Ocean Grove Voice - 6th February 2026

Living with a tube

By Jena Carr

Ocean Grove’s Tess Swift is drawing on her lived experience to raise awareness about Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

The 31-year-old was diagnosed with gastroparesis, which means her stomach is partially paralysed and can’t digest food properly, after a trip to Thailand more than 10 years ago.

“The gastroparesis was caused by a really rare parasite, and it has done a lot of damage to other parts of my body as well,” Ms Swift said.

“I first got sick in 2015 after a family holiday to Thailand and battled with hospitals and doctors for the first two and a bit years before I was diagnosed with gastroparesis.

I would so much rather have a conversation about my feeding tube and why I have it and what it’s for than deal with people speculating or judging - Tess Swift

“I got my first feeding tube in 2018. I thought it would just be short-term, and here I am eight years later, so it was a pretty big adjustment in the early days.”

Ms Swift now has a permanent surgical tube that goes into her small intestine so that her stomach doesn’t have to try so hard to digest food.

“I’ve got some pretty gnarly scars now, but I guess the biggest thing for me was just reminding myself that without having it, I wouldn’t be alive,” she said.

“I enjoyed not having it visible on my face, but I had to go through a large open abdominal surgery for that, and I was only 23 at the time, so it was a big change to my body.

“Unfortunately, my health is still in a pretty terrible position as, on one hand, having a feeding tube is great because it has helped keep me alive this long.

“In terms of tube feeding, it’s very up and down as it is kind of hard to live with

a medical device that you need to survive, but can also cause a lot of problems at the same time.”

Ms Swift said it was important to help educate the wider population about feeding tubes and there were a lot of different reasons why someone may need a feeding tube.

“There’sprobablyalotmorepeopleinthe world who have feeding tubes than people realise,” she said.

“I have no issue if people out in the real world or on social media want to ask

questions because humans are curious by nature.

“I would so much rather have a conversation about my feeding tube and why I have it and what it’s for than deal with people speculating or judging.

“My advice for people who have either recently started or are starting on a feeding tubejourneyisnottobeembarrassedabout it, as everybody needs to eat and drink; it just looks different for some people.”

Geelong’s Catenary Lighting will continue to light up purple until Saturday 7

Februarytoraiseawarenessoftubefeeding for the annual Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

Many location across Australia and New Zealand light up blue and purple for the week, which is held by charity ausEE.

“Purple is a common colour of feeding tube supplies, while blue represents what flows through the tube; whether that’s formula, blended foods, breastmilk, or water,” chief executive Sarah Gray said. Visit feedingtubeaware.com.au for more information and support networks.

Anthony Olympics honour

By Melissa Woods, AAP

Defending Olympic champion and Barwon Heads resident Jakara Anthony says she’s “over the moon“ to share Australia’s flag bearer duties with fellow moguls star Matt Graham.

For the first time two athletes from the same sport have been chosen to lead the Australian team at a Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

The team announcement was made on Wednesday morning, two days out from the main opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium.

The pair were individually asked by team chef de mission Alisa Camplin about amonthagobuthadtokeepitunderwraps despite training alongside daily each other in the lead up to the Games.

“Having two moguls flag bearers, it’s the first time there’s two from one sport so we’re over the moon,“ said Anthony, a who will defend the moguls gold medal she won four years ago in Beijing.

“It’s really special to share it with MattI’ve always looked up to him.“

Anthony said it was special to mark another milestone with 31-year-old Graham, who won silver at the 2018

Olympics.

“I got to share a lot of milestones of Matt’s career, including winning silver in PyeongChang and get his first (crystal) globe,“ said the Victorian product.

“I’ve been able to share the top step of the podium with him a couple times now and now we get to share this one so we’re really racking up the milestones together.“

Inanhistoricfirsttheopeningeventwill be spread across four locations with the star duo to lead the Australian contingent marching in Livigno, a northern Italian town in the alps near the Swiss border.

Competing at her third Games, 27-year-

‘Love edition’ of popular sunset run event

The Portarlington community will show off its love of racing during the Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run on Valentine’s Day.

The light coastal trail event will return to the Portarlington Foreshore on 14 February with its ProFeet Half Marathon, Steigen (10km) and Bully Buster (4km) races.

Event manager Dion Milne said he looked forward to people participating in what he dubbed the “love edition” of the event.

“It ends up as quite a buzz and a hive of excitement down along the course, and

Portarlington is the perfect finishing spot,” he said.

“Last year was our 10th anniversary, so that was a bit of a milestone, and despite going for 10 years, this is the first year it’s fallen on Valentine’s Day.

“Iwonderifsomeonewillpropose,andit’s inthebackofmymindifanyonehasanything plannedthatwedon’tknowabout,sowe’llbe keeping one eye on the finish line.”

Mr Milne said the event’s Bully Buster race was important in helping raise awareness on

the link between exercise and kids’ mental health.

“The connection between exercise and good mental health is a very important message that we will continue to share and encourage,” he said.

“Something we’ve prided ourselves on is being inclusive and attractive to families and loved ones to come down and spend some time together.”

Visit bellarinesunsetrun.com for more information.

Council supports turning landfill into landmarks

A new research project that could divert hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill each year has received the support of the City of Greater Geelong.

Geelong council has voted to provide $25,000 in funding to a partnership including Deakin University, the Advanced Fibre Cluster and flooring company Godfrey Hirst to explore whether carpeting manufacturing waste material could be recycled into 3D printing feeder stock.

One of the potential uses of the new product would be 3D printed bollards for the redevelopment of the Baywalk and

Barwon Heads bollards.

Godfrey Hirst manufacturing manager

Aaron Dawson said the project could be a “practical step forward” for keeping “valuable materials in use for longer”.

“Exploring the potential to transform carpet manufacturing waste into durable, large-scale 3D printed products aligns strongly with our commitment to waste reduction and circular economy principles,” he said.

“We’re proud to collaborate locally in Geelong on a project that could deliver real environmental benefits while creating innovative, long-lasting

old Anthony will look to become the first Australian to successfully defend a Winter OlympictitlewhileGrahamisrepresenting for the fourth time.

Camplin announced the popular pair at a ceremony in Livigno, saying Anthony was an inspiration to many young athletes.

“Jakara is in a league of her ownrole model, Olympic champion and a young Australian who sets her sights on something and doesn’t give up. I am so proud to name her flag bearer,“ Camplin said. “There are athletes in our team who saw Jakara win gold in Beijing, and it sparked their Olympic dreams.“

A Clifton Springs family support charity is extremely grateful after receiving a generous donation from a Bellarine quilting group.

Barwon Heads’ Seachange Quilters donated $900 to Wombat’s Wish, which will help support kids and families following the death of a parent or caregiver.

Wombat’s Wish community engagement officer Suzy Coad said it was “incredibly heart-warming and very humbling” to receive the donation.

“The donation will directly help us continue providing free grief support tochildrenandfamilieswhohavelost a parent or caregiver,” she said.

“Funds like this help cover the costs of our programs, resources and family days, which ensure families can access support when they need it most, without any financial barriers.

“It’s not just about the amount; it’s about the care, time and thought behind the donation, and the fact that our work with grieving families is being recognised and supported.”

Ms Coad said the “wonderful donation” was raised by the quilting group through door takings at one of their meetings.

“Community support like this makes a real difference and helps us continue walking alongside families as they navigate grief, and we can’t thank them enough,” she said.

“Supportfromlocalgroupslikethe Seachange Quilters reminds us that we are not doing this work alone... and we are extremely grateful for their generosity and kindness. “

infrastructure for the community.”

GeelongMayorStretchKonteljsaidthe project “ticks a lot of boxes” for the City.

“It reflects our city’s rich history in manufacturing, it highlights where we are today in advanced manufacturing… it contributes to the circular economy, and potentially reduces waste and landfill while preserving the legacy of our bollards that the community loves,” he said. “I will be following this research very closely, and I’m optimistic that this will provide exciting opportunities for local industry and create a viable future for the bollards for generations to come.”

