Ocean Grove Voice - 20th March 2026

INSIDE THIS EDITION…

Preserving history one box at a time

Pillar boxes were the best way to send letters more than 100 years ago, but many of them have now faded with time.

Mick Slocum won’t let the Victorian-era cast-iron post boxes completely fade away, as he travels across the state restoring the historic fixtures.

He visited Portarlington this week to restore the Turner Court pillar box, which marked his 76th completed restoration over the past few years.

“I’ve got about 100 to go, as there’s about 180 boxes that I have listed on a spreadsheet, and my next stop is Swan Hill before I restore my second one in Bendigo,” Mr Slocum said.

Mr Slocum also recently completed a pillar box that was shipped to him from Western Australia, as he continues to contribute to the preservation of Australia’s history.

Turn to page 3 for the full story.

Crime increases

Breaches of orders and crimes against the person are increasing across some Ocean Grove areas, according to the latest Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data.

The state’s recorded crime statistics for the year ending 31 December 2025 were released by the CSA on 19 March.

The total offences recorded for Greater Geelong,whichincludesOceanGroveand the Bellarine regions, have increased by 2.05 per cent from 25,061 offences in 2024 to 25,574 recorded in 2025.

The Bellarine recorded its highest

breaches of order offences in a decade, with 12 incidents last year, whereas no previous incidents had been recorded since 2019, when only one was listed.

There was also an increase in Leopold (102in2025from58in2024)andDrysdale, which also recorded its highest ever number of breaches of orders incidents, with 66 cases in 2025, up by 27 from 2024 with 42.

Crimes against the person offences rose in Clifton Springs from 26 in 2024 to 61 in 2025, while theft was the main offence in

Portarlington with 85 incidents recorded last year.

The overall number of offences decreasedinStLeonards,from271in2024 to 176 in 2025, and Ocean Grove, from 470 in 2024 to 444 in 2025.

Recent enabling amendments to the Crime Statistics Act 2014 allowed CSA

Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley to obtain data from the criminal courts to better represent crime statistics across many areas.

“The addition of offence information to

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988

thebailstatisticsisthenextstepinhelping us better understand how bail or remand decisions are made,” Ms Dowsley said.

“(Itwillalsoinform)theimpactofpolicy reform on an alleged offender’s pathway through the criminal justice system and further offending.”

Theft remained a key contributor to the rising numbers across the Greater Geelong region, with an overall increase of 3.08 per cent of recorded offences from the previous year (8073 in 2024 to 8322 in 2025).

Telstra outage for Grove

Telstra is warning of service disruptions for Ocean Grove from next week.

Telstrawillbeupgradingitsmobilebase stationinthetownwithworktotakeplace from Monday 23 March.

The works will require temporary servicedisruptionsorreductioninmobile coverage. Telstra said the upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion.

Mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway.

“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country,” Telstra regional engagement manager Marcus Swinburne said.

“As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G/5G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion for customers.

“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to

and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.”

The site will be switched off from Monday23MarchtoWednesday25March with intermittent network coverage from 6pm to 6am with services restored during the day.

Full site outage from 6pm to 6am will occur on Thursday 26 March and Friday 27 March and there will be intermittent coverage on Monday 30 March from 6am to6pmwithservicesrestoredattheendof the day.

If required, coverage will also be

Ocean Grove author releases a book to ape-reciate

By Jena Carr

Ocean Grove’s Heather Gallagher got up close and personal with orangutans for her newkids’novel.

The author was inspired by a visit to Melbourne Zoo to create her latest book, My Brother the Orangutan, which is a story about a boy who swaps bodies with an orangutan.

Ms Gallagher said she also participated in a behind-the-scenes encounter with the endangered animals during her research forthebook.

“I just sat and watched the orangutans

for a while, and they’re so incredibly human-likeintheirfacesandwhattheydo,” shesaid.

“It was inspiring to see how the keepers interactedwiththeorangutans,likehelping tobrushtheirteeth,forexample.”

Ms Gallagher said the book was a funny storyforkidswithanimportantunderlying environmentalmessage.

“The theme of sustainability underpins thebook,butfirstandforemost,Iwantedto writeafunstoryforkids,”shesaid.

“The sad truth is that orangutan habitats inBorneoandSumatraarebeingdestroyed bybusinessesharvestingtreesforpalmoil.

“The more of us that can jump up and down about the environment, the better, because the world can be grim, so this is my way of putting a fun spin on it with that underlyingseriousmessage.”

My Brother the Orangutan will be launched on 28 March at the One Planet FestivalatOceanGrovePark.

Visit heathergallagher.com.au for more information about Ms Gallagher’s new novelandherotherworks.

Ocean Grove’s Heather Gallagher will launch her new novel My Brother the Orangutan on 28 March. (Supplied)

unavailable on Tuesday 31 March and Thursday 2 April.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providerswillnotbeimpactedduringthis time.

Telstra mobile customers will be receiving text messages advising them of the upcoming works.

CallstoTripleZerofromaTelstramobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.

The great AI content heist

By Paul Thomas*

In a recent Australian Financial Review opinion piece, “There is nothing creative aboutAInotpayingfornewscontent”,Rod Sims made a point Australia cannot afford toignore.

Sims is now chair of The Superpower Institute and an Enterprise Professor at the Melbourne Institute at the University of Melbourne. He is also the former chair of the ACCC, and when he warns about market power and unfair extraction, peopleshouldlisten.

His point is blunt, and correct. There is nothing creative about AI companies taking professionally created content, building commercial products on top of it, and then refusing to properly pay the people who made that content in the first place. That applies most urgently to journalism, but it also reaches writers, photographers, artists and other creators whose work is being vacuumed up to make these systems more useful and more profitable.

Thatisnotinnovation.Itisextraction.

And for regional Australia, the damage willbegreaterthanitisinthecities.

In a capital city, people may still have a range of big media outlets, institutions and voices competing to keep public life under scrutiny. In regional Australia and local areas, the local paper is often the trusted source. It is the paper that covers the council meeting, the court matter, the hospital issue, the fire warning, the local business, the sporting club and the decisionsthatshapedailylife.

If that journalism weakens, country communitiesfeelitfirst.

That is why the Canadian research on this issue is so important. The study is called AI News Audit. It was published in March 2026 by Taylor Owen and Aengus Bridgman of McGill University’s Centre

for Media, Technology and Democracy and the Media Ecosystem Observatory. It is some of the clearest evidence yet of whatAIcompaniesareactuallydoingwith professionallyproducednewscontent.

The researchers found AI models had absorbed Canadian journalism at scale andusuallydidnotsayso.Inthetechnical brief, the researchers found that among knowledgeable responses, 92 per cent providednosourceattributionatall.Inthe policybrief,theyfoundAIsystemsgaveno source attribution 82 per cent of the time, and when asked about specific recent articles, produced substitute answers in 54to 81per centofcaseswhile naming the original outlet in the response text only oneto16percentofthetime. Thatistheheartoftheproblem. Thejournalismisbeingused.Thevalueis beingcaptured.Thesourceisbeingerased. AI companies do not send reporters to council meetings. They do not sit through court hearings. They do not verify facts during floods, fires or elections. They do not employ the local journalist, the editor,

the photographer or the creator who actually did the original work. But they increasingly want to scrape that work, absorbitintotheirsystems,andprofitfrom itasifitweretheirown.

For regional and suburban Australia, that is not some distant policy debate. It goestowhetherlocaljournalismsurvives.

The Canadian research also found that the outlets getting the most AI visibility were the biggest, free, nationally prominentorganisations, whilepaywalled and regional and local publishers fell well below proportional representation. That should ring alarm bells here. It means smaller publishers can be mined for value while losing the audience and revenue theyneedtokeepreporting. And the consequences go well beyond business.

We are already living through an era of misinformation, half-truths and outright falsehoods spreading across social media at extraordinary speed. Much of it is unchecked. Much of it is designed to inflame, divide and mislead. If AI systems

now scrape reliable journalism, strip out thesource,andserveupconfidentanswers that people cannot easily verify, the danger only grows. The Canadian policy brief warns that when AI delivers answers drawn from journalism but stripped of source and context, the public’s ability to judgereliabilityisdiminished.

Thatisadirectthreattodemocracy.

Democracy depends on trusted, checkable and accountable information. People need to know where a fact came from. They need to be able to judge the source, test its credibility and read further for themselves. If AI becomes a black box that swallows journalism and other original creative work, then spits out unattributed answers, the public loses one ofitsmostimportantsafeguards.

Australia should be clear about this. If AIcompanieswanttouselocaljournalism and other professionally created content, they should pay for it. If they use original reporting and creative work to build commercial products, they should compensate the people and businesses that created that value. And if they rely on trusted journalism to make their systems useful, they should be required to clearly identify the source so readers can verify whattheyarebeingtold.

That is not anti-technology. It is pro-fairness, pro-creativity and pro-democracy.

Rod Sims is right. There is nothing creativeaboutnotpayingfornewscontent. And in regional Australia, there is nothing abstract about the consequences. When local journalism is stripped for value and not sustained, it is our towns, our readers andourdemocracythatpaytheprice.

* Paul Thomas is co-owner and managing director of Star News Group, Today News Group and SA Today. He is a past president and life member of Country Press Australia.

Point Lonsdale SPP review

By Matt Hewson

Geelong and Queenscliffe councils have announced they will collaborate to review planningpoliciesinPointLonsdale.

The City of Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliffe said this week they would work with the Victorian Department of TransportandPlanningtoconsiderhowthe Bellarine Peninsula statement of planning policy (SPP) could be implemented in the seasidetown,whichissplitbetweenthetwo localgovernmentareas.

The announcement comes after the SPP became part of the planning scheme in February, limiting further expansion of

the town through a protected settlement boundary but without any updates to zoningoroverlays.

Thosepotentialzoneandoverlaychanges will now be the focus of the two councils’ jointreview.

Murradoc ward councillor Rowan Story said the review was an opportunity to examinehowthecouncilscoulddeliverthe visionoftheBellarinePeninsulaSPP.

