Geelong Indy - 23rd January 2026

SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026

Geelong Football Club - GMHBA Stadium

Brownlow Stand - Cats Shop Entrance | 10am - 4pm

Sailing into town

By Jena Carr

Festival of Sails will cruise back into Geelong’s shores for a bigger than ever year,fullofwaterfrontfestivalcelebrations andworld-classsailing.

The three-day festival will feature a free Come and Try Sailing experience on RS21 keelboats, a regatta program and live music, along with new activities including a Classic Car Showcase and a family fun day.

Festival of Sails chair Phil Francis said the festival would blend elite international competition with community activities from Saturday 24 January to Monday 26 January.

“It’s going to be a big weekend for Geelong, and we hope to showcase what theregioncando,”hesaid.

This is Geelong’s event, and we’re proud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city - Paul Buchholz

“I love the camaraderie and the inclusiveness for everybody that comes from the festival, along with seeing sailors interacting with people from the community.

“I thank everybody who helps with the festival and...the community who embraces the event, as without everybody embracing and actively engaging with the event,itcouldn’thappen.”

Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize will be available to explore across the weekend, along with a flying display by the Royal Australian Air Force from3.30pmon24January.

Royal Geelong Yacht Club commodore Paul Buchholz said the community would also be able to see hundreds of boats from Australia and overseas compete in world-classsailing.

“ThisisGeelong’sevent,andwe’reproud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city,”hesaid.

“We’re building a festival that is more inclusive than ever...and Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing.

It’s about people, the sailing community, andtheGeelongcommunity.

“(There will be) more opportunities for differentclassesofboatstoparticipate,and more ways for the community to engage, celebrate and feel part of something truly specialonGeelong’swaterfront.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said this year’s festival marked the first time the new state-of-the-art Victorian Sailing Centre would be used since it openedinMaylastyear.

“This world-class facility will strengthen the 2026 Festival of Sails, making it bigger and better, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals to experiencesailing,”shesaid.

“Geelong continues to shine as a destination for world-class events, delivering economic benefits, boosting tourism, and showcasing our incredible north-facingandvibrantwaterfront.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the festival was one of the

region’smostcherishedtraditions.

“The Festival of Sails is a much-loved Geelong tradition, and the City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the 183rd edition through Geelong Major Events,” he said.

“The event brings our waterfront to life and connects our community and visitors through sailing and celebration over the AustraliaDaylongweekend.”

Visit festivalofsails.com.au for the full programandtickets.

Battling illegal dumping

Geelong roadside maintenance crews are appealing to the community to stop illegal dumping and save ratepayers money.

CityofGreaterGeelonghasreceivedmore than 3000 requests to remove dumped rubbish during this financial year, with clean-up efforts costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

City Works roadside maintenance crew member Josh said 6619 requests to remove dumped rubbish were received during the 2024-25 financial year, with the problem becoming a daily issue.

“We clean it up, and then there’s more there tomorrow – it’s out of hand,” he said.

“Sometimes it might be furniture and mattresses, but then other times it can be really nasty, like needles, dirty nappies, there’s even been bottles of urine.

“People have gone out of their way to dump their rubbish, and we’re cleaning it up. When it’s really dirty, like needles, it feels like an attack...and we spend almost half our workday dealing with it.”

City Works roadside maintenance crew member Maycee said community vigilance and reporting were vital to stopping dumpers in their tracks and saving ratepayers from large clean-up costs.

“We make sure the community is safe, everything is in order, and nothing’s damaged, so if we didn’t do this job, the roads would be a lot dirtier and more dangerous,” she said.

“It takes a lot of work to fix things...and I’m not sure if people realise, but you get two free hard-waste bookings and two free mattress collections every year.

“All you have to do is go online, fill in your details, and they will come and pick it up for free.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said enforcement action will be taken against illegal dumping, with littering infringements up to $2035.

“Infuriating is an understatement – illegal dumping is a despicable act,” he said.

“These people are spoiling the environment for everyone, and it costs an absolute

Cry for truth as locals march on January 26

By Jena Carr

A Geelong rally and march will share First Nations history along with the reasons behind calls to change the date of Australia Day.

Be Tru Cry Justice Coalition of Voices will host its second Invasion Day Rally and March to commemorate the 1938 Day of Mourning, which paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities.

Coalition of Voices member and Torres Strait Islander woman Julie Saylor-Briggs said the rally and march was a “cry for truth and a stand for justice”.

“We hope that our message of truth and justice permeates across everyone’s life choices and in their communities,” she said.

“We host the march with the rally because we want to take the message across Geelong, and we believe that great things can come from this.

“We hope that people understand that speaking truth and acting with justice towards yourself and others is a compassionate Australian thing to do.”

The rally and march will begin at the corner of Little Malop Street and Moorabool Street at 11am on Monday 26 January.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) will also lead Pilk Purriyn, a sunrise truth-telling gathering event, for its fourth year at Torquay’s Cosy Corner from 5.30am on 26 January.

“Each year, more people join us on Warri Dja (Sea Country) at sunrise to listen, reflect and walk together toward healing,” Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and WTOAC co-chief executive Sarah Eccles said

“These gatherings counter what 26 January has long represented and...seeing the community embrace this new way of recognising the day gives us hope for the future.”

Hands-on learning for Whittington kids

Whittington Primary School students recently had the opportunity to explore healthy living, food value and sustainable choices at Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The gardens team partnered with the school to design a hands-on program for Year 3 and 4 students, who helped care for and maintain sections of the vegetable garden.

The experience empowered students to connect with their community while developing a sense of ownership and belonging.

The program provided Whittington Primary School, a low socio-economic index school, with enhanced access to food literacy and sustainability education, creating

new pathways for nature-based learning and community engagement.

Teachers reported that student attendance increased on program days and the hands-on focus was a strong motivator to attend school.

Following the success, City of Greater Geelong’s community strengthening officers are working with the Botanic Gardens team to expand pathways for more local schools and diverse community groups to take part in healthy lifestyle learning and environmental opportunities.

“The students’ enthusiasm shows just how powerful real-world, place-based learning can be in motivating young people

to look after their health and the environment,” Mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“Programs like this help our youngest residents build practical skills, confidence and a stronger sense of connection to their community.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local students to get out of the classroom, connect with nature and learn how to care for it,” Cheetham Ward councillor Melissa Cadwell said.

“Along with the many health and social benefits, this experience teaches our young people about sustainability, supporting a greener future for our region.”

fortune to go and pick up after them, so by working together, we send a clear message that dumping will not be tolerated.”

Land sale feedback wanted for Banno

Golden Plains Shire intends to sell council-owned land at 132 Milton Street, Bannockburn and wants community feedback.

The vacant parcel of 3.5 hectares in the northern part of Bannockburn Recreation Precinct was deemed surplus to council’s needs at a meeting in March 2021.

The application to rezone and subdivide the land was accepted by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as a major project and qualified for assessment by the Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

A Standing Advisory Committee considered submissions from council and residents and approved the Planning Scheme Amendment to rezone the land to Neighbourhood Residential Zone and endorse the Development Plan and Planning Permit for subdivision in December 2023. If the sale of land is approved, funds would be directed to the Recreational Future Fund to deliver community infrastructure.

Mayor Owen Sharkey encouraged residents to review the intention of sale and provide submissions by 5pm on Friday 27 February.

“This process is being undertaken in line with the Local Government Act 2020 and council’s Sale or Exchange of Council Owned Land Policy and Community Engagement Policy,” he said.

“We are calling for submissions and will be considering them at a future council meeting.”

Online submission forms are at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or a written submission form can be sent to Coordinator Economic Development, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331 or emailed to communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au

Library chief steps aside

GeelongRegionalLibrarieschiefexecutive Vanessa Schernickau will finish up on 27 February, announcing her resignation aftermorethanfiveyearsintherole.

A replacement has not been announced withGeelongRegionalLibrarycorporation board chair Liz Pattison saying the board is considering interim leadership arrangements.

“In the meantime, the executive leadership team will continue to work together to ensure continuity of leadership,”shesaid.

“The board is confident that, as always,

staff will continue to demonstrate the professionalism, care and commitment to our people and community that defines GeelongRegionalLibraries.”

Ms Schernickau will undertake a PhD by research at Melbourne University that will consider the role of public libraries in responding to disinformation, misinformation,andmaligninfluence.

Ms Pattison said Ms Schernickau’s leadership delivered major initiatives, including the opening of Boronggook Drysdale and Biyal-a Armstrong Creek libraries and the implementation of the

LibraryManagementSystem.

“Vanessa has navigated difficult budget cycles and successfully implemented two new enterprise agreements with strong organisational support; and other key platforms, strengthening the Geelong Regional Libraries’ capability and future readiness,”shesaid.

“The board acknowledges the positive cultural shift across the organisation during Vanessa’s tenure. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to staff engagement, community connection and building a confident, capable senior

Mark Australia Day across the region

By Jena Carr

Community members across Geelong and the Bellarine can participate in many free eventsforAustraliaDayon26January.

Connewarre Wetland Centre will host a free community picnic event from 10am, which will feature a free barbecue, live musicandactivitiessuchaswetlandwalks andwildlifespotting.

Field and Game Australia operations lead Anne-Marie Blewett said the event was a chance for the community to learn abouttheirregion’swetlands.

“The event is going to be really casual

and relaxed, and I encourage people to bringapicnicrugandcomelistentomusic andenjoytheenvironment,”shesaid.

“Australia Day is important to all of us, butwealsoknowthattherearesensitivities associated with the day...so we aim to reflect, respect and celebrate cultural messagingduringtheevent.”

German Karneval Society will host a Beer, Bratwurst and BBQ Bash at 21/45 Arunga Avenue in Norlane from noon on Sunday25January.

Acting vice-president and secretary Alana Tonkin said the event was free to enter and that people were encouraged

Hot rods roar into Queenscliff

By Jena Carr

One of the region’s biggest classic car and hot rod events will roar back to life for anotheryearinQueenscliff.

Queenscliff Rod Run will kick off with a cruise along Hesse Street from 5pm on 31 January before the Show ‘n’ Shine at Princess Park at 9am on 1 February, with custom classics and special-interest vehiclesalsoondisplay.

Geelong Street Rodders committee member Gary James said the event would be a good family day out and a chance for thecommunitytolearnaboutclassiccars.

“I’m looking forward to everybody enjoying themselves...and encouraging families and the younger generation to

takepartinthesport,”hesaid.

“Myfavouritepartaboutclassiccarsand hotrodsisthepeoplewhousetheirartistic flair on them and make them their own throughpersonaltouchesinthebuild.

“I like what people’s personal touches are, and it’s not always my taste, but I like how people are happy with what they build,andItakemyhatofftothem.”

LionsClubofQueenscliff-PointLonsdale willbelookingafterthe$5entryandticket costsduringtheShow‘n’Shineevent,with alltheproceedsdonatedtocharities.

Police will be in attendance during the event to ensure public safety, with temporary road closures in place along Hesse Street for the Rod Run Cruise and SymondsStreetfortheShow‘n’Shine.

leadershipteamtodeliverthelibraryplans.

“She has led the organisation through periods of operational and environmental challenge with professionalism and care, ensuring continuity of service to the community.

“Vanessa has consistently exceeded the expectations of her role and has made a significantcontributionnotonlytoGeelong Regional Libraries, but also to the broader library and regional sector through her leadership roles beyond the organisation, including as president of Public Libraries VictoriaandservingontheBoardofG21.”

to come dressed in Australian or German-styleoutfits.

“We’re all about educating the general public about our traditions and culture, along with embracing being in Australia,” shesaid.

A free Australia Day Breakfast will be held at Lara Recreation Reserve from 8am on 26 January, followed by a community celebrationfromnoon.

Portarlington’s Rotunda Forecourt will also celebrate Australia Day with a free community event with many family-friendlyactivitiestakingplacefrom 9am.

Greater Geelong’s water storages are at a 16-year low, closing out 2025 at a combinedcapacityof47.2percent.

It is the lowest level seen at the end ofayearsince2009whenGeelongwas in the grip of the Millenium Drought and battling severe and long-running waterrestrictions.

Geelong’s storages sat at 44.2 per cent on 20 January 2026. In 2024 they were at 55.2 per cent, at 82.4 per cent in 2023, 95.4 per cent in 2022 and 92.2 percentin2021.

