Ocean Grove Voice - 17th April 2026

Honouring those who served

One young man has worked hard to make sure soldiers buried at Drysdale Cemetery receive recognition worthy of their sacrifices.

Australian Army Cadet Sergeant Taylan Black, pictured here at the grave of Private C Kilby, has mobilised his community to help him honour the buried Anzacs with Australian flags.

On 22 April Taylan and 11 other volunteers from local organisations will install approximately 100 flagpoles beside the graves of local veterans, which will be taken down a few days after Anzac Day.

Inspired by his family’s history of national service and opportunity to learn a range of important skills, Taylan, now 17, joined the Army Cadets when he was 13.

Since then, he has learned a lot about mateship, teamwork, leadership and the importance of looking after each other. This year’s Anzac Day Flags for Veterans initiative is the realisation of nearly two years of advocating for the recognition of Drysdale’s fallen veterans.

Read the full story on page 6.

Bike park warning

Local riders are struggling to contain their enthusiasm as the Bellarine’s new state-of-the-art bike park nears completion.

After a series of unauthorised, after-hours visits by bike riders, the City of GreaterGeelonghasurgedthecommunity to help protect the nearly-finished facility. According to a council media statement, riders have been trying out the course’s jumps before they have been finished and cured.

The unauthorised riders have not only caused significant damage to the surfaces, ruining the shape of lips and landings, they have also put themselves at serious

risk of harm due to unfinished features, blind hazards and machinery.

BikeparkcommitteememberJoMansell said the enthusiasm in the community wasunderstandablegiventheanticipation surrounding the facility.

“Ithinkwe’vebeentalkingaboutitforso long - is it going to happen? And now the reality’s kicked in and there’s a massive vibe,” she said.

“Andasmuchaswe’retryingtoputitout there to stay away, the kids just can’t wait.

And actually, it’s not just the kids.”

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said while locals may have spotted specialised crews testing the

surface, that was not “an invitation to give it a go, too”.

“These highly trained experts, who are aware of each hidden hazard, are testing the track in controlled conditions as part of the construction development,” she said.

“Safetyisourtoppriorityandtrespassing isputtingriders’livesatrisk,sopleasestay off the site during construction to ensure the centre is secure, durable and opens on time.

“We can’t wait to welcome riders to this superior facility.”

The project’s design and construction was not only centred around delivering

an outstanding riding experience, but also sustainability, Cr Wilkinson said.

“The use of recycled crushed concrete from the former Alcoa site meant we reduced waste to landfill, stayed within budget, lowered project carbon emissions and supported local businesses,” she said.

“The process has also contributed to the decommissioned site’s remediation, guided by strict health and environmental regulation.

“This world-class facility is set to thrill ridersofallskilllevelsandages,encourage new riders to the sport and attract visitors from across the state, which will support the Bellarine’s economy.”

Best of the best celebrated

The Gordon TAFE celebrated its most talented and inspiring students, apprentices and trainees at the 2026 Gordon Excellence Awards earlier this month.

Held at Geelong Arts Centre, the annual awards ceremony highlighted the best of The Gordon’s 12,000 students from 2025 across 19 award categories.

Will Tasic took out The Gordon’s Student of the Year award, having completed his certificate III in barbering and displaying technicalskill,tenacityanddetermination to transform his passion into a career.

“This course has helped me build real confidence through hands-on skills, while also teaching me focus and time

management,” he said.

“I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Commercial cookery student Simone Brown, who now works in one of Melbourne’s leading restaurant kitchens, was named Apprentice of the Year.

“I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where every service brings new challenges and opportunities to learn,” she said.

“The kitchen combines teamwork and creativity in a way that constantly pushes me to improve.”

Chair of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Bernadette Uzelac AM received The

Gordon’s 2026 Alumni Excellence award and Jakaylah-Rose Storrar won the Koori Excellence award.

Acting chief executive Lisa Barton said the awards celebrated far more than academic success.

“Success doesn’t happen by accident,” she said. “It starts with a vision - a goal you commit to, a supported environment, an inclusive learning experience.

“(With these awards) we celebrate students who have faced challenges, overcome setbacks and kept going. Their success is not just about talent.

“At the heart of every student is the hope that effort, learning and perseverance will open doors.”

The region is ready to pause and remember

Anzac Day marches and services will take place across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.

ANZAC DAY, SATURDAY 25 APRIL

Anglesea

Dawn service: 6.15am, War Memorial, Cameron Park, Anglesea

March: 9.45am, Memorial Hall, McMillan Street, Anglesea

Commemorativeservice: 10am, Anglesea

RSL Sub-Branch, 30 Murray Street, Anglesea

Barwon Heads

March and commemorative service: 8:45am, Barwon Heads Community Hall, 77 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads

Drysdale

March: 10.40am, corner Eversley and Princess Streets, Drysdale

Commemorativeservice: 11am, Drysdale

Cenotaph, High Street, Drysdale

Refreshments: Barbecue for a gold coin donation at Drysdale RSL Sub-Branch, 13 Princess St, Drysdale

Geelong

Pre-dawnservice: 4.15am, Geelong Peace Memorial, Johnstone Park, Geelong Dawn service: 6am, Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong

Dawnservice: 6.15am,BoerWarMemorial, corner Latrobe Terrace and Kilgour Street, Geelong

Wreath laying service: 9am, Geelong RSL Sub-Branch, 50 Barwon Heads Road, Belmont

March and commemorative service: 10.30am, Geelong Peace Memorial, Johnstone Park

Leopold

Commemorative service: 8am, Leopold War Memorial, corner Melaluka Road, Stringers Lane

Norlane

Dawn service: 6am, St Thomas Aquinas Church, 51 Plume Street, Norlane

March: 9.20am, corner Melbourne and Sparks Roads, Norlane

Commemorativeservice: 10am, Norlane

RSL Sub-Branch, 29-31 Rose Avenue, Norlane

Ocean Grove

Dawn service: 6am, Ocean Grove Park cenotaph, The Avenue, Ocean Grove

Gunfire breakfast: 7am (provided by Rotary after the dawn service), Ocean Grove Park cenotaph, Ocean Grove

March and commemorative service: 9.45am, Ocean Grove Park cenotaph, Ocean Grove

Point Lonsdale

March: 8.40am, Kirk Road shops, Point

Lonsdale

Commemorative service: 9am, Point

Lonsdale Cenotaph, Glaneuse Road, Point Lonsdale

Portarlington Dawn service: 6.30am, the cenotaph,

Newcombe Street

March & commemorative service: 10:45am, Portarlington and St Leonards

RSL Sub-Branch, 8 Harding Street, Portarlington, march to the cenotaph

Queenscliff

Dawn service: 5.45am, Ocean View carpark, south end of Hesse Street

March: 10.30am, Queenscliff Post Office, 47 Hesse Street, Queenscliff

Commemorative service: 11am, Fort Queenscliff

St Leonards

Commemorative service: 9am, St Leonards Memorial Hall, 1342 Murradoc Road, St Leonards

Torquay

Dawn service: 5.55am, Anzac Parade, Point Danger. Gunfire breakfast after service.

Reunion: 8.30am, Bells Beach Brewing, 2/22 Baines Crescent, Torquay

MsBartonsaidTheGordon“workedhard to cultivate a learning environment where every student feels welcomed, supported and empowered”.

“These students, apprentices and traineesrepresentthebestofTheGordon,a diverse, talented and determined group of learners who set out to achieve something more,” she said. “To be named a finalist from such a large and diverse student cohortisanoutstandingachievement,and one that reflects perseverance, skill and commitment.

“The evening also acknowledged the important role of teachers, mentors, families and employers in supporting student success.”

Stairs help with beach access

Access to an Ocean Grove beach is now easier with upgrades to the stairs leading down to the sand from Collendina Bonnyvale Road now complete.

Barwon Coast said the works were completed ahead of the busy Easter period, with the stairs replacing ageing infrastructure that had been impacted by storms and coastal erosion.

The stairs were designed to improve safety while protecting the surroundingduneenvironment.

The upgrade has been delivered with support from the Victorian government’s 2024/25 Coastal Public AccessandRiskGrantsProgram.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Peter Farrell said the project reflected the importance of balancing community access with environmentalprotection.

“This upgrade delivers a safer, more resilient access point for the communitywhilecarefullymanaging the impacts on the surrounding dune environment,”hesaid.

“We know how valued this location is and this project ensures people can continuetoenjoythecoastsafely,now andintothefuture.”

Barwon Coast said new alignment minimised disturbance to the dune ecosystem and provided a safe access pointforbeachusers.

The works also included improvements to fencing, pathways andsurroundingaccesspoints.

“The Victorian government is proud to support projects like this that improve public access while protecting our coastline,” Member for BellarineAlisonMarchantsaid.

Recycled green bin waste is good for gardens and better for Geelong

Community members can now get A-grade compost made from Geelong’s recycled green bin waste at more outlets across Geelong,theBellarineandtheSurfCoast.

BetterforGeelongcompost,firstlaunched as a 25-litre bagged product in October last year, is now available at Fagg’s Mitre 10 SouthGeelongandWallingtonstores.

Made from garden waste collected in green bins across Greater Geelong, the City’s compost is a growing part of its circulareconomyprogram.

Eachyear,about35,000tonnesofmaterial is processed at the City’s Anakie organics facility, turning the green waste into

high-quality compost instead of dumping it inlandfill.

The recycling of the green waste also cuts emissions and supports local jobs, promotingastronglocalrecyclingindustry. Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson said the bagged compost launch was an excitingstepforward.

“This is a great moment for our community. Every time someone uses their green bin correctly, they’re helping create a product that goes straight back into local gardens, parks and sporting grounds,” said CrWilkinson.