“This review can help ensure Point Lonsdale grows in a way that supports the community while protecting the agricultural land and rural landscapes that make this part of the Bellarine so special,” hesaid.

Queenscliffe Mayor Donnie Grigau said working together with the City of Greater Geelong would ensure a “coordinated approach to planning across our municipal boundaries” and help “achieve the best long-termoutcomesforresidents”.

“We share a unique coastal environment and community, with many residents and businessespassionateaboutprotectingthis charmnowandforthefuture,”hesaid.

“We know there has been significant change to our year-round population and housingpatterns.”

ThePointLonsdalecommunitymobilised last year to oppose a potential Coles supermarket development in the town,

Sanding back town’s ‘precious’ history

By Jena Carr

Despite some rain early this week, Mick Slocum was able to breathe new life into Portarlington’sVictorian-erapillarbox.

The Ascot Vale man made the trip to the town on March 16 and 17 to restore the cast-iron box located in front of Portarlington’sOldMill.

Mr Slocum said the Portarlington pillar box was a beautiful piece and that he was glad to help protect some of the town’s “preciousheritage”.

“It’saprocessasI’vehadtoremoveallthe old paint that has been caked on over the years following temporary restorations,” hesaid.

“All the original features, including the rosettes, have been exposed, and this is when the pillar boxes really start to show theirVictorianfeatures.”

MrSlocumsaidhestartedtherestoration by sanding back and picking the paint off the box with a blade before washing it down with hot soapy water and finishing it offwithacoatofredandgoldpaint.

“Pillar boxes are part of our rich and long-gone heritage, and I’ve also got a little side project as well where I dress in characters from the era when these boxes werefirstinstalled,”hesaid.

“While restoring Portarlington’s pillar box, I tried to dress in character from the 1880s or 1920s, so I wore a bow tie, a nice silkvestandastripyjacket.”

MrSlocumhasagoaltorestore180pillar boxes across the state, with Portarlington’s fixture bringing his tally to 76 completed restorations.

Ocean Grove’s ripper nippers return with state title

Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s (OGSLSC)rippernippersarestillcelebrating a successful Victorian Junior Nippers State TitlesinWarrnambool.

The club had 81 nippers compete across three full days of challenging beach and oceanevents.

Ocean Grove emerged as the comprehensive overall winner and head coach Clint Miller praised the efforts of the entireteam.

“Our nippers were incredibly well prepared for the weekend, and the results speakforthemselves,”hesaid.

“What stood out most this season was the strong sense of community built by our coaches, age managers, water safety crews andvolunteers.It’sthiscollectiveeffortthat gives our young athletes the platform to performattheirbest.

“Our youth are the next generation of patrollers that will ensure the safety on our beachesforyearstocome”.”

Across the three-day carnival, families, coachesandvolunteerscreatedasupportive and energised team environment, contributing to Ocean Grove’s dominant performance across multiple disciplines. However, the extreme conditions and growing number of competitors also exposed the need for upgraded

whichremainsinthepre-applicationstage. Both councils acknowledged the proposed supermarket had highlighted the importance of having strategic planning in placeandtheneedforareviewregardlessof theproposal’soutcome.

“This review is much-needed and I know Point Lonsdale residents, many of whom have contacted me directly calling for action, will be heartened by this news,” Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinsonsaid.

“It’s not a quick process, and that is for good reason, but the wheels are in motion andbothcouncilsarecommittedtocreating afreshblueprintfortheroadahead.”

Blue waters turn green

Ocean Grove’s Blue Waters Lake has takenonadistinctlycyantinge.

The picturesque lake, is a thriving habitat for many species of birds, is experiencing a blue-green algae bloom that could persist for several weeksorlonger.

The City of Greater Geelong is responsible for the testing and managementofthelake.

The City’s executive director of city infrastructure James Stirton said blooms of the naturally-occurring organism were common in Victorian waterwaysduringwarmermonths.

“They occur when a combination of high nutrient levels, warm temperatures, low rainfall and lack of waterflowcreatesidealconditionsfor algaetobloom,”hesaid.

“Our teams are investigating solutions to improve water flow at Blue Waters Lake. In the short term, we expect the bloom to dissipate naturally as rainfall increases and watermovementimproves.

“In the meantime, we advise the community to avoid contact with the waterandkeeppetsaway.”

A DEECA spokesperson said blue-green algae could cause allergic reactions and, if swallowed, could lead to gastroenteritis, nausea and vomiting.

TheCityadvisedanyonewhocomes into contact with contaminated water to immediately wash in fresh water and seek medical advice if they experienceanyillness.

infrastructure and resources to support the club’srapidlygrowingjuniorpathways.

Several essential pieces of equipmentincluding the nipper trailer, rescue boards and ageing beach tents used for shelter, recovery and team coordination were irreparablydamaged.

OGSLSC is seeking a long-term community or corporate partner to help provideongoinginfrastructureandsupport needed to sustain growth and ongoing success.

“After such an extraordinary season, we wanttoensureouryoungathletescontinue to have the support and infrastructure they needtothrive,”Millersaid.

“We’re inviting businesses and community partners who share our values tojoinusinhelpingbuildthenextgeneration ofconfident,capablesurflifesavers.”

Enquires at grantsmanager@ oceangroveslsc.asn.au

Designs for pier released

The new St Leonards Pier will be safer and more accessible for the community while staying true to its heritage values, accordingtofinaliseddesigns.

Finaldesignrenderingswerereleasedon 17March,withtheexpandedpierfeaturing wheelchair accessible fishing locations, curved seating overlooking bay views and saferaccessforthepublic.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the pier’s design had been shaped by community feedback and recognised the significanceofthemarineenvironment.

“This rebuild isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant community place that locals and visitors will enjoy for generationstocome,”shesaid.

The pier will also include educational signagethatsharesthemaritimehistoryof Stleonardsandhighlightsthebay’smarine floraandfauna.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the state’s ports contributed more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism,

marineactivitiesandindustries.

“The new pier design looks to protect the local heritage while creating a contemporary space for the community to gather, fish, learn and connect with the bay,”shesaid.

The tender for construction will be open in the coming weeks, and updates will continue to be provided to the community whenavailable.

Visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects for more about the St Leonards Pier rebuild and otherprojectstakingplaceacrossthestate. St Leonards Pier design rendering. (Supplied)

Create a way through the trail in late March

By Jena Carr

Explore a trail full of different art forms and techniques from creatives across the Bellarine during an action-packed weekend.

North Bellarine Arts Trail will showcase thetalentsofmorethan70artistsacross29 venueson28and29March.

Arts trail committee sponsorship manager Renae Chapman said she looked forward to artists sharing their work with thecommunityduringtheevent.

“It just seems to grow each year, and we keepseeingmoreinterestfromnewartists,

so it’s going to be a fantastic weekend,” she said.

“Therewillbeareallygreatdemographic of different artists, including those who workwithpaint,sculpture,glassandmany otherformsofart.

“It’s going to be a weekend full of creativity, art and adventure that gives peopletheopportunitytoexplorethemany typesofartavailablewithintheirregion.”

Ms Chapman said community enthusiasm and commitment for the trial keep growing every year, and that it was a fantasticevent.

“Events like this are very important

for the community, and all the artists will give you as much time as they can to explain their art,” she said. “The event is a great way for the community to talk to the artist and learn about their art, and it gives people thinking about giving art a go the confidence to try something they want to do.”

Portarlington Celtic Festival musicians will also be playing at selected venues throughout the weekend, with North Bellarine Arts Trail booklets available at most tourist information outlets. See bellarinepeninsulaarts.com for more information.

NBAC questions remain

Based on a recent inspection of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) extensions construction site by councillors and donating local politicians and release of press statements, it appears that my letter to the editor (‘Messy aquatic rebuild’, Ocean Grove Voice, 2 February 2026) may have hit a raw spot.

I will accept the council position that the construction of walls may represent a safety risk to outdoor swimmers. But interestingly the destruction of the original entry and admin area was conducted whilst swimmers were churning up and down the lanes of the excellent outdoor pool. So, you can destroy with safety but not build with safety?

What these press releases do not address is the future operation of the outdoor pool during winter once the indoor 25-metre pool is commissioned. Council, come clean and either give a commitment to stay open or fess up that you will shut this excellent facility down every winter.

Also, not one mention why a council run, government funded nontax and rate paying gym will be introduced as competition to the existing tax- and rate-paying commercial operations that employ locals. What impact assessment did council or the NBAC extension community consultation committee make? If one was conducted, publicly release it. I suspect this was not even considered by the community committee considering none of the regular winter outdoor swimmers were even approached to provide an opinion on the extension. What organisation does not consult with its customer base?

Colin Clarke,Curlewis

Report breaks down barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare

By Matt Hewson

When Bellarine resident Tess began to navigate her way through perimenopause she experienced first-hand the barriers women and gender diverse people encounterwhentryingtoaccesssexualand reproductivehealthcare.

Tess considered herself more or less privileged; she was white, middle-class, healthy, university-educated and came from a medical family. So it came as a shock to realise that getting well-informed, compassionate and forward-thinking care for a condition that half the population experienceswassodifficult.

“Tryingtoseekadvicefromprofessionals, or even friends, there was such a very negativeapproachtoit,”Tesssaid.

“You can’t think clearly, you don’t know how to find out what you don’t know, everything hurts, all that stuff…and when youencounterthisreallynegativeviewthat once you hit a certain age, that’s the end, it really makes you feel like it’s so much harder.

“Instead of the usual narrative of ‘I’m getting old, it’s just another thing women havetodealwith’-thatreallynegativeview ofbeingawoman-wehavetoflipit,seeitas just the next stage and figure out how we’re goingtoworkthroughit.”

And so Tess signed up as a participant in a groundbreaking new study conducted by local not-for-profit health organisation Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon SouthWest(WHWBSW).