A dry period has impacted catchments on the Moorabool and Barwonrivers.

The lowest amount of rainfall over a two-year period this century was recorded at three key areas - Bostock, West Barwon and Wurdee Bolucacross2024and2025.

BarwonWaterhasstabilisedstorages by drawing from an inter-connected networkwithmultiplesupplyoptions, including the recently upgraded Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and theAngleseaborefield.

A 50 billion litre water order from the Victorian Desalination Plant last yearboostedwatersecurity.

“Everyone has a role to play in saving water,” Barwon Water acting managingdirectorMelStephenssaid.

“Using water wisely and taking simplemeasurestosavewateraround the home can help make a significant differenceacrosstheregion.

“Simpleactionslikeshortershowers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, andwateringthegardeninthecoolof thedaycanhelpsavewater.”

For tips on saving water, see barwonwater.vic.gov.au/ water-and-waste/saving-water

Improving regional buses

By Jena Carr

Residents from Geelong and the Bellarine will be able to have a say on their regional bus networks to identify any gaps or improvements.

Community consultations will help ensure that any new bus network plans for Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn are underpinned by a strong understandingoftraveldemand.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens saidthereviewwouldhelpensureresidents have access to schools, jobs, hospitals and servicesforthefuture.

“Theregionalnetworkreviewwilloutline both short and long-term strategic bus networksforGeelong,”shesaid.

“This will include planning on what projects will go into the regional network pipelineandhowtheyarestaged.

“Overall, the review will aim to deliver a network that’s simpler, faster and more reliable, allowing more people to catch the busandgetwheretheyneedtobe.”

Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) undertakes regular reviews of the bus network to ensure it continues to meet the needs of residents and identify opportunitiesforimprovement.

Ms Couzens said community consultations would begin in the “coming months” and help to better understand the current bus network experience and “futureaspirationsforthenetwork”.

“Geelong has a large bus network including connections to the Surf Coast andBellarinePeninsula,”shesaid.

“Wehavelongbeenlisteningtotheneeds oftheGeelongcommunityandthankthose of you who have contacted our office and expressedyourdesireforabusreview.

“At the appropriate time for each community, we will engage residents through multiple communication

World-class cycling returns to the region

By Jena Carr

Thousands of cyclists will ride across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast roads next week as The Cadel Evans Great OceanRoadRacereturns.

Thefive-daycyclingeventwillbringelite competition and community celebration to the region while promoting inclusivity, roadsafetyandactiveliving.

Race director Scott Sunderland said he looked forward to seeing people taking partintheraceasitenteredits10thyear.

“Everyone’s got a goal, everyone’s got their own limit, and they’re doing it for a

reason, and those reasons can be varied quitefarfromoneanother,”hesaid.

“For the GeelongPort Family Ride, we’re havingnumbersaroundathousand,andfor the TAC People’s Ride, it’s actually looking like we’re going to end up exceeding 3000 people.

“It’s a huge event and involves a vast number of people...and being outdoors is great, but it’s the community spirit that I like most about cycling, as you always find like-mindedpeople.”

The world-class cycling event will begin with the women’s Surf Coast Classic on Wednesday 28 January, followed by the

men’s Surf Coast Classic on Thursday 29 January,withbothracesstartingat11am.

Kids, parents and beginners will then embark on a closed 2km circuit along the Geelong waterfront during the GeelongPort Family Ride from 5.30pm on Friday30January.

TheTACPeople’sRide’s63kmand124km racesareonSaturday31Januaryfrom7am at Geelong’s Steampacket Gardens before the women’s Mapei Cadel Evans Great OceanRoadRaceat12.40pm.

The event will conclude on Sunday 1 Februarywiththemen’sMapeiCadelEvans GreatOceanRoadRacefrom11.10am.

pathways and encourage the sharing of feedbackandinformation.”

Improved bus connectivity is important for residents to access schools, jobs, hospitals and other services, with community consultations helping inform theDTPonhowpeopleusebuses.

Plans for the review will also include Fyansford,withconsiderationgiventohow itcouldbeservicedwithpublictransport.

Commitment to the improvement of regional cities will help ensure Geelong remains as one of the state’s largest and dynamicregionalcities,whichcontinuesto increaseasmorepeoplemovetothearea.

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Crowne Plaza opens its doors

Geelong’s newest accommodations arrived with the unveiling of Crowne PlazaGeelongon23January.

Set directly on the waterfront and just steps from the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the new-build $120 million hotel hopes to signal a new wave of energy for the region as tourism, events and culture continue toevolvealongthebay.

Roomshavesoldoutforthefirstfew days, accommodating leisure guests for the long weekend and visitors travelling to the region for major summerevents.

Crowne Plaza Geelong general manager John Dickson said the opening marked a proud milestone forboththehotelandthecity.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening the doors to Crowne Plaza Geelong,”hesaid.

“To launch at a time when the city is buzzing with major events and welcoming visitors from near and far isincrediblyexciting.”

The hotel features 200 rooms and suites offering either city outlooks or viewsacrossthebay.

Food and drink comes in the form of a relaxed ground-floor cafe, Verde on Smythe and brewing Piazza Dora coffee will serve both hotel guests and locals, while the hotel’s first floor restaurant Sociali Trattoria & Bar offers handmade pasta, generous antipasti and Italian favourites designed to gather around. On level 10, The Skyline Bar is set to become a go-to for sunset cocktails and late-night snacks, pairing panoramic bay views with seasonal small plates, local wines, craft beers and small-batchginsfromtheregion.

Bowling event for mental health at Ocean Grove on Australia Day

A signature Ocean Grove tournament will bring community members from across the region to help break the stigma of mental health.

BowlForYourLives(BFYL)willembrace the national mental health movement of No One Rolls Alone during an Australia Day tournament at Ocean Grove Bowls Club.

BFYL co-founder Shane Hafner said 144 competitors would participate in the tournament, facilitating open and supportive conversations around mental health.

“We make the day about mental health

to break down the stigmas associated with it and create an atmosphere where people can look out for the people around them,” he said.

“If you notice changes in someone you know, there’s generally a reason for it, and youshouldn’tignoreit...andwedon’twant people to feel like they can’t talk about their mental health.”

Mr Hafner said he and BFYL co-founder Cameron Ryan were former Victoria Police officers who turned to lawn bowls to support them through their mental health journeys with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I noticed changes within myselfwhere I was just isolating, and I certainly turned to alcohol to self-medicate, and I couldn’t sleep, so I just became quite bitter,” he said.

“But once I knew what I had, I accepted that, and I knew what I had to do, which basically included being kind to yourself and accepting that there are going to be moments when you’re not yourself.”

BFYL’s Australia Day Tournament is from 9.30am on Monday 26 January, and serves as an official precursor to the State-Wide Mental Health Awareness Round on 31 January.

TRAFFIC ALTERATIONS & ROLLING ROAD CLOSURE TIMES

MAPEI CADEL EVANS GREAT OCEAN ROAD RACE

Join us this summer at the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with five days of cycling action in Geelong, the Bellarine, Surf Coast and The Otways regions.

See the megastars of UCI WorldTour cycling in the first men’s and women’s classics of the season.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday 28 January (Surf Coast & The Otways)

» 11:00 Surf Coast Classic - Women

Thursday 29 January (Surf Coast & The Otways)

» 11:00 Surf Coast Classic - Men

Friday 30 January (Geelong)

» 17:30 GeelongPort Family Ride

Saturday 31 January (Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast)

» 07:00 TAC People’s Ride

» 12:40 Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Women

Sunday 1 February (Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast)

» 11:10 Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Men

The Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is an initiative of the Victorian Government, created by Visit Victoria, and a pillar of Australia’s major events calendar.

ELITE RACES TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

» In 2026, the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - Women and Men will race in clockwise direction, from the traditional start/finish line on the Geelong Waterfront.

» Victoria Police will facilitate a rolling road closure for these races, which reduces the impact of the event. Vehicles will not be able to travel on or cross the route while the rolling road closure passes through. Delays of 15–20 minutes are expected.

» All towns will remain open and accessible including Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Torquay and Moriac, with the exception of when the race passes through for 15–20 minutes.

» The course roads must be free of traffic as the race approaches. Therefore, vehicle access on the busier course roads on the Geelong Circuit will be restricted to local access only, with the exception of when the race comes through. All other traffic will be directed to use alternate routes or side roads.

» The rolling road closure will be supported by some fixed road closures to assist in keeping the course roads free of traffic when the race is coming through. All major intersections remain open, except when the race passes by.

GEELONG CIRCUIT

» Latrobe Terrace (Princes Hwy) in Geelong and the Geelong Ring Road will remain open at all times during the weekend to ensure north/south traffic movements through the City of Greater Geelong are maintained.

» Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during the event via existing footpaths. Where roads are closed for short periods, access across roads will be via marshalled course crossing points. It is advised to allow extra travel time during the weekend in case you experience short delays whilst travelling near the course. If you are travelling along a course road as a rolling road closure comes through, you will be stopped by the lead police vehicle and asked to park in a safe area on the side of the road.

» Once the race has passed the rear police car will inform you that it is safe for you to move off.

» There will be restricted parking on any road which the course travels along. To assist, please ensure you park your car either on a driveway if available or on a side street off the course.

TAC PEOPLE’S RIDE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

» This is not a race and cyclists will be adhering to normal road rules. There will be minor changed traffic conditions in some areas, such as traffic diversions, lane closures, reduced speed limits and intersection management.

» Due to the large number of cyclists on the roads during this event, please take extra care when driving and allow extra travel time.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

» There will be changes to public transport services on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and customers are advised to check the PTV website for further updates: ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/events/

EMERGENCY ACCESS

Emergency access will be maintained at all times. In an emergency please call 000.

VOLUNTEER

Want to be part of the action? SIGN UP AND VOLUNTEER TODAY! With plenty of course and field of play marshal positions available across the five days, there’s bound to be an exciting role not too far from you. For more info head to: cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au/about/volunteer

CONTACT US

There are many ways to receive event updates, get the latest traffic and transport advice or contact us for further information; cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au info@cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au

Community heroes nominated

Golden Plains Shire has announced nominationsforitsCommunityAwards2026.

The awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by individuals and groups.

Young community hero

• Wyatt Markwell: A BMX success who is heading to the UK to compete in his first international competition.

• TrinityMarkwell:FirstinVictoriaforunder 15s in freestyle BMX with over 40 medals.

• Declan Davidson: Dedicated to supporting residents in any way he can.

Senior community hero

• Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand: Dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years. Passed away in December 2025.

• Dennis and Gerda Ross: Smythesdale Progress Association members and community volunteers for more than 40 years. Dennis Passed away in December 2025.

• Neil Grinter: Bannockburn Football/ Netball Club volunteer for more than 20 years.

Community hero

• Rachel Beasley: Doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.

• Angela Sumner: Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue volunteer.

• Leah Phillips: Meredith Mart organiser.

• Sandy Prasad: Runaway Multicultural Cuisine owner, helping community members in need.

• Dr Priyanthe Perera: Goes the extra mile

with helping patients.

• Melissa Gillett: Serving on many community/sporting club committees and boards.

• Kerry Dalziel: Turtle Bend president and a Teesdale community coordinator.

• BrittanyMitchell:Strengtheningcommunity sport and community connection.

• Evelyn Cannon: Powerful and consistent contribution to the community.

Also nominated: Trinity Markwell, Wyatt Markwell, Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, Neil Grinter and Dennis and Gerda Ross.

Community group

• Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue: Welfare of injured wildlife.

• Bannockburn Bush Parkrun Directors: Encouraging community members to have

fun and keep fit.

• Shinkyokushin Damashii Dojo: Teaches self-defence, health and fitness and discipline.

• Beautify Bannockburn: Cares for and maintains20gardenbedsinBannockburn.

• Linton Emergency Food Relief Pantry: Volunteers supporting households with fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry staples.

• Bannockburn Cricket Club: More than 230 registered players across 17 teams.

• InverleighRSLSub-Branch:Completedthe Veterans Memorial Interactive Pathway.

• Golden Plains Soccer Club: Transformed a country club into a rival for bigger city clubs.

• WoadyYaloakRecreationReserve:Secured a $2000 grant to deliver a youth-led event with more than 800 attendees.