“Seeing our homegrown compost on the shelves at Mitre 10 shows how powerful a circular economy can be. It shows how the humble home green bin can create real products,realjobsandrealenvironmental benefits right here in Greater Geelong.

“It also highlights how our region is leading the way in sustainability and innovation.”

Bulk compost can also be purchased from Lara Garden Supplies, Southpoint Garden Supplies in Torquay, and Wallington WRG.

Visit geelong.link/bettercompost for more information.

Boost for women in sport

Women and girls in sport across the Bellarine will benefit from a $50,000 VicHealth grant.

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) received the grant as part of the Growing Healthy Communities Grant program aimed at gender equality women and girls’ participationinsportandphysicalactivity.

The grant will support the development oftheActiveGirlsBellarineprojectandwill help create a resource toolkit and online training modules to help coaches, teachers and community leaders attract and retain girls and women in sport and movement.

Through Active Girls Bellarine, BCH’s Healthy Communities Team will provide trainingtocommunitychampionstomake

more local places feel safe for girls and women to enjoy being active.

“We are excited to have been successful in the Growing Healthy Communities Grant,”HealthyCommunitiesTeamacting manager Pen Lynch said.

“WelookforwardtodeliveringtheActive Girls Bellarine project across the Bellarine region.

“As a member of Respect 2040, equality is at the core of our work. We understand the value of working at the grassroots level to support gender equality throughout the Bellarine community.”

The focus on girls and women comes at a time when there are many reasons physicalactivityratesarelowerforfemales

than males. Women and girls report time constraints, cost, low confidence, fear of judgment, limited access to welcoming options and gender-based sociocultural expectations as things that make it harder for them to be active (VicHealth, 2019).

BCH’s own research in 2024 found that girls on the Bellarine need more supportive, inclusive and flexible options to be more active.

The outcomes of the Growing Healthy Communities grant will enhance gender equality across the Bellarine community.

This project supports BCH’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion through enabling a safe and equal community for all to enjoy.

Planting food for healthy communities

By Jena Carr

Organisations across Greater Geelong and the Bellarine are continuing to provide more access to healthy food, while keeping people active and connected to their community.

TwoBellarineandfourGreaterGeelong projects were successful during the second round of VicHealth’s $6.5 million Growing Healthy Communities grants program.

Food education organisation Farm My School received $150,000 to expand its established veggie box program through the Sustainable Food Network – Building Resilient Local Food Systems project.

Chief executive and co-founder James McLennan said the project would bring local producers and growers together to educate the Greater Geelong and Bellarine community on sustainable food options.

“We have amazing producers on the Bellarine,andwe’vegotareallybeautiful opportunity to bring them together...to create a resilient food system,” he said.

“We want to speak with producers and growers to get their input, knowledge, experience, and expertise, along with what they want to see in the future around keeping their produce local.

“It also provides opportunities for the general population to partake in

workshopsordifferentlearningactivities where they can engage with their local food system and growers.”

Bellarine Community Health secured $50,000 to help attract and retain girls and women in sports through its Active Girls Bellarine project, while Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative secured $150,000 for its Merreedyegg Tucker Program.

Norlane Community Initiatives’ Grow. Cook. Eat. Move program, Growing Together Geelong’s Kitchen Garden Network program, and Norlane Community House’s food garden project also received grants through the program.

Financial support available for positive ageing

Applications are now open for local community groups and organisations seeking financial support for activities and eventscentredonpeopleaged55andover.

The City of Greater Geelong’s Positive AgeingGrantsprogramoffersgrantsofupto $1000 to support community-led activities such as workshops, dances and concerts, sporting activities, art and craft, digital learningandculturalexperiences.

Aged Care Advisory Committee chair councillorRowanStorysaidnowisthetime tothinkaboutapplying.

“Grants are a terrific way we can support the delivery of important programs,” hey said. “I encourage community groups and

organisations to take advantage of the informationsessiontolearnmoreaboutthe fundingopportunity.”

The grants program aims to promote increased physical activity and socialisation, promote mental health and wellbeing, celebrate achievements and provide opportunities for intergenerational activities.

Organisations eligible for the grants include incorporated not-for-profit groups, unincorporated groups with an auspice, registered charitable organisations and schoolorlearninginstitutions.

Supported activities must be available to anyoneaged55oroverforfreeoratlowcost.

Coaches will support students

Schools on the Bellarine and around the region are now supported by a program designed to create welcome and inclusive learning environments for all students, including those with disabilityanddiverselearners.

Deputy premier and minister for educationBenCarrollannouncedlate last week that 24 mainstream schools across the Greater Geelong region would be supported by Inclusion Outreach Coaches (IOCs), including fiveschoolsacrosstheBellarine. IOCs are specialists who work within schools to help teachers and staffdevelopthecapabilitytosupport students’ learning and wellbeing through high-quality inclusive practices.

Part of the Victorian government’s $1.8 billion disability inclusion reforms, the IOC initiative began in 2021 and is now in the final stages of the program’s rollout, with 665 mainstream schools in the state now partoftheprogram.

The Bellarine schools now supported by the IOC program include Bellarine Secondary, Leopold Primary, St Leonards Primary, Surfside Primary and Wallington Primaryschools.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the Labor government was “investing to make sure staff and students are supported in inclusive learningenvironments”.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Positive Ageing Grants would help ensure people were respected, supported, and encouraged to participate in community lifenomattertheirage.

“Growing older shouldn’t mean giving up on hobbies, activities and experiences that make us happy,” he said. “Through our Positive Ageing Grants, we’re supporting local groups and organisations who make sure people aged 55 and over continue to feelincludedinourcommunity.”

Visit geelong.link/PAGInfo to register for the Positive Ageing Grants information sessionorgeelongaustralia.com.auformore informationonthegrantsprogram.

Roundabout safety boost

Works are now complete on a new roundabout and safety barriers in Connewarre, helping boost safety and reduce congestion for drivers across the Bellarine.

Thenewroundaboutwillmakeiteasierfor drivers to safely enter and exit the Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road and Staceys Roadintersection.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the upgrades would

help keep traffic moving and reduce the riskofcrashesastrafficvolumesontheroad continuetoincrease.

“This new roundabout will make it easier forlocalsandvisitorstogetwheretheyneed togosafely,”shesaid.

“We know this is a fast-growing area, which is why we’ve delivered this upgrade toimprovesafetyandkeeppeoplemoving.”

More than 10,000 vehicles use the road each day during peak summer periods,

including 1000 heavy vehicles, with the upgrade featuring improved sightlines at theintersection.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said Barwon Heads Road was a key route that connected Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula.

“This is a great outcome for the Bellarine community, making this busy intersection safer and easier to navigate every day,” she said.

Milestone for Queenscliff Coast Guard

By Jena Carr

Members of the Coast Guard Queenscliff willtradetheopenwatersforartisticwalls thisweekendforaspecial50thanniversary celebration.

Art and maritime heritage will come together during a free Maritime Art Exhibition, featuring more than 100 pieces of art on display at the Queenscliff UnitingChurch.

Flotilla commander Chris Smith said Coast Guard volunteers would be

available during the exhibition to answer communityquestions.

“It’s really about community engagement for us and providing an opportunity to be a part of something a little bit different to what we’re normally involvedin,”hesaid.

“We’ll be able to share a little bit about what we do and give people, who might not necessarily know who we are, the opportunitytohearaboutusandseewhat wedo.”

MrSmithsaiditwas“mind-blowing”to

have the Coast Guard celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and encouraged peopletocomealongtotheexhibition.

“We’re looking forward to a great year, and we’ll still be here to help the community as we enjoy doing that...and we’ve got such a broad, fascinating and diversecommunity.”

Coast Guard Queenscliff’s 50th AnniversaryMaritimeArtExhibitionwill run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 18 AprilandSunday19April,withentryfree andgoldcoindonationswelcomed.

Upgrades included new turning lanes into Barwon Heads Airport, relocated bus stops,linemarking,signage,streetlighting, andareducedspeedlimitof80km/h. On-road bike lanes have also been installed along Barwon Heads Road, along with new pedestrian paths, refuges and parkingnearbusstops.

Crews will return in upcoming weeks to complete minor works, including landscaping.

Young people’s experiences key to loneliness

The City of Greater Geelong is seeking young people to help tackle the growing impact of loneliness and isolation among the region’s youth.

According to the City’s recent social inclusion needs analysis, 60 percentofyoungpeopleexperience loneliness,whichcanhavenegative effects on their health, wellbeing, friendshipsandeducation.

The needs analysis also found people living in areas of disadvantage or new growth felt more isolated than residents in othersuburbs.

As part of its Youth Social Connection Project, the City will hold five workshops through May and June to explore what helps young people feel like they belong, what barriers they face and what canmakeadifference.

JuniormayorVigneshRamsaidas a young person in Geelong he knew how important it could be to feel a senseofbelonging.

“I believe this project will give youngpeoplearealchancetoshare their experiences and be part of ideasthatcanmakeourcommunity more inclusive and connected,” he said.

“It truly is a great opportunity to have your voice heard and make a genuineimpact.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said project participants’ insights could help other young people feel more connected, supported and included.

“We know that financial insecurity, relationship breakdowns, bullying, grief and moving are just some of the issues that contribute to loneliness in youngpeopleandthattheycanface severalbarriersatonce,”hesaid.

“If you’ve ever felt lonely or isolated,orhavesupportedsomeone whohas,wewanttohearfromyou.”

Young people can express their interestatyoursay.geelongaustralia. com.au/Youth-Social-ConnectionProjectuntilThursday30April.

Literature lovers invited to connect with others during global book crawl

Book lovers across the Bellarine and Surf Coast regions can explore and connect with different communities through a sharedpassionforreading.