The result of that study, the From Both Sides of the Door report, launched this week, drawing on data from surveys, focus groups and interviews with hundreds of community members and healthcare providersintheregion. Itidentifiesthebarrierspeopleencounter when seeking care related to sexual and reproductive health, such as abortion, mental health and physiotherapy during and after pregnancy, menopause and chronicpain.

WHWBSW chief executive Jodie Hill said the report both centred on the experiences of women and gender diverse people and highlighted the challenges faced by healthcareprofessionals.

“From Both Sides of the Door includes a set of tangible actions needed to improve access to critical sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Barwon South West, and we will advocate with all levels of government, and the healthcare sector, to seethosehappen,”shesaid.

Visit womenshealthbsw.org.au/ resources/sexual-reproductive-health to viewthefullreport.

Fest looks to future

OceanGrovewillplayhosttoaninspiring festivalaboutthefuturethismonth.

The One Planet Festival will come to Ocean Grove Park on 28 March for its second edition, following the success of the inaugural 2024 event in Torquay.

Organised by the Bellarine chapter of nationwide advocacy organisation

Parents for Climate, the festival seeks to bring the community together to share practical solutions for a better future in our region. Designed for all ages, the One Planet Festival will see the parkland divided into zones, collecting experts, makers and organisations on particular topics into the same area.

From the local food and growing and community wellbeing zones to an Arts and Culture trail and a kids and family area, the event will offer workshops, activities, performances and markets throughouttheday.

Parents for Climate volunteer and event co-organiser Laura Billings said there would not be a dull moment.

“We’ll have local growers, Geelong Library’s seed library, a clean energy and resiliencezoneforfolksthatarelookingto electrify their homes and get off gas, the CFA and SES will be there to engage with thecommunity…we’llhaveWadawurrung cultural activities for kids,” she said.

“Our cup’s overflowing with all these connections throughout the community. Seeing everyone coming together, connecting and collaborating to make it happen, it’s a beautiful thing to see.

“And we’ll have great food trucks and amazinglivelocalmusicaswell,sothere’s really something for everyone.”

Entry is free. Visit oneplanetfest.com.

Barwon Coast Update

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

Coastal Hazard Exposure Report released

Last month we released the Coastal Hazard Exposure Report, which improves our understanding of how coastal erosion and inundation may affect the foreshore areas we manage over time.

The report draws on the best available science and local knowledge to inform long-term coastal management and future planning, including the Foreshore Master Plan.

Community members are invited to explore the report and learn more about what it means for the coast now and into the future.

The report is already informing the draft Foreshore Master Plan, which will be shared with the community for feedback later this year.

One Planet Festival

We have a stall at the One Planet Festival - come and say hello!

28 March 2026, 11am – 5pm Ocean Grove Park & Pavillion 73/87 The Avenue, Ocean Grove www.oneplanetfest.com.au

Barwon River entrance update

Barwon Coast is working with the Department of Transport and Planning and Safe Transport Victoria to manage current sandbar conditions at the Barwon River entrance.

Prolonged south-east winds and swell over recent months have moved sand into the river mouth, combined with limited downstream flows from the Barwon River. Temporary buoys will be installed to help guide vessels through the entrance while the situation continues to be monitored.

The safest time to cross the Barwon River Bar is 1.5 hours either side of high tide during daylight hours and in low wind and swell. Mariners are strongly advised to stay within the marked channel and check current Notices to Mariners before heading out via barwoncoast.com.au/news

Thousands raised for new scout hall

A Barwon Heads Scout Group has raised thousands of dollars for a new scout hall through the state’s ContainerDepositScheme(CDSVic).

First Barwon Heads Scout Group has collected $9000 through the 10-cent refund program, which encourages people to keep bottles, cans and cartons out of landfill and inthecirculareconomy.

Group leader Brian Cook said the scouts currently had up to 25 CDS VicbinsacrossBarwonHeads,Ocean Grove and Breamlea for community members to donate their empty containers.

“Eachbinwefillraisesbetween$25 to $30, and we regularly collect the bins and transport them to the CDS VicdepotinBreakwater,”hesaid.

“The fundraising is supporting the group’s efforts towards a new scout hall in Barwon Heads, as the current hall is in a poor state and is no longer viableasascouthall.”

People can also choose to donate their refund directly to a registered charity or community group while returningeligibledrinkcontainersat aCDSVicrefundpoint.

VicReturn chief executive Matt Davis said “Many clubs and community groups already collect containers from their members and supporters,” “Donating those containers through the scheme is a simple way to turn everyday recycling into real benefits for local organisations.”

Clean Up Australia Day activities

Our coast is much cleaner thanks to the time and energy of over 140 people who participated in events for Clean Up Australia Day.

In late February and early March, seven groups participated in activities on the reserve managed by Barwon Coast. This included Ocean Grove Coastcare and Friends of the Bluff who led events for the wider community, along with four school/youth groups, and Barwon Coast’s own staff event.

Collectively, over 30 large bags of waste were removed, filled with thousands of varied items. Cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, bottles and cans were the most common across all the sites.

A thousand cigarette butts were picked up between the Ocean Grove rotunda and Main Beach alone.

Through everyday actions, we can all help keep the coast clean – by managing our own waste well, picking up litter when we notice it, and avoiding waste in the first place.

Working-dog theme at show

Portarlington hosted the Bellarine Agricultural Show on Sunday 8 March with a theme of ‘All things working dogs’ and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take these pictures.

As the Bellarine continues to grow, it’s vital that our transport networkgrowswithit.

Local residents are invited to share their experiences and ideas through an online Engage Victoria survey, helping to shape a stronger and more accessible public transport system for our region.

Thereviewwillexplorehowbusservicescanbetterreflectchanging travelpatterns,supportourgrowingsuburbs,andprovidesmoother connectionsbetweentowns,schoolsandworkplaces.

Throughout March, a series of pop-up street stalls will be held acrosstheregion.

These sessions are a great opportunity to get assistance completing the Engage Victoria survey and to share your experiencesandsuggestionsforimprovingourlocalbusnetwork.

This review follows the introduction of free public transport for Victorians under 18 and free weekend travel for Victorian Senior Card holders, carers and Disability Support Pension recipients, easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting community connection.

School Easter fair returns

Afterathree-yearhiatus,BarwonHeads Primary School’s Easter Fair is back on Sunday29March.

Organisers promise the much-anticipated event will bring simple, old-fashioned fun combined with a sustainable, community-led approach, accessible price points and a strongsenseoflocaltradition.

“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing the Barwon Heads Primary School Fair back for the whole community to enjoy,” principal Robin Bennettssaid.

making,luckydips,chocolatetoss,bean bag throw, giant snakes and ladders, a rubber ducky game, scavenger hunt, face painting, temporary tattoos and a glam stall. A photo booth and dunk chair, built by local business Donald Plumbing,willaddtothefun.

Sustainability is a focus, with second-handtoy,wetsuitandbeachgear stalls, along with the school’s Garden Club selling seedlings, homemade jams and kasundi from school-grown produce.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the old-fashioned feel of a local school fair while creating something welcoming andaccessibleforfamiliestoday.”

Families can enjoy rides, including the chairoplane, giant yellow slide and Cha Cha, along with minigolf and an animalfarm.

A range of stalls and activities will also be on offer, including cupcake decorating, Easter crafts, bracelet

There are plenty of food options and live entertainment will run throughout theday,featuringFuseDance,Bellarine SecondaryCollegeBand,LukeHindson, studentperformersandtheHoganDrive Band.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnicrugandenjoytheday.

All funds raised will support Barwon Heads Primary School students and programs.Thefairwillrunfrom10amto 3pmattheschoolonSunday29March.

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Community grants

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

The City’s Community Grants are one of my favourite initiatives, supporting local groupsandorganisationstomakealasting differenceinourcommunity.

This year, council endorsed a total of $2,022,902 in funding awarded to 96 applicants.

These grants span several categories, including the arts, climate change partnerships, community events, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

As council’s environment and circular economy chair, it thrills me to see sustainability groups awarded funding to supporttheirinvaluablework.

It fills me with even more pride that so manyofthisyear’srecipientsareprotecting and preserving our beautiful environment inandaroundOceanGrove.

Council has recognised the vital work of the Bellarine Catchment Network, awarding $43,750 in funding for its Friends oftheTreesprogram.

Friends of the Trees empowers communitiesinGreaterGeelongtocombat climatechangeandsocialinequitythrough inclusive tree planting sessions, fostering greener, healthier and more connected neighbourhoods.

Bellarine Catchment Network was awarded an additional $9850 for its Nature Mentors program, which provides training and workshops that build volunteers’ skills toconnectthecommunitywithnature.

It’s also fantastic to see a range of revegetation and restoration projects receivingfundinginthisyear’sgrants.

The Koala Clancy Foundation was successful in its application for $42,350 to fundadrought-resilientrevegetationtrial.

The large-scale trial will see replicable drought-resistant revegetation methods tailored to our local region. I look forward to seeing the results of this trial, which if successful, could be applied to other locationswithinGreaterGeelong.

Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare received $10,000 for its Community Project forHabitatRestoration.

The group aims to improve habitat for nativefloraandfaunabyremovinginvasive weeds and planting local indigenous vegetation along the Clifton Springs and Curlewisforeshore.

AcrosstheBellarinewearehometomany ’citizen scientists’ – members of the public who voluntarily contribute to scientific research.Itisfantastictoseetheirimportant effortsinvestedinandrecognised.

The Brainary is drawing together volunteers for its TinyFarms, Big Impact

project, engaging citizen scientists for a studyinclimateresilience.

Volunteers will plant and track endangered local plant species within TinyFarms – miniature greenhouse structuresthatcansimulatefutureclimate change.

Participants will conduct growth-review workshopstohelpdeterminethefeasibility of these plants based on future increasing temperatures.

It’s a fantastic collaboration between STEMeducationandourlocalsustainability enthusiasts and volunteers, and I’m very eagertoseetheoutcome.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2026 Community Grants celebration, where I met with this year’s recipients. Hearing their passion and commitment to protecting our environment really underscored the incredible depth of talent and dedication we have right here in our backyard.

