;that’sjust whatyoudo,”hesaid.
Matt Hewson
Michael Betts’ years of service to the community were acknowledged with an AM. (Supplied)
John Womersley received an AM for decades of service to archery at the local, national and international levels. (Supplied)
Dr Gillian Miles has been honoured with an AM for her service to the transport and infrastructure sectors.
(Kristoffer Paulsen)
Jena Carr
OAM honours for 11 locals
Elevenpeoplewithsignificantconnections to Greater Geelong were recognised with Australia Day honours on 26 January and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)intheGeneralDivision.
Elizabeth Bate’s passion for her home town Lara was recognised with an OAM. Ms Bate has served organisations in Lara, such as the CFA, Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchandwastheLionsClub’scitizenof theyearin2003/04.
Roxanne Bennett (OAM) has served the community of Geelong through radio stations Bay 93.9 and K-Rock, Salvation Army,BarwonHealthFoundation,Lifeline andGAWS.
Ernest Drew OAM lives in Queensland, but his Geelong connection is strong. Mr Drew was Blind Citizens Geelong branch presidentin2012andavolunteerforRoyal VictorianInstitutefortheBlind.
Bellbrae’s Barry Fagg OAM was recognised for service to charitable organisations and to the community of Geelong. Mr Fagg is a former board chair of Give Where You Live, current board member of Geelong Cats and was the inaugural inductee into Mitre 10’s Hall of Famein2012.
Belmont’sLeonHerviouOAMisaMeals on Wheels legend. He was a volunteer for Geelong’s Meals on Wheels for 23 years andadriverfor15years.
Torquay’s Brian Keane OAM has served MacKillop Family Services, Lions Club of
Torquay, Nazareth Catholic Parish and SurfCoastShirecouncil.
Richard Lawysz received an OAM for his service to athletics, which includes more than 20 years as Geelong Athletics president and life membership and earning a distinguished service award in 2021.
Marie McPadden OAM, from Wurdiboluc, has contributed heavily towards animal welfare and has a long list of accolades for Barwon and Otway Plains ScoutsDistricts.
Grovedale’s William (Bill) Rebula OAM has been heavily involved in Geelong ProstateSupportGroup,NazarethCatholic ParishandasupervisingdriverfortheL2P program.
Drysdale’s John Trigg OAM’s service to youth and the community is evidenced by his contributions to Australian Navy Cadets, Rotary, State Emergency Service andAPEX.
Highton’s Nigel Wilson OAM has given years of service to All Saints’ Anglican Parish of Newtown and Geelong West, All Saints’ Newtown Tennis Club, Tennis Geelong, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Geelong sub-branch and has been awarded various service medals including the Australian Active Service Medal.
Roxie Bennett OAM. (Ivan Kemp) 500516_02
Australia Day in Geelong
Community members gathered at Geelong’s Steampacket Garden on 26 January for the Australia Day Family Day. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the event to capture people enjoying good weather and family-friendly activities.
Top: Mitch and Liana Chadwick with their son Dutch. 530199_05
Above: Hula hoop fun for Erika Hansson and Molly. 530199_01
Left: Aleisha Manion entertains the crowd. 530199_06
Far left: Dani Fry and Joss Russell entertaining the crowd. 530199_02 Left: Charai and Silio Paulo on holiday from Samoa. 530199_08 Above: Verity and Brett Connell with their children Carter, Frankie and Kingston. 530199_07
Nadine and Robert Dwyer (centre) with grandmother Jennifer and children Liam and Annika. 530199_03
Natalie Nuttall with her children Ivy, Ava and Emilio. 530199_04
The slide was a great treat for the kids. 530199_09
Linton and Laurel Tinton. 530199_10
Jenny and Ash Peeler celebrating Australia Day with their children Sadie, Lucy and Molly. 530199_11
Rosemary and Garry Naylor dressed to celebrate Australia Day. 530199_12
Councils back Avalon plan
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Geelong and Wyndham councils have announced their Avalon advocacy requests fortheNovemberstateelection.
InconjunctionwiththeGeelongChamber of Commerce, Committee for Geelong and CommitteeforWyndham,theplancallsfor greaterinvestmentinboththeinternational airportandindustrialprecinct.
Mayors of both cities want the state government to eventually outline a three-year program of matched funding betweenthepublicandprivatesectors.
The establishment of a $1 billion regional infrastructurefundisoneofthesuggestions.
Geelong and Wyndham are also pushing
for better road connectivity, with the upgradeofBeachRoadbetweenthePrinces Freeway, the airport and the commercial precinct.
Furtherdowntheline,campaignersfrom both sides of the You Yangs want to see the Avalon Airport Rail Link delivered to connect Avalon to the Melbourne-Geelong railcorridor.
The airport is already ramping up operations, ending its six-year, post-Covid international flight hiatus, with Jetstar servicestoBaliresuminginMarch.
Defence and manufacturing activities have ramped up and a new freight facility wasopenedlatelastyear.
Avalon Airport chief operating officer
Home run for local baseball
Members of Korean Baseball Organisation (KBO)teamKTWizhavelandedinGeelong fortheir2026summertrainingcamp.
More than 80 players, coaching staff and team members from Korea have arrived, with the playing group to undergo a six-weekintensiveprogramdeliveredbythe City of Greater Geelong and the Melbourne Aces, Geelong Baycats and East Belmont Saintsbaseballclubs.
KT Wiz players will also participate in a community day on Sunday 8 February, giving local baseball fans the opportunity tomeettheKoreanstars.
The Geelong Baseball Centre, which has recentlyreceivedaseriesofmajorupgrades toitsdiamondone,willhostthecamp.
The club undertook a similar training
camp in Geelong last summer, with nearly 90 KT Wiz members visiting and injecting $1.6millionintothelocaleconomy.
“It’s fantastic to welcome back 80 players, coaches and staff to our region for the 2026 summertrainingcamp,”hesaid.
“We hope that after another successful summerprogram,we’llbeabletoenterinto a more longer-term partnership with KT WizfortraininginGeelong.”
KT Wiz general manager Na Do-hyun, mayor Stretch Kontelj, councillor Andrew Katos and Melbourne Aces general manager Justin Huber with KT Wiz baseball players. (Supplied)
Dave Moreland said that having these requestsmetcouldcreatethousandsofjobs forbothareas.
“Avalon Airport stands at the forefront of Victoria’s international future; emerging as a dynamic passenger and freight gateway that is reshaping aviation and visitation, expanding industrial capability, and creating thousands of new jobs,” Mr Moreland said. “With the right investment, Avalon will unlock world class global connectivity, build a thriving industrial and logistics hub, strengthening Victoria’s global competitiveness, while providing significanteconomicbenefitstotheregion.”
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said Avalon is primed to improve global
connectivity for one of the country’s fastest growingregions.
“Wyndham and Geelong are among the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and Avalon Airport is central to connecting our communitytotheworld,”CrGilligansaid.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj echoed the sentiment and added that it could be a superchargefortheentirestate.
“With the right investment, Avalon will become our state’s second international airport, driving jobs, freight capacity, and connectivity for millions of Victorians,” Cr Kontelj said. “This is about unlocking economic potential and ensuring regional Victoria thrives alongside metropolitan Melbourne.”
Revitalising Geelong
By Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Revitalising central Geelong has been a key focus of my term as mayor, and we are working hard to activate and renew areas withinthecitythatrequiresomeextraTLC.
There are so many aspects of our central businessdistrictthatattractresidentsfrom near and far. We cherish our picturesque waterfront and our thriving hospitality stripinLittleMalopStreetwest.
However, some parts of our city undoubtedly require work, and we have identified opportunities to ensure our entireCBDisadestinationworthexploring.
I have heard community concerns regarding Moorabool Street and we are addressing these with lighting upgrades betweenRyrieandMalopstreets.Weknow there is room for improvement here – the streetscape is 20 years old and needs a facelift.
Work has already begun on touching up thispartofthecity,witharangeoflighting upgrades on track to be completed by June this year. Safety is paramount to these upgrades.Alitcityisasafercity.
As the heart of our commercial district and a thoroughfare for our city’s nightlife, we know that improved visibility along Moorabool Street is essential for the confidence and security of people visiting ourCBD.
Quality lighting acts as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and provides peace ofmindforworkersandshoppersreturning homeafterdark.
Ryrie Street hasn’t been forgotten either, with additional lighting upgrades to take place between Gheringhap and Yarra streets. We’re currently exploring tree lightingoptionsforthisbusythoroughfare, and I expect to have more to share in the nearfutureonthis.
The community can expect more illumination in trees and of iconic spots in central Geelong, and we are embracing new and emerging technology to achieve this.
Neighbourhood house reveals new program
The Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House is back in full swing, with organisers launchinganewFebruaryprogram.
Catering to community members of all ages, the program offers free and low-cost arts and crafts lessons, physical fitness classes, photography workshops, yoga, tai chi and a repair cafe, as well as jobseeker andcounsellingservices.