The Bellarine and Surf Coast Global Book Crawl will run from 20 to 26 April and aims to strengthen community bonds whilehighlightingthevitalrolebookstores play in supporting authors, readers and publishers.

Local coordinator and owner of Torquay Books Lynne Main said ten regional bookshops across the Surf Coast and Bellarine, including her own, will participateinthisyear’sbookcrawl.

“Bookstores are just beautiful spaces to browse, spend your time and get lost in your thoughts, and we see it happen here

allthetime,”shesaid.“They’reallalittlebit different,andthey’vegottheirlittleniches, andthepeoplewhoownthemcuratethem tosuittheircommunity.

“Maybepeoplewholiveinsomeofthose towns can come and have a look at our shopandgoforadrivedownthecoastand seesomeoneelse’sshop.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people who don’t normally come to our shop, like visitors to the region who want to go to all the little towns around the coast and discoverthebookshops.”

Peoplecanpickupastamppassportand collect stamps from the bookstores they visit, with participants receiving a free audiobook from Libro.fm after collecting stampsfromsixoutof10shops.

Respect to Diggers’ graves

By Matt Hewson

One Bellarine student is spearheading a community project to honour local veterans on Anzac Day.

Bellarine Secondary College school captain Taylan Black, 17, has rallied community members and local residents to help place approximately 100 Australian flags at veterans’ graves at Drysdale Cemetery for Anzac Day.

Taylan, who is also a cadet sergeant in the Australian Army Cadets, first came up with the idea for the Anzac Day Flags for Veterans project in 2024.

“I was talking with my mum about Anzac Day and I just had an idea of what we could do to help represent our veterans in our community,” he said.

“Then I looked at what Cobden and Colac have done and kind of copied their idea to help strengthen our community in this way.”

While that year Taylan organised to have small flags placed by the graves of the local soldiers, this Anzac Day they will be adorned by full-sized flags on two-meter steel flagpoles.

The flags will then be respectfully removed from the cemetery a few days later.

“I approached the school with the idea to see if they would back me with it, which they did,” he said.

“They also reached out to the Drysdale RSL and other community groups to see what they thought about the idea and if they would support it.

“I’m very excited to see it happen. We’ve been trying to work toward this for a year or so now, and we finally have enough funding and support that we can do it.”

Organisations including Bellarine North Rotary Club, Elstone Diving Services, Bellarine Vintage Machinery Club and Clifton Springs Community Men’s Shed are also involved with the project, as is member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, donating funding and labour to install

the flagpoles and flags in the lead-up to 25 April.

Taylan first joined Geelong’s 32 Australian Army Cadets unit in 2022 when he was 13 years old.

“I joined Cadets for a couple of reasons; I had people in my family that served and I also wanted to learn some new skills,” he said.

“One of the main things is definitely leadership. (As a sergeant) I’m instructing through either drill or other aspects like navigation, radio communication. First aid is also one of the big ones.

“I’ve learned about orienteering, teamwork, as well as welfare, looking out for people and being there for them.”

Soldiers from a number of conflicts are buried at Drysdale, including veterans who served in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War.

Research by the Bellarine Cemeteries Working Group has revealed there were more than 400 enlistments in WWI connected with the Drysdale area. To date, seven of the WWI graves at Drysdale are unmarked.

The cemetery also contains at least 15 identified servicemen from WWII and has a section set aside for soldiers and sailors of the Imperial and Colonial services.

Taylan said he hoped the Anzac Day Flags for Veterans initiative could be established as an ongoing annual tribute involving local students and the wider community.

“What we’re trying to make happen is to have all the veterans who have served for us in our local community be recognised on Anzac Day,” Taylan said.

“Instead of just a broad recognition, this is focusing on those who were from our community.

“It’s a way of remembering those who we’ve lost, who fought to protect our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for us orcamebackwithconsequenceslikePTSD and other injuries.”

Council cuts creche services

By Matt Hewson

Despite significant opposition from community members, the City of Greater Geelong has decided to close the four creche services within Swim, Sport & Leisure.

The creche services, which provide many parents and families the opportunity to exercise or go to medical and other appointments when caring for young children would otherwise prevent them doing so, will cease at four locations including Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre on 1 May.

The City’s executive director of city life Anthony Basford said the decision had been a difficult one and would disappoint many families.

“We know this will be disappointing for some members of our community, and this decision has not been made lightly,” he said.

“Over the past 15 years, regulatory changes in the children’s services sector have made it increasingly complex to run creche services in aquatic and leisure centres.

“Creche services must now comply with stricter regulations, and standards aligned to early childhood education and care services, including minimum staffing ratios and supervision requirements.

Mr Basford said it was no longer viable to continue the creche services, despite exploring options to do so.

Geelong councillors received a petition containing more than 500 signatures at their March meeting, which was presented by community member Marie Neurath.

Ms Neurath, a mother of two young children, described her experience of burnout, anxiety and isolation before the creche service stepped in.

“The creche didn’t just look after my children, they looked after me, with warm smiles, reassurance and practical advice when I needed it most,” she said.

“Because of this, I was able to see a psychologist when I needed help, attend fitness sessions and be supported physically and mentally. I’d walk in feeling overwhelmed and walk out feeling capable and strong again.

“The creche is more than a childcare, it’s a lifeline. And for many of us, it’s the reason we’re coping at all.”

Mr Basford said creche users would receive further information in the coming days about how to access support measures.

“These are important for safety, but mean staffing levels must be maintained regardless of how many children attend.

“At the same time, demand has been low. Sector changes such as increased childcare subsidies and free three- and four-year-old kindergarten have made other care options more affordable and accessible for families

“While these changes provide greater support, they have reduced the need for creche services.”

“To support families during this transition, the City is offering three months of free access to our facilities, including pools, gyms and group exercise classes, as well as complimentary swimming lessons for members’ children during this period,” he said.

“This is available to any families who have enrolled in 2026.”

“Importantly, all staff currently working in the creches have been offered ongoing employment opportunities within the City’s long day care services and across Swim Sport & Leisure.”

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Support comes full circle

Geelong’s Ebony Storrar is helping give back to Cottage by the Sea following the experiences she received as a kid. She speaks to Jena Carr about how the Queenscliff children’s charity helped her and why she decided to return as a camp leader to help other kids in need.

What began as a chance for Ebony Storrar to step outside her comfort zone is now helping to develop and support her future.

The 24-year-old from Geelong first attended a camp held by Queenscliff children’scharityCottagebytheSea(CBTS) when she was nine years old, creating an experience she will never forget.

“CBTS reaches out to various schools within certain socioeconomic statuses, and my school was one of their target schools at the time,” she said.

“Our primary school was chosen for the Take a Break program, which sees school kids coming to camp for a week to do activities that would otherwise cost families a fortune if it wasn’t for CBTS.

“So, that was one week when I was in grade three or four, and then I was so incredibly lucky that my grade six cohort was later chosen to participate in the REEF (Recreation, Education, Environment, Friendship) and Mentor program.

“It involves kids from grade six up until year 12, and the goal is to help transition kids, particularly between year six and year seven, between primary school and high school.

The interactions I had with my mentors were core memories to me, and it’s an absolute honour to be even a small part of a core memory in another child’s development and progression

- Ebony Storrar

“That is a program that helps bridge the gap between the disadvantaged and those who may be more privileged, as it allows everyone to thrive.”

With opportunities to participate in a range of activities throughout the charity’s programs, Ebony said it was a “true privilege” to be involved during her childhood.

“It was game changing, and one thing that I always say is that it gave me something to brag about,” she said.

“I could go to school, and when the teacheraskeduswhatwedidontheschool holidays, I would actually have something to write about.

“A lot of my peers would be going on holiday and doing elaborate things with their family members, and I wouldn’t have been doing really anything during the holidays if it weren’t for CBTS.

“For example, I got to see snow for the first time through CBTS as they took us to the snow, and that was amazing. But then, on a smaller scale, I also got to go surfing for the first time.

“People stereotype Australians to be in the surf all the time, but that isn’t the reality for a lot of kids in Australia, even for kids who live near the beach.

“CBTS gave me a home away from home, along with a place where I could push myself out of my comfort zone in a very supported way...and I felt so welcomed when I was there.”

A pivotal learning moment that stuck with Ebony occurred during her time at one of the camps when a cohort of her peers was misbehaving.

“The leaders advised us that there was going to be a consequence if we did

something wrong or misbehaved, whether that meant we missed out on a dessert or on doing an activity,” she said.

“The next morning, we were trying our best to behave to make up for the day before,butthecampleaderjumpedupand said it was time for our consequences.

“We were all so devastated and sad because we thought we had done our best to make up for the day before and had behaved so well.

“But, to our surprise, he then turned aroundandgaveusdessertandmentioned how the word consequence doesn’t always mean something bad.

“It was interesting because, especially as a kid, the word ‘consequence’ was always bad, as you look at the consequences of your actions, and it’s usually said in a very negative tone.

“But that was when we first realised that you can do good in the world and receive positive consequences.”

Ebony transitioned from participant to leader at age 20, with her experience and passion for helping others leading her to become a camp leader with CBTS, which is something she continues to do.

“I can reflect on how powerful my interactions were with so many leaders when I was a kid, and I wanted to make them proud when I grew up,” she said.

“They (camp leaders) were invested in our lives, and we felt supported by them,

and I’d look at them and see that they were having fun in what was their job.

“As a camp leader, you get to see kids transition right through high school and develop into young adults who, potentially without CBTS, could have been on a completely different trajectory in life.

“The interactions I had with my mentors were core memories to me, and it’s an absolute honour to be even a small part of a core memory in another child’s development and progression.”

