Ocean Grove Voice - 6th March 2026

Red and Yellow Day

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 againstthefederalgovernment’sproposed 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.

“Thisdecision,withoutanyconsultation,

shows contempt for our heritage, our regionandAustralia’sdefencecapability,” SenatorHendersonsaid.

“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’sgoingtobealongsaga,”hesaid.

“Because Swan Bay and the fort are Commonwealth heritage listed,

that imposes a whole set of legislative restrictionsonfutureusesofthesites.

“We’d like to know the extent of the heritage listing, what that entails for any potential future buyer and whether the governmentisobligatedtoactuallyfixthe buildingssothattheyaresaleable.”

A Department of Defence spokesperson said a Defence Estate Audit found that the Fort did not meet contemporary operational and capability requirements asitwas“large,ageingandunsustainable”.

“Defence will engage key historical organisations and community groups to best preserve and honour our military historyaspartofthedivestmentprocess,”

theysaid.

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 “rightthingtodointhenationalinterest”.

“Many defence sites have served Australians proudly, hold great sentimental value, and are a reminder of our past sacrifices and achievements,” theysaid.

“The Defence Estate Audit made clear that to maintain buildings that are not fit-for-purpose and not being used for theiroriginalintention,willcostinexcess of$2billionoverthenext25years.”

Fees used as new cat ploy

Havingfailedtointroduceblanket24-hour cat curfew last year, Geelong council has changedtack.

Focusing on the carrot rather than the stick, the City of Greater Geelong is offering cat owners a discount of at least 50 per cent on pet registration if they committocontainingtheirfelinefriends.

The move to increase cat containment aligns with the Victorian cat management strategy, which notes that indoor contained cats generally have longer lifespans, suffer less disease and trauma from traffic collisions and cost less in vet bills.

Increased cat containment also leads

to less public nuisance and a reduced impact on native wildlife, as well as lowering the pressure on local animal shelters.

While the complete containment option is voluntary, the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew will remain in effect for all cats.

Anthony Basford, Executive Director City Life said cat owners would spot changestotheirannualnoticesfromthis month onward.

“Registration is an important part of protecting cats and ensuring that lost pets are reunited with their owners, while keeping them safely contained

helps them have healthier lives,” he said.

“We know community members want the best for their cats and our containment incentive and free year of registration offer go towards helping to support responsible ownership.

“Increased registration fees reflect rising fees from the Victorian Government and the growing costs of our services, such as responding to nuisance cat complaints, trapping and reunification.”

Councillor Chris Burson, chair of the council’s safety, graffiti and regulation portfolio, said the ‘paws indoors, fees down’ commitment recognised the

Students ready for river rowing action

By Jena Carr

The pinnacle of schoolgirl rowing will return to the Barwon River for three days ofthrillingcompetitionandcamaraderie.

Thousands of girls from across the state will compete in Year 9, Year 10 and Open age group racing during the Head of the SchoolGirlsRegattanextweek.

Committee president Alison Henricus said she was looking forward to seeing the races unfold each day from 13 to 15 March.

“It’s going to be another great event

this year, so we’ve got over 3000 athletes competing, and it will be over three days ontheBarwonRiver,”shesaid.

“We’ve got 41 different events, and we’ve got over 40 Victorian schools represented at the regatta, so it’s really significant with such a cross-section of schools involved.”

Ms Henricus said the regatta was more than a sporting event, but rather a celebration of athletic excellence, teamworkandschoolspirit.

“Rowing develops so many life skills around organisation, resilience, and the

capacity to push yourself both physically andintermsoftraininghours,”shesaid.

“For the majority of crews racing, this is essentially the highlight of their season and what they’ve worked towards through monthsoftraining.

“Results are one aspect, but the premise of our regatta is that overall experience, participation, getting out there, and just puttingyourbestperformanceforward.”

The Head of the School Girls Regatta races are open to the community to watch for free and will be live-streamed on RowingVictoria’swebsite.

positive role responsible owners played in reducing roaming behaviour.

“Indoor cats live safer and healthier lives and the savings on registration are an added bonus,” he said.

“Owners of roaming cats face 400 per cent higher vet bills compared to contained cats because of attacks from other cats and dogs, accidents with cars and mishaps on the street.

“In fact, fractures caused by road accidents are one of the top five reasons cats attend the vet, with an average bill of $836.”

Visit geelong.link/registerapet for more information on pet registration.

Make every drop of water count

The region’s water management company has called on community members to rethink their water usage athome.

Barwon Water encouraged people to “make every drop count” to help reduce water demand and protect waterstoragelevelsduringdryperiods. At the end of 2025 Geelong’s water storagewasatthelowestrecordedlevel atthattimeofyearsince2009.

Since then, levels have since fallen even further to just 39.5 per cent on 23 February.

The drop mirrors conditions around the state, with average water storage levels in Victoria about 17 per cent lower than they were in February last year.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming encouraged households and businesses to use waterwiselyandconsiderthecollective impactthatsmallactionscanmake.

“Everything that makes our region a great place to live and visit, depends on a healthy, safe and reliable water supply,” Mr Cumming said. “We can all make a difference by making simplechanges,suchastakingshorter showers, washing clothes and dishes with full loads, and not watering the gardenintheheatoftheday.

“While we continue to invest in increasing the capacity of our system, smallactionsinourhouseholdsalladd up and help keep our water storages sustainable. If we each do a little, collectivelywecanachievealot.”

Visit barwonwater.vic.gov.au/pwsr formoreinformationonthepermanent water saving rules in place in the Barwon region and barwonwater.vic. gov.au/saving-water for water saving rebates,programsandtips.

Bellarine Agricultural Show pays tribute to ‘All Things Working Dogs’

By Matt Hewson

The Bellarine Agricultural Show returns thisSunday8Marchforits32ndinstalment andthisyearit’sallaboutman’sbestfriend.

With the theme of All Things Working Dogs, the 2026 show, held at Portarlington Recreation Reserve, will feature the dog high jump competition, working cattle dog displays and the Howling Huskys sled dog demonstrationteam.

But canine attractions are only one part of the show’s celebration of regional life, according to committee member Andrea Clements.

“There’s something for everyone, regardlessofyourageorstage,”shesaid.

“Being a regional show, it’s got that lovely feel to it. We’ve got the kids trail, we’ve got the animals. There’s woodchopping, amazing demonstrators that show how to doallmannerofhandcrafts,forexample.

“And when you’re ready to sit down, you can kick back on a hay bale, enjoy some music and have something to eat. You can watch the CFA demonstrate what they do, thereareexhibitions-photography,artwork -sotherereallyissomethingforeveryone.”

Ms Clements is not just a committee member; she is also a volunteer, a judge

for the handcraft sections and, as a local businessowner,asponsoroftheshow.

She said felt support from the entire Bellarinecommunity.

“People from right across the Bellarine entertheirgoods,we’vegotthemostamazing sponsors that are really quite diverse from acrossGeelongandtheBellarine,”shesaid.

“It’s a very vibrant community of amazing people…I love that people are so strongly involved at all different levels of the show.

It’s one of the things that makes a country showwork.”

Visitbellarineshow.com.auforticketsand moreinformation.

Stage 2 of pool underway

Stage 2 works on the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre redevelopment have begun, but the public will still not be able to access the facility until later in the year.

The redevelopment will include a 25-metre indoor pool with eight lanes and access ramp; warm-water pool with access ramp; accessible change rooms; first-aid room; gym and group fitness rooms; foyer, reception, administration and office; cafe

with seating; landscaping and pathways; extended car park with accessible spaces; and refurbishment of the entry pavilion.

City of Greater Geelong has rerouted access to the 50-metre outdoor pool through an alternate entrance.

The outdoor pool is open until mid- to late April, but will close until mid-October until the redevelopment is completed.

Council, state, federal and community

representatives toured construction activities last week.

“Construction is an exciting milestone for our community, as we see this project come to life and deliver a fully accessible, year-round aquatic facility for Bellarine residents,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.

“I can’t wait to see the community come together and make the most of these

Students access active travel on the coast

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

The Ocean Water Way Mural at St Leonards Primary School features four playfulsectionsinspiredbylifeonthecoast, aiming to inspire students to walk, ride, scoot or roll their way to school.

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

“It’s fantastic to see Bellarine kids getting active on their way to school, whether that’s on foot, on a bike or on a scooter,” she said.

“Projectslikethisshowhowinvestmentin active travel helps kids build healthy habits, strengthens school communities and delivers practical outcomes for families.”

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

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

felt fun, safe and welcoming.

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

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

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, and a pilot bike bus.

incredible new indoor spaces.” Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP said locals across the Bellarine were excited to see construction of the stage two facility well underway. Stage 2 is funded by the federal government($20millionunderthePriority Community Infrastructure Program), state government ($20 million) and City of Greater Geelong (up to $300,000).

Bank merger vote given green light

By Matt Hewson

Geelong’s own customer-owned banking institution is one step closer to a merger with one of Australia’s fastest-growing banks.

Geelong Bank and Hume Bank announced they received approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) last week to take their proposed merger to a vote of Geelong Bank members.

The two customer-owned banks signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a merger in August last year, with the boards of both institutions endorsing the merger in November.

If the merger meets with members’ approval it would create one of the largest regional customer-owned banks in the country, with $2.4 billion in assets, 16 branches, more than 60,000 customers and about 200 staff

“Thisisanexcitingstepforthefuture of Geelong Bank and its members,” GeelongBankchiefexecutiveGraham Fryer said. “In Hume Bank we have found another customer-owned bank with deep regional roots and a focus on community impact.

