Geelong Indy - 27th February 2026

FREEDIGITALEDITION

Cancer challenge

By Jena Carr

Rippleside’s Amber Ashby is doing what she can to support others going through breast cancer following her own diagnosis two years ago.

Ms Ashby, 49, was diagnosed with stage three estrogen-positive breast cancer (a locally advanced and invasive cancer that has not spread to distant body parts) in 2024.

“It was following a friend’s journey with breast cancer and probably sparked my vigilance with making sure that I had the regular scans,” she said.

“After finding a lump though, I thought that I’d better go and investigate it.”

Doctors were able to remove the cancer with surgery, with Ms Ashby then going through chemotherapy to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.

We’re asking people to do 56 squats a day ... one squat for every Australian diagnosed with breast cancer every day - Amber Ashby

She is now “considered cancer-free” and said her family was the biggest support during her recovery, including her mother and three kids aged 15, 18 and 21.

“My diagnosis was quite a shock to the family, and I remember my daughter turning to me with tears in her eyes and saying, ‘Mum, you’ve got this’,” she said.

“My mother also came down here from the United States and created a lot of fun and comedy in the house, so it wasn’t a heavy time for us, and it was really lovely family time.

“People genuinely want to help you, and sometimes it’s hard for people to ask for help, but don’t be afraid to ask for help and arm yourself with as much information as you can about it.”

MsAshbywillparticipateintheNational Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) Squat Challenge next month, which aims to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research during March.

NBCF head of community fundraising Lana Do Canto said the challenge was an opportunity for people to come together and have fun while raising funds for world-class breast cancer research.

“We’re asking people to do 56 squats a day, and that is one squat for every

Australian diagnosed with breast cancer every day,” she said.

“We have one very ambitious vision, and that is towards zero deaths from breast cancer, and we know the only way to get there is through breast cancer research.

“Breast cancer is the second most

common cancer in Australia and the most common cancer among women...and, unfortunately, nine Australians still lose their lives to this disease every day.”

Visit NBCF’s website for more information or to participate in the Squat Challenge.

Election priorities finalised

By Matt Hewson

Geelong council announced the top projects it will advocate for as the state election approaches.

On Tuesday night councillors unanimously endorsed a list of priority projects for which it will attempt to secure funding commitments from prospective members of state parliament in the lead up to the 2026 Victorian government election.

The Priority Projects list is a revision of the Draft Regional Priority Projects list the council endorsed in September last year. All projects in the previous document remain, with minor updates, while

an entirely new tier of community infrastructure projects - 32 overall - has been added to the list.

New priority projects include redevelopment of facilities such as Bellarine Arts Centre, Ervin Reserve, Hamlyn Park, Kardinia Park Netball Complex, Lara Recreation Reserve, Myers Reserve, Osborne Park, Whittington Community Hub and Winter Reserve.

Other priorities include changes to Geelong’s stormwater management model and flood mitigation measures, a review of early years’ service delivery, more youth services spaces, expansion of the Bellarine Sports Centre, a new Lara basketball

stadium and a new regional tennis centre in Armstrong Creek.

Theseadditionsjoinpreviouslyendorsed projects such as a Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), transformation of Market Square, major investment in Avalon Airport, expanded regional rail services and a special economic zone for central Geelong.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the new document was a “very comprehensive list” that included many “excellent projects”.

“It certainly gives us a great platform to be able to work with parliamentarians and local members as we head into the election,” he said.

yEAH/dUNNO looks back over 40 years

Jon Campbell’s yEAH/dUNNO exhibition will open at Geelong Gallery this Saturday, bringing together a selection of the artist’s works from over four decades.

The exhibition will feature artwork that uses words and phrases as imagery to capture aspects of popular culture that are lived and observed.

MrCampbellsaidthecollectionofworks articulated and celebrated his artistic output over the past 40 years.

“Fromtheloosefigurationof‘Celebration 1’ (1985) to the large-scale text work, ‘it’s a world full of lying bastards’ (2017-20),”

he said. “This long and winding road takes the viewer on a journey, engaging with the ideas and images that have kept me energised and committed to the rollercoaster that is the life of an artist.”

Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Humphrey Clegg said the exhibition’stitle,yEAH/dUNNO,embodied Mr Campbell’s approach to his art.

“I am incredibly excited to see this importantexhibitionbroughttolifehereat Geelong Gallery,” he said.

“‘yEAH’ is a celebration of art and artists and their positive role in society,

while ‘dUNNO’ reflects his interest in empowering people to say ‘I don’t get it, and that’s cool’.

“Jon Campbell is a remarkable artist whose understanding of how language shapes our perception of the world around us makes his work highly potent and engaging.”

yEAH/dUNNO activated the gallery buildingthroughthetransformationofthe rearfacadelastyearthroughMrCampbell’s artwork, with the main exhibition on display from Saturday 28 February to 24 May.

Highton gymnast to don the green and gold again

A Highton teenager will represent Australia at DTB Pokal 26 in Stuttgart, Germany,from19to22Marchaspartofthe Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Junior International team.

YMCA Geelong’s Olivia Meaney, 14, will again wear the green and gold after representing her country at junior international level, competing in France and Belgium last November.

Meaney delivered strong performances during her European selection and continued to build her reputation as one of the nation’s exciting emerging gymnasts. Meaney balances elite sport with school

at Belmont High, while training 25 hours per week across five days. She trains at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and at YMCA Geelong Gymnastics Club.

Rhian Jamieson, also from YMCA Geelong, was chosen as the Australian Junior International coach for the campaign

“Olivia is a remarkable young athlete and a fantastic representative of our community,” YMCA Geelong chief executive Shona Eland said.

“This selection is proof that the investment in strong regional pathways in sport can provide great opportunities for

Cr Anthony Aitken successfully moved for an amendment to the original report, which added the redevelopment of the Norlane West Scout Hall to the list of projects.

“This project is not on council land, this project is not delivered by (the) council, but it is actually bringing significant community benefit to the local area of Norlane West, which happens to be one of the most significantly disadvantaged communities in Australia,” he said.

“I know it would certainly boost the confidence of Norlane West Scouts and the community…if the council was advocating for them.”

Retail growth on the way

By Jena Carr

Jan Juc and Torquay could see more growth in the retail and industrial economy following updated guidelines for Surf Coast commercial landuseanddevelopment.

SurfCoastShireCounciladoptedan addendumtoits2021Torquay-JanJuc RetailandEmploymentLandStrategy duringits24Februarymeeting.

The addendum provided updates on significant policy, economic and demographic changes, and focused onspecificimplicationsacrossJanJuc andTorquay.

“The demands have changed on land use with a lot more shopping being done online and work being carried out remotely,” councillor Liz Pattisonsaid.

“So, this has changed the demand patternforlanduseand,inparticular, there’s been an increased demand for warehousing in our industrial precincts.

“It is important to have directions in place in preparation for future planning permit applications and proposed planning scheme amendments.

“Proactive planning such as this for efficient land use can help ensure we maintainourvibranttownshipswhile responding to economic demands andcommunityneeds.”

Key policy directions include support for 11 additional hectares of commercial land in the Messmate Road growth area and raising north Torquay’s commercial floor area cap from8000to10,000squaremetres.

Recommendations will also be made for land between West Coast Business Park and Messmate Road andtheBainesCrescentprecinct.

young people in our region.

“To be selected again for Australia is an incredible achievement. We wish Olivia and Rhian every success in Germany and encourage the community to get behind Olivia’s journey if they’re able.”

A fundraising page has been established to help Meaney reach Germany and continue pursuing her long-term goal of competing at the 2026 Youth Olympics in November.

Community members who wish to support the talented teen are encouraged to donate via her fundraising page at asf. org.au/campaigns/olivia-meaney

Death sparks investigation

The death of a psychiatric hospital patient in Geelong has become a homicide investigation, with another man at the facility under police guard as officers wait tointerviewhim.

The body of the 31-year-old man, who is yettobeformallyidentified,wasfoundina roomattheSwanstonCentrefacility about 2amonMonday23February.

The intensive mental health care centre, run by state-owned Barwon Health, has previously faced scrutiny over patient care and union calls for action on pay and occupationalviolence.

Late on Monday police said a male patient,whowasknowntothe31-year-old,

wasunderguardandyettobeinterviewed.

Barwon Health said the dead man was housed in the centre’s acute mental health ward.

“Weextendourcondolencestothefamily of the deceased patient. Support has been extendedtostaff,”chiefmedicalofficerAjai Vermasaidinastatement.

The Health and Community Services Union said the death reflected ongoing concerns about staffing levels, workplace safety and the ability of staff to care safely forpatients.

“Many legacy beds remain on that site.

These beds are not at a standard we’re seeing at new mental health builds and

refurbishments of other mental health facilities,” assistant branch secretary RebeccaSprekossaid.

Ms Sprekos said staff had repeatedly raisedconcernsaboutinsufficientstaffing, longhours,fatigueandthelackofresources tosafelymanagehigh-risksituations.

“It is essential that these warnings are finally heeded by the Victorian state government,”shesaid.

Ms Sprekos called for the government to legislate ratios and staffing profiles for “all disciplines in the public mental health system”.

The office of Mental Health Minister IngridStittdidnotimmediatelyrespondto

Many cultures, one street as festa returns

Victoria’s premier multicultural festival is backforits44thyear.

This Saturday 28 February, Cultura’s 2026 Pako Festa will once again transform Pakington Street into a riot of colour and movement, celebrating the rich diversity thatmakesupthefabricofGeelong.

With culturally diverse food, dancing, crafts and entertainment on display throughouttheday,thecelebrationscentre on the famous Pako Parade beginning at 11am.

Cultura chief executive Rebecca Smith said Pako Festa was a highlight on the Geelongmajoreventscalendar.

“It has been running smoothly since

1983, thanks to everyone respecting the purpose and objective behind it, which is tocelebratelocaldiversity,”shesaid.

“It’s about enriching and celebrating humanconnectionsandculture.Cultura’s Pako Festa offers a safe environment for diverse community groups to share their culture in a spectacular, fully immersive cultural experience of music, colour, food, costumes, dance and movement.

Ms Smith said the RAW Stage, a new initiative for emerging artists located at the northern end of the festival, would celebrate the depth of talent within multiculturalyouthcommunities.

“In a very real sense, we’re giving young people a chance to shine and potentially turn their passion into a future in the performingarts,”shesaid.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Geelong Arts Centre on this program. Put simply, this new stage creates a meaningful pathway into the entertainment industry for many of our diverseyoungpeople.“

Geelong Arts Centre chief executive Rhys Holden said his organisation was “proud to enter a year-round partnership with Cultura”, with the Geelong Arts Centre Raw Stage just “the first exciting initiativeofmany,”hesaid.

arequestforcommentonthedemand. WorkSafe inspectors would investigate to see if further action was required, a spokesmansaid.

Barwon Health was in 2025 charged under workplace laws after a patient died by suicide while undergoing treatment at thecentrein2022.Thecaseremainsbefore the court. In 2024, a coronial inquest was launched after a patient was discovered unresponsive by staff at the centre and later died.Several years earlier, Barwon Heath pledged to make changes at the facilityfollowingthedeathofa35-year-old womanwhoabscondedin2017anddiedof adrugoverdose. - AAP

Earlier budget consultation

Geelong council has adopted a new modeltoconsultwiththecommunity onits2026-27budget.

ThenewapproachhasseentheCity ofGreaterGeelongopenthefirststage of consultation this month, offering an online survey, councillor listening posts, a submissions process and a communitypanel.

In previous years, the City only engaged the community once the draftbudgethadbeencomplete.

On occasion this resulted in the community scrambling to have its voice heard when the draft budget included highly unpopular decisions - most notably in 2023 when the council announced cuts to library funding which could have seen multiplelibrariesintheregionclosed orwithmuchreducedservices.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said “The model for earlier engagement has already been successfully rolled out by other councils, and now, we’re giving people the opportunity to view our discussion paper and start commenting even though it’s only February.”

“The new community panel will also play a key role in March, giving Cityofficersthetimetoconsiderallof theinputandsuggestions.”

Councillor Andrew Katos, chair of the City’s finance portfolio, said “By capturing feedback from across the entire community, we’ll ensure a representative budget while also recognising the financial challenges ahead.”

Scarlett needs your help

Surf Coast’s Good Friday Appeal ambassador Scarlett McGowan is seriously ill and needs your support.

Scarlett McGowan, 17, was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for urgent care recently, but was also there when only a few months old with Dilated Cardiomyopathy which meant that her heart muscles were unable to properly pump blood around her body.

Scarlettwasplacedonthetransplantlist and, because she was in such urgent need of a new heart, her parents were asked if they wanted to consider ABO mismatch, which is an organ from a donor with a differentbloodgroup.Scarlettbecamethe first child in Australia to have this type of heart transplant.

Scarlett’s mum Sam described the procedure as putting a new engine into an old car.

“Scarlett had colour in her that we had never seen before, which was because her new heart was pumping the blood round her whole body properly,” she said.

“With her new heart, Scarlett has been able to keep up with her friends and take part in normal activities.”

Recently Scarlett became critically ill and on 2 January was rushed to RCH and diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer that can happen in transplant recipients due to the immune suppression medication allowing an overgrowth of cells that turn cancerous.

An ultrasound found lymphoma in Scarlett’s stomach. She deteriorated quickly and was moved to ICU and placed on a ventilator. Too unwell to have a PET scan, a CT scan showed the lymphoma was also in her lungs.

Scarlett’s oncologist had to treat her quickly and, while ventilated, she was given two chemotherapy drugs and an immunotherapy medication. She is now on the oncology ward, stable and undergoing a third round of chemo. The treatment plan is expected to take a minimum of six to eight months.

Scarlett has had multiple treatments

including a bone marrow biopsy, more chemotherapy injections and medications.

Parents Sam and Jon are taking it in turns to stay bedside with Scarlett or be home with her younger brother Raef.

Jon has his own small business and is now navigating how to juggle supporting the family financially while needing to be with his daughter in Melbourne.

“We are so lucky to have such amazing medical care and staff who are dedicated to taking care of our child,” Sam said.

“Sharing Scarlett’s story and raising awareness is a small way we can say thank you to the staff at RCH, and to honour her donor. We are looking forward to when we can have Scarlett back home in Torquay.”

Torquay Lions Club and friends recently raised $3114 for the MacGowan family at a sausage sizzle in Waurn Ponds.

To help the McGowan family, go to gofundme.com/f/financial-support-forthe-mcgowan-family

Portarlington Recreation Reserve now open

There is a new home for football, netball, tennis and cricket clubs in the Bellarine with the Portarlington Recreation Reserve now open.

The reserve officially reopened on 21 February following upgrade works across the facility to create better opportunities for the community to gather, meet, get active and develop local programs.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the upgrades were a “major step forward” for sport across the region.

“This will create more opportunities to participate, strengthen development pathways, and attract major events to the region,” she said.

“High-quality sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Bellarine locals to get involved, enjoy the many benefits of community sport, and lead healthy, active lifestyles.”

Project works were funded by $3.15 million from the state government, which included a refreshed synthetic cricket wicket and a multi-use enclosed cricket training facility.

Works featured an extension of the pavilion to include two change rooms and amenities suitable for women and girls, a trainers’ room, two umpires’ change rooms, accessible public amenities, a first aid room and a storage room.

The project also delivered two LED scoreboardsfornetballandfootball,ashed for the Bellarine Agricultural Society and a bigger carpark with 100 parking spaces,

accessible bays and new lighting.

City of Greater Geelong helped deliver the project through a $14,500 contribution, alongwitha$600,000commitmentthrough the federal government’s Investing in Our

Visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding for more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the state government.

Surf Coast celebrates International Women’s Day

People can get ready for International Women’sDay(IWD)witharangeofevents taking place across the Surf Coast next week.