By investing in these grassroots ideas today, we are ensuring that our natural landscapesremainvibrantandresilientfor generationstocome.

Ifyou’repassionateaboutcommunity-led solutions for a thriving and sustainable future, be sure to head along to the One Planet Festival at Ocean Grove Park on 28 March.

This vibrant celebration, hosted by Parents for Climate, boasts hands on workshops, engaging talks and inspiring performancessuitableforpeopleofallages. ParentsforClimateareseekingvolunteers to support on the day. To get involved in this fantastic community event visit oneplanetfest.com.au/get-involved

Club strikes the right chord after a decade of making music

Ocean Grove Chord Club began playing music together in February 2016 and 10 years later, a small group of retired people are continuing to play varied instruments.

Members of the group come and go, but thenumbershoveraround20,whoperform songs and the occasional instrumental.

Each member has the option of adding a new song to the repertoire each year. Because of this, the club plays and sings all sorts of genres.

“Mainly guitars, but we had keyboards, banjos, ukuleles, violins, harmonicas and mandolins, too,” club coordinator Jac Renzenbrink said.

“Playing together and singing was limited during Covid. We stayed safe by

Gordon steps up as Probus president

Gordon King was elected as Combined Probus Club of Queenscliffe president at its 28thAGMrecently.

The club is a vibrant, mixed-gender groupforpeoplelivinginQueenscliff,Point Lonsdaleandsurroundingareas.

Its current activities include regular meetings, lunches, dinners, including walking,craft,moviemorningsandmore.

MrKingsaidhismaingoalsfor2026were to consolidate the hard work done by his predecessors.

“We will look to continue the active programmes established by my predecessors to maintain a viable and exuberantProbusClub,”hesaid.

“WewilldothatbypromotingtheProbus Club and its activities within the local community and care for and support the membersincaseofneed.

“We will maintain a vibrant club and encourage new members to join and enjoy thefriendshipandmostofall,havefun.”

Along with Mr King as president, the new committee comprises Malcolm Gould (secretaryandwalkinggroup),AlanMaloney (treasurer), Sandra Gould (vice-president), Marilyn Brown (immediate past president), Cheryl Hawkridge (membership), Alison Fielding (welfare), Barry Hawkridge (guest speakers), Maria Day (club speakers) and MareeGallagher(bulletin).

The club meets on the first Monday of each month at 9.45am at Point Lonsdale BowlsClubandnewmembersarewelcome. Email secretary@queenscliffeprobus.org. auformoreinformation.

playing music with masks on at Ocean Grove Park.

“At one stage we had the use of the Bellarine Church of Christ because the

room was much bigger and thus safer.

“We are looking forward to our next 10 years, meeting seniors (Ocean Grove Senior Citizens), who have really looked

after us, providing a comfortable space. Who knows what songs we will be singing in the future.”

The club meets weekly at 4pm on Wednesday afternoons at Ocean Grove Senior Citizens, 101 The Terrace.

“The songs change with new choices coming in,” Mr Renzenbrink said.

“From folk songs at our beginning we now do our fair share of rock. It turns out that singing with friends, and playing musical instruments is a genuine mood lifter.

“And that is why we can see another 10 years playing coming up.”

For more information, go to Chord Club Ocean Grove on Facebook.

Enjoy a rare musical gem

One of the greatest ever, yet rarely seen, early musical comedies makes its way to theBellarinethisweekend.

Featuring stunning costumes, beautiful set designs and masterful score, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria’s (GSOV) The Arcadians will bring whimsy and wonder to Queenscliff Town Hall on Sunday 22 March.

Held up by many theatre historians as one of the finest examples of Edwardian musical comedy, the work tells the story of philandering English restaurateur James Smith and his fateful encounter with the faefolkofArcadia.

After crash landing his plane in the mystical land, Smith stuns the innocent localswithconceptsofmodernlife,suchas deception,vice,workanddebt.

The Arcadians resolve to take a transformed Smith back to London and convert the miserable city-dwellers to a more simple way of life. with predictably hilariousresults.

Originally staged in London in 1909 and running for 809 performances, the work

was praised at the time for its original writingandqualityscore.

Co-director Robert Ray said musically, TheArcadianswas“superb”.

“I always class something as a masterpiece when every song is a hit, and inTheArcadianseverysinglesongisahit,” hesaid.

“There are elements, when depicting the Arcadians in music, that are very operatic, towards Gilbert and Sullivan. And when the music depicts Londoners it’s much more toward musical comedy, even music hall.

“It’s one of those marvellous combinations that worked then, and still workstoday.”

Ray was responsible for revitalising The Arcadians in 2010, when GSOV

commissionedanewbookfromplaywright Melvyn Morrow for a production of the work in Melbourne. It was then requested foratouroftheUKin2011,whereitwasthe surprise hit of the International Gilbert & SullivanFestival.

“The most often-repeated comment we hear is, ‘why don’t we know about this show?’,”Raysaid.

“The finale song is called Truth Is So Beautiful, ‘if only people would believe it’, andthat’sverytimelytoday.

“It’s the best British musical produced before Lionel Bart’s Oliver, it’s that good, so those that come along are in for a wonderfultreat.”

Visit gsov.org.au for more information. Tickets are on sale at trybooking.com/ DGNJUoratthedoor.

Quartet premieres new work at Sacred Heart College

One of Australia’s leading chamber ensembles will perform a newly-commissioned work by Finnish composerOlliMustoneninGeelong.

PresentedbytheGeelongChamberMusic Society, the internationally acclaimed Flinders Quartet will perform Mustonen’s String Quartet No.2 on Friday 27 March at SacredHeartCollege’sMcAuleyHall.

Having co-commissioned the work in partnership with violin virtuoso Daniel Rowland and the Netherlands’ Stift InternationalMusicFestival,theMelbourne quartet’s Geelong date will be the first performance of the piece in the southern hemisphere.

The work will be performed alongside Voces Intimae by Finland’s greatest ever composerJeanSibelius,anearlyBeethoven stringquartetandcontemporaryAustralian composerHollyHarrison’sSwoop.

Flinders Quartet cellist and founder Zoe Knighton said the program offered a “balanceoffire,andcontemplation”.

“The Finnish people are incredibly thoughtful; they’re not afraid of silence,” shesaid.“Sothere’sacontemplativenature about the program alongside, I don’t know if you’d say ferocity, but a real energy and buzz.”

Knighton said the idea of commissioning a work from Mustonen first came up some

years ago when the quartet, renowned for their commitment to new music, did some “Utopian, blue sky thinking” about what composerstheymightapproach.

“OlliMustonenisakindofroyaltyinterms ofthechambermusicworld,oneofthemost revered composers internationally…so he wastopofthelist,”shesaid.

“Forustobeatthepointnow,wherewe’re about to premiere this piece, it’s actually a bitsurreal,tobehonest.

“Itisourhopethatwecanprovidepeople with a vivid musical experience they can holdontoforaslongaspossible.”

Visit geelongchamber.org for tickets and moreinformation.

Nature walks prove fruitful

I have had a few walks at Ocean Grove NatureReserveandsawasacredkingfisher and a few white-naped honeyeaters along with a pair of rufous whistlers and a dusky woodswallow.

I also took a walk around Blue Waters Laketotryandspotthegreygoshawk(white morph)thathasbeenhangingaroundandI sawthisbeautifulbird,butfromadistance, somyphotoswerenotgood.

Thegoshawkwasbeingconstantlyhassled by noisy miners and Australian magpies, so it was shifting position constantly. I suppose these birds get used to being chased and harassed by smaller birds, just like wedge-tailed eagles are always being pursuedinflightbysmallerbirds.

The water quality at Blue Waters Lake is dreadful, as the blue-green algae is totally dire.Thelakecouldcertainlybenefitfroma large downpour of rain. Feeding waterfowl withbreadcontributestopoorwaterquality anditwouldbegreatifpeopledidn’tdothis atthelake.

I went to Eynesbury, near Melton, with my birdwatching friend Pete and we saw around 50 species, including brown treecreepers,twofan-tailedcuckoos,aflock of zebra finch, and a new bird for me, two speckled warblers. There were three little eaglesaswell.

This area is certainly getting developed and housing estates are encroaching on the forest of Eynesbury, so I hope that the forest area that we walked through is lookedafter.

There was recent good news regarding the local hooded plover population with two successful fledglings near Turtle Rock on Collendina beach. There is one other hatchling near Turtle Rock that is due to fledge in the next week. Congratulations tothevolunteerswhohelpraiseawareness to the public about these birds. These fledglings are the first for the breeding

season despite many nesting attempts by the pairs of hooded plovers that inhabit ourbeaches.It’sgreattoseesomebreeding success.

I received a message a few weeks ago fromHeather,wholivesinWallington.She noticedanunusualblackandwhitebirdin her garden that resembled a magpie-lark. She sent me a photo and the brown bird it wasonthegroundwith.

I was happy to identify both these birds as a male and female white-winged triller. These birds move south in the breeding season from northern regions of Australia

andthenreturnnorthintheautumn. I received an email from Kevin, who with his wife Anne Maree, took a drive to Inverleigh. They ventured out along the Inverleigh-Teesdale Road to a small creek crossingatthejunctionofDelahuntyRoad, where they heard and caught fleeting glances of some grey fantails, willie wagtails and a white-plumed honeyeater before a restless flycatcher belied its name andperchedobliginglyforafewphotos. I was thrilled to receive Kevin’s photo and observation as I haven’t seen many flycatchersaroundthisareaforalongtime.

DINING

Bellarine seafood offers a delicious taste of the coastline

The Bellarine Peninsula is renowned not only for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere but also for its exceptional seafoodofferings.

The region’s proximity to the Southern Ocean and its numerous bays make it an ideal location for sourcing fresh, high-quality seafood. Bellarine seafood is a delight for food enthusiasts, offering a range of fresh catches that showcase the bestoftheocean’sbounty.