A second chance at life for thriving six-year-old Riley

By Jena Carr

For Ocean Grove’s Katrine Swander, nothing could be better than watching her daughter thrive after being born with a life-threatening condition that required an organ transplant.

Riley was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare and serious liver condition, at 32 days old and put on a transplant list at 18 months old after developing sepsis due to a deadly infection around her liver.

Ms Swander said she was thrilled when a donor liver became available in 2020 for Riley, but her body rejected the organ, leading to her being on life

support within days.

“That was every parent’s worst nightmare, watching your daughter in that position,” she said.

Another donor liver later became available a day before her dad, Rob, was expected to have surgery to donate part of his liver, with the second liver transplant a success.

“Thatfirstlivermeantthatshesurvived long enough to receive that second liver, so we consider both of those donations as lifesaving,” Ms Swander said.

Ms Swander said her daughter was given a second chance at life, with the now 6-year-old starting Grade 1 next week.

“The gratefulness that I know myself and our family and other recipient families have towards those donor families is just tremendous,” she said.

“She (Riley) is a little wild child and keepsusonourtoes,butit’sjustbeautiful to watch her go from strength to strength and go to school with her peers and give life everything she’s got.”

Visit donatelife.gov.au for more information or to register as an organ donor.

CITYNEWS

FESTIVAL OF SAILS - AUSTRALIA DAY FAMILY DAY

Celebrate Australia Day at the Geelong Waterfront with the free Australia Day Family Day on Monday 26 January.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Festival of Sails, this free, family-friendly event will offer a full day of entertainment and activities, including jumping castles, entertainment by the Piano Bar Geelong, face painting and roving performers.

The Australia Day Family Day forms part of the Festival of Sails program and is proudly funded by the City of Greater Geelong.

Event information: geelong.link/ AusDayFamilyDay

FIREWORKS NOTICE

Tomorrow, Saturday 24 January.

A fireworks displays will be staged at the Geelong Waterfront at 9.30pm as part of the festival.

Please ensure your pets are secure.

TRAFFIC

CHANGES

Road closure - Stoney Pier Lane.

Closed now until Tuesday 27 January at 5.00pm.

Event information: geelong.link/FestivalOfSails

COUNCIL MEETING

The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 January 2026 at the Council Conference and Reception Centre, City Hall, Little Malop Street, Geelong at 6.00pm (doors open 5.45pm).

For full details of the agenda, and to watch the meeting, visit geelong.link/CouncilMeetings

Questions and submissions must be provided in writing by 12.00pm on Monday 26 January via the link above.

2025-26 COMMUNITY GRANTS - APPLY NOW

Community Strengthening First Nations Grants

Applications are open to support self-determined projects and initiatives aimed at increasing health and social equity for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations People, organisations and groups living in Greater Geelong.

Applications close Monday 23 February 2026 at 5.00pm.

Artists and Creatives Professional Development Grants

Applications are open to support local artists and creatives to develop their creative and business skills, as well as their professional practice.

Applications close Monday 16 February at 5.00pm.

For all grant information and to apply, visit geelong.link/Grants

BELLARINE ARTS CENTRE 2026 SEASON

The Bellarine Arts Centre (formerly known as the Potato Shed) will officially launch its 2026 Season on Friday 6 February.

Here’s what’s to look forward to in February:

› Wild One: The J O’K Story – 17 February

› Ben Lee: On Tour Always – 28 February

For full program details, tickets and updates, visit geelong.link/BellarineArtsCentre2026

Enjoying the golf

Kristian’s Rhapsody

By Jena Carr

Playing the piano wasn’t always Kristian Chong’s dream, but little did his younger self know that he would become one of Australia’sleadingmusicians.

When his parents made him take piano lessons as a kid, he would have preferred to be outside rather than inside hitting musicalkeys.

“I wanted to play sports, and I was really into basketball, but I actually happened to beverygoodatthepiano,soIkeptitgoing,” Kristiansaid.

“I gave up when I was about 16, but then fell in love with piano when I was 19 and came back to it and have been one of the luckyonesthathaven’tlookedback.”

Kristian has since gone on to become a respected and sought-after pianist who has performed extensively throughout Australia, America, Asia, China and the UnitedKingdom.

“There’s been so many influences in my life, whether it be in other concerts or orchestras or even other forms of music,” he said. “Just seeing people going crazy or havingareactiontomusicisgreatand...it’s one of those things that there are so many differentinfluencesinyourlife.”

With a career that spans concerto, chamber and solo performance, Kristian will showcase his talents for the Barwon Heads community during Kristian’s Rhapsody,aone-hourintimaterecital.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced musician, piano player, piano lover, or you just want to hear music; there should be something for everyone,” he said.“It’sashowthathasreallygoodmusic

in it...and every piece has a good storyline, and there’s a narrative through each piece ofmusicthatyoucanconnectwith.”

Kristian’s Rhapsody marks one of the first performances held by Bellarine Classics, which aims to bring world-class

musicians to the Bellarine in an intimate regionalvenue.

Tickets for the performance at Barwon Heads Arts Hub from 11am on 5 February are available at the Bellarine Classics website.

Speedmouse on a whole new level

The Umbilical Brothers are coming back to Geelong to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their most beloved show.

Comedy duo David ‘Dave’ Collins and Shane Dundas, along with their mysterious Roadie, will bring SpeedmousetoGeelongArtsCentre.

The live action show is filled with fast-paced, rewind, slow motion, and frame-by-frame adventures that are sure to make audiences laugh and smile.

Collins and Dundas will take the stagewithjustafewmicrophonesand their unique physical abilities that bringcomedytoawholenewlevel.

With their fast-paced mix of movement, vocal sound effects and verbal interplay, The Umbilical Brotherscleverlytwisttheatricalrules andeverydaysituationsintoacomedy triumph.

They’ve performed in more than 40 countries with six different shows and have even taken their talents to the on-screen realm through their acclaimed series The Upside Down Show.

Speedmousehasearnedanarrayof five-star reviews, numerous awards and spawned a multi-platinum DVD overits25-yearrun.

Audiences can purchase tickets on GeelongArtsCentre’swebsitetocatch the75-minuteshowinThePlayHouse theatrefrom7pmon7February.

Cheers to Beer Fest

Another year for the Geelong Beer Festival at Johnstone Park with drinks, food and entertainment the order of the day. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along on Saturday 17 January and resisted the temptation to imbibe and took these photographs.

The Guide

Much like GrandDesignshost Kevin McCloud, architect Hugh Wallace (pictured) developed enduring friendships with many of the homeowners he guided as the presenter of this property renovation series. Sadly, the much-loved home makeover expert died suddenly at the age of 68 last month, so season five serves as a poignant reminder of his considerable talents. In this double instalment, a couple restore what they think is a modest Georgian farmhouse in the hills of Kilmacsimon for their growing family in West Cork. Also, an Irishman wants to put down roots in his native Rathmullan by transforming a crumbling property into a cosy home for himself and his beloved dog.

Friday, January 23

ABC TV (2)

LAW & ORDER: SVU 10, Sunday, 9.30pm

The loss of a friend and colleague puts Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay, pictured) in a pensive mood when this police procedural returns for its 27th season. As the captain reflects on her career so far and where her approach to the job is likely to take her next, much of the episode is devoted to her rumination amid an enticing offer from new chief of detectives Kathryn Tynan (Noma Dumezweni). Hargitay insists fans shouldn’t worry about their beloved Benson moving on just yet, with the actor recently telling USWeekly: “I’m still in love with this role.” Benson’s not the only one thinking about next steps – an off-duty incident in the wake of the memorial causes Fin (Ice-T) to reconsider his stance on retirement.

PICK OF THE WEEK

AUSTRALIA DAY LIVE

ABC TV, Monday, 7.30pm

A live spectacle from the steps of the Sydney Opera House that celebrates the diversity of Australia’s cultures, communities and laidback lifestyle, this annual concert is one hot ticket. Hosts Jeremy Fernandez, Megan Burslem and John Foreman have saved a spot for ABC viewers as an exciting line-up of homegrown talent takes the stage.

Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton, Jude York and supergroup

The Fabulous Caprettos all feature before an unforgettable aerial show over Circular Quay. The event will also pay tribute to those affected by December’s Bondi Beach terror attack, and introduce remarkable Australians who will share their stories with the nation.

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final, R) 1.45 Goolagong. (Final, PG, R) 2.40 Classic Countdown Extras. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (Final, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (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 All Creatures Great And Small.

8.20 Art Detectives. (PGv) A wine expert dies during an exclusive tasting.

9.05 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

9.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) A satirical news program.

10.05 A Life In Ten Pictures: Amy Winehouse. (Madl, R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 2.05 New Zealand From A Train. (PGaw, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Great House Revival: Rockhouse. A couple restore a modest Georgian farmhouse. 9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) High Sheriff Kay Marriott attends the annual steam fair where she joins in all-female Morris dancing.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Mans, R) 11.45 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ansv, R) 1.35 Silent Road. (Mav, R) 3.30 Sinking The German Fleet. (PGav, R) 4.30 Bamay. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.20pm Octonauts. 2.15 Peter Rabbit. 2.45 The Makery. 3.05 Play School: What’s Cooking? 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 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? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: You May Kiss The Bridesmaid. (2021, PGa) Tori Anderson. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Challenger.

10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with a deep dive into the world of cricket.

11.15 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 3. Highlights. 12.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.

12.45 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today.

7TWO (62, 72)

NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00

DOC Seven, Tuesday, 8.30pm

If it weren’t based on the true story of an Italian doctor who lost 12 years of memories after a vehicle crash, this medical drama would be beyond belief. The fictional Dr Amy Larsen (Molly Parker, pictured) is only missing eight years, but it means the former head of internal medicine has been demoted to a junior intern role. In Tuesday’s double-episode return, the sins of Amy’s past come back to haunt her when a young woman she once treated for a heart condition arrives at Westside Hospital – but the doctor doesn’t remember their chequered history. Then, Desperate Housewivesstar Felicity Huffman joins the cast as Amy’s formidable mentor, Dr Joan Ridley, who is sure to shake things up.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Coverage of the Australian Open tennis tournament, featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 6. From Melbourne Park.

6.00 9News.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 6. From Melbourne Park.

12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ripley treats someone from his past.

1.00 Next Stop. Takes a look at desirable travel destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A bull goes on a rampage.

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) The team transforms a single mother’s property. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple and their three

9GEM (81, 92)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 The Garden Hustle. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 The Reserve. Noon The Summit. 3.00

6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 1.30 Stompem Ground: King Of Hearts. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Arabian Inferno. 7.30 MOVIE: Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 9.20 MOVIE: Mad Bastards. (2010) 11.00 MOVIE: Samson And Delilah. (2009, M) 12.45am Bamay. 1.00 How Hip Hop Changed The World.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 6.50 Oink. (2022, PGav, Dutch) 8.15 Mermaids. (1990, PGls) 10.15 Within Sand. (2022, Mav, Arabic) 12.25pm The Sitting Duck. (2022, Malv, Hungarian, English, French) 2.40 Five Flights Up. (2014, PGal) 4.20 Mary Shelley. (2017, PGals) 6.30 Barefoot In The Park. (1967, PGs) 8.30 The Death Of Stalin. (2017, MA15+l) 10.30 The Problem With People. (2023, Mls) 12.25am I Love You Too. (2010, Mls) 2.30 Bosch And Rockit. (2022) 4.30 Mary Shelley. (2017, PGals)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

Saturday, January 24

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (PGv, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Becoming Human. (PG, R) 5.00 The ABC Of... (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)

6.00 Back Roads: The Great Australian Road Trip. (R) Presented by Heather Ewart.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) A new recruit arrives at Nonnatus. Shelagh and Sister Veronica help a disabled child and his mother.

8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates after a student is violently killed and dumped at the foot of three mythical monoliths and a girl goes missing.

10.05 Goolagong. (Final, PG, R) Evonne Goolagong Cawley competes at Wimbledon.

11.00 The Jetty. (Ml, R) Ember tries to protect her family.

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU European Championships. Highlights. 4.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Perth. Highlights. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.05 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: Peacocks And Elephants. Kedleston Hall’s Peacock Dress gets a makeover.

