Grovedale star Jordan Moran (pictured) had to scamper through for this quick single to bring up his century, but made it home even with a direct hit to the stumps.
Moran’s 131 against South Barwon on Saturday 7 March at Burdoo Reserve was his 10th ton for Grovedale, equalling the club record held by Gary Kellson.
Both Grovedale and South Barwon had to win to make the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 finals, but that was dependent on St Peters or Lara losing.
It was a dramatic twist to the final game of the home and away season with St Peters and Lara both winning to book a finals spot, edging out Grovedale by 0.236 of a point.
There was drama in Division 2 as well with Bell Post Hill and Leopold clinching finals spots by a fraction of a point at the expense of Geelong City.
For all the weekend cricket action and finals information, see pages 27, 28 and 29.
Touring for a cure
More than 200 cyclists and support crew will roll into Geelong next week as part of a nine-day cycling event to raise money for cancer research.
The annual Tour de Cure, which kicks off Thursday 12 March in Canberra, will takea1400kmroutetoHobartviaregional towns and communities, including a stopover in Geelong.
The Tour will arrive in Geelong from Ballarat on Monday 16 March, with a tage on Tuesday taking the riders from Geelong to Torquay and back on Tuesday 17 March.
Since it was established in 2007, Tour de Cure has raised more than $158 million,
funded 1220 cancer support projects and research and prevention programs, whichhavecontributedto231world-class scientific breakthroughs.
Amongtheriderstakingpartarecurrent and former professional cyclists Cadel Evans,ChloeHosking,BrendanJohnston, Richie Porte and Sarah Roy.
Sports journalist and Tour board member Mark Beretta will participate in the ride this March for the 17th consecutive year.
He said he kept coming back because of the life-saving outcomes the event’s fundraising made possible.
“The Tour de Cure family is a fantastic
and supportive group focused on providing researchers with the money they need to push further in beating all forms of cancer,” he said.
“The support we receive from Australians, not just over the nine days of the ride, but year-round, is extraordinary. The cause means even more to me now having lost my father to cancer in September 2025, and my mum battling stage 4 ovarian cancer.”
Tour de Cure chief executive David Mann said the milestone reflected the organisation’slong-standingcommitment to funding impactful cancer research and support services.
“Reaching our 20th year of Signature TourisanincrediblemilestoneforTourde Cure and a testament to the passion and commitment of our community, riders, volunteers and supporters,” he said.
“OurSignatureTourisanextraordinary example of courage and purpose. At Tour de Cure, we are inspired by people who turntheirpersonalcancerexperienceand ambitions into action that helps others.
“Every dollar raised will help fund vital cancer research, prevention and support programs, giving more Australians the chancetolivehealthier,cancer-freelives.” Visit signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au to donate or for more information.
Youth leads vape campaign
By Matt Hewson
When it comes to combatting the rise of vaping, Geelong’s youth are at the forefront.
Since its youth council identified vaping as a priority in 2023, Geelong council has initiated and supported a number of programs, projects and bodies to bring together young people to reduce the harms of vaping in our community. And young people have responded.
Established last year, the Youth Vape PreventionActionGroupincludesstudent leaders from around Geelong who work to create vaping prevention resources, supportthetrialofvaperecyclingbinsand
create promotional content highlighting the environmental and health impacts of vaping, among other things.
Youth Vape Prevention Action Group member Isabella Harvey said when it came to vaping, young people were the experts.
“We see where and how it happens, we understand the pressures behind it, and we know what messages other young people will actually listen to,” she said.
“Young people are capable of thinking outside the box and designing solutions that really connect with our peers.
“It makes sense that we take the lead on projects like this, where creativity, authenticity, and open-minded
problem-solving are essential.”
Last year the action group, along with schools across the region, participated in the making of a short film, which was screened last month at Geelong Library.
The film showcases the youth codesigned projects across the Barwon South West region, featuring interviews with young participants discussing their collaborations, what they learned and their reflections on their projects.
The group also endorsed the City’s trial ofvaperecyclingbins,strategicallylocated at youth hubs, which began in July last year.
Vapes, classified as e-waste due to their batteries and harmful materials, cannot
Students prepare to bite the apple at fair
OceanGrovePrimarySchool’s(OGPS)Apple Fairreturnsthisweekendforits28thedition, featuring amusement rides, live music, a local makers market, a silent auction and food and drink from across the region.
The biggest event on the school’s calendar, the Apple Fair is organised and runbyaparent-ledvolunteergroupandisa major annual fundraiser for OGPS.
Apple Fair committee convener Steph King said the excitement was palpable among students, staff and families alike.
“I went to Ocean Grove Primary myself, and I remember the first one back in 1995,” shesaid.“Backthenwewereapplebobbing, therewereverysimpleschoolfairactivities, but the event has very much evolved 30 years later. Our focus is on keeping that much-loved family tradition alive for the kids and their families, but it’s now a really community-focused event.”
This year the funds raised, which have already crested the $40,000 mark, will go toward a school-wide Resilience Project program. Ms King said the decision to put themoneyintothewell-beingprogramwas madeafterseekingfeedbackfromstudents’ families, which gave the whole school community a sense of ownership over the event.
“To be able to keep these community connections is really important for us,” she said. “We’ve had sponsorship into the tens of thousands, but it’s just as much about people helping out. It’s a true Ocean Grove event that means a lot more than fundraising.
“There’s so much pride in our town and this is our way of coming together to celebrate that.”
The OGPS Apple Fair is on Saturday 14 March from 11am to 4pm. Visit oceangroveapplefair.com.au for more information.
Ocean Grove Primary students Emily,
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be disposed of in regular rubbish bins.
Thanks to significant usage of the vape bins, the City has extended the trial until 30Junethisyearandinstalledtwoongoing disposal locations at its resource recovery centres.
GeelongmayorStretchKonteljthanked the young people involved in spreading the word about the harms of vaping.
“MembersoftheYouthVapePrevention Action Group are passionate about the healthoftheirpeersandarekeytohelping them see vaping for the dangerous habit that it is,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“We’re focusing on supporting genuine youth-led projects as they ensure outcomes are relevant and impactful.”
Ageing healthy, wealthy and wise event comes to the Surf Coast
The Surf Coast community can learn how to age with a healthy, wealthy and wise attitude during a positive ageing event in Anglesea next week.
The Healthy, Wealthy and Wise CoastalRoadShowwillhostinformation, stalls and presentations at the Anglesea Memorial Hall on Wednesday 18 March to help people stay active, connected and informed.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Mike Bodsworth said the event would be a fun and social day out, featuring all-day grazing,showbags,rafflesandgiveaways.
“We know staying connected and
informed plays a big role in living and ageing well,” he said.
“We want people to feel comfortable coming along, having a chat and picking up information that could really make a difference in their lives.
“This event is a great opportunity for community members to ask questions, have conversations and discover what support is available locally.”
The day’s program will include community groups and service introductions at 9.30am, Jules Haddock from The Anxious Bird at 10.15am, SCAM Man AI presentation at 11am, and
a financial experts discussion panel from 12.30pm to 2pm.
There will also be information and stallsfrommanyorganisations,including Dementia Australia, Lifeline, Ambulance Victoria, Red Cross, Repair Cafe, and Anglesea Men’s Shed.
The event aims to support people of all ages to live a quality, engaged and meaningfulliferegardlessofabilityorlife stage and forms part of Surf Coast Shire Council’s Positive Ageing Program.
The event is free, but bookings are essential, and people can visit surfcoast. vic.gov.au/PostiveAgeingEventstoregister.
Golden Plains Shire mayor Owen Sharkey is advocating for better bus services between Bannockburn and Geelong.
With a population of almost 7000, Bannockburn currently has four weekday services between Bannockburn and Geelong including onethattravelsviaBallarat,takingmore thanthree-and-a-halfhours.
Councilwantshourlyservicesduring peak periods from 7am, services every two hours off-peak, and expanded weekendtimetables.
“At the moment, residents are having to rely on their cars just to get to work, access education and training opportunities, see loved ones or even enjoyasimpleshoppingtripinGeelong – and that dependence can put real strain on households under financial pressure,”CrSharkeysaid.
“Our ageing residents deserve to stay independent and connected, yet withoutadequatebusservicesmanyare effectively cut off from essential health care and community life. That’s simply not good enough for a growing regional community.
“And if people can’t move around easily,itbecomesharderforsmalltowns to attract workers, tourists and new families. As highlighted in our Growing Places Strategy, there is a clear need, a clear desire and a clear opportunity for more diverse, accessible and sustainabletransportoptionsacrossthe shire.”
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is inviting residents to share their experiences with local buses as part of the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review, which lists Bannockburn as the sole township in GoldenPlainsShire.
Residents can have their say on the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review by visitingengage.vic.gov.au/Geelong-bus
Skipp, Alby, Kira, Lexi and Patrick (above), Tully, Harvey, Bert and Gretta with Apple Fair mascot Pip. (Ivan Kemp)
Golden Plains Shire mayor Owen Sharkey wants better bus services for Bannockburn. (Supplied)
Measles vaccination push
Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) is aiming to prevent further spread of measles, a virus that had previously been eliminated in Australia.
BSWPHU launched a targeted measles (MMR) vaccination campaign throughout the Barwon South West region as imported cases and local transmission are being reported, including among people who have not travelled overseas.
People who haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine are at risk of infection.
The risk of measles is higher for people travelling internationally who are not immune. Adults aged 20 to 59 who were
born in Australia, as well as adults born overseas, may be under-vaccinated due to past childhood immunisation schedules in Australia and other countries not always including the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your community,” BSWPHU public health physician Dr Akhtar Hussain said.
“It not only prevents us from becoming unwell but also reduces the risk of spreading measles to others.”
BSWPHU is partnering with the Vic-
Full throttle for mental health
Organisers of a motorcycle ride to raise funds and awareness for grassroots mental health and suicide prevention have urged Geelong to get behind the event.
Australian mental-health charity Black Dog Ride, established in 2009, will hold its Geelong One Dayer on Sunday, with riders departing from Geelong Showgrounds for a day-long tour.
The ride ends at Anakie Reserve, where riders and supporters will enjoy food, raffles and time to connect and support each other.
Geelong Black Dog Ride coordinator Marie ‘Gremlin’ Grima said the ride always had support from the community, with new faces appearing every year. She urged people to get out and cheer on the riders, donate or register to ride themselves.
“Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by postcode, but, unfortunately, access to support often does,” she said.
“The last week before the One Dayer is when support from the wider community really makes a difference. By supporting the Black Dog Ride One Dayer, the local community is directly helping to close that gap and start conversations that can, and has genuinely saved lives.
“This ride is about reminding people that they’re not alone and making sure help exists close to home when it’s needed most.”
Black Dog Ride’s Geelong One Dayer is at Geelong Showgrounds from 9.30am on Sunday 15 March. Visit blackdogride.org. au to register or for more information.
torian Department of Health and local public health units across the state to provide free catch-up MMR vaccinations at participating pharmacies.
“This initiative improves access to vaccination across the Barwon South West region and the community can now have access to MMR vaccine closer to their home or workplace,” Dr Hussain said.
“Medicare card is not required and the MMR vaccine is free for everyone.”
“l was about five or six when l caught measles,” Thomson resident Shane Gray, 61, said.
“Back then nobody got vaccinated for
measles and I remember breaking out in little spots and feeling as crook as a dog. I also believe it set me up for more disease that followed as my immune system was down.
“Once l caught measles, over a short time l then caught chicken pox, mumps, gastro and the flu making me seriously unwell for a long period of time.
To those that aren’t sure if they’ve been fully vaccinated, I’d recommend getting a free vaccination today.”
To book a free MMR vaccination, visit mmr.thevaccinationhub.com.au
Dave and Nickie Fursland, John Paul, Marie “Gremlin” Grima and Mark Pickering. (Ivan Kemp) 539963_05
Ingenia
Police frustrated at drivers
By Jena Carr
It was a busy long weekend for police, with almost 150 traffic offences detected in Geelong across four days during a road-safety operation.
Police targeted high-risk driving behaviour during the Labour Day long weekend (6-9 March) across the state as part of Operation Arid, with 144 offences recorded in the Geelong region.
Road Policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said 6500 traffic offences occurred across the state, with speeding recordedasthehighestoffenceinGeelong.
“Disappointingly, a significant number of motorists were caught doing the wrong thing over the Labour Day long weekend,” he said.
“It is frustrating because the majority of drivers know they are doing the wrong thing, but choose to run the risk anyway, and we need this behaviour to stop.”
Eighty-three speeding offences were identified in Geelong, followed by 14 cases of drivers disobeying signs or signals and nine mobile-phone incidents.
Police also detected eight unregistered vehicles, five disqualified drivers, four cyclist offences, three unlicensed drivers,
one seatbelt offence, one impoundment, seven drink drivers, six drug drivers, and three other drink-driving offences.
There were four fatalities across the state during the long weekend, including the death of a man following a two-car collision in Lovely Banks during the last day of the operation.
Mr Weir said March was “a high-risk month for road trauma historically” and that police were doing what they could to drive down trauma on the state’s roads.
“If you blatantly choose to speed or break the rules on our roads, you will be caught and police make no apologies for
this,” he said. “People might complain aboutreceivingafine,buttherealityisthat receivingapenaltyiscompletelyavoidable if drivers obey the speed limits and road rules.”
Surf Coast police detected 70 speeding offences, 12 cases of drivers disobeying signs or signals, 10 unregistered vehicles, fiveunlicenseddrivers,fivecyclistoffences, two drink drivers, two drug drivers, and two disqualified drivers.
Victoria Police said it will continue to enforce the law anywhere and at any time across the state’s roads, not just during traffic operations.
Top Arts celebrates young VCE creatives
By Jena Carr
Three young people from Greater Geelong are taking their art to the next level with pieces being showcased at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
NGV’sTopArts exhibitionwill showcase the talent and dedication of students who have excelled in their VCE art subjects at The Ian Potter Centre from Friday 13 March.
Poppy Nivarovich, 18, worked on her painting series Birds and People during her last year at Belmont Highschool, with her work featured during the exhibition.
“My artwork is about the connection between animals and humans, but specifically birds...and I wanted to express that through combining birds and people in portraits,” she said.
