Ocean Grove Voice - 20th February 2026

SLOWGROUND, SLOWGOING, PAGE 27

Brave cancer fight

By Jena Carr

A St Leonards teenager’s life was turned upside down last year after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Paige Mackenzie, 17, started feeling tired and had pain around her wisdom teeth, which didn’t go away despite having them removed, before her Stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma (an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma) diagnosis in July 2025.

“I was shocked, and I couldn’t really process it, and I didn’t really realise what was happening until about a month later when I lost all my hair. It’s not something you ever expect,” she said.

“Cancer spread everywhere in my body, like all my bones and organs except my brain, so I had complete renal failure, a bit ofliverfailure,lungfailure,andeverything was not really working.

“My organs and everything are doing better now, but it did take a few ICU (Intensive Care Unit) trips and dialysis to get them working again.”

Paige is now in remission and doing Year 12 studies from home, which she will extend over two years due to her health.

Despite everything she has been through, Paige maintains a remarkably positive attitude.

“I feel really lucky because not everyone can beat stage four cancer, and I’m really grateful to be here and growing my hair back and to do little things that everyone else takes for granted,” she said.

“My sister (Jade) has been great throughout everything, and she is always the one to come in and cheer me up. She’s almost 21 and, because of me having cancer, she’s now studying to be a nurse, which is amazing.”

Paige’s mother Rachael Curran’s advice for parents of a child going through cancer was to reach out for support and find other families who understood what they’re going through.

“Learn to lean on people, and there are no silly questions, so just be sure to find that support because you do need it,” she said.“Yourworldgetsturnedupsidedown, and when you see your daughter fighting for her life, you are just in survival mode and running on adrenaline.

I feel really lucky because not everyone can beat stage four cancer... I’m really grateful to be here - Paige Mackenzie

“No one prepares you for how difficult the next six months are going to be...but, I’m so proud of Paige, and she should be so

proud of herself as she’s doing really well.” InternationalChildhoodCancerDaywas held on 15 February, with the Leukaemia

Foundation continuing to support families living with blood cancer through this year’s World Greatest Shave initiative.

Hoodie resilience inspires

By Natasha Verbeek, coordinator Bellarine Hooded Plovers

There are two pairs of hooded plovers along Buckley Park Foreshore that have two chicks each.

One pair, PL (orange) and unbanded, haveahabitateastofTurtleRock.Thereare twochicksthatareduetofledgeon9March afterhatchingon2Februaryandwillspend another two weeks on the ground feeding, resting,runningandhiding,camouflaging from threats and being brooded by their ever vigilant parents.

Anotherpairofhoodies-HY(orange)the mum and HE (white) the dad - are located west of Turtle Rock. They also have two chicks that are due to fledge on 18 March after hatching on 11 February. There are also two chicks at Breamlea’s Stingray Bay.

The land managers are Barwon Coast, butdogregulationsaremanagedbyCityof Greater Geelong.

The pair that nest between 10W and 11W, which is along the dog beach in Ocean Grove, have a nest of three eggs, due to hatch in the next week or so. This pair had one fledgling survive last year, but so far

this breeding season they have had several chicks that have not.

Hatching is always met with much excitement, but we also quietly hold our breath as we know that they are ‘not out of the woods’ yet.

Our aim is to give hoodies on the nest, or with chicks, space so they can go about incubating eggs and protecting and guiding their offspring to hide from threats.

Trained BirdLife volunteers provide education and communication to beach goers and dog walkers near the breeding

Winter Olympic gold for Jakara Anthony

Barwon Heads star Jakara Anthony won goldinthenewestOlympicevent,Women’s Dual Moguls at the Winter Olympics.

The win, on 14 February, adds to her moguls victory from Beijing 2022, making her the only Australian Winter Olympian to win two gold medals.

“My first Olympic gold medal in Beijing was mind-blowing; this is mind-blowing as well,” former Christian College Geelong student Anthony said.

“Tohavemyfriendsandfamilyhereforit, to be the first ever dual moguls gold medal at the Olympics, to be the first Australian to have two gold medals, and to have been able to overcome the adversity of the other day and bounce back and put down that performance,thisoneisspecialforawhole lot of other reasons.”

Anthony powered through the five rounds of head-to-head judged racing, keepingitcleanandconsistentthroughout.

From her opening run against Malica Malherbe(RSA)itwasclearthe27-year-old had fire in the belly and she was ready to chase that gold medal – a redemption run after the moguls did not go to plan just three days ago.

Lining up against American Jaelin Kauf in the final, Anthony triumphed after a long wait for the judges.

Anthony said she shed a few tears and hadalotofconversationswithhercoaching team following her eighth-place result in the Moguls, but then turned her focus to the duals event and how to give herself the best chance for success.

“You know, to be honest, I was doubting myself a bit this morning after what happened the other day and this was only my second duals event in about two-and-a-half years,” she said.

“There were just a lot of unknowns –also first duals event at the Olympics – we didn’t really know how certain things were going to go, but I feel like I built really well

I have so many people believing in me, helping me get that belief in myself

-

Jakara Anthony

throughout the day, and I have so many people believing in me, helping me get that belief in myself.

“I

think by the end I was just pretty sure I was going to give it my best shot and put down some runs that we were proud of.”

Bellarine health service farewells ‘integral member’

Amuch-lovedlocalnurseishangingupthe scrubsafternearly30yearsofservicetothe Bellarine community.

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) footcarenurseBarbClarkewillretireatthe end of February after 28 years in the role.

Having trained in South Australia and worked in hospitals around the country, Ms Clarke never intended to specialise in footcare.

But after filling in at BCH in a temporary role as a footcare nurse, she found she loved the job.

“I’ve had the conversation many times with people who say, ’How can you stand looking at feet all day? Don’t you ever get sick of feet?’“ Barb said.

“But I say, well, there’s never two feet the same, and there’s usually somebody interesting on the end of them.“

During her 28 years at BCH Barb has

also stepped into many different roles as needed, including administration, district nursing and coordinating a Meals on Wheels program.

BCH chief executive Kathy Russell says Barb had been an integral member of

sites. We love it when we can show the community (using the binoculars or the scope) how special and resilient birds are. We also create a better understanding of their vulnerability. It’s wonderful when we see positive change within the community when they visit the beach and they see the signage and fenced areas or chat with a volunteer and then decide to avoid the area.

Hoodie conservation requires a collaborative approach and it’s wonderful when another fledgling is added to the population.

the Podiatry team and would be greatly missed.

“Her care for clients, her generosity with colleagues and her sense of humour have left a lasting impression on our organisation,” she said.

“Barb has helped set a strong footing for our podiatry service, and while we will miss her enormously, we are delighted she will now have more time to spend with her family and enjoy the next stage of life”.

When asked what she would miss most about BCH, Barb said it was “the people, both within my team and the extended team”.

“I’ve always liked the people I work with; I see them as all key players,” she said.

“I like the clients too. I deal with a lot of elderly people, so I like their stories, where they’ve come from. I genuinely value them.”

The performing arts jewel of the Bellarinehasanewidentity.

The Potato Shed in Drysdale launched its 2026 season last week, simultaneously announcing its rebranding as the Bellarine Arts Centre(BAC).

Hosted by award-winning performer Fem Belling, the night featured musicians Delsinki and Brook Taylor of the Deserters, singer Issi Dye, writer and historian Colin MockettandactorMarieClaire.

Venue and operations manager MikaylaFrawleyreassuredthepacked house that “nothing essential” would be lost in the arts centre’s change of name.

“I want to emphasise, for those of you that have a deep connection to this venue and its past as the Potato Shed, that 25-year legacy is not going anywhere,” Ms Frawley said. “It could notandwillneverbeerased.Thatisan entire generation of students learning in these halls, a quarter century of local artists, of theatre, of cabaret, and of shared experiences with one anotherliketonight.

“As the Bellarine Arts Centre, we buildonthatgrassrootslegacyin2026 withavisionforaboldnewheritage.” The2026programincludesadiverse range of music, storytelling, comedy and theatre. Issi Dye’s Wild One: The J O’K Story launches the Morning Showtime on Tuesday 17 February, paying tribute to Aussie rock legend Johnny O’Keefe, while pop icon Ben Lee kicks off the regular season on Saturday28February.

Local pickleball is thriving

Pickleball is set to make a racket thanks to the official opening of a new outdoor venue in Portarlington this week.

DrysdaleCliftonSpringsPickleballClub’s (DCSPC) new outdoor venue opened at the Prtarlington Recreation Reserve on 18 February.

DCSPC president Sue Shannon said the venue would support the growth of pickleball on the Bellarine and that the sport was “here to stay”.

“Our membership continues to grow, and the demand for hard-court facilities is clear,” she said.

“We are excited to establish the first true outdoor hardcourt pickleball venue in the Geelong region and to work in partnership with City of Greater Geelong Council and the Portarlington Tennis Club to make this happen.”

DCSPC will have access to Portarlington Tennis Club’s courts under a shared-use arrangement, which provides the club with

exclusive use of the courts during scheduled sessions.

The site also offers a strong foundation for development with 14 marked pickleball courts, despite not yet being dedicated to pickleball courts.

Painted pickleball lines were recently completed, and work continues to progress quickly, including the installation of footpaths to ensure all-ability access.

The new venue, branded ‘Pickle@Port’, will host outdoor sessions, which align with the growing number of major pickleball tournaments now played outdoors.

The Portarlington courts will further diversify sporting options for the community, and DCSPC will continue to operate its indoor sessions at Drysdale Primary School Hall.

City of Greater Geelong councillor Rowan Story officially opened the courts, with other council staff and pickleball club representatives in attendance.

Literary program mixes celebrated authors with students

Geelong students can participate in an inspiring literary program and meet celebrated children’s authors.

State Library Victoria’s Young Regional Writers’ Program will bring students and authors together for a term of story writing and creativity across the state’s west, including Geelong and the Bellarine.

State Library Victoria acting chief executive John Wicks said the program combined online and in-person workshops with year

five and six students, with a focus on writing and reading.

“We can now reach even more students across the state, at no cost to parents or primary schools,” he said.

“The Young Regional Writers’ Program provides a real-world classroom experience for students and teachers in rural and regional Victoria, promoting vital writing and literacy skills.”