Builder’s past catches up

A notorious fraudster has received his comeuppancemorethaneightyearsafter ripping off a Geelong resident.

The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has successfully prosecuted unregistered builder Jared Milic who faces more than $77,000 in fines after being found guilty of charges relating to work done at two sites.

Mr Milic whom it is alleged had been actively avoiding authorities since he was ordered by VCAT to pay more than $26,000 to the Geelong homeowner in 2017,wasarrestedafterbeingpulledover by police for speeding near Portland in

June last year.

The court heard Mr Milic had entered into a contract with the homeowner to partially demolish and remove a house in Brunswick and relocate it to a North Geelong site, which required a permit and other specific requirements.

However, once the client realised Mr Milic was unregistered, uninsured and had failed to obtain a permit for either site, he terminated the contract.

The homeowner took the matter to VCAT, which ordered Mr Milic to pay more than $26,000 in damages.

Mr Milic breached bail conditions

New program revealed

The Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House is back in full swing, with organisers launching a new February program.

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 and counselling services.

Closing in September last year when the previous operator entered voluntary administration, the much-loved community centre reopened in October after the City of Greater Geelong stepped in to temporarily oversee operations.

Coordinator Stella Kinsella, who took on the role in December last year, said she had been gaining insights from the community.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the locals and hearing which programs are in high demand,” Ms Kinsella said.

“It’s been great to also connect with former facilitators and groups who want to return to the timetable.

“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 more activities to the program.

“I’m really excited to see the new timetable get underway and bring more lifebacktothisbelovedcommunityspace.”

Theprogramisavailableatgeelong.link/ OGNHandMsKinsellaencouragedformer users to contact her at oceangrovenh@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au about resuming theiractivities.

multiple times by not turning up to court for hearings regarding six offences under the Building Act and Domestic Building Contracts Act and to date has not paid any of the damages to the homeowner.

Magistrate Brett Sonnett described Mr Milic’s offences as “grave in nature” and at the “highest end of the spectrum”.

BPCcommissionerandchiefexecutive Anna Cronin said the conviction sent a “strong message to those who continue to work illegally”.

“There’s a new smarter regulator in town doing everything we can to stop you,” she said.

“Building or renovating a home is a huge investment and consumers need to make sure they are protected by ensuring they hire registered builders.”

“Our new powers coming into effect later this year will significantly improve consumer protection but they will only be effective in getting your building fixed if your builder is registered.”

The BPC reminded consumers to always use a registered builder and a registered or licensed plumber. Visit vba.vic.gov.au/tools/find-practitioner to check if your builder or plumber is registered.

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

Just chill, please

By Cr Trent Sullivan

Our region has experienced extreme weather recently, sending crowds to the coast and local pools to find relief.

As the mercury soars, attendance at our Swim, Sport and Leisure venues also skyrockets as residents flock to keep cool by the water.

And while these crowds may cause a minor headache when you go to swim laps or take your kids to cool off, there’s never an excuse to take out your frustration on our staff.

Unfortunately, Swim, Sport and Leisure staff are not immune to the rising acts of occupational violence and aggression (OVA) levelled at City of Greater Geelong staff daily.

Lifeguards and leisure office staff have reported rising instances of OVA, citing verbal attacks and physical altercations within our venues.

These spaces are supposed to be family-friendly, inclusive and welcome environments for people to get active and cool off.

I used to be a lifesaver when I was younger, and I can vividly recall memories of how hectic it can get along the coast, particularly during the warmer weather.

I remember the pressure of managing large crowds in high-stakes environments.

However, what our staff are currently facing goes well beyond the ‘hectic’ nature of the job.

They are being met with threats to their safety, verbal abuse and in some cases, physical intimidation.

Our leisure employees are there to keep

the public safe and, quite literally, save lives.Itisironicthattheverypeopletrained to protect us are the ones being targeted by the community they serve.

While the perpetrators are only a small minority of patrons in our venues, the reportsofOVAinourpublicspacesarestill deeply troubling.

Last financial year, we saw 258 reported incidents toward City of Greater Geelong employees, including 25 physical assaults and 140 reports of verbal violence.

These numbers are on a steep trajectory, up 36 per cent on the previous year, and a staggering 99 per cent higher than the year before that.

Perhaps most concerning is that our Swim, Sport and Leisure staff experience higher levels of aggression compared to most other City employees.

Recentreportsindicatethatthesevenues accountedfor21percentofallOVAreports over the past 12 months.

It is shocking to me that people feel it is acceptable to target workers whose primary role is to help the community.

Attitudes need to change. We must remember that these are not just figures in a uniform, they are our family members, friends and neighbours. They deserve to feel safe at work.

As the heat continues to rise and our pools become the central hub of the community, I urge everyone to lead with respect.

If you see someone overstepping the mark or being disrespectful, don’t just be a bystander. If it is safe, remind them that we are a community that looks out for one another.

Let’s make sure that our Swim, Sport and Leisure employees and our region’s surf lifesavers can finish their shifts and go home with nothing more than the satisfaction of a job well done, rather than with the trauma of OVA.

Our staff are here to help, not to be harmed.

Carmen’s fighting fit at 100

Point Lonsdale’s Carmen Ward had a fairly typical birthday this year; some cupcakes, balloons and an exercise session.

Fairly typical, that is, except this year Mrs Ward celebrated turning 100.

In recognition of her milestone birthday, Mrs Ward received a congratulatory letter from King Charles and messages from various other dignitaries, but she played down the significance of the occasion.

“Well,Ithinkit’sjustanotherday,andI’ve told my friends and people around that it’s over now, and I’m just here, and I’m very fortunate, and we just keep on living,“ she said.

Submissions are now open for the second Geelong Short Play Festival. (Lena

Calling all playwrights

Geelong’s newest creative arts festival is open for submissions for its second year.

Following the success of its inaugural instalment, the Geelong Short Play Festival has put the call out to all playwrights to submit original 15-minute plays for its second edition this August.

SubmissionsareopentoGeelongWriters members, as well as anyone living in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast Shire, Colac and Golden Plains.

Writers may submit up to two plays on any theme, with scripts limited to five characters and designed for minimal staging.

Submitted works will be considered by a panel of experienced judges, with six plays to be shortlisted for performances by local theatre companies at Geelong Arts Centre in August.

With last year’s festival drawing more than 300 attendees over three sessions, festival coordinator Paul Bucci said he was looking forward to the second year of the event.

“We learned a great deal from staging the inaugural festival, and we’re planning an even stronger event the second time around,” he said.

“We want Geelong to punch above its weight creatively. So, to all the writers out there, it’s time for take two.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontel praised the festival’s 2025 debut for captivating audiences and showcasing local theatre, saying the plays “revealed the tremendous talent of some of our most gifted playwrights and actors…with minimal sets but maximum imagination”.

Submissions are open until Sunday 15 March.Visitgeelongwriters.org.auoremail geelongwriters@gmail.comforsubmission guidelines and entry forms or call festival coordinator Paul Bucci at paulbucci@live. com.au or on 0428 326 012.

A resident of the charming seaside town sinceretiringtherewithherlatehusbandin 1984, Mrs Ward credits her weekly session with Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) Mobility Plus exercise program as an important factor in her health, wellbeing and longevity.

“I remember doing meals on wheels a few years ago, and I’d go into these homes down here and here were these poor old things sitting in the chair all day, not moving at all. AndIthought,that’snotthewaytolive,“she said.

“We’re mainly sitting on our chairs, and standing up, but nothing too strenuous.

We’re all older. But it keeps you going, and it’s nice to come and see other people.“ MrsWardcontinuestoliveindependently at home, and in addition to participating in the weekly BCH exercise session she maintains a daily walking routine. She encouraged other older people to find ways to stay active and said she would continue with the Mobility Plus program for as long as possible “because it keeps you mobile, and you’re meeting people, and it’s just another day out“.