Local specialties

Bellarineseafoodfeaturesavarietyoffresh, sustainablysourcedspecies,including:

Flathead: A mild, tender fish, flathead is popular for its sweet taste and delicate texture. It is often served battered or grilled, and it is a favourite choice in local fishandchipsshops.

King George whiting: Known for its delicate, sweet flavour and fine texture, KingGeorgewhitingisalocaldelicacy.Itis prized for its culinary versatility, whether it’s pan-seared, grilled, or served in a traditionalAustralianfishfry.

Abalone: Found off the Bellarine Peninsula’s rugged coastline, abalone is a luxurious shellfish known for its firm yet tender flesh. It’s often served in gourmet restaurantsorpreparedasaspecialtreat.

Mussels and oysters: The clear waters of theBellarinearehometosomeofthefinest mussels and oysters in the region. These shellfishareharvestedfreshandareperfect for a raw seafood platter or incorporated into various dishes like chowders and pastas. Portarlington is famous for its musselsandevenhasaMusselFestival.

Scallops: Local scallops are often harvested sustainably and are prized for their sweetness. Served seared or in

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

12606035-SN21-23

creamy sauces, they’re another staple of Bellarine’sseafoodofferings.

Sustainable fishing practices

Sustainability is a core value for many seafoodbusinessesintheBellarineregion. With a commitment to protecting local ecosystems and ensuring the long-term viability of marine life, many suppliers follow responsible fishing practices. This includes using sustainable harvesting methods, adhering to catch quotas, and workingwithlocalauthoritiestosafeguard marinehabitats.

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

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

flyingbrickciderco.com.au

12606701-KG21-23

Seafood in the local cuisine Bellarineseafoodplaysacentralroleinthe region’s culinary scene, and you can find a wide array of dishes celebrating the area’s freshest catches. Many seaside restaurants and eateries offer a quintessential coastal dining experience, with seafood platters, grilled fish, and seafood chowders that highlighttheregion’snaturalflavours.

For those looking to enjoy Bellarine seafoodatitsfinest,someofthebestdining spots include cosy cafes along the coast, upscale restaurants with stunning ocean views,andfamily-runfishmarketsoffering

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

freshlycaughtproduce.

Bellarine Peninsula seafood experience

Whether you’re enjoying a casual bite on the beach or dining in a sophisticated restaurant, Bellarine seafood offers an unmatched taste of the ocean. The combination of fresh, locally sourced seafoodandthepicturesquecoastalsetting makes it a must-try for anyone visiting the area.Forbothlocalsandtourists,indulging in Bellarine seafood is more than just a meal,it’sanimmersiveexperienceintothe flavoursofthesea.

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days 1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

Shopping local in Portarlington

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took a stroll down Newcombe Street, Portarlington, on Tuesday 17 March to see who was shopping local.

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.

Geelong Fibre Artists

Tides of Change exhibition, House Gallery, Queenscliff Neighbourhood House, 3 Tobin Avenue, Queenscliff, Monday-Thursday 9.30am-3pm, Friday 9.30am-1pm, Saturday & Sunday & public holidays 11am-4pm, until 12 April. Maggie, 0448 700 890

Soccer Ocean Grove Soccer Club is recruiting players for the Under 15/16 girls team for the upcoming season with free registration for players. Girls turning 14, 15 or 16 this year. Playing kit provided, female coach. Training Wednesdays, 5.30-6.30pm, Shell Road reserve. oceangrovesc@gmail.com

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 March, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben. 0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. This year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers. 0448 391 366

Leopold Book Club

Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm in Leopold. Very friendly group, new members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969

Portarlington playgroup

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

Ocean Grove Library

Wednesday 25 March: book chat Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time

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

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

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

Bellarine Presbyterian Church

Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove 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.

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

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 keep fit and have fun.

Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

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

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

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

Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

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

Chess clubs

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

1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards. Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, Wednesday and Friday, 1-3.15pm.

Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea. 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes. Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm.

Fortnightly

1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456

Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996 or groveseniors101@gmail.com

Bellarine TOWN

Bellarine TOWN Club meets Wednesdays, noon-2pm at Ocean Grove Community Centre, 1 John Dory Drive. Affordable, supportive group for those trying to lose weight. 0478 615 683

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and

friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month. Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club. Raelene, 4244 0376

Springs TOWN

Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. $5 per session, $54 annual fee. Bev, 0421 636 830

Afternoon tea dance

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5. 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members. Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

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

She’ll be apples at the fair

Ocean Grove Primary School hosted its major fundraiser for the year on Saturday 14 March with its popular Apple Fair attracting fairgoers from all over and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take these photographs.

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Daze; stupor (6)

4 A gathering (4-2)

10 Hinge (5)

11 Social exclusion (9)

12 A large group of instrumentalists (9)

13 Strong thread (5)

14 Spice; kick the ball between an opponent’s legs (6)

15 Sole (4)

19 Formerly (4)

20 Movable shelter (6)

24 Stink (5)

25 Painting of the countryside (9)

27 Funeral or burial rites (9)

28 Barack – (5)

29 Burrow (6)

30 Land surrounded by water (6)

DOWN

1 Tropical storms (8)

2 Recommend (8)

3 Reflective road marker (3’1,3)

5 Precisely (7)

6 Inconsequential things (6)

7 Inflated (6)

8 Black deposit (4)

9 Struggles; filters (7)

17 Data about data (8)

18 Desired (2,6)

19 Slanting (7)

21 Traditions (7)

22 Accompany (6)

23 Logic (6)

26 Hatchlings (4)

3

5

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

13 words: Good 20 words: Very good 27 words: Excellent

1 On which fictional planet did Luke Skywalker grow up?

2 Türkiye is bordered by how many countries?

3 The Mona Lisa is painted on a panel of what kind of wood?

4 What is the highest award given at the Cannes Film Festival?

5 The Clean, The Chills and Blam Blam Blam are bands from which country?

6 Which car company makes the models A4, TT and R8?

7 A cruciferous plant has how many petals?

8 Which character does Florence Pugh (pictured) play in the 2021 film Black Widow?

9 Who composed the music for SleepingBeauty and Swan Lake?

10 Which '80s TV series features an alien who lives with a suburban family?

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CONVEYANCING

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DENTAL

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ELECTRICIAN

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FENCING

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

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PLUMBING

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PRESSURE WASHING

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SECURITY DOORS

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SERVICING

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TYRES

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YOGA STUDIO

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Just a question of price

By Chris Riley, Marque

After a string of hybrid and fully-electric vehicles, including a full-blown electric ute, it was kind of refreshing to get behind the wheel of a no-frills turbo-diesel 4x4 ute like they used to make (and obviously still do).

The five-seat Mitsubishi Triton GLX double cab ’Pick Up’ (somewhere along the line they became pickups), in either 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, is just such a beast, complete with good old fashioned steel wheels.

Mitsubishi describes the GLX as everything you want in a tough, reliable and durable ute – whether it’s the 4x2 for workorthe4x4forplay,theywillgetthejob done anytime, every time.

Styling

The entry model to the Triton range retails for $44,090 in two-wheel drive form and $51,440 for the 4x4.

Our test vehicle was the GLX 4x4 double cab, Easy Select low and high range 4WD and all terrain tyres.

Firmly focused on work capability, it’s offered with a voice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Our vehicle was fitted with almost $10,000 worth of accessories, including premium silver paint ($790), soft tonneau ($918), tray liner ($308), bullbar ($3779), snorkel ($1175), under front guard ($422), high-edge rubber mats ($154), plus a tow bar ($1551) with REDARC electric brake controller and harness ($865).

The Terrain pack includes some of these items and saves you $991.

The bullbar completely changes the look of the vehicle.

Vinyl flooring and cloth trim is of course de rigueur, with automatic air conditioning, ceiling mounted rear air circulator and electric lumbar support for the driver.

Entry is keyless but you need to insert the key in the ignition to start the ute, something of a rarity these days.

GLX is however quite sophisticated for an entry level model, with adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limiter, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.

GLX is covered by a 10-year warranty, along with 10 years capped price servicing and 10 years roadside assistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a small rather thin 9.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, including voice control and audio streaming, plus built-in satellite navigation, AM/FM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and generic four-speaker audio.

The instrument cluster is formed by two analogue dials separated by a small digital info panel.

There’s USB A and C ports in the front, along with a 12-volt outlet, with another 12-volt outlet in the rear but no USB.

Safety

Triton was the first dual-cab ute to be awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against the current criteria.

ANCAP notes the Triton demonstrated high levels of protection for occupants in crash tests.

Triton scored 86 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 89 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 73 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 70 per cent for Safety Assist.

It comes with a 360-degree camera and a total of eight airbags, including a centre airbag, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User

and Junction) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed sign recognition system are standard.

Autonomous emergency braking (Backover) is standard on utility variants, but is not available on cab-chassis variants introduced from March 2025.

Two ISOFix and two top tether child seat anchor points are provided in the rear, requiring the seat belt to be threaded through a cloth loop.

But it says installation of child restraints in the centre seating position of the second row in dual cab variants is not recommended as there is no top tether anchorage.

Installation of child restraints in single and club cab variants is not recommended as there are no top tether anchorages.

Child Occupant Protection scores therefore do not apply to the single and club cab variants.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel produces 150kW of power at 3500 rpm and 470Nm of torque from 1500-2750 rpm and in our test vehicle was paired with a six-speed automatic, together with part-time four-wheel drive.

Driving

GLXstandslongandtall,at5320x1795mm, with a 3130mm wheelbase and 12.4-metre turning circle.

Ground clearance is 228mm but without side steps fitted, it can be a challenge to get in and out, especially for small children.

Atleastagrabhandleisprovidedforeach ofthefourdoorstoprovidesomeassistance.

Thehighrideheightalsomakesitdifficult to reach in and fit a child seat, off balance and without any leverage.

The 17-inch steel wheels are shod with chunkier 265/65 series Toyo all-terrain tyres designed for off-road use.