Ebony was able to build many skills across physical and educational areas while surrounded by an environment that allowed her to grow.

It was also through the charity that she discovered an interest in healthcare and medical intervention, which she has chosen to carry with her into her professional life as a registered nurse.

“I did my first-aid course with CBTS, and I just loved it, as...it gave me the real-life experience in the field,” she said.

“The effect of CBTS isn’t within the walls of their physical building, but it’s also out in the community.

“It’s like the butterfly effect, as you can’t underestimate what one small experience can do.

“That is not to say that without CBTS I wouldn’t have watched something like Grey’s Anatomy and become a doctor, but for me, CBTS provided me with that passion for the medical field.

“If you were to speak to my mum or dad, they were incredibly grateful for CBTS and whattheyprovidedme...becausetheywere able to see me experience stuff that they potentially couldn’t have given me the experience of.”

CBTSreliesondonationsandfundraising events to support more children in experiencing fun and life-changing opportunities through its programs.

Visit CBTS’ website to donate or for more information on upcoming events, including a Wine and Cheese Evening on 8 May and a Charity House Community Day on 23 May.

Chess on the Bellarine

Chess lovers across the Bellarine are preparing to make their next move as Portarlington Neighbourhood House Chess Club invites players of all levels to join in for the 2026 season.

Meeting every Monday morning, the club offers a relaxed and welcoming space where beginners, casual players, and seasoned strategists can sit down at the board together.

Whether you’re learning how the pieces move or plotting your next brilliant checkmate, free lessons are available to help sharpen your skills.

According to coordinator Hans

Lemmens, the club is about much more than winning games.

“It’s not just about learning to ambush your opponent’s king,” he said. “It’s about the people.”

“We have players of all abilities, and whether you win or lose, it’s all part of the experience,” regular member Paul Brewin said.

Laughter, friendly rivalry, and shared learning are all part of a typical session.

Players swap tips, analyse games, and enjoy a bit of banter along the way.

“It’s not a strict club,” added Jonathan Salmon.

MY BELLARINE

“It’s about having fun and maybe checkmating a few friends along the way.”

Beyond the board, the club offers a great way to stay mentally active while connecting with others in a warm, inclusive environment.

“It doesn’t matter what level you are, if you’re interested in chess, you’ll fit right in,” facilitator Stan Rusiniak said.

The chess club meets at Bayview Room, Parks Hall, Portarlington, from 10am to noon on Mondays. Phone: 5259 2290 or email enquiry@portnh.org.au for more information.

Tin Shed does it again for sick kids

BarwonHeads’TinShedGoodFriday Fundraiser helped raise $82,000 at Easter.

Held on Good Friday, the event’s food vans, raffles, face painting, balloon art and auctions led to another monster total after raising more than $100,000 last year.

“We were absolutely stoked when we achieved that total,” committee member Di Matheson said.

“The day went really well, and we couldn’t believe how many people were there, as we had about a thousand come through.

“We couldn’t be as successful as we were without the strength of the community that gets behind it, as theyreallydomakeitwhatitis,andit (theevent)seemstobegrowingevery year.”

Torquay achieved $86,243.07 for the appeal, followed by Little River with $75,560.92, Ocean Grove with $73,734.62,Drysdalewith$46,238.45, and Portarlington with $38,140.33. Point Lonsdale/Queenscliff also raised $32,577.37, followed by Bannockburn with $18,723.83, Lara with $11,276.72, Winchelsea with $7,793.35, and Fyansford with $4724.50.

Barwon Health and Barwon South WestHealthServiceswillalsoreceive a share of $3 million from the appeal to ensure every child receives the best possible healthcare.

People across Geelong helped raise $172,722.50 during this year’s fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital, contributing to the overall final appeal tally of $25,268,485.

Sandi McNeilly is a library coordinator at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads Libraries. She speaks with Jena Carr about what she loves most about living and working in the region.

What is your connection to Ocean Grove? My partner and I chose to have a sea change and move here when our children were young, so I have lived in the area for over 20 years.

What do you like about where you live?

I love the coastal living and community in OceanGrovewhilealsohavingeasyaccess to Melbourne.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Theareahaschangedalotin20years,with crowds continuing to increase over the summermonths.Butwhowouldn’twantto live and visit here?

Where is your favourite place to spend time?

I love to spend time at the beach, with some of my favourite activities including swimming and walking the dog.

What is something people may not know about you?

I ride my bike to work when I can, as sustainable travel is really important to me. I often see familiar faces along the way and feel so lucky to have such a beautiful commute to work.

What do you like most about your role as library coordinator at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads Libraries?

IloveworkinginacommunitywhereIlive, andsomanyincrediblepeoplewhousethe

library. Providing a safe community space is extremely rewarding and fulfilling, so it’s a joy to come to work and serve this community.

Are there any exciting events or activities happening at the libraries in the coming weeks?

We always have wonderful and free events

running at Ocean Grove Library...and I love that our community uses our library as a place to catch up and connect.

On Wednesday 22 April, we have an author talk by Melbourne writer Anne Vines about her novel titled Flight. The book is about an American war general whooperatedfromanofficeinMelbourne’s Collins Street during World War II.

On28April,we’rehostingafreeworkshop called‘FindingFactsOnline’,wherepeople canlearnhowtoassessonlineinformation sourcesandtheirclaims.Theworkshopwill be our second session in a series of three workshops, and this has been created as a series of educational resources for people tounderstandhowtostaysafeonlinewhile learning to navigate misinformation and disinformation.

People can visit the events page on Geelong Regional Library Corporation’s (GRLC) website for tickets to the upcoming events and for more activities happening across the region’s libraries.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our region is so lucky to have so many libraries with excellent programs and events. I have been extremely fortunate to work forGRLCatvariousbranchesandlocations across the network for many years. For those in the community who haven’t visitedalibraryforalongtime,Iencourage you to pop in and have a chat with us and see what you are missing out on.

Ready to remember

By Cr Rowan Story

First marked in 1916 to remember those whofoughtatGallipoli,AnzacDayhassince come to recognise all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

More than 100,000 Australians have lost theirlivesinmilitaryservice.

It remains one of the few days on our calendarthatstillbringsentirecommunities togetherforthesamepurpose.

OnethingIenjoyingseeingonAnzacDay is the many young people attending local services.

Schoolgroups,cadets,youngfamiliesand teenagers standing quietly a few rows back, takingitin.

For many of them, the connection is not always direct. The World Wars are now several generations removed and often the link is a name on a memorial or a story discoveredthroughschool.

My own understanding of that came through both my service in the Royal AustralianAirForceandthroughmyfamily.

My grandfather, Alexander (Alec) MacKenzie, was just 22 when he joined the AustralianImperialForcein1914.

ArecentarrivalfromScotland,hetrained inEgyptbeforelandingatGallipoliwiththe 15thBattalionofthe4thBrigadeon25April 1915.

He survived the campaign, but his health neverrecovered.

Like many returned servicemen, he carried the effects of his service for the rest of his life. He was classified as totally and permanently incapacitated and did not returntowork.

Instead, he spent years advocating for returned soldiers, widows and families throughtheTPIAssociationinVictoria.

Hedidn’tspeakabouthistimeinGallipoli untillateinhislifebutoneday,hesatdown with me and told me about the landing, his favourable view of the Turkish soldiers and other stories. Those conversations have stayedwithme.

When we pause on Anzac Day we think of service and sacrifice. We think of the courage and spirit that helped the original Anzacs overcome the difficult and dangerousconditionsatGallipoli.

Theytookthatspiritwiththemwhenthey went to fight in France and, led by General Sir John Monash, they played a significant partinbringingtheGreatWartoanend.

I believe that we can see that Anzac spirit today. The spirit lives on in our many volunteergroups.

Some are very visible in the emergency service first responders. Others are not as obvious.

The person who drives a community bus;

Barwon Coast Update

Works complete at Bonnyvale Rd

We’re pleased to share that the new Collendina Bonnyvale Road beach access upgrades are now complete, delivering safer, more reliable access to the coast ahead of the busy Easter period

This project replaces ageing infrastructure impacted by storms and erosion, with a modern design that improves safety while protecting the surrounding dune environment.

Delivered with support from the Victorian Government’s Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program, this is a great outcome for our community, visitors and coastline.

A season of effort, care and important wins for Hoodies

The 2025–26 Hooded Plover breeding season has wrapped up on the Bellarine, with five chicks reaching fledgling stage, including one on Barwon Coast–managed land. This year saw:

•16 nests recorded

•48 eggs laid

•4 nests successfully reached 28 days

•12 chicks observed

•1 fledgling at Stingray Bay, Breamlea

Behind these numbers are hundreds of volunteer hours, careful monitoring and a community helping to give these vulnerable birds the space they need. Our team also plays an active role throughout the season, supporting monitoring and on-ground protection efforts.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine and everyone who contributed by doing the right thing and respecting temporary protections - every effort makes a big impact.

Learn more by visiting barwoncoast.com. au/2025-26-hoodie-breeding-season

the person who volunteers to protect the environment; the many volunteer groups withinourmulticulturalcommunity. These people go about their tasks without fanfare, but they are vital to helping us be a moreconnectedandcompassionatesociety. IntheirownwaytheyareAnzacstoo.

Across the Bellarine there will again be several services bringing communities together.

Ocean Grove will hold its dawn service at the Avenue Cenotaph from 6am, followed by the veterans’ march and the morning serviceatOceanGrovePark.

Portarlington will again host its dawn service at W.G. Little Reserve, followed by the service at St Leonards Memorial Hall and the commemorative march later in the morning.

Drysdale will see the traditional march along Princess Street before the 11am serviceatthecenotaph.