Surf Coast Shire Council will host its headline event, A Wisdom of Age – In Conversation with Jacinta Parsons, before IWD on 8 March.

Ms Parsons is a broadcaster and author, and she will speak about her latest book, A Wisdom of Age, during the free conversational event.

“I learnt that remaining curious about ourselves and the world around us is the key to a joyful life,” she said.

“It’s not all roses, but it’s the full expression of the human condition, and I want to fully immerse myself in that experience.

“This book was about my questions and

wonderings about how I might approach ageing with excitement and not the dread that we’re taught to feel about it, and it worked.

“It was one of the most rewarding projects of my entire career; creating a book where I needed to speak to women about their lives and their wisdom, where nothing was off the table.”

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said she was looking forward to the event with Ms Parsons and listening to her speak with author Chrissie Bellbrae about the wisdom of older women.

“Jacinta is an acclaimed public speaker, and many would know her through her writing and as a familiar voice on ABC Radio,” she said.

“Council is proud to support IWD and this year’s range of events, which

A pillar of history

By Jena Carr

Mick Slocum is bringing history back totheregion,followingtherestoration of Geelong’s last remaining Victorian-erapillarbox,withplansfor Portarlington.

The Ascot Vale man has done close to 77 restorations of the free-standing post boxes across the state, including one that has been shipped over from WesternAustralia.

“I’m flat out like a lizard in a waterhole,” Mr Slocum said. “But it’s great as I feel that I’m contributing to history and the preservation of our heritage.”

“When I first started, I did it in overalls, but these days it’s transformed into a version of street performance, so I try and dress up to look the part as I’m doing the restoration.”

Mr Slocum travelled to Geelong in November last year to restore the pillar box on the corner of Swanston StreetandAlexandraAvenue.

“IknewthatIneededtogetontothat restoration, and fortunately it was in quitegoodcondition,”hesaid.

“Itdidn’ttakemeverylongtorestore it,asIonlyhadtosanditback,giveita good solid wash, rub off the cobwebs, andgiveitagoodtwoorthreecoatsof paint,soitcameoutverywell.”

Mr Slocum now has his sights set on Portarlington and will make the journey to the region in the next couple of weeks to restore the town’s pillarbox.

will present great opportunities for connection, reflection, creativity and fun activity.”

A Wisdom of Age – In Conversation with Jacinta Parsons will be held at Torquay’s MultiArtsCentrefrom1pmonWednesday 4 March.

Other IWD events across the shire will include a fashion-themed afternoon, Timeless Women: Celebrating Fashion, in Lorne and a Moria Women’s Shed Art Exhibition on Tuesday 3 March.

Feel-good dance classes will also be held at Torquay Improvement Association Hall across multiple sessions on 4 March and Thursday 5 March.

Registrations are required for the events, and people can visit surfcoast.vic. gov.au/IWD to reserve a spot or for more information.

“It’s just weather-beaten, so it’ll only require minimal sanding and washing, and then I can paint it, and it’lllookfantastic,”hesaid.

Shire condemns vandalism

By Jena Carr

Surf Coast Shire Council has taken a stand againstalltypesofvandalismtopublicand private property following an Australia Day incident.

Council unanimously resolved to condemnvandalismduringits24February meeting, after graffiti was found on a rented tent being used during Lions Club of Anglesea’s 26 January family day event.

Councillor Paul Barker raised the issue during the meeting through a notice of motionandsaidallcommunityspacesand public events should be respected.

“If you’ve got different ideas, feel free to share them, but doing it in this format is neither inclusive nor respectful,” he said.

“Individuals and groups had gone out and spent money to hire this equipment that vandals chose to spray with an anti-Australia Day sentiment.

“Regardless of what your views are, breaching private property rights by vandalisingthemisnotanappropriateway to go and, if anything, it will more than likely harm your cause.”

Lions Club of Anglesea was left with a $600 bill to clean-up the graffiti, which meant diverting money intended to

Families take on challenge

By Jena Carr

A Highton husband and wife team will March On for veteran mental health, in honour of their daughter currently serving intheAustralianarmy.

Tony and Darlene Armstrong will take part in Soldier On’s fundraising challenge next month, where participants choose to walk or run 96km to support mental health servicesandpreventveteransuicide.

The pair’s daughter, Taylor, is close to reachinghergoaloffouryearsinthearmy’s infantry,andTonysaidshewastheultimate inspiration for him and Darlene to join the challenge.

“There’s plenty of stuff going on in the world that certainly puts everything into a different perspective when it’s your flesh andbloodoutthere,”hesaid.

“We’ve obviously grown to be incredibly proud of her for the achievements that she’s achieved while serving, but it has not been theeasiesttimetowatchthenews.

“She’s not really ever said it directly, but I think she just wanted to take some control back into her life...and once she made the decision that she was going to do that, she wasgoingtodoit.”

Darlene said it was important that veterans had access to ongoing mental health and wellbeing support during and aftertheirtransitionfromservicetocivilian life. “It’s (the challenge) just about showing the nation that we’re behind the veterans and everyone who is currently serving, whichishugelyimportant,”shesaid.

Visit marchonchallenge.org.au for more information or to sign up for the free challenge.

support the community, according to the Lions Club’s Facebook page.

Council’s existing Graffiti Management Policy recognised the financial costs and negative impacts of graffiti across the shire, with Cr Barker’s motion reinforcing the policy’s principle while condemning vandalism in all its forms.

CrJoelGristsaiddisagreementsbelonged in debates and “not spray-painted on walls”.

“This motion intends to ensure that no member of our community is left in any doubt that vandalism is not activism, dialogue, or civic engagement,” he said.

“It is unlawful damage that costs ratepayers money, burdens our staff and volunteers, and diminishes the amenity and safety of our shared spaces.”

Council will aim to clean up all graffiti from council property as soon as possible, including removing offensive graffiti within 24 hours, and will supply graffiti kits to assist in the clean-up on private properties.

Residents whose property has been subject to a graffiti attack are advised to report it to their local police station or call Victoria Police on 131 444 and photograph the graffiti before removing it.

Nelson focuses on state seat

By Matt Hewson

Geelong’s deputy mayor has stepped down from the position to pursue a seat in state parliament.

Seeks Liberal Party preselection in the seat of South Barwon, councillor Ron Nelson resigned from the role of deputy mayor on the same night the council endorsed guidelines for councillors who become prospective candidates in state and federal elections.

Cr Nelson will continue to represent his Barrabool Hills constituents, but said the roleofdeputymayorwas“fartooimportant to stretch myself that thin”.

“ThisisadecisionIhaven’ttakenlightly,” he said.

“I really value the support of my fellow councillorsforelectingmesome14months ago into this role. It’s been a role that I’ve really enjoyed.

“It’s been really valuable working a lot closer with officers, with the CEO. It’s something I’m going to miss, but I need to step away to focus on my ward and my personalandprofessionalresponsibilities.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj paid tribute to Cr Nelson’s handling of the role, describing him as a “very loyal deputy”.

“He provided me with a very steady support and was always available when I

needed, on short notice or otherwise, so I really appreciate the professional manner in which Cr Nelson performed the role,” he said.

Cr Nelson’s resignation was announced shortly before the council approved its first-everguidelinesforcouncillorsseeking to run in state or federal elections.

While the guidelines passed unanimously, Anthony Aitken expressed dissatisfactionthatthecommunityhadnot been consulted.

“(The guidelines) are minimalistic in terms of their position,” he said.

“They’re just cut and pasted from the MAV (Municipal Association of Victoria)

Lois keeps dancing on her 100th birthday

By Matt Hewson

North Geelong resident Lois Pearce is looking forward to cutting a rug at the Leopold Hall for her birthday this year.

Having been involved in ballroom dancing since she was 15 years old, Mrs Pearce could think of no more fitting way tocelebrateturning100earlierthismonth.

“I just love dancing, I love meeting people, I love being with people,” she said.

“For a long time now, I’d think, will I make it (to 100)? And now (the birthday dance) is coming up, it keeps me awake at

night thinking about it.

“I’ve had so many people popping in and out, bringing me all these lovely flowers. It’s all been a nice surprise, and I think to myself, well, it was worth getting to 100.”

Having grown up the only sister to five brothers in Rokewood, Port Fairy and Geelong, Mrs Pearce has been an active dancer and sportswoman her whole life.

“We were all a sporty lot at our house, and all into music,” she said.

“We had lots of fun, never really sitting down or going to sleep like I occasionally do now. The only time I ever sat down was for meals.”

The Leopold Hall are opening their regular Saturday night dance to the public for a free event to celebrate Mrs Pearce’s centenary.

“I think people love Lois because of her personality,”LeopoldHalldanceorganiser and former president Kevin Smith said.

“We just want to make it a good, memorable night for Lois, that’s all we’re aiming for. If people would like to come along, they’re most welcome to do so.”

The celebration at Leopold Hall begins at 7.30 on Saturday 28 February.

Geelong active play program welcomes funding

Registered charity NeuroThrive has received $24,000 in funding from the Victorian government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund to provide a new, free active recreation program in the Geelong area.

Running for 10 months and led by neurodivergent specialists, the program will provide sport and recreation to 100 young children or more in a safe and supportive environment.

NeuroThrive’s founder and director Yoshiko Yano said the community-based, disability-led organisation was “over the moon” after hearing the funding announcement.

“We design deliverable programs that remove barriers for participation, for autistic kids, for example, who might not have access to traditional sports,” she said.

“That’s why we have this program, to include them; the movement feels safe, accessible, calm and enjoyable, rather than overwhelming. Our work is about creatinglocalinclusiveservicestosupport local families, that’s what we’re all about.

“This funding enables us to pay facilitators recruited from Geelong, hire safevenuesand,mostimportantly,ensure it’s zero cost for the families.”

Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club will

guidelines. Certainly the 2018 and 2023 Surf Coast guidelines have a bit more teeth in them.”

Cr Andrew Katos disagreed, saying “if you’re a professional person, if you have integrity, you’ll act accordingly”.

“I’m probably uniquely placed to speak on this motion, as I have been a councillor who was a candidate who was elected to parliament,” he said.

“Back then there were no guidelines whatsoever…you just need to separate yourselfandbeprofessional,ismyopinion.”

The council will meet on Tuesday 3 March at City Hall to elect a new deputy mayor.

Romanis exhibits at NGV

By Jena Carr

A First Nations woman born and raised on Wadawurrung Country will soon see her artwork on display at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

PittaPittawomanJahkarliRomanis will participate in Country Road and NGV First Nations Commissions’ Future Country exhibition program, alongside mentor Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal artist and curator Brook Andrew.

Ms Romanis, who grew up in Jan Juc and attended school in Geelong, said she felt honoured to be chosen for the program, with her work spanning photography, moving images and spoken words.

“I wouldn’t be in this position, and I wouldn’t be doing this work if it weren’tformyfamily,soI’malwaysso grateful for their support,” she said. “It is a huge honour and privilege considering how prestigious the NGV is, but in the same breath, it’s also important that we are still being critical of these big galleries.”

The second iteration of a biennial mentorship and exhibition program pairs emerging Australian First Nations artists with industry leaders from each state and territory.

“I’m still quite a young artist, and Brooke has helped me to have strength and confidence in my artistic vision and how to ensure that it isn’t compromised,” Ms Romanis said. “Existing within a diverse arts community is super important, but I still pinch myself all the time, and this show with NGV is an absolute dream I cannot believe that it’s happened.”

Future Country is a free exhibition that will run from 20 March to 13 September at NGV’s The Ian Potter Centre.

also receive $22,000 to purchase inclusive bikes for people with disability and their families to use.

Victorian minister for community sport Ros Spence said she was delighted to support the programs.

“This initiative creates inclusive spaces where people with disability can not only participate, but kick start new opportunitiestolearnandexcelinarange of roles in the sports they love,” she said.

Email hello@neurothrive.org.au to register your family’s interest in NeuroThrive’s Geelong program.

Heading to Moomba Festival or the F1 Grand Prix?

Victoria’s Big Build works continue across the state with road disruptions on Clyde Road and the Eastern and Princes freeways. These works could impact your travel into Melbourne to attend the F1 Grand Prix or Moomba Festival.

Eastern Fwy citybound lanes between Doncaster Rd and Bulleen Rd split into sections with reduced lanes

Until late 2026

Point Cook Rd entry ramp to Princes Fwy closed Geelong-bound

Early March

Avoid delays and check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Clyde Rd reduced to one lane in both directions between Enterprise Ave and Princes Fwy

Until mid 2026

Launching comedy careers

Dylan McBurney is the founder and executive producer of a national program helping young comedians launch their careers. They spoke to Matt Hewson about how sometimes, to better help others you need to listen to who you are and what you need.

At age 23, Dylan McBurney is still classified as a youth by most government offices and services; they could still, for example, call Kids Helpline, contribute to the National Youth Survey or collect Youth Allowance.

But despite being a young person themselves, Dylan, originally from Lara, has made it their mission to provide a leg-up to other young comedians.

In 2023, aged 20, Dylan and fellow young comedian Ethan Gallagher designed and created Pilot, a national creative development program that supports young comedians to develop their skills, improve their process and take the leap into developing full-length solo shows for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The idea for the program came to Dylan while they were producing a show for two friendswhoweredoingadoublebillforthe Comedy Festival that year.

“I remember thinking, it’s a good thing these guys know each other, they have someone to collaborate with, they know me to produce it…and they’d both put in a thousand bucks each to produce it,” they said.

There are so many young people ... who have these incredible ideas and these incredible projects waiting to be brought out of them -

Dylan McBurney

“The idea literally came to me on the tram to the theatre: what happens if you’re a young person and you don’t know how to put together half an hour of material, you don’t have connections to a venue or contacts?

“And particularly for young people, who are probably saving to move out or have moved out, investing money in a show and waiting months to get that money back is just not an option for a lot of people.”

Programs certainly exist for certain cohorts of young people; Class Clowns (which Ethan participated in) and Up Next provide performance and development opportunities for high school students and young adults, respectively.

“I was interested to see what we could create in between those spaces,” Dylan said.

“We try to give comedians everything they need to take the next step in their career, so we start with a two-day intensive workshop and we go through the fundamentals of how to create a solo show.

“What’s the hero’s journey or structure you can use? What themes do you want to explore, and how do you want to explore them? What do you want to make the audience feel? When the audience see you and hear the first thing you say, what do you want them to think about you?

“And then over the next months, every week we get together as a group and talk about where we’re getting stuck and what’s been going well. We hook them up with open mics or booked spots where they live so they can test their material.”

The program culminates with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, wherethe‘Pilots’headlineintheirfirstsolo shows.

“It’s really handing them the tools and lettingthemgoawayandwritetheirshow,” Dylan said.

“When you’re a comedian, so much of it is about your own work ethic and your own

writing ability, so there’s certainly a big responsibilityfromtheartistsaswellasus.

“Also, there’s no costs for any young person to be involved. We’ve got folks from PerthandSydneythisyear,wepayfortheir flights, we set them up with somewhere to stay in Melbourne

“It’s particularly about those underrepresentedgroups,whichI’mreally passionate about representing. But really, for us, it’s about whose show do we want to see the most? Whose show do we want to go and buy a ticket for?”

While Dylan’s background was not originally in comedy, but rather in singing and acting, they were always the class clown at Hamlyn Banks Primary School and then Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.

“I was always making jokes and distracting everyone,” they said.

“I think you see that a lot in people who…I came out as trans when I was 14, and before then I didn’t have a super strong sense of self, I guess.

“I was very confident, in that I did whatever I wanted, but I certainly felt out of place. Going to Matthew Flinders, I didn’t feel like I was like the other girls, in a way that I didn’t understand.