“Birds can be pretty territorial and aggressive, and it kind of mirrors human behaviour because we might have aggressive thoughts, and sometimes people do, and it’s a bit crazy.”
Shaun McKearney, also formerly from Belmont Highschool, said it was a great feeling to have his painting titled Me vs Me, which stages a boxing match between two versions of himself, on
display at the NGV.
“With it being my final artwork created for year 12, it was representative of being my final battle of finishing high school,” he said.
“So, it portrayed fighting myself in becoming the artist that I want to be and the person I want to be, while forming my identityassomebodyoutsideofschooland education.”
The Geelong College’s Lex Blockey also explored references to historical fashion to illuminate contemporary perspectives on gender identity through dress creation, Transformations: A Reflection of Identity.
Fuel demand increases
There have been temporary fuel stock shortages across Greater Geelong following an increase in demand.
Service stations across the region have experienced a huge increase in demand for fuel since the beginning of this month, with many locations temporarily running out of unleaded or diesel supplies.
APCO director Peter Anderson said he appreciated the community’s patience and understanding while fuel supplies continued to be restocked.
“Our approach has always been to price fairly and responsibly,” he said.
“We are not increasing margins to take advantage of the situation; that simply is not in our DNA.”
The lowest price across petrol stations in Greater Geelong for Unleaded 91 was recorded at between 206.9 and 209.9 cents per litre as of noon on 12 March, according to the Servo Saver app.
Thestategovernmentintroduced anti-price gouging laws on 10 March following the increase in demand, to ensure retailers set a dailycaponfuelpricesandpublish the price in advance.
“How often do you see a cheap price in the morning, only for it to jump by the afternoon? We’re stopping families from getting ripped off at the servo and helping them save hundreds a year,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
The new laws mean that retailers have until 2pm to set their fuel price for the next day, with the capped price published on Servo Saver at 4pm on that day.
Superboats roar into Corio Bay for two-day championship event
ItwillbeactionaplentyonCorioBayasthe OffshoreSuperboatChampionshipsroarto life across two days.
Many boats will be on display at Steampacket Gardens and in the water alongside Wangim Walk this weekend for round three of this year’s championship season.
Australian Offshore Powerboat Club commodore Antony De Fina said the championship would be a family-oriented event.
“We’re coming down to Geelong this weekend for a round of the National
Superboat Offshore Championships, and this is the third round in the championship,” he said.
“It’s a free event, and there aren’t many events these days, certainly in motorsport, where you’ll get to see everything for free.
“We’relookingforwardtopeoplecoming down to Steampacket Gardens to meet the teams and see the boats, with everything on display and open to the public.”
Mr De Fina said the weekend would consist of six championship races, three sport 65 and 85 races, and three Offshore Superboat races along Corio Bay.
“It’s a beautiful bit of water to race on and...there is a great vantage point from anywhere along the coastline,” he said.
“Geelong is one of the premier venues for the series as the location is right in the middle of town and the view that people get with Corio Bay, it’s one-of-a-kind in terms of venues that we race at.”
Offshore Superboat Championships races will be held on Saturday 13 March from 1pm and Sunday 15 March from 11am.
Superboats will race into Geelong this weekend. (Australian Offshore Powerboat Club)
Poppy Nivarovich with her painting series Birds and People. (Supplied)
Forum hosts Indian guests
Business, industry, education and government leaders from Australia and India will gather in Geelong next week for a three-dayevent.
The Geelong-India Collaborative Future Forum, hosted by the City of Greater Geelong and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), will run from Monday 16 MarchtoWednesday18March.
Intended to strengthen the City’s relationship with India, the forum will showcase Geelong as a fast-growing region and an attractive place to live, learn and do business.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the forum,
Adventure over for dogs
Dog Sascha is now safe at home after a 6kmadventureinBellbrae,withSurfCoast Shire Council highlighting the importance of registering pets.
The four-year-old vizsla and her pal Rudi were exploring their home paddocks on a long walk with their owners when Sascha decided to bolt while still on lead.
“On this occasion, my husband was holding her on the lead, and he lost grasp, so the dogs saw their chance and off both dogs went,” owner Glenys said.
“I drove around the farm looking, and a couple of hours later, Rudi showed up, but there was no Sascha.”
Council’s Ranger Services team was able to quickly reunite Sascha with her owners, and Glenys said she was “very relieved to see her”.
“The story was that some people about 6km away had seen both dogs. Rudi ran off and returned home, but they caught Sascha and called the ranger,” she said.
Council’s recently adopted Domestic Animal Management Plan encouraged people to be responsible pet owners, with annual animal registration renewal notices being distributed this month.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said Glenys and Sascha’s story highlighted how important it was to get pets registered, as it helped rangers return lost pets to their owners.
“Registration fees mean council can deliver a range of animal management services,” he said.
Dogs and cats over three months old in the Surf Coast Shire must be registered, and people can reach out to council on 03 5261 0600 or at info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au for registration bill concerns.
which followed the Geelong India Business Roundtable and signing of a memorandum ofunderstandingtostrengthenculturaland tradelinkslastyear,wouldopenthedoorto newopportunities.
“We’re a globally connected city and council will continue to advocate for Geelong as a fantastic place to live, learn anddobusiness,”hesaid.
“I made a commitment at the roundtable last year, and by signing the MOU, to build on our relationship with India and explore new ways of working together, so I’m proud to be delivering on that knowing the lasting benefitsitwillhaveforourcommunity.”
AIBC national chair Deepak-Raj Gupta alsowelcomedthecollaboration.
“We’re pleased to be working with the City of Greater Geelong to collaborate and bring together businesses and industries to delivergreatoutcomesforall,”hesaid.
“I have been leading delegations to India and telling everyone about Geelong; and arranged for the Indian Consul General in ChennaitojointheRoundtableasoneofthe VIPguests.
“Families, businesses and investors are increasinglylookingbeyondcapitalcitiesto exploreopportunities,andGeelonghasalot tooffer.”
Rudi and Sascha were reunited with their owners after running off during a walk. (Supplied)
Geelong-India Collaborative Futures Forum special guests Manpreet Sekhon, Sunil Bhalla and Sunny Singh with mayor Stretch Kontelj at Wurriki Nyal. (Supplied)
Dancing across the seas
Kelsey Jenning grew up in Geelong before moving to America to pursue a career as a dancer. She returned to Australia to visit family this week and spoke with Jena Carr about how she was able to make her dreams a reality.
When Kelsey Jenning was younger, she never knew that her love of dancing would take her to amazing places such as India and the USA.
The 30-year-old grew up in Geelong with dancing in her heart, but it wasn’t until she was19thatshepursuedoneofherfavourite activities as a career.
“Once you start dipping your toes into something, you don’t know where it can go until you try it,” Kelsey said.
“I always loved dancing in the lounge room to my favourite music when I was younger, and did the odd hip-hop class when I was a teenager.
“When I was coming out of high school, all I knew was that I wanted to try to see if I could do something with dancing.
“So, I started professionally dancing pretty late at 19 and kind of jumped into the deep end when I went to dance school with people who had been dancing since they were three.
“I started from scratch and kept training and learning new styles, which led to opportunitieslikedancingonrollerskates, fire twirling and working overseas.”
Dancing took Kelsey to India in 2019, where she took part in Bollywood movies and explored movement through a different culture.
“India was a whole experience in itself, just different culturally and how they worked on sets, with lots of people, cameramen, helpers and long nights,” she said. “Most shoots would go for 12 hours, and we were learning the choreography on thespot,butitwasacoolexperience,andit was great to see it all put together.
I remember watching that movie as a kid and never knew I’d be doing that as my base job
- Kelsey Jenning
“I also danced at weddings, where I got to see the traditional Indian weddings, and I also danced and cheered for the IPL (Indian Premier League) with the cricket team Chennai Super Kings, which was cool, too.
“I feel like I’ve seen a bit of the entertainment culture in Bollywood, and nowI’moverinAmerica,andinsomeways it’s kind of similar.”
Kelsey has been living in Las Vegas for just over a year after travelling to America totakeherdancingcareertothenextlevel.
“Originally, I wanted to go to LA (Los Angeles), but everything has flowed for me in Vegas instead, and I got more work opportunities there,” she said.
“I think Vegas, being a very entertainment-based city, has the market or budget for a lot of entertainment, and then you end up doing a lot of jobs that you never thought you’d be doing.”
Kelsey said she felt lucky to be where she was with her career, and has many memories of opportunities that she either looks back on fondly or with a laugh.
“Coyote Ugly is a main one for me as I remember watching that movie as a kid and never knew I’d be doing that as my base job,” she said.
“TherewasaFleetwoodMactributeband that I was asked to do some dance stuff for called Seven Wonders, and that was before I left Australia, so that was cool as I love Fleetwood Mac.
“A hilarious one is where I had to be a dancing turtle, like almost like a ninja turtle, but also fake rapping into the mic,
and that was for a massive festival called Elro, which took us to Chicago.
“Another funny job included a time by myself during the Melbourne Cup, where I had to be a roller skater, basically talking to people and saying hello to people on the streets in a jockey outfit with a horse head.
“India was like that, too, where you ended up in some crazy costumes on crazy sets doing things that you didn’t think anyone would ever pay you for.”
Moving her body and a love of music are Kelsey’s favourite parts about dancing, and she has since surrounded herself with like-minded people at her second home in Las Vegas.
“Mypartner,whoisAmerican,isactually a Bruno Mars impersonator,” she said.
“We met in a house dance class, which is very jumpy house music, and there’s a particular way of dancing to it, so we ran into each other there and hit it off
“The crazy thing about Vegas is that it’s very normal for the people that you meet to have connections, like my housemate danced for Usher, and my boyfriend did some party for Janet Jackson’s son at the start of last year.
“OneofthethingsIloveaboutdancingis interacting with people, and when you can getamomenttolookatsomeoneandmake them feel a part of it.
“Being able to make someone else have fun or feel happy through whatever they’re watching or the energy you’re giving to them is something that I like.”
Kelsey Jenning is a dancer from Geelong taking Las Vegas by storm. (Ivan Kemp) 539841_01
Kelsey (far right) performing in Coyote Ugly. (Supplied)
Kelsey dressed as a showgirl during one of her dancing roles. (Supplied)
Kelsey Jenning. (Ivan Kemp) 539841_08
Rare species found
A fish rescue and translocation operation in the Moorabool River has led to the discovery of a rare species.
A population of Australian grayling, a vulnerable fish species endemic to south-eastern Australia, was found when Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) conducted the joint rescue in mid-February.
The 11 adult Australian grayling that were rescued were safely relocated to a healthier habitat upstream in the Perridak Ngubitj/Platypus Waters Moorabool River Reserve.
TherescuetookplaceaftertheMoorabool stopped flowing near Batesford Quarry, leavingaseriesofrapidlycontractingpools in the river bed.
WTOAC and the CMA joined Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research(ARI)stafftocompletetherescue, which also relocated other populations of galaxias species, freshwater shrimp and various aquatic fauna upstream.
Wadawurrung Man and WTOAC junior water officer Zade Kennedy said the find was culturally and ecologically meaningful.
“The discovery of the grayling at this location is significant,” he said.
“The ongoing work to improve fish passage is helping them move upstream; however, it also highlights the additional barriersandchallengesthatwillneedtobe addressed upstream of the confluence of Barwon Yaluk and Moorabool Yaluk.”
Corangamite CMA chief executive Dr. Amber Clarke said the positive outcome highlighted what was possible when agencies and Traditional Owners work together.
Teen was driving twice legal limit
Ateenagerwascaughtdoing218km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Princes Freeway near Corio on Sunday morning.
The 19-year-old driver lost his licence after State Highway Patrol officers observed a Subaru travelling at more than double the speed limit justafter11pmonSunday8March. Officers caught up with the vehicle at Avalon and intercepted the male driver, who also had two passengers onboard.
The Bundoora man was arrested andhislicencewassuspended.
He was charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving at a speed dangerous, exceeding the speed limit and failing todisplayP-plates.
Traditional Owners, CMA and ARI staff resuced a rare population of Australian grayling during a recent Moorabool River operation.
Inset: One of the 11 rescued Australian grayling. (Pictures: Supplied)
“This rescue of Australian grayling reinforces the importance of partnerships in caring for Country,” she said.
“The rescue is a great example of how collaborativeactioncandeliverrealresults for threatened species and river health.”
WTOAC,CorangamiteCMAandARIwill continue to support long-term recovery and protection of species in the Moorabool River.
ENTERTAINMENT WITH MATT HEWSON
Few songwriters have had the same ongoing influence and widespread appeal as American singer-songwriter James Taylor.
It’shisplaceintheculturalconsciousness that forms the heart of his show Fire and Rain, Australian performer Darren Coggan’s celebration of Taylor’s music. “I have a really personal attachment to a lot of these songs; I think most of the audiencedo,too,”hesaid.“Thesesongsare like bookmarks in our lives; each time we hear them, they bring back memories. “And whether those memories are
about love, or heartache, or whatever the connection is you have with it, it’s as if the song was written especially for you. That’s what great songs do.”
Coggan has spent his life making music, whether performing as a country singer-songwriter, a musical theatre actor or alongside the likes of Rebecca Gibney and Jon Stevens in arena spectaculars.
HismemoriesrangefromlearningTaylor songslikeYou’veGotaFriendandFireand Rain as a child in Wollongong, to playing them to his newborn son.
“MymemoriesattachedtoJamesTaylor’s
He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’Courton15May.
The Subaru was impounded at a costof$1325.
“Travelling at speeds over 200km/h on a public road are beyond dangerous and can be deadly - at that speed,anysmallmistake,unexpected hazard, or loss of control can result in a catastrophic crash,” Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Hope from State HighwayPatrol(West)said.
“With two other occupants in the car, this young driver wasn’t just risking their own life, but the lives of their passengers and every other road user around them. Thankfully police were able to intervene before we witnessed another tragedy on our roads.”
Songs will stir memories
music are all positive, so to be able to sing these songs for an audience is such a blessing,” he said. “I just think these songs areworthyofstayingintheconversationof music, I think they’ll outlive us all.
“Idon’tcomeoutandpretendtobeJames Taylor,it’sreallyabouthonouringtheartist and celebrating these timeless songs. So I try to present this show with the respect I feel the songs deserve.”
