Ocean Grove Voice - 23rd January 2026

Hot rods and bicycles

The Bellarine Peninsula will celebrate two major events next weekend.

The popular Queenscliff Rod Run, hosted by Geelong Street Rodders, is set to cruise into town on 31 January before the Show ‘n’ Shine event at Princess Park on 1 February.

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race kicks off with the women’s Surf Coast Classic on 28 January, followed by the men’s event on 29 January.

Kids, parents and beginners will then embark on a closed 2km circuit along Geelong’s waterfront during the Family Ride on 30 January.

The popular People’s Rides are on 31 January and take in Wallington, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads before heading out to Thirteenth Beach Road.

The women’s road race is after the People’s Rides and it all concludes on 1 February with the men’s road race.

 See page 3 for the Queenscliff Rod Run and turn to page 7 for the Cadel Evans Great Road Race.

Plovers killed

Dog owners could face two years in prison and fork out almost $50,000 in fines if they are found to have contributed to the deaths of four endangered hooded plover chicks at beaches in Ocean Grove and Fairhaven.

The deaths followed community reports of off-leash dogs chasing hooded plover chicks inside an exclusion zone at Ocean Grove on 10 and 18 December last year.

An investigation is also underway into the death of a hooded plover chick after a reported dog attack at Fairhaven.

The deceased chick at Fairhaven was found alongside dog pawprints, human footprints and disturbed sand, directly

under signage stating ‘No Dogs’, inside an exclusion zone.

The chick appeared to have suffered a broken neck and a puncture wound.

Investigatorsarelookingintoareportthat the bird was attacked by a dog just after 10am on 23 December.

Ropedoffexclusionzonesareinplaceat both beaches to protect local populations of the threatened species, but are often ignored.

The Conservation Regulator and Crime Stoppers Victoria are appealing for information.

“The recent dog attacks emphasise how vulnerable and defenceless hooded plover chicks are – they can’t escape from

threats like dogs, as they’re too young to fly,” Conservation Regulator Forest and Wildlife officer Monique Cugliari said.

“We’re appealing for help from the public to identify the owners of these dogs. Significant penalties apply for individuals whose dogs attack or chase hooded plovers.”

The hooded plover’s conservation status in Victoria is listed as ‘vulnerable’ with fewer than 700 birds remaining.

Plover chicks are unable to fly until they are about five-weeks old and are highly vulnerable to dogs, foxes, other birds, high tides and humans. They have a very low survival rate.

Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine

works to protect the ‘hoodies’ between Point Lonsdale and Breamlea during the breeding season from September to April.

Volunteers act as ‘guardians’ on the beach, engaging with the public and a team of volunteers monitor the birds and enterobservationsintoBirdlifeAustralia’s online data portal.

Witnesses to the dog attacks are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report via crimestoppers.vic. gov.au

Under the Wildlife Act 1975, allowing a dog to hunt, take or destroy a threatened species is a crime, with the maximum penalty being two years in prison and a fine of more than $48,800.

Improving regional buses

By Jena Carr

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

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

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

“The regional network review will outline both short and long-term strategic bus networksforGeelong,”shesaid.

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

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

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

Ms Couzens said community consultations would begin in the “coming months” and help to better understand the currentbusnetworkexperienceand“future aspirationsforthenetwork”.

“Geelong has a large bus network includingconnectionstotheSurfCoastand BellarinePeninsula,”shesaid.

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

“At the appropriate time for each community, we will engage residents throughmultiplecommunicationpathways

Hot rods roar to life as run hits Queenscliff

By Jena Carr

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

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

Geelong Street Rodders committee

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

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

“My favourite part about classic cars and hotrodsisthepeoplewhousetheirartistic flair on them and make them their own throughpersonaltouchesinthebuild.

“I like what people’s personal touches

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

LionsClubofQueenscliff-PointLonsdale will be looking after the $5 entry and ticket costsduringtheShow‘n’Shineevent,with alltheproceedsdonatedtocharities.

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

Library chief finishes up after five years at the helm

GeelongRegionalLibrarieschiefexecutive

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

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

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

“The board is confident that, as always, staff will continue to demonstrate the professionalism, care and commitment to our people and community that defines GeelongRegionalLibraries.”