Barwon Heads will hold its march along Hitchcock Avenue followed by the 9am service at the community centre. Leopold will also host its 9am service at the War Memorial.

Each service is slightly different, but the purpose is the same. To remember those who served, to acknowledge those who did notreturnandtomakesuretheirstoriesare notlostwithtime.

I will again be attending local services this year and remembering my grandfather andthemanyotherslikehim. Lestweforget.

See page 2 for a full list of Bellarine, Geelong and Surf Coast Anzac Day services and marches.

Out and about in autumn

It’s getting noticeably cooler as autumn reaches its halfway mark, but that didn’t deter anyone, including Voice photographer Ivan Kemp, from getting out and about at Geelong’s waterfront on Wednesday 15 April.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

9 years ago 12 to 25 April, 2017

A shortage of volunteers over Easter has meant that Ocean Grove Fire Brigade might have to scale down its annual GoodFridayAppeal.

Althoughthemaincollectionpointon

The Terrace will continue, the brigade will probably only have the use of one trucktodoitscollectionroundsandthe popular ‘town run’ will not occur this year.

7 years ago 24 April to 7 May, 2019

Two-time Australian Olympian David McNeill set a new race record to claim the 8km crown at the 40th annual Sheepwash Classic at Barwon Heads on Saturday.

Upto600participantstookpartinthis year’s Sheepwash Classic 8km and 4km events in warm autumn sunshine and blueskieson20April.

4 years ago 22 April to 5 May, 2022

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews officially opened the new $20 million Curlewis Clubhouse and AccommodationfacilityonWednesday. The premier joined Bellarine MP Lisa Neville for a tour of the complex and a meeting with Curlewis staff and local business and community leaders before speaking to invited guests and participating in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

1 year ago

18 April to 1 May, 2025

Labor announced this week it would match the Liberal Party’s $5 million commitment to a major sports infrastructureprojectinOceanGrove. Member for Corangamite Libby Coker was joined by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government CatherineKingonTuesdaytoannounce thefundingcommitmentfortheDevlins RoadReserve.

By Matt Hewson

Local theatre company Footlight Productions is bringing a little gospel groove to the stage this May with a feel-good musical worth singing about.

Based on the much-loved 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Footlight’s latest production Sister Act hits Geelong Arts Centre for the first time, running from Friday 1 to Saturday 9 May.

Featuring a cast of 32 local actors, Sister Act tells the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who is put in protective custody afterwitnessingamurder.MuchtoDeloris’ chagrin, police put her in the one place no one will suspect - a convent.

Stage veteran Jennie Kellaway plays the strict and straitlaced Mother Superior, the

Band pays its regards to old-fashioned rock Kellaway back in the habit

By Matt Hewson

Four-piece rock outfit The Kind Regards hit Geelong next weekend for their first gig in PivotCity.

Hailing from Melbourne’s east side, they willjoinSurfCoasthardrockband74Kings and Melbourne trio King’s Vengeance at theBarwonClubonSaturday18April.

But for lead singer, guitarist and harmonica player Tristram Larkins, it’s not the first time he’s performed at Geelong’s iconicoriginalmusicvenue.

“The first band I played in when I was 16 was called Patterson’s Curse; in the 90s we played the Tote, the Evelyn, the Great BritainHotel,theEspy,allthebigindierock venuesaroundMelbourne,”hesaid.

“I remember playing the Barwon Club Hotel, it would have been ‘92 or ‘93. We came down from Melbourne to play, and we were sandwiched between two Geelong bands,BoredandAmberFear.

“We were fairly unwelcome. It wasn’t until our lead guitarist called the crowd a couple of names, and then all of a sudden the crowd was like, oh yeah, we don’t mind theseguys.”

Formed four years ago, The Kind Regards have gone through some personnel changes before settling on a long-term lineup - original members Larkins and guitaristBenPricearenowjoinedbybassist Sergio Villaseñor and drummer Andrew MacDermid.

“Weallcomefromsuchdifferentmusical

foil to Sarahlouise Younger’s fast-talking, sassy Deloris.

Kellaway,whosefatherandmothermetat an after show theatre party, has performed in both straight and musical theatre since she was a child, including two stints as the Reverend Mother in Nunsense.

She said her years as a teacher had also set her up well for taking on a role made famous by the iconic Maggie Smith in the original movie.

“Being a former school principal, I can dothe‘don’tmesswithme’look,”Kellaway said.“Butyoucan’ttrytobeMaggieSmith, justasyoucan’ttrytobeWhoopiGoldberg.

You’ve got to make it your own.

“When I’m finding a character I find the voice first, and then the walk…Mother Superiorisveryupright,she’smuchplaying

it by the book.

“But I found her quite early on, and it was easy because I had this wonderful character that Sarahlouise was developing in Deloris who does all these dreadful things - she wants to smoke in the churchsoitwasreallyquiteeasywiththatcontrast in the two characters.”

Kellaway said the actors had “formed a very strong bond as a cast”.

“We had an amazing rehearsal and there was a moment…a scene where Deloris stands up for her sisters, and the girls, we were all very emotional,” she said.

“It’s a very unique show in that it does bring the cast very much together in that way. It’s been a delightful experience.”

Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.

spaces, but we share a lot of similarities,” Larkinssaid.

“We’re all 50, or approaching 50, and experienced that surge of Seattle grunge and all those sorts of things in the 80s and 90s. But then we all also grew up on things likeMetallicaandalsothe70srocksound.

“So I guess what we’re trying to do is create songs that are a combination of all that; upbeat, fun rock songs that get people moving…good, old-fashioned rock with all those influences like Soundgarden and

Jane’sAddiction.”

Larkins said he was looking forward to returningtoGeelong.

“We’re very excited about coming along totheBarwonClubgig,”hesaid.

“Hopefully there’s going to be a few people around to listen to the songs and give us some good feedback, and we can really bring the best show we can to them andgetourrockon.”

Visit barwonclub.com.au/gig-guide for ticketsandmoreinformation.

Young singing star set to shine at All Saints’ church

By Matt Hewson

TheWelshmalechoirtraditionismusically distinctive, but its cultural importance is even more significant.

The Australian Welsh Male Choir, led by musicaldirectorTomBuchananOAM,will bring their powerful brand of choral music toAllSaints’AnglicanChurchinNewtown at 2pm this Sunday for their first formal performance of 2026.

The 35-strong ensemble will perform a range of popular and sacred songs, with a particular focus on works sung in the Welsh language.

“The Welsh people have an interesting history having had their language disallowed from use in public office for a period of approximately 400 years,” Buchanan said.

“ButinWalesthelanguagewaspermitted to be used in churches and so the hymns have a much broader cultural significance because they carried the language for those 400 years.

“That’sthereasonyouhearWelshpeople singinghymntunesattherugbyandinthe pubs, where it might seem a little odd until you realise the history of it.”

FromtraditionalWelshhymnstojazzand contemporary Welsh pieces, the program will cover a diverse range of works.

Geelong’s own 11-year-old classical guitar phenom Oscar Wang will also perform during the program’s two intermissions. The year five student recently won first place in guitar at the national final of the 2025 Oz School Instrument Championships.

Buchanansaidhewaslookingforwardto hearing Oscar perform.

“That is the joy of these programs, getting out into different communities and meeting young musicians with such incredible talent,” he said.

“It really is a joy for me and all of the members of the choir to get to meet the next generation of musicians.”

Visithumanitix.comforticketsandmore information.

Indian dancers

offer a dazzling experience

Experienceaspectacleofspirituality andsensualityasaground-breaking and award-winning production comes to Geelong.

Acclaimed classical and contemporary Indian dance company Karma Dance will bring visually stunning work Temple of DesiretoGeelongArtsCentre(GAC) on Saturday 18 April.

Bringing together 15 dancers of colour from Geelong and Melbourne, the work employs the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam to explore the relationship between the divine and the sensual.

The production rediscovers a pre-colonial world, focusing on the historical acceptance of same-sex relationshipsandtheexperiencesof people from multiple marginalised backgrounds.

The result is a work that seeks to challenge, provoke and uplift.

Karma Dance artistic director Govind Pillai said Temple of Desire was more than just a dance theatre show.

“It’s an urgent response to the need for art that celebrates marginalised voices, merging traditional elegance with modern defiance,” she said.

“Temple of Desire is unprecedented because it amplifies oppressed voices and artforms in ways never seen before.”

Premiering as part of the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival, where it won the Director’s Choice award, the production has enjoyed sell-out seasons in Melbourne and Toronto.

GAC chief executive and creative director Rhys Holden said he was thrilledtowelcomeKarmaDanceto Geelong, as Temple of Desire was a “daring and deeply resonant” work.

“Supporting artists who push boundaries and celebrate diverse voices is at the heart of our REWIRE program,” he said.

“This production brings local and national talent together on our stage, offering Geelong audiences an unforgettable night of artistry, courage and cultural expression.”

Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.

Ruff time seeing shorebird

We’ve had some welcome rain but not enough to flush out the blue-green algae at Blue Waters Lake or fill the ponds in Ocean Grove Nature Reserve.

I was really busy over the Easter period with a house full of visitors and after dropping my friend at Melbourne Airport, I had a quick look around the T-section lagoons at Western Treatment Plant for an unusual migratory shorebird, a ruff, that had been seen in this area daily for a few weeks.

I saw a few species of migratory shorebirds, such as sharp-tailed sandpipers, curlew sandpipers and red-necked stints, and some of these birds were moulting into breeding plumage, but I lucked out on seeing the ruff Ruffs breed in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and Great Britain almost to the Pacific. The majority breed in the Arctic circle in Russia and Scandinavia. Male ruffs are well known for their exotic breeding plumage where they develop head and neck decorations that aid in attracting female birds. If you get a chance to check out photos on the internet of the breeding plumage of male ruffs, it is well worth your while. They look amazing and so different to the male ruffs in Australia during the nonbreeding period.