Carmen Ward celebrated her 100th birthday with a session at the gym. (Supplied)

Cycling fun across the region

It was a great weekend for racing as the region welcomed back the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road races. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along on 31 January to catch Ally Wollaston win the women’s race for the second year in a row.

Love in the water at swim

Bellarine community members can gather to watch as hundreds of swimmers take a dip in Indented Head on Valentine’s Day.

Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim Classic will be held at Half Moon Bay with swimmers participating in four distances throughout the day, including 800 metres, 1.2 kilometres, 2.5-kilometre ocean swim and 300-metre Dash for Cash.

Indented Head Yacht Club commodore John Walter said the swimming event on 14 February aimed to showcase the Northern Bellarine and support healthy activities for the region’s youth.

“We try to generate it as a family-oriented

Honouring Tim Monahan

AfuneralservicewillbeheldinQueenscliff to honour and celebrate the life of a firefighter who spent his time supporting his community.

Tim Monahan joined the CFA in 1969 and was a member of the Wallington Fire Brigade until his death on 29 January at the age of 72.

Mr Monahan died surrounded by family, leaving behind wife Jill, daughters Cassie and Bridget, and son John, who is the current Wallington Fire Brigade captain.

Wallington CFA members shared their “great sadness” on Mr Monahan’s death in a Facebook post.

“He has been a member of the CFA for 42 years. In this time, he held various roles and positions, to ultimately captain the Wallington CFA for eight years,” they said.

“He was an extremely knowledgeable, experienced and competent Fire ground leader, travelling to many parts of Victoria and other states to fight fires.

“He trained and mentored many of the current officers and fire ground leaders in theBellarinePeninsula.Timwillbemissed greatly by Wallington and the wider CFA.”

Mr Monahan also served and participated in several groups, including the Bellarine Group, Queenscliff Bowling Club, and Queenscliff Football Netball Club.

A funeral service for Mr Monahan will be held at St Aloysius on 34 Stevens Street in Queenscliff from 10.30am on Monday 9 February, with the burial taking place at Point Lonsdale Cemetery.

The family has invited everyone back to Queenscliff Bowling Club, CFA members encouraged to wear their station outfits and medals.

swim and get upwards of 400 competitors,” he said. “The beach is really nice, and the waters off Indented Heads Yacht Club are really good for sailing and for swimming.

“We just want people to have a great day, and it’s more important that people enjoy themselves on the day of the swim...and we like to keep it casual with some structure and safety process in place.”

Mr Walter said the event would help raise funds for the club’s junior sailing program and that he looked forward to seeing people participate in the event.

“Earlyinthemornings,there’supwardsof probably15to20peopleeachdayswimming

off the waters near the club there,” he said.

“It’s just really nice swimming around the Ozone wreck offshore from Half Moon Bay, and the whole camping area over the summer is very oriented to families.

“It’s a fantastic spot to swim, and the Half Moon Bay where the swim is held usually has pretty crystal-clear water that doesn’t get affected by tides too much and is a relatively easy place to swim.”

The swim was initiated in 2010 by the Committee for Bellarine in conjunction with the yacht club, with a local swimming group named the Salty B!tches becoming a well-known icon during the event.

When you know, you know

Ocean Grove’s Lauchie Mant will perform in AG Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia! The Musical at The National Theatre in St Kilda for the next month. He spoke to Matt Hewson about following your heart and finding your people.

Though only 23, Lauchie Mant is something of a latecomer to musical theatre.

While he participated in high school productions like School of Rock, Lauchie was drawn more to pop icons than triple threat stage actors.

“Performing has always been a passion, definitelyanoutlet,butwhenIwasyounger I was more so referencing Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, those sort of artists,” he said.

“I’ve got two older sisters and we grew up with a lot of music around us. Every family function, there’s going to be lots of loudmusicanddancing,especiallyaround ChristmasandNewYearswealwaysputon a big family party.

“Being the youngest, I would see my sisters singing and dancing to Hannah Montana, Nikki Webster, so I guess I just looked at them and absorbed that.”

Lauchie enjoyed singing and performing popmusic,undertakingvocaltrainingand participating in “little gigs here and there” while studying his VCE.

And while his parents wholeheartedly supported his performing pursuits, they also encouraged Lauchie to work hard and studyforagoodcareer.Hedidso,enrolling in a double degree in law commerce at Deakin.

“Mum moved to Australia from Sri Lanka with her family when she was one, and my dad also moved here when he was a teenager…coming from my cultural background, it’s that thing of you have to be a lawyer or a doctor or an engineer,” he said. “My parents would say to keep performing as a hobby, on the side. But they’re beautiful, they only support me.

“And law, for me, is definitely an academic interest, but it doesn’t fill my cup like performing.”

Andso,twoyearsintohisdoubledegree, Lauchie reduced his study load at Deakin to enrol in Brunswick performing arts school Showfit Studios.

“Doing part-time uni while doing full-timemusicaltheatretrainingwaskind of crazy, but I did it anyway,” he said.

“But I still never thought of it as musical theatre. I always loved movie musicals, like Hairspray, Grease…but I went into Showfit thinking, oh, I just want to learn more about singing, acting and dancing separately.

“But I found musical theatre to incorporate everything I loved…it brings them all into this beautiful experience.”

Lauchie graduated from the two-year performing arts course last year, scoring two theatre gigs along the way that only cemented his new love for musicals.

“My first professional show was (Sean Donehue and Nick Waxman’s) Bearded in January 2025, and that was based on the 2017 gay marriage equality vote,” he said.

“It’s centred on two teens coming of age andcomingouttotheirparents,onehaving really conservative parents and one not. It’s a beautiful story of how they discover themselves and help each other out.

“It’s such a fun musical, a lot of dancing, very camp, very upbeat and energetic. I felt right at home, being gay myself, so for thattobemyfirstprofessionalmusicalwas amazing.

“I learned so much about myself, and about gay history as well. I was a bit too young in 2017 to understand the gay marriage equality vote at time…I learned somuchaboutthesignificanceofspeaking up and being yourself.

“And being part of a cast that was so proud, celebrating themselves, it was beautiful to be a part of, definitely a homecoming.”

In September last year Lauchie had a different,butnolessrevelatory,experience playing David Van Patten, one of Patrick Bateman’s boys club members, in See You Sunday’s production of American Psycho at Chapel Off Chapel.

“I had not watched American Psycho prior to the audition…(so) I was really surprised to get an email pretty much the next day saying ‘we would love to offer you

the role of David Van Patten’,” he laughed.

“I think what I showed was my love for 80smusic,andIthinkmylookaswell;Ihad the new edition moustache for 2025, and I think that also sold it.

“But that experience was amazing, I got to work with people who had done shows like Frozen, Wicked, Cats, Footloose, a lot of shows on big stages. Coming into it, I felt a bit intimidated, but the cast could not

I found musical theatre to incorporate everything I loved…it brings them all into this beautiful experience

- Lauchie Mant

have been more welcoming.”

With 2026 in full swing, Lauchie is preparing to dive back into full-time study tocompletehislawandcommercestudies, but not before performing in a month-long run in the ensemble of Mamma Mia at St Kilda’s The National Theatre.

“Mamma Mia is definitely on a bigger scale, I’ve never been on a stage this big as of yet, so it’s really exciting,” Lauchie said.

“I got to see Tarzan last year at The National and I was blown away. I didn’t think I was actually going to be on that stageinacoupleofmonthsafterthat,soit’s kind of crazy.”

The experience represents a new level of performing for Lauchie, another step into an industry that continues to draw him in.

“I feel like now I’m getting a bit of momentum now that I’m out of training, getting my name out there a bit more,” he said.

“I’m meeting a lot of brilliant people and connecting with a lot of amazing actors, so I think I’m slowly getting to where I want to be.”

Inthemeantime,Lauchiestillhasplenty of work ahead of him with his degree, but he couldn’t be more happy with his place in the world.