Students from the Anakie, Balliang East,

Bell Park North, Lara Lake, Geelong East, Hamlyn Banks, Lethbridge, Portarlington and Lara primary schools, as well as Bannockburn P-12 College, will participate in the program.

Author and illustrator Jess McGeachin will work with students at Lara Lake Primary School and Geelong East Primary School and said he was looking forward to participating in the program.

“Encouraging children to read and to

have confidence in their own self-expression and storytelling is so important,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see kids embrace their imagination and creativity, and I’m really glad to take part in this unique program.”

The program was initially trialled in primary schools last year in northeast Victoria, with the Victorian Department of Education providing over $250,000 in funding to expand the program.

Crossing safety on the way

Two raised pedestrian crossings will be installed at a busy Barwon Heads intersection the state government announced.

ThecrossingswillbeattheBarwonHeads Road, Sheepwash Road and Golf Links Road intersection, which is frequently used by students walking and cycling to and from Barwon Heads Primary School.

Works are expected to begin on Tuesday 3 March, with construction taking place overnight from Sunday to Thursday between 9pm and 7am and will take about six weeks to complete.

Thestategovernmentsaidthenewraised

crossings will create safer, more accessible crossingpointsattheintersectionlegsmost frequently used by pedestrians and bike riders. By improving visibility and slowing approaching vehicles, the upgrades will help reduce the risk of crashes and make it easier for locals to move safely through the area, it said.

“Pedestrian safety is vital for families in the local community and these new raised crossings will make one of the busiest intersections in Barwon Heads safer and easier to navigate,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.

“These upgrades will boost safety

for everyone crossing Barwon Heads Road, including local workers, students and visitors who rely on this important connection every day.”

Resurfacing works will also be completed during the nightworks, including the roundabout and a 500-metre section of Barwon Heads Road west of the intersection.

The resurfacing will restore the road condition and deliver smoother, safer travel for motorists.

Traffic management, including reduced speed limits, will be in place during construction to protect the safety of

New light shines on the North Bellarine

The North Bellarine has a new haven for people who need a shoulder to lean on, a new jumper or just a hot cup of coffee.

The new Local North Bellarine charity hub launched in Drysdale this week, welcoming hundreds of people for the official opening on Wednesday.

Brought to Drysdale by charity Local 2 Community, the bright and airy hub offers a full range of supports including crisis support, op shop, wellbeing spaces, foodbank, after-hours homeless support and a coffee bar.

Local 2 Community founder Rebecca

Olver said she had been overwhelmed by the community’s enthusiasm for the new centre.

“I’m from the Bellarine Peninsula originally, but I lived in Frankston for eight years…where we formed Local 2 Community in Frankston North six and a half years ago,” she said. “It’s been huge. We had hundreds of people through the door today…and so many people have said this is so well-needed, we love this’.

Ms Olver, who retired from a career in community-based work to found the initiative, said the heart of Local 2

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Community was empowering locals to provide support, dignity and care to fellow community members in need.

“I’m passionate about getting people the help they need, but it doesn’t always need to be a professional approach, it can be a community approach,” she said.

“Psychologists and doctors are very important,buthavingfamily,neighbouror friend support can really help people with mental health or physical challenges.”

Visit The Local at 86 Murradoc Road, Drysdale,contactthelocalnorthbellarine@ gmail.com or call 0447 099 886.

workers and road users.

Dates and times may change depending on weather and site conditions.

The project is being delivered as part of the Victorian government’s Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure Program.

For more information about the project and potential disruptions, visit transport. vic.gov.au and search for ‘Pedestrian crossing improvements - Bacchus Marsh, Barwon Heads and Highton’.

Community members can also contact Transport Victoria by emailing westernprojects@transport.vic.gov.au or calling 133 778 for enquiries.

Understanding the wetlands

Bellarine community members have a better understanding of wetland values thanks to strong support during Ramsar Week.

More than 200 people engaged in guided experiences over five days at the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula and Western District Lakes Ramsar sites.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) biodiversity project officer and Ramsar Week event organiser HannahWiggssaidRamsarWeekwas about connecting people with their environments.

“The community’s enthusiasm to learn, participate and share knowledge plays a vital role in protecting wetlands of global importance for future generations,” shesaid.

“Therangeofeventsacrosstheweek highlightedtherarityandbiodiversity of Ramsar wetlands and their role as critical habitat for migratory birds andthreatenedspecies.”

RamsarWeekispartofCorangamite CMA’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and wetland stewardship, while encouraging practical actions to support wetland health at a local scale. The week-long program was held from 2 to 6 February. Activities included canoe tours of Barwon Estuary and Swan Bay, a cultural education session led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, wetland ecology talks and birdwatching.

Clean up litter with the community

People can help keep the region’s beaches, foreshores and marine environment clean during the upcoming Clean Up Australia Day.

Clean-up events will take place across Greater Geelong and the Bellarine on 1 March, including along the Clifton Springs Foreshore.

Clifton Springs and Curlewis Coastcare Group’s Rob Gardner said the community could join him at the Clifton Springs Boat Ramp to collect instructions and rubbish bags to help clean up the environment.

“It’sbeenverysuccessfulinthelasttwoor threeyears,aswe’vehadverygoodturnouts and collected a lot of stuff,” he said. “Clifton Springs is a very enjoyable area, and there’s quite a lot of plant life along the coastline, so we’ve got some quite good remnant vegetation.”

MrGadnersaidhehopedtheeventwould be open to everyone from 10am and that he hoped it would help them think about how they dispose of their rubbish, which is essential for keeping their environment clean.

“Last year we found more than 500 pieces of rubbish, so hopefully it’ll be a bit less this year,”hesaid.

“It was noticeable that there were a lot fewer cans and bottles last year because of the 10-cent recycling deal, so that made quiteagoodimpact.”

Clean Up Australia Day events will also take place at Ocean Grove’s Rotunda from 10am, the Geelong Botanic Gardens from noon, and Torquay’s Fishos Beach from 9am. Visit register.cleanup.org.au/ join-a-clean-up for the full list of Clean Up AustraliaDayevents.

Bowls community rallies

By Matt Hewson

With more than two in five Australians estimated to experience mental illness over the course of their lifetime, mental health is one of the most far-reaching community issues.

Ocean Grove Bowling Club (OGBC) stepped up to make a significant impact this week, presenting a donation of nearly $20,000 to proactive mental health initiative Bowl For Your Lives.

The funds - $19,306.40, to be exact - were raised through an Australia Day tournament at the newly redeveloped club facilities, with 144 players and more than 50 crowd members contributing through entry fees, by purchasing t-shirts or taking part in a raffle and auction.

Bowl For Your Lives co-founders Shane Hafner and Cameron Ryan, both former police officers experiencing mental health challenges related to PTSD, found recon-

nection and resilience through the sport.

The not-for-profit organisation, now the major charity partner for state governing body Bowls Victoria, provides mental health programs, raises money for communities and individuals affected by crises and promotes the benefits of bowls as a path to wellbeing.

Mr Hafner, who is also an OGBC member, said the support of his club was “huge” to the fast-growing charity.

“Ocean Grove is a very well-known and successful club, and I think the essence of why it is so successful is the buy-in from the

members and the club itself,” he said.

“I’ve had numerous conversations with other members where they’ve been able to open up about their battles of those of someone close to them. And they do that because they know they’re not going to be judged and they feel safe.

“That’s what Bowl For Your Lives is all about.”

Jane takes the reins as new Borough of Queenscliffe CEO

A new chief executive has been chosen to lead the Borough of Queenscliffe, after the early end to Martin Gill’s contract late last year.

Jane Grover will commence in the role on 16 March, following an extensive recruitment process to fill the position left by Mr Gill when council voted to end his contract in November.

Ms Grover said her immediate focus when she begins the position will be on continuity of services, strategic align-

ment with council goals and building strong relationships.

“I am committed to working alongside council and our community to strengthen services and deliver on our strategic goals, to ensure Queenscliff remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” she said.

“I am looking forward to working collaboratively with councillors and the organisation to enhance governance, deliver sustainable services, and achieve

positive outcomes that respect the community’s values and the borough’s distinctive coastal character.”

Ms Grover will bring extensive leadership experience across the public and private sectors, including having previously served as Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s chief executive.

Mayor Donnie Grigau said Ms Grover was a “highly experienced and values-driven” person who understood the challenges faced by small coastal coun-

cils.

“Jane demonstrated a clear understanding of Queenscliff’s unique character and a strong commitment to listening, stewardship, transparency, and disciplined decision-making,” he said.

“Her background in leading complex organisations, managing ageing assets, balancing community expectations, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability aligns strongly with the needs of the Borough of Queenscliffe.”

Before you know it, your house is up in flames.

Best of Americana

The region’s favourite annual celebration of Americana music returns this month with an all-female lineup.

The fifth Americana on the Bellarine live music event will bring together two of the region’s finest songwriters, Sarah Carroll and Andrea Robertson, with award-winning artist Ella Hooper.

Since its inception in 2020, the mini-festival has brought the best of local and national talent to the Bellarine, including Matt Joe Gow, Wayne Jury, Annie-Rose Maloney, Nathan Seeckts Alister Turrell and Greta Zilla.

Robertson, founder and organiser of the annual event, said she was “so excited” to bring Hooper to the event.

“Obviously she’s a big name, and she’s more known for being the lead singer of Killing Heidi, but I know her passion is Americana,” she said.

“She’s so full of life, I think she’s going to bring this great energy to the whole night. She’s very entertaining, very engaging, lots of fun, so it’ll be great to end the night with her band playing the last set.”

WhileAmericanaontheBellarinebegan in 2020, it’s debut was marred by the first COVID-19 lockdowns, forcing it online as a streaming event rather than a live one.

A second attempt in 2021 was similarly affected by the pandemic, but Robertson never wavered in her belief that a music event focused on blues, roots, country, folk and rock would find a place in the region.

“The vision I had for it was that it would becomeanannualevent,soit’sreallyquite heartening to see that happen,” she said.

Australian guitar legend amps up

Live at the Wheaty

Nathan Cavaleri comes to Geelong thisweekendaspartofa18-showtour of his new album Live at the Wheaty. Hailed as a blues-rock guitar prodigy since he entered the national consciousness at age 11 with a performanceon90stelevisionfixture Hey, Hey It’s Saturday.