8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Adaptable Arosa Line. (PGn, R) Looks at the Arosa Railway, which is a vital lifeline from the Alpine city of Chur to the winter resort of Arosa.

9.40 The Secret DNA Of Us: Surry Hills. (PGa, R) Marc Fennell and his team head to Surry Hills, where they tell two strangers how they’re related. 10.50 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle: Isle Of Mist – Skye. (PG, R) 11.55 House Of Promises. (Ma, R) 3.30 Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police. (Ma, R) 4.30 Bamay. (PG, R) 5.00 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.20pm Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 MOVIE: Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 1pm Living Black. 1.30 Arabian Inferno. 2.20 Stompem Ground. 3.00 Stompem Ground 2022: Midnight Oil. 4.50 Unsettled. 5.50 The Barber. 6.30 Occupation: Native. 7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. 8.30 MOVIE: Primal. (2010, MA15+) 10.00 Sing About This Country. Midnight Going Places. 1.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. Noon The Rap Game UK. 3.00 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mastermind Aust. 6.45 The Legend Of Bigfoot. 7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: The Simpsons. (Return) 10.20 Marcella. (Return) 12.10am WWE Legends. 1.45 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm The Problem With People. (2023, Mls) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 4.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PGa) 6.30 Explorers. (1985) 8.30 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. (2011, MA15+v) 10.55 Body Heat. (1981, Malnsv) 1.05am Limitless. (2011, Mdlsv) 3.00 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Australia Day and Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 MOVIE: The Sound Of Music. (1965, G, R) On the eve of World War II, a novice nun becomes a governess to a large Austrian family. Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer. 10.40 Air Crash Investigations: Control Catastrophe. (PGa, R) Investigators set out to determine how a freshly-serviced plane was released with a fatal flaw. 11.40 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 4. Highlights. 12.40 MOVIE: A Job To Die For. (2022, Mav, R) A woman lands her dream job. Revell Carpenter, Maeve Quinlan.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. 2pm Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 3.30 Wildlife ER. 4.30 Dog Patrol. 5.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Aust Day and Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning

Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. 5pm Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Great Wall. (2016, M) 9.35 MOVIE: Tears Of The Sun. (2003, MA15+) 12.05am Storage Wars. 12.35 Dipper’s Rigs. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 2.00 Desert Collectors. 3.00 Counting Cars. 3.30 Late Programs.

Sunday, January 25

ABC TV (2)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final, R) 3.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Coburg Shag Manor And Burnside Coach House. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Australian Of The Year 2026. Hosted by Leigh Sales.

8.45 The ABC Of: Evonne Goolagong Cawley. (PG, R) David Wenham explores the life of Evonne Goolagong Cawley through footage from the ABC archives.

9.15 The Jetty. (Final, MA15+a) Ember tries to uncover the truth about Amy.

10.20 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R)

11.20 MOVIE: Wake In Fright. (1971, Masv, R) 1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.55 Smother. (Mal, R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Motor Racing. Best of Dakar Rally. Highlights. 4.00 Figure Skating. ISU European Championships. Part Two. Highlights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Once Upon A Time In Space: Politics Always Wins. (PG) The Mir’s reign in space comes to an end. 9.30 Pompeii: The Last Mysteries Revealed. (Mans, R) Archaeologists continue their mission.

10.20 Putin And The West: The Next Chapter: At War –Doubling Down. (PG, R) 11.30 Black Gold. (PGal, R) 1.05 Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 2.00 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 3.10 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 4.05 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS Science Technology Health Show.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 11.00 Children’s Programs. 6.25pm Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.55 MOVIE: Spy Kids 3: Game Over. (2003, PG) 9.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 10.30 Mastermind Aust. 11.55 Jeopardy! 2pm Mastermind Aust. 3.00 Heroines. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.30 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. SA Kick It. 8.30 Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Eating. 10.15 The Grudge. 11.45 The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning. 2.45am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 6.30 Drive Safer. (PG, R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 7. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 7.

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 7. From Melbourne Park.

12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ripley and Charles treat a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Marcel clashes with the chief of oncology.

1.00 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R) A death puts Sarah Scully in the spotlight.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG) A celebration of people and organisations.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 TV Shop. 8.00 Thunderbirds. 8.30 Tomorrow’s World. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis PreShow. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6pm Tennis. Aust Open. 11.00 MOVIE: 9 To 5. (1980, PG) 1.15am Major Crimes. 2.15 See No Evil. 3.15 Avengers. 4.15 Explore. 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester United v Manchester City. 3.40 Seinfeld. 4.10 Cards And Collectables Australia. 4.40 LEGO Masters. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 7. 7.00 Seinfeld. 7.30

MOVIE: Ready Player One. (2018, M) 10.10

MOVIE: Walking Tall. (2004, M) 11.45 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple living in their Essendon North home are at an impasse. He wants to renovate it and stay, while she wants to renovate it and sell.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure. 9.50 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Someone threatens to use a nerve agent against the emergency services. 11.00 Matlock. (PGadl, R) The team takes on an arson case.

12.00 Elsbeth. (PGa, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: City Slickers II. (1994, PGlsv, R) 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. (PGa, R) 3.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 4.30 Cows For Cambodia. (PGa) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Final. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-game coverage of The Final. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Looks at an undercover operation. 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 5. Highlights. 1.00 Temple. (Premiere, Malv) A surgeon becomes embroiled in a strange enterprise.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 5.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.50pm Rugby

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R)

6.30 Explore TV: Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 8. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 8. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Buy To Build. (R) 9.00 Key Ingredient. (R) 9.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal, R) 11.00 Mixed Martial Arts. UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett. Prelims. 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 1.30 Lingo. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 18. Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 5.00

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 8. 12.00 The First 48: Cruel Intentions. (Ma, R) Detectives investigate a mother of two’s murder. 1.00 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny falls ill.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.

5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6pm Tennis. Aust Open. 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: A Bridge Too Far. (1977, M) 12.05am MOVIE: The Wicker Man. (1973, M) 1.55 MOVIE: Assassin For Hire. (1951, PG) 3.20 Rainbow Country. 3.50 My Favorite Martian. 4.20 Avengers. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) When a young girl finds the body of a former US Navy officer floating in the harbour, the team is led to an 18th-century sailing ship hosting a pirate-themed wedding. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Return, Mav) A new chief of detectives puts Benson to the test. An off-duty Fin tries to stop a crime.

10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) Gibbs starts his career at Camp Pendleton. 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. 4.30pm Deep Water Salvage. 5.30 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Ultimatum. (2007, M) 10.50 MOVIE: The Scorpion King. (2002, M) 12.50am Blokesworld. 1.30 Counting Cars. 2.30 Border Security: Int. 3.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Body Heat. (1981, Malnsv) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Discovering Film. 4.30 Whisky Galore. (2016, PGl) 6.20 Roman Holiday. (1953, PGalv) 8.30 Maggie Moore(s) (2023, MA15+lv) 10.25 Charlie And Boots. (2009, Ml) 12.20am Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. (2011, MA15+v) 2.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Basketball. WNBL. Sydney v Perth Lynx. 2.00 My Way. 2.15 Seinfeld. 2.45 Snackmasters. 4.15 LEGO Masters. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 8. 7.00 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. (2001, PG) 10.15 Gotham. 12.10am Arrow. 1.50 Jeopardy! Australia. 2.50 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.20 Late Programs.

Monday, January 26

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.15 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge. (R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.50 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.55 Governor-General’s Australia Day Message.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Australia Day Live. (PG) A celebration of music, lights and fireworks.

9.30 Hard Quiz: Battle Of The Has Beens. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

10.10 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Guitars. (R)

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R)

11.25 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R)

12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.55 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Where The Dreamings Come From. 2.10 Going Places. 2.43 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026. 2.45 The Cook Up. 3.15 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026. 3.17 Ocean Wreck Investigation. 4.03 Jeopardy! 4.28 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026. 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Mastermind Aust. 5.30 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Colleano Heart. (PGa, R) Looks at the Colleano family. 9.10 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (Ml, R) Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman reflect on the success they had in 1987.

10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+sv) Rosaura struggles to bond with her son Roberto. 11.50 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)

1.50 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av, R)

3.35 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R)

4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Kylie Minogue’s Secret Night. 1.30 Rex In Rome. 3.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.40 MOVIE: The New Boy. (2023, M) 12.50am Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Nikki And Nora: Sister Sleuths. (2022, PGav, R) Hunter King. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Kerrie’s apology is too little, too late.

7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.30 9-1-1. (M) In honour of Bobby Nash’s sacrifice, the 118 comes together to dedicate the firehouse in his memory.

10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: No More Grannies. (MA15+asv, R) A look at the hunt for John Wayne Glover. 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)

1.00 Conviction. (MA15+v, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 9. From Melbourne Park. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 9. From Melbourne Park.

6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 9. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ahmad works to thaw a frozen criminal.

1.00 Next Stop. (PGa, R) A look at holiday destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny has a series of strange encounters.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.

5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (al) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title.

9.00 Matlock. (PGal) Matty and Olympia find out that the executive committee has flown in after a security breach.

10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Breathing Life Into Boodja. 2.00 The Knowledge Keepers. 2.35 Wugulora 2026. 3.28 Yana Djamaga Ganji. 4.30 88. 5.30 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026. 6.30 The Big Wet. 7.30 The Idea Of Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Walkabout. (1971, M) 10.20 NITV News Special: Day 26 2026. 11.20 Ningla A-Na. 12.40am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm White Squall. (1996, Malsv) 2.30 Discovering Film. 3.20 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 5.05 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 6.45 Kindred. 8.30 Gurrumul. (2017, MA15+l) 10.25 Sing Street. (2016, Mal) 12.25am Maggie Moore(s) (2023, MA15+lv) 2.15 Late Programs.

Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 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 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6pm Tennis. Aust Open. 8.00 Death In Paradise. 9.00 The Chelsea Detective. 11.00 London Kills. Midnight Death In Paradise. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 MOVIE: To The Devil A Daughter. (1976, MA15+) 3.30 Danger Man. 4.30 Find My Country House Canada. 5.00 Yorkshire Auction House.

7MATE (64, 73)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 9. 7.00 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Australia. (2008, M) 11.55 The 100. 12.50am The Vampire Diaries. 2.30 Love After Lockup. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm NFL Tailgate. 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship. Windsor Spectacular. 4.00 Counting Cars. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Mighty Planes. 11.30 Late Programs.

Tuesday, January 27

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Human. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PGa, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Auschwitz: The Hidden Traces. (PGavw, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Inferno: Letters From Auschwitz. (PGavw, 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 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Bread. 8.30 Human: Discovering The Americas. (PG) Humans set foot on the Americas for the first time. 9.30 Grand Designs Transformations: Coburg Shag Manor And Burnside Coach House. (R) Two houses are transformed. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Whiteley Art Scandal. (Final, Mls, R) 11.45 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 12.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.55 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 Who Do You Think You Are? Gina Chick. (Ma, R) 8.30 Portillo’s 200 Years Of The Railways. (PG) Hosted by Michael Portillo. 9.40 Aerial Australia. (PGaw, R) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+adls) 11.55 DNA. (MA15+a, R) 1.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 2.30 24 Hours In A&E. (Mal, R) 3.25 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 9.15 Planet Weird. 10.05 Late Programs.

Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.20 Kars & Stars. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.35 Casketeers Life & Death Across The Globe. 11.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: For Love And Honor. (2016, PGa, R) James Denton. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) A shocking diagnosis is revealed. 7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGal) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Doc. (Mav) Amy’s past comes back to haunt her when a desperate father sacrifices everything to secure his daughter’s heart transplant.

10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) Alex tries to hold on to her vacation vibes. 11.30 Autopsy USA: Aretha Franklin. (MA15+a, R) 12.30 MOVIE: A Jealous Friendship. (2021, Mav, R) Tahnee Harrison. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

9GO! (82, 93)

TEN (5, 10) NINE (8,

6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 10. From Melbourne Park. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 10. From Melbourne Park. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10.

11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 10. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Ripley and Charles treat members of a cult.