“It was like, all these people are girls and they just do it effortlessly and they don’t have to try. And I feel like my legs are kind ofbumpyandweird,justallthethingsthat kind of made me stand out.

“I think comedy was definitely a big part of that. I’m a very empathetic person as well, so I think making people laugh was

something that I liked to do, but also part of my identity.”

Sinceleavinghighschool,Dylanstudied sound production and stage management, working extensively doing the latter.

However, a diagnosis with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia meant the demanding schedules of stage management were not working for them.

“It’s a chronic illness that causes widespread pain; it’s your brain sending pain signals before they’re necessary,” Dylan said.

“Being in rehearsals for days, then the theatre teching the show from 9am to 11pm just became pretty impossible.

“I got to a point where I read ‘disability is a condition that lasts six or more months’, and I was like, okay, I’m feeling confident about identifying with this word.”

Dylan successfully applied for a youth traineeship with Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) that was “really lifechanging”, and and now works part-time at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute as a research assistant.

So, strangely, it was only through creating Pilot for young comedians that Dylan found themselves writing and producing their own solo comedy show.

“I never saw myself as a creative person orwriter;doingmusicaltheatreandchoirs, you show up and you sing or say what’s on the page, which I was very comfortable with,” they said.

“It wasn’t until after we started working on Pilot, where I was taking lots of comedy

workshops to support the comedians, whereIwascomingupwithideasforjokes. And I thought, okay, maybe I do have some creativity.”

Dylan’s show, Loud Jazz Will Fix Me, debuted at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, receiving high praise from audiences and reviewers alike.

It’s not all Pilot for Dylan. Next week they travel to the Green Room Awards, where they and their partner Emerson Hurley are nominated for the Outstanding New Australian Music Theatre Writing (Independent) award for their musical The Forgotten Songbook.

“My sister was very excited that Sammy J was another nominee (for the same award), so from her perspective, I’ve made it,” Dylan said.

But through all of the tumult of life, through the highs and lows, Pilot remains thethingthey“alwayshavethemotivation for”.

“There are so many young people out there, particularly a lot of really disconnected young people, who have theseincredibleideasandtheseincredible projectswaitingtobebroughtoutofthem,” Dylan said.

“Tobeabletofacilitatethatismygreatest joy. Writing a show is such a vulnerable thing, and for people to trust me enough to end up creating something that’s the best version of what they wanted to do, that is the reason for me. That is so fulfilling.”

Pilot Comedy is at The Greek Centre from 27 March to 12 April as part of the MelbourneInternationalComedyFestival.

Virtuosic violinist

By Matt Hewson

American artist Blue Violin, aka Christopher Vuk, has rediscovered the place where he fits best.

For the past two years, Vuk has been touring his show Thunderstruck around the world. A homage to the greatest rock n’rollartistsofalltime,hisgenre-bending show takes iconic classic rock tunes and translates them onto solo electric violin.

Using loop pedals to accompany his own blistering solos on a candlelit stage, Vuk brings the rock and classical music worlds together in an electric, high-energy performance.

But for a long time, Vuk didn’t perform at all.

“I grew up in Northeastern Iowa and started playing when I was six years old,”

Vuk said. “I went to school for classical violin in Boston, Massachusetts and then when I was 20 I transferred to Berklee College of Music, and that’s really when I started playing alternative styles of music: jazz, rock, a lot of world music.

“Then I started touring with a group called The Boston String Quartet. I toured with them for about a decade, and we worked with Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Riverdance, and many others. And that’s when we started really getting to perform this great, great music.

“That was back in the mid-2000s, and there weren’t many string players playing rock and roll music, so we were kind of pioneers in that. Then I had kids, got married and stepped away from music for quite some time.”

Vuk’s story of moving away from music into business and then back again to his passion is something he talks about to audiences, but the upshot is that music is where he finds joy..

“Ireallyfindalotofenjoymentinmaking people smile, presenting something new and unique,” he said.

“It’s always exciting for me to hear people say, wow, I had no idea that’s what this was going to be like, it was amazing.

“And inspiring kids…I used to have a music school. I worked with tens of thousands of kids, introducing them to rock and roll or jazz on the violin or cello. And that’s something that I take a lot of joy in.”

Blue Violin is at Geelong West Town Hall on Friday 6 March. Visit blue-violin.com/ thunderstruck for tickets.

Youth and experience collide in blues show

By Matt Hewson

Twooftheblues’finestexponentsreturnto the Bellarine this weekend almost exactly 12 months after their first visit together in 2025.

InternationallyacclaimedguitaristGeoff Achison and 25-year-old UK saxophone starTomWatersfirstplayedattheBellarine Estateon8March,2025aspartoftheirfirst extended musical collaboration together. They return on Saturday 28 February as part of a three-week, 11-date tour of the south-east coast. And according to Achison, it’s even better the second time around.

“We’re really getting to know each other now…as the miles roll on and you play gig after gig, you really get to know each other, not just musically, but hanging out,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic kid - I say kid, he’s 25but compared to someone like me, he is at the beginning of his journey.

“He is just brimming with ideas and musicality, and he’ll play all night if he’s let offtheleash.Hejustwon’tstop,whereasby theendofthegigIjustwanttositdownand have a drink.

“He’s great to be around…it’s reminding someone like myself what I got into it for, just the whole buzz.”

Achison himself is no slouch; since 1994 he has released 20 albums and six singles, won the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist in Memphis in 1995, been listed as one of Guitar Player magazine’s Top 10 Hot New Guitarists in 2008 and been inducted into the Victorian Blues Hall of Fame in 2020.

But at the tender age of 25 Waters boasts a resume of impressive collaborations with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jules Holland and George Thorogood.

“Tom’soneofthoseguyswho’sinsatiable formusicofanykind,sowhilsthecanblast

World-class talent on show

Indian and American artist ganavya (aka Ganavya Doraiswamy) has been hailed as a vibrantnewvoiceinmodernmusic, blending spiritual jazz with Indian devotional music and atmospheric textural sounds.

The singer, songwriter and musician has collaborated with some of the most influential jazz musicians of the past three generations, including Quincy Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Charles Lloyd and Wayne Shorter.

Given her 2024 album Daughter of a Temple was declared BBC 6’s Music Album of the Year and one of The Guardian’s Top 10 Best Global Albums,itismaybeunderstandable gavanya felt unsure about her next release.

Nilam, which features long-time collaborators bassist Max Ridley and harpist Charles Overton, was recorded in less than a week between performances in Berlin and London in 2025.

“I kept insisting, ‘We don’t have an album’,” ganavya said.

“I didn’t want to release something for the sake of releasing something.Irememberdisagreeing until the very last minute, but after we managed to get everything on tape…I remember sitting on the sofa realising, ‘Well, maybe they were right!’

“Though I couldn’t see it earlier, all the songs are connected. Maybe that’s the beauty, that when we step back from something, we see how everything is connected.”

Nilam’s central theme, ganavya said, is “doing what we need to do to keep carrying on”, something she is familiar with after two years of nearly constant touring.

“Some days are good, and some days are bad,” she said.

“IfeellikeIbarelymadeitoutthis past touring cycle, but the actual singing is always good. I realised, with every bone in my body, that unless you absolutely, absolutely want to be a musician, there’s just no sense doing this professionally.

“And still, I wake up every day and I am certain that I want to keep singing.”

Ganavya is at the Platform Arts Performance Space on Sunday 1 March. Visit platformarts.org.au for tickets and more information.

out some roots rock stuff like Louis Jordan and King Curtis, he also loves pop musicDire Straits, David Bowie,” Achison said.

“And then backstage he’ll just sit at the piano and play these beautiful jazz standards. So he’s one of those guys you can throw anything at and he’s like, oh yeah, I love this.

“We’re getting a lot of return business from people that saw Tom last year, the crowds are really building. So I think the word’s getting out.”

Visit geoffachison.com/tours for tickets and more information.

Globally connected

By Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM

In just a couple of weeks, Geelong will host senior leaders from India in a forum to champion collaboration, trade and investment.

The three-day Geelong-India Collaborative Futures Forum will bring together diplomats, educators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in technology, innovation, agribusiness and film.

We are proud to be hosting the Consul General of India, Shri Anish Rajan, following his appointment to the role just lastmonth.

The Consul General in Chennai, Silai Zaki, will also dial into the roundtable discussion to share her insights on bilateral relations, trade and investment tiesbetweenAustraliaandIndia.

And we are honoured to welcome Geelong’sAamirQutub,anaward-winning entrepreneur, business leader and AI strategist, who will share how he built his million-dollar tech company from his garage.

TheprogramwillfeaturetoursofGeelong, networking sessions, gala events and entertainment to recognise the growing relationshipbetweenourregionandIndia.

Tohavesomanykeyrepresentativesfrom boththeGeelongandIndianeconomiesin the one place will be a significant win for ourcity.

This forum is the natural next step in strengthening our ties with India. Last

June we hosted the inaugural Geelong India Business Roundtable, which was a hugesuccess.

In August of last year, we continued to strengthen these bonds, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australia India Business Council to strengthencultural,educationalandtrade links.

Through those events, I made a commitment to build on our relationship withIndiaandexplorenewwaysofworking together, so I’m proud to be delivering on that next month knowing the benefits it willhaveforourcommunity.

Building a respectful and reciprocal connection with India reflects population trends and economic potential in Greater Geelong.

The 2021 Census shows 17.7 per cent of people in the region were born overseas, with 5,097 residents born in India – more thandoublethenumberrecordedin2016.

Those living here have contributed immeasurably to our local economy, with a range of successful start-ups calling Geelonghome.

Lastyear’sroundtableparticipantsheard from Abhay Sinha, the managing director at Care Essentials, a shining example of what can be achieved for businesses considering India as a key export market fromhereinGeelong.

Care Essentials was crowned winner of the 2023 Exporter of the Year at the Australian Export Awards and demonstrates how prospective businesses can capitalise on our local manufacturing successandgotoscaleinglobalmarkets. I look forward to hearing more success stories coming out of the forum, and the conversations that will spark future collaborationopportunities.

Thisforumwouldnothavebeenpossible withoutsignificantsupportfromCultura,

The Gordon TAFE, The Geelong Gallery, Geelong Regional Library Corporation, DeakinUniversity,GeelongManufacturing Council, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Global Victoria, Elstone Diving Services, Merv Jennings Signs, Platform Arts, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and National Wool Museum. The involvement of these keyindustryleadersandtheircommitment to this event speak volumes about how highlytheyvaluetheseopportunities.

Thisforumwillmarkanotherstepinour region’sabilitytothinkbeyonditsborders. Ihavealwaysbelievedthismindsetwillbe thecoretoourregion’sfuturesuccess.

We’re a globally connected city and council will continue to advocate for Geelong as a fantastic place to live, learn anddobusiness.

Retirement bliss on the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas

If you’ve been thinking about your next chapter,there’sneverbeenabettertimeto explore what coastal retirement living can offer.

TheBellarinePeninsulaandMornington Peninsula retirement living villages have united to make comparing your options simple,inspiringandenjoyable.

Across two stunning regions and 23 beautiful villages, you’re invited to experience retirement living just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Each villageissetamongsomeofVictoria’smost sought-after coastal destinations, offering theperfectblendofrelaxedseasidecharm andvibrantcommunityconnection.

Combined Bellarine & Mornington Peninsula retirement villages open day:bmpopenday.com.au

Twodedicatedopendayeventsgiveyouthe opportunity to explore each peninsula’s uniquelifestyle.

Friday 20 March – Bellarine Peninsula: Visiteightofthebestvillagesanddiscover a relaxed coastal atmosphere surrounded by beaches, wineries and welcoming local communities.

Saturday 21 March – Mornington Peninsula: Explore15exceptionalvillages showcasing the best of peninsula living, fromsceniccoastaloutlookstobeautifully landscapedcommunities.

On both days, participating villages will open their display homes for inspection, giving you the chance to step inside, meet residents and speak with friendly staff. A range of activities will be available, along with exclusive special offers for visitors on the day, making it the perfect opportunity to ask questions and truly picture yourself livingthere.

Makeitaday-oraweekendaway

Why not turn your visit into more than just a tour? Both peninsulas are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, wineries and localattractions.

Whether you enjoy long coastal walks, gourmet food experiences or simply soaking up the sea air, you’ll quickly see why these regions are considered among the finest lifestyle destinations near Melbourne,Geelongandcoastalbeaches.

Planning your personalised tour is easy. Visit bmpopenday.com.au to explore participating villages and map out your idealitinerary. Your coastal retirement begins here, relaxed,connectedandfullofpossibility.

Lengthy drought recovery

By Jena Carr

Surf Coast Shire’s agriculture sector is in for a lengthy recovery following recent drought and fire conditions across the region.

A report presented to council during its 24 February meeting noted that while rainfall late last year had been beneficial, the shire’s drought recovery may take 12 monthstothreeyears.

CouncillorJoelGristsaidagriculturewas an important part of the shire’s economy and that farmers had endured difficult conditionsoverthe“pastyearandmore”.

“Resilience ultimately comes from

economic freedom, flexibility, and local initiative, and our policy settings should reflectthat,”hesaid.

“Weshouldprioritisereducingregulatory friction, avoiding structural increases in council expenditure, and strengthening the conditions for voluntary market-led recovery.

“The best form of drought resilience is often adaptive capacity, and that comes fromfreedomtoinnovate,diversifyincome streams, and respond quickly to market signals.

“Rightnow,wearebetweendroughtand recovery, so we must continue to monitor conditions closely, talk to our community

to understand the situation, and direct furthersupportifandwhereit’sneeded.”

Cr Leon Walker said prolonged dry conditionssince2023haveplacedpressure onagriculturalproductivity,watersecurity and community wellbeing across rural townships.

“Weneedtotakeintoaccounttherecent fires, with a lot of volunteers across the region being farmers and residents of the hinterland,“hesaid

“Theyareouttherefightingfireswithout hesitation, often having to leave their own properties to fight fires, and protect their neighboursandcommunity.

“There’s been drought response and

Active travel along the coast for students

St Leonards students can journey through theOceanWaterWayontheirwaytoschool, with a new footpath mural encouraging activetravel.

The Ocean Water Way Mural at St Leonards Primary School features four playfulsectionsinspiredbylifeonthecoast, aiming to inspire students to walk, ride, scootorrolltheirwaytoschool.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the mural was a highlight of the Walk, Ride, Scoot and Roll Geelong program, whichlookstocreateactivetravelmeasures acrossGeelongandtheBellarine.

“It’sfantastictoseeBellarinekidsgetting activeontheirwaytoschool,whetherthat’s onfoot,onabikeoronascooter,”shesaid.

“Projectslikethisshowhowinvestmentin activetravelhelpskidsbuildhealthyhabits, strengthens school communities and deliverspracticaloutcomesforfamilies.”

The footpath mural was co-designed by students and painted with artist Carla Gottgens, and was completed before Christmaslastyear.

St Leonards Primary School principal Melissa Smith said children were more likely to participate in active travel when it

feltfun,safeandwelcoming.

“Seeing our students so excited and actively involved in the project has been amazing,”shesaid.

“The mural captures our coastal environment and gives our students a real connection to place, while encouraging movementandimagination.”

Active travel measures were also introduced at Portarlington, Leopold, and Newcomb primary schools last year as part of the program, including wayfinding signage, route maps, drop-off points, bike sheds,andapilotbikebus.

Construction begins on Bannockburn Bike Park,

Construction has begun on the BannockburnBikePark,whichwillfeature threetracksthatwillchallengeridersofall skilllevels.

The project will see the construction of a beginner’s skill development track, an LED-lit intermediate race-style asphalt pump track and an advanced jump line, along with accessible pathways and seating.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said it was great to see construction kick off on the new park and that works were scheduled to be completed in the middle oftheyear.