“I only moved (to Ocean Grove) officially in March 2025, and it’s beautiful,” he said.

“The beach is a two-minute walk away, I lovetheshops,Ilovethepeople.I’vemoved my study online…and Deakin offers great online access, it’s very flexible.

“I’m excited about what I’m doing and thefutureofwhatI’llbedoing…Iknowhow challenging (the performing arts industry) is, but when you know, you know.”

Lauchie Mant performs in Mamma Mia at The National Theatre from February 7 to March 8. Visit booktickets.com. au/mammamia for tickets and more information.

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. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the festival’s opening day on Saturday to capture all the sailing action.

Be Tru rally for justice

photographer Ivan Kemp attended the rally on 26 January to capture community members as they campaigned to change the date

Humbled to be honoured

By Jena Carr and Matt Hewson

Fourteen people from the Greater Geelong and Bellarine regions received Australia Dayhonours.

Across the Bellarine, two residents were acknowledged with Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division honours, while one person received a MedaloftheOrderofAustralia(OAM).

Portarlington’s Dr Gillian Miles was recognised for significant service to the transportandinfrastructuresectors.

Dr Miles was co-founder of the National Women in Transport Network in 2022, City of Greater Geelong’s chief executive in 2014/15, commissioner of Infrastructure Australia since 2024 and Rail Industry Safety and Standards board chair since 2025.

“It felt slightly weird for a second to be namedanAM,butthenIfeltveryhonoured that my peers and community had done thatforme,”shesaid.

Leopold’s John Womersley was also honoured with an AM for his service to archeryasanofficiatorandadministrator.

He was president of Archery Australia from 1976 to 1989 and was inducted into Australia’sarcheryHallofFamein2013.He alsoreceivedanOAMin1979.

WifeSusannespoketotheVoiceonbehalf ofherhusbandandsaidMrWomersleywas “so pleased” to have been recognised for a lifetimeofservicetoarchery.

“He really loved the sense of community and purpose that it (archery) gave him… You make friends all over the world,” she said.

Drysdale’s John Trigg was awarded with an OAM for his service to youth and the community, as evidenced by his contributions to Australian Navy Cadets, Rotary,StateEmergencyServiceandAPEX.

In Greater Geelong, Michael Betts was recognised with an AM for significant servicetothecommunityofGeelong. DistinguishedProfessorSaeidNahavandi from Highton was appointed as an Officer oftheOrderofAustralia(AO)intheGeneral Division for distinguished service to tertiary education, engineering, research andinnovationinroboticsandhaptics,and

Bat exhibition flies into Untether Gallery

By Jena Carr

A community art and science exhibition has flown into Geelong to help open a relationship between residents and the region’s wildlife.

TheBatsandBelongingopencommunity show opened at Untether Gallery on 5 February with a wide selection of artworks depicting Geelong’s grey-headed flying foxes.

Deakin University Environmental SciencesseniorlecturerDrAdamCardilini organised the exhibition with honours

student and artist Nyssa Braid alongside Bats of Geelong Wildlife Shelter.

Dr Cardilini said the free exhibition would run until 21 February and explore the community’s understanding of care connection and coexistence with grey-headed flying foxes.

“We’re hoping to share the story of the ecologicalroleofthebats,theirimportance in our environment, and who they are as individuals,” he said.

“Whoever felt inspired by the theme of the exhibition was welcome to put in a piece of work on the theme of celebrating

or exploring our relationships with the grey-headed flying foxes.

“Wehopethattheartworkisanimpactful and powerful way for people to share the community’s understandings of the bats... and there’s a variety of artwork as well.”

Dr Cardilini said grey-headed flying foxes were an important part of Eastern Park and Geelong’s landscapes.

“Bats give us a view into what the lives of other animals are like, and for bats in Geelong, they have a good life as they’re living well, and they can flourish if they’re treated with care and respect,” he said.

defencecapabilitydevelopment.

Nine locals received an OAM in the General Division, including Geelong’s Richard Lawysz, Wurdiboluc’s Marie McPadden,Lara’sElizabethBate,Geelong’s Roxanne Bennett, Bellbrae’s Barry Fagg, Belmont’s Leon Herviou, Torquay’s Brian Keane, Grovedale’s William (Bill) Rebula, andHighton’sNigelWilson.

Summer fun in the civic precinct

The City of Greater Geelong kicked off a new initiative this week aimed at bringing the community together.

Yesterday the City hosted the first of its Lunch on the Lawns Summer Series, with community members gatheringtosupportlocaltraders,eat lunch and relax on the lawns outside Wurriki Nyal while listening to live music.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the initiative was all about bringing people together and letting the community enjoy the City’s Civic Precinct.

“The revitalisation of central Geelong has been a key priority of mine, and one of the themes identified in last year’s forums has been the need for activation of what we already have,” he said.

“Following the overwhelming success of the Geelong City Market, I want to do something on weekdays, which is why we are activating our lawns on Thursdays in February.”

“It’s going to be amazing to see workers from the surrounding buildings and the broader community come together and enjoy some live music and summer treats while supporting local businesses and musical talent.”

Prior to the first event yesterday, local musician Matt Baird said he was looking forward to “bringing the summer vibes to the Wurriki Nyal lawns and seeing the community comingtogetherinCentralGeelong”.

“This is a great thing for central Geelong, and I hope everyone gets behind it,” he said.

More free Lunch on the Lawns events will be held on 12, 19 and 26 February noon to 2pm at Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong.

Geelong Australia Day fun

CommunitymembersgatheredatGeelong’s Steampacket Garden on 26 January for the Australia Day Family Day. Voice

photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the event to capture people enjoying good weatherandfamily-friendlyactivities.

Rocking and raging women

By Matt Hewson

Australia has a rich pantheon of rock heroes; from Bon Scott to Barnesy, Billy Thorpe to Shirley Strachan, the Aussie musical landscape is filled with larger than life larrikins who went hard and took their fansalongfortheride.

Most of those iconic figures are men. Australia has female rock stars - Suze DeMarchi, Ella Hooper and Adalita Srsen - but their stories have, for the most part, beenframeddifferently.

While they may have displayed a similar middle-finger-brandishing attitude, they have never been deified for it to the degree theirmalecounterpartshave.

Performer Sheridan Harbridge has spent a good portion of her career making sure Australia’s “disobedient girls” and “difficult women”havetheirstoriestold.

“They’re just trying to lead, and for that they’relabelledasdifficult,”shesaid.

“We love our male ratbags, but when it’s a woman they come under a different sort of exposure.

“I’ve always tried to revise how we see

a lot of ‘difficult women’ on stage…I feel honoured to tell the story of women who forgedthatpathsoIcouldbehere.”

Experience the joy of live Celtic music

Multi-instrumentalist Rennie Pearson is bringing the warmth and mystique of Celtic music back down the highway to Little River and Geelong this month.

Channelling the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada, the virtuoso’s wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice will tell tales old and new.

He was down this way last year, but this timeanewlayerwillbeaddedtohissound.

“Thesewillbethefirsttwoperformances with a percussionist involved,” Pearson said.

“I have been quite excited about doing something with percussion for a while, we have had a flute playing melody, keyboard doing harmony and now the percussion will be driving the rhythm.

“I think it is going to be a really full sound.

“The reason why I chose this guy is because he is very familiar with Celtic music and he is very sensitive.”

The intimacy of the music will not be lost with the thudding of drumsticks, but it’s probably better to let Pearson try and describe what it’s like.

“The melodies have these ethereal qualities that go beyond the mortal realm, and the driving rhythms are dance music through and through.

“Another one is the connection with ancient times, it’s kind of got this otherworldly element where the tunes and songs have been passed down.

“It’s an absolute joy to be a part of.”