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

Ms Pattison said Ms Schernickau’s

leadership delivered major initiatives, including the opening of Boronggook Drysdale and Biyal-a Armstrong Creek libraries and the implementation of the LibraryManagementSystem.

“Vanessa has navigated difficult budget cycles and successfully implemented two new enterprise agreements with strong organisational support; and other key platforms, strengthening the Geelong

and encourage the sharing of feedback and information.”

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

Plans for the review will also include Fyansford, with consideration given to how itcouldbeservicedwithpublictransport.

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

Regional Libraries’ capability and future readiness,”shesaid.

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

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

“Vanessa has consistently exceeded the expectations of her role and has made a significant contribution not only to Geelong Regional Libraries, but also to the broader library and regional sector through her leadership roles beyond the organisation, including as president of Public Libraries Victoria and serving on theBoardofG21.”

Greater Geelong’s water storages are at a 16-year low, closing out 2025 at a combinedcapacityof47.2percent. It is the lowest level seen at the end ofayearsince2009whenGeelongwas in the grip of the Millenium Drought and battling severe and long-running water restrictions. Geelong’s storages satat44.2percenton20January2026. In 2024 they were at 55.2 per cent, at 82.4 per cent in 2023, 95.4 per cent in 2022and92.2percentin2021.

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

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

Barwon Water has stabilised storages by drawing from an inter-connected network with multiple supply options, including the recently upgraded Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and the Anglesea borefield.

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

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

“Using water wisely and taking simplemeasurestosavewateraround the home can help make a significant difference across the region. Simple actions like shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and watering the garden in the cool of the daycanhelpsavewater.”

Tuesday10th February24th February10am - 11am The Range @ Curlewis

Wednesday11th February25th February10am - 11am The Range @ Curlewis

Thursday12th February26th February9am - 10am The Range @ Curlewis

Friday13th February27th February9am - 10am The Range @ Curlewis

Saturday14th February28th February10am - 11am The Range @ Curlewis

Cry for truth at Jan 26 rally

By Jena Carr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January.

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

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

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

By Jena Carr

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

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

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

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

Another donor liver later became

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

“That first liver meant that she survived long enough to receive that second liver, so we consider both of those donations as lifesaving,” Ms Swander said.

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

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

“She (Riley) is a little wild child and keeps us on our toes, but it’s just beautiful to watch her go from strength to strength and go to school with her peers and give life everything she’s got.”

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

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

Events across the region

By Jena Carr

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

Connewarre Wetland Centre will host a free community picnic event from 10am, which will feature a free barbecue, live music and activities such as wetland walks andwildlifespotting.

FieldandGameAustraliaoperationslead Anne-Marie Blewett said the event was a chance for the community to learn about theirregion’swetlands.

“Theeventisgoingtobereallycasualand relaxed, and I encourage people to bring a picnic rug and come listen to music and enjoytheenvironment,”shesaid.

“Australia Day is important to all of us, butwealsoknowthattherearesensitivities associatedwiththeday...soweaimtoreflect, respect and celebrate cultural messaging

duringtheevent.”

GermanKarnevalSocietywillhostaBeer, Bratwurst and BBQ Bash at 21/45 Arunga AvenueinNorlanefromnoononSunday25 January.

Actingvice-presidentandsecretaryAlana Tonkin said the event was free to enter and that people were encouraged to come dressed in Australian or German-style outfits.

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

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

Portarlington’s Rotunda Forecourt will also celebrate Australia Day with a free communityeventwithmanyfamily-friendly activitiestakingplacefrom9am.

Bowlers gather for mental health at Ocean Grove on Australia Day

A signature Ocean Grove tournament will bringcommunitymembersfromacrossthe region to help break the stigma of mental health.

Bowl For Your Lives (BFYL) will embrace thenationalmentalhealthmovementofNo One Rolls Alone during an Australia Day tournamentatOceanGroveBowlsClub.

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

“We make the day about mental health

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

“If you notice changes in someone you know, there’s generally a reason for it, and you shouldn’t ignore it...and we don’t want peopletofeelliketheycan’ttalkabouttheir mentalhealth.”