At 30.4 degrees the approach angle is pretty good, but that long tail tends to drag, reducing the exit angle to 22.8 degrees which could present problems.

Drive under normal circumstances is to the rear wheels with the ability to change gears with the shifter and auto engine stop-start to save burning unnecessary fuel.

However, the GLX cannot be driven in four-wheel drive on dry bitumen – it requires some slippage to stop the diff binding.

With a 75-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 7.7L/100km.

There’salsoasecondaryAdBluetankthat needs filling from time to time, but easily accessed sitting side by side with the fuel filler.

In our week behind the wheel the trip computer showed 8.3L/100km after almost 400km of driving, not quite as good as the maker’s claim – but not bad all the same.

Heavydutyrearsuspensionisfitted,with ventilateddiscbrakesatfrontanddrumsat the rear.

As expected, the ride is very much old school given the stiff suspension and unladen mass – bumpy, jiggly and at times shuddery.

Put a bit of weight in the back and it is likely to settle down.

Likewise, we wouldn’t go chucking the ute into any fast corners, but it’s certainly no slouch in traffic, with light easy on the arms steering.

Payload capacity by the way is 1083kg in thisconfiguration,withatubthatmeasures 1555mmx1545mmx526mm,with1135mm between the wheel arches.

Alas, it bucketed down in Sydney during the week we had the Triton and we were unable to take it off road.

But we’ve taken this vehicle off road beforeandcanreportitisaquitecompetent, medium-duty vehicle.

Other points of note include the touchscreen which is really too small to accommodate both overhead and rear camera views at the same time when reversing.

Our major criticism however concerns the horrible, nagging, annoying driver monitoring system which is right up there with anything offered by the Chinese.

Maybe that’s where Mitsu got it?

Summing up

GLX is what it is, a purpose-built work vehicle without any of the fancy stuff found in sports utes.

It’s surprisingly well equipped and presents as a solid, value for money investment at this end of the market.

But many of the features that buyers will be looking for remain accessories, so the sticker price is somewhat misleading.

The main problem is that the same figure buys you a larger chunk of a Chinese ute and this is probably the main reason the Triton carries a 10-year warranty, provided you get the car serviced with Mitsubishi.

Banno into mixed GF

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

It was preliminary final week for most Tennis Geelong Senior Pennant sections, and after a week off, all teams were keen to hitthecourt.

Bannockburn earnt a rematch against Grovedale in Mixed 1 with a win against Moriac.

Banno started strongly, winning the first two mixed and won 4-2 with Bridget Le Maitreleadingtheway.

Moolap also started well in Mixed 2, winning the first two mixed in their match againstminorpremiersGrovedaleBlack.

Grovedale matched them in the doubles and reverse mixed, but that wasn’t enough, with Moolap ahead 4-2, spearheaded by three-setwinnerAmyKuskunovic.

Mixed 4 followed the 4-2 trend with Moriac taking their first two sets against Surfcoast,whodidn’tmakethemostoftheir double chance, also going out in straight sets.

Despite finishing lower on the ladder, Mixed 3’s Wandana Heights followed up a 5-1 win over St Mary’s in Round 13, going onebettertotakeacleansweepthisweek.

Mixed 5, 6 and 7 were in their first week of finals and were all in sudden death. All butonewentthewayofladderpositionwith DionD’Souza’sthreesetshelpingNewcomb to a 4-2 win over Wandana Heights, Moriac havingasecondgrandfinalistalsowinning 4-2overLara.

Winchlesea and Wandana Heights had convincing wins over Drysdale 5-1 and Clifton Springs 6-0 in Mixed 7 while the Springs produced a 5-1 win over Ocean GroveBlueinMixed6.

The one upset was Ocean Grove White winning their first of four attempts against minor premiers Wandana Heights 4-2, led byJustinOlmsteadwithhisthreesets.

Western Heights Uniting had mixed results in Mens 1 and 2 with Highton Blue getting another crack at Newcomb (M1) winning 5-1 while Bannockburn (M2) bowed out with the Heights winning on games.

Highton and Ocean Grove White: (back) Dean Lehmann, Dean Montgomery, Jenny Denouden, Katie Hayes, Lizzie Hernandez Arenas, Sarah Shan, (front) Andrea Ficca, Mateo Carrington, Siddarth Sivanesan. (Pictures: Supplied)

It was the semi-finals for Open 8 and the two matches were polar opposites. All Saints won 4-0 over Waurn Ponds while HightonBluetiedonrubbers.

Bannockburn had a two-game lead after the first two rubbers, but with Highton winning the second set of the reverse doubles to force Bannockburn to a super tie-break, they had the advantage on sets at 2-all with Sara Chol involved in both wins. It was a similar story for Highton in Open 7 where they split the first two rubbers with Ocean Grove White. From there Andre Ficca won his second straight set rubber in the singles and the Grove’s Dean Montgomery teamed with Jenny Denouden to do the same in the doubles to tie the match. Siddarth Sivanesan pushed Montgomerytoasupertie-breakinthefirst singles which proved the difference giving Highton the win.

Surfcoast Torquay and Lara were tied on rubbers, sets and games in Open 4 and Sienna Clatworthy took the first set in the singles for Surfcoast. Lara’s Sam Caddy and Streicher Jansen van Vuren won the first doublesandClatworthyfinishedthematch with a straight-sets win.

Juniors to play grand finals

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Ninety teams from 21 clubs participated in this week’s Tennis Geelong Junior Pennant finals with grand finals to be played this weekend.

Hamlyn Park went three for three with wins in Premier Boys and both teams gettingthroughinGreenBall4toguarantee a premiership for the club. Drysdale’s consistencyprovedthedifferenceinGirls3, their only match for the day, and Inverleigh made the most of their one opportunity in Boys 11 and will face Barwon Heads after they snuck through in the second final. Even closer was the Heads’ Green Ball 1 team with a win by one game over Lara White.

Lara went two from five, with minor premiers Boys 10 winning 4-2 and Boys 5 getting through by seven games.

Western Heights Uniting, Moriac, Point Lonsdale and Leopold were unable to register a win, although the combined Leopold/Moolap Boys 7 team kept their season alive with a 5-1 win over St Mary’s. St Mary’s were two from four, although both wins were nailbiters going to deciding sets. Isla Eslick and Emily Cowled got them over the line 6-0 in the decider of Girls 3 while Harrison Thwaites and Nell Baird won 6-1 to do the same for Green Ball 3. Clifton Springs also managed two wins

Clifton Springs and Wandana White: (back) Jacinta Smith, Jenny Ealey, Jackie Fletcher, Adam Wightwick, Maris Ruzzler, (front) Craig Smith, Anneliese Walsh, Olivia Smith, Melissa Smith, Mark Walsh.

Surfcoast’s Tegan Marshall and Laura Rogers won the second set and the super tie-break to win 3-1.

In Open 3, Grovedale Black had a mammoth battle with Barwon Heads to win3-1withthreerubbersdecidedinsuper tie-breaks as did Moolap over Highton in Open 2.

Moolap’s Open 4 team went down to Ocean Grove Blue and was held to 14 games.

Highton had its third win for the day in Open 3 coming from behind against Ocean Grove. The Grove won the first two rubbers in super tie-breaks, but Corey Hird got through in the reverse singles 6-4, 7-6 while Brant Mitchell and Peter Duxson cleaned up in the doubles 6-2, 6-0 to put Highton ahead on sets with the match tied on rubbers.

Highton hosted Newcomb in Open 1 and Taj Cayzer took the singles for Newcomb 6-4, 7-5, while Highton’s Jamie Heaton and Derek Dobson came back to win the doubles 2-6, 6-2, 10-8. Heaton followed up in the reverse singles 7-6, 6-3, but Cayzer and Lachie Hewitt won the doubles to put the side through to next week.

this weekend

fromfourwiththeirGirls4andGreenBall8 going through to next week.

All Saints had Green Ball 5 keep them in the hunt as Boys 4 did for Bannockburn and Girls 6 for Meredith while Surfcoast struggled with just one win from four matches, with Girls 1 the only success.

Of the bigger participants on the day, Geelong Lawn had seven teams playing, but the Girls in Premier and Section 5 were the standouts going through to next week.

Grovedale would have hoped for better with nine teams still playing, but onlythe

Big wins to Heads and Ocean Grove

Barwon Heads willmeetOcean Grove in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association B1 Grade grand final after both sides had comfortable wins in their respective semi-finals on Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March.

Barwon Heads had an early fright againstArmstrongCreek,slumpingto 6/64 with Ryan Stoneley (4/37 from 25 overs)bowlingwell.

A 97-run stand between Jason Borg (57) and Luke Schilling (34) got the totaluptoarespectable191.

The Seagulls dominated on day two with Borg (3/5), Charlie Cox (3/14), Josh High (2/14) and Schilling (2/15) running rampant, bowling the Titans outfor50.

Bailey LeMaistre (4/23 from 19.2 overs) and captain Billy Foord-Engelsman (3/32 from 22) were the architects of Ocean Grove’s day one bowling effort, getting Jan Juc all out for 124 with Sharks captain AndrewKentmaking57.

The Grubbers got the runs five wickets down with Ben Hanson (52 notout)topscoring.

In B2 Grade, Drysdale was disqualified for playing an ineligible playerdespitedefeatingInverleigh.

Jonathan Richards made 66 of Drysdale’s 112 all out and Noah Innes (3/6) and Xavier Jetson (3/14) then helped bowl out the Kookaburras for 79.

Inverleigh will play Surf Coast in the grand final after the Suns won a thrilleragainstQueenscliff.SurfCoast made 126, but then bowled out the Coutasfor122ondaytwo.

Barwon Heads and Barrabool will meetintheCGradefinal.

TheSeagullscompiled9/263against Armstrong Creek with Alex Joyce (89), Brad Fleet (67) and young gun Elliott Gill(40)gettingruns.