Closing in September last year when the previous operator entered voluntary administration, the much-loved community centre reopened in October aftertheCityofGreaterGeelongsteppedin totemporarilyoverseeoperations.
Coordinator Stella Kinsella, who took on theroleinDecemberlastyear,saidshehad beengaininginsightsfromthecommunity.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the locals and hearing which programs are in highdemand,”MsKinsellasaid.
“It’s been great to also connect with former facilitators and groups who want to returntothetimetable.
“We’ve got a mix of classes, lessons, a support group and employment services that appeal to children, adults and older people, and we’re planning on adding moreactivitiestotheprogram.
Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said the centre had received positivefeedbackfromthecommunity.
“Sinceitsre-opening,ithasbeengreatto see how the community has embraced the offeringsandservicesavailable,”shesaid.
“It shows us that these types of community spaces are very important and deliversomanybenefits.”
Theprogramisavailableatgeelong.link/ OGNHandMsKinsellaencouragedformer users to contact her at oceangrovenh@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au about resuming
This includes LED lighting, which we have invested heavily in for its environmental benefits and financial efficiencies, with these savings enabling furtherinvestment.
The streetscape improvements are designed to maintain and enhance the existing infrastructure while work is done inresponsetotheVictorianGovernment’s CentralGeelongFrameworkPlan.
ThisplanincludesactionsforMoorabool Street that will require long term financial and strategic investment from both state andlocalgovernment.
These actions address larger infrastructure challenges like the Moorabool Street bus interchange and otherstreetscapeopportunities.
So, while we aren’t going to completely overhaul Moorabool Street overnight, we are going to make do with what we have through a range of practical and sustainableactions.
I see this part of our city as such a big opportunity for success. This boulevard should be epicentre for high end shopping andavibrantsocialhub,whileservingasa stunningvistaoverlookingourwaterfront.
We have already seen recent improvements with the new laneway breakthrough connecting Market and Ryrie Street, as well as the introduction of the Geelong City Market late last year, which has transformed a once empty space into a thriving and colourful hive of activity.
I’mconfidentthattheseadditionalworks will move the dial in the right direction for shoppers, commuters and business owners and I look forward to seeing this projectcompletelaterthisyear.
New operator for Queens Park
Negotiationsaresettobeginbetween the City of Greater Geelong and management company Clublinks over the lease of Queens Park Golf ClubinHighton.
TheCityannouncedonWednesday it had selected Clublinks as the course’s preferred operator via an extensive tender process, with the councilgroupvotingtoholdcontract negotiationsinthecomingmonths.
The lease agreement will see Clublinks manage operations at Queens Park for the next 21 years and invest $5.3 million in the facility, including$2millionintheclubhouse, $1 million in the driving range and $2.3millioninthecourseitself.
“This is an important next step in the process towards a better Queens ParkGolfClubforeveryone,”hesaid.
“I look forward to negotiations commencingandmorepositivenews soon.”
Clublinks chief executive Anthony Lawrence said the organisation had greatplansforQueensPark.
“We’re thrilled to continue our established partnership with the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise Queens Park Golf Course,” he said. “Ourvisionissimple;createavibrant, inclusive space where everyone can play,laugh,andconnect.”
Artist Beth Van-Elst, Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson, Program Co Ordinator Stella Kinsella, and Terri Patterson and Biddy Naylor, founders of the original Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House. (Supplied)
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM. (Supplied)
The power of love and song
The ancient Greek myth of Orpheus is a storyoflove,lossandremembrance.
In the original tale, the famous bard of the same name braves the underworld to recover his lost wife Eurydice, using the power of his music to convince Hades and Persephonetoreleaseherfromdeath.
They agree, but on one condition; he must walk in front of her and not look back untiltheybothreturntothelivingworld.
In his eagerness, Orpheus fails to hold to thatrestrictionandEurydiceislostforever.
Christoph Willibald Gluck’s influential opera Orpheus and Eurydice, which Lyster
Opera brings to Geelong this February, is a retellingofthatwell-knownmyth.
But,astheproliferationofcontemporary cinematic remakes demonstrates, sometimes the artist reinterpreting the originalstorycan’thelpbuteditorialise.
“The obvious takeaway from the original story is that the dead are always with us, but we don’t look back, we look forward,” Lyster founder and opera historian Jamie Moffatsaid.
“They’re always with us, but they’re behind us. But in Gluck’s version, when Orpheus looks back at Eurydice and she
Buttered Loaf bring the funk
Foraquarterofacenturygroove-basedjam band Buttered Loaf have been entertaining musicloversacrossMelbourne.
Throughout the early 2000s, Wednesday night was Loaf night. The band, spawned from the Box Hill TAFE jazz and contemporary music course, cut their teeth on a string of residencies at venues like the Public Bar, the Old Bar and the Cape Lounge.
With a mix of classic funk, soul, reggae, roots,rock,jazzandbluestunesandoriginal grooves, Buttered Loaf soon became a byword for a good time, especially among fellowMelbournemusicians.
Whilethebandhascontinuedtoplayand develop, the five members - organist Sam Cope, guitarist Gideon Cozens, drummer Selwyn Cozens, saxophonist Joe Greenway and bassist Yuri Pavlinov - have all played
Selwyn said the shared love of all things old school and a focus on giving it all up for thesongwereattheheartoftheLoafsound.
“There’s a lot of improvising, but Yuri and I will quite happily sit on a groove and just notdeviatefor10minuteswhilethesoloists shred,sowestillhaveadancefloororiented thing,”hesaid.
“We’re all musical omnivores, we’re all just ferociously into music. When we all bringitthebandisasumthat’sgreaterthan all its parts…I have a great appreciation for howluckyIamtohavebeenabletoplayina bandlikethisfor25years.”
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falls down dead, he sings his very famous, very beautiful lament; it’s one of the most beautifulthingseverwritten.
“Then, the goddess of love pops up and says,no,onlykidding,andbringsEurydice backtolife.It’sjustadifferenttake,andthe moral of the story becomes ‘love triumphs overeverything’.”
It’s a work that Moffat has long wanted to produce; Orpheus and Eurydice was the firstoperahehadeverheard.
“I just fell in love with this one; it is so lyrical,sobeautiful,somoving,”hesaid.
“It’s a fiendishly difficult score, it really
is a very hard one to sing. It’s all about contrast…inthespaceofanhourandthree quarters, (Gluck) runs the entire gamut, from joyous to terrifying, and of course, it endsuponthisveryupbeatnote.”
TenorPaulBiencourt,whohasperformed with Melbourne Opera, Victorian Opera and Opera Australia, leads the cast in the role of Orpheus, with Laura Slavin as EurydiceandHelenKoehneasAmour. Lyster Opera’s Orpheus and Eurydice is at the Courthouse Theatre on 14 February. Visit lysteropera.com.au or call 0410 890 388fortickets.
Joe Greenway (sax) and Gideon Cozens (guitar) make up two-fifths of veteran Melbourne funk band Buttered Loaf. (Sean Clohesy)
Healing flashes of beauty
Julie Hope was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer two years ago. She speaks with Jena Carr about her cancer journey ahead of a free wellbeing day for women with cancer.
Geelong’sJulieHopeisgratefulforall the positive things in her life after receiving two cancer diagnoses in thespanofadecade.
The 59-year-old survived breast cancer 12 years ago and spent the next 10 years working in communication and teaching roles before she started to feel unwell in January2024.
“I was having feelings of deja vu and changes in thought patterns that I thought maybecomingfromadreamorsomething I saw on social media, but I now believe thattheywerefocalseizures,”Juliesaid.
“I was also having terrible headaches, which got to the point where one night I wrapped my head in every frozen item from the freezer because my head was burningup.
“I did not think to ring an ambulance myself, and my son, who was 21 years old atthetime,foundmeat3amafterI’dfallen out of bed having a seizure...so, he saved mylifeandcalledtheambulance.”
ItwasthenthatJuliewasdiagnosedwith Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancerthatiscurrentlyincurable.
“I remember at the hospital, doctors did an MRI and said it was not good news as therewasatumour,”shesaid.
My vision has almost changed since my diagnosis, and I see beauty now more than ever before
“The shock of that prognosis was overwhelming, but the gold standard treatmentatBarwonHealth’sAndrewLove Cancer Centre (ALCC) has seen me regain hope.
“Thenextfewmonthswereconsumedby surgery to remove as much of the tumour aspossible,followedbychemotherapyand radiationtreatment.
“They got 95 per cent of the tumour removed without damaging anything, whichwasaprettygoodoutcome.
“At the time, I thought chemo and radiation would mop up the rest, but it was only to keep it at bay, which it has been for twoyears.
“I don’t like to name it (the cancer), as naming it gives it wings...and every three months now I have an MRI to confirm that thetumourhasnotprogressed.
“This is something I have to live with forever until new techniques and drugs come around...but I am not alone as this, and other wicked and insidious cancers affectsomanyofus.”
Taking the diagnosis in her stride, Julie chose to fill her life with positivity and the peopleandactivitiessheenjoys.