The music will flow at the Door Gallery Cafe 8pm on Friday 20 February and at the Little River Mechanics Hall 3pm on Sunday 22 February. Tickets: www. renniepearsonmusic.com/

Treat yourself to a dose of timeless stage nostalgia

Treat yourself to a truly memorable morning of song, story and nostalgia with Heart & Music, the first instalment in Geelong Arts Centre’s Delightful Days & Matinees series. This uplifting performance features internationally acclaimed musical theatre favourites Simon Gleeson (Helpmann Award–winning Jean Valjean in Les Miserables) and Natalie O’Donnell

(Mamma Mia!, Dear Evan Hansen).

Together, they share timeless classicsfrom Irving Berlin and ABBA to highlights from The Greatest Showman - woven with warm, personal reflections on love, life and their remarkable shared journey on stage. Held in the inviting surrounds of The Play House on Wednesday 18 February at 11am, it’s the perfect daytime cultural

Harbridge’s latest show Amplified: The ExquisiteRockandRageofChrissyAmphlett explorestheDivinylsfrontwoman’sstory.

“Chrissy did not call herself an activist in any way…(but) those sort of women who step ahead and go ‘I’m going to say something and it’s important’ are ripe for exposureandattack,”shesaid.

“Shetookalotofheatinthepressandhad toputupsuchanarmortosurvivethat.And Ithinkthatwasatahugepersonalcost,how she had to live - fist clenched, swinging - in thatenvironment.”

Premiered at Melbourne’s Rising Festival in June last year, Amplified has received critical acclaim for its presentation of a culturaliconwhorefusedtoacceptsociety’s rules.

“Chrissy was standing out front of a band going, ‘this is how women can and should live’,”Harbridgesaid.

“She didn’t hold back on revealing the subversive and difficult parts of being a woman.”

Amplified:TheExquisiteRockandRageof Chrissy Amphlett is at Geelong Arts Centre on12-13February.

Swinging summer at the gardens

By Matt Hewson

The Geelong Botanic Gardens come to life this month with the summer series of jazz concerts.

Music at the Geelong Botanic Gardens returns with three outdoor, family-friendly concerts celebrating jazz, swing and big band music.

The series kicks off on 14 February with Melbourne jazz stalwarts The Pearly Shells, who bring a seven-piece band renowned for their lively stage presence and dance-oriented sound.

Originating 30 years ago in Melbourne, The Pearly Shells have performed with some of the biggest names in Australian jazz, and regularly call on the scene’s best-known singers to join them.

“We’re bringing the Hot Seven, which is our usual rhythm section with three horn players, so we’ll make a big racket with that; not quiteabigband,butheapsofhorns,” bandleader and bassist Steve Purcell said.

“Once you’ve got three or four horns, people pay attention. It’s a big sound, you can really hit people over the head with it.”

The series will also feature the Surf Coast Big Band (22 February) and Bob Sedergreen & Friends (28 February). Visit musicatgbg.com for tickets.

outing for lovers of great music and heartfelt storytelling.

Ticketsarejust$30,withconcessionand group discounts available, and include a complimentary morning tea from 9.30am. Book now and enjoy a beautifully uplifting matinee as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Season 2026. Visit www. geelongartcentre.org.au for more information.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Keeping cool in the heat

Hot weather places significant stress on the body, especially for older adults and high temperatures can affect overall health, reduce energy levels, and increase the risk of heat-related illness.

These conditions can range from mild dehydrationtomoreseriousheatstress,so it’s important to recognise early signs and take steps to stay cool and safe. Try to stay out of direct sunlight, minimise physical activity during the hottestpartsoftheday,chooselightweight clothingandkeephydratedtohelpprevent

heat-related illness.

Use air conditioning if available and keep curtains closed and windows shut during the day, then open them at night to let in cooler air to keep indoor spaces cool. Homestyle Aged Care has provided quality, supportive residential care for nearly 40 years.

If you or a loved one are looking for care in Ocean Grove, Leopold, or Grovedale, visit www.homestyleagedcare.com.au or call 1300 104 663.

‘Lifesaver’ in home care

Live life to the fullest in the comfort of your own home with Just Better Care.

Sofia Harris said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service was a “lifesaver” and that there were many things her support workers helped her with that other services wouldn’t.

“They assist with things that I can’t manage to get done on my own anymore suchasdomesticassistanceandshopping. They really strive to do their best to satisfy my care needs,” she said.

“The people are really wonderful, and nothing is ever too much trouble. The staff are very approachable, my case manager

is always there to listen, and I know I can reach out if I need anything”

“HavingassistancefromJustBetterCare has given me the independence to keep going. Sometimes there are things I need downthestreetwhereit’shardtogoonmy own, so having someone along with me is a great to support me.”

To start your Just Better Care journey, call 03 5222 1518, email mailge@ justbettercare.com or visit the caring team at their office at Level 1 114a Mt Pleasant Road in Belmont. Visit justbettercare.com/Geelong for more information.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Assumptions about ageing that “bleep” off older people

National Seniors Australia (NSA) has released research into the annoying and contradictory assumptions made about olderpeople.

More than 2,000 people aged 50 plus shared their views on assumptions that annoy them about older people’s bodies, brains,values,lifestyles,andmore.

Somepeopleobjectedtothestereotypes of older people as frail and incapable, bad with technology, resentful of change, or unabletocontributetosociety.

Such assumptions were countered with commentsaboutolderpeople’s“enormous unpaid contribution to society and economy”, the fact they “still want to be a punk rocker”, or their “lifelong history of protest”.

Other people objected to the counter-stereotypes that older people are allfit,technologysavvy,andexcitedabout change.

NSA head of research Dr Diane Hosking said the research reinforces older people are extremely diverse and while some are sharper and fitter than ever, others do needsupportandconsideration.

“The research shows how ridiculous it is to make assumptions about people based onage,”DrHoskingsaid.

Objections to assumptions about Baby Boomers were common as well. Such assumptions include the contradictory ideas that Baby Boomers hoard wealth or are conversely a “drain on the public purse”.

“Older people don’t stop being our diverse selves just because we age,” Dr Hosking said. “More than a third of Australia’spopulationisaged50plus.Like

any large group, it is full of very different people. We were different from each other when we were 20 and we’re still very differentnow.

“Part of recognising diversity in ageing is accepting that declines in body and mind can come with age and adapting to ensure new needs are met. It is also about

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respecting people’s values, preferences, and lifestyle expectations, and enabling people to age in the way that’s right for them.”

Birds aplenty and an echidna

I haven’t been able to look for birds over the past few weeks so luckily, I’ve received some emails from Voice readers.

Brian and Faye, who live at Portarlington Lifestyle Village, contacted me about a cryptic brown bird with a yellow bill, that was the size of a starling, hiding in the shrubs in the village.

They spotted the bird on three different occasions and one day it perched briefly in agardenbed,buttheyjustfailedtocapture a photo that would have helped identify it.

Brian asked me if the bird could have been a rail and asked which species of rails are around the Bellarine. Rails are a family of medium-sized wetland birds that includes species such as crakes, moorhens and coots. There are two species of rails found around the Bellarine - buff-banded rail and Lewin’s rail, but neither have a yellow bill and both are usually found in thick vegetation around waterways.

I thought that the bird may have been a quail, but Brian said he was familiar with quails, and it was not one. I would have loved to be able to identify Brian and Faye’s unusual bird, but was not able to, so hopefully it will reappear and they will be able to take a photo.

My friend Chelle from work took a photo of a family of tawny frogmouths that were roosting in a pine tree at her in-law’s

property on the Bellarine Peninsula. It was greattoseeafullygrownjuvenilebirdwith the parent birds in Chelle’s photo. Rhonda and Carole, who live on the same street as I do in Ocean Grove, sent me some photos of a tawny frogmouth that was roosting on the flower stalk of a grass tree in their front garden. It was interesting to see the bird balanced on such a long, thin structure.

Rhonda walks her dog at around 10pm at night and often spots tawnies in the street. I tend to look for them during the day and never see them and I would love to know where their habitat is based.