After losing an early wicket on day two, the Titans were steadied by captain Cameron McPherson (42) and Trevor Piera. Piera belted 100 from 92 balls and hit nine fours and seven sixes, but once they departed, Harvey Griggs (5/33) started to get on top and theTitanswerebowledoutfor193.

BoysinSections2,5and10weresuccessful. OceanGrovealsohadnineteamsplaying, but had a much better success rate with five teams winning. Girls 1 had the best result winning 6-0, while Boys 1 and 9 took early leads in the singles before winning 4-2, and Boys 3 and Green Ball 2 showed how important good doubles play is, winning both doubles to secure their 4-2 wins.

Highton would be reasonably happy with six of 10 teams progressing. Boys 2 and 7 along with Girls 5 and Green Ball 6 and 7 teamsposting5-1winswhileBoys9scraped through by four games after Geelong Lawn mounted a comeback to win both doubles to level the sets, but fall short on games.

Wandana Heights had the most teams and produced the most wins although it could have been a very different story. Girls 2 and Green Ball 5 Blue marched into next week with 6-0 wins, with Green Ball 1 and 3 not far behind with 5-1 wins. Boys 4 won foursetsintheirsix-setmatch,buthadtogo toaseventhsettogetthefourth,withteams tied on sets and games.

Vivian Bhardwaj and Danny Hamoody were a dominant pair in the Boys, taking their decider 6-0 to defeat Grovedale while Eva Siljac and Maggie Collins backed up their win in the first doubles to win their set 6-1 over Barwon Heads. The final wrap up for Wandana was seven wins from 10 attempts.

Barrabool caused a minor upset by beating Ocean Grove in the other semi.

Greg Scarpa again made runs for the Grubbers with 47, but a final total of 9/141 was well short. Nelson Gnaccarini’s30oversnettedhim5/59.

The Bulls chased down the target with the loss of three wickets with Henry Elliss (67 not out) playing well while Robbie Rutley (3/43) couldn’t havedonemuchmoreforGrove.

Collendina and Jan Juc will meet in the D Grade divisional final. Peter Macdonald made a 59-ball 70 for the Sharks against Barwon Heads while Collendina defeated Queenscliff with Matt Pitfield (4/26) starring with the ball.

Gulls vs Coutas grand final

Barwon Heads will meet Queenscliff in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade grand final this weekend and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at RT Fuller Oval on Saturday 14 March to see the Heads march into the decider at home with a semi-final win against Anglesea.

Seagulls march on

By Justin Flynn

Barwon Heads is one win away from an undefeated season when it takes on Queenscliff in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade final on Saturday and Sunday.

The Seagulls put in another clinical display in the semi-final, defeating Anglesea by six wickets at RT Fuller Oval while the in-form Coutas knocked off Barrabool by four wickets at the Couta bowl in Queenscliff

Anglesea won the toss and batted first, but ran into a relentless Barwon Heads attack.

Ash Poulton dug in with 36 from 159 deliveriesandSamWeightcounterattacked with 34 from 42, but left-arm quick Sema Kamea (4/26) did the damage early and then spin took over.

Apart from the talented Weight, scoring was already difficult and it became even tougher with skipper Daniel Donaldson’s leg-spinners and left-arm orthodox bowler Sam Schaller settling into a rhythm. Young leggie Angus Mackie was called upon and also dried up the scoring.

Jaron Lengyel played the patience game with 19 from 85 deliveries, but couldn’t break free from the tight grip the Heads had.

The Seas were dismissed for 124 in the 68th over with Donaldson (1/28 from 22 overs),Schaller(2/16from12.5)andMackie (1/14 from 10) stepping up after Kamea set the tone.

The Seagulls had four overs to negotiate before stumps, but emerged unscathed.

On day two, it was Anglesea’s turn to stem the flow of runs, but not from the bat of Lewy Hyland. The right-hander was threatening to take the game away and made 60 of his side’s 81 runs when he was dismissed.

At 4/86 Anglesea was still a chance and set a ring field while bowling full and at the stumps. Brothers Ky and Tom Eskrigge executedtheplanbrilliantlyandconceded just 35 runs from a combined 22 overs. Donaldson and Jacko Mallett realised the situation and took no risks, inching towards the target slowly, but resolutely. Donaldson would end unbeaten on 38 from 138 deliveries while Mallett was on 16 from 61, but importantly, the Seagulls got home.

It is fitting that the only team genuinely capable of an upset this weekend made it through. Since losing its first three games

of the season this Queenscliff side is playing superb cricket.

Barrabool won the toss and batted first, but was in trouble at 5/33 and then 6/78 when captain Michael Kelson fell for 35 from 101 balls.

Skipper Hayden Illingworth’s preference to rotate between four bowlers worked again as Tom Kidd took the first three wickets and Jordan Monahan applied pressure from the other end.

All-rounder James Jirik and Archer Jaques went to work, resurrecting the innings with a 70-run stand before Jaques hit out and was caught in the deep for 22.

Monahan removed Jirik soon after for a well made 63 and Barrabool ended the day all out for a competitive 171.

Monahansentdown30overs,12ofwhich were maidens, for the outstanding figures of 5/63 while Kidd took 3/35 from 19 overs.

On day two, Lachie Kidd got Queenscliff offtoaquickstartwith28from24ballsand Frank Mileto (19) dug in.

Opener Lochie Philip was set for a big oneandat3/94,theCoutaswereontop,but still with much work to do.

Illingworth joined Philp in the middle and together they showed great discipline during a 63-run stand that was ended when Philp slashed at a James Fisher (1/38 from 20 overs) delivery and was caught on the off-side by Lachie Snaith for a well-constructed 83 from 150 balls.

Although the Coutas lost two more wickets, including that of Illingworth for an underrated 23 from 76, Barrabool couldn’t cause a catastrophic collapse to win the game.

Underdogs advance to BPCA A2 Grade final

By Justin Flynn

What a difference a couple of weeks make in local cricket.

Rewind to last Saturday and Winchelsea was outside the BPCA A2 Grade four having been on top of the ladder at the Christmas break.

The Kookaburras hadn’t won in 2026 in a disastrous second half of the season, but they knocked off second placed Wallington in the final round to keep their campaign alive.

They then defeated minor premiers Ocean Grove in the semi-final and now find themselves in a grand final.

Rewind even further and Collendina was languishing near the foot of the table, out of form and totally down on confidence.

WinsagainstNewcombandSurfCoastin rounds 12 and 13 were expected, although not a formality, and in a final-round surprise, the Cobras rolled top side Ocean Grove to finish in third spot.

Theyfrontedupfortheirsemiagainstan out of form Wallington and marched into the decider on a wave of momentum.

So it’s third vs fourth in the big one. It might seem a touch anticlimactic, but it’s absolutely not. Both these sides are capable of playing excellent cricket. It just hasn’t come as consistently as either would have liked - until now.

TLDR? Both teams have rediscovered their mojo just in time.

Once again it was left-arm spinner Stan Grazotis (3/26 from 20 overs) and Corey Walter (2/25 from 18.1) who delivered for Collendina, but they were assisted by young quick Zach Muir (2/16 from 14) and Jack Every (1/5 from seven) to have Wallington all out for 89 in the 65th over. No Wallington batter could score at a decent rate as the Cobras took command of the innings.

The Wallabies had seven overs to bowl before stumps to make inroads, but Collendina went into day two with all 10 wickets intact. At 2/16, the game was still alive, but Walter and Oliver Terhorst stayed patient. Terhorst departed at 3/53 and it became 4/55 when Walter was out soon after for a gritty 24 from 96 deliveries. Suddenly another 35 runs seemed a long way off, but Grazotis and Nathan Frye added 20 precious runs before Frye departed with the score at 5/75.

HarrisynWingravethenmadeavaluable 6 not out from 10 balls and Grazotis was there at the end on 15 from 28 and the Snakes marched into the decider with five wickets intact.

It was a similar story in the other semi, with Ocean Grove crawling to 80 all out in

BPCA finals

Saturday 14 March & Sunday 15

March

SEMI-FINALS

A1 Grade

Barwon Heads 4/125 (L. Hyland 60, D. Donaldson 38no, K. Eskrigge 2/22) def Anglesea 124 (A. Poulton 36, S. Weight 34, S. Kamea 4/26, S. Schaller 2/16)

Queenscliff 6/174 (L. Philp 83, L. Kidd 28, H. Illingworth 23) def Barrabool 171 (J. Jirik 63, M. Kelson 35, J. Monahan 5/63, T. Kidd 3/35)

A2 Grade

Collendina 5/91 (C. Walter 24, S. Biemans 2/10, C. Smith 2/33) def Wallington 89 (S. Grazotis 3/26, Z. Muir 2/16, C. Walter 2/25) Winchelsea 4/84 (J. Groves 24no, A. Leigh 23, A. Mann 3/41) def Ocean Grove 80 (J. Groves 5/29, S. Murdoch 3/12)

B1 Grade

Barwon Heads 191 (J. Borg 57, L. Schilling 34, A. Santilli 25, R. Stoneley 4/37, J. Balzan 3/51) def Armstrong Creek 50 (J. Borg 3/5, C. Cox 3/14, J. High 2/14, L. Schilling 2/15)

Ocean Grove 5/127 (B. Hanson 52no, J. Kent 22, H. Harris 3/41) def Jan Juc 124 (A. Kent 57, I. Lygo 27, B. LeMaistre 4/23, B. Foord-Engelsman 3/32)

B2 Grade

Surf Coast 126 (S. Deol 38, M. Loader 25, M. Washford 3/31) def Queenscliff 122 (T. Smith 26, S. Singh 4/27, M. Pularkalayil Mathew 4/47)

Drysdale 112 (J. Richards 66, M. Carr 3/21) def Inverleigh 79 (C. Bishop 31, N. Innes 3/6, X. Jetson 3/14)

C Grade

Barrabool 3/145 (H. Elliss 67no, A. Scaddan 35, H. Maloney 29no, R. Rutley 3/43) def Ocean Grove 9/141 (G. Scarpa 47, N. Gnaccarini 5/59) Barwon Heads 9/273 (A. Joyce 87, B. Fleet 67, E. Gill 40, B. McCredden 33, S. Baumann 4/66) def Armstrong Creek 193 (T. Piera 100, C. McPherson 42, S. Baumann 23, H. Griggs 5/33, M. Moulton 2/27)

D Grade

Jan Juc 3/206 (P. Macdonald 70, C. Huxtable 54no, M. Colvin 41no) def Barwon Heads 169 (C. Jackson 33, J. Roche 32, C. McCallum 3/23) Collendina 7/154 (J. Hearps 29) def Queenscliff 131 (K. Krusic-Golub 26, M. Pitfield 4/26, S. Cashin 3/33)

GRAND FINALS

Saturday 21 March & Sunday 22 March, 1pm

the 66th over.