“I’mthrilledwehavereceivedAPRA approval - we now look forward to taking the proposed merger with Hume Bank to our members for their endorsement.”

“This merger brings together two successful, values-aligned customer-owned banks to create a stronger platform for our members,” Hume Bank chief executive Stephen Capello said.

Voting will begin immediately with the outcome to be announced at a special general meeting on 19 March.

More help needed

By Matt Hewson

New upgrades have transformed Portarlington Recreation Reserve, but the continued growth of the football netball clubisalreadystretchingthefacilities.

The$3.75millionupgrades,fundedbyall levels of government and officially opened on 21 February, include an extension to the pavilion including women’s change rooms and amenities, improved cricketing facilities, LED scoreboards, a bigger car park and a shed for the Bellarine AgriculturalSociety.

Portarlington Football Netball Club president Steve Cogger said the changes would provide all stakeholders with a “big benefit”,buttheywereonlythefirststep.

“All in all, we appreciate all the investment the governments have made,” hesaid.

“Now that we’re introducing women’s football this year, having bright, fresh, clean, modern facilities is very important. Thesedays,it’sarecruitingtool;thelookof your club helps players make that decision tojoinyou.

“But going forward, Portarlington’s growing, the region’s getting bigger and ourrequirementsoffacilitieswillincrease, too.Sothisastart,andweappreciateit.”

The growth of the club has been impressive in recent years, with Portarlington fielding 13 football and 17 netballteamslastyear.

Mr Cogger said more investment was needed to ensure that the growth of the club’s netball and women’s football programscouldcontinueunhindered.

“This project took eight years…certainly Portarlington’s changed in eight years,

with the demographic and population growth”hesaid.

“The first thing we’re desperate for, and it’s going to become more critical, is an increase in training facilities for netball.

We’re forced to hire a tennis court on Thursday nights so we can complete training,sothat’sanurgentrequirement.

“We also need the back oval upgraded to a full-size oval, with the facilities of safety nets and lights, so we can satisfactorily

cater for the introduction of women’s football.”

The club did not want to be “selfish”, Mr Cogger said, but needed “to be able to caterfortheinfluxwe’recurrentlyworking with”.

“We understand finances aren’t all that easy to get these days and there’s a lot of competitionforgrants,”hesaid.

“We just want a reasonable rack at it and togetonwithit.”

Kinder funding builds on learning

Bellarine kindergarten students will have better access to more inclusive, accessibleandwelcomingeducational environmentsthankstonewfunding.

Ten early learning centres will receive funding through the state government’s2025-26BuildingBlocks Improvement Grants stream for the informationtechnologycategory.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthornsaidtheprogramwillfund computers, tablets and televisions for educational programs and service administration.

“Every child deserves to participate in Kinder fully, and these grants help servicesmakethatareality,”shesaid.

“We’re supporting Kinders to meet the needs of their communities –alongside Free Kinder saving families upto$2700ayear.”

Bellarinepreschoolsthatwillreceive funding include Allanvale, Beacon Point, Clifton Springs, Drysdale, OceanGroveandPortarlington.

Leopold, Queenscliff and Woodlands kindergartens, along with Goodstart Early Learning Drysdale, were also successful grant recipients throughtheprogram.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the early learning centres would receive up to $200,000 throughtheprogram.

“This funding will ensure our local kinders have the equipment and facilitiestheyneedtosupportchildren tolearnandthrive,”shesaid.

Golf day was enjoyed by all

An all-abilities clinic was one of the highlights of Gateways 22nd Annual Charity Golf Day at Clifton Springs Golf ClubonFriday27February.

Hosted by Clifton Springs Golf Club professional Daniel Materazzo and joined by former AFL player Daniel Wells, the all-abilities participants enjoyed some friendlycompetitionandskilldevelopment drills.

challenges around the course like longest driveandnearest-the-pinchallenges.

Former Essendon AFL captain Dyson Turner-Heppell,officialambassadorforthe day, said he was inspired by the generosity andenergyondisplay.

“It was amazing to see everyone come together, having fun and supporting each other,”hesaid.

“It’s fantastic to see people of all ages and abilities getting out on the course and havingago,”Materazzosaid.

“Golf has given me so much joy, and I’m passionate about making the game accessibletoeveryone.”

Eighty-four players participated in the maineventtoraisefundstosupportpeople withdisabilityandadditionalneedsacross theregion.

Twenty-two teams took to the course for a friendly, light-hearted Ambrose round of golf. Players also participated in extra

“I’m really passionate about inclusion and accessibility, and days like this give me the chance to champion that cause. It’s wonderful to see the community rallying to make opportunities and experiences availableforeveryone.”

Theoverwhelmingcrowdfavouriteevent wastheHappyGilmorelong-drivehole.

“The Happy Gilmore hole was my favourite,”GatewayschiefexecutiveRohan Braddysaid.

“It was great to see people letting loose, laughing at themselves, and just enjoying theday.”

Bus network review begins

Thestategovernmenthasopeneddialogue with the community about what they want from bus services in the wider Geelong region.

Labor’s community consultation to informareviewoftheregion’sbusnetwork is open from this week until Saturday 12 April online and via pop-up sessions aroundtheregion.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said as Geelong continued to grow, the publictransportneededtogrowwithit.

“People need to get where they want to go, and this is a real opportunity for the GreaterGeelongcommunitytoshapewhat

Beauty in white

By Jena Carr

A group ceramics exhibition in Ocean Grove will explore the beauty of white through a diverse range of unique ceramic pieces.

Blanc will feature the works of 11 ceramicists at The Hive Gallery, with a focus on white in form, light and surface withinceramics.

JanJucceramicistKirstyMangersaidthe exhibition was interesting as each artist brought their own interpretations to the themeofBlanc.

“Everyone’s interpretation has been surprisinganddifferent,soforme,it’sbeen an exploration of white in material and concept,”shesaid.

“It’s about removing distraction and allows the surface to hold a story which, forme,isthecliffsofJanJucandtheseams of shells, and there’s a beauty in that and a fragilitythat’squitelovely.”

Ms Manger said the exhibition was a chance for her to present a collection of porcelain forms inspired by the quiet rhythmsofthecoast.

“Everyone’s so different. We’re all working with clay and one theme, but everyone’s work is completely different in formandsurface,”shesaid.

“My own work is a collection that explores what remains after time and tide, with porcelain forms inspired by shells, sandpatterns,anderodedrocks.

“Working entirely in whites allowed me to focus on surface light and the subtle details, and they’re quiet pieces that invite slowlookingandreflecttherhythmsofthe coastline.”

Blanc will be held at The Hive Gallery from Friday 6 March to 29 March, with an officialopeningon14March.

comesnext,”shesaid.

“I encourage people to have their say duringthispublicconsultation”

Minister for public and active transport

Gabrielle Williams said regional communities “deserve bus services that keepupwithhowtheylive,workandtravel today”.

“This is about listening to locals and building a bus network that works better forGeelongandtheBellarine,”shesaid.

The review follows weeks of public calls from students, families and school leaders for the Victorian government to increase thecapacityoflocalschoolbusservices.

St Joseph’s College principal Tony Paatsch also highlighted the dangers associated with students standing in bus aislesduetohighdemand.

“We’ve got a 72-seater bus allocated as oneoftheprimaryOceanGrovebuses,and itcanonlyseataround50,”hesaid.

“So there are 25-plus students standing in the aisle as it travels down the Bellarine Highway.

“While that’s legal, we don’t believe that’ssafe.”

GeelongmayorStretchKonteljalsowrote to minister for public transport Gabrielle Williams last month, citing “consistent”

and “increasingly urgent” concerns about overcrowdingandcapacityshortfalls.

Labor also announced on Friday that new bus services to Avalon Airport will be availablestartingthismonth.

From Sunday 15 March, a new route between Lara Station and Avalon will connect workers and passengers directly totheGeelonglinesevendaysaweek.

“Avalon’sgrowthhasbeenextraordinary, and this bus service makes sure local families can access the jobs and travel options being created right here in our backyard,” member for Lara Ella George said.

Mayor’s brother his deputy

Eddy Kontelj has been elected as City of Greater Geelong’s deputy mayor to serve alongside older brother and mayor Stretch Kontelj until at least November.

Eddy Kontelj defeated councillor Elise Wilkinson in a vote on Tuesday 3 March following the resignation of Ron Nelson. He will serve as deputy until November when council will vote on both the mayor and deputy mayor positions.

The Hamlyn Heights Ward councillor has served as a councillor for almost 15 years during two stints from March 2010 to April2016andfromNovember2017tonow.

“To the community, thank you for trusting in me since 2010,” Eddy Kontelj said.

“To represent you at council in this chamber is one of the greatest honours of my life. It’s not something I take lightly. I am extremely proud and will do the best possible job for the community.

“I certainly feel like today I’m in the strongest position I’ve ever been in to take on deputy mayor, both in capacity and capability.

“Inthosealmost15yearsI’veheldalmost every portfolio that we have. I’ve worked

Remembering Brian Mason

closely with nine deputy mayors and eight mayors. I’d like to think I’ve been a significant contributor and I’ve learned a lot about civic leadership in that time.”

Eddy Kontelj chairs the Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio and the Sports & Recreation portfolio. He represents council on the Geelong Major EventsDelegatedCommittee,thePlanning Committee, the Submissions Review Panel and the Geelong Art Gallery board.