There were some tawny frogmouths

at Trethowan Avenue off Banks Road, but there has been much tree clearing and building going on, so they may have relocated to the parkland at the end of that street, but I have not seen them there despite much searching. I’ll have to take up walking around the neighbourhood at night with Rhonda to locate them.

I received an email from Gerald and Robyn, who were walking at Ocean Grove Nature Reserve and spotted an echidna looking under the fence with a sign depicting an echidna behind it.

Gerald and Robyn thought that perhaps the echidna thought it had found a mate.

It’s great to see echidnas around the Bellarine. My friend Pat saw one at Clifton Springs Golf Club recently.

My friend Denis, who used to live in Ocean Grove, but now lives in Bendigo, took some photos of a wedge-tailed eagle nestling at Tang Tang Swamp near Dingee in central Victoria.

Another friend Andrea, from Barwon Heads, sent me a photo of an olive-backed oriole juvenile that she spotted at Moonah Park along the Barwon River.

I made a mistake in the 23 January issue of the Voice by saying that there was a hooded plover nest at 6W on Ocean Grove beach, when in reality the nest was located between 10W and 11W.

There have not been any successfully fledged hooded plover chicks this year (so far) around the Bellarine despite the efforts of the parent birds and wonderful volunteer helpers.

There are currently three active nests along 13th Beach and one at Collendina. Please take note of signs that alert beach goers to the presence of nests and hatchlings, especially when walking dogs.

Summer prawns and zucchini skillet is easy and breezy

Nothing says summer like a meal that doesn’t require turning on the oven for an hour. This lemon-garlic prawns with blistered cherry tomatoes and zucchini ribbons dish is light, vibrant, and takes about 15 minutes to pull together. It’s essentially summer in a pan—fresh, zesty, and won’t leave you feeling weighed down in the heat.

Summer prawns and zucchini skillet

Serves: 2-3

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Ingredients

Protein: 450g large prawns (peeled and deveined)

Vegetables: 2 medium zucchini, 250g–300g cherry tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Aromatics and fats: 30ml olive oil, 15g butter

The “Zing”: Juice and zest of 1 lemon, 2g red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh Finish: A handful of torn basil or chopped parsley, plus shaved Parmesan

Instructions

Prep the zucchini: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into long, thin ribbons. Stop when you hit the seedy core.

Sear the prawns: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season prawns with salt and pepper, then sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove prawns from the pan and set aside.

Blister the tomatoes: Add the remaining

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oil to the same pan. Toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices.

Sauté aromatics: Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn!).

Bring it together: Toss the zucchini ribbons and the cooked prawns into the pan. Add the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

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Final toss: Use tongs to gently toss everything for 1-2 minutes. You want the zucchini to just barely soften while staying “al dente.”

Serve: Garnish heavily with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Why this works

One-Pan: Minimal cleanup means more time outside.

Hydrating: Zucchini and tomatoes have

high water content, which is great for hot evenings.

Versatile: If you’re starving, toss this over some angel hair pasta or serve it with a crusty baguette to soak up the lemon-butter sauce.

Pro Tip: If you have a grill fired up, you can skewer the prawns and tomatoes instead, then toss them with the raw zucchini ribbons and dressing at the very end for a smoky char.

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Shop local and enjoy the summer vibes in Ocean Grove

Voice photographer

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.

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 centre 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

7

8

9

politician 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?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Scribes Writers Group

South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members to refine their skills.

 geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans’ Club, 10.30am.

 leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Dancer’s Club Geelong

Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Kevin and Tre.

 Russ, 5250 1937

Mainly Music

Music and fun for preschoolers commencing 5 February, Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays 9.30-11am. $5 per family per week.

 0461 582 618, or mmadmin@bgap.church

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

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

 oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 7 February, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben. Sunday 1 February, 2-4.30pm, $5 bring small plate to share.

 0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

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

 0448 391 366

Portarlington playgroup

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

Ocean Grove Library

Tuesday 10 February 2-3pm - Knowing your sources online

Wednesday 18 February 3-4pm - tech help, drop-in session for basic tech needs. Mondays 10.30-11.30am - preschool story time

Tuesdays 4-5pm - youth collective (ages 12-18)

Wednesdays 9.30-10am - toddler time Thursdays 11.30-11.50am - baby time Thursdays 3.45-4.45pm - after-school program

Leopold Library

Tuesdays 2-3pm - digital drop in for your basic tech needs

School holiday program details grlc.vic.gov.

au

 4201 0675

Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

 Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove

Live music

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry, all welcome.

Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.

 5258 1150

Croquet

Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.

 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

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

 Megan, 0439-317 344

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

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

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

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

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

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

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We

welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

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

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea.

 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.

 Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm, snooker, chess, indoor bowls. Wednesday: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500. Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

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

Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.

 Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372

TOWN club

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

session, $54 annual fee.

 Bev, 0421 636 830

Drysdale Day VIEW

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

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education.  oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

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

 Raelene, 4244 0376

Afternoon tea dance

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

 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale

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

 Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

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

 dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

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

 bellarinehistory.org

Out and about on the sand

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Tucson hybrid quick yet quiet

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Hyundai’s mid-sized SUV Tucson has been around since 2004.

The current (fourth generation) was released here in February 2021 with the latest (MY2025) upgrade launched here in mid-2024 and adding a hybrid variant for the first time.

Tucson comes with a choice of 17 variants with Tucson, Elite, Premium and N-Line equipment levels and the choice of 2.0-litrenaturallyaspiratedpetrol,1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrains as well as two or all-wheel drive.

The Tucson has plenty of pull, boasting a 1900kgtowingcapacity,plusafirst-in-class panoramiccurved12.3-inchinfotainment/ driver display backed by wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluelink, connected car services and over-the-air remote software updates.

The maker’s SmartSense safety system now has Highway Driving Assist, while a new head-up display presents important driving and navigation information. On test was the Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line front-wheel drive, selling for $48,600, plus on-road costs.

The new hybrids are covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and eight-year 160,000 kilometre high-voltage battery warranty, as well as Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, Premium Roadside Support and satellite navigation updates.

STYLING

We love the adventurous styling route that Hyundai has taken with the Tucson.

The large hatched grille gives a bolder look than before and is fringed by five LED daytime running lights in a crescent formation. The headlights are full LED and automatically adjust to the sides for improved cornering visibility.

Our test vehicle came with the optional NLinepackconsistingofexclusive19-inch wheels, grille, front bumper and skid plate, plus N Line badging. The rear sports a new rear bumper, skid plate and twin exhaust outlets.

Interior

The MY25 cabin has been given the once-over to especially appeal to the lifestyle active family. The steering column has a mounted drive-by-wire shift selector and floating centre console.

The Elite and Premium variants feature classy leather appointed seats for up to five while the N Line pack goes further with black leather and suede, red stitching, plus exclusive N Line seat and steering wheel emblems.

General storage includes large door pockets and a deep lidded console box. Cargo space runs from 582 litres to 1903 litres depending on the seats in use. The spare wheel is a space saver variety. A height and speed adjustable tailgate is operable via a button on the key fob or by simply standing at the back of the vehicle with the key.

Infotainment

A 12.3-inch touchscreen, introducing Hyundai’snextgenerationuserinterface,is standardacrossthe2025Tucsonrangeand comes up with four times the computing power and 15 times the graphical processing power of the previous system.

A host of functions is led by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/ FM/DAB radio, Hyundai Bluelink, Bluetooth multiconnection, USB-C input, quick control (swipe down) menu, and over-the-air updates.

EliteandPremiumvariantsaddBluelink sat nav with turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates, voice control, SMS

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

playback and split screen function.

Bluelink connection is free for the first five years and includes automatic collision notification,emergencycallaccess,remote control climate and vehicle functions, among other things.

A similar-size configurable digital instrument cluster takes on a classic look with needle-style gauges. Hybrid versions can be customised to display a power gauge or tachometer. Depending on the drive mode.