“It’s projects like this, and the skate park,thatmakethisvenueahubforyoung people to come together and enjoy the activitiestheylove,”shesaid.

“Bannockburn is home to a growing

support activity, including relief grants, requiringongoingsupport,connectionand resilience, but the thing that can help the problemisrain,whichwecan’tcontrol.”

Council’s drought support measures last year included freezing rates for eligible farm lands, delivering programs for farmers and rural businesses, and promoting available financial and mental healthsupportopportunities.

Other measures included hosting and promoting community-led resilience events, maintaining emergency water access points, and publicly advocating against the state government’s Emergency ServicesandVolunteerFundlevy.

Family violence program funding continued

A major Geelong-based community service organisation has welcomed the announcement of continued funding for a dedicated family violencesupportprogram.

Not-for-profit agency Meli will receive a share of a $180 million federalandstategovernmentfunding package that will allow its specialist ASPIRE program to continue providing support to young people experiencingfamilyviolence.

The program, launched in 2023, focuses on early intervention, helping young people aged 16 to 21 stay safe, understand their risks and remain connected to education, legal assistanceandstablehousing.

Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles said the funding arrived at a critical time for young people in regional communities.

“Young people are navigating increasinglycomplexpressures-from family violence to limited housing options - and those living outside metropolitan areas often face extra barrierswhenseekinghelp,”shesaid.

“This funding strengthens our ability to keep delivering the kind of specialist,trauma-awaresupportthat helps young people feel safer today andmorehopefulabouttomorrow.”

Operating across Geelong, Colac, Little River, Bannockburn and Teesdale, the program provides family violence specialists to existing youthhomelessnessservices.

The funding is provided as part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2025-30 Federation Funding Agreement, which sees the federal and state governments partner to deliver the NationalPlantoEndViolenceagainst WomenandChildren2022-2032. Visit meli.org.au for more informationonMeli’sprograms.

three tracks planned

community of mountain bike and BMX riders,andit’sgreattoseethey’llsoonhave thenewbiketrackstheydeserve.”

The Bannockburn Bike Park project will be funded by $900,000 from the state government’sRegionalCommunitySports Infrastructure Fund and $305,672 from GoldenPlainsShireCouncil.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Owen Sharkey said the investment also included

$50,000 towards initiatives that support participation for people living with a disabilityatthebikepark.

“We are thrilled that the Bannockburn Bike Park development is underway,” he said.

“This upgrade to the Skate Park will be a huge asset to the broader recreation reserve and will provide a fantastic bike ridingspace.”

The Guide

PROFESSOR T

ABC TV, Friday, 8.30pm

“Truth and justice are not always compatible,” muses Professor Jasper Tempest (Ben Miller, pictured) after witnessing the process firsthand. Having spent some time on remand charged with attempted murder, the fastidious academic finally gets his day in court this week. As the trial progresses, Tempest must weigh whether to tell the truth and save himself, or lie and protect his former lover, DCI Christina Brand (Juliet Aubrey). The court proceedings unfold alongside DS Lisa Donckers (Emma Naomi) and DS Dan Winters’ (Barney White) investigation into the grisly death of a prison officer – a crime for which Tempest’s cellmate Omar (Chris Ryman) seems intent on taking the blame.

SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 2026

PICK OF THE WEEK

SOCCER: AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP, AUSTRALIA V PHILIPPINES 10, Sunday, 7pm

Having inspired the nation with their stellar semi-final run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when it was held Down Under, the Matildas return to home soil hungry for a major title and ready to take on the world for some serious silverware. Held across three host cities –Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast – the AFC Women’s Asian Cup begins on Sunday at Optus Stadium with a sold-out crowd cheering on our Tillies as they face the Philippines. It’s a high-stakes homecoming for returning captain Sam Kerr. Australia walked away 8-0 winners in their last encounter, but with fellow Aussie Mark Torcaso now at the helm, the Filipinas squad is packed with rising stars who have nothing to lose.

Close to home: The Matildas begin their Asian Cup campaign on Sunday.

ABC TV, Saturday, 7.30pm

As the streets of Sydney transform into a glittering celebration of pride and diversity, the ABC is beaming the joy and exuberance of the Mardi Gras party nationwide. Drag icon Courtney Act and journalist Mon Schafter (both pictured) lead the glitzy telecast, joined by ABC News’ Jeremy Fernandez and comedian Nath Valvo. More than 12,000 participants are set to light up Oxford Street for a dazzling display of artistry inspired by the 2026 theme, “Ecstatica”, led by the pioneering 78ers. Reporting from the beating heart of the revelry, Brooke Blurton, chef Anna Polyviou and former AFL player Mitch Brown have the action covered from all angles.

Friday, February 27

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SBS, Tuesday, 8.30pm

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00

Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mals, R) 2.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Professor T must make atough decision.

9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa,R) Hosted byTom Gleeson.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG,R)

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml,R)

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 Smother. (Mal,R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World. (Premiere) Chronicles the2011 Fukushima disaster. 9.25 Fly With Me. (PGal,R) Looks

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Sisi. (Return, Ma) 12.00 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+as, R) 1.50 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 3.45 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.45 Andy’s Global Adventures. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 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? 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.45 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.

7.20 Cities Of Gold. 7.50 Bushwhacked! 8.15 Motown Magic. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 Great Blue Wild. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Sing About This Country. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 MOVIE: Legend. (1985, PG) 9.15 MOVIE: The Golden Child. (1986, M) 10.55 Nula. 11.25 Turn Up Respect. 11.45

6am Discovering Film. 6.30 Love And Friendship. (2016, PGa) 8.10 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PGal) 10.10 The Conference. (2022, Ma, German) 12.15pm The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, Ml) 2.45 Boychoir. (2014, PGav) 4.40 The Assassin. (2015, PGv, Mandarin) 6.40 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989,G,R) 8.30 The Departed. (2006,MA15+lsv,R) 11.15 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+ansv) 2.15am Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+l) 4.20 The Assistant. (2019, Mal)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: All For Her. (2021,Ma,R) Alice Amter. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted byLarry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Adam Dovile transforms acluttered garage. 8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) After arevered member ofthe sailing club isbrutally bludgeoned todeath, Judith, Becks and Suzie must navigate simmering grudges within the tight-knit community ina hunt for justice.

10.30 To Be Advised.

12.10 GetOn Extra.

12.40 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 France 24 English News. 10.30 The Food That Built The World. 12.10pm DW The Day. 12.40 Patriot Brains. 2.30 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. (Final) 9.25 Stacey Dooley: Rape On Trial. (Final) 10.25 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.15 Homeland. 1.10am WWE Legends. 2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 South Aussie With Cosi. 3.00 Room For Improvement. 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 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)

6am Hook, Line And Sinker. 7.00 Fish’n Mates. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 Boating. Circuit Drivers C’ship. Replay. 9.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. H’lights. 10.00 Desert Collectors. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers: Best Of. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 More Power. 2.30 Cricket. Women’s ODI Series. Aust vIndia. 10.00 MOVIE: Independence Day: Resurgence. (2016, M) 12.25am MOVIE: Antlers. (2021, MA15+) 2.30 Pawn Stars. 3.00 Road Wars. 4.00 American Pickers. 5.00 Ax Men.

Last year, 53 per cent of Australians surveyed by thinktank the Lowy Institute said they believe the number of migrants arriving in Australia is too high – a figure that jumps to 62 per cent of respondents over the age of 60. Amid cost-of-living, infrastructure and housing pressures, migration remains a hotly contested political concern, making it the perfect starting point for Australia’s leading forum program to begin its 2026 season. Host Kumi Taguchi (pictured) returns to guide the discussion, examining the facts and figures around Australia’s historically high overseas migration, while going beyond the statistics to explore the lived experiences of those on both sides of the issue.

stitute said e that jumps to astructure and n, it the 2026 season. g the facts and ng issue

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love At First Like. (2023, PGa, R) Gina Vitori, Nate Crnkovich. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG,R) 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Sea Lion Surprise. (PGm) Akoala istreated after being struck bya car.

8.30 MOVIE: Olympus Has Fallen. (2013,MA15+lv,R) After the White House istaken over byterrorists, aformer secret service agent must save the president. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman.

10.50 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007,Mlv,R)

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 M*A*S*H. 12.30pm MOVIE: Heavens Above! (1963, PG) 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Day The Earth Caught Fire. (1961, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 4. (1998, MA15+) 11.10 The Equalizer. 12.10am M*A*S*H. 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. 1.05 1.35 MOVIE: The Day The Earth Caught Fire. (1961, PG) 3.30 New Tricks. 4.30 My Favorite Martian. 5.00 Yorkshire Auction House.

(82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Parental Guidance. 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 MOVIE: She’s The Man. (2006, PG) 9.35 MOVIE: The Rebound. (2009, M) 11.30 Psychic Kids. 12.25am Love Island UK. 1.25 Legacies. 2.15 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 2.55 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Indianapolis 500. H’lights. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Lynda’s rental cottage inSunshine West isin bad shape.

8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Ange and Sonia bought their Daisy Hill home ina rush and now Ange issuffering buyer’s remorse. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

Home Shopping. (R)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

Saturday, February 28

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.25 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R) 1.25 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.15 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 The ABC Of... (PG, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals,R) After Kim decides togive upsmoking, ithas anadverse effect onher weight.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) Presenter Tom Gleeson grills four self-declared experts ina comedic quiz show.

7.00 ABC News. Takes alook atthe top stories ofthe day, including coverage ofdeveloping stories and events.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras2026. Coverage ofAustralia’s largest celebration ofdiverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney. Presented byCourtney Act and Mon Schafter.

10.00 This England. (Ml,R) Looks atBritain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting upa temporary hospital inEast London. 10.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round3. Melbourne to Warrnambool. Men’s race. 4.00 Stories From The Cities. 4.30 PBS News. 5.30 What Are We Fighting For?

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. off the coast ofBiarritz.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: Australia. (R) SirDavid Suchet follows Agatha Christie toAustralia. 9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Lizzy Hoo. (PGa,R) Shaun Micallef heads toIreland.

10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (PG,R) 11.15 Outlander. (MA15+av,R)

1.35 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggly Big Day Out. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 The Gruffalo. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Great Blue Wild. 2.45 Sammy Butcher: Out Of The Shadows. 3.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 5.00 First Australians. 6.00 Haututu Hunters. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.35 MOVIE: Lady In The Water. (2006, PG) 10.35 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 12.10pm Hoarders. 2.30 Heroines. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.30 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. 7.00 Mastermind Aust. 7.35 Engineering From Above. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Marvel. 10.20 Marcella. (Return) 12.10am WWE Legends. 1.45 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm The Daughter. (2015, Mals) 2.10 Love And Friendship. (2016, PGa) 3.55 Discovering Film. 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PGal) 6.30 My Girl. (1991) 8.30 Argo. (2012, Mlv) 10.55 Unfaithful. (2002, MA15+sv) 1.10am The Departed. (2006, MA15+lsv) 3.50 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day. 5.00 Seven News At5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG,R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG,R) Apassenger tries negotiating adeal. Authorities investigate afamily that appears tobe hiding asecret.

7.30 MOVIE: Fast X. (2023,Mv) Aterrifying threat from the past surfaces and isdetermined todestroy everything and everyone Dom loves. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham. 10.30 MOVIE: Baby Driver. (2017,MA15+v,R) Agetaway driver gets involved ina doomed heist. Ansel Elgort, Lily James. 12.50 Devils. (MA15+av,R) Abusinessman isdenied apromotion.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. 12.30pm This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Wildlife ER. 5.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Aust Guineas 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. High Limits World Tour. 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Robin Hood. (2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: The Game. (1997, M) 1.05am Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 My Way. 12.30 Destination WA. (R) 1.00 Find My Beach House Australia. (PG, R) 1.30 Great Australian Detour. (R) 2.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R) 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 Epic Builds. (Premiere, PG) 4.30 Journey To Japan. (Premiere) 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (Return,PG) Theteam transforms afamily’s chaotic basement.

8.30 MOVIE: Runaway Bride. (1999,PGls,R) Asacked the thrice-bolting bride who cost him his job. Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Joan Cusack.

11.00 MOVIE: Something Borrowed. (2011,Mls,R) Ginnifer Goodwin.

1.05 Find My Beach House Australia. (PG,R)

1.35 Great Australian Detour. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm MOVIE: Contraband Spain. (1955, PG) 2.00 MOVIE: The Colditz Story. (1955) 4.00 M*A*S*H. 5.00 MOVIE: M*A*S*H: Goodbye, Farewell And Amen. (1983, PG) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Under Siege. (1992, M) 10.50 MOVIE: Out Of Time. (2003, M) 1am MOVIE: The Colditz Story. (1955) 3.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester City vNewcastle. 3.40 MOVIE: Undercover Blues. (1993, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Dennis The Menace. (1993, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince. (2009, M) 10.35 MOVIE: Looper. (2012, MA15+) 12.55am MOVIE: Kane. (2023, MA15+) 2.35 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa,R) Narrated byMark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGl) Megan and Justin are onthe hunt for ahome that suits

8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml,R) Graham Norton isjoined bySir Idris Elba, Martin Freeman, Erin Doherty, Wunmi Mosaku and singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TVfanatics open uptheir living rooms toreveal their reactions topopular and topical TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (PGa,R) Theteam takes ona harassment case. 12.00 Elsbeth. (Mv,R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Sunday, March 1

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

(8, 9) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Penny announces Farty Marty has tobe put down. 9.00 This England. (Ml) Looks atBritain during COVID-19.

9.45 MOVIE: Shine. (1996,PGav,R) Apianist suffers anervous breakdown. Geoffrey Rush.

11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.40 Ragdoll. (MA15+av, R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Women’s. Round3. Melbourne to Warrnambool race. 4.00 Steady. 4.25 Entanglement. (PGa, R) 5.25 Her War, Her Story: WWII. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rome: Secrets From Above. (Premiere) Sweeping drone footage reveals the sights ofRome. 9.35 Ancient Empires. (MA15+av,R) Looks atthe life ofJulius Ceasar, who isnotorious for destroying the Roman Republic and bringing about the Roman Empire.

11.40 Powerful Women.

12.30 MOVIE: Fiona Clark: Unafraid. (2021,Malns,R) Fiona Clark. 2.00 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022,PGal,R) 3.35 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Super Monsters. 4.10 Dino Dex. 4.35 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Thomas And Friends: Sodor Sings Together. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Dreaming Big. 2.30 Football. Tiwi Islands. Grand Final. Imalu Tigers vMuluwurri Magpies. 4.00 MOVIE: Category: Woman. (2022, PG) 5.20 Generations And Dynasties. 6.50 Great Blue Wild. 7.40 Most Endangered Species NZ. 8.30 Tree Kangaroos: Ghosts Of The Forest. 9.30 MOVIE: Finding Forrester. (2000) 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 3.45pm Fashionista. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 PBS News Compass Points. 5.30 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. 7.00 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.55 Abandoned Engineering. 8.50 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 10.30 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 11.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.05pm Argo. (2012, Mlv) 2.25 The Assassin. (2015, PGv, Mandarin) 4.25 The Orator. (2011, PGa, Samoan) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PGv) 8.30 Parasite. (2019, MA15+sv, Korean) 10.55 Michael Collins. (1996, Malv) 1.25am Petrol. (2022, MA15+l) 3.10 Radioactive. (2019, Mavw) 5.10 The Orator. (2011, PGa, Samoan)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Love Blossoms. (2017, PGa) Shantel VanSanten. 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 4.00 Surf Patrol. (PG, R) 4.30 Weekender. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.20 The Mystery Of The Lady In The Lake. (Mav) Takes alook athow aforensic breakthrough helped tocrack the35-year-old unsolved murder ofShani Warren.