By Jena Carr

Brian Mason is remembered as a community-minded and creative person who put his whole heart and soul into everything he did.

The Ocean Grove man died peacefully on 21 December last year aged 87, leaving behind wife Pam, four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Pam and Brian had been married for 61-and-a-half years and first met through their sisters when they lived in Stawell.

“Hissisterandmysisterworkedtogether, and during the summertime when it got around 40 degrees, they’d finish work early and go out to the local lakes to swim and cool off,” Pam said.

“So, they were going out, and I asked if I could come, and that was where we met. Really,fromthefirstnightthatwemet,that was it, and...we’ve had a great life.”

Brian gave more than 50 years of voluntary service to the Stawell Fire Brigade and helped establish what is now known as the Victorian State Emergency

Service before moving to Ocean Grove.

He was a founding member and the first president of the Ocean Grove and District Men’s Shed and became a much-loved member of Ocean Grove Chord Club later in life.

“He was a fix-it man, so if something could be fixed, he would fix it rather than throw it out and buy something else,” Pam said. “He was a quiet man, but he was very much into whatever he was a part of, like helpingstaffthemen’sshedorplayingwith the chords club.”

Warning to watch out for snakes in Barwon region

The Barwon Southwest community should stay vigilant when heading outdoors following snakebite incidents across the region.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) and first responders attended 25 calls for suspected snakebites in Barwon Southwest from 1 November last year to 21 February this year.

AV Emergency Management manager Rebecca Hirsch said she encouraged people to be careful of snakes as the weather warms up.

“Most snakes in Victoria are venomous, and a bite can be life-threatening,” she said.

“Bites can often be avoided simply by being observant in areas that are likely to attract snakes, such as near rivers, long grass or sheds.

“Victorians can also take preventative measures around their home by keeping their property clear of rocks, logs and building materials, and keeping grass short.”

Ms Hirsch said paramedics and first responders attended close to 171 suspected snakebites across the state since November, with 165 people transported to hospital.

“If a snake bite victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” she said.

“If the patient is conscious, it is important to keep them still and reassured while waiting for help and only move them if it is too unsafe to stay put.

“Snake bites commonly occur on hands, feet or limbs, so applying a pressure immobilisation bandage to the affected limb can also make a big difference to the treatment and outcome of a snake bite incident.”

If someone suspects that they have suffered a snake bite, they are encouraged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Tourism body puts out a call to the curious in new visitor campaign

Geelong’s peak tourism body has launched a new campaign intended to entice the “unexpected moments, makers and experiences on offer” in the region.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s (TGGB) new Curious is Calling launched last week at an industry event at The Royal in Queenscliff, and will continue to roll out in the coming weeks. AccordingtoTourismResearchAustralia,

from December 2020 to December 2024, domestic visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine increased by 20 per cent, nearly 5 per cent more than the rest of Victoria.

The new campaign attempts to capitalise that growth by capturing “the curiosity of intrastate and interstate travellers through scroll-stopping digital assets that tap into the sense of exploration and discovery”.

“Geelong and The Bellarine continues

to be a surprising and memorable destination, with one-of-a-kind activities and experiences you won’t find anywhere else,”TGGBexecutivedirectorTracyCarter said. “This campaign tickles the curiosity in us all to look a little closer to uncover that there is much more to this region than what first glances might suggest.”

“Curious is Calling will serve as our always-on marketing campaign over the

next few years, driving brand awareness and encouraging visitation, stays and spend in Geelong and The Bellarine.” TGGB is delivering the campaign in partnership with Melbourne-based Balance Agency.

Balance Agency’s David Gullotti said the intent was to “create a campaign that felt like the region itself: unexpected, layered and full of discovery and curiosity.”

Free 24/7 urgent healthcare

Video call from your mobile or computer anywhere, anytime

Connect to highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses from Victoria’s Virtual Emergency Department

No GP referral, Medicare card or appointment needed

Register now so you’re ready to use us in the future

Scan

Stage 2 underway

By Cr Trent Sullivan

The north Bellarine has changed rapidly overthepastdecade.

New families have moved in, our coastal towns have grown and demand for local facilities has increased, yet our residents still have to travel significant distances to swimindoors.

Stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre builds on the existing facility by introducing an indoor pool to improve year-roundaccessforthelocalcommunity.

The outdoor facility was opened in late 2023 and has already proved a huge success, and I’m pleased to report that construction of the indoor component of thecentreisnowwellunderway.

The community has long advocated for an indoor swimming facility on the North Bellarine, as for too long they’ve needed to travel long distances for winter swimming lessonsorwarmwaterexercise.

When complete, the indoor centre will include a 25-metre pool with eight lanes to support lap swimming, school programs andcommunityuse.

Adedicatedwarmwaterpoolwillprovide a welcoming space for gentle exercise and rehabilitationprograms.

Warm water exercise is particularly valuable for people living with arthritis, managing chronic pain or recovering from injury.

Accessibility has also been central to the design, with access ramps in the pools as well as accessible change rooms and a thoughtfully designed layout to ensure the centre can be comfortably used by people ofallabilitiesandlifestages.

The addition of a gymnasium and group fitnessclassesmeanspeoplecankeepfitin avarietyofwaysclosetohome.

Meanwhile,thecafeandwelcomingfoyer will help establish the centre as a social

Drysdale running after a 13 year absence

After a 13-year hiatus, Drysdale Fire Brigade will compete at the VFBV CFA State Firefighter Championships at Stawell on28and29March.

The brigade will send an urban senior running team to the championships with manyfirsttimerseagertogetstarted.

DrysdalefirefighteroffiveyearsAnthony Connally has taken on the role of coach and a runner, following in the footsteps of his father Brendan, who was a fierce competitorbackinthe1990s.

“There is a lot of family history here for me,myfatherusedtorunalongtimeago,” Anthonysaid.

“As we are both interested, we headed to thechampslastyearandhadalookatwhat had changed since 2013 to decide if we thought we could make it happen within thebrigade.”

While they are running under the Drysdale banner, three members from Portarlingtonwilljointhem.

Anthony said the runners are most looking forward to the hose and reel sixes event.

After competing in four local competitions so far, Anthony said he is feelinggoodabouttheirprogress.

“We’ve got a pretty excited team that we have built from scratch and we’re pretty happy with the way we’ve been going,” he said.

“It has already been a long season for us - we started training back in May last year. It’s been a process of preparing equipment and getting everyone equipped to run for thefirsttime.”

Several brigade runners were deployed in January to assist at the fires in Mount Mercer, Longwood and Great Otway NationalPark.

“Every single one of us, besides two of our runners, have been on multiple strike teams this summer,” Anthony said. “I did four deployments myself, and we’ve got

another member who has been out five times.It’sbeenabusyseasonforusall,but we’remorethanhappytohelp,andit’snice tocomebacktogetherforeventslikethis.”

hubforthewiderBellarinecommunity.

The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributingupto$300,000.

As construction progresses, there have been some temporary changes made to access and seasonal operations to keep everyonesafe.

Theoutdoorpoolwillcontinuetooperate in the short term, with access through an alternateentrance.

This measure will remain in effect until mid to late April, when the facility will closecompletelyuntilmid-October.

This closure is necessary due to the constructionactivitiestakingplaceandthe need to repurpose some plant equipment forthenewindoorfacility.

Construction works are progressing well and it’s exciting to see the pool hall and supporting spaces beginning to rise from thesite.

The completed centre will support learn-to-swim programs, rehabilitation, fitness training and everyday recreation opportunities.

It will also reduce the need for long travel to access indoor aquatic facilities, particularly for families in Portarlington, StLeonards,IndentedHeadandDrysdale.

Most importantly, it represents a lasting investment in the health, wellbeing and liveability of the north Bellarine for decadestocome.

I’m proud of the community’s advocacy on this project and I look forward to the opening,projectedtobemid-2027.

To keep up to date with progress, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/nbacproject

Supporting beach health

ThreeBellarinegroupsarecontinuing to clean up and protect the state’s beaches and waterways, thanks to PortPhillipBayFundgrants.

Birdlife Australia received $14,860 throughthelatestgrantroundfortheir Fostering Community Stewardship: Hooded Plover Conservation on the Bellarineproject.

Bellarine Catchment Network also received $157,014 for its Bellarine Marine Care Group Project, while Deakin University received $19,672 for its project on bacterial profiles in waterways.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the Bellarine community cared deeply about protecting the region’s unique coastlineandwildlife.

“It’s fantastic to see local organisations leading the charge to care for our local environment,” she said. “These grants will empower our dedicated volunteers, researchers andconservationiststocontinuetheir vital work preserving our beaches and marine life for generations to come.”

Other projects to receive funding included restoring oyster reefs in Corio Bay, cultivating juvenile kelp to restore the natural marine ecosystem, and investigating drivers ofalgalbloomstoimproveprediction models.

We have a fantastically diverse bunch of humans who have volunteered their time to learn and watch the beaches for nothing in return

- Dave MacGregor

Diving in to help save lives

Surflifesavingvolunteersareasdiverse asthebeachestheypatrol,buttheyall share a love for their communities.

Lani Strahan, 13, comes from a family of surf lifesavers and follows in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncle in patrolling with Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).

“It’s good to be around people while... learning all the rescue skills, and it’s great to be on the go if anyone needs anything,” Lani said.

“You get to learn so much, not just about the water, but also about yourself and the different things you can do that you might not otherwise do on a daily basis.

“When you’re down here (on the beach), you want everyone to feel safe in the water, and if they need anything, they can always reach out, and we can be there with all the safety skills to rescue them.”

