August 7, 2026
Five into two? Computer says no
(Ivan Kemp) 569003_01
Eight sides are vying for five Bellarine Football League spots with three rounds in the home and away season remaining. The top three - Queenscliff, Geelong Amateur, and Torquay - are guaranteed to make it. That leaves five teams fighting it out for the last two positions. Two of those are Newcomb and Drysdale and judging by Ivan Kemp’s picture here, they will leave nothing in the tank. Pictured is Drysdale’s James Breust being tackled by Newcomb’s Jarrad Duncan at Grinter Reserve on Saturday 1 August, but somehow the free kick went against him. The Hawks won the game, though, by three points, to stay in contention. The other three sides looking to play finals are Barwon Heads, Anglesea and Portarlington. See page 30 for a full rundown of
the season that remains and see if you can predict the final ladder
Cult report tabled By Jena Carr
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It was an emotional time for a Geelong couple, after a report highlighting the impacts of cults and group-based coercion was tabled at state parliament. Former Geelong Revival Centre (GRC) members Ryan and Catherine Carey spearheaded the inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. Mr Carey said the fi nal report was tabled at parliament last week following the 16-month inquiry and aimed to criminalise group-based coercion, while maintaining a focus on survivor-led engagement. “There are a lot of people held in these
situations that don’t want to be there because they’re scared that they’ll lose their family, friends, or community,” he said. “There’s a lot of abuse that gets covered up because these powerful cult leaders can use coercive actions to stop members from escaping or even talking about what’s going on.” Mr Carey grew up in the GRC (Pentecostal church in Norlane) and said it was a long process for him, his wife, and his kids to leave. “I did pay a price for leaving, as I have family members that won’t talk to me and view me as one of the worst people on the planet,” he said. “Every friend I had in that place instantly
had to cut me off and treat me like I was dead, and anyone in there who gets caught talking to me will face repercussions.” The inquiry was led by the Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee and chaired by Member for Lara Ella George. “The most important part of this inquiry was hearing the voices of people with lived experience,” Ms George said. “Many people demonstrated immense courage in sharing deeply personal experiences, and their contributions played an important role in shaping the report’s fi ndings and recommendations.” The report highlighted 98 fi ndings and 39 recommendations on coercion and
harm in high-control groups and is split into two volumes: Crossing the line and In their words. Mr Carey, who is also the co-founder of Stop Religious Coercion Australia Group, said the group was working on services, systems and methods to help victims and survivors. “These groups can be horrible and dark places, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel...and if you feel like you’re trapped in one of these groups, reach out,” he said. The state government now has six months to consider the report and respond to the committee’s fi ndings and recommendations, with the response led by the attorney general.