By this time he was 16 he had already been diagnosed with, and recovered from, leukaemia, performed internationally with the likes of B.B. King, Etta James, Robben Ford and Bonnie Raitt (including a performance for President Clinton at the White House) and been signed to Michael Jackson’s record label.

TheGeelonggigwillseehimreunite withlocalbluesmanWayneJury,who will perform a set of his own and join Cavaleri for a song or two.

“Wayne was my singer during all those days touring Australia when I was in my teens,” Cavaleri said.

“It’s something we can look forward to, celebrate local artists, share their original music and give songwriters the chance to show new audiences what they’re capable of.

“After the first live, ticketed event in 2022 the feedback was really overwhelming and there was clearly a desire for more of that sort of thing.

“It’s proven to be a popular addition to the local calendar, and it feels like it’s growing in a healthy way.”

AmericanontheBellarineisattheOcean Grove Hotel beer garden on Saturday 21 February. Visit trybooking.com/DHJZZ for tickets and more information.

“I was told not to sing as a kid, and Wayne was my first real flag-waver when it came to my vocals. Singing just one or two songs a set alongside him was how I started to develop that confidence and go, maybe I do have a voice.”

Nathan Cavaleri is at Piano Bar on Sunday22February.Visittrybooking. com/events/landing/1505972 for tickets.

Robot Song strikes a chord

Jolyon James’ stage show Robot Song centres on the story of a young autistic child, Juniper, struggling to find her place in the world.

A child in crisis mode, Juniper discovers herself through the power of creativity, with some help from a giant, singing robot.

But while ostensibly a children’s show, since premiering in 2018 Robot Song has struck a chord with audiences of all ages.

“What I didn’t understand when I was writing it is that we’ve all felt that feeling of being on the outer, feeling different, not understanding our position in the world,” he said.

“It’s a really universal feeling; I think people from the autism community will recognise traits within the character, but even if you’re not, those universal feelings of being out, being bullied, resonate well beyond that.”

The story is based on James’ experiences when his son, diagnosed in grade prep with autism, received a letter from his classmates telling him he was ‘the most hated person in the school’.

While James and his partner initially struggled to help their son deal with the crisis - “we were just going, I don’t know what to do here,” - they found a way to help him break through.

“There’s a misunderstanding about peoplewithautism,thattheylackempathy or emotion, but actually, the opposite is true,” James said.

“For my son, he’s so sensitive that sometimes he just has to shut down…to retreat at times. Because I’m an artist, I used the tools I had to try to connect with him and understand what he needed.

“Wheneverwedidridiculousartprojects together, we suddenly shared a really clear language; I could see creativity enabled him to go places he wasn’t necessarily able to, or had the tools for, at the time.”

“There’sagiantrobot,it’stheculmination of the show, and I literally built that robot with my two boys in our backyard. And that process of creativity changed us.

“My son has now just turned 15, and applying creativity to his life has utterly transformed him, he’s thriving. He’s unrecognisable as this really fraught little person…now he is proudly taking his place in the world.”

Robot Song is at Geelong Arts Centre on Monday 23 February. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets.

Partnership not a waste

A research project to strengthen Australia’s capability to develop homegrown, sustainable protein solutions will be led by DeakinUniversityandBellarineFoods.

The partnership, supported by Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), will explore how high-value protein products from local marine byproducts, including collagen, can supplement protein powders andcosmeticanti-agingcreams.

Shifting dietary trends, rising health consciousness and the booming popularity of protein powders and nutraceuticals is behind a global surge in the exploration

YOUR VOICE

Messy aquatic rebuild

On 5 August Geelong council announced to the 12-months of the year swimmers at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) that it would close for the May-October period to enable fast tracking on extension construction.

This announcement via their website shows the level of destruction of approximately 30-plus percent of the 2023 entryandadministrationareabuild.Ithink non-NBAC patrons will be surprised at the level of new building de-construction that has occurred. I can understand the entry/ foyer going, but the admin area? Surely that part of the building could have been saved and incorporated in the new build. Cynically, who cares that it’s only taxpayer money being sent to the Murradoc tip? Whenfederal,stateandlocalgovernment members big-noted themselves in announcing that the $40 million extension would proceed, not one word about the level of destruction of three-year-old federally funded buildings, also not one word about any planned pool closures associated with this build.

I am cynical, but our pollies only ever wanttobepartofpositiveannouncements, not realistic announcements.

My understanding of Victorian law is workerscannotcommenceworkuntil7am, so as the pool opens at 6am, why can’t your loyal customers get their early morning swim in before legal work commences? Instead,wearebeingpushedofftoeither Kardinia or the sauna house at Ocean Grove. If all NBAC season swimmers head to the Grove, you won’t be able to move. For the now established year-round swimmers, will council use this temporary closure as a precedent to close the outdoor pool during winter because they have conveniently built a 25 metre indoor pool? Council, please advise your intended opening policy.

Why are the federal and state governments funding the construction of a gym to compete with the already, according to Google, nine privately owned commercially operated gyms operating across the Bellarine who pay taxes, whereas Geelong council-run NBAC gym will contribute none of these taxes and business expenses, thus giving it an unfair commercial advantage against existing operations.

Finally, I think the NBAC has been a politicalfootballbetweenSarahHenderson and Libby Coker, but at least Henderson deliveredonhercommitmentofa50metre outdoor pool. I have to observe that the Coker/Marchant extension is starting to look a bit messy.

Colin Clarke, Curlewis

of sustainable and eco-friendly protein alternatives.

The project, led by chair in biotechnology Deakin Distinguished Professor Colin Barrow at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts, is exploring an enzyme-based method to extract valuable proteins from aquaculture waste without theuseofharshchemicals.

“If successful this project could offer a greener, more cost-effective alternative to traditional protein processing methods,” ProfessorBarrowsaid.

“Marine byproducts from salmon skin

andmussels,suchascollagen,areincredibly rich in protein and hold tremendous potentialforhealth-focusedproducts.

“Our focus is on developing safer, chemical-free extraction processes that reduces landfill waste, supports a circular economy, and lay the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future for the aquacultureindustry.”

Labtrialshavebeenpromising,indicating potential applications ranging from omega-3 supplements that support brain and heart health, to collagen-enriched nutraceuticals that can help with muscle recoveryandskinelasticity.

Protect our hoodies

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

People travel thousands of kilometres to catch a glimpse of a blue whale or get up close and personal with a koala.

But you may not know that we’re incredibly lucky to have an equally rare and unique creature right here in our backyard, that needs our help.

Hooded plovers – affectionately known as ’hoodies’ – nest in the sands off Ocean Grove and neighbouring coastal towns. With only 750 left in Victoria, every chick is critical to the species’ survival.

At two nesting sites along Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve, four fluffy hooded plover chicks are battling the odds to stay alive until they’re old enough to take wing.

These chicks hatched over the past fortnight, and the next few weeks of their young lives are crucial.

Without the ability to take to the skies and escape threats, these chicks are extremely vulnerable to predators.

Hoodiechickstakeaboutfiveweeksafter hatching to fledge, meaning they grow enough feathers and strength to fly.

Until then, they rely on camouflage and the protection of their parents.

But unlike their much larger and more commondistantcousins,maskedlapwings – which most people know just as ’plovers’, hoodedploversdon’tswooptoprotecttheir young.

Instead, hoodies use specific calls to warn their chicks to run and hide, then attempt to distract or lure predators away byactingfranticallyorevenfeigninginjury through elaborate ’broken wing’ displays.

But these tactics to distract natural

predators can leave their chicks exposed to animals that can sniff them out, like foxes, feral cats and off-leash dogs.

Every breeding season only three of 100 hoodie chicks survive to flying age. While they face natural threats like magpies, it’s the threats we’ve introduced to their world that are driving their decline.

The good news is we can increase their chances to one in three, with your help.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll require dog owners to have their pet on a lead in some areas that are usually off-leash, while other areas will be closed off entirely.

You’ll also see the extraordinarilydedicated Friends of the Hooded Plover volunteers on the beach to educate visitors during this period, with support from our Environment and Animal Management teams.

I urge our community, please, help us protect these chicks over the next few weeks by walking along the water’s edge, respectingtemporaryfencingandclosures, and keeping dogs leashed.

I acknowledge this might frustrate some dog owners, who are used to letting their four-legged pals loose for zoomies in the sand.

But it’s only for a few weeks to give these four tiny chicks the best chance of survival until they fledge.

These small actions will have a huge impact for one of our most threatened coastal birds.

Thank you to everyone who has already shown care and patience on our beaches.

If we can protect these vulnerable birds, it will be a wonderful outcome for our precious local environment.

A look into the Red Cross

By Jena Carr

Lions Club members across the Bellarine received a special inside look into the life of an Australian Red Cross volunteer.

Emergency relief volunteer Pam Halnon visited the Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads on 17 February to speak with the club about some of the volunteer opportunities available.

Ms Halnon spoke about some of her work over the past 14 years and answered questions from club members about the Australian Red Cross.

“They seemed to ask lots of questions, so that was a really positive thing, and it was received well,” she said.

“We talked about all the volunteer services at the Red Cross and what the Red Cross does, as well as my experiences as part of the emergency services.”

One of Ms Halnon’s assignments in-

cluded assisting at the Mallacoota fires, where she was flown by a Black Hawk Helicopter and left on a Navy ship with 1000 residents and their pets.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to communities when they are probably at their most vulnerable and hurting,” she said.

“There are probably a dozen different sorts of roles within the Red Cross volunteer area, like the patient transfer and aged care volunteer visiting scheme.

“There’s also the telecross where volunteers do daily welfare checks on people who are alone or at risk to have a chat with them and make sure that they’re having a good day.”

Visit redcross.org.au/volunteer for more information about volunteering at the Australian Red Cross.

25 years of celebrations for OG Surfside

Past and current members of Probus Club Ocean Grove Surfside recently gathered at Flying Brick Cider Co, Wallington, to recognise and celebrate 25 years of fun and friendship.

About 90 guests attended the celebration, including Margaret Robinson OAM (Past Probus South Pacific chair and Rotary District 9780 chair), Ocean Grove Rotary Club president Lyndy Stagg and assistant secretary Kath Venters. Ms Robinson presented the Probus

South Pacific Limited Congratulations Anniversary Certificate to current president Michael Laffin and inaugural president Graeme May and congratulated the club for the success and achievements during the past quarter of a century and acknowledged the foundation members who were present.