Darren Coggan’s Fire and Rain is at GeelongArtsCentreonSaturday21March. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for more information.
Geelong-born performer’s new show is ‘deeply personal’
Multi-facetedperformerConnorMorelgrew up in Geelong, where his talent for music, acting and performance was nurtured by thelocalartsscene.
His career so far has seen him take on musical theatre roles such as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, co-write songs for award-winning comedy shows andproduceandperformhisowncritically acclaimedworksatfestivalsacrossAustralia andoverseas.
But Morel’s newest offering, theatrical rock gig Good Man, blends rock, comedy, theatre and intense self-reflection to create somethingdeeplyheartfelt.
The show is centred around Morel’s experienceofmeetinghisfatherforthevery
firsttime.
“I met my dad at a gig when I was 17about12yearsago-andthechancemeeting leftmewithalotofthoughts,”hesaid.
“Those thoughts were mostly about the
lessons that get passed down to us from our role models, and the choices we get as to whether or not we’re going to take those lessonsonorrejectthem.
“Then, as one grows up and has to be a role model themselves, what does that meanwhensomeofthoselessonsarealittle wacky, or not necessarily the most helpful ones?”
For Morel, engaging with such a personal subject provides both challenge and rewards.
“Every night I do this show I kind of step back into a night that changed my life,” he said.“Theconstructionoftheshowanalyses the mistakes people have made around me, but mostly the mistakes that I’ve made,
whichcanbedifficult.
“But, I get to remind myself of the lessons that I’ve taught myself and been taught everynight.Andthatremindsmethatwe’re alloutintheworldjusttryingourbest.”
Morelsaidtheshow,whichwassupported by Geelong Arts Centre (GAC), was a real productofGeelong.
“The story takes place in Geelong, and GAC’s Creative Engine program is the only reasonitevergotofftheground,”hesaid.
“It’s absolutely a product of everything good about the arts scene in Geelong and thecommunity.”
Good Man is at GAC on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. Visit geelongartscentre. org.auforticketsandmoreinformation.
Connor Morel’s latest show Good Man is a story shaped by Geelong. (Supplied)
Darren Coggan’s show Fire and Rain is a heartfelt homage to one of the world’s greatest songwriters. (Supplied)
As a Youth Justice worker, you’ll have a secure job working with young people in custody. The role includes paid training and you’ll be part of a supportive team.
Duck hunting season back
Duck hunting season is back next Wednesday, with hunters and activists both preparing for their time at Lake Connewarre.
The state’s duck season will start at 8am on 18 March and run until 30 minutes after sunset on 8 June, with a daily bag limit of nineducksorstubblequail.
Geelong Duck Rescue’s Natalie Kopas said she was concerned that more birds would be shot this year compared to other years due to the recent weather conditions acrossthestate.
“We’ve spent the last few weekends scouting water levels and birds, along with preparingallofourrescuegear,”shesaid.
“Afterthedroughtandthefactthatthere’s been lower than usual rainfall, there’s so littlerefugeforthosebirdsoutthere.
“The areas that do have water are going to be full of birds, so it’s just going to be like shooting fish in a barrel, and just thinking about all that wildlife due to be slaughtered issad.
“If you are hearing shots at odd times of day or...if you’re out there as a bird watcher
and happen to see any threatened or protectedspecies,pleasereportit.”
Geelong Field and Game conservation officerTrentLeensaidhewas“reallyexcited for the season to unfold” and reassured the community that measures were in place to protectducknumbers.
“Anyone is more than welcome to come downtotheWetlandCentreatConnewarre for a walk around or to have a chat with the friendlystaffthere,”hesaid.
“We can explain how we go about it and how all the regulations are in place to
ensure the public’s safety and to ensure everything’sdoneasethicallyaspossible.
“We have an adaptive harvest model that regulatesthebaglimitstoensurethatwe’re only taking a very small percentage of the population,andthat’sobviouslycompletely sustainable. The duck populations have neverbeenhealthiersincetherecentfloods across the state, so we’ll be looking forward tomanyyearsofprosperousbaglimits.”
Visit Field and Game’s website for more information about the 2026 Victorian Duck Season.
World-class choirs raise their voices across Geelong
By Matt Hewson
Local singers will have the chance to rub shoulders with Australia’s best when choirs from around Australia and New Zealand converge on Geelong next month. The Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) brings its vibrant concert series Choralfest to Geelong from 9 to 12 April, featuring more than 40 ensembles including world-class choirs suchasAuroraVocalEnsemble(Adelaide), City of Auckland Singers (NZ), Birralee Blokes (Brisbane) and The Promise of Avondale (NSW) will grace
The festival, which runs concurrently with ANCA’s national conference in Geelong, also features a number of local choirs, including Geelong Youth Choir’s Cantore ensemble, conducted by Phillipa McQuinn.
Ms McQuinn said the festival was an
“amazing opportunity” for Geelong.
“Ilovethefactthatthey’rebringingchoir to all around the city; there are events
at Westfield and the Wool Museum, key places in Geelong where there are lots of people but you would never have thought to have a choir,” she said.
Working-dog theme at show
Portarlington hosted the Bellarine Agricultural Show on Sunday 8 March with a theme of ‘All things working dogs’ and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take these pictures.
“It’s also offering other choirs from all over Australia to come and see Geelong as well…and how many amazing performance spaces we have, like Costa Hall, St Paul’s Anglican Church.
“There are events at Geelong Gallery, Piano Bar, the Novotel, there’s just so much happening all weekend.”
ANCA president Marianne Rigby encouraged the Geelong community to enjoy the wide array of vocal groups on display.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of the top choirs in the country,” Ms Rigby said. “And anyone who wants to learn more about choral music can attend the conference, we have about 30 workshops people can participate in to get practical tips from outstanding Australian and international clinicians.”
Visit anca.org.au for more information.
Terri Kerr on Aloha Saving Grace. 539269_01
Dean Lindemann with his son Harley. 539269_02
Above: Charlotte Courtot with daughters Clementine and Vienna. 539269_13 Above centre: Chloe and Jack Seymour with their children Angus and Grace. 539269_10
Jack Briscoe with 11-week old border collie Tammy. 539269_04
Tim Warburton and son Ted. 539269_09
Angus Summerfield with his dog Nigel. 539269_11
Sisters Caitlyn and Stacey Oakley with Stacey’s children Scarlett and Hunter. 539269_08
Tara Tregonning and daughter Tully. 539269_12
Cantore members Jensen, Aleahya, Austin, Shunti, Ashleigh, JB, Mikaela, Emma, Jemima, Rose, Hazel and Kinsie warm up ahead of Choralfest 2026. (Ivan Kemp) 539920_01
Innovation amazes
By Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM
The world-class innovation and creativity inourregionneverceasestoamazeme.
I’m consistently blown away by our advanced manufacturers’ ability to think outside the square and come up with pioneering products and services that garnerglobalrecognition.
I’m particularly excited by a partnership struck between Godfrey Hirst, Deakin University and Sykes, exploring the potential to repurpose waste from the carpet manufacturing process into new printablematerials.
Their research project is looking at how the plastic by-material used within Godfrey Hirst’s manufacturing process could be transformed into plastic pellets suitablefor3Dprinting.
If achieved, this process could divert hundreds of tonnes of waste stream material from landfill, giving it a new life withendlessnationalopportunities.
This recycled resource has vast potential across various industry sectors, and excitingly, Deakin researchers are investigating using it to preserve the lifespanofGeelong’siconicbollards.
The team are currently in the process of creatingabollardprototypeutilisingthese new clever and creative methods, and I’m veryeagertoseetheoutcome.
Jan Mitchell’s renowned bollards project salvaged timber from the former Yarra Street Pier, breathing new life into the materials that would have otherwise
beendiscarded.
Some of this timber is over 170 years old and faces significant challenges including rot, weather, pests, vandalism and, simply, theravagesoftime.
So, it’s fitting then, that our local industriesareexploringnewopportunities that pay homage to Jan’s legacy by using 21st-centurytechnologytoonceagaingive reclaimed materials a meaningful new life forourfuturegenerationstoenjoy.
This creative problem solving reinforces Geelong’s reputation as Australia’s first UNESCO City of Design and I applaud all stakeholders involved in this innovative collaboration.
The research and prototype are still in theirearlystages,andregardlessofwhether
this material is used in the bollards’ restoration, I’m excited by the prospects of thiscirculareconomyinitiativeandglobal commercialapplications.
The work being done in this partnership is truly groundbreaking, and its outcomes could mean immeasurable things for our localindustriesandnationalsustainability practicesinthefuture.
The City has recognised the enormous potential of this work, and has awarded the research project $25,000 through our CleanEconomyGrantsprogram.
Being a recipient of this grant puts the Godfrey Hirst, Deakin University and Sykes’ research in the company of esteemed projects that have achieved astronomicalsuccessinourregion.
Over the past decade, this nationally recognisedgrantsprogramhascreatedand supported upwards of 670 jobs, upskilled 2600 people, and generated $19 million in newturnoverforlocalbusinesses.
I am proud that the City values the importance of innovative thinking and researchthatsupportsasustainablefuture andlocaljobs.
Projectslikethishavetangibleoutcomes that help our business and wider supply chains to thrive and foster a skilled future-readyworkforce.
Importantly, the beneficiaries of this research are not just our advanced manufacturing businesses, but also our arts, culture, and sustainability sectors – key industries that we know will help Geelongachieveinternationalrenownasa CleverandCreativecityregion.
Ieagerlyawaitthefindingsofthisproject and the transformative impact it will have onourfuture.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (Supplied)
Retirement bliss on the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas
If you’ve been thinking about your next chapter, there’s never been a better time to explore what coastal retirement living can offer.
TheBellarinePeninsulaandMornington Peninsula retirement living villages have united to make comparing your options simple, inspiring and enjoyable.
Across two stunning regions and 23 beautiful villages, you’re invited to experience retirement living just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.
EachvillageissetamongsomeofVictoria’s most sought-after coastal destinations, offering the perfect blend of relaxed seaside charm and vibrant community connection.
Combined Bellarine & Mornington Peninsula retirement villages open day:bmpopenday.com.au
Twodedicatedopendayeventsgiveyouthe opportunity to explore each peninsula’s unique lifestyle.
Friday 20 March – Bellarine Peninsula: Visit eight of the best villages and discover a relaxed coastal atmosphere surrounded by beaches, wineries and welcoming local communities.
Saturday 21 March – Mornington Peninsula: Explore15exceptionalvillages showcasing the best of peninsula living, fromsceniccoastaloutlookstobeautifully landscaped communities.
On both days, participating villages will open their display homes for inspection, giving you the chance to step inside, meet residents and speak with friendly staff. A range of activities will be available, along with exclusive special offers for visitors on the day, making it the perfect opportunity
to ask questions and truly picture yourself living there.
Makeitaday-oraweekendaway
Why not turn your visit into more than just a tour? Both peninsulas are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, boutique
FROM THE ARCHIVES
shopping, cafes, restaurants, wineries and local attractions.
Whether you enjoy long coastal walks, gourmet food experiences or simply soaking up the sea air, you’ll quickly see why these regions are considered among the finest lifestyle destinations near
The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives
16 years ago 12March,2010
Witnesses have begun telling court their heart-rending stories of losing life savings in the $60 million collapse of a Geelong investment company.
One investor, whose name was suppressed under a court order, told Geelong Magistrates’ Court this week she was forced to cancel surgery after failing to receive a return on her $185,000 investment.
11 years ago 13March,2015
TAC safety advocate Norm Robinson has lashed out at authorities for failing to curb the road toll on the anniversary of his son’s death at Lovely Banks.
The Bannockburn man, who headed an emotional TAC TV campaign after son Luke’s death in 2010, said too many traffic authorities and politicians were reluctant to take more-effective measures to reduce carnage on the roads.
6 years ago 13March,2020
Geelongwillreceive58morepoliceofficers following a “record” state government announcement this week.
The Geelong Division will receive 27 general officers, with 22 to go to Geelong Police Service Area (PSA) and five to the Surf Coast PSA.
Melbourne, Geelong and coastal beaches. Planning your personalised tour is easy. Visit bmpopenday.com.au to explore participating villages and map out your ideal itinerary.
Your coastal retirement begins here, relaxed, connected and full of possibility.
1 year ago 14March,2025
A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will openinTorquayifLaborisre-electedatthe next federal election.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler announced on Tuesday, March 11, that the new clinic would provide urgent care for the region.
Jack Rabbit Winery is a must-visit destination on the Bellarine Peninsula to soak up the spectacular views and menu. (Supplied)
x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
1 Assimilate (6) 4 Leads an orchestra (8)
Humming sound (4)
Musician, Jim – (8)
Provided (8)
Declare (4) 25 Beautiful maiden in Muslim paradise (5) 26 Web addresses (abbr) (4)
Black mineral (4)
Hat (5)
Gifted (8)
1 A Middle Eastern language (6)
2 Yield; submit (7)
3 Corrosion (4)
5 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8)
6 Be full of censure (10)
7 Commentators (7)
8 An instance of seeing something (8)
9 Minute skin opening (4)
15 Central Asian nation (10)
18 Ban (8)
19 Embezzle money (8)
21 Unbiased (7)
23 Forest workers (7)
24 English city on the River Exe (6)
27 Old stringed instrument (4)
29 Self-referential (4)
3 LETTERS
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Today’s Aim:
17 words: Good 26 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent
4 LETTERS AVOS AYES BASS BUSS EKES EVIL FADE FADS LEGS LOSS PEON SEWS SODA SWAP VERY
pinto, piton, point, politic, PUNCTILIO, toil, tonic, topic, tulip, tunic, unclip, uncoil, unit, unlit, until
1 Steve Carell (pictured) and Timothée Chalamet play father and son in which 2018 film?
2 What is the title of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s debut cookbook, released in 1999?
3 Convallaria majalis is a woodland flowering plant better known by what name?
4 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats was based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book ofPracticalCats by which author?