Mr Hafner said he and BFYL co-founder Cameron Ryan were former Victoria Police officerswhoturnedtolawnbowlstosupport them through their mental health journeys withpost-traumaticstressdisorder.

“I noticed changes within myselfwhere I was just isolating, and I certainly turned to alcohol to self-medicate, and I couldn’t sleep,soIjustbecamequitebitter,”hesaid.

“But once I knew what I had, I accepted that, and I knew what I had to do, which basically included being kind to yourself and accepting that there are going to be momentswhenyou’renotyourself.”

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

World-class cycling returns

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

The five-day cycling event will bring elite competition and community celebration to the region while promoting inclusivity, road safety and active living.

Race director Scott Sunderland said he looked forward to seeing people taking part in the race as it entered its 10th year.

“Everyone’s got a goal, everyone’s got their own limit, and they’re doing it for a reason, and those reasons can be varied quite far from one another,” he said.

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

“It’s a huge event and involves a vast number of people...and being outdoors is

Festival sails back into town

By Jena Carr

Festival of Sails will cruise back into Geelong’sshoresforabiggerthaneveryear, full of waterfront festival celebrations and world-classsailing.

The three-day festival will feature a free Come and Try Sailing experience on RS21 keelboats,aregattaprogramandlivemusic, alongwithnewactivitiesincludingaClassic CarShowcaseandafamilyfunday.

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

“It’sgoingtobeabigweekendforGeelong, and we hope to showcase what the region cando,”hesaid.

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

“I thank everybody who helps with the festivaland...thecommunitywhoembraces the event, as without everybody embracing and actively engaging with the event, it couldn’thappen.”

Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprizewillbeavailabletoexploreacross the weekend, along with a flying display by the Royal Australian Air Force from 3.30pm on24January.

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

“This is Geelong’s event, and we’re proud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city,” he said. “We’re building a festival that is more inclusive than ever...and Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing. It’s about people, the sailing community,andtheGeelongcommunity.”

Visit festivalofsails.com.au for the full programandtickets.

great, but it’s the community spirit that I like most about cycling, as you always find like-minded people.”

The world-class cycling event will begin with the women’s Surf Coast Classic on Wednesday 28 January, followed by the men’s Surf Coast Classic on Thursday 29 January, with both races starting at 11am.

Kids, parents and beginners will then embark on a closed 2km circuit along the Geelong waterfront during the

GeelongPort Family Ride from 5.30pm on Friday 30 January.

TheTACPeople’sRide’s63kmand124km races are on Saturday 31 January from 7am at Geelong’s Steampacket Gardens before the women’s Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race at 12.40pm.

The event will conclude on Sunday 1 Februarywiththemen’sMapeiCadelEvans Great Ocean Road Race from 11.10am.

You’re invited to discover Thyme Ocean Grove.

We’re excited to invite you to the official launch event for Thyme Lifestyle Resort Ocean Grove, a brand new over-50s lifestyle community located on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.

Join us for an exclusive Information Session to discover everything Thyme Ocean Grove has to offer, including our resort style facilities, a vibrant community-focused lifestyle, and priority access to our first homes. Meet the team behind the vision, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with future neighbours who share your lifestyle goals. RSVP TODAY CALL 1300 088 181 | OR SCAN QR CODE oceangrove.thyme.com.au

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SESSION ONE 10am – 11:30am

SESSION TWO 12:30pm – 2pm

Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club 28 Surf Beach Rd, Ocean Grove VIC

Kristian’s Rhapsody

By Jena Carr

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

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

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

“I gave up when I was about 16, but then fell in love with piano when I was 19 and came back to it and have been one of the lucky ones that haven’t looked back.”

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

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

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

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

in it...and every piece has a good storyline, and there’s a narrative through each piece of music that you can connect with.”

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

musicians to the Bellarine in an intimate regional venue.

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

Speedmouse on a whole new level

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speedmouse has earned an array of five-star reviews, numerous awards and spawned a multi-platinum DVD overits25-yearrun.

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

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

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

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

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

RETHINK

TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER UNSINKABLE GUY

Embracing the ‘house’

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

The way locals have embraced everything on offer at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House since its reopening shows just how important these spaces are for our community.