Engines/transmissions

Tucson Elite N-Line test vehicle was powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol/electrichybridsystem,mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

The petrol motor put out 132kW of power and 264 Nm of torque.

The electric motor contributed a further 47.7kW of power, making a combined maximum of 172kW. The latter made use of a lithium-ion polymer battery of 1.49kWh and 270 volts.

Safety

The Tucson Hybrid has a five-star ANCAP safety rating on 2021 testing. The vehicle body features high-strength, lightweight construction to maximise torsional rigidity.

Active safety comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, which includes forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, safe exit warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist and smart cruise control.

A surround 360-degree view of the car and rear-view monitor, plus distance warning, are a great help when parking.

Driving Quick, yet quiet is the best way to describe the Tucson hybrid’s behaviour. The turbo dialsupthepower,whiletheelectricmotor plays its part in smooth going, as does the six-speed auto transmission.

Road noise on coarse road surfaces is the only intrusion into the cabin. The suspension coped with generally few

complaints, while the brakes had their sharp side if rushed into action.

Gear selector is a twist-shift to the right of the steering column which takes some getting used to but clears the way for an uncluttered centre-console controls such as drive modes.

These include Eco and Sport, of which the latter added sharpness all round to the drive.

Smart mode switched the car between Eco and Sport to ostensibly maximise economy and performance, if that’s possible.

Hyundai claims combined urban/ highway fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100km. The test vehicle came up with 4.6 litres per 100km on the motorway and averaged up to 9 litres per 100km during a week’s running around town.

Summary

It’s anybody’s guess whether buyers will take the hybrid route to Tucson electric vehicles. It’s a veritable traffic jam in this segment.

Wallabies take on Demons

Division 2 bowls heats up

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Clifton Springs Bowls Club as the home side went up against Ocean Grove in Division 2 of midweek bowls on Tuesday 3 February.

Sprint ace rides to victory

By Roger Vaughan, AAP

Ally Wollaston’s historic win at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race came with a language warning, thanks to her joyful rehashing of the team motto.

The New Zealand sprint ace capped an outstanding performance from FDJ United-Suez on Saturday in Geelong to successfully defend the women’s title.

Sheisthefirstwomen’sormen’smultiple winner of the Cadel Evans race since its 2015 inception.

AsWollastoncelebratedwithteammates seconds after easily sprinting to the win, theracecoveragepickedupsomecolourful language which she later revealed was the motto her team used at the same race a year earlier.

“I don’t think I said it this year. I don’t actually know if I’m supposed to be saying that any more,” she said.

“But last year’s motto was ’f**k yeah’.”

Embarrassed, Wollaston briefly paused and added “s**t”.

“I’m trying to stop that one, actually. My teammates definitely use it more than I do,” she said.

“But yeah, it’s a good motto and it’s a real spirit-of-the-moment thing when we come across the line.”

Victory capped a prolific three-week

WorldTour campaign for the team in Australia, with Wollaston also winning two stages at Adelaide’s Tour Down Under.

Even more than her wins earlier this month, Wollaston’s triumph on Saturday in the Mapei-sponsored race was all about team.

She had been ill after Adelaide and Saturday’s two crucial climbs up Challambra Crescent inside the last 30km of Saturday’s 142.2km race had her struggling.

The New Zealander was twice dangling off the back of the race at the summit, only for teammates to make sure she rejoined the front group.

After the second climb, a front group of fivenearlyachievedtheirgoalofdistancing Wollaston-clearlythebestsprinteramong the contenders.

But Dutch teammate Amber Kraakwho also earned plaudits for her tireless domestique work at the Tour Down Under - and British rider Lauren Dickson made sure Wollaston rejoined them.

Soitbecameagroupof12andWollaston predictably dominated at the finish.

“There was a pretty impressive split ... if I didn’t have my teammates, the race wouldhavebeengone,forsure,”Wollaston said of the race situation after the second Challambra climb.

“Once that came back, I knew I was in with a really good chance.

“My teammates did an incredible job to get me back to the front end of the race.”

Wollaston’s struggles on the first Challambra climb knocked her

confidence, but again team support kept the 25-year-old’s head in the race.

“The team believed in me arguably more than I believed in myself today - I am so thankful,” she said.

“They just kept me grounded and I had a few tough words in my race radio, saying I could do it. The belief was pretty strong from the team.”

Wollaston’s Australian partner Kelland O’Brien, who will race on Sunday in the men’s event, celebrated with her.

“Obviously seeing him at the end was really amazing - probably the highlight of my day, actually,” she said.

British rider Josie Nelson (Team Picnic PostNL) was second and Spain’s Mireia Benito (AG Insurance-Soudal) completed the podium.

Newly crowned Australian road champion Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) was fourth, again confirming the WorldTour rookie is a massive talent.

At the other end of the spectrum, much-respected Australian Amanda Spratt (Lidl Trek) finished 36th in her last domestic race. She will retire at the end of this season.

The men’s race on Sunday will be the career swansong for compatriot Simon Clarke, like Spratt one of cycling’s most respected competitors.

‘Timing is crucial’: Andresen pounces for Cadel win

By Roger Vaughan, AAP

Tobias Lund Andresen confidently predicted he’d win and rival Matthew Brennan’s mistake made sure that prophecy came true.

Thedifferenceinbodylanguagebetween the two sprinters told the story after Sunday’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Race.

Andresen was bursting with excitement, having claimed the Geelong race for the first time. Brennan’s shoulders slumped when he tried a quick escape from the podium presentation, only for journalists to ask for a comment.

Brennan mistimed his sprint at the end of the 183.8km race, ensuring fellow recent Tour Down Under stage winner Lund Andresen would come over the top and relegate him to second place.

Australian Brady Gilmore continued an excellent start to his debut WorldTour season by finishing third.

It’s the third time that Lund Andresen’s Australian team boss Luke Roberts has orchestrated a win in the men’s Cadel Evans race.

“Thetimingofthe(final)sprintiscrucial,” was Roberts’ classic understatement.

Brennan, a WorldTour revelation last season, said he simply got his wrong.

“Ithoughtthefinishlinewas100mcloser - I thought it was 200 to go, but when I read it, it was 300,” the British rider said.

“Once you go, you just have to commit. I need to get my eyes tested, let’s say that.” As always, the race came down to four lapsofthe21.4kmGeelongfinishingcircuit, punctuated by the steep Challambra Crescent climb.

Andresen, Brennan and Gilmore were in a front group of 21 for the last few kilometres.

Andresen and Roberts were surprised - and delighted - when Brennan’s bright-yellowVisma-LeaseABikejerseyhit the front so early in the final sprint.

“I feel like he didn’t have to, but ... I would have done the same. It’s just a small mistake by him,” Andresen said.

“For me, it was pretty nice.” But for the Dane, winning was no

accident after a power of work from his Decathlon teammates.

“I told the guys with one lap to go, if they put me in the perfect position ... I will win the race,” he said.

“I was feeling good and I put myself out there. It worked out.”

It was also a big day for Gilmore, whose venerated NSN teammate and compatriot Simon Clarke raced for the last time.

They have been roommates since a NovembertrainingcampandGilmoresaid Clarke’s influence has been “massive”.

“It was a bit of an emotional morning

actually, just knowing he’s not going to be racing with us any more,” Gilmore said.

“A guy who’s been pro for that long, he’s the sort of guy that when he learns something, he analyses it as well.

“He’s probably the most underrated bike rider in the peloton and he’s probably also one of the craftiest.”

Gilmore also had a refresher mid-race that cycling is a contact sport.

He said he was hit in the face by a Uno X-Mobility rider after a misunderstanding at a feed zone, with more words between them at the finish.

“Idon’tknowwhosefaultitwas,”Gilmore said.

“But I was just trying to follow my teammatesandhewantedtogetthebottle. He basically smacked me in the face and then he had a go at me.