Mr Laffin roved the floor, inviting 15 former club presidents to share memorable moments and highlights, reflect on the changes they have seen over the

Probus Club

years, recall favourite outings and trips, and speak about the challenges faced during COVID. Their responses were both meaningful and amusing. It was especially lovely to see many of the club’s foundation members in attendance.

The Club is looking forward to many more years of providing opportunities for retired or semi-retired people to meet, enjoy fellowship, listen to speakers, and participate in outings and planned activities with monthly meetings, dine outs

and outings being pivotal to the Club’s achievements.

The club meets on the third Monday of the month at 10.15am for a 10.30am start at Shell Road Pavillion, Ocean Grove, with interesting guest speakers in attendance.

Retired or semi-retired locals interested in finding out more about the club are encouraged to make contact via the secretary at secretary.surfsideprobus@ gmail.com

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

Chinese New Year gallops into Geelong

By Jena Carr

Geelongwillcelebratetheyearofthehorse with a vibrant cultural takeover of the city centre for the Lunar New Year.

Chinese Association of Geelong (CAG) will host a Geelong Chinese New Year celebration, featuring cultural foods and displays, during the upcoming Geelong City Market on Saturday 21 February.

CAG executive president Rongliang He saidtheeventwasachancefortheGeelong community to celebrate the Chinese New Year together.

“We just want the local community to enjoy this special moment with us, along with getting to know our culture and trying something different,” he said.

“WewillhavetheChinesebrushwriting and paper cut activities...and there will be Chinese musicians playing instruments, singing or dancing.

“We will also have a lion and dragon parade around the market, with the kids from the Chinese language community school holding a small dragon as they follow the lions around the market.”

Mr He said the Geelong Chinese New

FROM THE ARCHIVES

10 years ago

17 February to 1 March, 2016

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville was at Shell Road Reserve last Friday to announce funding for new interchange benches and netting behind the goals.

“We worked with the clubs to find out what they wanted,” she told the Voice.

7 years ago

13 to 26 February, 2019

Visitorsstreamingtothecoasttoescape the heat of Melbourne and inland regions kept Ocean Grove traders flat chat over the summer school holidays, according to operators.

Most hospitality businesses had reported “a bumper season”, said Ocean Business Association president Ty Simmons.

Year celebration event was free for all ages and will run from 9am to 2pm along Little Malop Street.

“I think this is the first time in 10 years that we’ve publicly held an event like this, aswenormallyhaveasmallonejustinour community and not the broader Geelong community,” he said.

“The Chinese New Year is not a celebration for one day; it’s a celebration for 15 days, which starts on 17 February with the Chinese New Year and finishes on 3 March with the Lantern Festival.”

4 years ago

25 February to 10 March, 2022

More than 6000 households in Ocean Grove will each pay $333.87 to help fund a network of connected footpaths.

The City of Greater Geelong on Tuesday night voted to adopt a shared funding model for 24.3 kilometres of footpaths that will be built around the town.

Trucker convoy for the kids

By Jena Carr

Hundreds of trucks will take to Geelong’s streets this weekend to raise money for families impacted by childhoodcancer.

The 11th annual Camp Quality Convoy Geelong will see more than 200 trucks depart from Beckley Park on Sunday 22 February and complete a 40-kilometre circuit down to Waurn Ponds and through Geelong before concludingwithafreefamilyfestival.

Truck driver Shantelle Mattei will bring a T401 Kenworth truck that she and her father restored to the convoy, and she is currently the second-highest individual fundraiser withover$10,400.

Ms Mattei participated in her first convoy in 2022 in honour of family friend Bella, who was diagnosed with early precursor T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2015 at sixyearsold.

“Bella went in and out of remission a few times, and then it gradually got worse as it got into her lungs, brain, and riddled her with cancer,” she said. “She passed away in January just before the convoy of 2022 (at age 13), and I thought it would be a good way todotheconvoyinherhonour.”

Ms Mattei joined the convoy again in 2024 to honour Bella’s life and raise money for a close family friend’s daughter, Laylah, who was four years old when she was diagnosed with cell Bacutelymphoblasticleukaemia.

“Laylah has since finished treatmentandstartedbackatprimary schoolthisyear,soshe’scancer-freeat themoment,”shesaid.

Visit fundraise.campquality.org.au/ convoy/geelong for more information ortodonatetotheconvoy.

1 year ago

21 February to 6 March, 2025

Athletes are celebrating a decade of swimming, cycling and running at Barwon Heads this weekend.

Barwon Heads Triathlon will return to the region on Sunday, February 23, from 8.20am with a 400-metre swim, 14-kilometre cycle and four-kilometre run across Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.

Fun at the Sunset Run

The 2026 Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run was held on Saturday 14 February with a half-marathon and 10km run and the 4km Bully Buster for kids. The event was sold out with more than 1800 participants and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Portarlington to see some of the competitors enjoying themselves.

Running can be fun. 534317_13

Norway’s majesty revealed

Voice news editor and Barwon Heads resident Justin Flynn recently ventured to Norway in winter and says a trip to the Scandinavian country during the coldest part of the year is both rewarding and breathtaking.

Soaring snowcapped mountains, majestic fjords, ancient glaciers, pristine nature, Viking history and thenorthernlights-allgoodreasonstovisit Norway.

That’s exactly what I did recently and althoughmyexpectationswerehigh,Inever realised just how much this Scandinavian countrywouldleavemesoenchanted.

Yes it’s expensive - a 500ml beer cost $27 at one bar in Tromso, and I baulked at a room-service burger with chips for $60 in Oslo, but once I stopped checking my bank transactionsandjustrelaxedalittle,aworld ofstunningbeautyopenedup.

My 18-day journey began in Melbourne on 24 January and I arrived in Oslo, via DohaandHelsinki,26hourslater.

A night at the airport Radisson Blu was convenient and restful, before a three-hour flight up to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located halfway between the mainland and the NorthPole.

Svalbard has around 300 polar bearscomparedto2500humans. Itisillegaltoleavethetownlimits of Longyearbyen without a rifle oratleastwithoutsomebodywho has, and knows how to use, one. The threat is real. From May to September, you can do a tour to spot them, but like the aurora borealis, it requires patience and thereisnoguarantee.

I arrived in Longyearbyen, 1300kmabovetheArcticCircleat2pmandit wasdarkoutside.Polarnightwasinitsfinal stages and officially ends on 30 January, but because of the surrounding mountains, it lingersalittlelonger.

Thiswassurreal.Itwasdarkinthemiddle of the day and although I expected, and craved it, the vision still didn’t compute in mybrain.

The town itself is compact and has everything you need. Popular excursions include northern lights tours, husky sledding, snow mobiling, a tour of the now closed coal mine and a look at the global seed vault, which houses crates of seeds from all areas of the globe for safe and secure long-term storage in cold and dry rock vaults in the case of a catastrophic humandisaster.

What I really wanted to do was the ice cave tour, but that was cancelled due to the lack of snow for the snowcat vehicles to travel on. Svalbard is the fastest warming regionontheplanet.

Still, it was around -12 at the ‘warmest’ timeofday,butnothingthatthermals,good footwearandlayersdidn’tcombat.

The scenery here is beyond anything I have experienced. It’s difficult to believe I wasonplanetEarth.

But that was before I headed down to Tromso, still above the Arctic Circle, but a quick90-minuteflightaway.

Tromso is, quite simply, stunning. Mountains, fjords and quaint shopping streetshadmeimmediatelyexcited.

For the best views, the cable car up to Fjellheisenisamust.

While it was a comparatively ‘mild’ -4 in Tromso itself, the wind chill up on the mountain made it a solid -25, but the viewswereworthit.

There’s nothing quite like freezing your butt off in glorious sunshine while being completely mesmerised by what your eyesareconveyingtoyourbrain.

On another day, I walked over the 1036-metre Tromso bridge to the Arctic Cathedral. I also couldn’t resist buying a TIL shirt, Tromso’s team in the Eliteserien, Norway’stop-flightfootballleague.

The aurora forecast was poor while I was there because of cloud and snow, but Tromsoisoneofthebestplacesintheworld to see them. I had already seen them in Yellowknife,Fairbanksandspectacularlyso in Iceland, so I wasn’t hugely disappointed tomissoutthistime.

Next it was a two-hour flight down to Bergen,Norway’ssecond-largestcity.

Picturesque and steeped in history, Bergenisaquaint,walkableandinteresting placethatdeservesatleastafewdays.

Ididaboatcruisethroughoneofthefjords, and although there are many more-scenic places to do so, the convenience of having the vessel depart from the city centre was wellworthit.

Towering cliffs and frozen waterfalls greeted me and out on deck, it felt 10 times colderthanthemountaininTromso.

Weturnedbackoncewereachedapartof the fjord that was frozen over, and although the ice didn’t look deep, it was still an amazingsight.

I also did a historical walking tour of the city where it was only myself, the guide and a gentleman from Sheffield, UK, learning about the fires that have destroyed the city

on 10 occasions, including the devastating 1702 disaster, and the story behind the picturesque Bryggen area. This was the ‘warmest’ day of the trip with temperatures hovering perhaps even slightly above freezing. Bergen is the warmest city in Norway, but also the wettest in Europe, however it was going through a relatively cold,butverydry,winter.

A funicular up to Fløibanen is a must for the views across the city and I sampled a reindeer hotdog from the local institution Trekroneren.

My next stop was Oslo, but I took the long way there, riding the scenic train, the Bergensbanen.

My tip is to do the Flåm railway detour instead, which involves getting the Bergen-Oslo train to Myrdal, about two hours out of Bergen, and although I missed myopportunitythistime,othershavesaidit isfarmorespectacular.

MaybeIwasjustspoiledbytheabsolutely stunning Alaska Railroad journey I did from Anchorage to Fairbanks a few years ago, but the train ride from Bergen to Oslo wasaslightletdown.Ifyouhaveneverdone anything like this before, you will love it though.

The left-hand side of the carriage is the placetobeforthefirsthourforthefjordsand the right-hand side is prime position while going through, and over, the mountains. The last few hours are relatively uneventful asyouapproachOsloanditssatellitecities.

Itwasstillamazing,andmanytimesIwas spellbound by the colossal majesty of the Norwegian mountains and how remotely peoplechoosetolive.