And now Mahjong mavericks, fitness fanatics, aspiring artists and more can all get their fix of fun and community connection next month with the house’s newFebruaryprogram.

Stay ’Fit Forever’ or enjoy strength training with fitness classes for over 50s, get your body and mind moving with tai chi, yoga and Mahjong, or get better with water colours in adult painting classes. Youngonescangetartisticwithartclasses forkidsafterschool.

Perhaps you love fixing things, or you havesomeclothingoradeviceindesperate needofrepair.

You could try your luck at the repair cafe – a grassroots initiative where local tinkerers and fixers come together to give beloved items a second life and prevent themgoingtothetip.

Or maybe you’re more into knitting or macrame – the house’s ’Crafternoon’ sessionscouldbetherightfitforyou.

On a more serious note, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House also offers employment and counselling services, which can be life-changing for jobseekers andothersinneedofahandup.

For me, it’s especially pleasing to see a such a jam-packed program after the venue, formerly known as Bellarine Training and Community Hub, closed temporarilylastyear.

I was proud that we were able to step

in quickly last November to temporarily oversee operations and reopen Ocean GroveNeighbourhoodHouse.

And, as your Connewarre Ward councillor, I’ve been thrilled to hear the positive community feedback about activitiesrecommencing.

I’d like to thank the house’s new coordinator,StellaKinsella,forallherwork connectingwithlocalsandformerusersto ensure the new program offers something for a wide variety of ages, abilities and interests.

I encourage you to explore the new program of courses, classes and activities starting Monday 2 Februaryatgeelong.link/OGNH Youdon’tneedtobookandall theseactivitiesareeitherfreeor low-cost.

The house also has rooms for hire for groups and individuals who want to run community activities and programs.

I urge former users who haveyettogetincontactabout resuming their activities, or those interested in starting something new, to get in touch at oceangrovenh@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au

I can’t wait to see the new program get underway and for our community to make the most of this belovedvenue.

Barwon Coast Update

Skip the jump this summer!

Jumping or diving from piers and jetties can be extremely dangerous. At places like Barwon Heads Jetty, water depth can be less than 50 centimetres, with shifting sandbanks and uneven seabeds that change with tides and conditions. Submerged debris can also be exposed, increasing the risk of serious injury, including spinal injuries.

Strong currents and an active boating channel nearby add further risk. Please skip the jump – your safety comes first.

Always use designated, safe entry points and help keep our waterways safe for everyone.

Dogs and campfires trial update

Following a winter trial, Barwon Coast will continue allowing dogs and campfires at select caravan park sites. The trial at Barwon Heads, Riverview and Breamlea (campfires excluded) responded to requests for greater flexibility and encouraged off-season use.

Feedback was mostly supportive, and the Committee endorsed continuing the trial each year from 1 May to the end of Victorian School Term 3. Find out more at barwoncoast.com.au/project/dogsand-campfires-trial-2025

Update: Biodiversity and Mature Tree strategies

Following feedback received during the consultation period, we are taking some extra time to fully consider all input. Additional rounds of review are being undertaken with relevant groups to ensure the strategies reflect community feedback, priorioties and environmental values.

We expect to be able to share the final versions in coming months.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed.

Hoodie update

There are currently three active Hooded Plover nests along the coast we manage, which is a promising sign for this threatened beachnesting species.

The nests are at Stingray Bay, Breamlea (2 eggs); between Wedge Street and Tuckfield Street, Ocean Grove (3 eggs) and Blue Rocks (3 eggs).

We ask the community to help protect these nests by walking close to the waterline, keeping clear of fenced or roped-off areas, keeping dogs on-lead and away from dunes, and giving the birds plenty of space.

Fingers crossed for hoodies

The hooded plovers that inhabit the ‘dog beach’atOceanGrovebetween6Wand7W are sitting on some eggs again.

They hatched three chicks before Christmas that lived for about a week, so hopefully they will have some better luck with this breeding attempt.

Please take care when walking a dog around this area and take note of signs asking for dogs to be placed on a lead. Thanks so much.

I was walking my dogs (both on a lead) past a small pond in my neighbourhood, when I spotted a lovely nankeen night heron perched on a stick in the pond.