9.50 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv,R) Takes alook atthe murder ofJohn Furlan.

11.20 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Norfolk Narco Cartel. (Madl,R)

12.20 Temple. (MA15+alv)

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 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.40 The Amazing Homemakers. 3.40 The Yorkshire Vet. 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.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Pawn Stars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Hook, Line And Sinker. 2.30 Cricket. Women’s ODI Series. Aust vIndia. 10.00 MOVIE: Bullet Train. (2022, MA15+) 12.40am MOVIE: The Change-Up. (2011, MA15+) 3.00 Blokesworld. 3.30 Border Security. 5.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 12.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 1.00 NRL Season Preview. (Return) 3.00 NRL Sunday Footy: Las Vegas Pre-Show. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round1. Canterbury Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Buy To Build. (R) 8.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 8.30 Key Ingredient. (R) 9.00 Freshly Picked. 9.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 The Weekly Kick-Off. (R) 11.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 Millionaire Hot Seat.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: The Devil Comes To Utah. (MA15+asv)

11.15 The First48: Cover Story. (Mav,R)

12.05 Wild Cards. (Mv,R) 1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.15 MOVIE: Hobson’s Choice. (1954, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Night Boat To Dublin. (1946, PG) 5.30 NRL Sunday Footy: Las Vegas Post-Match. 6.00 Midsomer Murders. 8.00 Planet Earth III. 9.10 Paramedics. 10.10 Emergency. 11.10 Major Crimes. 12.10am Midsomer Murders. 2.10 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Soccer. English Premier League. Tottenham vArsenal. 2.30 Snackmasters. 4.00 Basketball. WNBL. Playoffs. Grand Final Series. 6.00 TBA. 8.00 MOVIE: Ocean’s 8. (2018, M) 10.10 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983, M) 12.15am Gotham. 1.10 Arrow. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage ofthe day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 Soccer. AFC2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia vPhilippines. 10.30 MOVIE: The Italian Job. (2003,Mlv,R) Agang ofthieves tries tosteal millions ingold. Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron. 12.45 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 1.10 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv,R) Arunaway bride calls the SVU for help. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

Monday, March 2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 MOVIE: Shine. (1996, PGav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Except The Dying. (2004, Mdnsv) Peter Outerbridge, Colm Meaney. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Diabolical: The Epstein Files.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented byLinton Besser. 9.35 Planet America. Alook atAmerican politics. 10.05 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG,R)

11.40 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Except The Dying. (2004, Mdnsv, R) Peter Outerbridge, Colm Meaney. 1.05 Parliament Question Time. 2.05 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 2.35 Ragdoll. (MA15+v, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Reclaiming The West. 10.00 MOVIE: How Stella Got Her Groove Back. (1998) 12.15am Late Programs.

SIGNUP

Tuesday, March 3

6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) TheTower ofLondon isalive with summer activity.

8.30 8 Out Of10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Game show, featuring contestants tackling awords and numbers quiz. Hosted byJimmy Carr.

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) Hosted byGreg Davies. 10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Other People’s Money. (Ml)

11.35 The Old Man. (MA15+v,R) 2.45 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (R) 3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 2.30pm The Swiping Game. 2.50 Stories From The Cities. 3.25 WorldWatch. 4.20 PBS News Compass Points. 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: G.I. Jane. (1997) 10.55 Australia’s Greatest Conman? 11.55 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 Michael Collins. (1996, Malv) 2.10pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PGal) 3.55 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PGas) 5.40 Metropolis. (1927, PGav, German) 8.30 Blood Diamond. (2006, MA15+adv) 11.05 The Last Samurai. (2003, MA15+v) 1.55am Parasite. (2019, MA15+sv, Korean) 4.15 Late Programs.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Mission To Space With Francis Bourgeois. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Poor Tom Is Cold. (2004, MA15+) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 8.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? Doomsday Preppers. (Ma) 9.00 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (R) 9.35 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final,R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. (R) 12.20 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.40 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Poor Tom Is Cold. (2004, MA15+, R) Peter Outerbridge. 2.05 Parliament Question Time. 3.05 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. 11.00 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav,R) 8.30 Insight. (Return) Kumi Taguchi looks atthe issue ofimmigration. 9.30 Dateline. (Return) 10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 11.55 Syndrome E. (MA15+s, R) 1.55 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 2.50 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (PG, R) 3.45 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Steve Backshall Vs The Vertical Mile. 9.25 Meet The Hedgehogs. 10.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Homicide. 2.30 Kars & Stars. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Courier. (2020) 10.25 MOVIE: Run Lola Run. (1998, M) 11.55 Out Of Bounds. 1.20am WWE Legends. 2.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

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 At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. John accepts his limitations.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Thecontestants strive toavoid elimination and earn aplace inthe live shows.

9.15 9-1-1. (Masv) Hen’s attempts atkeeping her health issues private start toimpact more than just her physical wellbeing.

10.15 Granny Killer: The Unsolved Murders. (Mav,R) Takes alook atJohn Wayne Glover.

11.50 Autopsy USA: Frank Sinatra. (Ma,R)

12.50 Conviction. (MA15+av,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 Australian Idol. 1.30 Home In WA. 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. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Ambulance: Code Red. 11.30 Doc Martin. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Dunlop Super2 Series. Sydney 500. Support Races. H’lights. 3.30 Counting Cars. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Mighty Planes. 11.30 Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 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) Family and friends week begins.

9.00 Epstein: Making Of A Monster. Tara Brown investigates the powerful people who were part ofJeffrey Epstein’s network.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Love Cheats. (Return,Ma) Looks attwin sisters who were scammed.

11.30 Sight Unseen. (Return,Mv)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG,R)

1.10 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 Programs.

Noon Planet Earth III. 1.10 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Eight O’Clock Walk. (1954, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 10.40 Coma. (Premiere) 11.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 12.40am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 11.15 LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 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: San Andreas. (2015, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.35 Legacies. 2.25 Big Rigs Of Oz. 2.55 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGa) Presented byDavid Genat. 9.00 Matlock. Olympia and Matty each put together their own collateral for Julian, hoping toregain his trust after hemakes ashocking discovery. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

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 At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Australian Idol. Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Mav) After receiving tragic news, Jake refuses togive upon abeloved patient, several Westside surgeons. 10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mal) Follows the work ofan ambulance service. 11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 MOVIE: Taken Again. (2023,Mav,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 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) Abombshell isdropped about one bride.

9.05 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+lsv) Jedconsiders arun for governor.

10.10 9News Late. 10.40 Wild Cards. (Mv)

11.30 Next Stop. (R) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Home Shopping.

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 Australian Idol. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 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 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Northern Lights. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Tonight’s The Night. (1954) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Harry Wild. 11.40 Manifest. 12.40am Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 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 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.25am Love Island UK. 1.25 Legacies. 2.25 Big Rigs Of Oz. 2.55 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGls) Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney.

7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 8.45 NCIS. (Mv) Aprison break byan inmate who had just three weeks left ona sentence compels the team toreopen the case

9.45 10’s

Wednesday, March 4

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. (R) 11.15 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Under The Dragon’s Tail. (2005, Mv) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Tonight At The Museum. (Premiere,PGa)

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) Asatirical news program.

9.00 Dog Park. (Ml,R)

9.30 QI. (M) 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Live At The Wireless. (Final, MA15+, R) 11.50 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Under The Dragon’s Tail. (2005, Mv, R) Peter Outerbridge, Flora Montgomery. 1.20 Parliament Question Time. 2.20 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. 3.30pm Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.55 Adv Time. 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm The Drover’s Boy. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Extraordinary Animals. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding: USA. (Premiere) 9.30 Over The Black Dot. (Return) 10.00 MOVIE: Rhymes For Young Ghouls. (2013, MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.10 The Toy Hospital. (Premiere) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Social Schism. Looks atthe search for unity.

8.30 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (Premiere) Professor Alice Roberts investigates the biblical legend ofJoseph ofArimathea, atale woven into English folklore. 9.25 Prisoner951. (Premiere) Looks atthe2016 arrest ofNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Face To Face. (Return, Malv) 12.00 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, Mav) 1.50 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R) 3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 WWE Rivals. 2.35 The Swiping Game. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 The Social Schism. 10.20 MOVIE: The 355. (2022, M) 12.35am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Metropolis. (1927, PGav, German) 4.05 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PGad, Hindi) 5.55 Tokyo Story. (1953, PGa, Japanese) 8.30 Thelma & Louise. (1991, Malsv) 10.50 Arcadia. (2024, ans) 12.45am Memoirs Of A Geisha. (2005) 3.25 Shakespeare In Love. (1998, Ms) 5.40 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. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane’s hopes for acquittal are dashed.

7.30 The1% Club UK. (PGa) Hosted byLee Mack.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Return,Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take alighter look atall things AFL.

9.30 Marching In. (Premiere,PG) Abehind-the-scenes look atthe St Kilda Football Club’s preseason, ahead ofthe2026 AFL premiership season.

11.00 On The Inside: Collingwood’s2025 Season.

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans,R)

1.10 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 Australian Idol. 2.00 Weekender. 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 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Air Crash Inv. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 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 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. Midnight Late Programs.

Thursday, March 5

ABC TV (2)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 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. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Thecouples attend the fourth dinner party.

9.00 Naked City: Hitmen. (Premiere,MA15+dlvv) Crime journalist John Silvester takes alook atthe evolution ofAustralia’s deadliest guns for hire.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv,R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG,R)

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.

11.30 Explore TV. Noon New Tricks. 1.10 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Mister Ten Per Cent. (1967) 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 Manifest. 12.40am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 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: Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. (2023, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am The 100. 1.05 Love Island UK. 2.05 Legacies. 2.55 Late Programs.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 9.00 Gogglebox Australia. TVfanatics open uptheir living rooms toreveal their reactions topopular and topical TV shows. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

SBS (3)

(6, 7)

9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (Final, PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads: Shark Bay, WA Pt 1. (Return) Lisa Millar visits Shark Bay.

8.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Jimmy Barnes. (Return,Ml) Virginia Trioli meets Jimmy Barnes. 9.00 Muster Dogs. (PG,R) Thenovice handlers face two stock-handling tasks.

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R)

11.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.05 Parliament Question Time. 2.05 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

The Toy Hospital. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Top 7 Pyramids. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)

8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Return, Ma) Matt Preston, Jelena Dokic and Ruby Rose visit two ofthe country’s busiest public hospitals. 9.35 A Spy Among Friends. Philby senses his position isfragile.

10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 In Memoriam. (Madlv) 12.00 The Hollow. (Madlv,R) 2.05 Silent Road. (Mav, R) 4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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 At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. Sydney vCarlton. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back atall the action from the game.

11.00 Kick Ons. (Return) Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Tragic news spreads through town.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Explore TV. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 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. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round1. Melbourne Storm vParramatta Eels. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage ofthe NRL game.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 The Equalizer. (Mv) Ahistory professor obsessed with gold iskilled.

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG,R) (R)

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.

6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage ofthe day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete ina high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker towin acash prize. 7.00 Soccer. AFC2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia vIR Iran. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted byStephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Pro Bull Riding: USA. 1.00 Over The Black Dot. 1.30 Coniston Muster. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm DW The Day. 12.40 Appetite. 1.55 Insight. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: To Catch A Killer. (2023) 10.40 Brassic. 12.30am Couples Therapy. 1.40 Cosplay Culture. 3.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 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 Ultimate Vets. (Premiere) 9.50 Animal Park. (Premiere) 10.35 Late Programs.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Keeping Up Appearances. 1.00 Midsomer Murders. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Manuela. (1957, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 RPA. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 Forensics: The Real CSI. 11.45 Court Cam. 12.15am Antiques Roadshow. 12.45 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm The Force: BTL. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.15 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 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: Volcano. (1997, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 Rugby Heaven. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.30 Legacies. 2.25 Nanny. 2.55 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm Shakespeare In Love. (1998, Ms) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Discovering Film. 4.00 Limelight. (1952, PGas) 6.25 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PGals) 8.30 Gravity. (2013, Mal) 10.15 Misery. (1990, MA15+v) 12.15am Thelma & Louise. (1991, Malsv) 2.30 Late Programs.

ROUND 13

Resort Style Living

THE ULTIMATE RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

At Armstrong Green, your home is more than a residence—it’s a gateway to exceptional living. Our architecturally designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes (most with a study) include a spacious garage for added convenience. Enjoy vibrant community living with a café, bar happy hours, bowls, hair and beauty salon, pool, gym, and a stunning

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1

ACROSS

1 Tinned meat (4)

3 Collection and study of data (10)

10 Fluids (7)

11 Make a big profit (coll) (5,2)

12 Manliness (8)

13, 25-down Carnival and parade (5,4)

14 Frustrate (4)

15 Synchronous (10)

18 Unnecessary (9)

20 Unattractive (4)

21 Bonus (5)

23 Dormant (8)

26 Whistleblower, Edward – (7)

27 One who does parkour (7)

28 Skilled craftsmen or inventors (10)

29 Requests (4)

DOWN

1 Old sailor (coll) (4)

2 Quietly comply (9)

4 Evidence (9)

5 In bad taste (5)

6 Kitchen utensil (7)

7 Part of a target (5)

8 Use of false, but clever arguments (9)

9 Woman’s calf-length clothing (4)

14 Indigestion (9)

16 Transformer (9)

17 Designer of goods and structures (9)

19 In support of (2,3,2)

22 Fish (5)

23 Of sound waves (5)

24 Fuel cut from bogs (4)

25 See 13-across

Today’s Aim:

15 words: Good 23 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent

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”. M R N F A I T E M

3 LETTERS

1 Casablanca is a port city in which African country?

2 Who holds the record of Australia’s shortest prime ministership of eight days?

Which actor starred as Roger Thornhill in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 spy thriller Northby Northwest?

Mary Ann Evans, one of the leading writers of the Victorian era, is better known by what pen name?

Name the titular

A more sustainable Bali

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/PODCASTER

www.travellingsenorita.com

Bali has always been a popular ‘go to’ destination for antipodeans, and more recentlytheWorld.

Tourists are now travelling far and wide for some of that island magic.

The island is steeped in tradition with a large Hindu population, who are some of the kindest, most patient people on the planet-where nothing (like two-hour traffic jams) is too much trouble.

It is home to more than four million people, the main industry is tourism, followed closely by manufacturing and trade exporting.

Bali is also a popular destination for entrepreneurs and expats to call homenaturally beautiful with vibrant beach clubs and a burgeoning food scene that spans Uluwatu to Cangguu.

Butwiththetouristtradeandpopulation growing rapidly the need for a sustainable tourism model is imperative-for the local people and the natural environment.

Finns Beach Club-a mega beachfront club with pools, restaurants, dancefloors and roaming performers-is one business taking its responsibility for keeping the beaches clean, seriously.

From launching a solar powered rubbish collecting beach robot, to funding the first airandsearescuehelicoptertosponsoring Stella’s Child-an organisation that educates and integrates Balinese youth into businesses.

JustuptheroadPotatoHeadisfollowing suit, with circular creations, turning rubbish into usable art.

Bali-owned and operated, Ini Vie Hospitality group employs local people, preserves the natural environment and upholds the islands cultural traditions. From the intimate garden villas at Monolocaletotheluxurious,localdesignof Sini Vie Seminyak to the thriving gardens (and monkeys) of Kamala Ubud-with newly opened Habitat Bistro, a showcase of the surrounding food bowl.

Catch a ferry from Padang Bai on the mainland to Gili Air, for an authentic and serene island experience.

There’s an array of accommodation optionsfromCaptainCoconuts-traditional Javanese rooms and bamboo lodges-to Santorini a newly opened beachfront hotel and Greek restaurant. The remote island has grown in popularity, but no cars or motorbikes are allowed, and there’s a waste management program to deal with the Islands rubbish.