I arrived in Oslo late afternoon to -7 degreesandwouldhavetwofulldaysthere.

Again, my tip is that if you are pushed for time, two days is enough. You could easily find plenty to do to fill in longer, but two to three days is sufficient to get a feel of the place.

I did a walking tour early on my first day anditwasfrigidataround-8,andtherewas

hardly any snow on the ground. We pushed on and saw the opera house, the fortress (briefly), Christiania torv, Aker Brygge, City Hall and some waterfront saunas where a few hardy souls were jumping into the icy watersstraightaftergettingoutoftheirown personalhot-houses.Madness.

In the afternoon I did a short boat cruise around the city and the inner fjord, which allowed amazing views without having to leave the warmth and comfort of the cabin thankstothehuge,andclean,windows.

On the second day I walked to Akershus festning (the fortress) to explore in more detail. It had snowed overnight, blanketing the city with a white covering that made all thesightsIsawthepreviousdaycompletely different.

As a solo traveller, I saved money by not eating at restaurants and opting for cheap supermarketmealsorjustoverindulgingon the magnificent custard-filled cinnamon buns, but if you are with a companion or enjoy eating out, be prepared for a shock. Mainmealsatevenasemi-decentplacewill setyoubackatleast$50withoutfactoringin anentree,wineorevendessert.

With 500ml glasses of beer ranging from $18to$27,Iallowedmyselftwomostnights, although I realise it’s not exactly cheap here inAustraliaeither.

After that it was time to come home, but I had an eight-hour layover in Doha at midnightandbookedathree-hourcitytour with a private driver for $350 (although you willpaythesameiftherearetwoofyou).

The less said about that the better. It was horrendously foggy and my guide was totally uninterested in searching for alternatives, such as walking around to see some mosques or the souq (market). I eventually received an apology from the company and a partial refund, but would lovetotryitagaininbetterconditions.

If you are thinking Norway in winter is not your thing, then so be it. But if you do go, be prepared for a trip that will leave you yearningforaspeedyreturn.

Bird sightings from all over

I was driving to Torquay one day and spotted a juvenile black-shouldered kite in a dead tree.

I had to make a tricky u-turn to take some photos and when I went back, I noticed the bird was accompanied by an adult, so it must have still been a fledgling and needing the adult to supply food and protection. Young black-shouldered kites have rusty brown plumage around the neck, head and breast, whereas the adult birds have a pure white head, body and tail and black shoulders.

I had a lovely walk around Robin and Gary Spry’s property at Lake Victoria near Point Lonsdale. This time of year there are migratory waders that frequent the lake, but we didn’t see any on the north side.

We did see 28 species of birds including a pair of striated fieldwrens, a pied stilt and a pair of pink-eared ducks. Robin sent me some lovely photos that she took of a flock of banded stilts that were recently frequenting the lake, plus a little egret.

Ocean Grove Voice news editor Justin has been travelling around Norway where he saw a Eurasian magpie in Bergen and a hooded crow in Oslo.

Pete Sullivan and Barry Lingham placed some water troughs at Ocean Grove Nature Reserve because the ponds on the west track and north track have dried out.

The troughs are already attracting birds as can be seen by Pete’s photo of an eastern yellow robin sitting on the trough after having a bath.

I received an email from Kevin, who reported that there were lots of birds at Lake Lorne.

Eurasian Coots were congregated in scores with numerous other birds, including pink-eared ducks, which were in good numbers, one red-rumped parrot

and one pied stilt. Kevin also sent a photo of a lovely reed warbler that he spotted in Inverleigh.

I received an email from Carole, who has at long last recovered from a Costa Rica jaunt (half her luck) leaving her with pleasant memories of the most wonderful birds.

Recently Carole has noticed an influx of ravens in the paddocks around the Bellarine. Sometimes there are around 20

Barwon Coast Update

Collendina • Ocean Grove • Barwon Heads • 13th Beach • Black Rock • Breamlea

Collendina beach access stairs upgrade works

Works are progressing well on the Collendina Bonnyvale Road beach access stairs upgrade.

The existing stairs are aging and have been impacted by storms and coastal erosion. They will be replaced with a modern, more accessible structure, along with improvements to fencing, pathways and overall access. These upgrades will improve safety for beach users while protecting the surrounding coastal environment.

This is an active construction site and some nearby areas remain closed. For everyone’s safety, please follow all on-site safety signage, stay out of the construction zone, and use the Aldebaran Road beach access stairs while works continue.

Works commenced on 2 February 2026 and are expected be completed by late March 2026, weather permitting.

We appreciate the community’s patience while these important safety and access improvements are underway.

That’s

a wrap for the 2026 Coastal Discovery

Program

Almost 2,000 visitors and locals joined activities in the January Coastal Discovery Program. Rockpool rambles in Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary were a source of wonder for all ages, along with coastal education stalls, Bluff Walks, visits to the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre and more!

Activities were provided in partnership with Bellarine Catchment Network, Friends of the Bluff, Friends of the Lobster Pot, Ocean Grove Coastcare, Breamlea Coastcare, Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine, Coastcare Victoria’s Summer by the Sea program and Barwon Water.

Thank you to these wonderful local community groups and organisations, and to everyone who came along to learn how to care for the coast together!

Hooded Plover nest at Ocean Grove and chicks at Stingray Bay, Breamlea

Two Hooded Plover chicks hatched at Stingray Bay on 8 February. To keep them safe, a Temporary Exclusion Zone is now in place. These fenced areas must not be entered by people or dogs while the chicks are on the beach (expected until mid-March).

At Ocean Grove, between the Wedge and Tuckfield Street beach accesses, the nesting pair remain on site and are still incubating three eggs, with hatching expected in early March.

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers from Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine, who work tirelessly to give Hooded Plovers the very best chance of success.

or more in a paddock. Carole wondered if the little ravens spent all year around the Bellarine or if they moved around between habitats.

Little ravens can be seen in grasslands, pastures and in woodlands. According to Birdlife Australia, when breeding, little ravens remain in one place for about three months and in the non-breeding seasons they are known to travel widely and form flocks.

Caesar salad is a timeless classic perfect for warm days

In the realm of salads, few have achieved the iconic status of the Caesar salad. With its perfect balance of flavours and textures, this timeless dish has become a staple in menus around the world. From its intriguing origin story to the delectable combination of ingredients, the Caesar salad has secured its place as a versatile, beloved, and undeniably satisfying culinary creation. With the warmer weather at our doorstep, the Caesar salad is a great way to enjoy a light, but fulfilling meal.

Acreationshroudedinhistory-TheCaesar salad’s origin can be traced back to the 1920s, where it was first crafted by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, in Tijuana, Mexico. The story goes that Cardini, faced with limited ingredients, improvised a salad using romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce. The resulting creation was an instant hit, and its popularity continues to this day.

Theingredients:asymphonyofflavours-

Romaine Lettuce: The crisp and sturdy leaves of romaine lettuce serve as the salad’s base, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the creamy dressing.

Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, croutons add a delightful contrast to the greens. They provide a satisfying texture and absorb the flavours of the dressing.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved Parmesan cheese contributes a rich, nutty, and salty element to the salad, enhancing its overall taste profile.

Caesar Dressing: The dressing is the star of the show, marrying together bold and complementary flavours. Traditional

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

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Caesar dressing is made with ingredients like egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and anchovy paste, resulting in a creamy, tangy, and slightly briny blend. Anchovies: While not always visible,

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

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

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reputation requires attention to detail and respect for its classic components. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Caesar salad:

Prepare the dressing: Whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a creamy emulsion.

Assemble the greens: Tear or chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Add the cheese: Sprinkle grated or shaved Parmesan cheese over the lettuce. Reserve some for garnish.

Toss in croutons: Add the croutons to the bowl.

Pour the dressing: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as desired, ensuring the greens are coated evenly.

Gently toss: Using tongs, gently toss the saladtoensureeveryleafiscoatedwiththe dressing.

Garnish: Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and perhaps a few extra croutons for added texture.

anchovy paste or fillets often find their way intotheCaesardressing,addingdepthand umami notes that elevate the entire salad.

Crafting the perfect Caesar saladCreating a Caesar salad that lives up to its

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

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

12606706-RR21-23

TheCaesarsaladismorethanjustadish; it’s a culinary journey that captures the essence of simplicity and sophistication. Its humble beginnings and remarkable evolution are a testament to the power of creativity in the kitchen. With each bite, you experience the satisfying crunch of romaine, the savoury tang of dressing, and thecomfortingcontrastofcroutons.Asyou savour the classic Caesar salad, remember that every forkful pays homage to the ingenuity of its creator and the enduring appeal of a perfectly balanced culinary masterpiece.

THE RANGE

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• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days

1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

Shopping local in the Grove

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Wednesday 18 February to see who was shopping local.

Writing comps kicks off again

Welcome to the 8th year of our short story competition.

Hello to all our old stalwarts and please keep writing - hopefully we have a lot of newbies and also some younger talented writers.

You will see the first of our five topics for the year, plus all requirements, in the advertisement on this page. The judges look forward to receiving your stories and you will receive feedback in relation to your skills and needs. Your stories will be judged anonymously by the judges.

I have been writing on and off for over 50 yearsandnowinmy90s,IwonderwhatI’m on about as I have not really had anything published. At present I am seeking a publisher for a collection of 30 short stories fromthe600-pluswehavereceivedoverthe yearswithanintroductionbymeonhowto

set up and run a short story competition.

Also I’m about one-third of the way through a novel, but have met a brick wall.

I was given a collection of poems to read and and they were beyond my comprehension. My initial response was never to read anymore poetry. Strangely, I have enjoyed composing 15 poems so far.

What I am trying to say is that I really enjoy the act of writing even if it goes nowhere.

Lastly, the Bellarine Writing Group would welcome new members. We discuss our writing, analyse short stories, and do different writing exercises each night. We meet on the first Thursday of each month and if you are interested please contact me on acobham@bigpond.com

- Alan Cobham

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Bellarine Historical Society

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

 bellarinehistory.org

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am.

 oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 21 February, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben. Lois Pierce 100th celebration, Saturday 28 February. Admission free. Music: Charles.

 0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

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

 0448 391 366

Ocean Grove Library

Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time

Tuesdays 4-5pm: youth collective (ages 12-18)

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

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

Library closed Thursday 26 February to Wednesday 18 March for building maintenance and repainting works.