Lani has been part of the club since she joined the Nippers beach education program for children aged 5 to 14 and hopes to become a professional lifeguard in the future.

“It’s good to learn different things, like wherethewavesaregoingorwheretherips are and everything like that,” she said.

“There’s been one case where I’ve been a supporter in a rescue and I had to make sure that I was ready if extra help was needed.

“There was just a lot of water motion that day and a fair bit of swell, so we were just looking out across the water when we realised someone needed help.

“One of the other club members went out to save the person in trouble, while I was down by the water with a board, ready to go in case they did need extra help.

“So, it is just about making sure we’re all focusedandwatchingoutforanyone,sowe are trained to make sure we put the flags in certain spots, and if there are any rips, we know exactly where they are.”

Her dad Simon said he was proud to see Lani grow up with important water and surf lifesaving skills.

“When you live down by the ocean, you just want your kids to be comfortable and confident around the water,” he said.

“Starting on a lifesaver journey is a really good one because the skills you can get out of it can be transferred anywhere.

“My dad did CPR at a conference and saved someone’s life, so it just shows how transferable the skills are to any sort of environment you’re in.

“It’s fantastic now to look at the next generation coming through...and it’s certainly a great way for kids to be knowledgeable about things like rips and wave types.

“Most of the surf clubs around Australia are built on a family environment, with volunteers really wanting to give back and make sure everyone stays safe.”

Dave MacGregor, 47, began volunteering as a lifesaver with Ocean Grove SLSC when he moved to the region close to seven years ago.

“OceanGroveisalovelycommunity,and Iwantedtocontributetothatandvolunteer my time,” he said.

“I had two younger kids at the time, and I wanted to show them that you could do things without needing anything in return.”

Dave said volunteers were an important part of the club, with members ranging from young to old.

“The community within the club itself has been inviting, and it’s an extended family of mine now,” he said.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have a fantastically diverse bunch of humans who have volunteered their time to learn and watch the beaches for nothing in return.

“There are also so many different avenues that people can take to volunteer their time, and it makes you want to do more as well.

“Where I thought my path would lead when I started has been a completely different path, and the opportunity to grow in the club is there.

“I’m quite a big part of the club now as I’m not just a patroller, but I also coach Nippers,I’mthebuildingandmaintenance manager of the club, I’m a trainer, and I’m

also on a response team.”

Dave encourages anyone considering volunteering with their local SLSC to “take that step” and that he had enjoyed it.

“Sometimes things don’t happen in the water, and a lot of the time incidents happen out of the water,” he said.

“The patrolling season is quite short, but volunteers are living in the community and making the region safer throughout the year, not just on the beach.

“They are still capable of attending a situation at a shopping centre, car park, or within a business, as they are rescue-ready throughout the year.

“Any path that you want to take with surf lifesaving, there’s always help to get you there, and it’s so rewarding...and I don’t know of anyone who’s regretted it.

“It’s truly amazing what the club does and how the community can benefit, and I’m very proud to say that I’m a patrolling member of Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club.”

Surf Life Saving Australia held the first-ever Red and Yellow Day on 4 March to recognise the volunteers who give their time freely to keep the community safe in and around the water.

Life Saving Victoria chief executive Cath Greaves said it was a day where people were encouraged to wear red and yellow, donate to the Red and Yellow Day Appeal, share vital water-safety messages, or join their local club.

“Red and Yellow Day is a terrific opportunity for us all to show our gratitude and support, and I encourage everyone to get involved,” she said.

“Our volunteer lifesavers show outstanding dedication, skill and selflessness in giving their time and energy so Victorians and visitors can enjoy our waterways safely.”

The community is encouraged to remain vigilant around the water and help prevent tragic incidents by checking conditions before heading out into the water and swimming at patrolled locations.

Southern scrub-robin treat

I have been out and about a few times lately, which I’ve enjoyed.

I drove to Bendigo where I found myself sitting under a shady tree in 42 degree heat looking at an unusual bird, namely a southern scrub-robin.

The first sighting I had of this species was at Monkey Mia in Western Australia. This ground dwelling bird is mainly brown in plumage,withaverticalblackmarkthrough the eye. The upper tail is rufous brown in colour. The eye is dark brown and the bill and legs are black.

These birds can be seen in dense, dry Mallee scrublands, and coastal tea-tree locations, in southern Australia and in various locations in southwest WA.

My friend Denis told me that this particular southern scrub-robin has been in the same habitat for around two years and is always solitary. It was difficult to photograph as it ran between bushes and hid under them.

We also went to Mount Korong where the first bird I saw was a painted honeyeater, but I was disappointed with my photos as the sun was right behind the bird. I enjoyed seeingthebirdasI’vealwayswantedtospot a painted honeyeater and they are such pretty birds.

I also heard from Barry and Bernie that there was a grey goshawk (white morph)

hanging around Blue Waters Lake.

We walked around and eventually saw it, butmyphotoswerenotgreatasthebirdwas tryingtohideinthetreeswhilenoisyminers and magpies were harassing it. Voice reader Alan luckily took much better photos of the magnificent bird compared to mine.

I received an email from Carole who travelled to Queenscliff a couple of times during the week and noted a single little egret and royal spoonbill in the tree near the corner of Symons Road and

Gellibrand Street.

Later in the week signalled the arrival of more little egrets and royal spoonbills. Carole looked up the collective noun for a group of egrets and found out they can be considered a congregation, a siege, a wedge or a skewer.

If the spoonbills arrive in a group they are named a bowl, a canteen, a clatter or even a cutlery. Carole rather likes to tell people that she has seen a cutlery of spoonbills and a congregation of egrets.

Kevin also visited Queenscliff and also spotted little egrets and nankeen night herons. There has been a colony of Little Egrets nesting in the same tree in Queenscliff for the last approximately 10 years, and apparently there are around 30 nestlings in the tree this year. Kevinalsoinformedmethatafterhearing a laughing kookaburra at the Barwon River inWinchelsea,hewaspleasedtoseeitperch in a nearby tree. To his surprise, a second, then a third came to the same tree.

Smiles all round in the surf

It was smiles on dials at Ocean Grove main beach on Sunday 1 March as the Disabled Surfers Association gave allabilities people the chance to catch a wave. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp shared in the magic.

Pako Festa shines again

Pako Festa put on another wonderful display of our diverse culture and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Pakington Street, Geelong West, on Saturday 28 February for all the fun, colour and friendship.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Retirement bliss on the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas

If you’ve been thinking about your next chapter, there’s never been a better time to explore what coastal retirement living can offer.

TheBellarinePeninsulaandMornington Peninsula retirement living villages have united to make comparing your options simple, inspiring and enjoyable.

Across two stunning regions and 23 beautiful villages, you’re invited to experience retirement living just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. EachvillageissetamongsomeofVictoria’s most sought-after coastal destinations, offering the perfect blend of relaxed seaside charm and vibrant community connection.

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

Twodedicatedopendayeventsgiveyouthe opportunity to explore each peninsula’s unique lifestyle.

Friday 20 March – Bellarine Peninsula: Visit eight of the best villages and discover a relaxed coastal atmosphere surrounded by beaches, wineries and welcoming local communities.

Saturday 21 March – Mornington Peninsula: Explore 15 exceptional villages showcasing the best of peninsula living, from scenic coastal outlooks to beautifully landscaped communities.

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 living there.

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 local attractions.

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, Geelong and coastal beaches. Planning your personalised tour is easy. Visit bmpopenday.com.au to explore participating villages and map out your ideal itinerary. Your coastal retirement begins here, relaxed, connected and full of possibility.

The ‘angels’ in healthcare

Trust the “angels” of healthcare to live the way you want with Just Better Care.

Rosalie Endrei said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service provided many services to help her and her husband, Les, age gracefully in the comfort of their home.

“We have been able to get lots of support for Les through Vision Australia via Les’s Home Care Package,” she said.

with have that special care for us and I hate to think about where we’d be without them.” Les said Just Better Care was an excellent resource and helped him with his mental and physical health.

“You’ve got the charm of a new organisation, and they have people looking to make things better...and I think that it is wonderful to have so many angels working here,” he said.

“Les has macular degeneration (an eye disease that causes vision loss). Just Better Care paid for this little gadget called a MyEye Pro and it works very well.

“We found that everyone here is just lovely. Everyone that we’ve been in contact

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

Reimagining Lennon’s life

In a world of war, tension and uncertainty, local entertainer and historian Colin Mockett is “very proud” of his latest show.

Imagine, meticulously researched by Mockett and performed by him and accomplished guitarist Adam Parsons, traces the journey of Beatle John Lennon from carefree young rock and roll star to the searching soul who became an advocate for world peace - and penned what has been lauded as the most influential song of the 20th century.

“We start with a song, one song, which is Imagine,” Mockett said.

“In 1999 the BBC held a worldwide poll

over the internet to come up with a list of the best things of the 20th century; the best sportsman, best leader, the best artist, the best image.

“And we start with that list. And among these, a hands-down winner, not the least bit controversial, was the best song of the 20th century, which was Imagine.

“One of the early songs Lennon wrote was another ‘imagine’ one, ‘Imagine I’m in love with you’ (I’ll Get You). He wrote that when he was in his 20s, so we take that as the next song after Imagine, and then we trace the journey that he took to mature into writing the best song of the 20th century.”

Having researched, developed and performed more than 100 of these music history deep dives over the past 21 years, Mockett believes this latest show is one of his most pertinent to the world we live in.