Back on the mainland visit the latest

foodie destination, Uluwtatu- known for itsepicsurf,clifftopabodesandsupersized beachclubs-there’sanexpatscenedriving a culinary change.

‘Artisan’ is a Bali born brunch café that has industrial styled venues with a touch of the tropics-serving quality local coffee, baked bread and fresh garden salads.

Up the street is Papi Sapi, all about fire and flavour, pairing high quality meats and seafood with bold sauces in a laid-back setting. Across the road is Kala, a stylish dining experience inspired by the Mediterranean- smells of sizzling haloumi and lamb kofta waft out of the open plan kitchen.

There’s a buzz about Uluwata, although it’s changing rapidly, there’s a sense of community where innovation and design are considered. Lyvin Melasti Villas, a sanctuary set high above Melasti Beach, is a property that flows seamlessly with nature. Stay tuned for the opening of their signaturerestaurantandspalaterthisyear.

HeadintothehillsofUbud,toSyrcoBase by talented Chef Syrco Bakker. A culinary destination, with a regenerative garden, cooking workshop space, contemporary dining and artisan shop- showcasing local talent. Syrco Base is the future of food in Bali, nurturing young talent and community-a place that invites you to eat

and live more consciously.

LocalorganisationssuchasSungaiwatch are on a mission to stop plastic going into the ocean and river inlets. They actively remove rubbish built up on the land that ends up blocking the waterways, leaving lasting impacts on the environment particularly in the wet season.

A more sustainable Bali starts with the locals and ends with the tourists, it’s up to us to respect the deep history of the island and leave a light travel footprint. Bali is one of the world’s treasures, a wellness destination that’s blessed with kind people-treat her well.

EATSyrco Base, Ubud Kala, Uluwata Santorini, Gili Air Bar Vera, Canggu

PLAYFinns Beach Club

Tropical Tempataion Beach Club Gili Air

STAYSantorini, Gili Air Monolocale Resort, Seminyak Lyvin Melasti Villas, Bukit Kaamala Resort, Ubud

PARIS TO THE SWISS ALPS

Paris to Zurich or vice versa

Explore Roman Trier and taste Moselle Rieslings in Bernkastel-Kues. Sail past Sankt Goar and the Lorelei Rock. Visit fascinating Worms and historic Heidelberg.

12 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 10 GUIDED TOURS

• JUN, JUL, AUG-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $6,895pp in Standard Stateroom From $8,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

CITIES OF LIGHT

Paris to Prague or vice versa

Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Main, lined with quaint villages; the castle-studded Rhine; and the Moselle with its steep vineyards.

12 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 10 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $6,995pp in Standard Stateroom From $8,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

RHINE GETAWAY

Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa

Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine.

8 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • JUN-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $5,495pp in Standard Stateroom From $6,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

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. Due to the ever increasing entries coming in each week for our Community Calendar page, we have enough to fill almost three pages. This means your entry will not appear each week. We will do our best to rotate them fairly. If you have an existing entry that no longer operates, please let us know so we can remove it. Your patience and understanding is welcome for this FREE service. The calendar in its entirety with every entry is posted every Saturday at 9am at geelongindy.com.au

Book sale

Uniting Grovedale book sale, Uniting Grovedale, 272 Torquay Road, 6 & 7 March, 10am-2pm. All books $1, children’s books 50 cents.

Bellydance classes

Beginner level, new term commencing. New students welcome. Tuesdays 1.30pm, Life Activities Club, Belmont Park Pavillion, Belmont. Glenys, 0400 214 897

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 (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

First steps in music

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential. info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Mainly Music

Music and fun for preschoolers, Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays 9.30-11am. $5 per family per week. 0461 582 618, or mmadmin@bgap.church

Dragons Abreast Geelong Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try. Traci, 0417 301 226, or Facebook Dragons Abreast Geelong - Juggernauts

PlayLinks

Music and art playgroup where babies,

Ballroom dance

Lois Pierce (pictured) 100th celebration, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 28 February, 7.30-10.30pm. Admission free, a plat to share is welcome.

Music: Charles. Sunday March 1, 2-4.30pm. $5, bring a plate to share. Music: Kevin. 0400 500 402

toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential. info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Geelong Patchwork & Quilter’s Guild

Meets third Saturday of each month 10.30am-3.30pm, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road. Visitors welcome. $6 includes time to sit and sew, morning tea and guest speaker. info@geelongpatch.org.au

Grovedale East Ladies Probus

Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL. Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610

Waurn Ponds Combined Probus Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am. Maximum 100 members. probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn

Lions Club of Geelong

Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Contact below for venues and times. geelong.vic@lions.org.au, or 0408 599 962

Geelong Harmony Chorus

Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill. contact@geelongharmony.com.au, or 0406 666 737

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir

Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English. 0413 406 433,or welshladieschoir.com.au

Chess clubs

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)

welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab. Dawn, 0417 148 493

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

GROW Australia

Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.

grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268

Grovedale Seniors

Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road. Julie, 0419 549 521

Drysdale Day VIEW

Geelong Scout Heritage Centre Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm. 0419 591 432, or geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au

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

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2-4pm, $5 entry. Val, 5251 3529

Belmont Combined Probus First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Road. New members and visitors welcome Sue, 0409 945 011, or probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com

Barwon Valley Belmont Probus First Thursday of month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

Membership officer, 0407 333 263, or bobstafford@ozemail.com.au

Lectures

Join Adfas Geelong Inc. for illustrated lectures by art historian Matthew Martin, formerly curator of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Sports

Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.

Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available. Maureen, 0429 397 015

Arts National Geelong Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at: artsnational.au

Live music

Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Road Breakwater. Walkups

Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch. Margaret, 0431 636 090

Table tennis

All seniors welcome for a social game. Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Wednesdays 12.30-2.30pm. Allen, 0433 883 116

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans’ Club, 10.30am. leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Geelong Day VIEW

First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio. geelongdayview@gmail.com

Writers’ group

The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, first Sunday of the month, 2-4pm. New members welcome. dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Geelong Evening VIEW

Third Monday of the month, 6pm, Waurn Ponds Hotel. Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com

Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays, 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated. 0418 521 265

Lions Club International

Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.

Les, 0428 466 446

Grovedale Marshall Probus

Second Thursday of the month, 10am, The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. Anne, 0425 356 973

Tennis

Hot Shots for beginners, 7 to 10 years old. Monday afternoons on Creamery Road from 9 February for 8 weeks with 4.15pm or 4.45pm sessions. Book online at Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club (under Coaching BPH). Evie, 0409 433 772

Out and about at the market

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Geelong City Market on Saturday 20 February where the Geelong Chinese Association celebrated Chinese New Year and market goers were treated with the usual food, entertainment and energy that the event brings each Saturday.

Victoria State, and Lina Letizia(c) and Rick William Coates of, Shepparton Victoria State, are permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce and are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful Reconveyance and Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 36674 75608, RPP44 63900 05100 38562 88606, RPP44 63900 05100 37028 02604 and RPP44 63900 05100 37028 01607 on Proclamation Date, 20 October 2026, 6 November 2025, 10 August 2025 and 10 August 2025 respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Ashley Fowler-Brown (c), Steven Jon Rowe(c), Lina Letizia(c) and Rick William Coates, in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

Chinese answer to Citroen?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

TheDeepalS07hastobeoneoftheweirdest cars we’ve driven in years.

Apart from anything else, it’s got no dashboard.Thereisnoinstrumentpanelto tell you what’s going on.

It teleported us back to the turn of the century and the debut of the ill-fated Toyota Echo with its then unusual centre-mounted digital speedometer.

The difference being that although the Deepal EV has a large centrally-mounted, free-standing touchscreen, which swivels to welcome the driver – there’s still no instrument cluster and that means no speedometer.

S07 does have a head-up display which projects the car’s speed in the lower section of the windscreen and it can be the only reason the car received the stamp of approval for sale here.

However,asanyonewhowearspolarised sunglasses can tell you, it’s not much good ifyoucan’tseeit–notunlessyoucockyour head to one side.

Nope. The only clue to how fast you’re going is a tiny, five-cent piece sized digital readout in the top right-hand corner of the touchscreen.

You do get used to it. In fact, you can get used to most things eventually. But why is this regarded as all right?

Those with a long memory, might also recall that the Echo reverted to a conventional speedo the second time around when it was and renamed Yaris.

Styling

The quirky Chinese brand is an apt replacement for Citroen which importer Inchcape ditched 12 months ago.

It also handles Subaru and Peugeot, but likeCitroentheDeepalS07islikelytohave limited appeal.

While the mid-sized, five-seat EV is an interesting offering, it may not be for everyone.

Deepal says the S07 represents a new era of electric driving that combines cutting-edge technology, ‘remarkable performance’ and luxurious design in an all-electric package that promises to redefine the SUV experience.

That’s a big call.

S07 comes in just the one grade, priced from $53,900 driveaway.

Our test vehicle was fitted with the optional 20-inch wheels which add $800 (premium paint is also $800).

Designed in Italy, the eye-catching exterior is matched by what Deepal describes as a luxurious, ‘yacht-inspired’ interior.

The dimensions of the car supposedly conform to what is known as the ‘golden ratio’, offering aesthetically pleasing proportionsandoftenusedinphotography.

Asleeksilhouettewithslenderheadlights contributetoanimpressivedragcoefficient of 0.258 Cd, helping to reduce wind noise and energy consumption.

The modern aesthetic is enhanced by silent, electric-suction, frameless doors with double-glazed glass for driver and front passenger windows, along with hidden door handles – inside and out.

Interior

The spacious interior reveals a futuristic wrap-around two-level centre console, inspired by ’yachts of the Mediterranean’, including premium soft-touch materials and technology focused on delivering enhanced comfort and a luxurious ride.

Two-zone climate air with rear air vents, with air purification and an energy-saving heat pump are standard, along with synthetic quilted leather trim, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats with six-way powered adjustment

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7

Safety: 8

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 7

Comfort: 7

Tech: 8

Value: 8

Overall: 7.5

and electric lumbar support for the driver.

Adding to the ambience of the interior is 64-colour ambient lighting.

Other features include 19-inch alloys with hubcaps, adaptive cruise control, all-LED lights, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limit, auto high beam, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and auto dipping exterior mirrors, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, power-operated tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.

There’s also a built-in dashcam and questionable interior monitor.

This car doesn’t want for much.

S07 comes standard with a sevenyear/160,000km warranty and eightyear/240,000km battery warranty.

Service intervals are a relatively brief 10,000km or 12 months, after an initial complimentary 5000km or six months service.

There’s also fixed price servicing for seven-and-a-half years or 75,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a 15.6-inch touchscreen which rotates 15 degrees left or right for better viewing angles.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and premium 14-speaker Sony sound with an integrated speaker in the driver headrest.

Intelligent gesture recognition control allows passengers to control various functionslikemusic,calls,andeventaking photos with simple hand gestures.

Thesystemalsooffersarangeofscenario modes designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and functionality. Worth a look, but after that don’t bother.

USB-A and -C ports are located in the lower console, along with a 12-volt socket.

There’s also a 40W ventilated wireless phone fast charger.

Safety

S07 earns a five-star safety rating with a comprehensive range of passive, active, driverassist,andadvancedsafetyfeatures.

Seven airbags and a 360-degree camera are standard including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

Autonomous emergency braking supports Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On situations.

The lane support system includes lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS)withaspeedsignrecognitionsystem.

There are also three tethers and two ISOFix anchors in the rear for child seats.

Engines/transmissions

A single electric motor drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission, delivering 160kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

Driving

S07isnewandeye-catching,andperhapsa little over the top.

But after you get past all the bells and whistles, some deficiencies are evident.

At 4750mm long and 1930mm wide, with a2900mmwheelbase,S07offersaspacious cabin with a flat floor.

The quilted leather floor coverings are a hootandafirstforus,especiallyintheboot as well as the extra mats added to protect the fancy ones.

A good-sized luggage area provides a capacity of 445 litres with the rear seats in use, or 1385 litres with them folded, with another 125 litres available under the bonnet.

Awkward pop-out door handles are complemented by equally unnecessary push-button door releases inside, with walk-away locking and unlocking.

There’snostartbutton.Justgetin,putthe

transmission into drive and you’regoodtogo,withagear selector located on the right of the steering column (park button at the end).

A watchful camera monitorsitsatopthesteering wheel, but fails to fill the gap left by the absence of an instrument cluster.

Taking your seat, the touchscreen swivels slightly towardsthedriver.Although it provides several visual modes, it does not offer an instrument panel view – we wonder why?

Navigating the stifling Sydney heat, the air-conditioning unit is no match for Toyota, with no physical controls to moderate the temperature.

In fact, just about everything is operated through the screen, taking eyes unfortunately off the road.

The system is quick and responsive with plenty of info and options available, by either tapping or swiping.

Buttryingtodoanythingonthemoveisa bit like trying to pin the tail on the donkey.

With claimed energy consumption 18.6kWh/100km, an 80kWh ternary lithium battery delivers up to 475km of driving range (WLTP).

DC charging provides a 30 to 80 per cent charge in about 35 minutes, or 10 to 80 per cent in 50 minutes with a maximum DC charging rate of 92kW.

AC charging from 0 to 100 per cent takes 11 hours with a 7kW charger or about eight hours with an 11kW charger.

Regenerative braking tops up the battery duringdriving,withVehicle-to-Load(V2L) capability available should the need arise to power another device.

Performance is okay but nothing special in terms of EVs.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.9 seconds, not that quick – but okay by us.

Ride and handling however is typical EV – heavy, sometimes bouncy and threatening to run wide in corners if you push the envelope – but it’s not the worst we’ve driven.

Ride quality is okay around town but quickly deteriorates off the good stuff It feels heavy (and it is) and the springs become bouncy when it encounters undulationsandspeedhumps,andittakes a couple of cycles to settle.

We’re not fond of column gear selectors, particularly those located on the right side ofthewheelwheretheindicatorsshouldbe for our market.

The problem for us ’righties’ is that one can easily become confused when turning on the indicator, and if you happen to have your foot on the brake at this time – you could wind up in reverse. Bad move.

Unlike others we didn’t find the driver assistmonitoringgenerallytoointrusivein this car.

A range of 475km is reasonable but we reckon 500km is now the sweet spot. The problem is, the bigger the battery the longer it takes to charge, so you really need to have access to a home charger where it can be plugged in overnight.

Rated at 18.6kWh/100km, we clocked up 325km at a rate of 15.8 kWh/100km.

That’s better than the manufacturer’s claim and slightly less than the long-term averageof15.9kWh(thesamefigurewegot after punting it hard for a bit).

Summing

up

The Deepal S07 is new and different and takes some acclimatisation.

We reckon it’s a good fit for a company that also sells Subaru and Peugeot cars (and Citroen until recently).

The S07 could well be the Citroen of the electric vehicle world?

Neale should be fit to play

Geelong is breathing a sigh of relief after big man Shannon Neale avoided a serious right knee injury in a ruck contest in the Cats’ 15-point pre-season loss to Carlton on Wednesdaynight.

The Cats are confident both Neale and spearhead Jeremy Cameron (quad) will be fit for next Friday’s opening-round clash withGoldCoast.

Neale was in pain after clashing knees with Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet at a centre circle ruck contest in the third quarter of Geelong’s 13.8(86) to 11.5(71) defeatatPrincesParkonWednesdaynight.

It sparked fears the forward-ruck may have suffered a PCL injury as he hobbled to therooms.

But Geelong later said Neale had suffered aknocktotheshin,andheemergedwithice justbelowhisrightknee.

“He just got a bit of a knock on his shin,” CatsassistantcoachJamesKellysaid.