5 In which year did construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge commence?
6 If something is ephemeral, it is what?
7 Which four African countries border the Red Sea?
8 Which band released the 2010 album The Suburbs?
9 What is the name given to the Catalonian sauce made from tomato, garlic, nuts and capsicum?
10 Who wrote the 1985 novel OrangesAreNottheOnly Fruit?
The Guide
GOING PLACES WITH ERNIE DINGO
SBS, Friday, 7.30pm
Friday’s fourth chapter of this eye-opening travelogue finds Ernie Dingo and Brooke Blurton in Far North Queensland as they explore the lush greenery, wetlands and vast savannah of the Atherton Tablelands. They start their journey on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic service that winds its way through the plateau’s heritage-listed rainforest. Dingo then heads to Chillagoe National Park to experience the cultural significance of the breathtaking limestone landscape to the Wakaman people. Nearby, Blurton (pictured with nature guide Patrick) embarks on nocturnal wildlife tour close to the town of Atherton, learning about local snakes and platypus while hoping to spot an elusive tree kangaroo.
FRAUDS
ABC TV, Sunday, 8.50pm
English acting powerhouses Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker (both pictured) as toxic best friends pulling off a heist together… where do we sign up? This thrilling new Spain-set series teams up Vigilstar Jones and former DoctorWholead Whittaker as Bert and Sam, two con artists reunited after a decade apart. Their high-stakes reunion is triggered when Bert (Jones) is released from prison following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She immediately reaches out to the only person she trusts to help her carry out one last epic job. But Sam has been leading a quiet life, and Bert’s grand plan is the last thing she wants to get involved in. With a lifetime of baggage to unpack, this next-gen Thelma&Louiseis an emotional but exciting ride.
Friday, March 13
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
THE OSCARS
Seven, Monday, 10am (red carpet arrivals from 9.30am)
Anything can happen at Hollywood’s night of nights: be it a Best Picture mix-up in 2017, Will Smith’s infamous slap in 2022 or even a streaker in 1974. If anyone’s ready for the unpredictable events of the 98th Annual Academy Awards, it’s quick-witted comedian Conan O’Brien (pictured), who returns as host after a widely praised performance last year. The funnyman recently admitted that he “loves it when something goes off the rails”, calling the live telecast “fun and electrifying” in an interview with TheNewYorker This year, Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinnersleads the field with a record 16 nominations, but as we know – when it comes to the Oscars, all bets are off.
PICK OF THE WEEK
SMALL TOWN SCANDAL
ABC Entertains, Tuesday, 8.30pm
Kiwi comedian and social media sensation Tom Sainsbury (pictured) turns his hit true-crime parody podcast of the same name into a riotously dark comedy with this quirky eight-parter. Sainsbury plays disgraced journalist Toby, who returns to his New Zealand hometown to investigate the suspicious death of his millionaire uncle. For the shameless Toby, this tragic incident looks like the perfect opportunity to launch a comeback project and save his career. British screen legend Felicity Kendal portrays Toby’s mum, Sue, in a star-studded cast that also includes Morgana O’Reilly (TheWhiteLotus), Starstruckcreator Rose Matafeo and Aussie actor Alexander England.
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (Final, PG, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Final, Mal, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.00 Make Up: A Glamorous History. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 Jeopardy! 4.55 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.25 Mastermind Aust. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Dying To Be Perfect. (2022,Madv,R) Christy Bruce. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted byLarry Emdur.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Ma) TheProfessor must prove his innocence.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa,R) Hosted byAlex Lee. 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG,R)
6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas And Friends. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 8.15 Motown Magic. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 Undiscovered Vistas. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: The Orator. (2011, PG) 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Colombia’s Wild Coast. 7.30 MOVIE: Zathura: A Space Adventure. (2005) 9.30 MOVIE: Friday The 13th. (1980, MA15+) 11.10 Nula. 11.40 Who We Are: Brave New Clan. 12.20am Tribal. 2.00 On The Road. 4.00 NITV On The Road: Mbantua. 5.00 Bamay.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare. TheFukushima nuclear plant heads towards total meltdown. 10.05 Rock Legends. (PGs) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (Mav) 12.05 How Sports Changed The World. (PGav, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 6. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. Alead-up tothe Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round1. Essendon vHawthorn. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook atthe weekend’s best racing. 11.45 To Be Advised. 1.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv,R) Thefarmers ward off avigilante group. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 7.20 FBC News. 8.10 NHK Newsline. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 France 24 English News. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Patriot Brains. 2.35 Where Are You Really From? 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.35 Inside The Huddle. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 The Future. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Full Monty. (1997) 10.15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.05 Homeland. 1am The Change. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Australia’s Best Drives. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes. 8.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 The Yorkshire Vet. Midnight Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 1.00 Room For Improvement. 1.30 Fresh TV. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 Fresh TV.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 8.25 10.15 Love Thing. (2022, Madlsv, German) 12.10pm Unforgiven. (1992, Malsv) 2.30 Callie & Son. (1981) 5.05 Vai. (2019, PG) 6.40 3:10 To Yuma. (1957) 8.30 Goodfellas. (1990,MA15+adlv,R) Ray Liotta. 11.10 Death Proof. (2007,MA15+lv,R) 1.15am 3.40 Love Thing. (2022, Madlsv, German) 5.25 The Movie Show.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Explore TV. (R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day6. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG,
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Airport Security: USA. (Ma) Abag with asuspicious package
8.30 MOVIE: Angel Has Fallen. (2019,MA15+lv,R) Asecret service agent iswrongfully accused ofan assassination attempt onthe US president. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman. 10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue. (2005,Mdlv,R) 1.00 Next Stop. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Filthy Garden SOS. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 MOVIE: The Bridal Path. (1959) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Roosters vSouth Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.45 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6. Replay. 12.15am Antiques Roadshow. 12.45 Explore. 1.05 1.35 MOVIE: The Bridal Path. (1959) 3.35 Beyond The Farm: Men At Work. 4.30 Late Programs.
6.00 10 News+.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG,R) Hosted byRebecca Gibney.
7.30 Jamie Oliver: Eat Yourself Healthy. Jamie Oliver makes asalmon tray bake.
8.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Empty-nesters Craig and Belinda are atloggerheads over their fourbedroom suburban Ashmore home.
9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
10 COMEDY (52, 11)
7MATE (64, 73)
Wars. 12.30
(82, 93)
Resto. Noon
Pickers. 1.30 Pawn Stars. 2.30
Ons. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30
Men. 4.30
6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Golden Girls. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.30pm Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. (2012, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Horrible Bosses 2. (2014, MA15+) 11.40 Seinfeld. 12.40am Psychic Kids. 1.35 Love Island UK. 2.35 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.30 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Mia & Codie. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Hop. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30
10 DRAMA (53, 12)
Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PG) 10.55 MOVIE: Nobody. (2021, MA15+) 12.55am American Resto. 1.25 Storage Wars. 2.00 Pawn Stars. 3.00 Road Wars. 4.00 Mountain Men. 5.00 Swamp People.
ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.05 The Piano. (R) 4.25 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PGl,R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals,R) Kimdiscovers the internet.
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) Presented byTom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. Alook atthe top stories ofthe day.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (M) Ateenager goes missing.
8.20 Top End Bub. (M) Lauren and Ned struggle asnew parents. Lauren wonders who Taya’s biological father isand ifshe should contact him.
8.45 Death In Paradise. (PGv,R) Selwyn struggles inthe wake ofhis shock shooting. The local community isrocked bya murder ata care home.
9.45 This England. (Final,MA15+l,R) Thecountry continues tocope with COVID.
10.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School: Let The Music Play. 3.30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 Zog. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. (Return) 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Jnr. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 11.45 MOVIE: The Darkside. (2013, PG) 1.20pm Nula. 1.50 Colombia’s Wild Coast. 2.40 Over The Black Dot. 3.05 Sunny And The Dark Horse. 4.35 Off Country. 5.05 First Australians. 6.00 Homesteads. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Powder. (1995) 10.40 Alicia Keys Live In New York. 12.10am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Women. Highlights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PGa, R) 5.30 Liberation Diaries.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean: Majorca Pt 1. Theteam looks atMallorca.
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: Hawaii. (R) SirDavid Suchet follows Agatha Christie toHawaii, where she holidayed in1922. 9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Nina Oyama. (PGa,R) Shaun Micallef heads toJapan. 10.25 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.25 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage7. 1.25 Stormy. (Malns, R) 3.25 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon Blaktrax. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. 5.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 Mastermind Aust. 6.55 The Food That Built The World. 7.40 Engineering From Above. 8.35 Icons Unearthed: Marvel. 10.25 Marcella. 12.15am A Paedophile In My Family: Surviving Dad. 1.20 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Long Story Short. (2021, Ml) 2.35 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 4.50 (2019, PGa, Spanish) 6.30 Jumanji. (1995, PGhv) 8.30 The Fisher King. (1991, Malv) 11.00 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+nv, German) 12.35am Goodfellas. (1990, MA15+adlv) 3.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted byJohanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997,Mv,R) Acop isrecruited tobe the partner ofa special agent assigned topolice extraterrestrials living onEarth. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith. 10.00 MOVIE: Men In Black II. (2002,PGh,R) Asecret agent enlists his former partner. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith. 11.45 Highway Cops. (PGa) Akayaker isrescued atOhope Beach. 12.15 Devils. (MA15+av,R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG,R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. 12.30pm Australia: The Story Of Us. 1.30 Better Homes. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 Horse Racing. Chandon Ladies Breeders Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. USA New Year Sprintcars. 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Battle: Los Angeles. (2011, M) 12.25am Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Drive TV: What Drives Us. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. (PGl, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day7. 3.00 Explore TV. (R) 3.30 Epic Builds. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Theteam helps acouple.
8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995,G,R) Afather, already traumatised byhis daughter’s marriage, isfurther shocked bynews ofher pregnancy. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short. 10.35 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989,Mls,R) Billy Crystal. 12.25 Epic Builds. (R)
1.20 Open For Inspection. (R)
1.50 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
1.40pm MOVIE: Mystery Junction. (1951, PG) 3.00 MOVIE: Duel In The Jungle. (1954, PG) 5.00 MOVIE: The 7th Dawn. (1964, PG) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Broken Arrow. (1996, M) 10.50 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7. Replay. 12.20am MOVIE: Dracula: Prince Of Darkness. (1966, M) 2.15 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Beetlejuice. (1988, M) 11.50 Prodigal Son. 1.30am MOVIE: UnCancelled. (2024, M) 3.40 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl, R) 12.40 My Market Kitchen. (R) 1.00 Silvia’s
6.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG,R) Sixcontestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate incash-prize value. 7.00 Soccer. AFC2026 Women’s
10.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TVfanatics open uptheir living rooms toreveal their reactions topopular and topical TV shows. 11.30 Matlock. (PGadl,R) Julian accompanies Matty tosurveil the ex-wife ofa Wellbrexa executive while Hunter assists ona manslaughter case. 12.30 Elsbeth. (PGa,R) Apop star purchases afailing convent. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.
7.30 The Piano. (Return,PG) Presented byGuy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.
8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Premiere,M) Awoman fakes her husband’s death.
8.50 Frauds. (Premiere,Mdl) Follows awoman fresh out ofprison.
9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M,R) Ateenager goes missing.
10.25 Top End Bub. (M,R)
10.55 MOVIE: Judy And Punch. (2019,MA15+,R)
12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round5. Grafton To Inverell. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men’s Race. Highlights. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 Manhattan Project In Colour. (PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow. Takes alook athow Romans spent their leisure time. 9.15 Leonardo Da Vinci: The Disciple Of Experience Pt 1. (PGan,R) Follows the life ofLeonardo daVinci. 10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Ramses’ Rise To Power. (PGa,R)
11.15 MOVIE: Julia. (2021,Mals,R) 1.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. ParisNice Race. Stage 8. Nice to Nice. From France. 3.00 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG, R) 3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.40 Britain’s Got Talent. (Return,PG) Auditions begin asweird, wacky and wonderful acts compete infront ofcelebrity judges.
10.10 The Hunters: Rentakill. (Mav,R) Alook athit man Christopher Dale Flannery. 11.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Unusual Suspects. (Mad,R) 12.40 The Age Of Elizabeth. (PG,R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day8. 2.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 3.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 9.00 Freshly Picked. 9.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.20 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGs, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.45 9News Late.
10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: The Monster Escapes. (MA15+asv) 11.15 The First48: Skipping School/Gamer. (Mav,R)
12.05 A Killer Makes A Call. (Malv,R) 1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGalm, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) Thesuspicious death ofa US Navy chorister draws the team into the world ofobsessive fans, pop stars and earworms, asthey learn how deadly the music business can be. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) Thesquad investigates anassault ata house party where noone can identify the assailant.
10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav,R) Apriest iskilled ina confessional booth. 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. 5.00 WorldWatch. 5.25 PBS News Compass Points. 5.55 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.50 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.45 Abandoned Engineering. 8.40 Sharon Stone: Survival Instinct. 9.45 MOVIE: Basic Instinct 2. (2006, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School: Let The Music Play. 3.25 Peppa Pig. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.10 Karma’s World. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.55 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 TBA. 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour 2. (2001, M) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, M) 11.30 Gotham. 12.25am Arrow. 2.10 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Dreaming Big. 2.35 Football. Big Ngukurr vKatherine Camels. Replay. 4.40 Generations Of Men. 5.00 Alicia Keys Live In New York. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 Our Medicine. (Return) 8.30 MOVIE: Murderball. (2005, M) 10.00 Late Programs. NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 1.30 Medical Emergency. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.20 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.20 Australia’s Big Backyards. 5.20 The Aussie Property Flippers. 6.20 Escape To The Country. 7.20 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Midsomer Murders. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Manly Sea Eagles vKnights. 6.00 Getaway. 6.30 7.30 Planet Earth III. 8.40 Paramedics. 9.40 Emergency. 10.40 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8. Replay. 11.40 Midsomer Murders. 1.40am MOVIE: Scott Of The Antarctic. (1948) 3.55 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Red’s Fishing Adventures. 2.30 Hook, Line And Sinker. 3.00 Pawn Stars. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Secret Service. (2014, MA15+) 11.10 MOVIE: Role Models. (2008, MA15+) 1.15am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.25pm The Fisher King. (1991, Malv) 2.55 Vai. (2019, PG) 4.30 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PGa) 6.30 To Catch A Thief. (1955, PGv) 8.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, Malv) 10.45 Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv) 12.55am Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, MA15+nv, German) 2.30 The Idol. (2015, Ma, Arabic) 4.25 Late Programs.