“He was trying to bring peace to an American war in Asia,” he said. “We could do with a John Lennon now trying to bring peace to three different conflicts; two in the Middle East and one in Ukraine.”

Imagine is at the Bellarine Arts Centre (formerly the Potato Shed) on Tuesday 10 March. Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/ bellarineartscentre for tickets and more information.

Alt-rockers ready to launch at iconic Geelong venue

As for many up and coming bands around the region, the story of Bigfoot Sighting revolves around the Barwon Club band room.

So much so, the band’s vocalist and sometimes guitarist Joel Fletcher described the venue as “the centre of my universe”.

The alternative rock band is poised to launch their first EP Tape One at the iconic Geelong venue, an event that brings them full circle.

“We played our first gig there, so it’s really nicetohavethebookendsofTapeOnebeing (thatand)theEPreleaseattheBarwonClub as well,” Fletcher said.

Referringtothemselvesas“OceanGrove’s onlyexport”ontheirSpotifypage,theseeds of the band were planted in high school.

Four of the five members attended

FROM THE ARCHIVES

KardiniaInternationalCollege,wherethree of them - Fletcher, guitarist Zach Parker and bassist Max Humphrey - played in the school’s band program together.

“There are these designated classes, so we were playing in the training band, woodwindandbrassinstruments,”Fletcher said.

“And then at lunchtime we’d go and play funny covers of Coldplay songs, stuff like that.”

After graduating in 2023, the trio stayed friends, and almost inevitably the idea of forming a band was thrown about.

Not long after the trio ran into an old friend at a service station - drummer Felix Walsh - and all of a sudden three became four.

“Then we started gigging, and I realised

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

10 years ago

2 to 15 March, 2016

The hunt for retailers for Kingston Village has begun after development company Lascorp appointed Colliers International as its exclusive leasing agent last week.

Colliers appointed Mike Crittenden and Bernard Canning as the agents for the soon-to-be-built shopping centre, which will be one of the largest in the Bellarine.

7 years ago 13 to 26 March, 2019

A federal Labor government will create anewheadspacecentreinOceanGrove if successful at the next election. Federal candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker announced the pledge at Bellarine Community Health in Ocean Grove.

4 years ago 11 to 24 March, 2022

Oakdene Vineyards has applied to the City of Greater Geelong to build and operate a restaurant and art gallery at BanksandAndersonRoads,Mannerim.

The project is expected to cost $1.55 millionanddeveloperssayitwill“boost tourism particularly on the Bellarine Peninsula year round and enhance its reputation as a fine food and drink region similar to the Yarra Valley”.

that I’m probably not cut out for playing guitar and singing at the same time on stage,” Fletcher said.

“We were friends with (guitarist) Alfie (Mason), so we got him to sign on.”

The result is a alt-rock outfit that blends garage, emo, shoegaze and folk; as the band put it, “if it can be played alone in the dark on an acoustic guitar, it can be played by a five-piece band with cranked amps and stacked pedalboards”.

“It’satoughone…IfIhadtoputoursound into a sentence, I probably couldn’t, but we’reabigfanofwhinywhiteboys,Iguess,” Fletcher said.

“If we could sound like a band from 1994, that would be mission: success.”

Bigfoot Sighting launch Tape One at the Barwon Club on Friday 13 March.

1 year ago 7 to 20 March, 2025

Geelong council has begun public engagementoverbigchangestoamajor Ocean Grove intersection and car park, prompting both approval and concerns from the community.

This week the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) opened an online engagement portal for the proposed sale of two lots of land on The Parade and The Terrace.

Local shopping in the Grove

In between jobs, Voice photographer Ivan Kemp snuck down to The Terrace in Ocean Grove to see who was shopping local on Tuesday 3 March.

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

12606035-SN21-23

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

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

12606701-KG21-23

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

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

12606706-RR21-23

THE RANGE @CURLEWIS

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Bellarine Repair Cafe

Volunteer repairers fix your items, such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Sunday 15 March, 12.30pm-3.30pm. repaircafebellarine.org.au

Bellarine Historical Society

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

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am. oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 7 March, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben.

0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. This year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers. 0448-391 366

Leopold Book Club

Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm in Leopold. Very friendly group, new members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969

Portarlington playgroup

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

Ocean Grove Library

Library closed Thursday 26 February to Wednesday 18 March for building maintenance and repainting works. Wednesday 25 March: book chat Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time Tuesdays 4-5pm: youth collective (ages 12-18)

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

Thursdays 3-4pm: tech help - drop in session for basic tech needs

Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace. Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday. 5258 1150

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm.

Soccer

Ocean Grove Soccer Club is recruiting players for the Under 15/16 girls team for the upcoming season with free registration for players. Girls turning 14, 15 or 16 this year. Playing kit provided, female coach. Training Wednesdays, 5.30-6.30pm, Shell Road reserve. oceangrovesc@gmail.com

No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun. Megan, 0439 317 344

Live music

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

Croquet

Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend. 0428 740 591

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome. Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

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

Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

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

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

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, Wednesday and Friday, 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea. 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes. Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls

Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm.

Fortnightly

1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456 Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996, or groveseniors101@gmail.com

Springs TOWN

Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight

Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. $5 per session, $54 annual fee. Bev, 0421 636 830

Bellarine TOWN

Bellarine TOWN Club meets Wednesdays,

noon-2pm at Ocean Grove Community Centre, 1 John Dory Drive. Affordable, supportive group for those trying to lose weight.

0478 615 683

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month. Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club. Raelene 4244 0376

Afternoon tea dance

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5. 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members. Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

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

Out and about

From when summer school holidays go back until Labor Day, it’s a great time for locals to explore our beaches with less crowds, but still mostly great weather. Tuesday 3 March was no exception and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach to find plenty still out and about.

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Rummaged (9)

Debris (6)

Interval (6)

Scent (5)

Waterway (5) 26 Great Barrier – (4)

3 LETTERS

BERRY BLUED BREAK

Today’s Aim:

18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 36 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”. I C

N I T S E U J

4 LETTERS AXIS DREW EBBS ERRS GRID LOFT SMOG SODA TEAS WEEP

5 LETTERS AFOOT AILED ARIAS ASSET AWAKE BALED BELLS

1 The French name for bite-sized confectionary, 'petit four', translates to what?

2 Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham (pictured) co-starred in which US comedy-drama series?

3 Released in 1969, The Edible Woman is the debut novel of which Canadian author?

4 True or false: the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland?

5 Toum is a staple condiment of Lebanese cuisine; what is its star ingredient?

6 What colour are the flowers of a wisteria plant?

7 Located between Asia and Africa, the Suez Canal connects which two seas?

8 Performed in 1997 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind was originally written for whom?

9 In what year did colour TV come to Australia?

10 Which French Impressionist painter is well-known for painting ballet dancers?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?

2. And which country finished on top of the overall medal tally?

3. Which state finished on top of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield cricket competition?

4. Who was the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali?

5. How many teams will be competing in the 2026 Formula One season?

6. Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy has won a record how many cups?

7. Former speed skater Steven Bradbury famously won gold at which Winter Olympic Games?

Which city will host Australia’s MotoGP race from 2027, replacing Phillip Island?

Super Rugby team Queensland Reds will play games in which European country in November?

10. Which car manufacturer has joined the 2026 Supercars Championship?

11. Which team will make their debut at the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

12. What does UFC stand for?

13. How many distinct scoring areas are there on a dartboard?

14. Which new team will join the NRL in 2028?

15. Where did taekwondo originate?

16. Which English soccer club did Socceroos striker Mohamed Toure successfully debut with in February?

17. Who was Player of the Match in game three of the Women’s T20 International Series?

18. What notable gaffe took place at the A-League Men’s match between Wellington and Auckland?

19. NRL prop Payne Haas dramatically defected from the Brisbane Broncos to join which other team?

20. Which team did the Matildas play in their opening game of the 2026 Asian Cup?

21. Australia’s poor form at the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup saw them only defeat Ireland and which other nation?

22. And which team finished top of the tournament’s Group B standings which Australia was a part of?

23. Winter Olympic gold medallist Eileen Gu was born in which country?

24. Mykelti Lefau plays for which AFL club?

25. Which country will host the 2030 Winter Olympics?

26. Hull Kingston Rovers defeated which NRL club in the 2026 World Club Challenge?

27. Which medal did the USA women’s ice hockey team win at the Winter Olympics?

Business DIRECTORY

ANTENNAS ArrowAntennas0439785703

KendallAntennaServices0404019781

AUTOMOTIVE

AutoCareOceanGrove(Repco)52551045

GardinerAutomotive52555380

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A1ChimneySweep&Co0426897479

COMPUTER SERVICES TechonDemand0400686394

CONVEYANCING

SurfsideConveyancingPtyLtd 52555556

DENTAL

BCHPrivateDentalServices PointLonsdale 52580828

OceanBreezeDentalPtyLtd 0352552584

ELECTRICIAN BarwonPowerSolutions0448884322

GroveElectrical(REC16943)0404022952

TNewmanElectricalServices0432413338

FENCING

CusmaFencing0421443543

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

KingsFunerals52483444

WilliamSheahanFunerals52513477

TuckersFuneraland BereavementService52214788

28. Which ground hosted the opening match of the 2026 AFL premiership season?

29. Which comedian and actor, known as a baseball fanatic, signed a one-day contract with the New York Yankees in 2008?

30. The Suncorp Super Netball competition celebrates what anniversary in 2026?

GARDEN & HOME

MAINTENANCE

Jim’sMowing131546

HEALTH & WELLBEING

EpichealthPortarlington42067200

Epichealth

OceanGroveMarketplace52562500

Epichealth

OceanGroveOceanPlaza42460300

OPTOMETRISTS

BellarineEyecare52561295

OceanEyesOptometrists52555655

PHYSIOTHERAPY

AlliedPhysiotherapy42247416

PLUMBING

SouthernPlumbingServices0419390222

PRESSURE WASHING

ABCPressureWashing0400139427

SECURITY DOORS

GeelongSecurityDoors52562985

SEWING MACHINE

SERVICING

HeightsSewingCentre52293558

SURVEYORS

SmithLandSurveyors52221234

TAKEAWAY

WoodiesPizza52554307

TYRES

SurfsideTyreCentre52555611

YOGA STUDIO

LotusYogaStudio0432067978

Is H7 aimed at ‘blokes’?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Haval has gone for a rugged, almost retro-look with its new the mid-sized H7 Hybrid, emphasised by bolt-on mudguard flares.