Leopold Library

Career Pathways covers careers in the sport industry, Thursday 26 February, 6-7.30pm.

 4201 0675

Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

 Rev Brett Cummins 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

The Big Read

Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls

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

 5258 1150

Live music

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

Croquet

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

 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

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

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

keep fit and have fun.

 Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.

 Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

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

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Carpet bowls

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

 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

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

 Barbara, 0419 511 781

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at

the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

 Bev, 0421 636 830

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm, snooker, chess, indoor bowls. Wednesday: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500. Fortnightly CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

 Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.

 Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372

Drysdale Day VIEW

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

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of

each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.  Raelene, 4244 0376

Chess clubs

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

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

Afternoon tea dance

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

 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale

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

 Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

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

 dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Out and about

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp thought there might be some activity at Ocean Grove main beach on Tuesday 17 February before the cool change swept through, so he headed there to see who was out and about.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In TheWaterboy, what is the nickname of the team Adam Sandler’s character eventually plays for?

2. Who is Australia’s Chef de Mission at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

3. Quentin Peterson last

4. Which Ipswich-born Australian sprinter recently announced he will not be competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

5. Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas will play

The national netball team of which country is known as the Sunshine Girls?

Los Angeles Laker Jaxson Hayes recently served a one-game suspension

Australian golfer Elvis Smylie recently won the 2026 edition of which LIV

Which two teams took part in the 2026 AFL Origin

Who will Australia face in the opening game of the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

11. In curling, what is the object thrown known as?

12. And what are they made of?

13. Who created the martial art Jeet Kune Do (JKD)?

14. To the nearest million, what is the 2026 AFL salary cap?

15. Which NBA player is nicknamed ‘The Beard’?

16. Which sport league is abbreviated as NPB?

17. Which team won Super Bowl LX (2026)?

18. And in that game, who became the second Australian to play in a Super Bowl?

19. Which running back was awarded the MVP of Super Bowl LX?

20. Which politician was booed during the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony?

21. What is the last name of English cricketing brothers Tom and Sam?

22. Which 2026 reality TV show pits Australian athletes from different sporting codes against each other?

23. How many players are there in a handball team?

24. Which two countries participated in the Olympic ice hockey game known as the ‘Miracle on Ice’?

25. And in which year was that Olympics held?

26. Alongside Josh Giddey, which other Australian basketballer will earn $38 million in 2026?

27. In snooker, what colour is the ball that is worth five points?

28. Which MLS team shares its name with a firstresponder NBC show?

29. True or false: ultimate frisbee is a contact sport?

30. Mark Evans is currently the CEO of which AFL club?

GARDEN & HOME

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Jim’sMowing131546

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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Epichealth

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CHIMNEY SWEEPS

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COMPUTER SERVICES TechonDemand0400686394

CONVEYANCING

SurfsideConveyancingPtyLtd 52555556

DENTAL

BCHPrivateDentalServices PointLonsdale 52580828

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PLUMBING

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SEWING MACHINE

SERVICING

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TYRES

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YOGA STUDIO

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column or box.

1 Supplicates (5)

4 Provider of information (9)

9 Belittle (5)

10 Middle Age armour (5,4)

11 For blinking (6)

12 Formal request signed by many people (8)

14 Choice (10) 15 Exclamation of surprise (3)

17 Tentacle (3)

19 Public estimation (10)

23 Slow (8)

24 Skilfully produces (6)

26 Purifying (9)

27 Greenish (5)

28 Game birds (9)

29 Frozen shower (5)

1 Heavenly body (6) 2 Non-professional (7)

3 Local law enforcer (7)

4 Measure of length (imp) (4)

5 Brotherhood (10)

6 Length of a film (7) 7 Miraculous (7) 8 Masterful (8)

13 Relative dimensions or size (10)

16 Disability (8)

18 People of Malta (7)

19 Viewing figures (7)

20 Fears (7)

21 Disconnected (7)

22 Appearance (6)

25 Ova (4)

“s”.

What is a cowslip? 2 Is Quito, the capital of Ecuador, in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere? 3 Actor Kristen Stewart (pictured) stars in a 2016 music video for which rock band?

4 What unit of measurement is used to measure the height of a horse? 5 A Robin Hood statue is

7 What is the only type of penguin found above the equator?

8 What pen-name did writer Eric Blair go by?

A hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and coated in breadcrumbs is known as a what?

10 The first episode of Doctor Who aired in which decade?

The stars are all aligning

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Great Wall’s Haval H6 PHEV is the third plug-in hybrid that we have driven in as many weeks.

Dating back to 2011, the third generation H6 made its debut at the 2020 Chengdu Motor Show.

And, all jokes aside, it’s the first Haval to sit on the ‘Lemon’ platform – we kid you not.

H6isGWM’sall-time,best-sellingmodel, with more than 4 million sales globally.

The plug-in version was added in 2021, with a new-look front and available in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid form.

“Every inch of the H6 has been meticulously considered,” we’re told.

Styling

There’s an H6 for just about everyone, with prices ranging from $35,990 for the entry level petrol model through to $50,990 for the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.

The standard, self-charging hybrid is priced from $40,990, while you can get into the plug-in version from as little as $44,990. Premium paint adds $495 to the price.

Plug-in hybrids have really taken off in the Australian market with the arrival of cheaper, more accessible Chinese models.

The attraction is their versatility, with their ability to operate in pure electric or fuel-saving petrol-electric mode – without any range fears.

H6’s Chinese competitors include the BYD Sealion 6 and Geely Starray EM-i. These wagons are all roughly around the same price and offer the same kind of performance and range.

Our test vehicle, the front-drive H6 Ultra PHEV is priced from $47,990.

All-wheel drive takes this figure to $50,990 – all prices before on-road costs.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a turbocharged engine was introduced here with the facelift in July 2025.

Up front, the cascading grille carries the Haval logo, thankfully no longer in garish red.

At the rear, the full-width light bar has been replaced by sharply angled, individual tail lights giving the wagon a more contemporary look.

However, the ‘Haval’ badge at the back has been replaced with ‘GWM’, reflecting the brand’s transition to a single, unified identity.

Of greater note, the facelift saw the introduction of GWM’s AT1 program (AustralianTuning)thatdrawsontheskills of former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani to tune ride and handling.

It’s the same path taken by both Kia and Hyundai years ago, and could turn out to be a game changer for the brand.

H6 is the first model to benefit from this tuning and it shows in spades.

Standard kit includes artificial leather andtwo-zoneclimateair,withrearoutlets, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seat memory and a heated steering wheel.

There are also 19-inch alloys, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic signrecognition,LEDlightsall-round,auto lightsandwipers,auto-dimmingrear-view mirror, rear privacy glass, electric tailgate and panoramic sunroof.

The PHEV comes with rear parking sensors,butforsomestrangereasonmisses out on sensors for the front.

H6 is converted by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year unlimited-kilometre battery pack warranty. There’s also five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.

Infotainment

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

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus eight-speaker audio (PHEVs boost the number of speakers to nine).

Telematics provides remote access and controlofvariousvehiclefunctions.

Two USB A-ports are provided in the front, a USB-A and USB-C port in the rear, andadashcamportlocatednearthemirror, with 12-volt sockets in the front and in the luggage area, along with wireless phone charging.

Safety

H6 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

Inordertoconfirmintegrityofthebattery andsafetyofhighvoltageelectricalsystems in hybrid and PHEV variants, additional frontal offset and oblique pole tests were conducted.

As a result, the previous five-star safety rating was extended to all petrol, hybrid, andPHEVvariantsofH6.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag to stop those in the front from bangingheadsinasideimpactcrash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overheadtransparentchassisviewisfitted.

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

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping,plusanadvancedspeedassistance systemthatkeepstocurrentspeedlimits.

Engines/transmissions

The hybrid powertrain in the H6 PHEV produces 240kW of power and 540Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speeddedicatedhybridtransmission.

With all-wheel drive, this rises to 268kW and760kW,givingita0-100km/htimeof4.8 seconds.

Eitherway,they’reimpressivefigures.

Driving

H6 is a mid-sized, five-seat wagon that is 4703mm long, with a 27638mm wheelbase and between 560 and 1445 litres of luggage capacity–thelatterwithrearseatsfolded.

Apart from real leather trim (Comfort-Tek is a euphemism for artificial), there’s not muchmissingfromtheequipmentlist.

Oddly, that is, except for rear parking sensors and automatic parking which are unaccountably missing in this grade.

A column-mounted gear selector frees up space on the centre console for additional storage and provides space for thewirelessphonecharger.

Like the Geely, a small 10.25-inchscreensitsabovethe steering column and serves as theinstrumentcluster.

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 8

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 7.5

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 7.5

Overall: 7.5

An automatically activated parking brake addstoeaseofuse.

With a 55-litre tank, H6 takes standard 91 RONunleaded.

Claimed fuel consumption with a fully charged battery is 1.0L/100km (1.1L for AWD).

If you’re slack and let the battery run down, consumption rises to 5.0L/100km (5.3LforAWD).

Sadly, we confess to being apathetic and were getting 5.9L/100km after more than 250kmofdriving.

With energy consumption at 18.4 kWh/100km, the PHEV has a pure electric driving range of 106km or 100km for the AWDversion.

Unfortunately,thesefiguresareunderthe older, more lenient NEDC test regime, that car companies continue to quote because theylookbetterinprint.

A WLTP figure of 80km is closer to the mark.

The 19.09 kWh battery can be charged from30percentto80percentin28minutes using a DC charger (at a rate of 34kW), or from 15 per cent to 100 per cent using an AC chargerinunderthreehours(at6.6kW).

Who we wonder wants to half-charge their battery when that presumably means halftherangetoo?

The hybrid system operates in both series or parallel mode, powering the wheels or battery, with EV, EV Priority and Intelligent Hybridmodes.

There’salsotheusualdrivemodeoptions: Normal,Eco,SportorSnow.

Steering weight can be adjusted, with comfortable,sportorlightsettings.

There is also adjustable regenerative braking with the option of one-pedal driving – although the latter does not bring thevehicletoacompletestop.

Driving the H6 PHEV feels much like its competitors around town, but with a bit moregetupandgo.

Find some twisty roads, however, turn up the wick and the wagon comes to life,

with braking and handling that is superiortoitsChinesecompatriots. Handlingissafe,predictableand planted, with strong mid-range throttle response and impressive braking.