“If you’re so focused on treatments, the prognosis and the ‘what ifs’, you forget about your whole self and the good things thatstillexist,”shesaid.
“Good wellbeing and positivity have helped make me feel normal again and kept me from focusing on what might happeninthefuture.
“I sometimes wonder how I’m being so positive, but the other option is a lot worse, and I’m grateful that I’m here on this day andinthismoment.
“I like finding things that make me feel good, whether it’s growing flowers or buying a few gems, as it is the flashes of beauty that we can sometimes miss that makeyougratefulforlife.”
Julie said she contributed a lot to her wellbeing and healing journey to the
services and opportunities at the ALCC WellnessLounge.
“No longer were my visits all about cancer; we were focused on feeling good, positive and hopeful for a bright future as well as doing pleasant things again,” she said.
“Taking part in activities like yoga, guided meditation, art workshops and floristryboostedmysenseofwellbeingand helped me reconnect with simple rituals thatmademefeellikemyselfagain.
“Theartclassespromptedmetoconsider things I hadn’t done before and have opened up ‘new life’ pursuits for me, like drum lessons, a floristry course, and perfumeworkshops.
“The wellbeing opportunities offered to me on this journey helped me not focus on the fear of what might be and helped to bringbackbeautyandpositivityinmylife.”
Cancer continues to impact women and their families in many ways across the state, with Victorian Women’s Health Atlas data from the Barwon South West region highlighting the importance of accessible supportservices.
Forthatreason,afreeGeelongWellbeing Day will be held at East Geelong’s Eastern Hub on 18 February to help create community connections for women who havehadacancerdiagnosis.
Counterpart (a Women’s Health Victoria service) and Barwon South West Regional Integrated Cancer Services will host the event, featuring a relaxed program of activitieslikeyogaandafloralworkshop.
“A key focus is on supporting women in regional and rural Victoria, so we hope to seelotsofpeopleattheevent,”Counterpart managerCindyVanRooysaid.
“Whether recently diagnosed, having ongoing treatment, or living cancer-free
for years, we know that cancer can be an isolatingexperience.
“We are so proud to be able to help improve people’s health and wellbeing by hosting a day focused on connection and wellbeing for women living in or around Geelong.”
Julie said she “wholeheartedly” supported the wellbeing day and that she was “genuinely looking forward to attending”.
“My vision has almost changed since my diagnosis, and I see beauty now more than everbefore,”shesaid.
“I encourage anybody recovering from or living with cancer to participate in everythingthatisofferedtohelptheirbody andsoulrecoverandfeelwell.
“I’m sure there will be an activity, organisation or connection that improves yourmood,wellbeingandoutlook.It’stime to focus your energy on you, your healing andyourwellbeing.”
Although the event is free, registrations are required, and people are encouraged to book their spot by 10 February at counterpart.org.au/events/geelong-wbd or bycalling1300781500.
- Julie Hope
Julie Hope survived breast cancer only to be diagnosed with brain cancer a decade later. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 531039_01
Julie encouraged people to participate in activities like floral workshops during the Geelong Wellbeing Day. 531039_07
The Guide
Friday, January 30
national treasure
winner is the first female to host HotSeat– the high-risk, highreward edition where just one wrong move can mean walking home empty-handed – and brings her bubbly personality, plenty of
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Solar System With Brian Cox. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Australia Day Live. (PG, R) 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG)
8.15 Art Detectives. (Ma) A Titanic obsessive is found dead.
9.05 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) A satirical news program.
10.05 A Life In Ten Pictures: Alexander McQueen. (PGa, R)
1.30 Silent Road. (Madsv, R) 3.30 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 4.00 Barkley Manor. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: Putuparri And The Rainmakers. (2015, PG) 1.45 Stompem Ground 2022: Karajarri Dancers. 2.00 Wild Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Coastal Africa. 7.30 MOVIE: The Ant Bully. (2006) 9.15 MOVIE: Norbit. (2007, M) 11.00 Nula. 11.35 Big Sky Girls. Midnight Going Places. 1.00 Women Of The Sun. 2.00 On The Road. 3.00 On The Road. 4.00 Everything’s
Quizmaster: Rebecca Gibney hosts the reboot of Millionaire Hot Seat
ART DETECTIVES
ABC TV, Friday, 8.15pm
Now a well-established crime-solving duo, investigator Mick Palmer (Stephen Moyer) and sergeant Shazia Malik (Nina Singh) take on murder mysteries with links to antiquities and the art world in this quirky six-part drama. The son of a criminal forger, Palmer’s passion for the preservation of historical relics and painting is personal – and his enthusiasm is often educational for viewers. In “Ice Cold”, Palmer and Malik investigate the suspicious death of an American millionaire in Belfast who was in town to donate his prized collection of RMS Titanicmemorabilia to a local museum. After discovering that he was poisoned, they suspect someone was trying to stop the donation.
9pm
positivity and compassion to the role. “I know I have big shoes to fill,” confesses Gibney. “But I said when I turned 60 I wasn’t going to let fear stop me from trying new things – so here we go!” Six clever contestants try to win $1 million in Monday’s premiere.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: When Love Blooms. (2021, PGa) Sarah Power. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh.
4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Adam Dovile fixes wobbly shelves. 8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. (2017, MA15+sv, R) After the Kingsmen are attacked by a mysterious enemy, Eggsy and Merlin are the sole survivors. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong. 11.30 Doc. (Mav, R) 12.30 MOVIE: A Sister’s Grudge. (2021, Mav, R) Annika Foster.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72)
Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 5.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
MIDSOMER MURDERS
ABC TV, Saturday, 8.30pm
With its 30th anniversary on the horizon in 2027, this wildly popular crime drama (and its ballooning body count) show no signs of slowing down. DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) need their gumboots for Saturday’s season 25 opener as they look into Midsomer’s highly competitive mudlarking subculture. It’s usually a harmless hobby that sees scavengers search riverbanks for priceless pieces of history and longforgotten artefacts – think Roman pottery, ancient coins and badges. However, when a jar containing human remains is found on the banks of a river, a dispute between rival treasure hunters turns deadly.
Keeping viewers guessing by following an enigmatic special agent who plays his or her cards close to their chest is rule no.1 in the NCISplaybook. It allows the show’s writers to keep fans hooked by bread-crumbing the audience with tantalising reveals, and it’s also much easier than writing a back story that could cause complicated plot holes down the line. After four years at the helm of the team, it’s finally time we learn a little more about Alden Parker (Gary Cole, pictured). After his father was murdered in season 22’s finale, Parker is more determined than ever to track down the elusive Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), even if it means ignoring the orders of Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) to carry out his personal vendetta.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) A mix of topical issues. 11.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 12.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 13. Men’s Semi-Final. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 13.
6.00 9News.
7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions.
7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 13. Men’s semi-finals. 11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv, R) An infection threatens Marcel’s transplant.
12.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Next Stop. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R) 7.30
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A couple struggle to sell their property. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia.
10 COMEDY (52, 11)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Find My Country House Canada. Noon Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 1.00 Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Are You Being Served? (1977, PG) 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 M*A*S*H. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: The Full Monty. (1997, M) 10.30 Major Crimes. 11.30 New Tricks. 12.30am Antiques Roadshow. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 MOVIE: Are You Being Served? (1977, PG) 3.30 Danger Man. 4.30 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.10 Knee High Spies. 2.15 Peter Rabbit. 2.35 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.50 The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 LEGO Masters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, M) 10.00 MOVIE: The Lincoln Lawyer. (2011, M) 12.30am Love Island UK. 1.30 The Vampire Diaries. 3.15 9Honey Hacks. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Booba. 5.10 LEGO City Adventures. 5.30 Mia & Codie. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 American Resto. 11.30 Storage Wars.
6am Morning Programs. 9.20 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PGlv) 11.20 My Own Good. (2018, Madl, Italian) 1.10pm That Good Night. (2017, Ma) 2.50 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 4.50 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 6.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 8.30 Of An Age. (2022, MA15+) 10.25 Vampire’s Kiss. (1988, MA15+lv) 12.20am Storm Boy. (1976, PGa) 1.55 Nobody Has To Know. (2021, Ml) 3.45 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PGans, French, Japanese, English) 5.30 The Movie Show.
Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990, M) 10.50 MOVIE: Underworld: Blood Wars. (2016, MA15+) 12.40am Road Wars. 2.00 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Sound FX: Best Of. 3.00 NFL. NFL. NFC C’ship Game. Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams. Replay.
10 DRAMA (53, 12)
NCIS 10, Tuesday,
MILLIONAIRE HOT SEAT 10, Monday, 7pm
After 15 years on air, Millionaire HotSeatis a quiz show most Australians know like the back of their own hands. But 10’s fresh take on the format hosted by
Rebecca Gibney is changing the game. The Gold Logie
PICK OF THE WEEK
Saturday, January 31
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 Rage Charts. (PGadhlnsv) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Ma, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Australian Of The Year 2026. (PG, R) 4.25 Human. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6.00 Back Roads: Local Heroes Special. (R) Heather Ewart embarks on a road trip.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) A solo delivery puts Sister Julienne’s skills to the test.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Return, PGav) When a group of rival mudlarkers excavate the Holly Brook river, a dark and deadly past resurfaces.