I raced home with the pups to grab the camera and I was happy to see that the heronwasstillonthestickwhenIreturned.

In the breeding season these birds grow three white feathers down the back of the head, known as nuptial plumes, which can be seen on this bird. Nankeen night herons spend most of the day roosting in foliage around waterways and emerge at dusk, but they can be seen in the morning like this bird was.

Main: Kevin’s rufous whistler near Inverleigh.

Right: Kevin’s welcome swallow (top) and superb fairy wren (centre) near Anglesea.

Below right: Jen’s nankeen night heron at Ocean Grove.

There were many rabbits on the farm, so the wedge-tailed eagles will be well fed as they love to consume rabbits. The wetland on the farm is drying out rapidly, but there were a few shelducks, pied stilts and red-capped plovers enjoying the habitat.

I was lucky to walk around the farm in Wallington where I conduct a seasonal Birds on Farms survey for Birdlife Australia. I was in raptor heaven, as I saw a pair of wedge-tailed eagles, a swamp harrier, three whistling kites, three black kites, one brown goshawk and a peregrine falcon.

I received an email from Kevin who, with his wife Anne Maree, took a trip to Inverleigh where there were quite a few rufous whistlers calling just north-west of the town. Kevin noted that the whistlers were hard to see but he managed a lovely photo of one bird that sang to Kevin and Anne Maree at close quarters.

Later Kevin and Anne Maree drove to Anglesea where there were not many birds around except for a beautiful male superb fairy wren that was moulting into breeding plumage, and a family of welcome swallows.

Thanks so much Kevin and Anne Maree for the observations and photos.

Holiday shopping

With the school holidays in full swing, Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Tuesday 20 January to see who was shopping local.

Long-weekend dining options on the Bellarine Peninsula

Australia Day on the Bellarine Peninsula hasarhythmallitsown-relaxed,coastal, anddeeplytiedtofoodenjoyedintheopen air.

Although it is important to be sensitive surrounding the date, dining during the long weekend reflects both the Bellarine’s maritime setting and its strong sense of community. It’s a day for long lunches, shared platters, local produce and a table that stretches from the backyard to the foreshore.

A long lunch by the water

For many locals and visitors, the weekend begins with the scent of the sea and ends with plates cleared well after sunset. Waterfront towns such as Queenscliff, Portarlington and St Leonards are natural gathering points, where cafes and restaurants lean into extended lunch services. Menus often favour fresh, uncomplicated flavours - grilled local seafood, crisp salads and generous sides designedforsharing-matchedwithacold glassofBellarinewineoralocalcraftbeer.

Fish and chips remains an enduring classic, eaten barefoot on the grass or from a bench overlooking the bay. Snapper, flathead and calamari feature prominently, a nod to the peninsula’s fishing heritage and its proximity to some ofVictoria’smostproductivewaters.

Backyard barbies and holiday tables

Awayfromthemainstreets,AustraliaDay is just as likely to be celebrated at home. Holiday houses fill, barbecues fire up and tables are set with a mix of tradition and regional flair. Lamb chops, sausages and prawns sit alongside Bellarine olives, locally baked bread and salads made

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brighterwithsummertomatoesandherbs. Dessert is often simple but generouspavlovapiledhighwithberries,lamingtons passed around with cups of tea, or fresh fruit shared in the late afternoon heat. It’s informal dining at its best, driven by good produce and good company rather than elaboratepresentation.

Wineries, breweries and producers

The Bellarine’s growing reputation as a food and drink destination is also on display. Many wineries and breweries open their doors for casual tastings, food trucks and relaxed lawn dining. It’s not

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

unusual to see families picnicking among the vines, enjoying wood-fired pizzas, grazing boards or seafood plates paired with cool-climate chardonnay or acrisprose.

Local producers - from cheesemakers to smallgoods specialists - play an important role in the day’s dining. Their products often anchor menus, reinforcing the peninsula’s strong connectionbetweenland,seaandtable.

A celebration of place

What sets Australia Day dining on the Bellarine Peninsula apart is its sense of

place. Meals are shaped by the weather, the coastline and the pace of summer holidays. There is little rush and no single way to celebrate - just a shared appreciation for fresh food, local flavours andthesimplepleasureofeatingtogether.