Well,theylookliketheybolton,butdespite theruggedexterioritisactuallyfront-wheel drive and shares its underpinnings with the softer H6 plug-in hybrid that we tested recently–thoughyoucan’tplugthisonein.

Which is kinda funny, we had planned to grab a charge spot across the road from the Orpheum Theatre in crowded Cremorne –until we discovered it doesn’t have a charge port.

Nope. Plan B turned out to be a rather longhikebacktothetheatreandalongline togetin.

In any case, H7 is designed to bridge the gap between the H6 and larger Tank 300 (which is designed to go off-road with low-rangefour-wheeldrive).

Haval claims the H7 strikes the perfect balance between weekend adventure and everyday versatility, and it has the best-sellingToyotaRAV4initscrosshairs.

Styling

There’s just the one H7 Vanta HEV, priced from$44,990pluson-roadcosts, although there’s talk of an AWD and PHEVtocome.

That’s only $5000 more than the similarly-equipped H6 Ultra HEV. Any colourbutwhiteadds$495totheprice.

H7’s squared-off proportions and upright stance create a rugged appearance, with assertive design elements like the round LED headlights and a bold, squared-off face.

Thegrilleandroundheadlightsremindus of something (an early Mitsubishi perhaps) while the hanging tail lights channel those oftheMazdaCX-3andCX-30.

Add to this 19-inch machined alloy wheels and a suite of blacked-out finishes, including the badging, front grille, mirror caps,windowtrims,roofrailsandtaillights.

Standard equipment includes artificial leather with real leather garnishes, two-zone climate air with rear outlets, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seatmemory.

There are also 19-inch alloys, with 235/60 profile tyres, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, LED lights all-round, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, with side blinds, along with an electric tailgateandelectric,panoramicsunroof.

Not to mention push-button, automatic parking.

H7 is converted by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year unlimited-kilometre battery packwarranty.

There’s also five-year roadside assistance andfive-yearcappedpriceservicing.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by the GWM’s Coffee OS.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, plus eight-speaker audio – but alas no built-in satellite navigation.

For that the general idea is to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on yourpoison–bothconnectwirelessly.

Two USB-A ports are provided, one in front and another in the rear, plus a 12-volt socket in the front, along with wireless phonecharging.

It also misses out on telematics which provide remote access and control of variousvehiclefunctions.

Safety

H7 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP. However, during the full-width frontal test, the head restraint dislodged fromthedriver’sseatback.

While ANCAP says this does not affect scoring under 2023-2025 rating criteria, it mayincreasetheriskofinjurytothedriver.

Asaresult,GWMhasinitiatedavoluntary safety recall for vehicles built before October15,2025.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centreairbagtostopthoseinthefrontfrom bangingheadsinasideimpactcrash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overheadtransparentchassisviewisfitted.

Autonomous emergency braking applies to car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junctionassistscenarios.

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping,plusanadvancedspeedassistance systemthatkeepstocurrentspeedlimits. Head-up display is part of the deal, but as we have pointed out on many occasions it does not work very well if you happen to wearpolarisedsunglasses.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging hybrid powertrain is the same as that in the H6 and produces 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speed dedicatedhybridtransmission.

Driving

Inside the H7 blends versatility, comfort, and technology to support an active lifestyle.

The boxy, upright design and five-seat configuration deliver plenty of head and shoulder room, along with excellent visibility.

A removable boot floor reveals a tyre repair kit but no spare wheel in the event of apuncture–notveryoff-roady.

But Haval reckons you can use the boot floorasapicnictable–we’dliketoseethat. Pseudostudsreinforcetheutilitarianfeel inside,withadigitalinstrumentclusterthat isinsetratherthanfreestanding.

A forward-tilted top section displays the current gear but little else, while its major role appears to be as a sunshade for the lowersection.Smartthinking.

A panoramic sunroof has a retractable shadethatispoweroperated.

With a 61-litre fuel tank, it takes standard 91 unleaded, with claimed fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km and a CO2 output of 131g/km. We were getting 7.1L/100kmafter450kmofdriving.

There’s the usual drive mode options: Normal,Eco,SportorSnow.

Steeringweightcanalsobeadjusted,with comfortable,sportorlightsettings.

The regenerative braking also adjusts, right down to one-pedal driving, although it does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

With plenty of torque, the H7 gets up and going pretty smartly, with well weighted steering,butbrakesthatarealittletouchy. Althoughtheridequalityisnotasgoodas the Australian-tuned H6 PHEV, it’s not too badeither.

With 210mm of ground clearance, it rides a bit higher than the H6 and as such doesn’t handle as well, but again it’s okay

foranSUV.

7.4

Front-wheel drive means dirt roads are okay, but we wouldn’t be taking it any furtheroffroadthanthat.

More worrying was the throttle which failed to respond at all for two or three seconds when we punched the accelerator hardontwooccasions.

Obviously, this could become an issue in somesituations.

Lots of beeps and warnings from drive assist,butnotasbadassome.

The eight-speaker sound system is interesting, with a DTS setting that makes ahugedifferencetothesoundquality,sobe sure to tick it. But getting the volume right canbeanissue.

There are no physical controls provided, and control from the steering wheel is a bit hitandmiss–perhapsmissing?

Fortunately hitting the mute button brings up a slider on the touchscreen after you un-mute it, allowing the volume to be adjusted.

Itdoesleavethefrontpassengerataloose end,however.

There’s no physical controls for the air-conditioningeither.

Summing up

You get the feeling the H7 is targeted at blokes. My wife wasn’t fussed on the styling, but stylingisastheysayaverypersonalthing. Other than the minor quibbles that we have identified and lack of satellite navigation, it looks like being another winner for Great Wall which incidentally is doing a great job responding to the demandsofthemarket.

Finals underway for juniors

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Nine of the 27 Tennis Geelong Junior Pennant grades began finals on Saturday 28 February.

In the Premier sections, things went the way of the favourites, with all four home teams taking the win.

Ocean Grove were pushed to a live doubles by Surfcoast Jan Juc but got over the line 8-3 in the boys while Drysdale did the same in the girls 8-4, despite Grovedale Black finishing ahead on sets.

Hamlyn Park ended Barwon Heads season in the Boys elimination final with a clean sweep of rubbers while Geelong Lawn took both singles to win the day in the girls before going down in the doubles to Grovedale Yellow.

Boys 1 was the closest section of the day with Geelong Lawn taking an early lead over minor premiers Lara, winning three of the four singles before Lara won both doubles 6-1 and 7-5 leaving them just one game short and into a prelim against Ocean Grove, who had to go to a deciding set against Grovedale before prevailing 6-4 in the seventh.

Wandana Heights and Western Heights Uniting also had a tight tussle in Girls 1 with the teams tied on sets and Wandana ahead by one game after the singles.

Western Heights took the first doubles 6-4, leaving Wandana needing to win the set 7-5 to prevail. Wandana eventually took the set in a tie-break, pushing the match into a seventh set, which saw Wandana come out winners 6-2.

The elimination final was a different story with Ocean Grove Blue proving much too good for Grovedale with a 6-0 clean sweep.

Boys 3 was the closest section at the end of home and away with only three points separating the four teams, and the finals were just as close.

Minor premiers Ocean Grove were tied on sets with Highton Blue after the singles, with a two-game lead to Highton.

Highton took the first doubles 6-3 to go ahead while the second doubles was a battle with the Grove eventually winning

7-5, but it wasn’t enough and will face Geelong Lawn in the prelim. Lawn gave themselves a great chance, winning three of the four singles against Waurn Ponds and despite the Ponds winning the second doubles 6-4, Lawn’s

winning the next five sets.

They will face Barwon Heads Blue after Surfcoast Torquay Blue almost took a clean sweep against them, with only a tie-break loss in the first doubles.

Grovedale’s one success was in Boys 6 where they kept their season alive by beating Barwon Heads. The teams were level on sets after the singles, but Grovedale’s doubles prowess saw them take both sets for a 4-2 win.

They will face Wandana Heights who had atough5-1losstoWesternHeightsUniting.

Point Lonsdale had a winning day in Boys 8 with the White team advancing to the decider with their win over Clifton Springs, and the Blue team getting over Inverleigh to avoid elimination.

White won three of the four singles and a doubles to progress while Inverleigh will be wondering what could have been, winning 29 games but only one set. Three tie-breaks went the way of Lonnie to put them through to the next round.

6-1 win in the first sealed it and kept their finals run alive.