The wagon has a substantial, dare we say Commodore, feel, absorbing bumps rather than crashing over them, with very little rebound.

Whatever Great Wall is paying Mr Trubiani, it’s money in the bank.

But it’s not all peaches and cream. The interior feels drab and dated in comparison to competitors, with too many features controlled from the touchscreen, taking attentionawayfromtheroad. Then there’s the annoying driver seatbelt which must be locked in before the brakes willreleaseandthewagoncanmoveoff. It’sagreatidea,safety-wisethatis,butnot averypracticalone.

The throttle exhibits some overrun, evident as the car continues to accelerate after lifting off the accelerator, forcing the drivertobrake–sometimeshurriedly.

Thiscanbeunnervinginstop-starttraffic and parking behind another vehicle on a steepish driveway, where the car tends to leap forward on liftoff, threatening to ram thecarinfront.

The column-mounted transmission lever hasanothertrapwaitingwhereitispossible to put the car into reverse if you mistake the gear lever for the indicator stalk with your foot on the brake (e.g. queuing for a left-handturn).

With little in the way of labelling it took some time to work out how to engage cruise control which as it turns out is via – you guessedit–thegearselector.

Head-up display as usual is almost invisible with polarised sunglasses and the power-operated tailgate often refused to respond to the key fob. Other than this the PHEVisakeeper.

Braked towing capacity is 1500kg. A tyre repair kit is provided in the event of a flat tyre.

Summing up

Of the three so-called ‘super hybrids’ that we’vedriveninrecentweeks,H6isthemore expensivebutdynamicallybetter. It’s let down by a drab, rather uninspiring cabin fitout and in this regard, some contrasting trim would help to break the monotony.

Beauty is however in the eye of the beholder.

Cats lose practice match

Led by livewire Nick Watson, Hawthorn defeated Geelong by 17 points in a preseason practice match Dingley’s Kennedy Community Centre on Monday 16 February.

Both sides were missing a swag of key players - many of them on State of Origin duty - as the Hawks dominated the middle stages, kicking nine consecutive goals through the second and third quarters of their 16.15(111) to 14.10(94) win.

Geelong recruit James Worpel came under plenty of attention from his former teammates and was caught holding the ball by Karl Amon on the wing, bringing the loudest cheer of the day from a healthy crowd.

ButheslottedintotheCats’midfieldwell alongside Ollie Dempsey, who shone in an inside role after making his name on the wing.

“We’re trying to add that centre bounce craft to his game and he was pretty dangerousthereaswell,“Geelongassistant James Rahilly said.

Jay Polkinghorne (three goals) put his handupforaspotinGeelong’sforward-line, with injured spearhead Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle in doubt for their season opener.

Shannon Neale (four goals) stood up in attackandOliverHenry(three)wasbusyin hisfirstserioushit-outsincemissingouton lastyear’sfinalsseriesafterbeingdropped.

Tanner Bruhn, who was set to play his first game in 12 months, was a late withdrawal because of illness, as was Zach Guthrie.

WatsonwaslivelyinattackfortheHawks with two goals and some eye-catching marking attempts, while also making his presence felt around the ball.

Josh Ward shone in the absence of injuredmidfieldgunWillDay,withConnor Macdonald, Cam Mackenzie, Dylan Moore and Josh Weddle all busy.

Watson kicked 36 goals last year as the Hawks’ premier small forward but can expect more time up the ground in 2026.

“He’s had a great summer, he’s done everything right and got himself in really

good condition, so it wasn’t surprising, the way he played,“ Hawks assistant coach David Hale said.

“We’veseenthatinthepre-seasongames and we want to expose him a little bit more around the ball, with Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald as well.

“Those types of players, we think, can bring a sort of x-factor to the group we’ve got.

“We think he’s going to have a really big year and he’s set himself up well.“

Calsher Dear was another of the five Hawks with two goals to their names, and recovered from a nasty-looking knee to the ribs from teammate Mabior Chol in a marking contest. - AAP

Ocean Grove cements top spot in Section 4 Mixed

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

OceanGrovecementeditsplaceatthetop of Section 4 Mixed with a commanding 6-0 win over second placed Surfcoast Torquay in Tennis Geelong Senior Pennantwithoneweektogobeforefinals.

Emma Robinson and Jemima Hayes, along with siblings Max, Jesse and Shannon Ballagh, proved too good for Torquay, limiting them to just 14 games.

Surfcoast will be looking to build some form next week when they face All Saints to ensure third placed Moriac do not overtake them and earn a double chance final.

Moriac had the bye this week, but remainedsixpointsbehindSurfcoastand will need things to go their way against Anglesea next week to push ahead.

Surfcoast Bellbrae went into the four ahead of Anglesea with a tight win. Bellbrae’sDaleandLeanneHeathstarted the day strongly with a 6-1 win while Anglesea’s Kathryn Anderson and Michael Alyward were too strong in the second, winning 6-2.

Dale Heath’s hot form continued with partner Wayne Beale in an impressive 6-0 win while Anglesea’s Anderson and Helen Bljaic won 6-3 keeping them in touch by four games.

Dale Heath’s hot form came crashing down with Anderson and Dainon

Mitchell blitzing their set 6-0, putting pressure on the final set with Anglesea’s Bljaic and Aylward left needing five games to win. Leanne Heath and Beale hung on for Bellbrae for a solid 6-3 win, giving their team the win by one game to push Anglesea out of the four.

All Saints and Grovedale have been battling to avoid the wooden spoon all season and with home-court advantage, All Saints were looking to rise above eighth.

The Camerons - Emma and Hamishstarted the Saints well winning 6-3 while teammates the Williamsons - Lisa and Ben - weren’t to be outdone, taking the second 6-2.

Elisabeth Pohl teamed with Lisa

Camerontowin6-4whileGraemeShearn and George Ambrus got Grovedale on the board with a 6-2 win. Shearn followed up in the first reverse mixed with Kerrie Grinter, 6-3, to keep Grovedale in touch,

but Pohl and Ben Williamson sealed it for All Saints, 6-1. Overall, the Saints were ahead four sets to two, just one point ahead of Grovedale, leaving the final standings to be decided next week.

Eight hundreds for Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association batters

Eight Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association batters made centuries on Saturday 14 February while two took six wickets and five took five wickets with finals only three weeks away.

BPCA

Round 13, day 1, Saturday 14 February

A1 Grade

Anglesea 179 (T. Norman 68, S. Umbers 42, J. Jirik 5/33) vs Barrabool Drysdale 81 (D. Hewett 5/33, S. Kamea 3/27) vs Barwon Heads 2/97 (A. Mackie 45no, Jacko Mallett 24no)

Armstrong Creek 8/236 (M. Kennedy 111no, C. Marsiglio 63, D. Maclean 31, F. Bilston 3/30) vs Jan Juc

Queenscliff 7/283 (L. Philp 92, K. Leathem 46, M. Minney 40, B. Thom 36no) vs Inverleigh

A2 Grade

Ocean Grove 177 (C. Weidemann 63, S. Fankhauser 54, J. Claney 5/59, D. Ryan 3/35) vs Newcomb

Portarlington 6/321 (B. Toole 158, C. Gourley 58, P. McGrath 49, R. Sauni 3/71, J.

Groves 3/112) vs Surf Coast

St Leonards 122 (N. Hallam 44, D.

Wise-Graham 3/42) vs Wallington 1/18

Surf Coast 75 (C. Walter 6/29) vs Collendina 2/37

B1 Grade Jan Juc 162 (I. Priest 68, R. Bilston 27, A. Gillett 4/16, B. Lynch 3/18) vs Portarlington 0/32

Collendina 110 (D. Britt 40, D. Trevean 4/38, J. Balzan 3/20) vs Armstrong Creek 1/40

Anglesea 171 (D. Cooper 46, D. Jacobs 32, B. Dixon 28, J. Denyer 4/19, A. Cook 3/28) vs Barrabool 1/21

Barwon Heads 6/271 (T. Don 68, Miller Moulton 57, Jaxon Mallett 48, F. Gentry 30no, B. LeMaistre 3/88) vs Ocean Grove

B2 Grade Inverleigh 9/180 (P. Hageman 63, M. Carr

51, M. Pularkalayil Mathew 6/44) vs Surf Coast

Queenscliff 2/353 (L. Stott 126no, L. Kidd 104, L. Citroen 83no) vs Newcomb Drysdale 9/248 (S. Kelly 82no, K. Taylor 62, L. Cox 32, M. Partridge 3/42, G. Schruers 3/47) vs Winchelsea Wallington 146 (L. Roebuck-Stewart 48, M. Norris 5/29) vs St Leonards 0/21

C Grade

Queenscliff 5/257 (G. Potter 120no, J. Clifford 66) vs Armstrong Creek Collendina 4/210 (H. Bush 112, C. Atkins 32no) vs Barrabool Anglesea 164 (M. Harper 55, Mark Howard 3/16, R. Lawrence 3/22) vs Barwon Heads Ocean Grove 3/257 (T. Wiseman 113, A. Arnold 94no) vs Portarlington Jan Juc 7/171 (R. Choksi 38, J. Downey 31, J. Balderas 26, J. Dempsey 2/69) vs

Drysdale

D Grade East

Collendina 3/273 (T. McKerracher 96, S. Robinson 62, S. Cashin 44no, G. McIntosh 37) def St Leonards 171 (M. Grills 53, M. Patel 33, C. Pitfield 3/13, S. Cashin 3/36) Drysdale 5/283 (M. Keay 63, D. Willis 58, A. Coghill 37, J. Williams 36) def Queenscliff 149 (J. Thom 29, D. Willis 2/17) Ocean Grove 5/133 (J. Murphy 43, D. Noble 29no, H. Hickson 2/30) def Wallington 132 (G. Morrissy 54, S. Perry 40, R. Berry 5/20, D. Cameron 4/13)

D Grade West

Barwon Heads 7/239 (M. Shipsides 59, C. Jackson 50no, D. Buller 26) def Jan Juc 133 (M. Colvin 51, A. Naseer 4/16, D. Vella 2/14) Armstrong Creek 1/167 (V. Singla 102no, A. Israel 29no) def Anglesea 6/159 (G.