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

THE RANGE

@CURLEWIS

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

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.

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 24 January, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Puff. Sunday 1 February, 2-4.30pm, $5 bring small plate to share.

 0400 500 402

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

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

Tuesday 10 February 2-3pm - Knowing your sources online

Wednesday 18 February 3-4pm - tech help, drop-in session for basic tech needs.

Mondays (resumes 2 February)

10.30-11.30am - preschool story time Tuesdays (resumes 3 February) 4-5pmyouth collective (ages 12-18)

Wednesdays (resumes 4 February)

9.30-10am - toddler time

Thursdays 11.30 to 11.50am - baby time

Thursdays (resumes 5 February)

3.45-4.45pm - after-school program

Leopold Library

Friday 23 January 10.30am-12.30pm, Friday Flicks – free movie Thursday 29 January 1.30pm-3pm, Conversation Club

Tuesdays 2pm-3pm - digital drop in for your basic tech needs School holiday program details grlc.vic.gov.

au

 4201 0675

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

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

The Big Read

Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove

Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls

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

 5258 1150

Live music

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

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

 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees

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

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 on 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: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500. Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

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

Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.

 Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372

Drysdale Day VIEW

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

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

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

 Raelene, 4244 0376

TOWN club

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

 Bev, 0421 636 830

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

Summer cranks up

Summer seems to have upped its game a notch and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach on Tuesday 20 January to see who was enjoying the warm weather.

PUZZLES

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

Spiritualists’ meeting (6)

Tramp (8)

Elicit (5)

Accept reluctantly (9)

Gather piecemeal (5)

Talents (9)

Tollway (8)

Lifts balloon (3,3) 16 Help (6) 18 Emblem of Islam (8) 23 Relating to the body (9)

Low woody plant (5)

Hosiery (9)

Person of English ancestry (5)

Astonishment (8)

At one (6)

Pronounce not guilty (6)

Japanese emperor from 1989–2019 (7)

Stubborn (9)

Sideboard (7)

10 Startled, disconcerted (5)

14 Storage tank (9)

16 Charges (7)

17 Cue sport (7)

19 Guidelines (5)

20 Support (7)

21 Forbidden (7)

22 Sport (6)

25 Just (5)

What is the capital of the Bahamas? 2 Who played Samuel ‘Sam’ Loomis in the 1998 remake of Psycho? 3 Who won the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix?

What was the name of Julia Roberts’ (pictured) character in the film Pretty Woman?

The MacDonnell Ranges are in which Australian state or territory?

6 Who wrote the 2009 novel Wolf Hall?

7 A waltz is usually danced in what time signature? 8 Which country

OceanGroveDentureServices RyanDavies 52554533

HEALTH & WELLBEING

EpichealthPortarlington42067200

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OceanGroveMarketplace52562500

Epichealth

OceanGroveOceanPlaza42460300

OPTOMETRISTS

BellarineEyecare52561295

OceanEyesOptometrists52555655

PHYSIOTHERAPY

AlliedPhysiotherapy42247416

PRESSURE WASHING

ABCPressureWashing0400139427

GeelongSecurityDoors52562985

OceanBreezeDentalPtyLtd 0352552584 ELECTRICIAN

BarwonPowerSolutions0448884322

GroveElectrical(REC16943)0404022952

TNewmanElectricalServices0432413338

FENCING CusmaFencing0421443543

FUNERAL DIRECTORS KingsFunerals52483444

WilliamSheahanFunerals52513477

TuckersFuneraland BereavementService52214788

SEWING MACHINE SERVICING

HeightsSewingCentre52293558

Sealion 6 is impressive

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

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

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

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

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

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

Styling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A tyre repair kit is supplied in the event ofapuncture.

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

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

Infotainment

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

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

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

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

NFC connectivity means you can set up

yourphonetolockandunlockthecar.

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

Safety

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

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

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

There’s also blind spot, child detection andpayattentionwarnings.

Top-tether and ISOFix child-seat anchor pointsareprovidedfortherearseats.