Grovedale’s poor luck continued in the Girls 4 elimination final against Clifton Springs. Grovedale won the first singles, but from there the Springs took control,

Green Ball 8 produced two upsets. Minor premiers Teesdale won the first singles against All Saints, but the away team took control to advance, winning 5-1. St Mary’s only dropped the fourth singles against Barwon Heads to go through to the prelim. With the Labour Day long weekend, play will resume on 14 March.

East Belmont and North Geelong to meet in A Grade final

North Geelong won its way through to the Geelong Cricket Association women’s

A Grade grand final and will play East Belmont on Sunday 8 March.

With rain interrupting play in the semi-final against Geelong City, the Magpies were set a modified target of 98 from 24 overs after City made 5/125. North Geelong reached the target from the second ball of the 21st over.

East Belmont was too strong for Barwon Heads in the other semi-final and it promises to be a huge match to decide the premiership at South Barwon’s Lawn Addicts Oval.

GRAND FINALS

Sunday 8 March, 1pm

A Grade: East Belmont vs North Geelong at Lawn Addicts Oval, South Barwon Reserve, Belmont

B Grade: Anglesea vs Queenscliff at Queens Park No 1, Highton

C Grade: Bannockburn vs Torquay at Reynolds Oval, South Barwon Reserve, Belmont

D Grade: Thomson vs Armstrong Creek at Queens Park No 2, Highton

E Grade: Little River vs North Geelong at South Barwon Reserve No 5, Belmont

F Grade: Bell Park vs Jan Juc at South Barwon Reserve No 3, Belmont

G Grade: Geelong City vs East Belmont at South Barwon Reserve No 4, Belmont

SEMI-FINALS

Sunday 1 March

A Grade

East Belmont 2/98 (I. Fenner 41no, L. Tubb 28no, C. Walker 19) def Barwon Heads 97 (S. Don 23, B. Farey 2/4, C. Walker 2/6, A. Grinter 2/12) North Geelong 7/99 (I. Hanna-Phillips 32, B. Duff 19, P. Agg 2/14, I. Storrar 2/19) def Geelong City 5/125 (P. Agg 50no, E. Moloney 20, N. Millard 3/32) on DLS format, NG target 98 from 24 overs

B Grade

Queenscliff 5/100 (M. Bennett 32, H. Chalkley 30, V. King 3/25) def Barrabool 99 (J. Neil 25, A. Birrell 3/29, A. Frankpitt 2/8, J. Fletcher 2/13, S. Birrell 2/26)

Anglesea 5/119 (R. McCue 44no, J. Cartin 2/21) def Marshall 64 (C. Adelia 3/18, J. Lister 2/11, M. Connell 2/16)

C Grade

Torquay 4/121 (A. Oliver 40, P. Zotti 28no, E. French 25) def East Belmont 6/104 (N. Sheppard 23, P. Zotti 2/25)

Bannockburn 1/140 (B. Mitchell 51ret, L. Stephens 30) def Waurn Ponds Deakin 4/102 (C. Haynes 31no, C. Cashin 24, P.

McCormack 22, B. Mitchell 2/16) on DLS format, WPD target 113 off 16 overs

D Grade

Thomson 2/75 (C. Anderson 23ret, A. Kelly 23ret) def Grovedale 6/74 (F. Moran 18) Armstrong Creek 4/91 (C. Burnett 30ret,

L. Thistlewaite 2/16) def Geelong West 2/89 (K. Horne 23, C. Kearney 19ret)

E Grade Little River 4/78 (P. Sharp 25no, C. McKinlay 23no, C. Harwood 2/11) def Lethbridge 8/76 (K. Templeton 2/14, S. Whitfield 2/14) North Geelong 6/115 (H. Wray 31ret, M. Caruana 29) def St Peters 8/59 (A. Liddle 19, M. Caruana 2/10)

F Grade Bell Park 2/176 (M. Gerdtz 32ret, L. Marino 30ret, A. Aldridge 30ret, L. Neville 21) def Manifold Heights 69 (S. Williamson 21, A. Dowie 2/10, A. Aldridge 2/10, E. Bradley 2/12) Jan Juc 3/143 (C. Boxer 31ret, S. Huxtable 30ret, D. Murry 19no) def Wallington 8/65 (M. Annand 17, B. Withers 2/4)

G Grade

Geelong City 3/158 (K. Lambert 31ret, C. Vos 30ret, L. Fapani 23, K. O’Donnell 19, G. Pritchard 2/33) def Bell Park 3/127 (J. Taylor 33ret, K. Pearce 30ret) East Belmont 2/116 (S. Kennedy 30ret, F. Timberlake 25no, A. Kennedy 22) def Little River 7/115 (T. Kemp 30ret, I. Ryan 22, G. Templeton 21, E. Taylor 2/13, S. Kennedy 2/15, S. Neale 2/23)

Coutas get another crack

Queenscliff earned another crack at Ocean Grove in this Sunday’s Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final with a commanding win against Drysdale in the preliminary final on Saturday 28 February. The Coutas were too strong, winning 96 shots to 52 and minor premiers the Grovers will hold few fears for the side from the borough.

Queenscliff won both home and away season encounters and went down in an epic semi-final with Ocean Grove winning by two shots.

Mitchell Hocking’s rink had the biggest win of the afternoon, prevailing by 29 shots.

Ocean Grove also has teams in the Division 1, 2, 3 and 7 deciders. City of GeelongandTorquayeachhavethreesides competing across the 10 divisions.

PRELIMINARY FINALS

Saturday 28 February

Players name in order of skip, lead, second, third.

Premier Pennant: Queenscliff 96 def Drysdale 52: R. Butler, W. Visser, A. Green, R. Cameron 21 def M. Lawrence, M. Johnson, M. Jeffs, B. Howie 13; S. Sullivan, R. McGovern, B. Gladman, S. Monahan 17 tied with M. Godbolt, M. Rees, J. Fry, L. Lawrence 17; M. Hocking, C. Heard, J. Mahoney, J. Reilly 35 def J. Monahan, M. Neicho, M. Campbell, A. James 6; B. Russell, M. Speed, W. Macleod, N. Dixon 23 def A. Rees, M. Hommelhoff, A. Keranen, L. Donohue 16.

Division 1: City of Geelong 95 def St

Leonards 61: J. Shell, N. Robinson, S. Ashby, M. Nitchie 32 def T. Long, M. Maddox, L. Connors, G. Lund 12; N. Craven, H. Boult, K. Gooley, L. Harvey 17 def by M. Kennedy, R. Beattie, P. Garlick, A. Doyle 20; D. Vogele, G. Lane, N. Trease-Gordon, D. Wombell 21 def H. Dahler, F. Aston, D. Barnett, R. Michael 14; S. Tillson, R. Sutherland, S. Somerton, R. Gray 25 def A. Hills, J. Doyle, B. Auld, B. Culph 15.

Skips named from Division 2 onwards.

Division 2: Belmont 78 def Anglesea

73: A. Gemmill 19 def by K. Hogan 21; S. Abrahmsen 28 def P. Austin 10; J. Reed 11 def by L. Wilson 25; R. Stephens 20 def M. Stone 17.

Division 3: Ocean Grove 90 def

Queenscliff 84: G. King 31 def G. Butler 12; L. Kirk 14 def by G. Nicholson 28; M. Allen

25 def G. Warren 22; P. Patterson 20 def by B. Close 22.

Division 4: Geelong RSL 82 def Highton 71: W. Smith 32 def A. Cotterill 5; J. Southern 19 def J. More 15; N. Vivian 17 def by G. Duncan 26; B. Jennings 14 def by J. Haydon 25.

Division 5: Barwon Heads 75 def Leopold 66: A. Prosser 15 def by D. Gordon 21; G. Hood 22 def K. Barker 12; I. Duthie 22 def R. Morrow 16; A. Duthie 16 def by M. Wray 17.

Division 6: Torquay 70 def Clifton Springs 61: J. Pryor 16 def F. Hesterman 11; G. Williams 22 def B. Stockley 11; M. Slater 17 def by H. Lush 19; D. Burns 15 def by J. Burt 20.

Division 7: Anglesea 66 def Leopold 64: L. McConchie 11 def by R. Cloke 24; C. Bird 16 def J. Potter 13; A. Stephen 19 def S. Hall

15; W. Smith 20 def A. Kerley 12.

Division 8: Torquay 84 def Ocean Grove 68: B. Ryan 19 tied with J. Robertson 19; P. Phillips 18 def by P. Barker 22; R. Tapping 21 def M. Turnley 17; P. Loeliger 26 def L. Berryman 10.

Division 9: Bell Post Hill 72 def Norlane 54: G. Lamb 27 def N. Watson 10; D. Hodges 16 def by T. Waters 29; A. Barrett 29 def D. O’Connell 15.

Division 10: City of Geelong 46 def Torquay 37: G. Madley 21 def S. Macgugan 17; S. Tillson 25 def V. Balestra 20.

GRAND FINALS

Sunday 8 March, 1pm

Premier Pennant: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at Belmont

Division 1: Ocean Grove vs City of Geelong at Belmont

Saturday 7 March, 1pm

Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Belmont at Geelong Eastern Park

Division 3: City of Geelong vs Ocean Grove at Eastern Park

Division 4: Norlane vs Geelong RSL at Ocean Grove

Division 5: Torquay vs Barwon Heads at Leopold

Division 6: Geelong vs Torquay at Highton

Division 7: Ocean Grove vs Anglesea at Bareena

Division 8: Drysdale vs Torquay at Highton

Division 9: Point Lonsdale vs Bell Post Hill at Ocean Grove

Division 10: Geelong RSL vs City of Geelong at Ocean Grove

All-Grove final as midweek bowls gears up for grand finish

Both Ocean Grove sides will meet each in the grand final of the Geelong Bowls Region Midweek Division 1 on Tuesday 10 March.