1.00 Next Stop. (PGa, R) A look at holiday destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Destination WA. (PG) Chrissy explores Busselton Jetty.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Matt is attacked by a man.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A controversial theory is tested. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (al) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Matlock. (PGad) As Olympia and the team take on a wrongful death case, Matty meets with a mysterious woman from Senior’s past. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and

(R)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 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 Miniseries: Midnight Man. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Carry On Cabby. (1963, PG) 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 10. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Miniseries: The Pale Horse. 11.40 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon LEGO Masters. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: RoboCop. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.25am Love Island UK. (Return) 1.50 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Tougher

Wednesday, January 28

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 11.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 TBA. 1.00 Miniseries: The Cry. (Final, Mals, R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (PG, 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. Presented by David Speers. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml) A satirical news program exposing the humorous, absurd and downright hypocritical.

9.00 Bowie: The Final Act (2025) (Ml, R) Looks at David Bowie’s artistic resurrection.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Jetty. (MA15+, R)

11.50 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (PG, R)

12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 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. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.50 Adv Time. 9.35 We Bare Bears. 9.50 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Women’s Surf Coast Classic. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 JFK: The Making Of A President. (Mav, R)

8.25 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (M) The juries retire to decide their verdicts.

9.20 Weight Of The World. (MA15+a, R) Examines the drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Face To Face. (Mals)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+s) 1.30 Golden Boy. (Mdln, R) 2.25 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal, R) 3.20 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGn, R) 3.50 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 1.15pm If You Are The One. 3.15 Mastermind Aust. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 11.05 MOVIE: The Year Of Living Dangerously. (1982, M) 1.10am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Piri’s Tiki Tour. 12.30 Unleash The Beast. 1.30 Sammy Butcher: Out Of The Shadows. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Coastal Africa. 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.40 Earth Oven. 9.30 MOVIE: Kiss The Girls. (1997, MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm Sing Street. (2016, Mal) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.20 Discovering Film. 4.15 Finding You. (2020, PGal) 6.30 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 8.30 The Whale. (2022, Madls) 10.40 I Want You Back. (2022, Mdls) 12.50am We’re All Going To The World’s Fair. (2021, Mal) 2.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Just Add Romance. (2019, PGa, R) Meghann Fahy. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Leah’s world crumbles.

7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 MOVIE: The Sapphires. (2012, PGalsv, R) During the ’60s, four talented Aboriginal singers learn about love, friendship and war. Miranda Tapsell, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy.

10.40 Air Crash Investigations: Cockpit Catastrophe. (PGa, R) Examines the case of Sichuan Airlines 8633.

11.35 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 12.05 Wolfe. (MA15+av) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Master. 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 Harry: The Interview. 12.25am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 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.

6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 11. From Melbourne Park. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 11. From Melbourne Park.

6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 11. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Maggie’s budding romance takes flight.

1.00 Next Stop. (R) A look at holiday destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) The park receives much-needed rain. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.

5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: I’ve Gotta Horse. (1965) 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 11. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 11.40 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.20am Love Island UK. 1.20 The Vampire Diaries. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (al) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 Elsbeth. (PGav) A murder investigation at a famous New York toy store spirals into a hostage crisis. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

Thursday, January 29

ABC TV (2)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miss Austen. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (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 Grand Designs Transformations: Turkish Queenslander And Newstead Bath House. (PG) Two properties are transformed. 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG) Alan takes charge designing the first bedroom.

9.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 11.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 Going Places. (R) 1.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Men’s Surf Coast Classic. 2.30 PBS News. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG) 8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) Robson Green heads to Normandy. 9.20 In Flight. (Madlv) Jo demands answers.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v) 11.40 This Town. (MA15+l, R) 2.00 24 Hours In A&E. (M, R) 2.50 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGas, R) 3.20 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later. (PGa, R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle And Learn. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.30 Mojo Swoptops. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 12.30pm DW The Day. 1.00 Mastermind Aust. 2.00 Devoured. 2.50 Insight. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.15 The UnXplained. 11.05 Homicide. 12.55am Threesome. 2.00 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Cupids On Beacon Street. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Justin and Leah are at an impasse. 8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Secret Service. (2014, MA15+lv, R) A troubled young man must prove his mettle, and save the world from a billionaire set on killing millions of people, after he is recruited as a candidate to join a secret British spy organisation. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson. 11.15 To Be Advised.

12.15 MOVIE: A Mother’s Terror. (2021, Mav, R) Jessica Morris.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. 2pm South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Room For Improvement. 3.00 The Real Seachange. 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 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Earth Oven. 1.00 A Wing And A Prayer. 2.00 Wild Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums.

NINE

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 12. Women’s semi-finals. 3.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 12. 4.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 6am Morning Programs.

6.00 9News.

7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. Women’s semi-finals. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 12. Women’s semi-finals. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Charles treats a bipolar artist.

1.00 Next Stop. (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 GolfBarons. (PG, R)

5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 Attenborough’s Parenthood. (PGal) David Attenborough looks at animal parenthood in grasslands.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGals) Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ben Stiller and Da’Vine Joy Randolph join Graham Norton on the couch. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav, R) A couple are assaulted by masked men. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.10 10 News+. (R) 11.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 1.00 Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: The Pure Hell Of St Trinian’s. (1960) 4.30 M*A*S*H. 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 TBA. 8.30 Poirot. 10.30 Recipes For Love And Murder. 11.30 Harry Wild. 12.30am Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 LEGO Masters. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: There’s Something About Mary. (1998, MA15+) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.50 Love Island UK. 1.50 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 More Power. 8.30 MOVIE: Wrath Of Man. (2021, MA15+) 11.00 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Retribution. (2012, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 4.15 Perfect Days. (2023, PG, Japanese, English) 6.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PGlv) 8.30 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 10.30 Nobody Has To Know. (2021, Ml) 12.20am The Whale. (2022, Madls) 2.35 I Want You Back. (2022, Mdls) 4.40 Late Programs.

Discovering Dunedin

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/PODCASTER

www.travellingsenorita.com

HAVING explored the tourist meccas of the SouthIslandofNewZealand(Queenstownand Christchurch) I thought it was time to venture further afield and head to the more hidden gem that is Dunedin in the Southeastern region of Otago.

Dunedin often likened to a mini-Edinburgh (the Edinburgh of the south), complete with Scottish vibes, the four seasons in one day weather and even it’s own castle. And that was our first stop on our ‘Discover Dunedin’ itinerary - Larnach Castle perched high in the hills above Otago Harbour.

The surrounding Peninsula is a hilly slither of volcanic land, abundant in flora and fauna –a place to see Sea Lions and Penguins and one of the few accessible places where Albatross nest.

Larnach Castle is like stepping back in time and swapping hemispheres. Commissioned in 1871 by local character William Larnach, the castle is a gothic masterpiece with plenty of stories to tell. The property was derelict for quite some time after William’s passing with a New Zealand couple - the Barkers – buying it in 1967 and bringing it back to life.

The library and dining hall host long table dinners showcasing all the South Island has to offer. While the tastefully decorated stable and lodge accommodation offers breathtaking views across the harbour. There’s also a garden cafe and exquisite grounds to wander making the castle a true ode to the past.

Following our tour we check into Distinction - a downtown hotel in the centre of the city before we head out again to admire the colourful murals that adorn the streets. We wander the high street and devour a classic cheese roll at Good Oil Cafe, a locals juice at Buster Greens and a hearty pub meal at Speights Ale House. We are getting the sense that this city is all about bakeries and breweries.

The next day we plan a trip on the Taieri Gorge Train. The train leaves from the Dunedin Railway Station – one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in 1906 it’s famed

for its renaissance architecture. The train takes us across Otago’s sweeping countryside, with towering viaducts and the gushing Taieri River below-while the onboard storyteller recounts tales of a gold rush era.

As the sun sets over Otago Harbour, we take a short trip to the surf beaches, stopping at St Clair for Cocktails at Piccolo, Pasta at the Esplanade and Dessert at Sorello-housed in an iconic beachfront location. We stroll along the promenade and admire the locals as they brave the newly opened (heated) saltwater pools.

The next day we jump on our trusty e-bikes and take on the newly opened bike and pedestrian path that follows the harbour to Port Chalmers, a quaint port town. From there we book a water (bike) taxi across the harbour to pretty Portobello, passing Quarantine and Goat Island along the way.

Lunch is served at the local Portobello Pub, fresh Blue Cod and chips washed down with a local Speights ale and Central Otago wine, which really hit the spot. After lunch we cycle up the road to a new farm gate cafe, Augustine, for the tastiest of scones with lashings of berry jam and local cream.

We take in the sights of the University of Otago - billed as a leader in education it ranks in the top 200 Universities in the world. There’s a vibrant student population living on the outskirts which has attracted cafes like Strictly Coffee - a roaster with one of the best brews around.

We take a bespoke tour to the tip of the

Otago Peninsula with local guides, Clearwater Wildlife Tours. Walking through a working farm to the rugged clifftops and pristine beach of Cape Saunders, spotting sealions and yellow-eyed penguins along the way.

A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without a visit to the Otago Farmers Markets, held each Saturday in the carpark adjacent to the railway station. We taste Dunedin Craft Distillers Gin made from bread scraps and sample a delicious Short Black chocolate from local makers Ocho (Otago Chocolate Company).

Rug up and discover the delights of Dunedin, it’s the ideal stopover to explore the South Island, with direct flights from the East Coast it’s fast becoming the next ‘go to’ New Zealand destination.

EAT-

Larnach Castle dining

Portobello Hotel

Piccolo St Clair

Noble Dunedin

PLAY-

Speight’s brewery tour

Clear Water Wildlife Tours

Tairi Gorge Train

Otago Farmers Market

STAY-

Larnach Lodge

Distinction Hotel

EUROPEAN SOJOURN

Amsterdam

From

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR

Budapest to Amsterdam or vice versa

15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL • MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027; MAY-DEC 2028

From $8,895pp in Standard Stateroom From $12,995pp in Veranda Stateroom

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

Budapest to Bucharest or vice versa

11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; MAR-NOV 2028

From $7,195pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

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.

Karneval Society

Beer, bratwurst & barbecue with German and Aussie favourites. Karneval Society, 21/45 Arunga Avenue, Norlane, Sunday January 25, noon-5pm. Free but register, beerbratwurstnbbqbash.eventbrite.com

 Alana 0417 335 461, or germankarnevalsociety@gmail.com

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 24 January, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Puff. Sunday 1 February, 2-4.30pm, $5 bring small plate to share.

 0400 500 402

Australia Day

Anglesea RSL get together, live music, food and drinks, noon-4.30pm, Monday 26 January, 30 Murray Street, Anglesea. Gold coin entry appreciated.

Mainly Music

Music and fun for preschoolers

commencing 5 February, Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays 9.30-11am. $5 per family per week.

 0461 582 618, or mmadmin@bgap.church

Geelong Patchwork & Quilter’s Guild

Meets third Saturday of each month 10.30am-3.30pm, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road. Visitors welcome. $6 includes time to sit and sew, morning tea and guest speaker.

 info@geelongpatch.org.au

Leopold Library

Thursday 29 January 1.30pm-3pm, Conversation Club Tuesdays 2pm-3pm - digital drop in for your basic tech needs School holiday program details grlc.vic.gov.

au

 4201 0675

Dragons Abreast Geelong Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try.

 Traci, 0417 301 226, or Facebook Dragons Abreast GeelongJuggernauts

PlayLinks

Music and art playgroup where babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.

 info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Grovedale East Ladies Probus Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL.

 Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610

Waurn Ponds Combined Probus Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am. Maximum 100 members.

 probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn

Lions Club of Geelong Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Contact below for venues and times.

 geelong.vic@lions.org.au or 0408 599 962

Geelong Harmony Chorus Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill.

 contact@geelongharmony.com.au, or 0406 666 737

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet

Bellarine Historical Society

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

 bellarinehistory.org

Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English.

 0413 406 433, or welshladieschoir.com.au

Chess clubs

Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

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

Geelong Scout Heritage Centre Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm.  0419 591 432, or geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Dancer’s Club Geelong Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall

7.30-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Kevin and Tre.

 Russ, 5250 1937

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2-4pm, $5 entry.

 Val, 5251 3529

Belmont Combined Probus

First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Road. New members and visitors welcome

 Sue, 0409 945 011, or probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com

Barwon Valley Belmont Probus

First Thursday of the month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

 Membership officer, 0407 333 263, or bobstafford@ozemail.com.au

Lectures

Join Adfas Geelong Inc. for illustrated lectures by art historian Matthew Martin, formerly curator of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Sports

Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.

Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training

Writers’ group

The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, first Sunday of the month, 2-4pm. New members welcome.

 dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Geelong Evening VIEW

Third Monday of the month, 6pm, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

 Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com

Lions Club International

Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.

 Les, 0428 466 446

Grovedale Marshall Probus

Second Thursday of the month,10am, The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.

 Anne, 0425 356 973

Chess

available.

 Maureen, 0429 397 015

Arts National Geelong

Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at:

 artsnational.au

Live music

Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7pm-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Road Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab.

 Dawn, 0417 148 493

GROW Australia

Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.

 grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268

Grovedale Seniors

Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.

 Julie, 0419 549 521

Drysdale Day VIEW

Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Table tennis

All seniors welcome for a social game. Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Wednesdays 12.30pm-2.30pm.

 Allen, 0433 883 116

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans’ Club, 10.30am.

 leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Geelong Day VIEW

First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio.

 geelongdayview@gmail.com

Laughter Club Geelong

Saturdays, 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.

 0418 521 265

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: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.

Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm  Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Monthly

Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.  Dianne, 5255 1372

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, 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

Great outdoors comes to town

Geelong Showgrounds was the scene for the Geelong Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo last weekend and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along on Saturday.

PUZZLES

each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Spiritualists’ meeting (6)

Elicit (5)

Accept reluctantly (9)

Gather piecemeal (5)

Talents (9)

Tollway (8)

Lifts balloon (3,3) 16 Help (6)

18 Emblem of Islam (8) 23 Relating to the body (9) 24 Low woody plant (5)

Hosiery (9)

Person of English ancestry (5)

Astonishment (8)

At one (6)

Dwelling (5)

Make a big profit (5,2)

Pronounce not guilty (6)

Japanese emperor from 1989–2019 (7)

Stubborn (9)

Sideboard (7)

10 Startled, disconcerted (5)

14 Storage tank (9)

16 Charges (7)

17 Cue sport (7)

19 Guidelines (5)

20 Support (7)

21 Forbidden (7)

22 Sport (6)

25 Just (5)

What is the capital of the

Who played Samuel ‘Sam’ Loomis in the 1998 remake of Psycho? 3 Who won the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix? 4 What was the name of Julia Roberts’ (pictured) character in the film Pretty Woman?

The MacDonnell Ranges are in which Australian state or territory?

6 Who wrote the 2009 novel Wolf Hall?

7 A waltz is usually danced in what time signature?

8 Which country won the 2011 Rugby World Cup?

9 Which chemical element has the symbol Y? 10 In Japan, what does the word ‘seiyuu’ refer to?

1.Telstra is

South Geelong VIC 3220. www.rfnsa.com.au/3220011

2. In summary, the upgrades will comprise installing nine (9) new panel antennas, installing new Head frames and installing associated ancillary equipment.

3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Ash Mathulla, Town Planner, 046795393, community.consult@downergroup.com and PO Box 135, Milton, QLD 4064. We will accept submissions until 5 pm on Monday, the 09th of February 2026

4. For more information about the proposals, visit the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au by using the direct links provided above. PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS

Sealion 6 is impressive

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

BYD’s Sealion 6 is one of the new breed of superhybrids.

So called because they are plug-in hybrids with larger batteries that deliver greaterelectriconlyrange.

ThesePHEVsarestartingtogaintraction in the market, with a 136 per cent increase insalesinrecentmonths.

Fully charged, with a range that exceeds 100km in some cases, they can be used in electric-only mode for the weekday commute.

For longer trips, their combined petrol and electric range exceeds 1000km, removing any lingering fear of being stranded with no access to an electric charger.

Styling

The five-seat Sealion 6 comes in four grades: Essential, Dynamic Extended Range, Premium, and Premium Extended Range.

Prices range from $42,990 for the Essential, $46,990 for Dynamic Extended, $52,990 for Premium or $52,990 for Premium Extended - all prices before on-roadcosts.

NotsurewhythePremiumandPremium Extended are priced the same, but they’re unlikely to sell many of the Premium variantsatthisrate.

The Essential and Dynamic Extended variants are front wheel drive; Premium modelsaddasecondelectricmotorandare all-wheel drive. Extended Range versions alsoacquirealargerbattery.

Our test vehicle was the entry Essential model. In fact, it presents so well that we needed to confirm it was actually the base model.

Standard kit includes synthetic leather trim and dual-zone climate air with rear outlets, keyless entry and start, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat and four-way for the front passenger, rear privacyglassandafull-lengthglassroof.

There are also adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, a manual-adjust rear vision mirror, plus LED lighting front andback.

Allgradesrollonthesame19-inchalloys fitted with the same GitiComfort tyres and thereisnothingtodistinguishthemapart.

Instrumentation is provided via a customisable 12.3-inch digital screen housedinaconventionalbinnacle.

A tyre repair kit is supplied in the event ofapuncture.

Sealion 6 is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty plus eight years/160,000km coverage for the high-voltagebattery.

Servicing is due every 12 months/20,000kmwithmaintenancecosts forthefirstfiveyearsatotalof$1543.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.8-inchtouchscreenthatrotates,offering voice control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired or wireless) plus generic six-speaker sound.

No AM radio band means you won’t be able to hear emergency transmissions, for instance when there’s been an incident in oneofSydney’smanytunnels.

Dynamic and up get a premium 10-speaker Infinity system, along with twinwirelessphonechargers.

Updates are over-the air and the BYD Store allows users to download a variety of applications, including YouTube and a suiteofarcadegames(forthekids).

NFC connectivity means you can set up

yourphonetolockandunlockthecar.

There are USB-A and -C charging ports in both the front and back plus a 12-volt socketinthefront.

Safety

Five-star safety encompasses seven airbags, including a centre airbag to prevent front seat occupants knocking headsinasideimpact.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing camera, rear parking sensors and autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction&Crossing,andBackover).

Lane support includes lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), plus an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS).

There’s also blind spot, child detection andpayattentionwarnings.

Top-tether and ISOFix child-seat anchor pointsareprovidedfortherearseats.

Engines/transmissions

Essential’s hybrid powertrain produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a reduction-style, single-speed transmission.

Driving

The styling is round and feminine, taking itscuesfromcompetitorssuchasTesla.

The five-seat Sealion 6 is 4775mm long, 1890mm wide and stands 1670mm high, witha2765mmwheelbase.

Significantly, that is 175mm longer than the best-selling Toyota RAV4, as well as 35mm wider and 15mm lower than the RAV, with a 75mm longer wheelbaseaddinguptomoreinteriorspace.

Parked alongside RAV, the Sealion is noticeably larger and having driven both vehicles back-to-back in recent weeks, it’s the Sealion that stands out - although we should mention there’s a new RAV on the way.

Essential’s hybrid powertrain consists of a1.5-litrenaturallyaspiratedfour-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a single electric motor and 18.3 kWh battery - that sendspowertothefrontwheels.

ExtendedRangevariantsacquirealarger 26.6kWhbattery.

Essential produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving through a reduction-style, single speed transmission.

Witha60-litrefueltank,ittakespremium 95 unleaded, with fuel consumption a claimed 1.1L/100km with anything more

RATINGS

than25percentbatterycharge.

Electric only range is around 80km(WLTP).

It’s your choice whether you charge the Sealion or drive it as a standardself-charginghybrid.

Time and circumstances will probably provide the answer to thatquestion.

Petrolandelectricfillpointsare locatedeithersideattherear.

Essential can be charged at a maximum rate of 7kW (AC) or 18kW(DC).

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 8

Safety: 7.5

Thirst: 8

Practicality: 8

Comfort: 7.5

Tech: 8

Value: 8

Overall: 7.8

It will take up to eight hours using a power point and the supplied granny charger, or up to 10 with the larger battery.

A wallbox reduces this time to two to three hours, while a fast DC charger takes from30to40minutes.

When driving you can easily toggle between EV and HEV powertrain options (electric or hybrid), with a toggle conveniently mounted on the centre console.

Therearethreedrivemodes:Eco,Normal and Sport, plus two settings for the level of steering effort required - Comfort (lighter) orSport(heavier).

The level of regenerative braking can also be altered, but only through the touchscreenmenus.

The touchscreen itself rotates at the touch of a button on the steering wheel, returning to its default landscape position when the car is switched off (but resuming thedesiredorientationuponrestart).

It’s an impressive feature but a bit gimmicky, because there does not appear tobeanypracticalapplication.

In portrait mode it can’t be seen if you wear polarised sunglasses, nor does Android Auto (and presumably CarPlay) workinthismode.

Ourphonesconnectedquicklyandeasily to the infotainment system which is smart enough to drop aircon fan speed during phonecallstoreducebackgroundnoise.

The start-stop button for the powertrain is located close to hand at the bottom right-handcornerofthecentreconsole.

The system is designed to operate primarily in electric mode, with support from the petrol engine for charging and additionalmumboifrequired.

In HEV mode the battery charge in our testvehiclehoveredbetween60and70per cent.

You can take a deep dive into the system and adjust this figure, but it works well left toitsowndevices.

Sealion 6 is generally comfortable and easy to drive, with plenty of rear legroom and a good-sizedluggagearea. Black and brown upholstery with contrast stitching lends an upmarket ambience, but may not be to everyone’s liking (my wife didn’tfancyit).

There’s plenty of cabin storage, with large door bins, two large cupholders in the centre console and a tray that offers side by side slotsforphones.

But don’t expect it to charge yourphone,notinthisgradeatleast. There’s also another largish storage area belowthemainconsole.

Luggage capacity is a modest 425 litres, nodoubtattheexpenseofrearlegroom. There’s also some underfloor storage available. We found the charge cable for the car stashed in a bag to one side of the luggagearea.

While Sealion 6 is a smooth operator around town, it demanded more rigorous testingonpoorer,secondaryroads. We took it for a punt along some of our favourite loop through the backlots and while we can report that like most SUVs it’s a compromise - it’s not the worst thing we’vedriveneither.

Handling is safe and predictable and it didn’t start to get out of shape in corners unlesspressedrelativelyhard.

Throttleresponseinthelowtomidrange is excellent, but it seems to run out of puff afterthat.

Rather than punching the accelerator, we found moderate force seemed to elicit a moresatisfyingresponse.

Nowforthebestpart.Unlikethemajority of Chinese SUVs we’ve tested, the driver assist systems in this car are for the most partunintrusive.Yay!

In terms of fuel consumption, we were getting 4.1L/100km after some 350km of driving,withthepromiseof555kmtogo. Norangeanxietytoseehere.

Summing up

TheBYDSealion6isakeeper.

It joins a short list of Chinese vehicles that we at Cars4starters would consider buying.

It’s cheap, well equipped, fit and finish is good and everything works as it should, without the intervention of annoying safetyassistancesystems.

It will even retain drive mode settings betweenstarts.

Whatmorecouldyouask?

500 for club legend

By Justin Flynn

Anglesea Cricket Club legend Mark Stoneham’s 499 games have always been played in the right spirit.

Competitive, but scrupulously fair, the 62-year-old is still making runs in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association C Grade competition, having compiled scores of 46, 44 and 37 this season.

Although the weather forecast doesn’t look promising, Stoneham is due to play game 500 on Saturday 24 January at home against Barrabool.

But with the BOM predicting 40 degrees, there is every likelihood the milestone will have to wait until the following Saturday where a 45-minute drive to Ocean Grove awaits to play the Grubbers.

Stoneham has made more than 14,500 runsduringhistime,playedineightAGrade premierships, is a life member and seventime club champion and was president for nine years, but it’s the little things that have given him the most joy.

“Probably the biggest thing has been just watching different second- and thirdgeneration families involved in the club and are still around and still enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s a real family club. It’s always been like that, playing with fathers and then playing with their kids and then playing with their kids.

“I just like being around the team and the club. I used to cook tea every Thursday night. I did that for about 12 years or so, and it was only at the end of last year I said I’ve had enough.

“But I’ve missed it a bit, so I’ve done a couple of impromptu cooks for them before Christmas and maybe one or two after.”