Engines/transmissions

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

Driving

The styling is round and feminine, taking itscuesfromcompetitorssuchasTesla.

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

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

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

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

ExtendedRangevariantsacquirealarger 26.6kWhbattery.

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

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

RATINGS

than25percentbatterycharge.

Electric only range is around 80km(WLTP).

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

Time and circumstances will probably provide the answer to thatquestion.

Petrolandelectricfillpointsare locatedeithersideattherear.

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

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 8

Safety: 7.5

Thirst: 8

Practicality: 8

Comfort: 7.5

Tech: 8

Value: 8

Overall: 7.8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In HEV mode the battery charge in our test vehicle hovered between 60 and 70 per cent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summing up

TheBYDSealion6isakeeper.

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

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

It will even retain drive mode settings betweenstarts.

Whatmorecouldyouask?

500 for club legend

By Justin Flynn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I was playing with my brother (former Footscray and Essendon 209-gamer Alan Stoneham) then,” he said. “I dragged him to play with us from Melbourne, so he’d drive down every weekend and my father had passed away the year before so it was good for us to play together.”

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

“That’s been fantastic,” he said.

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

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

“Still making a few, not big scores anymore,” he said. “When I can’t contribute, that’ll be it. I’ll probably go to umpiring so I’m still involved in cricket.”

Giant killers Leopold into T20 decider

By Justin Flynn

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

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

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

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

Ray then got Joseph Vallelonga with another full-toss, but then found his groove, extracting spin and bounce and he would add Dylan Taylor to his list of victims helped by a neat stumping from Tom Meredith.

At 5/83 Leopold could have folded, but Sam Mitchell (27) and Reece Plumridge (12 not out) got the final total to 8/145.

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

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

The game was wrapped up with a fine diving left-hand catch by Vallelonga, his fifth for the innings, behind the stumps off Lachlan Neate and the Swans were all out for 122 with four balls remaining in the 20th,

and final, over.

Neate and Butterworth each took three wickets for South Barwon.

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

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

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

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

Winners crowned at Geelong Lawn tennis classics

LOCAL

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

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

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

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

The final results were:

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

LethbridgewillmeetNewcomb&District In the Divisions 3 & 4 final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10&U Boys singles: winner Lennox Horribin, runner-up Alexander Le. 12&U Boys singles: winner George Montgomery, runner-up Samson McGrane.

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

14&U Boys singles: winner Caide King, runner-up Siddarth Sivanesan. 14&U Boys doubles: winners Siddarth Sivanesan and Andrea Ficca

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

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

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

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

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

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

World star leads upset win

By Justin Flynn

Led by 2024 world No 1 Kelsey Cottrell, DrysdaleisfourpointsoutsidetheGeelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant top four afterupsettingOceanGrove.

Playing as marquee players, Cottrell, currently ranked 7th in the world, and husbandAndrewHowie,whoisthebrother of Drysdale player Bryant Howie, lined up in front of a big crowd at home on Saturday 17Januaryandhelpedtheteamtoasix-shot winagainstthepremiershipfavourites.

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

“And then one thing led to another and next thing we’re going to play Pennant for them.Soitjustwasmeanttobe,Ithink.”

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

“I let them know that I’m a pretty cruisy, easygoing,funskipandIdon’tgetcrankyat anyoneandIdon’twanttodictatetherules oranythinglikethat,”shesaid.

“Ijustwantedittofitintotheirmouldand letthemjustenjoytheday.”

The experience of playing with Cottrell wouldhavebeeninvaluablefor18-year-old emerging star Rees while Ocean Grove youngster Hayley O’Reilly was on the opposingside.

“She(Rees)waslovely,”Cottrellsaid.

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

“I was very happy to hear that they had put me with her. I thought that was just a reallygreatthingthattheclubdidforher.

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

Itwasn’tthefirsttimeCottrellhadstepped ontothesamerinkas2014Commonwealth GamesbronzemedallistFlapper.

“I have played against Matt more than peoplewouldprobablyrealise,”shesaid.