10.00 The Jetty. (Final, MA15+a, R) Ember tries to uncover the truth about Amy.
11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.25 Children’s Programs. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.45 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1.05pm Nula. 1.35 Coastal Africa. 2.25 Patou: In Black And White. 3.25 Her Name Is Nanny Nellie. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 Haututu Hunters. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: The Conjuring. (2013, MA15+) 10.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. Midnight Going Places. 1.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 France 24. 11.00 PBS News. 12.00 Going Places. (R) 12.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Women’s. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.05 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands. 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Southern Cross Stakes Day and Caulfield Open Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: Women On The Frontline. (PG) Looks at the homes of two Royalist women. 8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Contrasting Bernina Railway. (R) Looks at the Bernina route, which has dazzled travellers for 120 years, winding from the remote Engadine over the Bernina Pass.
9.40 The Secret DNA Of Us: Geelong. (Ma, R) The team heads to Geelong. 10.45 Lord Lucan: The Evidence. (Mav, R) 11.45 House Of Promises. (Msv, R) 3.15 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am
Morning Programs. 3.25pm Heroines. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 Mastermind Aust. 6.55 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 7.40 Engineering From Above. (Premiere) 8.35 Icons Unearthed: The Simpsons. 9.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Women’s. 12.30am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm Tudawali. (1987, Mlsv) 1.55 Discovering Film. 2.55 Storm Boy. (1976, PGa) 4.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PGlv) 6.30 I Kill Giants. (2018, PGalv) 8.30 The Gunman. (2015) 10.40 My Sole Desire. (2022, MA15+ansv, French) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 MOVIE: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. (2023, PGv) Two plumbers are sent to a magical kingdom. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy. 9.00 MOVIE: The King’s Man. (2021, MA15+v, R) Members of a spy agency find themselves pitted against an evil cabal bent on starting a war. Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Harris Dickinson.
11.40 Air Crash Investigations: Dream Flight Disaster. (PGa, R) Examines the crash of a seaplane.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. 1.30pm Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Wildlife ER. 5.00 Horse Racing. Southern Cross Stakes Day and Caulfield Open Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. USA Boxing Day. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Jaws. (1975, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Black Sea. (2014, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
Sunday, February 1
ABC TV (2)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. (Return) 10.00 Offsiders. (Return) 10.30 Secret Science. (PG, R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (Final, R) 1.30 Australia Day Live. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (Return, PG) Six participants raise and train working dogs.
8.30 Dog Park. (Premiere, Ml) A man is left to take care of a dog he never wanted and soon finds himself adopted by an eclectic pack of dog-tragics.
9.00 This England. (Premiere, Ml) Looks at Britain during Covid.
12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 6.30 Drive Safer. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 11.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 12.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 14. 4.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R)
6.00 9News Saturday.
6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Coverage of the Australian Open tennis tournament, featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions.
7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 14. Women’s final. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv, R) Crockett receives shocking news.
1.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) Stabler testifies against the brotherhood.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
1.20pm MOVIE: Beautiful Stranger. (1954, PG) 3.15 MOVIE: We Of The Never Never. (1982) 6.00 M*A*S*H. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: The Magnificent Seven. (2016, M) 11.10 The Equalizer. 12.10am MOVIE: Only Two Can Play. (1962, PG) 2.20 MOVIE: Beautiful Stranger. (1954, PG) 4.15 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Ice Hockey. NHL. Chicago Blackhawks v Columbus Blue Jackets. 3.10 Seinfeld. 3.40 Young Sheldon. 4.10 LEGO Masters. 5.30 MOVIE: Goosebumps. (2015, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. (2002, PG) 10.45 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998, PG) 12.55am Late Programs.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple are at a crossroads over what to do with their home of less than two years.
8.30 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives.
9.30 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) With junior doctors across the NHS on strike, ambulance crews respond to several road traffic accidents.
10.40 Matlock. (PGal, R) The executive committee flies in after a security breach.
11.40 Elsbeth. (PGav, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 10.35 PBS Washington Week. 11.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. (Premiere) 4.30 Street Tunes. (Mls) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Lost Cities Of Genghis Khan: Cities Of Nomads. (Premiere) 9.20 Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire: The Lost Jungle Empire. Looks at the rise and fall of the city of Angkor. 10.20 Zelenskyy: Citizens At War. (PGalv, R) 11.15 A Year From Space. (PGavw, R) 12.30 Building The Impossible. (PGa, R) 1.25 The Deadly Bermuda Triangle. (PGa, R) 2.15 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 3.20 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.55pm Odd Squad. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 Super Monsters. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 MOVIE: Yogi Bear. (2010, PG) 9.10 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 2.30pm Jeopardy! 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.55 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.50 Abandoned Engineering. 8.40 The Disappearance Of Jimmy Hoffa. 9.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. 12.30am Django. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) A man’s dark history is revealed.
7.30 John Farnham: Finding The Voice. (Mal, R) A celebration of John Farnham.
9.30 Queen: In Their Own Words. (Mal, R) The four founding members of the rock band Queen tell the story of their lives and careers in music.
10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Backpacker Murders. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Temple. (Malv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 1.30 Medical Emergency. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.40 Better Homes. 3.40 The Amazing Homemakers. 4.40 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 5.40 Escape To The Country. 6.40 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Fishing Aust. (PG) 11.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 12.00 Journey To Irpinia, Italy. (R) 1.00 Getaway Holidays In The Sun. (PG, R) 2.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 3.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa, R) 4.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 5.00 News. 5.30 RBT. (PGdl)
6.00 9News Sunday.
6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Coverage of the Australian Open tennis tournament, featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions.
7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 15. Men’s final. From Melbourne Park.
12.00 The First 48: Point Of No Return. (Ma, R) Two friends are found executed in a car.
1.00 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny meets some pigeon fanciers.
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 11.15 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.35pm MOVIE: Rich And Strange. (1931, PG) 2.20 MOVIE: The Count Of MonteCristo. (1975, PG) 4.20 MOVIE: Murphy’s War. (1971, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 TBA. 11.00 Major Crimes. Midnight MOVIE: Murphy’s War. (1971, PG) 2.10 MOVIE: Rich And Strange. (1931, PG) 3.55 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals, R) 11.00 Mixed Martial Arts. UFC 325: Volkanovski v Lopes 2. Prelims. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Iron Series Gold Coast. Grand Eliminator. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 19. Tasmania JackJumpers v New Zealand Breakers. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.
8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) When the body of a long-missing US Naval engineer is discovered buried in concrete, the team enlists Doc Roy’s old friend to assist in the investigation. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+s) Carisi must convince witnesses to come forward when a member of an elite social club is assaulted.
10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) A murder occurs near Camp Pendleton. 11.30 10 News+. (R)
12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Red’s Fishing Adventures. (Return) 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Pawn Stars. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: America’s Front Line. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, M) 11.15 MOVIE: Layer Cake. (2004, MA15+) 1.30am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm The Space Between The Lines. (2019, Mals, German) 2.55 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 4.35 The Bookshop. (2017, PGal) 6.40 The
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Sydney v Geelong Venom. 2.30 Snackmasters. 4.00 LEGO Masters. 5.15 MOVIE: Show Dogs. (2018, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Cool Runnings. (1993) 9.00 MOVIE: I, Tonya. (2018, MA15+) 11.30 Gotham. 12.25am Arrow. 2.05 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 Late Programs.
Monday, February 2
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (PGv, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bowie. (Ml, R) 2.35 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R) 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Australian Story: Sink Or Swim – Michael Klim. (Return) Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. (Return) Looks at the Bondi Beach terror attack.
9.15 Media Watch. (Return, PG) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Planet America. (Return)
A look at American politics.
10.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) 11.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PG, R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Legends End: The Loch Ness Monster Story. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Building The World’s Greatest Castle. Explores the 1000-year story of the Tower of London. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Return) Game show, featuring contestants tackling a words and numbers quiz. Hosted by Jimmy Carr. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Return) Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+v) 11.25 Vigil. (Mav, R) 2.45 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Morning
Programs. 12.10pm France 24 English News. 12.40 Rex In Rome. 3.25 Mastermind Aust. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Drop Dead Gorgeous. (1999, M) 10.20 The Secret DNA Of Us. 11.30 James Brown: Say It Loud. 12.20am Dark Side Of The Cage. 1.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (Return, PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Ma) Athena and Hen face increasing danger in space as friends both near and far try to get them home safely.
10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av) Takes a look at the trial of Lorena Bobbitt.
11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Gonzales Family Murders. (MA15+av, R) 12.30 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.35 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Return, Mls) The social experiment begins.
9.30 Forging Champions. (PGl) A look at Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport, which has sharpened sporting talent into excellence for more than four decades.