“So he’s a bit unlucky, there’s probably about 10cm that isn’t covered by the shin guardandjustgotaknockabovethat.

“He’s a really important player for us so wejusttookhimoff.He’sobviouslyabitsore butjustaknockontheshin.“

The incident happened days after Melbourne captain Max Gawn expressed concerns to AAP about how the new ruck rules, which encourage jumping over wrestling,couldleadtomorePCLinjuries.

When asked if there were concerns about Neale’s knee, Kelly said: “No, not at this stage, no. Just a knock, it (the shin) blew up alittlebit.

“We expect him to be fine (for opening round) ... we all, as a collective, exhaled whenwehearditwasjusthisshin.”

Geelong was without Cameron (quad), Bailey Smith (calf) and Gryan Miers (thumb) while skipper Patrick Dangerfield onlyplayedthesecondhalf.

Youngster Jagga Smith headlined a promising new-look Carlton, which dominatedearlyproceedingsandwithstood aGeelongchallengebeforekickingaway.

Classy midfielder Smith, the 2024 No 3 pick who missed the 2025 season with an ACL tear, racked up a game-high 37 disposalsandkickedagoal.

“Pleased for Jagga,” backline coach Ash Hansensaid.

“We know his skillset is gonna make us a better team but for such a young man to have to navigate the disappointment of last year and wait for another opportunity is testamenttotheyoungpersonheis.

“... He’s the link player between the

South Barwon back from the brink of defeat

By Justin Flynn

South Barwon came back from the brink of disaster to keep its Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 finals hopes flickering with an almighty turnaround against Newtown & Chilwell.

Newtown & Chilwell resumed on day two on Saturday 20 February at 0/128 chasing South Barwon’s 211 with Dylan Hodge on 64 and Pat McKenna on 56. They took the score to 144 and were on course for a comfortable win before McKenna departed for 57 and Hodge followed soon after for 78.

Then came the carnage as quick Sam Ellis (4/53 from 22 overs) and spinner Nick Butters (4/75 from 21.1) refused to give up.

The Two Blues lost 10 wickets for 56 runs to be all out for 208 in a stunning result.

The win puts the Swans (44.04 points) in sixth spot with just 3.32 points separating third placed Lara (47.36), fourth placed St Peters (45.05) and fifth placed Grovedale (44.88) with one round to play.

CENTURIES to East Belmont pair James Lidgett (143) and Luke Inglis (125), along with 84 from Sean O’Neill enabled their side to bat all day and compile a hefty 5/422 against Grovedale. With first-innings points already achieved last week, East Belmont resumed at 1/163 with a 14-run lead and cashed in with Lidgett’s 143 coming from 219 deliveries and Inglis’ 125 from 121 balls with 21 boundaries and a six.

East Belmont will finish second while Grovedale needs to beat South Barwon and hope other results go as hoped.

ST PETERS fell just short of a win that would have gone a long way to securing a finals spot, although St Joseph’s also fell agonisingly short themselves.

Chasing St Joseph’s 261, St Peters ended on 9/250 with the game drawn.

Joeys seamer Ryan Simmonds snagged 6/51from22oversandbowledwithsuperb control while paceman Austin Humphrey took 3/74.

St Peters was 4/40 before a 155-run stand between Luke Ford (83) and Matt Sorgiovanni (80) restored some confidence.

James Stokes smacked an unbeaten 39 from 30 balls and, at nine down, elected to shut up shop during the final stages with Joeys unlucky in the end.

St Peters meets East Belmont in the final round and need to win while St Joseph’s finals hopes appear all but over.

NORTH Geelong sewed up the minor premiership with a huge win against Lara. Needing 312 for victory, Lara was all out for 112 with left-arm finger spinner Bailey Sykes snaring his first top-flight five-for

East

(File

with 5/30 while paceman Dale Kerr took the prize wickets of Daniel Weigl and Vishesh Malhotra on his way to 3/23.

The Magpies opted for a second hit, ending at 3/124 with Alistair McCann (38 not out), Ned Cooper (34) and Adam Costello (25 not out) gaining valuable centre-wicket practice.

Despite sitting third, Lara needs to beat St Joseph’s in the final round to make playing finals a certainty.

IN BELLARINE Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade, it’s a scramble for finals spots with one round to go.

It makes for confusing reading, but we’ll try and sum it up.

If Collendina (3rd) defeats Ocean Grove (1st), it will play finals. If not, and St Leonards (4th) and Winchelsea (5th) both win, it’s curtains. It gets even more confusing. If the Cobras lose and Winch and Portarlington (6th) both win, they need Port to have a narrow victory and not get thrashed themselves with percentage coming into play.

midfield and forward line which a lot of teams in today’s footy just value so highly becausedefenceissogood.”

Carlton,afteranoff-seasonwhereCharlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni departed and the coaching staff under Michael Voss was overhauled, fielded nine playersyettoplayanAFLgamefortheclub.

Newly re-signed star Sam Walsh (29) and PatrickCripps(29)wereprolific.

Pre-season signing Wade Derksen impressed down back and Elijah Hollands, handed a career lifeline after his delisting, kickedtwogoals.

Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn was prolific off half-back in his first appearance of the pre-season.

Bruhn, Max Holmes (25 disposals, one goal) and Lawson Humphries (24) were strongthroughout. - AAP

Shelley and United part ways

Geelong United has immediately parted ways with star Jaz Shelley in a move the club said was “mutually agreed”.

The club said the decision followed respectful and ongoing discussions betweenbothparties,withalignment on supporting Shelley’s next steps while acknowledging the significant impact she has made to Geelong United.

“IwanttothankGeelongUnitedfor the chance to be a part of an amazing group of girls and the opportunities provided to me both on and off the courtoverthepasttwoyears,”Shelley said in a statement.

“I leave Geelong with memories that will last a lifetime, including last year’s undefeated regular season, many new friendships and the opportunity to immerse myself in this incredible community.

“A sincere thank you to the club and community for embracing me and making it feel like home. I wish both nothing but the very best.”

The 25-year-old point guard won United’s Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

“On behalf of the Geelong United Basketball community, I’d like to thank Jaz for her valuable contributiononandoffthecourtover the last two years,” Geelong United chief executive Mark Neeld said.

Portarlington needs to climb two places to finish fourth. This can be achieved if it beats St Leonards and Wallington defeats Winchelsea.

St Leonards needs to beat Port and if that happens, should make it unless Winchelsea gains enough percentage. If Winchdoesgainthenecessarypercentage, the Saints can still finish fourth with a win and a Collendina loss.

Winchelsea needs to beat Wallington (2nd)andoneofCollendinaorStLeonards to lose to make it and can finish as high as third. If Winch, Collendina and St Leonards win, the Kookaburras can still makeitbygaining0.119percentagepoints.

Ocean Grove will finish top if it wins and probably even if it loses unless it’s by a huge margin and Wallington thrashes Winchelsea.

Wallington will finish second unless it can make up 0.157 percentage points with a big win and a Grove loss.

Surf Coast will finish seventh and Newcomb eighth.

“Her level of play, professionalism, and leadership has made an impact onusall.WewishJaztheverybestfor her future endeavours and we will be supporting her from afar.”

And then there were three

Three Bellarine Peninsula clubs are left to fight it out for the Geelong Bowls Region

Premier Pennant flag.

Ocean Grove, Queenscliff and Drysdale arestillintheraceforthepremiershipafter Highton was knocked out during the first week of finals on Saturday 20 February.

A 10-shot win kept Drysdale in the hunt and consigned Highton to preparing for the 2026/27 season.

Drysdale will take on Queenscliff in the preliminary final this week with the winner to take on Ocean Grove.

The Grovers got up by two shots in a thrilling grand final qualifier although Queenscliff will believe it can still win the flag after a terrific showing.

Ocean Grove already has its Division 1, 2 and 7 sides in the grand final while its Division 3 and 8 teams have another chance in the preliminary finals.

GEELONG BOWLS REGION

Saturday 21 February Premier Pennant

2nd semi-finals

Premier Pennant: Ocean Grove 73 def Queenscliff 71: T. Cromie 17 def R. Butler 16; M. Flapper 12 def by M. Hocking 17; P. Loe 30 def S. Sullivan 16; B. Pavey 14 def by B. Russell.

Division 1: Ocean Grove 105 def St Leonards 57: S. Avery 36 def A. Hills 8; A. Drury 9 def by T. Long 25; M. West 38 def H. Dahler 13.

Division 2: Ocean Grove 101 def Belmont 69: B. Smith 26 def J. Reed 11; D. Cottier 17 def by A. Gemmill 25; A. Barton 23 def R. Stephens 21; S. Collins 35 def D. Abrahmsen 12.

Division 3: City of Geelong 78 def Ocean Grove 71: S. Khruapanich 16 def by G. King 17; D. Radoslav 24 def G. Fry 11; R. Symons 20 def by L. Kirk 30; R. Gray 18 def P. Patterson 13.

Division 4: Norlane 84 def Geelong RSL 50: J. Hargreaves 19 def W. Smith 14; F.

Tarr 15 tied with G. Southern 15; D. Evans 28 def N. Vivian 11; J. Ellmer 22 def B. Jennings 10.

Division 5: Torquay 77 def Barwon

Heads 74: B. Gaudion 24 def G. Hood 18; G. Wakefield 14 def by A. Duthie 29; M. Wake 20 def A. Prosser 17; C. Lawler 19 def I. Duthie 10.

Division 6: Geelong 101 def Torquay 69: K. Francis 25 def J. Pryor 19; R. West 24 def G. Williams 23; F. Wheat 27 def M. Slater 13; R. Russell 25 def D. Burns 14.

Division 7: Ocean Grove 102 def Anglesea 51: L. Wilkinson 22 def W. Smith 17; J. Rogan 28 def A. Stephen 12; W. McKelvie 17 def L. McConchie 12; D. Stephenson 25 def C. Bird 10.

Division 8: Drysdale 90 def Ocean Grove

71: S. Jeffs 30 def D. Mackay 12; T. Hawking 17 tied with J. Robertson 17; A. Hayes 23 def P. Barker 21; M. Reing 20 def by M. Turnley 21.

Division 9: Point Lonsdale 86 def Bell

Post Hill 52: I. Curtis 20 def G. Lamb 19; T. Wood 43 def A. Barrett 15; K. Lyons 23 def D. Hodges 18.

Division 10: Geelong RSL 47 def City of

Geelong 33: D. Wilson 26 def S. Tillson 11; R. Meeke 21 def by G. Madley 22.

1st semi-finals

Premier Pennant: Drysdale 86 def Highton 76: M. Lawrence 20 def J. Fitzgerald 19; M. Godbolt 22 def by Dan Priddle 22; A. Rees 20 def A. Lee 15; J. Monahan 25 def David Priddle 20.

Division 1: City of Geelong 89 def Belmont 73: J. Shell 26 def R. Agg 15; N. Craven 24 def J. Harris 19; J. Wombell 26 def S. Davies 21; S. Tillson 13 def by L. Butcher 18.

Division 2: Anglesea 93 def Eastern Park 71: L. Wilson 21 def G. Supple 11; P. Austin 20 tied with S. Young 20; K. Hogan 17 def by K. Mitchell 24; M. Stone 35 def A. Van Ingen 16.

Division 3: Queenscliff 81 def Highton 75: G. Nicholson 19 def by T. Driscoll 24; G. Warren 22 def T. Moore 16; B. Close 17 def K. Madden 13; G. Butler 23 def B. Lombardi 22.

Division 4: Highton 102 def Lara 67: G. Duncan 26 def D. Cotter 15; J. More 23 def by T. Farrar 24; A. Cotterill 24 def M.

Draper 15; J. Haydon 29 def L. Hutchinson 13.

Division 5: Leopold 92 def Portarlington 76: R. Morrow 31 def J. Taylor 13; M. Wray 12 def by W. Page 32; D. Gordon 28 def R. Potts 13; K. Barker 21 def J. McNamara 13.

Division 6: Clifton Springs 87 def Highton 78: H. Lush 18 def by W. Ballentine 19; F. Hesterman 32 def R. Flounders 11; B. Stockley 24 def P. Manning 16; J. Burt 13 def by D. Moloney 32.

Division 7: Leopold 82 def St Leonards 78: R. Cloke 20 def by R. Thornton 24; A. Kerley 13 def by G. Owen 24; J. Potter 33 def M. Virgato 15; S. Hall 16 def J. Owen 15.

Division 8: Torquay 76 def Geelong 74: B. Ryan 11 def by F. Balltetsch 19; P. Phillips 19 def by H. McLachlan 21; R. Tapping 17 def by S. Carbines 21; P. Loeliger 29 def J. McKean 13.

Division 9: Norlane 69 def Barwon Heads 40: F. O’Keefe 28 def S. Woodman 20; D. O’Connell 19 def R. Charman 10; T. Waters 22 def G. Charman 10.

Division 10: Torquay 34 def St Leonards 31: S. Macgugan 15 def by M. Lynch 16; V. Balestra 19 def A. James 15.

Bellarine pair one step closer to Bells Beach surf wildcard

Ben Considine and Bea Conroy claimed victory in the opening round of the Victorian Longboard Titles on Phillip Island, edging one step closer to securing a wildcard into the Bells Beach Classic. Competitors were greeted with idyllic autumn conditions across the weekend. Saturday 20 February saw Cat Bay turn on offshore winds and clean, consistent two-footwavesthatallowedcompetitorsto showcase classic longboard style and flow. A slight drop in swell and wind direction change saw competition move to Surfies Point for finals day on Sunday 21 February. In the Open Men’s final, Considine

(Barwon Heads) delivered a solid performance, posting a two-wave heat total of 16.64 with two excellent scoring rides.

Sam Dunton (Mornington Peninsula) finished runner-up on 13.83 points, narrowly ahead of Will Cousins (Torquay, 13.77) while Thomas Fahey (Mornington Peninsula, 12.44) placed fourth.

The Open Women’s final was a tightly contested affair with Conroy (Point Lonsdale) emerging victorious on a 13.67 heat total.

Conroy edged out Rori Reyntjes (Torquay), who finished just behind

on 13.50, Emma Webb (Torquay, 10.24) claimed third and Angela King (Torquay, 7.53) was fourth.

Current Over 60 Men’s Australian Champion Greg Brown (Lorne) again showedhisdominancetakingouttheOver 50 and Over 60 Men’s divisions. With valuable ratings points now on the board,theracefortheVictorianLongboard Title and Wildcard into the WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic is on.

Round 1 Event Champions

Open Men: Ben Considine (Barwon Heads)

Open Women: Bea Conroy (Point Lonsdale) Under 18 Women: Delilah Chisholm (Torquay)

Over 40 Men: Andrew Burgan (Phillip Island)

Over 40 Women: Emma Webb (Torquay)

Over 50 Men: Greg Brown (Lorne)

Over 50 Women: Jacquie Chambers

Over 60 Men: Greg Brown (Lorne)

Over 60 Women: Sian Adnam (Cape Woolamai)

Over 70 Men: Brian Thompson (Safety Beach)

Over 70 Women: Jenene Nelson (Torquay)

Saints get another chance

Ocean Grove’s first team advanced to the midweek bowls grand final with a win againstStLeonards. Meanwhile the Saints will another crack at it next Tuesday against Ocean Grove’s secondteamaftertheGroversdefeatedCity ofGeelongintheeliminationfinal.

Geelong Bowls Region Midweek Bowls Tuesday 24 February

Grand final qualifiers

Division 1: Ocean Grove (1) 55 def St Leonards 47: A.Drury17defT.Long16;J. Rudd19defR.Emerson17;T.Cromie19def H.Dahler14.

Division 2: Ocean Grove 59 def Queenscliff 42: L.Kirk23defG.Nicholson 12;M.Carroll16defG.Warren15;F. Richardson20defB.Close15.