Monday, March 16
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Bee Cause. (R) 11.00 Top End Bub. (M, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Australian Story. Australians tell personal stories.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.
11.40 Murdoch Mysteries. (R) 12.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Love In The Walls. 3.10 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) TheTower marks80 years since VE Day. 8.30 8 Out Of10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Game show. Hosted byJimmy Carr. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) Hosted byGreg Davies. 10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGal) 11.35 The Old Man. (Mal, R) 2.25 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGaw, R) 3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning
Programs. 2.05pm Over The Black Dot. 2.35 Stories From The Cities. 3.05 WorldWatch. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.10 Arabia’s Best Kept Secrets. (Premiere) 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Holy Marvels. (Return) 9.20 Greatest Escapes. 10.10 The Cancer Killers. 11.15 Late Programs.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 Oscars Red Carpet. (PG) 10.00 The Oscars. (PGalsv) 1.30 Border Security: International. (PG,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane breaks the ice.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines. 9.10 The Oscars. (PGalsv,R) Aceremony honouring achievements the Dolby Theatre inLos Angeles. Films nominated for Best Picture include Sinners, OneBattleAfter Another, MartySupreme and F1
12.40 The Agenda Setters. (R)
1.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 The Zoo. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 A Touch Of Frost. 10.50 Ambulance: Code Red. 11.50 Doc Martin. 12.50am Bargain Hunt. 1.50 Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day9. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Thenext critical phase ofthe experiment begins. (Ml) Ateam offooty experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina2026 Closing Ceremony. From Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 8.40 NCIS. (Mav) Ateen’s kidnapping connects toa Navy SEAL Taliban survivor who might have killed after coming home. 9.40 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage oflocal, national and international news, aswell asthe latest sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs.
Noon Planet Earth III. 1.00 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Halfway House. (1944, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 10.40 Coma. 11.40 100% Footy. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 1.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: Murderball. (2005, M) 1.30 Ochre And Ink. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Colombia’s Wild Coast. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.30 MOVIE: The Joy Luck Club. (1993) Midnight Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.45am Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 2.35 Parental Guidance. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Mia & Codie. 4.50 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, Malv) 2.35 (2019, PGa, Spanish) 4.15 The Man Who 6.15 The China Syndrome. (1979, PGav) 8.30 Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+a, French, English) 11.15 Syriana. (2005, MA15+alv) 1.30am Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv) 3.40 Late Programs.
SIGNUP NOW!
Tuesday, March 17
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Todd Sampson’s Why? (Ml, R) 11.30 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.00 Blow-Ins. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Song Cycle. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell To Hughes. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30.
8.00 Foreign Correspondent.
8.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? BASE Jumpers. (Ml) Hosted byTodd Sampson. 9.00 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (Final,R)
9.35 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Hugo Weaving. (PG,R) 10.05 Compass. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGaw,R) 8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi looks atthe emotions ofjealousy and envy. 9.30 Dateline: Vienna: A Renters’ Paradise.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PGd) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+dl, R) 11.55 Wolf. (Malsv, R) 2.10 Safe Home. (Malv, R) 3.10 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy. (PGav, R) 4.05 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Boating. Circuit Boat Drivers C’ship. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. (Return) 9.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 10.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) David issuspicious ofCash. 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.30 Doc. (Ma) When the hospital ishacked, itcoincides with three patients showing similar symptoms.
9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) Afarmer iscrushed bya hay bale. A person suffers acardiac arrest atwork.
10.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PG)
12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
9.00 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+lsv) Thecommunity mourns Abby’s death. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 Next Stop.
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Destination WA. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On A Plate. 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG,R) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 9.00 NCIS. (Mmv) Theteam investigates acase involving aman who isshot bythe Secret Service outside the 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Homicide. 2.35 Fashionista. 2.55 WorldWatch. 4.55 Alone. 6.10 Arabia’s Best Kept Secrets. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May: Our Man In... Japan. 9.25 Into The Void: Life, Death And Heavy Metal. 11.15 Brassic. 1.05am WWE Legends. 2.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 The Zoo. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Dark City: The Cleaner. (Premiere) 11.45 Late Programs.
6am
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Charley Moon. (1956) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Harry Wild. 11.40 Manifest. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 1.40 Late Programs.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (Premiere) 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.40 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 2.30 Parental Guidance. 3.30 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Late Programs.
Hunger. (2008, MA15+anv) 1.35am Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+a, French, English) 4.10 Late Programs. 7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Dream Whisperer. 1.00 Murder In Big Horn. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40
BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R)
2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip: Cannes To Juan-les-Pins. Sandi Toksvig visits Cannes. 8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG) Professor Alice Roberts unravels the mysteries ofRosslyn Chapel. 9.20 Prisoner951. (M) Richard uncovers adecades-old secret debt.
10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Face To Face. (Mv)
11.40 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av)
1.30 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R) 3.20 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 3.55 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 WWE Rivals. 2.35 Fashionista. 2.55 WorldWatch. 4.55 Alone. 6.10 Arabia’s Best Kept Secrets. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.55 WWE Rivals. 2.50 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Parks Of Africa. 7.30 Extraordinary Animals. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding: USA. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.00 Inside The Huddle. 10.30 MOVIE: Restless River. (2019, M) 12.15am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.45pm Banel & Adama. (2023, Ma, French, Pulaar) 2.20 The 4.20 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PGal) 8.30 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. (1974, Mav) 10.35 The Invisible Fight. (2023, Mav, Estonian) 12.40am Late Programs.
Thursday, March 19
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 11.10 Inside Oxford Street. (Ml, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Paris: Mystery Of The Lost Palace. (PGav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Tane misses home.
7.30 The1% Club UK. (PGas) Hosted byLee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take alighter look atall things AFL. (M) Hamish McLachlan sits down with the captain ofthe Gold Coast Suns, Noah Anderson.
10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) Anexpert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans,R) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Air Crash Inv. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. Midnight Late Programs.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) It’s the second-last commitment ceremony.
9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+adlv) With Carl Williams behind bars, the war isover, but ghosts still remain.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mdv,R)
11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG,R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
11.30 Explore TV. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Lady Killers. (1955, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 11.40 Manifest. 12.40am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 11.15 Snackmasters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.50 Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 2.35 Parental Guidance. 3.30 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage ofthe day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete ina high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker towin acash prize. 7.00 Soccer. AFC2026 Women’s 10.30 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage oflocal, national and international news, aswell asthe latest sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted byStephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ma, R) 11.30 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Mdl, R) 1.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Eldorado, Vic. (PG) MyfWarhurst travels toEldorado.
8.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Andrea Lam. (PG) Virginia Trioli meets pianist Andrea Lam.
9.00 The Piano. (PG,R) Presented byGuy Sebastian and Andrea Lam. 9.50 Todd Sampson’s Why? Alien Church. (M,R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R)
11.25 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGv, R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening
Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.15 Ultimate Vets. 9.50 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Over The Black Dot. 1.30 Inside The Huddle. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes: Croatia – Gifts Of The Sea. (Return)
8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Final, Ma) Jelena, Ruby and Matt
9.35 A Spy Among Friends. Elliott and Lily realise noone can betrusted. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv)
12.00 Blackwater. (MA15+alv, R) 2.20 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 4.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm DW The Day. 12.40 Alone. 1.35 Fashionista. 1.50 Insight. 2.55 WorldWatch. 4.55 Alone. 6.10 Arabia’s Best Kept Secrets. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained. 11.10 Brassic. 12.55am Couples Therapy. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials.
3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Football. AFL. Round2. Hawthorn vSydney. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back atall the action from the match.
11.00 To Be Advised. 12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv,R) Local farms face foreclosure.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. Thelatest news, sport and weather.
5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Mdl,R) Follows the activities ofpolice units.
8.30 RPA: Joseline’s New Liver. (PGm,R) Aworld-leading pathologist battles his own mortality with the aid ofa ground-breaking trial.
9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mlm,R) Anaggressive patient must berestrained.
10.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+av) 11.20 9News Late.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 3pm Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Jack. (1964, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Canberra Raiders vCanterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 Forensics: The Real CSI. 11.55 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30
6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, Rachel McAdams and John Bishop join Graham Norton onthe couch. Jessie Ware performs her new single. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm The Force: BTL. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.00 Motorway Patrol. 8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason. (2004, M) 10.45 MOVIE: Life. (2017, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 2.25pm The Ideal Palace. (2018, PGan, French) 4.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PGals) 6.30 The Ipcress File. (1965, PGv) 8.30 All The President’s Men. (1976, Ml) 11.00 Monster’s Ball. (2001, MA15+alsv) 1.05am Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. (1974, Mav) 3.10 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.15 Snackmasters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Reloaded. (2003, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am Rugby Heaven. 1.10 Love Island UK. 2.10 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.00 Late Programs.
Fifteen day luxury cruise
Imagine sailing down the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers for 16 days taking in the sights of colourful New Orlean, musical Memphis and lovely Louisville.
Viking have announced their new itineraries for the region for 2027 and bookings are now open.
Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
A shorter option is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer itinerary which offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.
Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen believes wherever they are in the world, Viking guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit.
“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discovering,” he said.
He believes the new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River.
The itineraries explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical tradition with the 2027 Bayous, Bluesand Bluegrass15dayNewOrleansto Louisville cruise.
Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.
Also new for 2027 is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer from Memphis to Louisville. Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities.
Classic American musical genres with the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as BB King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.
The 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey from New Orleans to St Paul gives guests the opportunity to revel in the charm of “America’sGreatRiver”astheshipsetssail along the Mississippi.
Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history.
Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music, blues, jazz and soul, the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores.
The eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis allows guests to discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history.
Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebratemusicallegendsinthebirthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
Discover the Heartland of America over eightdaysfromStLouisto StPaulasguests journey along the Upper Mississippi and hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Walk in the footsteps of famed writer MarkTwainandlearnabouttheNorwegian
migration to the Midwest.
Enjoy the view as the luxury ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system and experience the region’s many cultural treasures from ragtime, polka and NorwegianfolkmusictoWisconsincheese, craft beer and hearty stews.
On the eight day New Orleans and Southern Charms leaving New Orleans for a roundtrip, discover the Lower Mississippi’s rich charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites.
Sample the bustling French-flavoured port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savour gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as
traditional Southern fare. Join this special VikingcruiseandseewhylocalCajunssay, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).
The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms. The state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.
For further information please phone 138 747 or visit www.viking.com.
Mississippi Blues Club on Beale-Street, Memphis. (Supplied)
Viking Announces New Mississippi and Ohio River Voyages for 2027.
8 DAYS IN EASTERN EUROPE
$5,695* pp
Book now and choose your preferred offer valued up to $5,000 per couple: Free economy class flight offers, upgrade to business class with an airfare credit, or save on your cruise fare.
Available until sold out on select river, ocean and expedition voyages*.
ROMANTIC DANUBE
Budapest to Regensburg or vice versa
Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centres and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots.
8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 5 GUIDED TOURS SET
• JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; MAR-NOV 2028
From $5,695pp in Standard Stateroom From $6,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa
Sail the Danube’s Iron Gate, witness Hungary’s Puszta horsemen, and behold Budapest’s grandeur—Eastern Europe unveiled.
11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028
From $7,595pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,495pp in Veranda Stateroom
CAPITALS OF EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Vienna or vice versa
Discover the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s elegant capital and European centre of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era.
17 DAYS • 7 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028
From $11,495pp in Standard Stateroom From $16,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
excursions
Introducing our 2026-2028 River Voyages brochure. Uncover the immersive experiences that await you along the world’s waterways with Viking.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday. Due to the ever increasing entries coming in each week for our Community Calendar page, we have enough to fill almost three pages. This means your entry will not appear each week. We will do our best to rotate them fairly. If you have an existing entry that no longer operates, please let us know so we can remove it. Your patience and understanding is welcome for this FREE service. The calendar in its entirety with every entry is posted every Saturday at 9am at geelongindy.com.au
Bellarine Repair Cafe
Volunteer repairers fix your items, such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Sunday 15 March, 12.30-3.30pm. repaircafebellarine.org.au
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 14 March, 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $10 includes supper. Music: Puff.
0400 500 402
Geelong Day VIEW
First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio. geelongdayview@gmail.com
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome. Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen? healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend. 0428 740 591
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
Leopold Book Club
Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm in Leopold. Very friendly group, new members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969
Church
Aberdeen Street Baptist Church, each Sunday 10am to worship, sing and enjoy traditional hymns followed by morning tea. All welcome.
Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus Meets second Thursday of the month, 10am, 200 McCurdy Road, Fyansford. Noel, 0425 706 339
Esoteric coffee meetups
For mature 18+ interested in the supernatural/occult paranormal experiences tarot cards, Anton La Vey, NDE,
Get together for peace Secular (non-religious), Biyal-a Library Armstrong Creek, Saturday 14 March, 10.50am-12.30pm. Meditation, video, discussion and cuppa. Marita, 0415 344 756
for fortnightly/coffee and chat catch-ups in northern Geelong/Geelong area. Bookings limited.
Text name/details, 0400 542 522
Combined Probus Belmont Central
The Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central meets at 10.30am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome. Publicity officer, 0417 555 547
Geelong Central Probus
Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL. geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus
Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary & Ormond Roads. Gary, 0407 320 735
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms. Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Leopold Library
Career Pathways covers careers in the sport industry, Thursday 26 February, 6-7.30pm. 4201 0675
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday. Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton. Elma, 0411 065 524
Cards
Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid. griddlepop@hotmail.com
Geelong Historical Society Inc.
Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West. Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Stamps
Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month (excluding January) at Virginia Todd Community Hall,
9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West, and 12.30pm third Monday of the month (excluding December) at Belmont Pavillion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Julie, 0438 270 549
Australian Multicultural Support Services
Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater. 10am-2.30pm Fridays. 9689 9170, amcservices.org.au or info@amcservices.org.au
Scrabble club
Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool & McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome. Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282
Games
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Tuesdays 2-5pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided. Dinah, 0418 547 753
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm. Shirley, 0488 055 969
Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed. Mary, 0419 278 456
Mindfulness & meditation U3A 9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale. Jean, 5264 7484
Lions Club of Geelong Breakfast Inc
Inviting anyone interested in having fun and serving others to meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (behind East Geelong Cemetery), followed by breakfast. Dinner event third Thursday of each month in Geelong. ajd53m@yahoo.com
Scribes Writers Group
South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members to refine their skills. geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com or 5243 8388
Kids’ church
Group lessons for children aged 3-6, 7-10 and 10+, St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term,
10.30-11.30am.