Queenscliff double chance

By Justin Flynn

Queenscliff gained a precious Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant double chance by finishing second on the ladder by the barest of margins after an exciting final home and away round of the season.

Queenscliff finished on 178 points with Highton third on 177, which means a free hit against top side Ocean Grove in the grand final qualifier this Saturday.

Queenscliff defeated the Grovers in both their meetings this season in rounds 4 and 11 and star skip Ray Butler said his side has what it takes to make it three.

“It’s going to be pretty hotly contested,” he said.

“I know we might have beaten them twicethisyear,butasofrightnow,itmeans absolutelynothing.Finalsisadifferentball game, so now everyone’s back to nil-nil.

“Hopefully we can bring our best and play like we have against them previously. We’ll give it a fair shake and see what happens.”

Queenscliff defeated Torquay by 25 shots and picked up 16 points on Saturday 14 February,butplayedat10am,whichmeant the team had to wait for the Highton vs Lara results to filter through during the afternoon.

“We knew we had to at least give ourselves a chance with getting 16 points as a minimum,” Butler said.

“So once we got that done, a few of the guys were getting some intel throughout the day on how Lara were tracking against Highton. We just kept in the loop and when (Lara’s) Michael Kelly’s rink got up on the last couple of ends, we were pretty happy about that.

“We put in a lot of hard work this year and I think we’re deserving of second spot.”

Although Butler’s rink of lead Wayne Visser, second Adam Green and third Riley Cameron lost 17 to 28, every shot picked up was vital in the overall ladder result. His Torquay opponent Nelson Ball had not lost a rink all season.

“Nelson’s a permit player, but coming into that I knew I was going to have my hands full and boy, we did, but we did what we had to do,” Butler said.

“We sort of stemmed the bleeding. It could have been a hell of a lot worse, but going down by 11 shots in the circumstances with how well the opposition were bowling, I thought was prettyclosetoawinasalosscangetreally, because it didn’t affect us overall.”

What did affect the result was Steve Sullivan’s rink of lead Richie McGovern, second Barry Gladman and third Seb Monahan winning 31-5.

“They only lost two ends for the day,” Butler said.

“Richie McGovern was an absolute standout and then also their second Barry Gladman set them up brilliantly and then Steve-theydidwhattheyhadtodo.Idon’t think they (Torquay) got on the mat very often and that’s the goal in bowls.”

Geelong Bowls Region Finals round 1, Saturday 21 February

Premier Pennant

Grand final qualifier: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at Ocean Grove

Elimination final: Highton vs Drysdale at Highton

Division 1

Grand final qualifier: Ocean Grove vs St Leonards at Ocean Grove

Elimination final: City of Geelong vs Belmont at City of Geelong

Division 2

Grand final qualifier: Ocean Grove vs Belmont at Ocean Grove

Elimination final: Anglesea vs Eastern Park at Anglesea

Division 3

Grand final qualifier: City of Geelong vs Ocean Grove at TBA

Elimination final: Queenscliff vs Highton at Queenscliff

Now for the finals

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp saw Ocean Grove defeat Belmont in Geelong Bowls Region Division 1 at Ocean Grove on Saturday 14 February. Both teams will play finals this week with the Grovers finishing on top of the ladder while Belmont finished fourth.

Division 4

Grand final qualifier: Norlane vs Geelong RSL at Norlane

Elimination final: Highton vs Lara at Highton

Division 5

Grand final qualifier: Barwon Heads vs Torquay at Barwon Heads

Elimination final: Leopold vs Portarlington at Leopold

Division 6

Grand final qualifier: Torquay vs Geelong at Torquay

Elimination final: Highton vs Clifton Springs at Highton

Division 7

Grand final qualifier: Ocean Grove vs Anglesea at Ocean Grove

Elimination final: St Leonards vs Leopold at St Leonards

Division 8

Grand final qualifier: Drysdale vs Ocean Grove at Drysdale

Elimination final: Torquay vs Geelong at Torquay

Division 9

Grand final qualifier: Point Lonsdale vs Bell Post Hill at Point Lonsdale

Elimination final: Norlane vs Barwon Heads at Norlane

Division 10

Grand final qualifier: Geelong RSL vs City of Geelong at Geelong RSL

Elimination final: St Leonards vs Torquay at St Leonards

Slow outfield stunts Grove

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval as Ocean Grove hosted Newcomb in BPCA A2 Grade on Saturday 14 February. The Grubbers compiled 177 all out on a slow outfield with Connor Weidemann and Shaun Fankhauser each making half-centuries.

Patience pays off for Grove

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove all-rounder Connor Weidemann believes his side’s total of 177 all out against Newcomb was worth much more given the slowness of the ground at Ray Menzies Oval.

The Grubbers are a game and percentage clear in top spot on the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade ladder and need to beat the bottom placed Bulls to keep Wallington at bay.

Weidemann, who played for Geelong’s Under 18 and 3rd XI sides, top scored for Grove on day one of the round 13 clash on Saturday 14 February with 63 from 120 deliveries. There were just seven boundaries scored all afternoon, four by Weidemann.

“It was very slow and there weren’t many fours hit so a lot of running was done,” he said.

“Although we got (about) 180, it’s probably more like 50 more runs than that, I’d say. It’s not actually that bad of a total.

“It’s (the ground) a lot different from the start of the season when it was lightning quick.”

Opener Shaun Fankhauser made 54 from 139 balls and helped put on 62 for the fifth wicket with Weidemann after the Grubbers were 4/43. In the quest for quick runs towards the end of the innings, Ocean Grove lost 5/32 to be all out in the 72nd over.

“That was an important partnership for us,” Weidemann said.

“We just wanted to get to tea. The runs didn’t really matter. We just wanted to consolidate for a bit because if we lost a few more (wickets), then we would have been in real trouble.”

Although the ground made scoring difficult, so did the Newcomb attack. James Claney was superb with 5/59 from 19 overs and Dylan Ryan picked up 3/35 from 13.2 while Sean Anderton (0/24 from 16 overs), Jack Scanlon (1/19 from 10) and Thisum Hapugodage (1/30 from 12) kept things tight.

“They bowled pretty good lines and lengths,” Weidemann said.

“It was hard to get the slow bowlers away, just due to the lack of pace. Hard to get through the infield when the bowling was slow, so I’m sure we’ll do the same thing (on day two) and make it difficult for them.”

Weidemann has made two half-centuries in his last four hits and is still getting used to the BPCA. He has also taken 12 wickets.

“I just wanted to bat time because I haven’t really been batting that well,” he said.

“So I just wanted to bat time, see what happens and not do anything silly. Just play every ball on its merits.

“The bowling is a bit slower than what I’m used to and the last few weeks I’ve been struggling so it’s good to finally get a few.”

PORTARLINGTON’S finals hopes are still alive after Brenton Toole clubbed a 123-ball 158 against Winchelsea. Winch is in danger of losing its fourth match in a row and missing the finals after being on top of the ladder just before the break. On the other hand, Portarlington could be half a game outside the top four with one round

to go after posting 6/321 with Toole smacking 20 boundaries and four sixes. Cameron Gourley (58) and Paul McGrath (49) provided ample support during Toole’s run-fest. Ricci Sauni (3/71 from 24 overs) and Jarrod Groves (3/112 from 30) were tasked with doing the majority of the work for Winch.

COLLENDINA ace Corey Walter took 6/29 from 26 overs to have his side within reach of a win against Surf Coast. With star all-rounder Stan Grazotis unavailable, Walter stepped up and had the Suns all out for 75 with Allen Antony grafting 21 from 62 balls. Youngster Jackson De Jong and spinner Jacob Gasior each snared two wickets. The Cobras are 2/37 in reply with Jude De

Jong (13 not out) and Harrisyn Wingrave (12 not out) to resume after being 2/12. A win will probably see the Snakes in the four by the end of the round on Saturday. WALLINGTON can sew up second spot on the ladder if it can make another 105 runs with nine wickets in hand against St Leonards. Nick Hallam (44) was the only batter to look like getting a big score before being run out as the Saints crumbled to 122 all out. Dane Wise-Graham moved up to 28 wickets for the season with 3/42 while Colin Smith (2/29 from 19 overs) and the consistent Mitch Sleeman (2/22 from 12) applied the brakes. In reply, the Wallabies are 1/18, still with a bit of work to do.

Titans strike back with the bat as finals hopes still alive

By Justin Flynn

Armstrong Creek opener Matthew Kennedy made an important century against Jan Juc to keep the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade reigning premiers in the finals race.

Kennedy batted all day for an unbeaten 111 from 227 deliveries with the Titans ending day one of the penultimate round on Saturday 14 February at 8/236. Both sides need to win to have any chance of playing finals, and at this stage it looks like Armstrong Creek holds the upper hand.

Chris Marsiglio made 63 from 107 balls and Daniel Maclean chipped in with 31 late.

Finn Bilston grabbed three late wickets for the Sharks and Jordy Graham was again given plenty of work with 27 overs netting him 2/73.

DRYSDALE’S finals hopes appear dashed after already surrendering first-innings points against Barwon Heads. The Hawks were all out for 81 with

Seagulls’ pacemen Darcy Hewitt (5/33) and Sema Kamea (3/27) doing all the damage. In reply, the Heads are 2/97 with youngster Angus Mackie taking full advantage of

a promotion up to opening on 45 not out.

QUEENSCLIFF looks headed for a finals appearance after making 7/283 against Inverleigh.

Lochie Philp made 92 from 169 balls to take his season’s tally to 474 while Kane Leathem (46 from 86), Max Minney (40 from 46) and Brendan Thom (36 not out) also contributed.

The Kookaburras attack found the going tough, but toiled away with Locke Perrett picking up 2/58 from 19 tidy overs.

TYRON Norman top scored in his 250th game for Anglesea and shared a 95-run opening stand with Simon Umbers (42).

Norman made 68 against Barrabool in his side’s final total of 179 all out.

James Jirik picked up 5/33 from 15 overs for the Bulls while James Fisher was economical with 2/45 from 26 overs and Lachie Snaith took 2/39 from 13.

BELLARINE Peninsula won its first game of the Melbourne Country Week carnival on 9 February in Division 2, but didn’t make the finals, although a no-result on day three didn’t help.

Drysdale’s Tallan Burns took nine wickets in three games including 5/20 on day two and Collendina gun Richie Faust made scores of 44 not out, 12 and 90.