Stoneham rates his first A Grade flag in 1985/86 as his best onfield moment and said the remarkable success of the Daryl Bisset-led fourpeat was tough to beat.

“I was playing with my brother (former Footscray and Essendon 209-gamer Alan Stoneham) then,” he said.

“I dragged him to play with us from Melbourne, so he’d drive down every weekend and my father had passed away the year before so it was good for us to play together.”

Stoneham said the introduction of Anglesea’s women’s sides had made Ellimatta Reserve an even better place to be.

“That’s been fantastic,” he said.

“It’s made us a better club because of the women. They are really heavily involved in the club and they do their warm-up training with all the guys and we keep them involved and that’s been really good.”

Stoneham said he would keep playing while he was contributing, but when he finally does call it a day, he won’t be lost to the sport.

“Still making a few, not big scores anymore,” he said.

“When I can’t contribute, that’ll be it. I’ll probably go to umpiring so I’m still involved in cricket.”

Giant killers Leopold into T20 decider

By Justin Flynn

Leopold became giant killers at Reynolds Oval, winning through to the Geelong Cricket Association top grade T20 grand final.

One of only two GCA2 sides to make the quarter-finals, Leopold proved too good for GCA1’s South Barwon in a semifinal on Tuesday 20 January and will meet powerhouse North Geelong in the decider on 26 January.

Classy left-hander Hayden Butterworth lookedlikesteeringtheLionstoaformidable total on a sublime Reynolds Oval pitch and outfield. One towering six took minutes to retrieve when it sailed over the South Barwon clubrooms.

Butterworth punched his way to 46 from 35 balls before leg-spinner Sydney Ray had an immediate impact for South Barwon. Ray sent a full-toss Butterworth’s way, but Andrew Ross held the catch at deep midwicket.

Ray then got Joseph Vallelonga with another full-toss, but then found his groove, extracting spin and bounce and he would add Dylan Taylor to his list of victims helped by a neat stumping from Tom Meredith. At 5/83 Leopold could have folded, but Sam Mitchell (27) and Reece Plumridge (12 not out) got the final total to 8/145.

Ray picked up 3/26 while seamer Harry Hauenstein took 3/22 from four tidy overs for the Swans.

South Barwon’s strong batting line-up neverreallygotgoing.Sevenbattersreached double figures, but Meredith’s 19 was the best as Leopold put the clamps on.

The game was wrapped up with a fine diving left-hand catch by Vallelonga, his fifth for the innings, behind the stumps off Lachlan Neate and the Swans were all out

for 122 with four balls remaining in the 20th, and final, over.

Neate and Butterworth each took three wickets for South Barwon.

North Geelong is aiming for its third consecutive T20 premiership after defeating St Peters at Osborne Park.

St Peters batted first after calling correctly and middle-order knocks from Hunter Lewis (46 not out), Mitch Ford (23) and Matthew Sorgiavanni (23) got the total to a respectable 7/128, although it was at least 20 or 30 runs short.

Pace bowlers Dale Kerr and Tom Mathieson each grabbed two wickets for the Magpies while young leggie Ben Demasi continued to thrive in the shortest form of the game with 1/15 from three overs.

The Saints’ best hope of pinching victory was to take early wickets, but Mathieson launched a counterattacking 68 from 50 deliveries at the top of the order and Phil Visser was unbeaten on 34 with North Geelong hauling in the runs with six wickets and 11 balls in hand although promising

Winners crowned at Geelong Lawn tennis classics

LOCAL TENNIS

While many people turn their attention to the Australian Open in January, tournaments across the country go into full swing ranging from Pro Tour to community level events.

And Geelong is no exception with Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club running its Junior Summer UTR event, Point Lonsdale/Drysdale with their Bellarine Masters series and the recent OC JC Junior and Open Classic at Geelong Lawn.

Newly appointed club coach Adam Lasky and his team hosted almost 80 participants across 10 events in a round robin format, guaranteeing players a good number of matches across the weekend.

It was blue skies for the entire event with some great tennis on display.

The final results were:

10&U Boys singles: winner Lennox Horribin, runner-up Alexander Le.

12&U Boys singles: winner George Montgomery, runner-up Samson McGrane.

young all-rounder Jack Trewin was superb for the Saints with 3/19 from four overs.

LethbridgewillmeetNewcomb&District In the Divisions 3 & 4 final.

The Rosellas accounted for Waurn Ponds Deakin in a semi-final by eight wickets at home with Jesse Sheehan taking four wickets.

WPD was dismissed for 94 on the first ball of the 15th over with Sheehan taking a hat-trick in the fourth over.

Sheehan had Charlie Carter caught by keeper Ben Spiller from an attempted cut shot, then trapped Jackson Ellis in front with the next ball before bowling Nick Phillips to bring up his hat-trick.

Noah Berry tried hard for WPD with a 20ball 40, but Tom Saunders wrapped up the innings with two wickets.

Lethbridge was untroubled during the small chase, reaching 2/96 late in the 14th over with Harry Lever unbeaten on 34.

Newcomb & District was too good for Bannockburn at Grinter Reserve, making 7/139 batting first with Huey Nield (43), Daniel Harrison (29) and Cam Egan (29) leading the way.

In reply, Bannockburn was all out for 117 with three balls left of its allotted 20 overs remaining. Blake Ritchie, Egan and Harrison all chipped in with two wickets each for the Dinos.

12&U Boys doubles: winners Rayaan Bava and Jack Sweeney, runners-up Samson McGrane and Jake Pearson.

14&U Boys singles: winner Caide King, runner-up Siddarth Sivanesan.

14&U Boys doubles: winners Siddarth Sivanesan and Andrea Ficca

14&U Girls singles: winner Varnika Koolwal, runner-up Georgina Palmateer.

16&U Boys singles: winner Jaidyn Murrell, runner-up Rhyder Michielsen.

16&U Girls singles: winner Hanna Schoenmaekers, runner-up Sanjhanna Thiyagu.

16&U Girls doubles: winners Hanna Schoenmaekers and Annabel King, runners-up Frankie Moxham and Aria Williamson.

Men’s Open singles: winner Josh Severin-Harvey, runner-up Josh Jenning.

Men’s Open doubles: winners Josh Severin-Harvey and Henry Orner, runners-up Andrew Smith and Taj De Clifford.

Rising star wins Vic Open

Rising Australian star Cameron John has claimed a bucket-list victory in the men’s Vic Open in the most dramatic of circumstances by running down the faltering Nathan Barbieri in a playoff.

John forced the tournament into sudden-death with a two-shot swing on the final hole of regulation, making a clutch birdie-four while countryman Barbieri could only manage bogey.

With momentum firmly on his side at 13th Beach, Barwon Heads, John again birdied the 18th on the first playoff hole, while Barbieri’s putt to extend the tournament slid away to the left.

It was John’s third win on the Australasian Tour - and his second this season - lifting him to second spot on the Order of Merit, with a full DP World Tour card on offer to the overall winner.

The 26-year-old came up short at last week’s LIV Golf qualifying school, but would love to get a crack on the European Tour.

“LIV is a great tour and one I would have been happy to be a part of,” John said.

“But it’s one of those things.

“I’ve always thought my game would be really nice in Europe and I’ve always wanted to play in Europe.

“I’ve played a few events there in the last two years and loved every single one of them.”

Getting his name engraved on the Vic Open trophy alongside the likes of all-time greats such as Peter Thomson, Gary Player, Kel Nagle and Greg Norman also meant the world to John.

It was the first professional event the Victorian played as a 15-year-old amateur back in 2015, and his association with the tournament goes back even further.

“I remember going out to a Vic Open at Spring Valley and doing a little putting clinic with Steve Jones and I was six or seven years old,” he said.

“The Vic Open is something that has been on my bucket list forever.”

John started the final day five shots adrift of Barbieri, and the only time he had

his nose in front was at the very end.

It was another crushing blow for Barbieri, who has had six top-10 finishes on the Australasian Tour this season but is still chasing his first win.

John closed with a one-under 71 for a four-round total of eight-under 280, while Barbieri had a four-over 76 on another windy day at the links layout.

Austin Bautista (71) finished outright third on 283.

Overnight leader Lydia Hall from Wales hung tough to win the $200,000 women’s Vic Open by four shots.

Australian Kelsey Bennett drew level with Hall late on the final day, before her challenge evaporated when she double-bogeyed the 16th.

Bennett hit her approach shot into ankle-deep weeds and could only advance the ball a metre or so.

Hall, 38, closed with a level-par final round of 72 and a four-round total of 289.

Bennett and fellow Australian Kathryn Norris both shot 73s on Sunday to tie for second at 293.

The high point of Hall’s career was winning the Ladies British Masters back in 2012.

She has spent the week staying in a tent inanearbycaravanpark,whichwillbethe unlikely venue for the victory party.

“That’s a been a first experience for everything,” said the unassuming Hall.

“The accommodation here was so expensive that it was just not even feasible to do.

“So we’ll be going back to the tent, maybe chuck a couple of sausages on the barbecue and have a couple of beers.”

- AAP

Top: Vic Open winner Cameron John tees off at the first on Sunday. (Ivan Kemp) 521169_04

Right: Tournament winner Lydia Hall drives at the first tee on Sunday. (Ivan Kemp) 521169_10

Lara times chase to perfection to stay in finals contention

By Justin Flynn

Lara closed in on a GCA1 top four spot with asuperblytimedrunchaseagainstStPeters in round 10 on Saturday 17 January.

Lara’s fourth win of the season has it sitting in sixth spot, but only 1.03 points behind fourth-placed St Peters with South Barwon lodged in between.

Lara won the toss and sent the Saints in at Bisinella Oval and it was Luke Ford who again dominated.

The classy left-hander backed up his unbeaten century last weekend with 91 not outhelpingStPeterstosetLaraatotalof236 for victory. Mitchell Ford made 43 from 37 balls and Brogan Hayman contributed 32.

CaptainDanielWeigl(1/30from10overs) and Kaden Marum (1/41 from 10) kept things tight for the Cats.

Vishesh Malhotra got Lara off to another blistering start with 49 from 37 balls while Robert Sodomaco made 57. Weigl made 32, but with the score at 6/171 in the 39th over, St Peters would have been confident of victory.

Englishman George Blatherwick (31 not out) and Varinder Singh Cheema (38 not out) then went about hauling in the further 65 runs needed and they did with five balls remaining.

GROVEDALE put a handy 6.49 point gap between it in third spot and St Peters with a 44-run win against St Joseph’s.

Jack Wrigglesworth made a stylish 90,

which contained just one boundary, but four sixes. Michael McNeel contributed 34 to the final total of 225 all out with seamer Ryan Simmonds bouncing back from an expensive first few overs to take 3/44 from 10.

OliverMetcalfemade41forJoeys,butthe seamofLukeGuest(3/32from10overs)and spinofNathanBerry(3/29)gotthejobdone.

EAST BELMONT defeated Newtown & Chilwell by 104 runs.

Hayden McMahon whacked 84 from 63 deliveries and Lachie Inglis made 67 from 45 and with Shane McNamara (62) steering the top order, East Belmont made an imposing 5/276.

Left-arm quick Jack Jenkins then produced a superb performance, taking 5/26 to have the Two Blues all out for 172 in reply despite the efforts of Sam Taylor (43 from 44 balls) and Nick Keast (40).

NORTH GEELONG welcomed back Layton McCann to the first XI after he almost died on his honeymoon in Mexico in July last year.

McCann spent more than a month in hospital before finally recovering. After scores of 57 and 67 in the seconds, McCann made 20 from 55 balls in response to South Barwon’s4/182inwhichClayMulgrew(68), Sam Ellis (37 not out) and Nick Butters (37) got runs.

The Magpies then overhauled the total in the 50th over with four wickets in hand with Tom Mathieson (38) top scoring.

BARWON HEADS was always in control against Drysdale, winning by six wickets in BPCA A1 Grade.

Leg-spin duo Dan Donaldson (3/18) and Angus Mackie (3/26) were instrumental in dismissing the Hawks for 119.

Lewy Hyland made 34 at the top of the order for the Heads, but Drysdale bowled

well and took the game deep into the 38th over.

ANGLESEA is in second place after a nine-run win against Barrabool.

Ash Poulton (56) and Simon Umbers (40) helped the Seas to 8/230 batting first while Joel Denyer picked four late wickets.