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 Sight Unseen. (Mv)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (Return) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Matlock. (PGa) Matlock and Olympia work on the resentencing case of a teenager sentenced as an adult to life. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Stompem Ground 2022: Karajarri Dancers. 2.00 Wild Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild Rockies. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.35 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 MOVIE: Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, M) 11.40 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Swan Song. (2021, Ml) 2.30 I Kill Giants. (2018, PGalv) 4.30 The Most Beautiful Day In The World. (2019, PGa, Italian) 6.25 Another Country. (2015, PGaw) 7.50 Here I Am. (2011, M) 9.30 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, Mv) Midnight The Big Boss. (1971, Mv, Cantonese) 1.55 Late Programs.
Tuesday, February 3
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Human. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Secrets Of The Deadly T-Rex. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 Human: A Great Gamble. (Final, PG) Looks at humanity after the Ice Age.
9.30 Grand Designs Transformations: Turkish Queenslander And Newstead Bath House. (PG, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.40 Parliament Question Time. 2.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Tom Gleeson. (PGals, R) Tom Gleeson explores his roots.
8.30 MOVIE: From Roger Moore With Love. (2024) A glimpse into the life of actor Roger Moore, featuring interviews with those who knew him best. Roger Moore, Steve Coogan. 10.10 Rock Legends: Journey. (R) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads) 12.05 DNA. (Mav, R) 1.45 Australia In Colour. (PGa, R) 3.40 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.35 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Mighty Planes. 11.30 Late Programs.
Programs. Noon Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 1.00 Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Cowboy. (1965, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Chelsea Detective. 10.40 London Kills. 11.40 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.15pm Peter Rabbit. 2.35 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.50 The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Mighty Ducks. (1992) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.30am Love Island UK. 1.35 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) A nationwide search for Australia’s next singing superstar continues with big voices, surprises and star talent.
9.15 Doc. (Mav) A patient forces Amy to confront the realities of medical tourism. TJ helps a veteran.
11.15 St. Denis Medical. (Ms) Joyce brings in a body scanner. 12.15 MOVIE: Broken Ties. (2023, Mav, R) A woman tries to escape her abusive husband. Brianna Cohen.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.50pm The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Whale With Steve Backshall. 9.25 Planet Weird. 10.15 Late Programs.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The social experiment continues.
9.10 Beyond The Dream. A look at the Australian athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
10.10 9News Late.
10.40 The Equalizer. (Mv)
11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (MA15+lv, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016) 10.40 Casketeers Life & Death Across The Globe. 11.35 NFL Classics: After Further Review. 1.15am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Northern Lights. (Premiere) 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Death In Paradise. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Night My Number Came Up. (1955, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Miniseries: The Pale Horse. 11.40 Late Programs.
Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.35 LEGO Masters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: D2: The Mighty Ducks. (1994) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 The 100. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.35 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 Late
Wednesday, February 4
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Way Out Ag. (R) 11.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. (Return) 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa)
8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml) A satirical news program.
9.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) A man finds himself adopted by a pack of dog-tragics.
9.30 QI. (Return, Ms) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.
10.00 Planet America. (R)
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+s, R) 11.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.10 Parliament Question Time. 2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 South America With Simon Reeve. (Ml, R) 3.00 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Secrets Of The Giant Mammoths. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Saving Yellowstone: In The Mountains. (Premiere)
8.25 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World: The Great Pyramid Of Giza And The Lighthouse Of Alexandria. (PGa, R) Bettany Hughes begins her adventure in Egypt.
9.20 Trespasses. (Premiere, Mlsv) A Catholic woman falls for a Protestant man.
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Face To Face. (Ma, R) 11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av, R) 1.40 Golden Boy. (Mlns, R) 2.30 Australia In Colour. (Md, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.15pm Peter Rabbit. 2.35 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.50 The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.20 Late Programs.
Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Return) 9.20 MOVIE: Paint. (2023, M) 11.10 MOVIE: The Last Samurai. (2003, MA15+) 2am Tales From The Territories. 2.55 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.25pm Discovering Film. 1.25 Another Country. (2015, PGaw) 2.50 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, PGv) 5.20 Time Bandits. (1981, PGahv) 7.30 Limitless. (2011, Mdlsv) 9.30 The Fourth Protocol. (1987, Msv) 11.45 Patrick. (2019, MA15+nsv, French, Dutch, English) 1.35am Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGal) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Highway Patrol. (Return, PG) A car thief hits speeds of 190kmh and police need to catch him before he reaches a school zone.
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (Premiere, MA15+av) The NCA are stunned when their French colleagues hack EncroChat.
10.15 Air Crash Investigations: No Exit. (PGa)
11.15 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R) 12.35 The Last Weekend. (Premiere, Mav) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. 2pm Weekender. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Andrew And Fergie: Duke And Duchess Of Excess. 12.15am Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. Noon NFL. NFL Pro Bowl. AFC v NFC. 2.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Pawn Stars. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The social experiment continues.
9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Let The Games Begin. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026. 10.45 9News Late.
11.15 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Swimming. Australian Open Water Championships. Highlights. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
Noon Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 1.00 Amazing Spaces. 2.00 New Tricks. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Seven Days To Noon. (1950, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 11.40 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: RoboCop 3. (1993, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.35 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Elsbeth. (PGlsv) When a grief influencer’s presumed-dead husband returns, their reunion takes a fatal plunge. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
Thursday, February 5
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
(8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (Ms, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Secrets Of The Sabre-Toothed Tiger. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Booker Bay Studio And St Peters Extension. (PG)
9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG) Amanda and Alan aim to transform the yard.
9.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. 10.20 Rural Flavours. (R)
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.40 Parliament Question Time. 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 2.50pm The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 10.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG) Intruders infiltrate restricted areas at the airport. 8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) Robson Green visits Portugal’s Douro Valley. 9.20 In Flight. (Madl) Jo realises Cormac’s also being blackmailed. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Before We Die. (Mal, R) 11.40 This Town. (MA15+dl, R) 2.00 Because We Have Each Other. (Mal, R) 3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 11.45 DW The Day. 12.15pm Mastermind Aust. 2.45 Insight. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Snatch. (2000, MA15+) 10.30 The UnXplained. 11.20 Homicide. 1.10am Threesome. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.45 9Honey Hacks. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE: The Proposal. (2009, PGls, R) After being threatened with deportation, an editor gets engaged to her assistant to get a green card so she can continue working in the US but his agreement to the charade is on the condition she meets his quirky family. Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.35 Dare Me. (Premiere, MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Earth Oven. 12.45 Yothu Yindi Tribute Concert. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild Rockies. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reckless. 9.30 MOVIE: The Last Boy Scout. (1991, MA15+) 11.25 Stompem Ground 2022: Yatangal. Midnight Late Programs.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Australia’s most controversial social experiment continues with plenty of love and drama.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Featuring curling, South Korea v Italy and ice hockey. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight. Featuring curling and ice hockey.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Overnight. Featuring curling and ice hockey.
5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 3pm Keeping Up Appearances. 4.00 MOVIE: Escapement. (1958, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 M*A*S*H. 8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Featuring curling, South Korea v Italy and ice hockey. 9.05 MOVIE: You’ve Got Mail. (1998, PG) 11.30 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Attenborough’s Parenthood: Freshwater. (PGa) David Attenborough looks at parenthood in freshwater ecosystems.
8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (MA15+s) Glenn Close, Alexander Skarsgard, Miriam Margolyes and Nicola Coughlan join Graham Norton on the couch. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 More Power. 8.30 MOVIE: Green Zone. (2010, M) 10.50 MOVIE: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. (2016, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.45pm Out Of Season. (1975, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Discovering Film. 4.15 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PGa) 5.55 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021, PG) 7.30 Indecent Proposal. (1993, Mals) 9.40 The Quiet American. (2002, MA15+av) 11.35 The Good German. (2006, MA15+l) 1.35am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Conquering Skin Cancer. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Cowboys & Aliens. (2011, M) 10.55 Seinfeld. 11.55 The 100. 12.45am Love Island UK. 1.45 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 Late Programs.
Discover the last frontier
By Lee McCarthy
DISCOVER the ‘White Continent’, fabulous Antarctica and sail with Viking’s Antarctic Explorervoyageforthirteenmagnificentdays.
Journey to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-coveredshores.
Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expeditionvessel.
Each day can bring unexpected wonders as guests embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather as the ship sails pristine watersinsearchofepicwildlife.
The embarkation city, Ushuaia is the southernmostcityintheworld.Itssplendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for theexpeditionsthatdepartfromhere.
Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s ships provide superior handling, comfort andstabilityevenintheroughestseas.
Just some of the extra benefits guests receive on joining a Viking cruise include 24 hour room service, king size bed with luxury linens and pillow, floor to ceiling heated drying closets for expedition gear, heated bathroom floor with spacious glass enclosed shower, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi connection, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, beer, wine and soft
drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa &FitnessCentre,self-servicelaunderettes.
All this and much more including a Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, all Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions and one complimentarylandingorshoreexcursion ineveryportofcall
A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and twoyellowsubmarinesenhancetraveller’s experience, and all the inclusions ensure guests make the most of their expedition withouthavingtokeeppayingextra.
Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy
wilderness, guests will marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basaltcliffs.
These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquillity as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into thesea.
In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that ventureintotheirhabitat.
As with all Viking ships, the expedition vessel doubles as a classroom in which travellers can learn more about the next destinationbyjoiningtheViking‘Resident Scientist’ for lunch on board before
headingbackouttoexplore.
Guests can choose to get explore with dedicatedexpertsintheirfieldorrelaxand enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Those whochoosetostayonboardcanrelaxamid the luxurious and beautiful appointed surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.
On offer right now and for those who book before 31 March is Vikings “Fly free, flight upgrade credit or save up to $2,500 per couple.” The cruise is priced from $19,795 per person in a Deluxe Nordic Balcony.
For further information please contact Vikingon138747orViking.com.
Enjoy getting close and personal and personal with penguins on board Viking’s Antarctic Explorer.
Enjoy a drink on the Aquavit-Terrace on Viking’s Antarctic Explorer by taking up this incredible offer. (Supplied)
Guests exploring with supplied binoculars on the Finse Terrace of Viking’s stunning Antarctic Explorer.
EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF ADELAIDE & KANGAROO ISLAND ON FULLY ESCORTED TOURS
7
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted
Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:
Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Bergen
From
$32,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE
Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa
22 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-AUG 2028
From $21,495pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $26,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND
Belfast to London or vice versa
15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 13 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-MAY, JUL-SEP 2027; APR-SEP 2028
From $13,295pp in Veranda Stateroom From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda
*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond based on 28 June 2028 departure. Icons of the Viking Age based on 11 May 2028 departure. British Isles & Ireland based on 17 April 2028 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.
RIGA, LATVIA
Festival sails into Geelong
The nation’s ultimate sailing celebration returned for its 183rd year, as the Festival of Sails ventured into the Geelong waterfront from 24 to 26 January. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the festival’s opening day on Saturday to capture all the sailing action.
The Royal Australian Navy jazz group. 521167_01
The Navy band had people up and dancing. 521167_03
Carmel and Paul Sayers on their yacht, Gwendoline. 521167_05
Charlotte and Leo get to know Buddy the parrot. 521167_02
John and Sue Martell visiting from the UK. 521167_06
Roger Eastham doing some maintenance. 521167_07
Justine Devenport on board Joss. 521167_08
Ben Forsyth, Kathryn Heathcote and Damian Hurst. 521167_09
The crew on board Veloce. 521167_10
The crew on board Adrenalin. 521167_18
Vinatore chases down Merlion. 521167_27
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 31 January, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Kevin. Sunday 1 February, 2-4.30pm, $5 bring small plate to share.
0400 500 402
Bellydance classes
Commencing February, Tuesdays at 1.30pm with Life Activities Club Geelong at Belmont Park Pavillion, Barrabool Road, Belmont.
Glenys, 0400 214 897
Newcomb Probus
Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary & Ormond Roads.
Gary, 0407 320 735
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton.
Elma, 0411 065 524
Australian Multicultural Support Services
Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater. 10am-2.30pm Fridays.
9689 9170, amcservices.org.au, or info@amcservices.org.au
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.
griddlepop@hotmail.com
Geelong Historical Society Inc.
Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West.
Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Stamps
Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm
first Saturday of the month (excluding January) at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West, and 12.30pm third Monday of the month (excluding December) at Belmont Pavillion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont.
Julie, 0438 270 549
Scrabble club
Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool & McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays.
Beginners to experts welcome.
Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282
Games
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Tuesdays 2-5pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.
Dinah, 0418 547 753
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Uniting Grovedale Book Sales Book sales will be held on 7 February, 8 February, 6 March and 7 March at Uniting Grovedale, 272 Torquay Road, 10am-2pm. All books are only $1 and children’s books $0.50.
Sing Australia Geelong Choir
Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.
Mary, 0419 278 456
Mindfulness & meditation U3A
9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale.
Jean, 5264 7484
Geelong Breakfast Lions
Morning club for those who want to help others, first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (formerly Karingal) in East Geelong. Dinner somewhere in Geelong each month.
ajd53m@yahoo.com
Scribes Writers Group
South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members to refine their skills.
geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388
Ballroom dancing
Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm.
Val, 5251 3529
Kids’ church
Group lessons for children aged 3-6, 7-10 and 10+, St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am.
Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea, 0403 005 449
Geelong Dragon Boat Club
Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial.
revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons
Mainly Music for Preschoolers
Sessions of music and movement for preschoolers, St Barnabas and St Paul’s Church, 105 Wilsons Road, Newcomb. Every Thursday during term time 10-11.30am.
Wendy, 0461 582 618
Combined Probus Club of Highton Meets third Thursday of each month, South Barwon Football & Netball clubrooms, McDonald Reserve, Reynolds Road, Belmont, 10am.
Sandra, 0427 348 260
Belmont Seniors
Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.
5241 1776
Zonta Club of Geelong
Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential.
zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au
Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont.
Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net
Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate.
5278 9740, or geelongballroomdc.com.au
Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings
First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.
geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au
Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont.
0420 910 763
Children’s play group
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent/carer. Free play, story time, and music. Wednesdays 10-11.30am in school term, St John’s Highton, 269 Roslyn Road, Highton.
office@stjohnshighton.org.au, or 0433 191 890
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and chat, 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-3pm. Fortnightly lunch at various locations. Meetings second Monday of each month.
Gary, 0400 862 727
Bellydance classes
Beginner level, new term commencing. New students welcome. Tuesdays 1.30pm, Life Activities Club, Belmont Park Pavillion, Belmont.
Glenys, 0400 214 897
OMNI
Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am.
Allan, 0409 665 608
Welcome mat
Belmont Uniting Church every Friday from 10am-1pm. Games, lunch and friendship.
Fay, 0409 361 414
Bike riding
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Belmont. Rides to suit all levels of fitness; e-bikes welcome.
Rob, 0412 308 166
Lara Community Market Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL 9am-1pm.
Geelong Amateur Radio Club
Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30-4pm, Fridays 6.30pm.
Robert, 0438 409 979, or vk3atl.org
Choir
St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7.45-8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir.
Tom Healey, 0451 960 768, or healeytf@gmail.com
Geelong’s Soroptimist International Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL.
0455 835 691, or geelong@siswp.com
Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.
John, 0409 234 307
Geelong Anglers Club Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions.
Brian, 0417 190 092, or Ian, 0470 114 787
Drysdale CWA
Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every fourth Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club.
Jenny, 0452 258 333
Scottish dancing
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes
7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed.
Vicki, 0412 762 983, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
Geelong Showgrounds Museum Open to the public on the first Sunday of each month 10am-2pm, starting 1 February (October excepted). Adults $10, students 13-18 $5, under 13 free.
5221 1707
Geelong Scottish Dance Highland dance classes for all ages Wednesday from 4pm and Saturday from 10am at Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, St Herne Hill.
Christine, 0468 311 788, or facebook.com/GeelongScottishDance
Bingo
Tuesdays 1-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. Frank, 5241 1776
PlayLinks and first steps in music Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane, Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.
info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
Doubts (11)
Instruction (7)
Town in France with a shrine to St Bernadette (7)
Nuclear weapon (4,4)
Pay (6)
A colourless spirit (3)
Merge (11)
Debate (11)
Break (3)
Oration (6)
Raunchy (5)
13 Loud and forceful (10)
15 Clergyman (9)
16 Clarified (9)
18 Orator (7)
19 Exaggeratedly enthusiastic (7)
20 Part of the limb remaining after amputation (5)
22 Brings up (5)
23 Yen (4)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The
letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is the world’s largest inland body of water?
2 Jennifer Saunders (pictured) and Joanna Lumley co-stared in which 90s British sitcom?
3 Which Beatles member’s solo work includes the 1973 album LivingintheMaterialWorld?
4 Cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and clove are commonly used in which spice mix?
5 In the fairytale, what three things does the miller’s daughter give
6
7
8
9 Which
is quoted to have said: ‘If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.’
10 In 1967, the first ever human heart transplant was performed in which country?
Starray gives bang for buck
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The Geely Starray EM-i sounds like somethingoutofanoldsci-fimovie.
But it’s not and if you think that name is quirky,whatifithadbeentheGeelyGalaxy Starship 7 as it is sold in other markets. Beammeup,Scotty.
The medium-sized five-seat Starray is the plug-in, petrol-electric counterpart of the fully-electric EX5 that we tested earlier this year with which it shares a platform.
In fact, it’s the first vehicle in Geely’s Starship series and the first to get the second generation NordThor EM-i 2.0 plug-in hybrid powertrain - sorry make thatsuperhybrid.
Plug-in hybrids can operate in fully-electric or petrol-electric mode and have really taken off in the Australian marketsincethearrivalofcheaperChinese alternatives-ofwhichthisisone.
But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean lesser.