“So I was like ’come and see me after the race’. Then he came up to me and I was like ‘what was that?’

“It was just a couple of words exchanged. It was all an accident ... bike racing.”

DefendingchampionMauroSchmidwas fourth, ending a tough domestic campaign for the Australian Jayco AlUla team.

Tight run home for finals aspirants with four rounds to go

LOCAL TENNIS

Saturday Junior and Senior Pennants recommenced in Tennis Geelong competition with four rounds to go for most sections.

Section 1 Boys has been a close competition all season and this week it showed with six of the eight teams moving ladder positions.

It was a battle of seventh vs eighth when Barwon Heads travelled to Surfcoast Jan Juc with both teams still an outside chance of making the four. The match was closer than the scoreline indicated with four of the sets decided 7-5 or in a tie-break.

Sienna Clatworthy and Tom Kemp performed well, winning their singles 6-1 whileAaryaNorigotthroughinatie-break and Nina Grigsby 7-5.

BarwonHeadsgotontheboardwhenTed Reid and Ollie Schirmer won their doubles 7-5, but Grigsby and Kemp rounded out a

5-1 win to push Surfcoast into seventh, but closed the gap to 13.5 points away from fourth.

Western Heights Uniting maintained sixth position with a 5-1 win over Geelong Lawn, who dropped from second to third. Louis Smith, Archer Youla, Max Drake and Jensen Fenske were too strong for Lawn with Elijah Jewell winning the fourth singles Lawn’s highlight for the day.

Wandana Heights were unable to field a team this week against Lara, which had a significant impact on the ladder. Lara moved to second, just one point behind Ocean Grove, and Wandana have dropped outofthefour,onepointbehindGrovedale and only 1.5 points in front of Western Heights.

Ladder leaders Ocean Grove travelled to Grovedale, although with detours due to theCadelEvansBikeRace,thiswasmoreof

Century for Grazotis

By Justin Flynn

All-rounder Stan Grazotis put his side in a commanding position on the opening day of round 12 with a stunning century to resurrect Collendina’s innings and possibly its season.

Grazotis made 144 from 162 deliveries, coming in when the Cobras were in troubleat4/44againstNewcombatOcean Grove Memorial Reserve on Saturday 31 January.

Collendina needs to keep winning to make the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade finals and Grazotis’ innings could well play a pivotal role. Collendina was all out for 287 after being in strife early, but Grazotis hit 12 boundaries and four sixes and found a willing ally in youngster Jackson De Jong, who put together a nice 47 from 93 balls.

The Cobras were 5/114 when star bat Corey Walter departed for 33, but Grazotis and De Jong added 137 for the seventh wicket to not only steer their team out of a tricky situation, but into a position of strength going into day two.

Walter said he was pleased for Grazotis, who was a teammate of his at Marshall for several seasons.

“He’s really stepped up with the bat this year and had a few not outs when he’s looked really good, so for him to get a chance to bat all day and make a big score was great reward for him,” he said.

“Jackson played a great innings as well, supporting Stan after we’d lost a couple of quick wickets and I was most impressed with him going through the gears towards the end and he should take a lot of confidence from that.”

Newcomb skipper Dylan Ryan led by example, taking 4/56 from 21 overs.

A SUPERB bowling performance put Ocean Grove in a winning position at stumps, requiring 79 runs with nine wickets in hand against Surf Coast.

SeamersBaljinderSinghBrar(4/20from 13 overs) and English import Zac Jones (2/14from11.5)werethestandoutstohave theSunsalloutfor98atRayMenziesOval.

ConnorWeidemann(0/33from17overs) went for less than two runs an over while spinner Tom Kent picked up two late wickets.

Six of the Suns’ top seven got starts, but nobody was able to crawl past 18. Grove had 11 overs to negotiate before stumps and is 1/20, losing Shaun Fankhauser and with Jacob Taylor and nightwatchman Alex Mann to resume on Saturday.

ST LEONARDS posted a big total, amassing 9/261 against Winchelsea.

Troy Griffin took his season’s run tally to 556 with 67 from a typically quick 65 deliveries to set the tone early.

Paul Hassan jumped in with 49 in the middle order and James Burns (42) and Seb Harrison (48 not out) finished things off towards the end. Will Stovell’s 7 not out from 51 balls may look innocuous, but he helped add 57 for the ninth wicket with Harrison to push the score past 260.

Riley Berg and Shane Currie each took three wickets for Winch and Ricci Sauni was also good with 2/28 from 13.1 overs.

DANE Wise-Graham snared his second six-wicket haul of the season for Wallington to take his total to 25.

The Wallabies won the toss and sent Portarlington in with Cameron Gourley (32) and Joel De Bono (24) adding 66 for the opening wicket, but both departed in the space of one over without adding to the total.

Paul McGrath (25) and Brenton Toole (46) steadied the innings with an 82-run partnership, but enter Wise-Graham with his crafty slow bowling.

Port lost its last six wickets for 25 runs to be all out for 171 with Wise-Graham ending with 6/37 from 22.3 overs while skipper Mitch Sleeman’s performance should not be underrated, sending down 31 overs for 2/71.

an effort than usual. Grovedale got off to a goodstartwiththecombinationsofAshton Hageman/Finn Duffy and Riley van der Vliet/Hanna Schoenmaekers both posting 6-3 wins. Jesse Ballagh put Grove on the board with a 6-2 win in the first singles while Schoenmaekers kept Grovedale in front winning the fourth singles 6-1. Duffy and Herb Ireland had a mammoth set in the second singles with Ireland the eventual winner in a tie-break, leaving the match result dependent on the remaining third singles.

Remy Cairncross proved too consistent in the last to take the set 6-3 for Ocean Grove, leaving the match tied on sets, but Grovedale had the game advantage, taking the win overall and moved into fourth. With only 12 points between first and sixth every match is important for teams still in contention.

Dobbin rescues the Hawks

The race for the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade finals looks like going down to the final roundwithallfourround12gamesin the balance.

Only Barwon Heads is assured of finals action with just two wins separating second-placed Anglesea and eighth-placed Inverleigh. Anglesea was the only team to pass 200 on day one of round 12 on Saturday 31 January - all out for 204 against fourth-placed Jan Juc. And once again it was Jordy Graham who walked off the field as the major wicket taker for the Sharks. Graham sent down 22.5 overs for the return of 8/80 to make it 28 victims for the season. Tyron Norman (59) top scored for Anglesea while Ben Harcombe made 35 with the pair sharing a 71-run third-wicket stand. DRYSDALE recovered from being 6/41 to end on 8/196 after 75 overs against Inverleigh.

Austin Haygarth (3/47), consistent left-arm seamer Daniel Midolo (2/50 from 20 overs) and Locke Perrett (2/44) had the Hawks in all sorts of trouble, but a 46-run seventh-wicket partnership between Ben Spencer (36) and talented youngster Noah Jones (23 from 133 deliveries), who read the situation well, got the score up to 87 before Spencer was run out. Blake Dobbin entered the fray and played the Hawks back into the game with an unbeaten 69 from 62 balls while Josh Inglis was 13 not out to get thetotaluptosomethingthatseemed alongwayoffearlierintheafternoon.

ARMSTRONG Creek has the upper hand against Barrabool in a battle of fifth vs sixth. The Titans made 190 all out with Ben Norgrove making 41 and Chris Marsiglio getting 37. James Fishertook3/16from10.4overswhile Archer Jaques and Lachie Snaith chimed in with two wickets each for theBulls.Inreply,Barraboolwas2/31 at stumps.

BARWON Heads made 187 all out against third-placed Queenscliff. Lewy Hyland made a typically quick 70 from 65 balls, but it was the efforts of Jordan Monahan (5/73) and Tom Kidd (4/75) that kept the final total to well under 200. Queenscliff had 15 overs to bat before stumps and made it to 2/28, still needing 160 more runs to inflict the Seagulls’ first loss of the season.