Division 3: Eastern Park 62 def Portarlington 60: K.Mitchell24defB. Lockyer17;T.McFarlane18defbyB.Hirth 21;S.Young20defbyD.Dunlop22.

Division 4: Bareena 65 def St Leonards 52: D.Griffiths19defD.Barnett14;J.Sandell 33defM.Virgato17;W.Macleod13defby B.Padgham21.

Division 5: Anglesea 57 def Geelong 51: L.McConchie20defJ.McKean17;C.Bird 14defbyF.Wheat20;M.Lydom23defJ. McDonnell14.

Division 6: St Leonards 60 def Barwon Heads 54: G.Owen27defJ.Johnson14;J. Owen16defbyA.Duthie25;D.Ward17def S.Hicks15.

Division 7: Eastern Park 66 def Ocean Grove 37: T.Greenwood26defJ.Cussen7; J.Smith18tiedwithA.Ballam18;R.Wilson 22defJ.Robertson12.

Division 8: Norlane 54 def St Leonards 29: F.Tarr20defW.Barnes17;D.Evans34def G.Tame12.

Division 9: Eastern Park 44 def Bannockburn 36: V.Grant26defJ. Damjanovic14;M.Barnes18defbyL. Baxter22.

Division 10: Barwon Heads 42 def Norlane 30: G.Charman25defN.Cotter19;I. Grieve17defT.Waters11.

Elimination finals

Division 1: Ocean Grove (2) 55 def City of Geelong 52: B.Smith13defbyJ.Shell19;S.

Avery29defS.Tillson15;A.Callow13def byR.Symons18.

Division 2: Highton 70 def Geelong Cement 50: P.Monk22defG.Walsh12;A. Cotterill21defbyR.Lever23;B.Lombardi 27defR.McGovern15.

Division 3: Anglesea 89 def Lara 45: K. Hogan38defM.Draper17;B.Coyle30 defL.Hutchinson12;L.Wilson21defP. O’Brien16.

Division 4: Ocean Grove 68 def Bannockburn 40: D.Stonehouse32defG. Allan10;L.Stonehouse20defS.Fagg12;R. Wilkinson16defbyR.Kelly18.

Division 5: Ocean Grove 101 def Belmont 35: H.Allan35defW.Raeburn13;B.Poole 23defR.Hannan8;L.Berryman43defL. Lawrence14.

Division 6: Torquay 70 def Belmont 43: M.

Wake21defL.Vankan15;L.Avent14defby R.Leister19;P.Phillips35defJ.Browne19.

Division 7: Torquay 75 def City of Geelong 41: R.Hannan30defG.Wane7;B.Ryan30 defN.Lynch11;G.Robinson15defbyA. Phillips23.

Division 8: Geelong 37 def Eastern Park 31: D.Joseph23defD.Cuthbert16;V.Steel 14defbyB.Dalton15.

Division 9: Portarlington 43 def Anglesea 38: M.King22defP.Sharp17;D.Brown21 tiedwithR.Murray21.

Division 10: Eastern Park 41 def Geelong Cement 29: B.Haines25defM.Price11;E. Green16defbyD.Timmins18.

Preliminary finals Tuesday 3 March, 10am Division 1: StLeonardsvsOceanGrove(2)

atDrysdale

Division 2: QueenscliffvsHightonat GeelongEasternPark

Division 3: PortarlingtonvsAngleseaat Bareena

Division 4: StLeonardsvsOceanGroveat Drysdale

Division 5: GeelongvsOceanGroveat Drysdale

Division 6: BarwonHeadsvsTorquayat GeelongEasternPark

Division 7: OceanGrovevsTorquayat GeelongEasternPark

Division 8: StLeonardsvsGeelongat Drysdale

Division 9: BannockburnvsPortarlington atBareena

Division 10: NorlanevsEasternParkat Bareena

Rain ruins final round of Geelong women’s senior cricket

Afternoon rain wreaked havoc on the final round of Geelong women’s senior cricket on Sunday 22 February.

Matches began, but many ended in draws or results via the DLS method of recalculating chasing scores and some games were able to be finished before the rain intervened.

A Grade

North Geelong 6/134 (R. Zdybel 35, B. Duff 27no) drew with Barwon Heads Geelong City 3/106 (I. Storrar 32) drew with Bell Park

Lethbridge 0/53 def South Barwon 5/139 (A. Seddon 44, E. Hauenstein 37no, T. Denham 2/26) by DLS method St Joseph’s 2/81 (A. Huby 32no, A. Haase 31no) drew with East Belmont

B Grade

Highton 7/127 (J. Newton 38, E. Wilson 3/13) drew with Lara

Queenscliff 8/148 (R. Shapter 36, J. Fletcher 35no, A. Beach 3/31, M. Tabor 2/23) def North Geelong 3/34 (S. Birrell 2/7) by DLS method Marshall 8/89 (I. Dunne 32no, M. Connell 3/23, T. Rimmer 2/24) drew with Anglesea Barrabool 3/187 (V. King 78no, J. Grigg 29, Z. Shawcross 2/16) def Portarlington 108 (E. Allen 34no, C. Hallawell 3/16)

C Grade

Waurn Ponds Deakin 2/115 (J. Bonanno 52ret, D. Cashin 24) drew with St Leonards 0/5

Bannockburn 2/72 (L. Stephens 25no, B. Gorman 20no) def Drysdale 7/70 (L. Sheehan 23, S. Smith 4/7)

Teesdale 8/89 (R. Wood 52, G. Kapoor 3/13) drew with East Belmont Wallington 2/94 (S. Kelsall 51ret) drew with Torquay 1/27

D Grade

Thomson 7/94 (A. Kennedy 30no, S. Hooper 2/16) def Newtown & Chilwell 8/69 (R. Wright 29no, C. Anderson 4/22) Grovedale 1/22 def St Joseph’s 6/87 (M. Brown 24, R. Brown 20ret, J. Fisher 2/22) by DLS method

Modewarre 5/95 (A. Sewell 30ret, B. Butler 27, C. Kearney 2/19) drew with Geelong

West

Bell Post Hill 0/54 (B. O’Connor 29no) def Armstrong Creek 52 (H. Brady 3/16, B. Collins 2-5)

E Grade

North Geelong 4/103 (J. Clark 30ret, J. Heap 24, A. Spiller 2/10) def Lethbridge 7/64 (J. Heap 2/8) by DLS method

Little River 6/153 (P. Sharp 43no, I. Wilkinson 37, K. Templeton 30ret, O.

Smith 3/18, E. Cook 3/32) def Barwon Heads 3/56 by DLS method

St Peters 3/136 (T. Sorgiovanni 33ret, L. Parrot 31ret, R. Moreland 2/17) drew with Newcomb & District

Alexander Thomson 4/81 (E. King 2/15) drew with Murgheboluc

F Grade

Bell Park 3/138 (A. Aldridge 30ret, L. Marino 30ret, L. Neville 30ret) drew with South Barwon 0/2

Corio 6/140 (M. Hili 31ret, M. Wiles 30ret, S. Williamson 2/19) drew with Manifold Heights 1/44 (W. Thompson 21no, S. Williamson 20no)

Thomson 1/50 (J. Newling 27no) def Bannockburn 67 (E. Thomson 19, A. Tyrrell 4/14, W. Wyatt 2/14) by DSL method Jan Juc 4/125 (C. Boxer 33ret, B. Withers 29, S. Huxtable 26, L. Potter 2/18) drew with Wallington 2/39

G Grade

Lara 0/83 (A. Reeves 20ret) def Armstrong Creek 6/82 (S. Missen 21, J. Treweek 2/11, A. Reeves 2/11) East Belmont 2/87 (A. Kennedy 31ret, S. Kennedy 22ret) def Meredith 3/84 (E. Thompson 22no, S. Thompson 19) Bell Park 6/77 (K. Lambert 3/10, M. Matthews 2/14) drew with Geelong City

on forfeit

Semi-finals

Sunday 1 March, 1pm

A Grade: East Belmont vs Barwon Heads at Winter Reserve No 1, Belmont. North Geelong vs Geelong City at Osborne Park No 1, North Geelong.

B Grade: Anglesea vs Marshall at Ellimatta Reserve. Anglesea, Barrabool vs Queenscliff at Ceres Recreation Reserve, Ceres.

C Grade: Bannockburn vs Waurn Ponds

Deakin at Bannockburn Recreation Reserve, Bannockburn. East Belmont vs Torquay at Winter Reserve No 2, Belmont.

D Grade: Thomson vs Grovedale at Thomson Recreation Reserve, Thomson. Armstrong Creek vs Geelong West at Armstrong Creek Sports Precinct, Armstrong Creek.

E Grade: Little River vs Lethbridge at Little River Reserve, Little River. North Geelong vs St Peters at Osborne Park No 2, North Geelong.

F Grade: Bell Park vs Manifold Heights. Wallington vs Jan Juc. Venues not announced before print.

G Grade: Geelong City vs Bell Park. East Belmont vs Little River. Venues not announced before print.

A final-round showdown

By Justin Flynn

Murgheboluc’s 160-run win against Thomson helped set up an epic final-round showdown between the top three Geelong Cricket Association Division 3 teams.

The Frogs took care of business against Thomson on Saturday 20 February and are locked in a battle for a top-two spot with Waurn Ponds Deakin (WPD) and Lethbridge.

Murgheboluc is in second position, but can finish first with a win against Bannockburn and a WPD loss. The Frogs can also slip to third if they lose and Lethbridge defeats WPD.

MurghecaptainLukeBrownisn’tlooking thatfarahead,though.Allhewantstodois win this week against Bannockburn.

“It’s an interesting situation for us,” he said.

“We just want to win our game, finish in the top two and with the second chance.

“They (Bannockburn) beat us in the T20 earlier in the year so we know what they’re capableof.Wejustwanttogooutthereand play our brand of cricket and knowing if we can do that, I think we’ll come out the better team.

“That’s sort of forefront of our mind is to play to our game plan and nail that.”

The Frogs resumed on Saturday at 3/123 in pursuit of Thomson’s 189 all out.

Owen Dunipace (73) and Luke Webb (69) took the score to 4/164 after putting on 111 for the fourth wicket. Murghe was eventually bowled out for 269 with Jake Spalding (4/48 from 26.4 overs) and Josh McDonald (2/63 from 25) putting in a lot of work for the Tigers.

“The middle order has been really strong

for us this year and to have Luke and Owen firing towards the back end of the year, and still to have Mick Groz (Grozdanovski) come back in the team, it’s something to look forward to,” Brown said.

“Our bowling unit has been really good all year and to have that firing, the batting firinggoingintofinalsisreallyexcitingand hopefully propels us into winning a couple of games.”

Thomson had a second hit and was 7/109 at the end of the game with Eamon Mills (48) getting runs while Josh Hutley (3/19) andBrown(2/16)hadsuccesswiththeball.

“Josh hasn’t had too many overs under his belt and for him to come in and get three pretty good wickets was really handy for us,” Brown said.

“It’s really good knowing that everyone’s bowling really well at the moment and we canhandit(theball)toanyoneatanytime.

“(I’m) feeling pretty confident with the ballatthemoment,knowingthatIcanplay a role. And if it’s not going too well, I can hand it off to somebody else knowing that they’re going to come in and do their role. (It’s) really handy and it gives you a bit of confidence.”

CORIO paceman Mitchell Humm spearheaded his side’s win against Bannockburn. Defending 163, Humm took 8/47 from 26 overs to have Banno all out for 131 to cement the Devils’ spot in the top four. The only way Corio can miss finals is if they lose to Marshall and Modewarre defeats Thomson in a highly unlikely outright win.

LETHBRIDGE is finals bound after a win against Modda. Resuming at 0/28 chasing 165, the Rosellas got there in 29 overs before declaring with Anand Choudhary (62) and Harry Lever (53 not out) making the runs. Ben Clarke made 65 in Modda’s second innings of 148 all out with Jesse Sheehansnaring3/6.Lethbridgethentried for a miracle outright and was 5/91 after nine overs and had to settle for six points.

WAURN Ponds Deakin took care of business, bowling Marshall out for 98 after the Eagles made 151 on day one. Ethan Rogers was the star with 6/35 with the English quick taking his season’s tally to 32 wickets.

Armstrong Creek aiming for finals, but must beat bogey side

By Justin Flynn

With so many permutations surrounding the final make-up of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 grade ladder, one thing is certain for Armstrong Creek.

To have any chance of defending last season’s premiership, the Titans must defeatAngleseainthefinalhomeandaway round starting Saturday 28 February.

Of course the Titans need Queenscliff or Barrabool to lose as well, but captain/ coach Daniel Maclean said the only focus was on winning.

“We just need to win our game first and if the Queenscliff and Barrabool results don’t go our way, we’ve still got a chance of maybe overtakingAnglesea on percentage, also,” he said.

“We’ve just got to wait and see until the ladder gets finalised so we’re just going to go and do our job first and then hopefully the rest takes care of itself for us.”

Maclean said the challenge of taking on Anglesea was exciting. The Seas are the only club Armstrong Creek hasn’t beaten in A Grade since the club’s inception in 2017/18.

“We are excited, and barring Surf Coast, which we haven’t played, they’re the only team that we actually haven’t taken a victory over in the whole A1, A2 setup,” he said.

“So we’re excited for that challenge and destiny’sinourownhandsreally.Ifweplay good enough cricket, we can beat them.”

Armstrong Creek’s performance against Jan Juc was the type of cricket that it has been known for - hard, gritty and uncompromising.

After Matthew Kennedy’s century on day one helping the Titans get to 8/236, the bowlers backed it up on day two.

The Sharks were all out for 110 and the loss ended their finals hopes. Only Finn Bilston (36) and Nick Hyden (28) offered meaningful resistance.

Maclean said the prize wicket of Hyden, caught at mid-off, was a bonus.

“We quite often don’t get Nick out, Nick gets himself out when he plays us,” he said.

“He’s a very, very good batsman. It’s not often we’ve bowled him or got him caught behind. He just hit one to a fielder, which is quite lucky, so we were pretty happy with that.”

Maclean took 4/34 from almost 22 overs to get back to the sort of form he is known for - hitting a nagging length and playing the patience game.

“I’ve kind of been a little bit up and down with the ball this year, so it was good “That

was good to kind of get a bit of control back with the ball.”

Paceman Ted Walliss took 2/14 from 11 overs and if the Titans play finals, he couldbeawildcardcoupledwithhispower hitting down the order.

“It was good to have Ted in there yesterday,” Maclean said. “He bowled fast and full early and had the ball swinging.”

BARRABOOL just needs to defeat Jan Juc to play finals after a spirited run chase deprived Anglesea of victory. The Bulls reached their target of 180 in the 70th over with an unbeaten 90-run stand for the fifth wicket between Luke Clift (47 not out) and Jame Jirik (42 not out) getting them home after Shane Stevens made 50 at the top of the order. Anglesea still sits second on the ladder, but could finish fifth if Queenscliff

and Barrabool both win and it loses to Armstrong Creek by enough to drop out on percentage.

QUEENSCLIFF will play finals if it beats Drysdale after a 136-run win against Inverleigh. Defending 283, the Coutas were never troubled with Tom Kidd taking 5/42 from 20 overs to dismiss the Kookaburras for 147 although Lachie Platt made a defiant 55-ball 59. Inverleigh is in last spot and must inflict Barwon Heads’ first loss of the season to have any chance of avoiding relegation to A2 grade.

BARWON Heads youngster Angus Mackie made his highest A Grade score with a well-made 80 against Drysdale. With top spot sewn up a long time ago, the Seagullscalledthegameearlyat7/190after passing the Hawks’ 81 all out on day one.