Apart from seeing some beautiful migratory waders, I saw about 10 brolga at Western Lagoons. I have seen two or three brolga in this spot, but never 10.

After seeing a few hundred magpie geese at Lara a few weeks ago and then a good number of Brolga this week, it feels as if I don’t have to travel to Darwin this year to get my fill of birds that commonly inhabit northern Australia.

I attended the end of year celebration for Friends of the Bellarine Hooded Plover volunteers, where they celebrated five fledglings that successfully reared this breeding season.

In the nonbreeding season, the hooded plovers tend to congregate away from the beaches. Last year about 15 of them were spotted at Freshwater Lake during the winter, so they may gather there again or maybe at Lake Victoria.

I received an email from Bernard from Portarlington, who told me that he lived in Bendigo for 30 years before moving here. Bernard informed me that a great birdwatching site at Bendigo is Crusoe and

No7reservoir,whichisinthesuburbofBig Hill in Bendigo. Bernardwasamemberofafriendsgroup that worked with council to develop and encourage participation in the site, and six years ago more than 160 different bird species had been sighted at Crusoe.

I received an email from Kevin, who with his wife Anne Maree, took a drive from Bannockburn, along Shelford Road and onto Stephens Road, where they came across a number of grey shrike-thrushes calling from a large eucalypt.

Kevin attached a few photos, and I think there was a female or immature golden whistler among them.

I received an email from Troy, who with his wife Amanda, lives in Point Lonsdale. Currently they have a teenage German exchange student, Clemens, living with their family for 10 weeks, all the way from Bavaria.

Clemens is a keen photographer and has aparticularinterestinphotographingbirds and wildlife, so they have been making the most of the local area and around Victoria.

Clemens shared with me some photos that hehastakenlately,includingawhite-faced heron, taken in St Leonards, an eastern spinebill at Healesville and a masked lapwing, taken at Cowes, Phillip Island. Although not rare birds in the area, Clemens has been fascinated by our Australian wildlife and has been taking somestunningphotographsalongtheway. It was great to hear about Troy, Amanda and Clemen’s adventures and I hope he continues to spot some lovely birds around the Bellarine before returning to Bavaria.

Shopping local in Queenscliff

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went looking for people shopping local in Queenscliff on Monday 13 April.

Slow cooked, hearty meals to enjoy on crisp autumn days

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness settlesoverVictoria,autumnarrivesnotjust as a change in weather, but as a celebration of some of the state’s most comforting and flavourfulproduce.It’saseasonthatinvites slowercooking,heartiermealsandareturn tothekitchen,wheresimpleingredientsare transformed into deeply satisfying dishes. In orchards and farms, apples and pears take centre stage, their peak-season sweetness making them a staple of autumn cooking. Whether baked into a golden crumble or sliced fresh into a salad, these fruitsbringbothversatilityandnostalgiato the table. Quinces, often overlooked, also maketheirannualappearance—rewarding patience with their fragrant, rosy flesh when slowly poached.

Vegetables, too, shift toward the robust and earthy. Pumpkins pile high at local markets, destined for velvety soups or stirred through creamy risottos with sage and parmesan. Sweet potatoes, carrots and beetroot thrive in the cooler months, their natural sweetness deepening when roasted,whileleafygreenslikespinachand silverbeet continue to provide balance and freshness.

There’s a comforting rhythm to autumn cooking.Apotofpumpkinsoupbubblingon the stove, filling the kitchen with warmth, or a slow-cooked lamb dish infused with rosemary and root vegetables, speaks to the season’s slower pace. Mushrooms and leeks, at their best now, lend themselves beautifully to savoury pies—rich, earthy and encased in flaky pastry.

Autumn also offers moments of contrast. A crisp salad of peppery rocket, juicy pears and sharp blue cheese cuts through the richness of heavier meals, while roasted beetroot paired with walnuts and goat’s

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

cheese brings colour and texture to the plate. Even cabbage, often humble, is elevated when braised slowly with apple and spices, becoming a deeply flavourful accompaniment to roasted meats. And then there are the small seasonal luxuries—chestnuts, roasted and eaten

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

warm, or folded into stuffings alongside mushrooms and herbs. They evoke a sense of tradition, of meals shared and savoured as the days grow shorter.

What defines autumn in Victoria is not just the produce itself, but the way it encourages us to cook and eat. It’s a season

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

thatfavoursdepthoverspeed,comfortover convenience. Whether it’s a bubbling fruit crumble served with custard, a fragrant curry built around sweet potato, or a simple roast enjoyed with family, autumn’s harvest invites us to slow down and truly taste what’s on our plate.

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.

Repair Cafe Bellarine

Next session Sunday 19 April, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 12.30-3.30pm. Friendly volunteer repairers will be ready to fix items such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. repaircafebellarine.org.au

Free forum

Tips for safer living and security at home and in your neighbourhood with Bellarine Community Health occupational therapist and Neighbourhood Watch. Hosted by Staying in Portarlington Inc, Portarlington Senior Citizens Clubrooms, Monday 20 April, 2-4pm. 0409 790 050

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

Bellarine Historical Society

Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Closed Easter Sunday, open Sunday 12, 19 & 26 April, 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 18 April, 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $10 includes supper. Music: Charles. 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 10-11.30am, Parks Hall Portarlington.

Ocean Grove Library

Wednesday 22 April, 5.30-6.30pm: author talk with Anne Vines

Tuesday 28 April, 2-3pm: fact checking online 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

Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Bill, 0414 524 155 or info@geelongpsg.net

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

Live music

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

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

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

Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

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

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

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

Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

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

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards. Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, 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

A day out with Thomas

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Queenscliff train station on Saturday 11 April for the Bellarine Railway’s Day Out with Thomas.

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.

ACROSS

1 Melodious (7)

5 Sketch (7)

9 Agile (9)

10 Spanish for 'coast' (5)

11 Greek god of music, poetry, etc. (6)

12 Person who deserts a party to join another one (8)

14 Electronic novels (1-5)

15 Teaching period (4)

19 Slender support (4)

20 Dog with a curly coat (6)

24 Stressed (8)

25 Japanese robe (6)

27 'Well done!' (5)

28 Childish (9)

29 Ritual (7)

30 Unity (7)

or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

9 words: Good 14 words: Very good 19 words: Excellent

1 Zany (6) 2 Church caretaker (6) 3 Scientific workrooms  (coll) (4,4)

4 Be ominously close (4) 5 Discourse (10) 6 Go up; climb (6)

7 Put back (8)

8 Interim period (8)

13 Intricateness (10)

16 A major city in Türkiye (8)

17 Trader (8)

18 League (8)

21 Situated within the building (6)

22 Beginner (6)

23 Roy or Ginger (6)

26 Curly hairdo (4)

3 LETTERS

1 Along with Edmund Hillary, who was the first person to climb Mount Everest?

2 Where is the world's largest desert located?

3 True or false: hippos are unable to swim?

4 Who wrote the screenplay for Rocky?

5 What is the bestselling girl group of all time?

6 Name the spacecraft that carried the first astronauts to the moon.

7 Which is smaller: a virus particle or a bacterial cell?

8 What character does John Travolta (pictured) play in the 1977 film SaturdayNight Fever?

9 In what year was Earth Day first celebrated?

10 What name is singer and actor Stefani Germanotta better known by?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which winter sport consists of cross-country skate skiing and rifle shooting?

2. Is a riposte a defensive or offensive move in fencing?

3. Nestory Irankunda plays what position for the Socceroos?

4. Italy officially missed out on a 2026 World Cup slot after losing to which country?

5. Who is the current men’s world No.1 tennis player?

6. ‘Enforcer’ is a term used in which sport?

7. Ryan Corr stars in which 2015 romcom with an AFL term as the title?

Which team nickname is shared by an AFL team and Philadelphia’s NFL team?

NBL player Bryce Cotton recently became the fourth person to score how many points in a single season?

The Newcastle Northstars are a team in which league?

How many nations will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament?

12. How many AFL teams are based in states other than Victoria?

13. Australian rugby union coach Mick Byrne has ended his two-year tenure in charge of which country’s national team?

14. Which Australian pop icon will perform at this year’s AFL grand final?

15. Which Italian F1 driver leads the drivers’ championship after the first three rounds?

16. Which cricketing state stunned Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final to claim its second consecutive title?

17. And which fast-bowling allrounder was player of the match, scoring a half-century and taking six wickets?

18. Which high-speed field sport often described as the ‘fastest game on grass’ originated in Ireland?

19. How many Australian Opens has tennis legend Novak Djokovic won?

20. British-born Williams F1 driver Alex Albon races under which country’s flag?

21. Which two teams featured in the NBL 2026 Grand Final Series?

22.NRL player Tui Kamikamica plays for which club?

23. English cricketers Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell were recently let off with a warning after a nightclub incident in which country?

24. Which Matildas star recently signed a $10 million deal with Adidas?

25. Which sponsor is the premier partner of the AFL?

26. Which US state will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final?

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

GARDEN & HOME MAINTENANCE Jim’sMowing131546

28. James Warburton recently stepped down as the CEO of which Australian sporting competition?

29. Tiger Woods recently turned down the captaincy of the US team in which golfing tournament?

30.Who is the current captain of the Port Adelaide Power?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

EpichealthPortarlington42067200

Epichealth

OceanGroveMarketplace52562500

Epichealth

OceanGroveOceanPlaza42460300

OPTOMETRISTS

BellarineEyecare52561295

OceanEyesOptometrists52555655

PHYSIOTHERAPY

AlliedPhysiotherapy42247416

PLUMBING

A-ZPlumbingPtyLtd0352106723

SouthernPlumbingServices 0419390222

SECURITY DOORS

GeelongSecurityDoors52562985

SEWING MACHINE SERVICING

HeightsSewingCentre52293558

SURVEYORS

SmithLandSurveyors52221234

TAKEAWAY

WoodiesPizza52554307

TYRES

SurfsideTyreCentre52555611

YOGA STUDIO

LotusYogaStudio0432067978

Cute, compact, capable

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

As the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a crossover version of the popular Yarissmallhatchbackbulkeduptoprovide access to the booming compact SUV market segment.