Suzie, 0402 963 855 or Althea, 0403 005 449
Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm. Val, 5251 3529
Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial. revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons
Mainly Music for Preschoolers
Sessions of music and movement for preschoolers, St Barnabas and St Paul’s Church, 105 Wilsons Road, Newcomb. Every Thursday during term time 10-11.30am. Wendy, 0461 582 618
Combined Probus Club of Highton Meets third Thursday of each month, South Barwon Football & Netball clubrooms, McDonald Reserve, Reynolds Road, Belmont, 10am. Sandra, 0427 348 260
Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential. zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au
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
Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate. 5278 9740 or geelongballroomdc.com.au
Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm. geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au
Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. 0420 910 763
Children’s play group For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent/carer. Free play, story time, and music. Wednesdays 10am-11.30am in school term, St John’s Highton, 269 Roslyn Road, Highton. office@stjohnshighton.org.au or 0433 191 890
Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club
Hot Shots for beginners, Creamery Road, Bell Post Hill, Monday afternoons, 4.15pm or 4.45pm sessions. Bruce, 0402 135 313
Belmont Seniors
Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. 5241 1776
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and chat, 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-3pm. Fortnightly lunch at various locations. Meetings second Monday of each month. Gary, 0400 862 727
Out and about in Geelong
Talk about timing. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp got to the Geelong waterfront just before the deluge and wind swept through on Wednesday 11 March.
Zara Phillips with her son Sonny. 539851_12
Jessica Williams with her children Billie and Tommy. 539851_11
Darryl McDonald with Butterball and Honey. 539851_03
Alicia Eastman with her children Darcy, Ruby and Maeve. 539851_04
Tia Corrigan. 539851_05
Feralyn McArdle. 539851_06
Julie Molloy. 539851_07
Mitch Foley with son Will. 539851_08
Rebecca Williams and son Kai. 539851_09
Molly Romans. 539851_10
Glenda Johnstone and Fran Siegert. 539851_02
Billie Grace and Marie Richmond. 539851_01
Kona success deserved
By Marque Motoring
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that has been on sale in Australia since 2017.
It is the second smallest member of the Korean company’s five SUV options, between the smaller Venue and the larger Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.
NotonlywasKonaHyundai’sbest-selling vehicle in 2025 but it also topped annual sales in its highly-competitive market segment, ahead of cheaper Chinese rivals such as the MG ZS, Cherry Tiggo 4 and Haval Joilon.
The second-generation Kona came here in 2023 with a larger and chunkier body adding extra cabin space, together with upgraded safety, security and convenience features.
Konacomeswiththechoiceof16different variants including naturally-aspirated petrol,turbochargedpetrol,petrol/electric hybrid and fully electric powertrains. Equipment levels are base Kona, Elite and Premium, each with an optional sportier style N Line.
Most models are front-wheel drive although AWD is available in the Premium N Line turbo-petrol model.
We’ve reviewed the Kona EV recently so we’ll look at the petrol and hybrid models here.
Our test car was the Kona Elite turbo-petrol hybrid.
Styling
The design of the Kona petrol and hybrid models could almost pass for their EV sibling with its thin LED light bar at the front that spans the entire width of the vehicle at both the front and the rear.
The exterior style does vary depending on variant but overall is neat and compact with a z-shaped crease along the sides.
Kona’s star attraction is that narrow LED light bar which features at both the front and rear that we first saw with the Hyundai Staria people mover. Hyundai calls it a Seamless Horizon Lamp, and combines LED daytime running light and a positioning light.
The base Kona runs on 17-inch alloy wheels, Elite and Premium go to 18-inch with N Line variants getting 19-inch machine-finished alloys with a sporty multi-spoke design.
Options on Premium variants include a wide-glass sunroof ($1500), metallic mica paint ($595) and Light Shale Grey/ Sage Green interior ($295).
The sporty N-Line option package adds optional black side mirrors and roof, wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasise a lower stance, distinctive19-inchalloys,twinmufflerand silver side skirt.
Interior
ForasmallSUVKonaprovidesasurprising amount of interior space with excellent headroom all round and generous leg and shoulder room for rear passengers.
Boot space with rear seats in place is 407 litres, expanding to 1241 litres with the seats folded. A temporary spare wheel can be found under the boot base, which is height adjustable.
The entry level Kona gets cloth seats and two-way lumbar support. Elite and Premium add leather trim.
There are the usual two screens, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display in front of the driver.
The gear selector is located on the right-hand side of the steering column wheel. It’s a large, rectangular control that tilts up for Drive, down for Reverse and pushes in for Park. Importantly its location
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 8.5/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7.5/10
frees up space on the centre console for a pair of cup holders, smartphone wireless charger and more push button and other physical controls leading to less reliance on the touchscreen.
There is interior LED lighting across the range.
TheHyundaiBluelinksystemisstandard across the Kona range offering features such as remote locking, remote climate control, and vehicle diagnostics.
The optional N Line pack interior adds ambient mood lighting, leather appointed seating with Alcantara inserts, along with red highlights and N logos. There’s also an N Line steering wheel, dark metal door handles, plus leather dashboard tray and highlights, black headlining and pillar trims.
Engines/transmission
Power and torque from the 2.0-litre IC engine is 110 kW at 2600 rpm and 180 Nm 4500 revs. The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol generates 146 kW and 265 Nm at 6000 rpm.
While the engine in the petrol/hybrid variant that we tested produced 77 kW and 144 Nm together with 32 kW and 172 Nm from the electric motor for the combined system putting out 104 kW and 265 Nm.
The Kona hybrid is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with Shift By Wire paddle shifters
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle from the 2.0-litre is listed as 6.6 litres per 100km, the 1.6 at 7.6 L/100 km with the hybrid dropping to 3.9 L/100 km.
All use 91 RON fuel.
Infotainment
Kona comes with a 12.3-inch dual-screen high-resolution full digital set-up. Pleasingly, climate control air-con is via a series of buttons and knobs on the centre stack, not the touchscreen.
Over-The-Air software update capability.
Standard media features include AM/ FM/DAB+ radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Satellite navigation is standard on the Elite and Premium variants.
Base Kona and Elite have a six-speaker audio system, Premium gets a BOSE eight-speaker unit.
Safety
Standard safety features start with seven airbags, including one between the front seats.
There are autonomous emergency braking front and rear, with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also included are driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoringandassist,lanekeepassist,safe exit warning, high-definition reversing camera, plus front and parking sensors.
All turn on automatically on start-up but the usual suspects, including driver alertandlanecorrection,canbeturnedoff fairly easily.
Driving
EntryintotheKonaisimpressivelyeasyfor a relatively small vehicle. With the driver’s seatatamid-levelsetting,therewasplenty of headroom.
As with most hybrids the push-button start fires up the electric motor with the 1.6-litre petrol engine kicking in at around 20km/h to 30 km/h.
Unlike several vehicles that we’ve tested
where the positioning of gear selector control on the right of the steering column could accidentally be bumped out of gear, the control on the Kona twisted either up or down and worked perfectly.
Thehybridis70kgheavierthanthepetrol courtesy of its battery and that does affect itsridequality.At38litres,thehybrid’sfuel tank is nine litres smaller.
Claimed fuel consumption with the hybrid is just 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle with Co2 emissions of 61 g/km. Over the fortnight of our test, we averaged 5.4 litres per 100km over a range of road conditions. Kona comes with the standard Hyundai warranty of five years and unlimited kilometres.
It can be extended to seven years provided that all scheduled servicing is doneatanauthorisedHyundaidealership. The lithium-ion batteries in the Kona electric and hybrid models cover eight years and 160,000km.
Summary
KonaisprovingamajorsuccessforHyundai and it’s no surprise. The head-turning design combined with its clever use of interior space makes it feel like a vehicle the next size up.
It offers the full choice of conventional petrol, turbo-petrol, hybrid and fully electric as well as a range of colours from bright to conservative that clearly is attracting buyers right across the generations.
While it’s priced at the higher end of its small SUV segment that clearly isn’t discouraging buyers who have it sitting on the top of the sales chart.
Kona is proving a major success for Hyundai and it’s no surprise. (Pictures: Supplied)
Finals bring mixed results
LOCAL TENNIS
It was the first week of finals for almost all grades in Tennis Geelong’s Senior Pennant with semi-finals held across the region. Western Heights Uniting featured in both Men’s 1 and 2 elimination finals, and just made it over the line in both.
Surfcoast Torquay were formidable competition in Men’s 1 with three sets going to 7-5 or a tie-break, but the Heights won 4-2 while Ocean Grove got even closer in Men’s 2, with two 7-5 and two tiebreaks. The Heights won by two games while even on sets.
Four of the seven mixed section elimination finals went the way of ladder position. Moriac were two for two with their Mixed 1 team beat Grovedale Yellow 4-2 - the difference winning both Men’s and Women’s while the mixed were split. The Mixed 4 team did the same, but with tiebreaks in both Men’s and Women’s proving the difference.
Moolap continued Grovedale’s poor showing with a 5-1 win over the Mixed 2 Yellow team. Grovedale took the first
mixed, but Moolap improved and didn’t let the opposition trouble the scoreboard again.
Wandana Heights charged through the first five sets in Mixed 3 against Surfcoast Torquay Blue.
The Open sections produced some of the closest results and a couple of upsets.
Newcomb were not one of them in Open 1 where they and Wandana Heights had registered good wins against the other during home and away. This time
Newcomb pulled out their best form to win the tie 4-0.
Moolap muscled Ocean Grove out of third spot in Round 14 to earn a home final in Open 2 and took full advantage. Connor Chivell set the tone, winning the first singles 6-0, 6-1 and followed in the doubles with Chris Forsyth 7-5, 6-0. Moolap winners 3-1.
Highton’s Open 7 team also had a 3-1 win over Geelong Lawn. Highton won the first singles and doubles, before closing out the win in the second doubles where Dean Lehmann backed up for his second rubber.
From here, things were a little more tense with four sections tied on rubbers and decided on sets or games.
Waurn Ponds White took an early lead over Ocean Grove in Open 3, but the Grove fought back in the reverse rubbers.
Open 4 saw Wandana Heights and Ocean Grove Blue face off with the result in doubt to the end. Hamish McNaughton took the first singles 13-11 in the super tie-break for Wandana while Lachie Treharne and Luke Cronwright had a slightly easier time in the doubles winning 6-4, 6-4.
Treharne backed up in the singles
winning 6-3, 6-3 giving Ocean Grove the advantage, but with the doubles tied at a set all, the Grove had the set advantage, despite McNaughton and Jensen Wong winning the super 10-8. Ocean Grove progressed by four sets and six games.
In Open 5 Grovedale’s Yellow and Black teams met. Isaac Graham opened the tally for Black while Andrew Smith and Hiro Sekine countered for Yellow.
Smith started well in the reverse singles winning 6-3 while Graham teamed with Rebekah Schoenmaekers in the doubles to win their first set in a tie-break.
Smith continued his consistent play to take the second set, but Graham and Schoenmaekers put the foot down to win their second set 6-2 to give Black the win by three games.
Lara hosted Highton Gold in Open 7 and Jacob Harland overcame Jak Caddy in the first singles 10-7 for Highton while Sam Caddy and Streicher Jansen van Vuren won for Lara. Joshua Palmer edged out Max Harbison in the reverse singles, but Sam Caddy and Jansen van Vuren won their doubles in straight sets and Lara kept their season alive.
Another premiership for Ocean Grove as team 1 prevail
Ocean Grove was guaranteed to win the Geelong Bowls Region midweek bowls Division 1 competition, it was just a question of which team.
Ocean Grove’s 1 and 2 sides met in Tuesday’s grand final and it was the 1 team that prevailed by 10 shots.
Queenscliff defeated Ocean Grove in the Division 2 grand final in a close match.
MIDWEEK BOWLS GRAND FINALS
Tuesday 10 March Players named in order of skip, lead, second, third.
Division 1
Ocean Grove (1) 70 def Ocean Grove (2) 60: Alan Drury, Casper John, Jen Le Cerf, Hayley O’Reilly 25 def by Simon Avery, Ian Donald, Brian Dee, Jill Dwyer 26; Josh Rudd, Mia O’Reilly, Patria McGrath, Rod Brehaut 18 def by Brian Smith, Maddison Jacobs, Gary Brooks, Peter Patterson 23; Tyson Cromie, Robyn Hunt, Thomas Warren, Michael West 27 def Alan Callow, Gary King, Justin Curran, Sue Collins 11.
Division 2
Queenscliff 48 def Ocean Grove 43: Gordon Nicholson, Joan Shiell, Linda Graham, Barry Gladman 16 def Marg Carroll, Muriel Williams, Bob Poole, Terry Thomas 12; Barrie Close, Mark Ridgway, Diane Warren, Neil Winton 16 def Faye Richardson, Margaret White, Lauren Maclachlan, Brandan Carroll 15; Gary Warren, Rod Featherston, Mark Elford, Robart Warren 16 tied with Lorraine Kirk, Adele Ryan, John Gibcus, Maureen Harris 16.
Division 3
Eastern Park 56 def Portarlington 48: Stephen Young, Patrick Taylor, Colleen Loe, Darryl Washington 19 def Brian Lockyer, Robyn Larkin, Geoffrey Lawson, Wayne Page 15; Terry McFarlane, Helen Munro, Peter Hawkins, Barry Fox 17 def by David Dunlop, Raymond Malcomson, Wilma Atkins, Terry Freeman 22; Keith Mitchell, Gary Connolly, Julie Connolly, Peter Connolly 20 def Barry Hirth, Marja Hoffman, John Taylor, Tony Demaria 11.