Styling
Geely’s EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) system is designed to offer an EV-like driving experience with added flexibility andconvenienceforAussiebuyers.
We’re told it’s the first purpose-built plug-in hybrid in its segment, although other manufacturers might have somethingtosayaboutthis.
There are two grades - Complete ($37,490) and our test vehicle the top of the line Inspire ($39,990), both figures before on-road costs. Premium paint adds $600 to the price and applies to all colours apart fromAlpinewhite.
Twointeriorcolouroptionsareavailable: Ebony Black is standard while Ivory White isexclusivetoInspire.
Complete comes with synthetic leather trim and climate air with rear vents, plus heatedandpower-adjustfrontseats.
There’s also keyless entry and start, all-LED lights, automatic high beam, speed sign recognition, intelligent cruise control,rearparkingsensors,dusksensing headlights, rain sensing wipers and rear privacyglass.
Stepping up to the Inspire adds cooling to the front seats, driver’s seat memory, auto-dimming mirror, 256 ambient colours, 16-speaker Flyme sound, front parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, and power-operatedtailgate.
Starray is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, with an eight-year unlimited kilometre warrantyonthehighvoltagebatterypack. Get the car serviced by Geely and you alsogetsevenyearsofroadsideassistance.
Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km.
Infotainment
A 15.4-inch touchscreen fronts the infotainment system which runs Geely’s Flyme operating system, with Bluetooth, voice control, built-in satellite navigation, FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlayandsix-speakersound.
Android Auto is absent but set to follow via an over-the-air update in the first quarterof2026.
There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and C ports front and back, along witha12-voltoutlet.
The 16-speaker Flyme sound system in Inspire includes speakers for front seat headrests.
Geely Connected Services access is complimentary for the first two years. This includes enhanced voice assistant, 4G networkconnection,livetrafficforsatellite navigation, over-the-air updates (OTA), Geely app store, online media streaming andremotevehiclefunctions.
Safety
Starray is yet to receive a crash rating here but has been awarded five stars by Euro NCAP.
There are seven airbags, including a centre airbag for the front to stop occupants knocking heads in a side impact, plus a surround view monitor and a multi-collision braking system with automaticemergencybraking.
Add to this blind spot detection, lane keeping assist with lane changing assist and emergency lane keeping assist, collisionmitigationsupportfrontandrear, rearcrosstrafficalertandbrake.
There’salsodriverfatiguealert.
Inspire adds a 13.8-inch head-up windscreendisplay.
ISOFix and child-seat tethers are provided.
Engines/transmissions
Starray EM-i is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine together with an electrified, dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) that integrates both the generator and drivemotor.
The hybrid system produces a combined 193kWofpowerbutundisclosedamountof torque (ICE 125Nm/electric 262Nm), with drivetothefrontwheelsinbothvariants.
Supporting this hybrid system is an 18.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilityofupto6kW.
Driving
Thestylingiscontemporaryandtheinterior looks and feels upmarket, especially in the optional white trim, but this colour is unlikelytohavemuchfamilyappeal.
Rear legroom is excellent and so is headroom despite the full-length glass roof,with428litresofluggagecapacitythat increases to 2065 litres with the rear seats folded.
The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster looks positively tiny in comparison to the
central 15.4-inch touchscreen, with the addition of head-up display in this model (but, as usual, it is virtually invisible with polarisedsunglasses).
Dark mode provides a more appealing and usable interface, but the touchscreen is slow to respond and often requires multipleprods.
Physicalcontrolsareprovidedforairand volume.
It beggars belief that this car does not support Android Auto, wireless or otherwise-atleastnotyet.
There’s also no AM radio, so no emergencybroadcastsinSydneytunnels.
Starray has a combined range of 943km and can travel up to 83km (WLTP) on electric power alone. With a 51-litre tank it takes premium 95 unleaded and has claimedfuelconsumptionof2.4L/100km.
The EM-i system enables the driver to selectfromthreemode,PureElectric: smoothness and maximum cost efficiency. Hybrid: seamless switching between electric and petrol for maximum range. Power: electric and petrol work in tandem for maximum performance Starray can be plugged in and charged via AC (6.6kW) or DC (30kW) power, and can be charged from 30-80 per cent in just 20 minutes using a DC charger (that’s only 50 percent).
Regardless of the state of charge, Geely saysthedrivingexperienceremains consistent.
As well as the usual drive modes, there’s adjustment for brake and steering feel and thelevelofregenerativebraking.
Inspire rides on 19-inch wheels with 235/50 profile rubber and has a 0-100km/h timeof8.0seconds,notlightningquickbut fastenoughfortheaveragemotorist.
With independent rear suspension it’s a smoothoperatoraroundtown,buttheride tends to deteriorate on secondary roads (it’snotaloneonthisscore).
IfGeelywasfairdinkum,thesuspension would benefit from local tuning as other car makers have clearly demonstrated, but we’resmallfry.
Of more concern, however, we nearly
came to grief soon after getting into the Starray,waitingtoturnleftataroundabout.
The gear selector in this car is a stalk on the right side of the steering column; the indicatorsontheleft.
Putting on our indicator on the turn left we mistakenly used the gear selector, whichisnotnormallyaproblem-butitisif you happen to have your foot on the brake atthesametime.
Unknowingly, this moved the transmission into reverse and as the car in front started to move forward, we found ourselvesgoingbackwards-almosthitting thecarbehind.
Itwasourmistake,butitshouldnothave beenpossible.
Lane assist continually tugs at the wheel and becomes tiring, while the driver fatigue monitor verges on annoying, but canbeturnedoff.
The thing is you need to do so each time thecarisrestarted.
Unlike other such hybrids that we have driven (without recharging), this one doesn’t seem to be able to maintain its charge, using only regenerative braking or power from the engine with just five per centchargeremaininguponitsreturn.
We clocked up 460km behind the wheel atarateof6.3L/100kmwithlittleassistance fromtheelectricmotor.
The long-term average, at more than 4000km,showed5.2L/100km.
A tyre repair kit is supplied in the event ofapuncture.
Summing up Suddenly we’re spoiled for choice when it comestoplug-inhybridSUVs.
The Geely Starray EM-i is one of the cheaperoptionsbutitdoesn’tpresentas,or feellike,it.
The boot could be a little small for some families,butithasalottoofferotherwise. Justbecarefulofthatroguegearselector, becausetheinsurancecompanyisunlikely toseeityourway.
OnceStarrayhasbeenratedforsafetyby ANCAP it could push our text score higher thanitisatpresent.
Geely Starray EM-i is one of the cheaper plug-in hybrid SUV options but it doesn’t present as, or feel like, it. (Pictures: Supplied)
Magpies swoop on 3rd title
North Geelong won its third consecutive T20 title at Queens Park, Highton, on Monday and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to capture some of the action.
Above: Robbie O’Donnell is bowled by Dale Kerr for 14. 529919_30 Left: Bailey Sykes makes it home for a quick single. 529919_12
Tom Treble pulls this delivery during his innings of 35. 529919_17
Victor Morrow almost takes an amazing catch in the deep. 529919_31
Angus Cranny takes the catch to dismiss Joey Vallelonga. 529919_25
Joey Vallelonga hits out and is caught. 529919_24
Henry Hatswell cuts during his knock of 32. 529919_15
Adam Costello dives full length to make his ground. 529919_13 Alistair McCann is bowled. 529919_06
Connor Hangan during his innings of 47 for North Geelong. 529919_04
Above: Reece Plumridge in action for Leopold. 529919_03 Left: Alistair McCann took 1 for 18 off 3 overs. 529919_19
Player of the match Olegas Rodgers smacks this ball into the deep. 529919_02
Open brings opportunities
LOCAL TENNIS
Tennis Geelong pennants are scheduled to start back this Saturday, coinciding with the Finals of the Australian Open, so there willbeplentyofactionovertheweekend.
The AO has provided a number of opportunities for local players, with many working at the event in event services, as ballkids,matchassistantsandstatisticians, buttherehavealsobeenaseriesofactivities forplayersandvolunteers.
Tennis Victoria uses the AO as an opportunity to recognise many volunteers around the state, and provide them with an opportunity to network with other volunteers, to exchange ideas and hear testimonials of what other clubs are doing relatedtoparticulartopics.
This year club presidents were invited to attend a session that included a presentation on participation and the importanceofcoaches,withLukeSavilleas a guest speaker talking about his regional tennis roots, growing up in Berri SA, and thependingbirthofhisandDasha’sbaby.
The session was then followed up by
Exciting racing and close finishes
watching the charity match between Jannick Sinner and Felix Auger-Alliseme onRodLaverArena.
As part of the Tennis Australia Women andGirlsStrategy(WGS),aWomenLeaders in Tennis program has been in place for 5 years. Graduates of this program were invited to attend a networking session,
Casey discussed mentors for girls, including her own mentors growing up, the adjustment to life post tour and her current life schedule as Women and Girls Coordinator Tennis NSW, commentator and mother. This session was followed up
It was a great weekend for yacht racing, with Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood claiming line honours during the Festival ofSails’GeelongPassageRace.