Launched here in late-2020 Yaris Cross is available in four grades: GX, GXL, Urban and GR Sport.

The first three models each come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. GR Sport is 2WD only.

Originally available with the choice of petrolorhybridpowertrains,effectivefrom the 2024 upgrade, all Yaris Cross variants are now exclusively hybrid.

Prices range from $31,790 for the 2WD GX through to $39,920 for our test car, the Urban AWD.

Hybrid competitors include the MG ZS, KiaKona,HondaHR-V,Tiggo4andthenew SuzukiFronxStandardintheGXare16-inch alloy wheels and 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does come with halogen headlights GXL adds LED headlights, blind-spot monitor and a panoramic view monitor.

The top-spec Urban comes with 18-inch alloys, head-up display, heated front seats and a powered tailgate.

The trendy GR Sport gets a unique 18-inch wheel design as well as sports suspension and GR-branded interior. The Sporttagisabitmisleadingbecausethere’s no difference in performance from the other models.

Styling

Yaris Cross shares similar styling as the Yaris hatch. While they have the same 2560 wheelbase the Cross is around 20mm longer, 70mm wider and 95mm taller. than the hatchback. It also has 35mm greater ground clearance.

The face of the Yaris Cross features a split grille with a lower diffuser, flanked by deep-set LED daytime running lights and slimline headlight clusters.

The rear has a squared-off design with broad horizontal lines connecting integrated taillights.

Yaris Cross comes with the choice of seven single colours including Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush, Latte, Mineral Blue and Massive Grey 7.

The top-spec Urban models also get the option of four two-tones that combine Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Latte or Massive Grey with a black roof.

Interior

While the platform of the Yaris Cross is only slightly longer and wider than that of the Yaris hatch, it features a longer, wider and taller body to increase interior space.

Although larger than the Yaris hatch it’s still a small vehicle. Front space is fine but the three rear seats are quite cramped and certainly not recommended for three adult passengers.

The air-conditioning controls sit below the screen and make it quite difficult to adjust the outlet directions.

The Urban and GR Sport variants come with nanoe X air ionisation technology whichhelpstoinhibitunwantedpollutants and viruses from the cabin.

The large gear selector in the centre console leaves little space for storage and pushes the two drink holders backwards and makes them awkward to reach.

The centre arm rest effectively replaces a storage tub.

Boot space in the 2WD Yaris Cross is 390 litres but drops to 314 litres in the AWD due to the addition of the rear electric motor.

Powertrain

The hybrid system for front-wheel drive

versions of the Yaris Cross Sport combines a 67 kW/120 Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and two motor generators on the front axle putting out a combined 85 kW.

The AWD models versions add a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels and provide extra traction.

All variants get a continuously variable transmission with a mechanical first gear for strong take-off. A 10-speed sequential shift function that can be operated by the shift lever, or paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Safety

All Yaris Cross models come with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense technology that includes a pre-collision safety system with day/night pedestrian and day cyclist detection, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist and lane departure alert with steering assist, intersection turn assist, automatic high beam, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. Standard equipment also includes eight airbags including two between the front seat, reversing camera, parking sensors, seatbelt warning and Isofix child seat anchors.

Urban also gets a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Infotainment

RATINGS Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst : 9/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is pretty basic and so uses a number of physical buttons and knobs on the edges to access the most used functions.

That will be a positive for many potential buyers.

There’s a neat Multi Information Display in front of the driver with two raised round displays on the sides of the 8.0-inch screen.

The system has AM/FM/DAB+ radio, full Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with enhanced voice activation.

Audio is through a pretty basic six speaker system. There’s a single USB-A in the centre console of the GX and GXL with a USB-C added in the Urban and GR Sport models.

SatellitenavigationwiththeSUNAtraffic channel is standard on variants above GX.

Driving

Although its under 4.2 metres in length, clever packaging makes it feel like a larger vehicle. While Yaris Cross is relatively easy to access for front occupants, small rear doors will challenge adult passengers.

It’s an ideal city car that’s easy to drive, manoeuvrable and easy to park.

When stretched the three-cylinder engine gives out an annoying harsh tone

Urban is the only variant to get a head-up display.

There have been adjustments to the tuning of the suspension which provide extra firmness that was quite noticeable when we encountered bumps during the rural component of our drive route. Claimed fuel consumption from the 2WDYarisCrossHybridislistedat3.8litres per 100km. We averaged a still impressive 4.6 L/100km during our week in the Urban AWD.

Summing up

Toyota Yaris and predecessors such as the Starlet and Echo have long been popular choices for first-time buyers – and their parents looking for an affordable and safe car. Although it is more expensive, the Yaris Cross meets the same criteria while adding the SUV styling that’s so much in vogue. It’s neat, compact and attractive with excellentsafetyfeaturesandsevenvariants from which to choose. The standard hybrid powertrain provides outstanding fuel economy.

Standard warranty is five years with unlimited distance with the powertrain increased to seven years if it is serviced on time. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km.

Mr Versatile to play 300th

WhentheballisbouncedtostartGeelong’s round6matchagainstWesternBulldogsat

GMHBA Stadium on Friday 17 April, Mark Blicavs will become only the 111th player in VFL/AFL history to reach 300 games.

Blicavs was selected by Geelong with pick 54 in the 2012 rookie draft and is widelyregardedasoneofthemostversatile players to play the game.

Blicavs becomes just the eighth Geelong player to reach the milestone, joining Sam Newman, Ian Nankervis, Corey Enright, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan. He also becomes the 77th player to reach 300 games as a one club player.

Blicavs is a two-time Carji Greeves Medallist winning Geelong’s best and fairest in 2015 and 2018 and he was awarded Cats life membership in 2022 the same year he became a premiership player and earned his first All Australian selection.

Blicavs has played in 29 finals matches,

the equal ninth most in history with only three players – Joel Selwood, Harry Taylor andShaunBurgoyne–tohaveplayedmore in their first 300 games.

Mark Blicavs

• 299 games

• 81 goals

• Pick 54 in the 2012 Rookie Draft from Sunbury

• Debuted round 1 2013 vs Hawthorn

• 111th player to reach 300 games,

• Grand finals 2020, 2022 (premiers), 2025

• All Australian 2022

• Carji Greeves Medallist 2015, 2018

• Geelong life member 2022

• First person to play 300 games in the number 46

• 29 finals, the equal ninth most in VFL/ AFL history.

• Has missed just 18 games on his way to 300, 2023 (19) is also the only season he has played fewer than 20 games in a season.

Blue prevails in Wandana Heights derby

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

TennisGeelong’sTuesdayWomen’sPennant has five rounds to play before finals and all Section5teamshavealottoplayfor.

ItwasaWandanaHeightsderbywithBlue and Green playing each other with Blue sitting in sixth spot and trying to keep in touchwiththefourwhileGreenweretrying toelevatethemselvesfromthebottomofthe ladder.

Blue looked to dominate early and the teampulledawaytoa3-0lead,winning6-2, 6-4,6-4beforeGreenhittheirgroovetowin theremainingthreesets.

But with results of 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, Blue managed to hold the lead by two games, givingthemenoughpointsforthewin.

It was a beautiful day for Grovedale to travel to Western Heights for what would be a great day of tennis. After the first two sets there was just one separating the teams, and still just the one game after the next two sets with the balance of the match dependent on what happened in the remainingtwosets.

Western Heights put themselves in the boxseatwithWendyBellandKarenBartlett posting a 6-1 win, while the remaining set battled to a tie-break, with Grovedale’s Therese Wilson and Kerrie Grinter eventuallytakingitout7-6.

But with the game advantage to the Heights, they kept their slim finals hopes alive in seventh and Grovedale maintained theirpositiontwopointsoutsidethefour.

The conditions were superb at Clifton SpringswheretheirBlueteamhostedOcean GroveandYellowhostedSurfcoastBellbrae.

Blue were holding top spot and were hoping for a better win than Surfcoast, in second, to help extend their lead against OceanGroveinfourth.

TheGroveprovedtoughoppositioninthe first set with Mellissa Fisher and Vanessa Armstrongeventuallygettingup7-5,butthe Springs countered in the second with Fiona MacaulayandSarahWinshipwinning6-3.

Sets three and four went the way of the home team, giving them some breathing space, so when the final two sets were split, Blueretainedtheirplaceontopoftheladder witha4-2win.

Despite the loss, with two points for their two set wins, the Grove pushed ahead of SpringsYellowintothird.

Surfcoast enjoyed the day out while the SpringsYellowteamdidn’thelptheircause, losingladderpositionwithaloss.

Despitebeingatoughmatchtopredicton

paper, Bellbrae took an early stranglehold onthematch.

Yellow struggled to find answers to Bellbrae’s form with many games going to deuce.

Bellbrae’s team of Leanne Heath, Linda Cherubin, Marika Climpson and Grainne O’Gallagherwerewinners6-0.

The win puts them two points closer

to Clifton Springs Blue and plenty of opportunity still to capture the minor premiership.

There is still plenty of time for teams to make their moves as they close in on finals with only nine points separating third from sixth with Western Heights and Wandana Greenstillcapableofmakingfinalsifthings gotheirway.