Division 4
Bareena 74 def Ocean Grove 43: Wayne Macleod, Christopher Holt, Leonie Smith, David Gunsser 28 def Lyn Stonehouse, Ross Kelton, Shane Kelton, David Stephenson 14; Daryl Griffiths, Kevin McNamara, Carol Head, Moz Anderson 24 def David Stonehouse, Doug Miles, Pat Virtue, Dean Solomon 14; John Sandell, Litsa Ellis, Edward Drzewucki, Colin Atkins 22 def Rod Wilkinson, Janine Clark, Norman Thomas, Trevor Turnley 15.
Division 5 Anglesea 70 def Geelong 51: Dorothy Winchester, Des Clancy, Debbie Clancy, Dorothy Hermann 21 def Jenny McKean, Rowan Kent, Ian Coots, Derrel Treble 13; Chris Bird, Lynn Kitson, Fiona Gribble, Stewart Gray 30 def John McDonnell, Carol Stewart, Edward Farnsworth, Debra Stavenuiter 18; Mary Lydom, Lyn Gray,
Carmen Koster, Michael Collins 19 def by Frank Wheat, John Russell, Sue Martin, Laurie Formosa 20.
Division 6
Torquay 52 def St Leonards 50: Peter Phillips, Bernard Convery, Ron Sommerville, Kebin Halley 20 def Glyn Owen, Wally McGill, Annemarie Scott, Michael Hayes 16; Lance Avent, Glenn Gibson, David McKenzie, Sandra Skene 14 def by Des Ward, Leo Smith, Geoff Wharton, Gregory Kelly 18; Michael Wake, Angela Uebergang, Shani Hill, Phyllis Loeliger 18 def Jill Owen, Chris Law, Bob Millichamp, Roslyn McIntyre 16.
Division 7
Eastern Park 75 def Torquay 43: Tony Greenwood, Paul Slattery, Geoffrey McGarigle, Rob Nelis 30 def Gary Robinson, Geoffrey Crane, Jay Beattie, Wayne Chaffey 12; Leanne Morganti, Colin Pavey, Bob Dalton, Kerryn Greenwood 18 def Brendan Ryan, Ernie Stewart, Michael Jackson, Rod Hill 14; Ron Wilson, Mick Chandley, Robert Cole, Kevin O’Leary 27 def Russell Hannan, Jennifer Gaudion, Ro Porter, Peter Hirth 17.
Division 8
Norlane 59 def St Leonards 16: Darren Evans, Robert Tarr, Shane Hawkins, Doug Cornwell 33 def Graeme Tame, Stephanie Thomas, Vicki McTighe, Pam Kelly 9; Frank Tarr, Andrew Robertson, Francis O’Keefe, Shane Simkus 26 def Wayne Barnes, Joanne Barnes, Wendy Barnett, Peter Seamer 7.
Division 9
Eastern Park 44 def Bannockburn 35: Michael Barnes, Sharon Thompson, Kiri Pickering, Alistair Carroll 18 tied with Joe Damjanovic, John Pavlinac, Neville Johnson, Louise Barrett 18; Virginia Grant, John Mitchell, Kim Charman, John Stavris 26 def Lloyd Baxter, Gregory Querella, Peter Smith, Barb Storm 17.
Division 10
Barwon Heads 40 def Eastern Park 39: Gael Charman, Jan Charman, Vincent Foott, Bernie McCartney 23 def Eric Green, Lyn, Dianne Cuthbert, Michael Dunstan 19; Ian Grieve, Lesley Chellew, Barbara Montgomery, Charles Fenech 17 def by Burt Haines, Damien Miller, Hugh Maclean, Clifford Rossack 20.
North Geelong’s habit of winning cricket premierships continued with its women’s A Grade side adding another piece of silverware to the Osborne Park trophy cabinet.
The Magpies defeated East Belmont in the final at Lawn Addicts Oval, Belmont, on Sunday8Marchbyeightwickets.
After being sent in, East Belmont was all out for 96 with Katie Harmon getting 25 not out, but it was right-arm finger spinner Natasha Millard who caused the damage with 3/11 while Milly Chapman and Jessica Woolstonchimedinwithtwowicketseach.
The Pies got the runs with eight wickets and 45 balls remaining with Issy Maclay making a fine 46 and Rhyder Zdybel unbeatenon33.
Angleseaenjoyeda40-runwininBGrade with a great team performance against Queenscliff
Jessica Croker (29) and Noelle Taylor (21) batted well at the top of the order and a
late, but valuable, 30 not out from 27 balls from Sharvi Bellur got the total up to 7/136. Left-arm seamer Scarlett Birrell was superb with3/25fortheCoutas.
Inreply,Queenscliffwasalloutfor96with Birrell (21 from 14 deliveries) completing a
Leopold’s bid for outright win
By Justin Flynn
Leopold’s bid for an outright win fell just shortonthefinaldayoftheGeelongCricket Association Division 2 competition on Saturday7March.
Despite missing out on maximum points and third place on the ladder, Leopold still scrapedintothefinalsby0.21points.
After being bowled out for 137 in reply to Alexander Thomson’s 113, Jake Le Maistre (3/18) spearheaded another top bowling performancewiththeVikingsalloutfor126 intheirsecondinnings.
Alexander Thomson captain Zach Mevissencouldn’thavedonemuchmorefor his side, making 45 and 54 and taking 6/42 and5/48.
TylerJamesledBellPostHill’swinagainst Geelong West with 6/58 from 21 overs. The Panthers won by 106 and finished third on theladder,leapfroggingLeopoldbyjust0.41 points.
Geelong City fell agonisingly short of a finals spot even with a handsome win against Torquay. Darcy Pearson made 91 for the Sharks, who declared at 8/259 and set out to take as many wickets as possibleforextrapointsinthehopethatthey could overtake Leopold. Torquay ended at 4/59withByronTaylortakingthreewickets, butCitymissedoutbyjust0.21points.
Highton had batting practice having alreadyovertakenBellParkinpoleposition last week. Isaac Bird continued on to 100 while Lewis Campbell (92), James Gillard (65), Nathan McCoach (49 not out) and No 11ChrisYoung(45notout)spenttimeatthe crease with the Heat reaching a whopping 9/515.
CORIO defeated Marshall outright in Division3andfinishedfourthontheladder.
Resuming at 2/33 after 22 wickets fell on day one, Marshall was all out for 110 with three-wicket hauls to Mitchell Humm, HaydenBurnsandAnthonyGrace.
The Devils knocked over the runs comfortably, ending on 1/84 with Grace unbeatenon53from45balls.
Waurn Ponds Deakin wrapped up the minor premiership, reaching 3/183 in responsetoLethbridge’s177.NoahBerry(58 notout)andJacksonEllis(57notout)played well.
Modewarredidwhatithadtobydefeating Thomson, but missed finals. Modda made 7/201 in reply to Thomson’s 200 with Billy Bernetmakingarapid56from51deliveries.
fine game while skipper Janet Lister (3/19 fromfiveovers)andMoniqueConnell(3/33) tookthewicketsforAnglesea.
GRAND FINALS
Sunday 8 March
A Grade - North Geelong 2/97 (IssyMaclay 46,RhyderZdybel33no)def East Belmont 96 (KatieHarman25no,NatashaMillard 3/11,MillicentChapman2/7,Jessica Woolston2/11)
E Grade - Little River 3/125 (Isabel Wilkinson30ret,CaitlinMcKinlay30ret, StephanieAnderson24,HayleeWray 2/20)def North Geelong 5/100 (Haylee Wray30ret,SilvanaCaruana30ret,Jordyn Fairchild2/17)
F Grade - Bell Park 2/125 (LaurenNeville 30ret,LaurenMarino25,MollieRobbins 18no)def Jan Juc 6/110 (CavalleBoxer47no, BronwynWithers35no,AlishaAldridge 2/19)
G Grade - East Belmont 2/131 (Scarlett Kennedy32ret,AinslieKennedy31ret, FelicityTimberlake22)def Geelong City 1/130 (KirstenLambert32ret,L.Fapani27, MelissaRolfe20)
Cobras enter finals on a high
Collendinawillgointothisweekend’s Bellarine Peninsula Cricket AssociationA2Gradesemi-finalfullof confidence after knocking off top side OceanGrove.
The Cobras will meet Wallington after passing Grove’s total of 143 at a painfully slow Memorial Reserve on Saturday 7 March. It was slow going as the Cobras’ top order played a patience game as Jacob Gasior (33 from82deliveries)andyoungsterJude De Jong (27 from 117) saw off the new ballandadded57forthefirstwicket.
CoreyWalteruppedtheantewith23 from 53 balls and Oliver Terhorst was resolutewith23from114.
Meanwhile Grove leg-spinner Alex Mann was creating all sorts of problems and with Collendina at 5/105,thegamewasupforgrabs.
Harrisyn Wingrave chipped in with 17andJacksonDeJong’s10notoutwas particularlyimportantandtheCobras got home with three wickets and nine balls to spare. Mann took 5/37 from 19 probing overs and Baljinder Singh Brartook2/25.
WALLINGTON on the other hand, will go into the semi against Collendina on the back of a loss to Winchelsea.
The win was Winch’s first in 2026 and enough to lift it to fourth place andasemi-finalagainstOceanGrove. Wallington was 5/114 in pursuit of 141 for victory, but lost 5/13 to be all out for a disappointing 127. Jarrod Groves continued his fine season for Winchelsea with 6/48 as did Dane Wise-GrahamforWallingtonwith38.
PORTARLINGTON defeated St Leonards, but needed Winchelsea to losetoplayfinals.TroyGriffintookhis season’s run tally to 622 with 65 from 66 balls, but the Saints needed others to contribute and although James Burns struck 46 at No 8, they were all outfor187,43runsshort.
Seamer Tahj Wirth ended the seasononahighwith4/47forPort.
NICK Pratt’s 5/18 helped Manifold Heights to a win against Meredith that sewedupfourthspotinDivision4.
Luke Wright (5/10), Ben Collier (4/27) and Nick Fairchild (60) guided second placed
Bannockburn upset second placed Murgheboluc with Jamieson Jervies (4/18) and Tanner Hay (4/71 from 29 overs) the stars.
Little River to a big win against St Albans/ Breakwater. Damien Biemans (37 and 3/30) gaveithisallfortheSupersaints.
Minor premiers Newcomb & District (4/158) had to work hard to beat Guild St Mary’s (151) with Blake Ritchie (55) and NathanKeevil(3/15)thestandouts.
SURF Coast defeated Newcomb with Allen Antony (51) and Lachie Campbell (50) sharing a 105-run opening partnership. The Suns needed 163 for their fifth victory of the season, which they accomplished withfourwicketsinhand.
Nick Pratt
for Manifold Heights. (File picture/Ivan Kemp)
North Geelong’s winning A Grade side. (North Geelong CC)
Let the finals action begin
It was the final day of the home and away season for local cricketers and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Burdoo Recreation Reserve for the GCA1 game between Grovedale and South Barwon and to Armstrong Creek Sports Precinct for the BPCA C Grade game between Armstrong Creek and Barwon Heads on Saturday 7 March.
South Barwon captain Nick Butters took 4/66. 537708_01
Daniel Brew drives on his way to 38 for Grovedale. 537708_06
Sam Ellis took 4/66 for South Barwon. 537708_20
Jordan Moran drives off the back foot during his masterclass 131 for Grovedale. 537708_21
Harry Hauenstein takes the catch to dismiss Daniel Brew. 537708_18
Steven Gadd drives during his 22 not out for the Seagulls. 537709_16
Gurpreet Singh in action for South Barwon. 537708_13
Brad Fleet celebrates his century with Steven Gadd. 537709_20
Armstrong Creek’s Mitchell Crabbe walks back to his mark. 537709_04
David Schnaars in action for Armstrong Creek. 537709_06
Brad Fleet and Steven Gadd walk from the field after Fleet made his century. 537709_21
Newbies set for huge final
By Justin Flynn
St Peters captain Luke Ford recognises the danger that his Geelong Cricket Association elimination final opponent Lara presents going into this weekend’s clash.
In a dramatic final round, the Saints secured fourth spot and a first-up final against third placed Lara at Bisinella Oval and knows his side must contain some of its stars.
“They’ve clearly got an electric batsman at the top in Vish (Malhotra),” Ford said.
“He can take a game away in the space of 10 minutes. They’ve got that fire at the top, then they’ve got the experience in the middle with Daniel (Weigl), Sods (Robert Sodomaco) as well.
“Kaden Marum, with bat and ball, has shown throughout the year that he can be dangerous at times.
“And Luke Wilson, who had a year off and has come back and has had a stellar year. So they’ve got aspects all through the team, which is why they sit third.”
St Peters made sure of a finals berth with an epic run chase against East Belmont on 7 March.
Needing 282, the Saints didn’t rely on Ford to make the bulk of the runs with Brad McMaster (83 not out), Billy Ford (79) and Brogan Hayman (53) getting the job done with three wickets in hand.
Since starting the season with two consecutive ducks, Luke Ford has gone on to amass 690 runs at an average of 86.25 and although he made 36 on Saturday, he was pleased with the collective effort from his batters.
“It’s never always about one or two guys doing the job, and you do, certainly at times, need one person to stand up, but the conversation pre-game was that it’s not going to take one guy to get 130 or 140,” he said.
“If that happens, that’s great, but we’re goingtoneedguystobuildbigpartnerships and we’re going to need some 70s and 80s, and we got that.”
After being 1/100 and then 5/116, Ford said the 120-run partnership between McMaster and younger brother Billy was as important as it gets.
“Those two probably have had a little bit of a tough time at the moment with batting,
but that’s the ebbs and flows of cricket,” he said. “And that’s the maturity from those two as well that you can have some lean weeks and you can struggle, but all it takes is to spend some time out in the middle and get a couple away to the boundary.
“Theypickedcertainbowlersandpicked certain ends to target and the way they batted as a pair, it was very well needed.”
Ford said it was encouraging for the rest of the competition that a newly promoted side in Lara and a recently promoted club in St Peters would play in a final.
“There’s no denying that North Geelong are clearly the out and out favourites and there’s no shying away that they are the best team in it and we respect that,” he said.
“(But) we deserve to be there and it’s a good thing for the competition. I think it showsdivisiontwoclubsthatitcanbedone.
Whether they’re good enough, who knows, but if you put the right people and the right things in place, it can change quickly.”
JORDAN Moran’s class shone with a delightful century to steer Grovedale to victory against South Barwon. Victory to either side would have meant a spot in the four, but that was dependent on St Peters losing.
