INSIDE THIS EDITION… SMILES ON DIALS, PAGE 12
6 - 19 MARCH, 2026
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
FREE FORTNIGHTLY
Red and Yellow Day
(Ivan Kemp) 538178_08
The Ocean Grove community donned red and yellow this week to celebrate the region’s volunteer surf lifesavers. Surf Life Saving Australia held its first-ever Red and Yellow Day on 4 March to recognise the volunteers who give their time to help keep the community safe. During the day, members of the public were encouraged to wear red and yellow, donate to the Red and Yellow Day Appeal, share vital water safety messages, or join their local surf lifesaving club. Dave MacGregor (pictured) volunteers his time with the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and was among the many surf lifesavers celebrated on the day. Despite the best efforts of volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards, 18 people have drowned in Victoria since the beginning of summer, while this is down on record numbers in previous seasons, one drowning is one too many. Turn to page 10 for the full story.
Fort angst grows By Jena Carr The Queenscliff community is continuing to fight against the potential sale of Fort Queenscliff, with many residents forming a human barricade around the heritage facility. Senator Sarah Henderson held a protest with community members on 1 March against the federal government’s proposed sale of Fort Queenscliff and other defence facilities across Geelong, including Swan Island golf course, Newland Barracks and a Newtown Air Force cadets training facility. “Th is decision, without any consultation,
shows contempt for our heritage, our region and Australia’s defence capability,” Senator Henderson said. “Fort Queenscliff is one of Victoria’s most important historic sites and one of the largest and best preserved forts in the country.” Queenscliff Community Association president David Connoley said Fort Queenscliff “shouldn’t become a political football”. “It’s not a house or an apartment sale; this is 160 years of heritage, so...I’m sure it’s going to be a long saga,” he said. “Because Swan Bay and the fort are Commonwealth heritage listed,
that imposes a whole set of legislative restrictions on future uses of the sites. “We’d like to know the extent of the heritage listing, what that entails for any potential future buyer and whether the government is obligated to actually fi x the buildings so that they are saleable.” A Department of Defence spokesperson said a Defence Estate Audit found that the Fort did not meet contemporary operational and capability requirements as it was “large, ageing and unsustainable”. “Defence will engage key historical organisations and community groups to best preserve and honour our military history as part of the divestment process,”
they said. A spokesperson for deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles said the decision to divest 67 sites was a “hard decision” to make, but the “right thing to do in the national interest”. “Many defence sites have served Australians proudly, hold great sentimental value, and are a reminder of our past sacrifices and achievements,” they said. “The Defence Estate Audit made clear that to maintain buildings that are not fit-for-purpose and not being used for their original intention, will cost in excess of $2 billion over the next 25 years.”
12558691-AI29-22
OUR SERVICES: NEW VEHICLE LOG BOOK SERVICING AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING RACV BATTERY SALES AIR CONDITIONING REGAS, SERVICING & REPAIRS LPG REPAIRS & SERVICING CLUTCH & BRAKE REPAIR
16 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove
Ph: 5255 5611 All Major Brands - Wheel Alignment Wheel Balancing - Tyre Repairs 12525525-HC05-22