Winchelsea seamer Jarrod Groves continued his blistering form with 5/29 from a remarkable 28 overs and has 28 wickets this season while skipper Shane Murdoch took 3/12 from as many overs and Ricci Sauni conceded just 24 from 18.

Like Collendina, the Kookaburras had a nervous few overs to survive before the end of play, but went into the following day none down with 14 wiped off the total.

When play resumed on Sunday, Angus Leighbattedwelltomake23from32balls, but when Grove leg-spinner Alex Mann tookhisthirdwicket,Winchelseawas4/48 and the Grubbers had a sniff Groves (24 not out) had other ideas and with assistance from Mark Simons (13 not out), brought up the winning runs.

A1 Grade: Barwon Heads vs Queenscliff at RT Fuller Oval, Barwon Heads

A2 Grade: Collendina vs Winchelsea at Memorial Reserve, Ocean Grove

B1 Grade: Barwon Heads vs Ocean Grove at Armstrong Creek Sporting Precinct No 1

B2 Grade: Inverleigh vs Surf Coast at Inverleigh Recreation Reserve

C Grade: Barwon Heads vs Barrabool at Armstrong Creek Sporting Precinct No 2

Saturday 21 March

D Grade: Collendina vs Jan Juc at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove

Premiership joy for Grove

Ocean Grove prevailed over Queenscliff in a keenly fought Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final at Belmont on Sunday 8 March and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to capture some of the late action.

Grovers go back to back

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove pulled away from a spirited Queenscliff to win yet another Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant premiership,makingitbacktobackflagsat Belmont on Sunday 8 March.

Since the pandemic, the Grovers have wonfourofthepastfivepremierships,with a one-shot loss to Highton in 2023/24 the only blemish.

Queenscliff started the better of the two sides and showed few nerves, getting out to an 18-12 lead after 19 ends.

Mitch Hocking’s rink of Craig Heard, Jackson Mahoney and Jackson Reilly was well on top of Peter Loe, Craig Rippon, Andrew Forster and Josh Rudd, leading 12-0 and then 15-1.

However, Ocean Grove was in command on rink 4 with skip Tyson Cromie, lead Jen LeCerf,secondMaxRowleyandthirdTony Joel dominating Ben Russell, Matthew Speed, Wayne Macleod and Nathan Dixon with a 13-0 head start.

On the two other rinks, it was much closer.

Queenscliff’s Ray Butler, Wayne Visser, Adam Green and Riley Cameron were locked in a massive battle against Matt Flapper, Hayley O’Reilly, Wayne Frith and Zac Abro with the lead changing several times throughout the match and never more than a few shots in it.

BradPaveyhadonlylostoncethisseason, but his trio of Robyn Hunt, Chris Burrell and Chris Price were being challenged by Steve Sullivan, Richie McGovern, Barry Gladman and Seb Monahan.

Geelong Bowls Region Grand Finals

SUNDAY 8 MARCH

Players named in order of skip, lead, second, third.

Premier Pennant - Ocean Grove 89 def Queenscliff 68: Matt Flapper, Hayley O’Reilly, Wayne Frith, Zac Abro 16 def Ray Butler, Wayne Visser, Adam Green, Riley Cameron 14; Bradley Pavey, Robyn Hunt, Chris Burrell, Chris Price 27 def Steve Sullivan, Richie McGovern, Barry Gladman, Seb Monahan 10; Peter Loe, Craig Rippon, Andrew Forster, Josh Rudd 22 def by Mitchell Hocking, Craig Heard, Jackson Mahoney, Jackson Reilly 24; Tyson Cromie, Jen Le Cerf, Max Rowley, Tony Joel 24 def Ben Russell, Matthew Speed, Wayne Macleod, Nathan Dixon 20.

Suddenly the two lopsided rinks started to turn around. Loe began to win precious shots, as did Russell to reverse their early jitters.

Pavey got out to a four-shot lead after 11 ends, but Russell jagged back six shots to reduce his deficit to nine against Cromie.

Meanwhile Loe’s rink was mounting a challenge of its own, clawing back to 10-20 after 13 ends.

With the score at 40 apiece after 47 ends, the crowd was being treated to a superb match and the Grovers made their move.

Pavey got six up and with Price, who was now playing some fantastic bowls, got another shot after an umpire’s call.

Flapper and Russell were going shot for shot and Hocking regained some momentum with two on the 15th end.

O’Reilly, Frith and Abro started the 14th end brilliantly and held four shots, but Russell came up with a clutch bowl to take the end by one.

Ocean Grove then clicked up a gear with Cromie picking up five on the 15th while Loe killed the end with Hocking three up and Pavey added two more shots to the total.

The Flapper-Butler seesaw continued with Butler winning three consecutive ends.

Grove led by 11 after 66 ends and Loe’s resurgence continued, inching to within eight of Hocking.

With Grove ahead 72-55 after 71 ends, Queenscliff needed something special, but Loe picked up another three to trail by just five and an animated Pavey won his end by one to lead by 11.

The Coutas weren’t giving in though, with Russell and Hocking reducing the margin to 11 with seven ends remaining.

Flapper inched past Russell 16-14 after 21 ends while Loe’s comeback was instrumental to the overall result, coming from 14 down to take 21 of the next 30 shots, and picking up four on the 21st end, to go down 22-24 to Hocking.

Russell’s comeback was just as impressive, downed 20-24 by Cromie, while Pavey pulled away from Sullivan to win 27-10 after a massive match in which the Queenscliff quartet could hold their heads high.

An 89 to 68 overall result probably didn’t tell the full story.

Ocean Grove’s grand final experience allowed it to steady and power through the final 30 ends while Queenscliff’s inexperience was perhaps telling.

The Coutas will be hungrier next season and now have that grand final experience to draw on and are expected to challenge again.

You’d be a fool to think Ocean Grove will drop off and with its Division 1 side victorious, will field two teams in the top flight in 2026/27.

OceanGrovemadeitadoublecelebration with a nail-biting Division 1 win against City of Geelong.

Grovelookedhomelateinthegameafter an entertaining encounter that had several lead changes throughout.

City picked up five shots late on one rink and led by two in the final stages, but Grove steadied and won 82 to 79 in a match worthy of a Premier Pennant grand final.

Division 1 - Ocean Grove 82 def City of Geelong 79: Alan Drury, Brian Boyle, Paul Entwhistle, Cheyne Verrier 25 def Nicholas Craven, Helen Boult, Kerry Gooley, Lionel Harvey 11; Michael West, Thomas Warren, Casper John, Jason Bertrand 18 def by John Shell, Neil Robinson, Sarah Ashby, Mathew Nitchie 36; Owen Clark, Mia O’Reilly, Terence Brady, Rod Brehaut 23 def Sandra Tillson, Ronald Sutherland, Stephen Somerton, David Vogele 12; Simon Avery, Dylan Ryan, Daniel Henery, Alan Callow 16 def by Jayden Wombell, Gavin Lane, Ned Trease-Gordon, David Wombell 20.

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Skips named from Division 2 onwards. Division 2 - Belmont 79 def Ocean Grove 70: J. Reed 16 def by S. Collins 17; R. Stephens 21 def A. Barton 14; A. Gemmill 21 def D. Cottier 14; D. Abramhsen 21 def by B. Smith 25.

Division 3 - City of Geelong 87 def Ocean Grove 61: R. Symons 17 def G. King 12; R. Gray 26 def L. Kirk 20; D. Radoslav 26 def P. Patterson 11; S. Khruapanich 18 tied with M. Allen 18.

Division 4 - Norlane 84 def Geelong RSL 47: J. Ellmer 22 def N. Vivian 12; D. Evans 16 def by B. Jennings 18; F. Tarr 23 def W. Smith 9; J. Hargreaves 23 def J. Southern 8.

Division 5 - Barwon Heads 103 def Torquay 62: A. Prosser 13 def by C. Lawler 20; G. Hood 48 def B. Gaudion 6; I. Duthie 23 def G. Wakefield 20; A. Duthie 19 def M. Wake 16.

Division 6 - Torquay 80 def Geelong 70: J. Pryor 17 tied with R. Russell 17; G. Williams 15 def by F. Wheat 26; M. Slater 21 def R. West 11; D. Burns 27 def K. Francis 16.

Division 7 - Ocean Grove 87 def Anglesea 77: W. McKelvie 20 def by C. Bird 28; D. Stephenson 18 def D. Winchester 10; J. Rogan 15 def by A. Stephen 25; L. Wilkinson 34 def W. Smith 14.

Division 8 - Torquay 76 def Drysdale 67: P. Loeliger 29 def M. Reing 9; B. Ryan 17 def S. Jeffs 14; P. Phillips 18 def by T. Hawking 23; R. Tapping 12 def by A. Hayes 21.

Division 9 - Point Lonsdale 59 def Bell Post Hill 50: K. Lyons 15 def by G. Lamb 20; T. Wood 24 def A. Barrett 13; I. Curtis 20 def D. Hodges 20.

Division 10 - City of Geelong 45 def Geelong RSL 28: G. Madley 22 def R. Meeke 17; S. Tillson 23 def D. Wilson 11.