Moran’s 131 came from 132 deliveries and included 19 fours and two sixes as Grovedale successfully chased the 300 needed for victory, ending on 326 all out.
Moran’s 10th ton equalled the club record held by Gary Kellson.
Daniel Brew (38), Andrew Vine (37) and Michael McNeel (31) provided supporting acts for the main Moran show. McNeel announced his retirement after game number 255 and 6352 runs for the Tigers.
South Barwon paceman Sam Ellis never stopped trying with 4/66.
LARA new-ball pair Luke Wilson and Kaden Marum steered their team into the finalswithathrillingwinagainstStJoseph’s.
Needing to win to play finals, Lara
successfully defended last week’s 247 all out, although it got close.
Wilson took 5/55 from 23 overs and Marum snared 3/66 from 20.3 to have Joeys all out for 236 in the 92nd over.
A 246-ball 73 from Riley Pickering provided the backbone of St Joseph’s run chase, but he couldn’t find anyone else to push past 50 with his side all out for 236.
NORTH Geelong cruised into next weekend’s qualifying final against East Belmont with a win against Newtown & Chilwell.
Resuming on 2/69 in pursuit of 136 for victory, Philip Visser continued his good form with 59 and the ever reliable Adam Costello was on 40 when stumps were called with the Magpies on 9/193. But it was Two Blues spinner Chris Williams who earned the three votes, taking 7/67 after snaring 6/65 last round to end the season on a high after some horror injury battles.
Queenscliff primed for home semi-final against Barrabool
By Justin Flynn
After starting the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade season with three consecutive losses, Queenscliff enters its semi-final this weekend as one of the in-form teams of the competition.
The Coutas prefer the 75-over game, having lost just once in that format all season - to undefeated Barwon Heads.
“Aside from Barwon Heads, which is obviously the benchmark, I think we were the best two-day team in the comp after them,” Queenscliff captain Hayden Illingworth said.
“So red-ball wise, we’ve been brilliant. We haven’t conceded over 200 runs with the ball all year.
“And batting wise, we’ve been consistently making targets over 160, 180 as a minimum. So I think that the difference from this year as opposed to the last couple of years, the gap between our best and worst is a lot smaller now.”
Queensclifffinishedsecondontheladder to earn a home semi against Barrabool on 14 and 15 March.
Barrabool is in some good form of its own, winning its past three matches.
“Since we played each other in the two-
dayer (in round 7) when it was a draw, we’ve both played really good cricket,” Illingworth said.
“They’re just a good all-round team, but they’re not too reliant on particular guys. They just share a load and they’re able to execute a good day’s cricket.”
Queenscliff defeated Drysdale in the final home and away game, making 9/227 declared and bowling out the Hawks for 135.
Illingworth (46 not out), Tom Bakker (34), Jordan Monahan (32), Frank Mileto (31) and Lachie Kidd (28) all contributed.
“I always put the emphasis on if you get a start, then you go on and get a big 80 or 100,” Illingworth said.
“But it was just one of those unusual games where we had lots of contributions and it doesn’t matter how you do it. How you get to 230 doesn’t actually matter.
“The most important thing to come out of it was a few guys got themselves back in form. Even myself, I’ve been struggling in the back half of the year and you want runs prior to finals. For guys to be able to get a few runs, even if it is only 30 or 40, it just helps going into a semi and you feel a bit more confident.”
Illingworth used just three bowlers on Saturday - Monahan (3/39 from 24 overs),
Luke Adam (5/38 from 16.5) and Tom Kidd (1/44 from nine).
“We’ve got the three frontliners and then Frank (Mileto) and Philpy (Lochie Philip) and Max Minney have been the ones that back the top three up,” Illingworth said.
“The beauty of the top three is that they’re fit and they’re young and they have a repeatable bowling action that can go and go to 20 overs plus.
“They just want to keep bowling. They don’t really like the ball being taken off them so that’s what you want as a captain.”
ARMSTRONG Creek did what it had to do by beating Anglesea, but needed other
results to go its way and missed a finals spot. Anglesea lost, but still made the top four although it slipped from second to fourth.
Jack Maclean (41) and Matt Kennedy (40) batted well with the Titans, who reached 156 all out, needing 146 for victory.
DylanTaylorcontinuedhisfineformwith 5/36, but the Titans got the runs in a thriller. The loss means Anglesea will now face unbeaten Barwon Heads in a semi-final.
BARRABOOL clinched third place with a 61-run win against Jan Juc.
Defending last week’s score of 237, Lachie Snaith took 3/18 to have the Sharks 9/176 at the close of play. Peter Buszard (55 not out) and Tom Kearney (50) batted well, but the total proved too much.
INVERLEIGH will be relegated to A2 Grade next season after finishing bottom of the ladder, but it fought the season out bravely.
The Kookaburras set out in chase of Barwon Heads’ total of 190, but fell for 142 with Lachie Platt (35) and Daniel Midolo (31) providing resistance.
The Heads go into this week’s semi-final unbeaten and it was off-spinner Jason Borg (3/14) and leggies Daniel Donaldson (2/11) and Angus Mackie (2/34) who steered the victory.
Brad Fleet hits the ball to the boundary to bring up his century for Barwon Heads C Grade against Armstrong Creek. (Ivan Kemp) 537709_18
Left: Jordan Moran square drives for four during his magnificent 131 for Grovedale. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 537708_11 Right: Grovedale’s Daniel Brew hits high to mid-wicket and is caught for 38. 537708_17
Premiership joy for Grove
Ocean Grove prevailed over Queenscliff in a keenly fought Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final at Belmont on Sunday 8 March and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to capture some of the late action.
Ben Russell led his team to close the gap on Ocean Grove. 537707_23
Tyson Cromie skipped his rink to a win. 537707_24
Matt Flapper had an absorbing match against Ray Butler. 537707_30
Ray Butler leads his team to win this end by one shot. 537707_31
Peter Loe led mighty comeback. 537707_08
Steve Sullivan works the bowl into the head. 537707_15
Robyn Hunt leads off for Ocean Grove. 537707_10
Seb Monahan follows through for Queenscliff. 537707_13
Jen Le Cerf starts the end for Ocean Grove. 537707_17
Hayley O’Reilly gets close with this opening bowl. 537707_25
All eyes on Bradley Pavey’s bowl as it enters the head. 537707_32
Bradley Pavey follows his bowl down the rink. 537707_35
Richie McGovern leads off for Queenscliff. 537707_09
Mitchell Hocking withstood a Peter Loe fightback to take the rink by two shots.
Grovers go back to back
By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove pulled away from a spirited Queenscliff to win yet another Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant premiership, making it back to back flags at Belmont on Sunday 8 March.
Since the pandemic, the Grovers have won four of the past five premierships, with a one-shot loss to Highton in 2023/24 the only blemish.
Queenscliff started the better of the two sides and showed few nerves, getting out to an 18-12 lead after 19 ends.
Mitch Hocking’s rink of Craig Heard, Jackson Mahoney and Jackson Reilly was well on top of Peter Loe, Craig Rippon, Andrew Forster and Josh Rudd, leading 12-0 and then 15-1.
However, Ocean Grove was in command on rink 4 with skip Tyson Cromie, lead Jen Le Cerf, second Max Rowley and third Tony Joel dominating Ben Russell, Matthew Speed, Wayne Macleod and Nathan Dixon with a 13-0 head start.
On the two other rinks, it was much closer.
Queenscliff’s Ray Butler, Wayne Visser, Adam Green and Riley Cameron were locked in a massive battle against Matt Flapper, Hayley O’Reilly, Wayne Frith and Zac Abro with the lead changing several times throughout the match and never more than a few shots in it.
BradPaveyhadonlylostoncethisseason, but his trio of Robyn Hunt, Chris Burrell and Chris Price were being challenged by Steve Sullivan, Richie McGovern, Barry Gladman and Seb Monahan.
Geelong Bowls Region Grand Finals
SUNDAY 8 MARCH
Players named in order of skip, lead, second, third.
Premier Pennant - Ocean Grove 89 def Queenscliff 68: Matt Flapper, Hayley O’Reilly, Wayne Frith, Zac Abro 16 def Ray Butler, Wayne Visser, Adam Green, Riley Cameron 14; Bradley Pavey, Robyn Hunt, Chris Burrell, Chris Price 27 def Steve Sullivan, Richie McGovern, Barry Gladman, Seb Monahan 10; Peter Loe, Craig Rippon, Andrew Forster, Josh Rudd 22 def by Mitchell Hocking, Craig Heard, Jackson Mahoney, Jackson Reilly 24; Tyson Cromie, Jen Le Cerf, Max Rowley, Tony Joel 24 def Ben Russell, Matthew Speed, Wayne Macleod, Nathan Dixon 20.
Suddenly the two lopsided rinks started to turn around. Loe began to win precious shots, as did Russell to reverse their early jitters.
Pavey got out to a four-shot lead after 11 ends, but Russell jagged back six shots to reduce his deficit to nine against Cromie.
Meanwhile Loe’s rink was mounting a challenge of its own, clawing back to 10-20 after 13 ends.
With the score at 40 apiece after 47 ends, the crowd was being treated to a superb match and the Grovers made their move.
Pavey got six up and with Price, who was now playing some fantastic bowls, got another shot after an umpire’s call.
Flapper and Russell were going shot for shot and Hocking regained some momentum with two on the 15th end.
O’Reilly, Frith and Abro started the 14th end brilliantly and held four shots, but Russell came up with a clutch bowl to take the end by one.
Ocean Grove then clicked up a gear with Cromie picking up five on the 15th while Loe killed the end with Hocking three up and Pavey added two more shots to the total.
The Flapper-Butler seesaw continued with Butler winning three consecutive ends.
Grove led by 11 after 66 ends and Loe’s resurgence continued, inching to within eight of Hocking.
With Grove ahead 72-55 after 71 ends, Queenscliff needed something special, but Loe picked up another three to trail by just five and an animated Pavey won his end by one to lead by 11.
The Coutas weren’t giving in though, with Russell and Hocking reducing the margin to 11 with seven ends remaining.
Flapper inched past Russell 16-14 after 21 ends while Loe’s comeback was instrumental to the overall result, coming from 14 down to take 21 of the next 30 shots, and picking up four on the 21st end, to go down 22-24 to Hocking.
Russell’s comeback was just as impressive, downed 20-24 by Cromie, while Pavey pulled away from Sullivan to win 27-10 after a massive match in which the Queenscliff quartet could hold their heads high.
An 89 to 68 overall result probably didn’t tell the full story.
Ocean Grove’s grand final experience allowed it to steady and power through the final 30 ends while Queenscliff’s inexperience was perhaps telling.
The Coutas will be hungrier next season and now have that grand final experience to draw on and are expected to challenge again.
You’d be a fool to think Ocean Grove will drop off and with its Division 1 side victorious, will field two teams in the top flight in 2026/27.
OceanGrovemadeitadoublecelebration with a nail-biting Division 1 win against City of Geelong.
Grove looked home late in the game after an entertaining encounter that had several lead changes throughout.
City picked up five shots late on one rink and led by two in the final stages, but Grove steadied and won 82 to 79 in a match worthy of a Premier Pennant grand final.
Division 1 - Ocean Grove 82 def City of Geelong 79: Alan Drury, Brian Boyle, Paul Entwhistle, Cheyne Verrier 25 def Nicholas Craven, Helen Boult, Kerry Gooley, Lionel Harvey 11; Michael West, Thomas Warren, Casper John, Jason Bertrand 18 def by John Shell, Neil Robinson, Sarah Ashby, Mathew Nitchie 36; Owen Clark, Mia O’Reilly, Terence Brady, Rod Brehaut 23 def Sandra Tillson, Ronald Sutherland, Stephen Somerton, David Vogele 12; Simon Avery, Dylan Ryan, Daniel Henery, Alan Callow 16 def by Jayden Wombell, Gavin Lane, Ned Trease-Gordon, David Wombell 20.
SATURDAY 7 MARCH
Skips named from Division 2 onwards. Division 2 - Belmont 79 def Ocean Grove 70: J. Reed 16 def by S. Collins 17; R. Stephens 21 def A. Barton 14; A. Gemmill 21 def D. Cottier 14; D. Abramhsen 21 def by B. Smith 25.
Division 3 - City of Geelong 87 def Ocean Grove 61: R. Symons 17 def G. King 12; R. Gray 26 def L. Kirk 20; D. Radoslav 26 def P. Patterson 11; S. Khruapanich 18 tied with M. Allen 18.
Division 4 - Norlane 84 def Geelong RSL 47: J. Ellmer 22 def N. Vivian 12; D. Evans 16 def by B. Jennings 18; F. Tarr 23 def W. Smith 9; J. Hargreaves 23 def J. Southern 8.
Division 5 - Barwon Heads 103 def Torquay 62: A. Prosser 13 def by C. Lawler 20; G. Hood 48 def B. Gaudion 6; I. Duthie 23 def G. Wakefield 20; A. Duthie 19 def M. Wake 16.
Division 6 - Torquay 80 def Geelong 70: J. Pryor 17 tied with R. Russell 17; G. Williams 15 def by F. Wheat 26; M. Slater 21 def R. West 11; D. Burns 27 def K. Francis 16.
Division 7 - Ocean Grove 87 def Anglesea 77: W. McKelvie 20 def by C. Bird 28; D. Stephenson 18 def D. Winchester 10; J. Rogan 15 def by A. Stephen 25; L. Wilkinson 34 def W. Smith 14.
Division 8 - Torquay 76 def Drysdale 67: P. Loeliger 29 def M. Reing 9; B. Ryan 17 def S. Jeffs 14; P. Phillips 18 def by T. Hawking 23; R. Tapping 12 def by A. Hayes 21.
Division 9 - Point Lonsdale 59 def Bell Post Hill 50: K. Lyons 15 def by G. Lamb 20; T. Wood 24 def A. Barrett 13; I. Curtis 20 def D. Hodges 20.
Division 10 - City of Geelong 45 def Geelong RSL 28: G. Madley 22 def R. Meeke 17; S. Tillson 23 def D. Wilson 11.
Ocean Grove’s victorious Division 1 team. 537707_45
OceanGrove’svictorious
The winning Ocean Grove Premier Pennant team. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 537707_42