A rare spinnaker start and finish came down to the wire on 24 January, with Team Hollywood recording a close line honours finish with the two other 40-foot racers, PP1andVeloce4.
Roberts said there was a good battle during the passage race, and he enjoyed closeracingasitkeptthecrewontheirtoes.
“The weather was fabulous as we had a beautiful sunny day, with a good breeze. We couldn’t ask for anything more, so we werereallyhappy,”hesaid.
More than 200 yachts competed in the 183rd running of the historic race that started at Melbourne’s Royal Yacht Club of Victoria before racing down the bay to the RoyalGeelongYachtClub.
The STS Young Endeavour served as the start boat for the passage race, with Bruce McCracken’sIKONwinningPassageSeries Racing 1 in all three divisions, Australian Measurement System (AMS), Offshore
Racing Congress (ORC) and International Rating Certificate (IRC) but was pipped for theoveralltitle.
“It was a lovely day. I was expecting to be out there like everyone else for hours, but thewindwasverygood,”McCrackensaid.
“We made our sail changes when we neededtomakechanges...and itwasquite a surprise when we saw the results, so we areallextremelypleased.”
Nigel Jones and Cameron Mackenzie’s boat Ginan won the Lou Abrahams Trophy for the overall IRC win of four hours, 45 minutes and 16 seconds during the Passage Series division 2, beating IKON in division 1 by close to 30 seconds (4:45:59) oncorrectedtime.
“Luckily, the wind held in all day as well, so it was just a glorious day out on the water, and pretty well we got it right, so it’s a credit to the whole team, we sailed a brilliantrace,”Jonessaid.
“It was a great team effort from all our team. We have been sailing for years as mates, and it was just fabulous, really nice togettheresult,”Mackenziesaid.
with most heading over to check out the day’stennisaction.
Club coaches are also able to get some of their players involved at the AO, particularly with Kids on Court. Coaches can apply to have a group of 10 Hot Shots players to have a coaching session on one ofthemainplaycourts.
This year several clubs were provided this opportunity, including some up and comers from Barwon Heads who were on Court 6 on opening Sunday. The session was held before the start of play and Daisy Lordwaschosentotossthecoinatthestart ofthematchbetweenYuliaPutintsevaand BeatrizHaddidMaia.
Coaches are also able to apply to host a cardio tennis session on one of the main play courts. These sessions allow coaches to hold a cardio tennis session as they would at their club, with music and a focus on fitness and fun, rather than technique orwheretheballgoes.
Cardio tennis is aimed at young to older adults, and provides a soft introduction to tennis, a way to improve your skills in a group environment and build a social networkatthesametime.
Schuss loses wind from her spinnaker as Quixotic tacks behind her taking her wind. 521167_14 Spirit, Baltic and Winsome give chase to Reverie. 521167_28
PP1 tacks in front of Veloce. 521167_11
Merlion under full spinnaker. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 521167_15
Donna Schoenmaekers
Barwon Heads Hot Shots at the Australian Open. (Supplied)
Anthony ready to defend title
By Tara Murray, with AAP
Barwon Heads’ Jakara Anthony is aiming to be the first Australian to defend an OlympictitleattheOlympicWinterGames inMilanoCortinathisFebruary.
The world number one will get two shots at winning gold, firstly in the moguls event andthenthedualmoguls,whichwillmake itsdebutatthesegames.
Australia on Friday announced its secondbiggestwinterteamwith52athletes makingthetrektothegames.
Five of the six medallists from the past twoGameshavebeensuccessfullyselected including Anthony, who is defending her goldinthemoguls.
“I’ll probably be classified as a veteran now,“ Anthony said. “Each Winter Games hasbeenadifferentexperienceforme.
“My first one was going in with no real expectations and then the second one was goinginasagoldmedalfavourite.
“These ones will be going in as the defending champion. There’s a lot to learn on the way and things keep coming up that surprise me. I’m sure in these last few weeksthere’sstillalotmoretolearn.”
It will be Anthony’s third Olympics havingfinishedfourthin2018.
Anthony enters these games in strong form having recently made moguls history.
Earlier this month, she became Australia’s most successful skier when she put in a dominant showing to clinch her thirdWorldCupvictoryoftheseason.
The 27-year-old surpassed fellow Victorian, aerials skier Jacqui Cooper, on the all-time World Cup list with her 26th mogulstitle.
With the event delayed by 24 hours due to poor weather, Anthony completed a
Magpies and Rosellas kings of T20 comps
By Justin Flynn
North Geelong won its third consecutive Geelong Cricket Association T20 premiership with a 27-run win against a gutsyLeopoldatQueensPark,Hightonon Monday 26 January.
The GCA adopted a radical overhaul for this season’s competition with Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association clubs invited to play and the format split into two divisions.
GCA 1 and 2 and four BPCA A1 Grade clubs competed in the top division while GCA 3 and 4 and four BPCA A2 Grade clubs fought it out in division 2. North Geelong won the toss in the top-tier competition and had first use of the pitch with player of the match Olegas Rogers (58 from 51 deliveries) and Connor Hangan (47 from 38) getting the total to
7/143 after 20 overs.
Paceman Ben Horne could not have done any more for Leopold with 2/5 from four overs while fellow seamer Declan Gibson also grabbed two wickets. Leopold was without star batter Hayden Butterworth, but openers Tom Treble (35 from 34 deliveries) and Henry Hatswell (32 from 37) then provided the Leopold middle order with a good platform via a 68-run stand, but spinner Victor Morrow enticed Treble to hit the ball straight to Ben Demasi at mid-wicket.
Runs continued to be difficult to come by with two left-arm bowlers doing some damage. Spinner Bailey Sykes and seamer Tom Mathieson each grabbed two wickets while leg-spinner Demasi (1/6 from two overs) chipped in and Leopold was stranded at 9/116 when its 20 overs were
speedy, clean run in the medal round that included a cork seven and backflip mute grab for a score of 81.17 - the only female skiertoscoreover80.
Americans Elizabeth Lemley (78.12) and Olivia Giaccio (76.60) filled the minor placings.
Missing last year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, 19-year-old Lemleyhasnowpostedhersecondstraight podiumthisseason.
“I guess I have a good track record here now,“ said Anthony, who was a double winnerinWatervillelastseason.
“It hasn’t been the easiest comp this month and the season’s been all over the place, so I’m just super stoked to put down afewreallycleanruns.
“It’s a nice place to leave the World Cup seasononholduntilthenextone.”
Five in a row
for
Geelong athletes
Local swimmers dug deep to snatch victory from behind at this month’s countrychampionshipmeet.
A strong performance on the final day of the Victorian Long Course Country Swimming Championships saw Geelong Swimming Club (GSC) claim its fifth consecutive Alan Monaghan Shield for the highest aggregatepointscoreforallevents.
Hosted by Barwon South West Swimming Association at Geelong’s Kardinia Aquatic Centre from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January, the event brought together Victoria’s leading regional swimming clubs for a weekend of highly competitive swimming.
GSC president Tim Woods paid tribute to the community spirit on displayacrossthethreedaysofracing.
“Country championships are the best meet of the year, every year...they combine the fastest swimming with great regional communities, with the youngest and most senior athletes all working together, with able-bodied athletes and those with disabilities fullyintegrated,”hesaid.
With 78 competitors taking to the poolacrosstheweekend,GSCbrought home 57 medals (20 gold, 18 silver, 19 bronze) as well as a host of individual awards.
GSC athlete Nicole Briscoe was named Female Swimmer of the Meet, while Bradley Doolan was awarded ParaMaleSwimmeroftheMeet.
Mr Woods said he was “delighted” for the athletes and coaches, whose hardworkhadbeenrewarded.
completed, giving the Magpies their third straight T20 trophy.
LETHBRIDGE won the division 2 title, defeating Newcomb & District with eight wickets and 16 balls to spare.
Newcomb & District made 7/169 after being sent in with Huey Neild getting 31 while Tyler O’Neill smacked 51 not out from just 29 balls in the middle, aided by a rapid 44 from 20 from Blake Ritchie getting the total to something the Dinos would have been happy with. Lethbridge skipper Shane Dillon was the standout with the ball with 3/24 from four overs.
The Rosellas had few problems chasing downthetargetwithMatthewThomas(78 not out from 49 deliveries), Hayden Spiller (45 from 24) and Dillon (40 not out from 28) delivering silverware to Lethbridge’s trophy cabinet.
“Winning the Country Championship is great and we are veryproudofTeamGSC,”hesaid.
“But every time a young person of any ability learns to swim, trains with theirfriends,competes,joinstheteam andevenbecomecoachesthemselves, wearewinningandhelpingsetyoung people up for the future. That is a precious community asset and we are proudtocelebratethateveryday.”
MrWoodsthankedthemanagement and staff of the host venue for their effortsduringthemeet.
“It was great to see the Kardinia AquaticCentreshowwhatitiscapable of delivering and the enormous potential of the most expansive regional pool complex in Victoria,” he said.