Shane Stevens (53) and James Fisher (46 from 25 balls) and a late 28 from 18 deliveries from Luke Clift got the Bulls close before Dylan Taylor stepped in with two wickets with Leon Jacobs taking three earlier in the innings.

INVERLEIGH got its third win of the season with an impressive seven-wicket win against Queenscliff.

Paceman Locke Perrett was the star with 5/18 for the Kookaburras with the Coutas all out for 143 despite Frank Mileto making 54.

WillCollinsbattedthroughtherunchase to be there on 58 when the winning runs were hit in the 37th over with Lachlan Platt (37) and Henry Collins (20 not out) also contributing.

ARMSTRONG CREEK ended a three-gamelosingstreakwithawinagainst Jan Juc. Ben Norgrove (64) made his fourth score inthe60sfortheTitanswhileBenFarytook three late wickets. Nick Hyden (70) again made runs for the Sharks with his last four knocks yielding scores of 79 not out, 61, 100 not out and 70 while Joel Denyer took four wickets.

World star leads upset win

By Justin Flynn

Led by 2024 world No 1 Kelsey Cottrell, Drysdale is four points outside the Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant top four after upsetting Ocean Grove.

Playing as marquee players, Cottrell, currently ranked 7th in the world, and husband Andrew Howie, who is the brother of Drysdale player Bryant Howie, lined up in front of a big crowd at home on Saturday 17Januaryandhelpedtheteamtoasix-shot win against the premiership favourites.

“I couldn’t come down over Christmas, so we planned to come a few weeks later and when my partner Andrew and his brother said ‘we should have a game of bowls together while we’re down’,” Cottrell said.

“And then one thing led to another and next thing we’re going to play Pennant for them. So it just was meant to be, I think.”

Cottrell skipped her rink of lead Maya Rees, second John Fry and third Mark Godbolt to a 29-18 win against Matt Flapper, Hayley O’Reilly, Jason Bertrand and Zac Abro.

“I let them know that I’m a pretty cruisy, easygoing,funskipandIdon’tgetcrankyat anyone and I don’t want to dictate the rules or anything like that,” she said.

“Ijustwantedittofitintotheirmouldand let them just enjoy the day.”

The experience of playing with Cottrell would have been invaluable for 18-year-old emerging star Rees while Ocean Grove youngster Hayley O’Reilly was on the opposing side.

“She (Rees) was lovely,” Cottrell said.

“I spent a little bit of time with her on the Thursdaynightatthecoachingclinic,sowe worked a little bit on her delivery.

“I was very happy to hear that they had put me with her. I thought that was just a really great thing that the club did for her.

“That was good just to see the two young girls, the future of that Geelong area, going head to head.”

Itwasn’tthefirsttimeCottrellhadstepped onto the same rink as 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Flapper.

“I have played against Matt more than people would probably realise,” she said.

“When we were in the Australian team together, he skipped the men’s triples for

quite a while during our lead-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and I was skipping the women’s triples.

“So we’ve actually come head-to-head quite a number of times. So I was quite excited when I saw the draw. I just thought it’d be really cool to play against him, just giving our history of playing for Australia together.”

The win put Drysdale within reach of the finals with four rounds left to play while the Grovers still hold top spot with a nine-point buffer.

Highton defeated Torquay in a high-quality match, 73 to 69.

Highton is six points clear in second

while Torquay still clings to fourth spot. Both sides won two rinks with Dan Priddle skipping the winners to a 15-shot win while Nelson Ball enjoyed a 14-shot victory.

Eastern Park kept its finals hopes alive with a 36-shot win against Lara with Adam Martin getting the better of Ian Polwarth Jnr by 18 and Glenn Slattery prevailing by 19.

Queenscliff is pretty much assured of playing finals after a 56-shot win against Bell Post Hill.

Skip Mitch Hocking, lead Craig Heard, secondJacksonMahoneyandthirdJackson Reilly had a mammoth 42 to 8 win.

Midweek bowls win for Queenscliff at Clifton Springs

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Clifton Springs Bowls Club as the home side went down to Queenscliff in Division 2 of midweek bowls on Tuesday 20 January.

Around the grounds

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Hamlyn Park for the Bell Park vs Bell Post Hill GCA2 game and to Ray Menzies Oval for the derby between BPCA A2 Grade foes Ocean Grove and Collendina on Saturday 17 January.

Dragons can get better: skipper

By Justin Flynn

Despite being unbeaten and sitting on top of the GCA2 ladder, Bell Park captain Jamie Spiller said his side is “definitely not the finished product”, which is not the news opposition sides would want to hear.

The Dragons took care of business in round 10 on Saturday 17 January, beating an understrength, but hugely competitive, Bell Post Hill.

“I’m pretty sure we’ve got the other three sides in the top four to play in the month coming home,” Spiller said.

“So once we play all of them, we’ll see where we’re at.”

Bell Post Hill won the toss and batted first and was 2/138 in the 37th over with Will Iles (55), Matthew Reid (45) and Aidan Barrow (29) getting runs.

Bell Park hit back with Bailey Kelly and Nikhil Deep Pottabathini (4/24) removing Reid and Iles in the space of five deliveries and the Panthers eventually cobbled together 8/188.

The Dragons were tested, but got the runs with two wickets and three deliveries remaining. Sam Elliston-Buckley (32), Pottabathini (31), Shane Lymer (28) in his 150th game, Spiller (22), Steven Kelly (21) and Kasey Duncan (17) all got starts, but did enough to drag their side over the line.

“We were always confident chasing under 200 with our batting lineup,” Spiller said.

“Everyone in our top six got 20 or 30. I said to the boys after the game, someone needs to go on, but you’ve got to win ugly sometimes and that’s what we did.

“Credit to them (Bell Post Hill) - they threw everything they had at us. Their depth was tested, but they’re well and truly capable of being there at the pointy end of the season.”

Bell Post Hill skipper Ben Muir said his side fell about 40 to 50 runs short batting first, but praised his bowlers for getting back into the game.

“We were at least 40 or 50 short at Bell Park, but I couldn’t fault our bowling,” he said.

“We stuck it out all day and took it to the third-last ball of the innings. They’ve been making some pretty big totals and have got a couple of really good bats at the top of the order.”

Pace off the ball worked for Bell Post Hill with slow bowlers Jackson Moore (2/26), Tyler James (1/31 from10 overs) and Muir (1/35 from 10) all proving difficult to get away.

Bell Post Hill was without star all-rounder Jason Grozdanovski, opening bat Rhys

Burke and Lachie Horan and although Muir said he never accepted losing, the 11 chosen gave it their all.

“You lose experience like that - for blokes to come in and play a role and do a job, it was fantastic,” he said.

“I feel like it’s a learning curve. We’ve exposed a couple of debutants in the last couple of weeks to ‘ones’ cricket. You never like losing a game of cricket, but when you walk away with your head held high, and you’ve taken the top of the ladder team to the 50th over, I think that’s a positive.”

GEELONG CITY chased down Highton’s 8/249 and consolidated a spot in the top four, but it was a blistering innings of 154 from 148 balls from Isaac Bird that stole the show. Bird played a lone hand for Highton as Jack Parrot (3/32 from 10 overs) and Byron Taylor (3/52 from 10) tried their best to

limit the damage.

At 9/219 in the 44th over, Highton looked set for victory after Lachie Emmett (47), Jack Driver (42) and Angus Evans (38) got runs for City. But an unbeaten 31-run last-wicket stand between youngster Harry Lindsay (60 not out from 51 deliveries) and No 11 Hudson O’Leary (9 not out from 10) saw the Sharks home with nine balls still remaining.

LEOPOLD was far from its best, but defeated Torquay by 13 runs and sits in third spot on the ladder. Joseph Vallelonga (46) and Michael Kenneady (44) were able to get Leopold to 168 before being bowled out in the 46th over. Damien O’Brien snared three wickets for Torquay while Ash Russell’s 1/15 from 10 overs was pivotal.

Russell then capped off a terrific game with 39, but Torquay ran out of overs and was 8/155 at the end. Jake Le Maistre the standout for Leopold with 4/34.

GEELONG WEST was led by Kenny Spence’s 73 from 82 balls in a final total of 8/244 against Alexander Thomson. Vikings skipper Zach Mevissen picked up three wickets. In reply, Bailey Forssman made 67, but Alexander Thomson was all out for 167 in the 38th over with Charlie George-Eldrige and Rajasekhar Lankireddy each grabbing three wickets for the Rams.

Experienced duo give Grove stability at top of the order

By Justin Flynn

Openers Shaun Fankhauser and Dan Roddis combined for their third major partnership in a row to catapult Ocean Grove to an eight-wicket derby win against Collendina in round 10 of BPCA A2 Grade.

The pair added 118 in the match before the break and compiled 63 together during last weekend’s win and on Saturday 17 January at Ray Menzies Oval, they shared a 98run union for the opening wicket.

Fankhauser and Roddis were faced with a relatively easy required run rate of four an over after Collendina made 7/162.

But the Cobras made their rivals work hard with Grove bringing up the winning runs with only two overs in hand.

Fankhauser, who was unbeaten on 65 at the end, said experienced bowlers Stan Grazotis and Corey Walter proved difficult to get away.

“They both bowl pretty good lines with pace off the ball and it’s hard to hit through our ground,” he said.

“It’s super, super slow in the infield, so you’ve got to whack it or take a risk. Stan and Corey were fantastic, being a bit older heads. I’ve played against Stan in the past when I was back in Geelong, so I knew what he bowled, knew what he does, so you just try and get the ones and twos when you can, but they don’t really give you options to hit boundaries.”

Roddis made 51 and, for a player who used to be a bit of a dasher, has really gotten his head down this season in a new role as permanent opener.

“He’s counting balls and things like that, so it’s actually really good batting with him,” Fankhauser said.

“He’s my best mate, so it’s just two mates

having a laugh with each other and half the time we’re not worrying about the opposition, we’re just sort of taking the mickey out of each other.”

Fankhauser said Collendina’s 162 was “a little bit below par” despite the efforts of Walter (73 from 99 deliveries), who couldn’t get much of the strike towards the end of the innings.

“Especially on that ground,” he said.

“I think a lot of teams come to a big ground and they try to hit boundaries, whereas you can’t do that. So you’ve got to run your twos and threes.

“I think Corey only faced 26 balls after drinks or something like that. He was getting ones, but once we got Stan (Grazotis, 20 from 29 balls) and Tubsy (Nathan Frye, 33 off 38) out, the younger blokes were struggling to turn the score over and get Corey

back on strike.”

Despite winning by eight wickets with 12 deliveries in hand, Fankhauser said it was hard work.

“I didn’t want to take it that deep to be honest, but they bowled well,” he said.

“Once they have the field back, you’ve got to take risks or you’ve got to run hard between the wickets. But it doesn’t really matter if you get them on the last ball or in the 38th over.”

The top of the ladder Grubbers take on Surf Coast for the first ever time during the next three weeks with a one-dayer at Banyul-Warri Fields followed by a two-dayer at home.

Collendina travels to Ervin Reserve to take on bottom placed Newcomb before heading to its temporary home at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve for the return

clash.

TROY GRIFFIN belted his second century of the season to lead St Leonards to a win against Portarlington. Griffin made 172 in round 6 and followed it up with an unbeaten 117 from 98 deliveries on Saturday. Port made 9/181 batting first with Cameron Gourley (47), Jesse Hunter (46 not out) and Paul McGrath (41) playing well while James Burns (3/29) and Oscar Cutajar (3/31) were on target for the Saints. Griffin then launched St Leonards to victory with help from Burns (31 not out) to reach the target in the 34th over with six wickets intact. WALLINGTON moved into second place on the ladder at the expense of Winchelsea. Tom Spencer (42) and the consistent Richie Faust (40) got runs while Mitch Sleeman took 3/26 from eight probing overs. Baden Luppino (41) and Shane Currie (2/37) were Winch’s best performers.

SURF COAST arrested a five-game losing streak with a narrow win against Newcomb. The Suns attack was miserly with Blake Robinson’s 2/25 from eight overs a standout while James Claney made 41 not out for the Bulls. Surf Coast made the runs with an over and three wickets remaining with Akashvir Singh (23 not out and 2/23) capping off a good game.