Consecutive titles for George

George Train secured back to back wins in Drysdale Golf Croquet Club’s championships in a closely fought event.

All three placegetters finished level on five wins and one loss with Mary Cockett runner-up and Jenny Payne third. Thereweresevenplayerscompeting in the pinnacle competition for the club,playinginsomeverychallenging matches.

Drysdale Croquet Club has a strong coaching and mentor team in Colin MenziesandMikeMcKenzieandover the past years, members have won Australian and state awards as well as numerous tournament placings aroundthecountry.

McKenzie was selected for the Victorianstateteamfiveyearsagoand Cockett is a current member of the Victorianstateteam.

ColinMenzieshasheldthenational titleinNewZealandinrecentyears. Forasmallcroquetclubthatstarted manyyearsagoin1950withahandful of Drysdale Croquet Club now has 70 members - men and women ranging fromintheir50stotheir90s.

Drysdale has a healthy number of players attend the club for social play days a few times a week, sometimes 30players,andakeencohortofnewer players that like to compete in the Drysdale tournaments, as well as competitions in the wider Geelong region.

Grove win a tough tussle

Grubbers stay unbeaten

Modda gets first win of 2026

Modewarre hosted Ocean Grove at Mt Moriac Reserve in round 2 of Bellarine Football League on Saturday 11 April and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp saw Modda win by 76 points.

Grove searching for victory

By Justin Flynn

Consecutive defeats by a combined margin of 118 points to open the new season suggests Ocean Grove may be in for another long season.

After losing captain Cameron Fowler to Newtown & Chilwell, ruckman Kye Annand, best and fairest winner Jami HallamandRoryPhillipstoSouthBarwon, the Grubbers’ list has been turned over far more than they would have liked.

Grove has added Northcote Park’s Lorne Waldron, who looks to be a nice pick-up so far, Ballan’s Ryan Bongart, Luke Jarrad from Strathmore and Baden Pohlner, who played five senior games for Shepparton Bears last season. Former AFL player Gary RohanmadethemovetoRayMenziesOval and James Paterson has returned after a stint in the VAFA.

A 42-point loss to reigning premier Anglesea in round 1 and a 76-point hiding to Modewarre is not the ideal start and coach Dave Farrell has no choice but to turn the list over in search of the right mix and to unearth younger players coming through.

It all points to another season without finals footy, but Farrell insists there is no rebuild.

“Therehasbeenalargeturnoverofourlist butwedon’tseeitasarebuildorasetback,” he said. “Every season brings change and for us it’s been a great opportunity to grow depth, give opportunity to emerging players, and continue building a strong, connected program.

“Thegroupisclearwe’reheretocompete, improve and play an exciting brand of footy. We’re really clear on the method we want to play and while consistency will come with time, the appetite to compete and improve every week is already there.”

TheAnglesealosshadplentyofpositives, butthemaulingatthehandsofModewarre was stark. Ocean Grove booted five goals forthegamewithallofthemcominginthe second quarter.

Andwhilethatshowstheattackinggame is there, it also meant the side went three quarters without registering a major.

“Saturday showed both sides of our game,” Farrell said. “The five-goal patch

highlights what we’re capable of when we get our method right and we’re working to sustain that for longer periods.

“There were plenty of positives from round one and again, in patches, on the weekend. We matched it with last year’s premiersforlargeperiodswhichreinforces that we’re not far away. It’s now about turning those competitive patches into consistent performances.”

Waldron booted three goals for Grove, but struggled to contain Modda’s Tom Hornsey (seven goals) and Connor Joseph (three) at the other end.

Farrell will continue to give opportunities to young players with Jet and Zane Kneebone, Harry and Finlay Rolfs, Hugo Walsh, Ben Coote, Lachlan Morrow, Bohdi Hateley, Lenny Allen and RileyBlaney-Murphyallplayingseniorson Saturday and products of the club’s junior system.

“We’ve got a number of young players coming through who we’re really excited about,” Farrell said.

“They’re bringing great energy, are coachable, and will keep developing. It’s an exciting part of where we’re heading, personally I am really loving working with themandIhopetheyfeelreallysupported.”

The Grubbers face Drysdale at home on Saturday 18 April at 2.10pm. The Hawks are also yet to win, losing to two expected finals sides in Queenscliff by 63 points and Geelong Amateur by 26 points.

“This week against Drysdale at home is a great opportunity for us,” Farrell said.

“The key areas are consistency, connectionacrosstheground,andmaking the most of our opportunities going forward. If we bring our pressure and stay connected in our roles I think we will see a much improved performance.”

SURF Coast enjoyed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in BFL history after losing its debut match by 148 points.

The Suns won their first ever game by 17 points against Portarlington. Down by the same margin at the last break, they stormed home with an eight-goal final term in a 165-point turnaround.

“Iremindedthemintheteammeetingat half-time, and I just said, ‘the next time we come back into this room, is it our day?’,” coach Trent Rogers said.

“Isitadaythatwehaveamomentthatwe can have together forever and no one can ever take it away from us?

“My biggest satisfaction from a coaching point of view is I’ve put it to the boys over

the whole summer and even this week that Ibelieved in them andthey need to believe in each other and the process and so on. We were still going into every game no matter the opponent and with the mindset of winning.”

NEWCOMB almost got over the line againstAnglesea,butthereigningpremiers stayed unbeaten.

The Power trailed by 27 points at the last change, but booted five goals to one in the final quarter with the Seas holding on for a two-point win like good sides do.

Coach Jordan Keras booted three goals for Anglesea and reliable sharpshooter Jack Duke did the same for Newcomb.

GEELONG Amateur rallied in the final term to defeat Drysdale by 26 points.

The Hawks led by eight points at three-quarter time, but Ammos slammed on seven goals after the break with Harrison Orr best afield while Lauchlan Dalgleish was Drysdale’s best.

TORQUAY had the reverse turnaround to Surf Coast, as Queenscliff showed it is a genuine contender.

The Tigers had a 163-point reversal from round1withJordanMonahanbootingfour goals for the Coutas while Banjo Dyer did likewise for Torquay.

Consistency will take time says Ocean Grove coach

By Justin Flynn

A new look Ocean Grove enters its round 3 clash against Drysdale unbeaten and will take some time to gel according to coach Mel Holmes.

ThereigningpremiersthrashedAnglesea in the season opener by 36 goals and then had to work overtime to get the points against a gutsy Modewarre on Saturday 11 April.

The Grubbers have won the past three A Grade premierships, but have lost captain Emily Moroney (knee), defender Georgia Berry (Queenscliff), goaler Arlee Bennett (South Barwon) and versatile Courtney Leith (Bannockburn) from last season’s grand final side while Ashton O’Brien has dropped down to B Grade.

Coming into the team is former Bendigo Strikers VNL goaler Bridgette Vos (Bell Park), midcourter Perri Jones (Barwon Heads), Shae Rowbottom (Thomson), Kaia Giles (Barwon Heads) and Julia Mitchell (Thomson).

Holmes said it will take a while for the team to get used to new combinations, although Vos and Zanna Punshon (nee Woods) have played together at VNL level and will form a formidable duo in attack.

“Thisearlyintheseasonwe’rejusttrying

to gel and work out our systems,” Holmes said. “We’re certainly not going back to basics, but we’re kind of having to blood new people and it takes a while.

“We’re building - the foundations are thereandthepeoplearethere.Ithinkwe’ll build as the season goes on.”

Ocean Grove was without Punshon and defender Amanda O’Malley (family holiday) for the Modewarre game and the Warriors looked capable of causing an upset.

Modda finished winless last season and wasbeltedbyGeelongAmateurinround1, butledathalf-timeandscoreswerelevelat the last change.

Grove pulled away in the final stanza to win by eight.

“We just didn’t get out of second gear until the last quarter,” Holmes said.

“It’s pleasing (to win), (but) I just was asking for it a bit sooner. I’m not taking anything away from Modda. They have certainly got some great players and I said that to the coach (Erin Littlewood) afterwards.”

Holmes said she is feeling no pressure to take Ocean Grove’s premiership streak to four.Infactshesaiditwasthemostrelaxed she’d felt in a long time.

“The group we’ve got at the moment on

and off the court is really building a strong culture,” she said. “As much as it would be nice (after) winning three flags, you want to keep it going, but it’s now around building and growing.

“It’s different. Yes, you want to still win, but it’s not the same team. Other teams aren’t the same. You can’t expect just to go, ‘oh yeah, we’ve done it before, we’ll do it again’,butitdoesn’tmeanwedon’twantit. It just looks different.”

GEELONG Amateur is showing no signs

of a drop-off with two convincing wins to start the season, including a 28-goal drubbing of Drysdale on Saturday. St Joseph’s B Grade 2025 best and fairest Courtney Coutts dominated at wing defence while youngster Chloe Hobbs impressed in defence and attack for the Hawks.

TORQUAY looks capable of going an extra step this season after two good wins. Ariana Luamanu has settled in well after crossing from Anglesea and was best at wing attack for the Tigers in a 14-goal win against Queenscliff. Caitie Kennedy did all she could in midcourt for the Coutas.

A CARLY Sanders masterclass gave Newcomb a 50 to 29 win against Anglesea, however the result was overturned after it was revealed the Power had breached AFL Barwon Netball Competition Rule 2.1, which requires all players to be registered onNetballConnectandPlayHQdatabases. Sandersshot43goalsfrom44attempts,but the joy was short-lived as the Power’s score was readjusted to zero and Anglesea took the points.

GEORGIA Howell was best on court for Portarlington in a 16-goal win against Surf Coast. Howell played 19 & Under and B GradeforGeelongAmateurlastseasonand was superb at goal keeper for her new club.