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

Rising star wins Vic Open

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

John forced the tournament into sudden-death with a two-shot swing on the final hole of regulation, making a clutch birdie-four while countryman Barbieri could only manage bogey. With momentum firmly on his side at 13th Beach, Barwon Heads, John again birdied the 18th on the first playoff hole, while Barbieri’s putt to extend the tournament slid away to the left.

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

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

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

“But it’s one of those things.

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

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

Getting his name engraved on the Vic Opentrophyalongsidethelikesofall-time greatssuchasPeterThomson,GaryPlayer, Kel Nagle and Greg Norman also meant the world to John.

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

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

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

John started the final day five shots adriftofBarbieri,andtheonlytimehehad his nose in front was at the very end.

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

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

Austin Bautista (71) finished outright third on 283.

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

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

Bennett hit her approach shot into ankle-deepweedsandcouldonlyadvance the ball a metre or so.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

quite a while during our lead-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and I was skippingthewomen’striples.

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

The win put Drysdale within reach of the finalswithfourroundslefttoplaywhilethe Groversstillholdtopspotwithanine-point buffer.

Highton defeated Torquay in a high-qualitymatch,73to69.

Highton is six points clear in second

whileTorquaystillclingstofourthspot.

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

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

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

Skip Mitch Hocking, lead Craig Heard, secondJacksonMahoneyandthirdJackson Reillyhadamammoth42to8win.

Queenscliff takes the win

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

Derby win for Grubbers

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday for the derby between BPCA rivals Ocean Grove and Collendina, which the Grubbers won by eight wickets.

Top-order stability for Grove

By Justin Flynn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He’s my best mate, so it’s just two mates having a laugh with each other and half the time we’re not worrying about the opposition, we’re just sort of taking the mickey out of each other.”

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

“Especially on that ground,” he said.

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

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

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

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

take on bottom placed Newcomb before heading to its temporary home at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve for the return clash.

TROY GRIFFIN belted his second century of the season to lead St Leonards to a win against Portarlington. Griffin made 172 in round 6 and followed it up with an unbeaten 117 from 98 deliveries on Saturday. Port made 9/181 batting first with Cameron Gourley (47), Jesse Hunter (46 not out) and Paul McGrath (41) playing well while James Burns (3/29) and Oscar Cutajar (3/31) were on target for the Saints. Griffin then launched St Leonards to victory with help from Burns (31 not out) to reach the target in the 34th over with six wickets intact.

WALLINGTON moved into second place on the ladder at the expense of Winchelsea. Tom Spencer (42) and the consistent Richie Faust (40) got runs while Mitch Sleeman took 3/26 from eight probing overs. Baden Luppino (41) and Shane Currie (2/37) were Winch’s best performers.

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

Surf Coast for the first ever time during the next three weeks with a one-dayer at Banyul-Warri Fields followed by a two-dayer at home.

The top of the ladder Grubbers take on

Collendina travels to Ervin Reserve to

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

Seagulls celebrate Pink Stumps fundraiser with a victory

By Justin Flynn

Barwon Heads was always in control against Drysdale, winning by six wickets in round 10 of BPCA A1 Grade on Saturday 17 January.

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

Lewy Hyland made 34 at the top of the order for the Heads, but Drysdale bowled well and took the game deep into the 38th over.

The Seagulls were Indigenous-themed pink playing shirts designed by Sista Studis to coincide with the club’s Pink Stumps day, which raised $1500 for the Jane McGrath Foundation and $1000 donated by Barwon

Heads Community Bank and Bellarine (Drysdale) Community Bank for Waangkiny to foster empowerment and transformation by leveraging the power of storytelling and cultural understanding.

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

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

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

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

Paceman Locke Perrett was the star with 5/18 for the Kookaburras with the Coutas all

out for 143 despite Frank Mileto making 54. Will Collins batted through the run chase to be there on 58 when the winning runs were hit in the 37th over with Lachlan Platt (37) and Henry Collins (20 not out) also contributing.

ARMSTRONG CREEK ended a threegame losing streak with a win against Jan Juc.

Ben Norgrove (64) made his fourth score in the 60s for the Titans while Ben Fary took three late wickets. Nick Hyden (70) again made runs for the Sharks with his last four knocks yielding scores of 79 not out, 61, 100 not out and 70 while Joel Denyer took four wickets.