Ocean Grove’s Division 2 side will play Queenscliff with both finals at Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club. The other grand final at Drysdale is the Division 4 decider with Ocean Grove taking on Bareena. Eastern Park also has four teams competing across 10 divisions - Divisions 3, 7, 9 and 10.

GRAND FINALS

Tuesday 10 March, 10am

Division 1: Ocean Grove (1) vs Ocean Grove (2) at Drysdale

Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at Drysdale

Division 3: Eastern Park vs Portarlington at Belmont

Division 4: Bareena vs Ocean Grove at Drysdale

Division 5: Anglesea vs Geelong at Leopold Sportsmans Club

Division 6: St Leonards vs Torquay at Belmont

Division 7: Eastern Park vs Torquay at Belmont

Division 8: Norlane vs St Leonards at Leopold Sportsmans Club

Division 9: Eastern Park vs Bannockburn at Highton

Division 10: Barwon Heads vs Eastern Park at Highton

PRELIMINARY

Tuesday 3 March

FINALS

Players name in order of skip, lead, second, third.

Division 1: Ocean Grove (2) 62 def St Leonards 54: A. Callow, G. King, J. Curran, S. Collins 24 def H. Dahler, J. Doyle, P. Garlick, R. Michael 14; B. Smith, M. Jacobs, G. Brookes, P. Patterson 20 def by T. Long, M. Maddox, G. Lund, M. Kennedy 22; S. Avery, I. Donald, B. Dee, J. Dwyer 18 tied

with R. Emerson, D. Roberts, B. Culph, T. Doyle 18.

Division 2: Queenscliff 82 def Highton

46: G. Nicholson, J. Shiell, L. Graham, B. Gladman 27 def P. Monk, P. Stribley, J. Muelblok, M. Lyne 16; B. Close, M. Ridgway, D. Warren, M. Winton 28 def B. Lombardi, C. Milligan, V. Stone, S. Griffiths 12.

Skips named from Division 3 onwards.

Division 3: Portarlington 57 def Anglesea

53: B. Hirth 22 tied with B. Coyle 22; D. Dunlop 20 def K. Hogan 14; B. Lockyer 15

def by L. Wilson 16.

Division 4: Ocean Grove 64 def St

Leonards 51: R. Wilkinson 20 def D. Barnett 18; L. Stonehouse 19 def B. Padgham 18; D. Stonehouse 25 def B. Millichamp 15.

Division 5: Geelong 53 def Ocean Grove

50: J. McKean 16 tied with B. Poole 16; J. McDonnell 18 tied with R. Foley 18; F. Wheat 19 def H. Allan 16.

Division 6: Torquay 63 def Barwon Heads

54: M. Wake 18 def S. Woodman 12; P. Phillips 16 def by A. Duthie 29; L. Avent 29

def S. Hicks 13.

Division 7: Torquay 58 def Ocean Grove

46: G. Robinson 21 def D. Clark 9; R. Hannan 11 def by D. Mackay 24.

Division 8: St Leonards 44 def Geelong 30: G. Tame 28 def V.

Division

Queenscliff into the decider

Queenscliff is into the Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final against Ocean Grove on Sunday after defeating Drysdale in the prelim on Saturday 28 February. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Leopold Sportsmans Club to see it unfold.

Cobras and Grubbers clash

Neighbours and rivals Collendina and Ocean Grove are locked in an important battle that will shape the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade finals. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve on Saturday 28 February to capture some of the action.

Pressure on Cobra batters

By Justin Flynn

Collendina’shopesofplayinginaBellarine

Peninsula Cricket Association semi-final now rest with its batters after the bowling attack delivered on day one of the final round of the season.

The Cobras can wrap up a finals spot if they defeat Ocean Grove and they bowled thetopsideoutfor143,albeitonapainfully slow ground at Memorial Reserve on Saturday 28 February.

Collendina spinner Jacob Gasior said the outfield was slow, but his side still performed well.

“It’s one of the slowest I’ve seen this year,” he said.

“We bowled alright as well, but it doesn’t help the batting side. I think we’re on top.

“They’re a pretty good batting side so when you keep them to under 200, even though it’s slow and small square, we’re pretty happy. It’s still that awkward score where a few quick wickets and you just never know.

It’s not like we’re chasing 70 or 80. We still have to make them and someone’s still going to have to step up and do the job.”

Three bowlers shouldered the workload for the Cobras, sending down 63 of the 73 oversfortheday.CoreyWalter(3/40from26 overs), left-arm spinner Stan Grazotis (3/26 from22)andGasior(3/43from15)operated for most of the afternoon while Dan Roddis batted well for Grove making 43 from 101 deliveries.

GasiorsaidwithGrazotis and Walter not conceding many runs, it allowed him some freedom to be a bit more attacking.

“I’m not that sort of bowler,” he said.

“I’m more throw it up in the slot. I might get hit for a few more, so when there’s pressure on at the other end constantly, it makes my life a lot easier.

“There’s quite a few guys that didn’t get a bowl that have been bowling really well lately. It’s just getting to that pointy end of theseasonandwethoughttheslowertypes wouldbenefitusmore.Itwasatacticonthe slow ground.”

While Collendina will rely on Walter and Grazotis again this week, but with the bat, Harrisyn Wingrave found form last round with an unbeaten 70.

“I feel like he’s been just on the verge,” Gasior said.

“He started the season off pretty well, and then just lost a bit of confidence in the middle there and hopefully that (innings) brings it back because he’s got the game.

“He’s still learning his own game and how not to go out early, but once he’s set, he looks really good.”

Collendina can still make the finals with a loss providing Wallington defeats Winchelsea while Ocean Grove will finish top with a win and probably stay there on percentage even with a loss.

PORTARLINGTON holds the upper hand against St Leonards after making 230 all out with Joel De Bono (81) and Paul McGrath (49) getting runs. James Burns (4/53 from 21.2 overs) steamed in all day for the Saints while Seb Harrison and Brian White took three wickets each. The winner will play finals providing Winchelsea loses to Wallington. The Saints could lose and make it on percentage if they aren’t bowled out for a low total and Winch must lose.

WINCHELSEA on the other hand will need to defeat Wallington and hope one

of St Leonards or Collendina loses. The Kookaburraswerealloutfor140ondayone with Jarrod Groves making 63 while Dane Wise-Graham took 4/26 for the Wallabies. In reply, Wallington is 1/27 and cannot slip any lower than second.

NEWCOMB posted 162 all out against Surf Coast with Shane Healey making 66 and Suns pair Akashvir Singh and Blake Robinson each taking five wickets. Surf Coast had six overs to negotiate before stumps and wiped off four runs from the target without losing a wicket.

Barrabool on top as it aims to secure a spot in the finals

By Justin Flynn

Barrabool’s quest for a Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade finals spot remains on track after a solid batting display against Jan Juc on day one of the final round on Saturday 28 February.

The Bulls simply need to win to stay in the four and compiled 237 all out at Bob Pettit Reserve, Jan Juc.

Opener Shane Stevens again anchored the innings with 51 from 161 balls and Aaron Pickering made 30 with Barrabool 1/129 just before Stevens’ dismissal.

Kane Pickering’s superb form continued with 74 from 167 deliveries while Sharks’ seamer Jordy Graham again shouldered the bowling workload.

Graham took 5/65 from 28 probing overs and will finish the season with 35 wickets at an average of 15.28 and a stunning economy rate of 2.73 runs per over. Spinner Tom Kearney took 3/57 from 15 overs.

QUEENSCLIFF is also on track for a finals spot and is control against Drysdale. Also needing to win to guarantee a semi-final, the Coutas declared at 9/227 with Hayden Illingworth (46 not out), Tom

Bakker (34), Jordan Monahan (32 off 26 balls), Frank Mileto (31) and Lachie Kidd (28) all contributing.

Blake Dobbin took 4/64 from 22 overs to finish with 27 for the season while slow bowler Ben Spencer snared 3/47 from 21 overs for Drysdale.

With two overs before stumps, Monahan struck with his first delivery to have the Hawks 1/5 going into day two.

THE clash between Anglesea and Armstrong Creek still has a lot to play out, but the Titans are favourites.

Armstrong Creek needs to win to play finals, although if other results don’t go their way, they can still overtake Anglesea on percentage, which would require them to pass the target of 146 with as few wickets down as possible.

Ash Poulton top scored for the Seas with 49 not out from 178 deliveries in the face of some tight bowling. Simon Umbers made 34, but it was paceman Ted Walliss who

gave Armstrong Creek the upper hand with a superb spell to finish with 6/39 from 15 overs.

In reply, the Titans negotiated the four overs remaining safely to end at 0/8.

INVERLEIGH could well be relegated after Saturday’s final game, but gave undefeated Barwon Heads some serious headaches.

The Kookaburras were superb with the ball, restricting the runaway ladder leaders to 9/190.

The Heads struggled to get the attack away with Cameron McKinley (44 from 135 balls) and Dan Donaldson (37 from 113) digging after losing two early wickets.

Left-arm seamer Daniel Midolo again proved hard to score from and finished with a deserved 5/53 from 22 overs while Murphy Walker’s right-arm seam was rewarded with 2/29 from 22 overs, including the wickets of McKinley and Donaldson.