Geelong Indy - 15th March 2024

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Build it and they will come

The Joel Selwood Stand has been completed at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium and is ready to host sporting fans for the Geelong vs St Kilda game.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced the state government’s $142 million stage five redevelopment milestone on Tuesday, March 12, ahead of the 7.30pm game on Saturday, March 16.

The stand will increase the venue’s capacity to 40,000 people, with the project also featuring room for 2300 standing patrons at the stadium.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Member for Lara Ella George, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin, Premier Jacinta Allan, Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant and Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman are pictured at the stadium.

■ Turn to page 3 for the full story.

Incinerator faces the heat

By Matt Hewson

Opponents of the proposed waste to energy facility in Lara had a win last week when state parliament’s upper house backed a community-led petition calling for the planning minister to reject the facility.

Greens member Dr Sarah Mansfield tabled the petition before the Legislative Council, on Wednesday, March 6, calling for Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to “put people first” and “knock this project off”.

The petition also received supportive comments from David Ettershank from the Legalise Cannabis Party and Greens leader Dr Samantha Ratnam.

The sole voice of opposition to the petition was Labor’s Sheena Watt, who told the Council energy from waste was an “important and exciting link to the sustainable waste management chain” and the government’s waste energy framework “strikes the right

balance”.

The proposed facility would incinerate around 400,000 tonnes of waste per year, generating nearly 36 megawatts of energy.

The Environmental Protections Authority Victoria (EPA) green-lit the project in December 2023, granting a development licence with a number of conditions.

ThematterisabouttogobeforetheVictorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after local businesses and organisations joined to appeal the EPA’s decision. The appeal process is expected to run until mid-August.

Charles Street, president of grassroots organisation No Waste Incinerators in Lara & Greater Geelong Incorporated, was instrumental in organising the petition tabled by Dr Mansfield.

He said the “Lara big incinerator project has no friends” and “any support this proposal has… is evaporating fast“.

“We know the mood of the community…

but we now have that statement from the Committee for Geelong, which is a very significant organisation, and they’ve certainly come out against (the facility),” Mr Street said.

“Our expectation is that the opposition from the business community is only likely to harden.”

Proponents of the facility, Prospect Hill International, said energy from waste technology aligned with the Victorian EPA’s policies, which were important as Victoria and Australia faced a “waste crisis”.

“The community can be assured that Prospect Hill International proposes to develop a state-of-the-art facility that meets all stringent EPA Victoria and European emissions standards,” a spokesperson said.

“Prospect Hill International recognises the concerns of the community. The issuing of the development licence is recognition by the EPA that the proposed facility will meet best practicemeasuresandstringentenvironmental

standards.

“We are committed to ensuring community members are kept informed and we will continue to listen to their concerns. Prospect Hill will be sharing information shortly about future information sessions.”

State member for Lara Ella George said she would not support a proposal the community opposed.

“I have attended community meetings, spoken to many residents, local organisations and businesses, and the message is clear: the Laracommunitydoesnotsupporttheproposed waste to energy facility,” Ms George said.

“I have raised the community’s concerns… with the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Planning.

“It is my expectation that the community’s views are taken very seriously as part of the assessment of this proposal, and I will continue to advocate for the Lara community.”

(Jena Carr)

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Stadium ready for first bounce

By Jena Carr

Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium is ready for the first bounce on Saturday night with the new Joel Selwood Stand completed.

The state government’s $142 million stadium stage five redevelopment delivered the venue’s largest-ever stand, with Premier Jacinta Allan announcing the milestone on Tuesday, March 12.

Ms Allan said she was proud to celebrate the “regional sporting and cultural facility” ahead of the 7.30pm Geelong vs St Kilda game on March 16.

“World-class sporting venues shouldn’t be confined to capital cities, and this upgrade brings more Victorians closer to the action, closer to home,” she said.

“We understand not just its symbolic importance in the heart of everyone who lives here in Geelong but also too it as a place that supports many people to come and work here.”

Geelong Cats legend Joel Selwood said he was “blown away” to have the stand named after him, which would help boost venue capacity to 40,000.

“The only bit that needs to be finished on it

Trekking Nepal for Type 1

A Geelong mum is trekking Nepal to raise awareness and funds for people with type one diabetes.

Type 1 Foundation chief executive Ange Liston-McCaughley will embark on a 12-day trek through Nepal from Saturday, March 16, to Wednesday, March 27.

Ms Liston-McCaughley said she felt “quite nervous about the whole experience” but wanted to show people living with type one diabetes or know someone who is that “anything’s possible”.

“I wouldn’t try something like this usually, so I thought it was a time in my life to try something that was super out of my comfort zone,” she said. “It’s about raising awareness and funds for the foundation, but most importantlytoshowotherslikemums,women, andparentsouttherethatyoucandoanything.

“I’m just going to soak it all in and enjoy every moment. I’m doing it with a group of

others who are parents of type ones and one who lives with type one himself.”

Ms Liston-McCaughley said she hoped to inspire her daughter, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 9, that she could do anything she put her mind to.

“I’ve never left my four children before and I’ve definitely never left my daughter who has type one, even though she’s 19,” she said.

“Ireallyhopetoinspireherandjustshowher as well that having something like type one, it’s not going to hold you back, and you can do things like this yourself.”

Visit adventurenepal.com.au/adventures for moreinformationabouttheType1Foundation Nepal trek or type1foundation.com.au/ t1f-donations to donate.

Jena Carr

Petrol Heads Unite for Superboats 2024

Boats will be speeding through Geelong this weekendasOffshoreSuperboatChampionships make a splash in Corio Bay.

Competitive racing across multiple classes, including open and enclosed cockpits, will be displayed during round two of the March 16 and 17 event.

Australian Offshore Powerboat Club commodore Antony de Fina said the course was “super visible”, with people able to meet the drivers and support crews at Steampacket Gardens.

“We love Geelong, it’s a great venue. The crowd enjoy it, the racing is very tight, and the course is actually quite intense because of the amount of corners,” he said.

“There’s a lot to see and do. You can talk with the crews, and it’s not closed off; it’s very open.

So, you’re right there with everybody.

“It’s a marvellous course and the people

is it needs to be full and I’m just so glad that we’ve built it so that people can come in and enjoy it like I have over the journey,” he said. “I love the place and I’m grateful that we have governments that are willing to take a punt on a town like this too, because I know that it means much more than just the footy.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the upgrade would help bring people “closer to the action, closer to home” and included room for 2300 standing patrons.

“Not only do we showcase the best of the world right here in Geelong, but we also

showcase the best of Geelong to the world by having this facility,” he said.

“It’s a big sense of community, purpose and pride to have this Kardinia Park finished effectively after a 20-year journey and we’re really proud to support Geelong.”

Stage five of the development also included a new Fred Flanagan Function Room, media centre, Arglye Bar, and AFL-standard unisex change rooms.

A Geelong Sports Museum, and Barwon Regional Cricket Centre and indoor cricket hub will soon be completed through redevelopment.

really seem to come out in droves... Last year was huge and ties in well with the ford event that’s on as well, so petrol heads unite.”

The free event will have viewing access along the shoreline for spectators, and many boats will be displayed at Steampacket Gardens and in the water alongside Wangim Walk.

Round one of the Offshore Superboat Championships was held at Wyndham Harbour on February 24 and 25, with The Mantis team taking out the outright winner’s trophy.

The next two rounds will be held in Queensland, with round three at Hervey Bay from May 11 to 12 and round four on the Gold Coast from July 27 to 28.

More information about Offshore Superboat Championships is available at superboat.com.

au

Check before you travel at

Jena Carr

Last year’s Offshore Superboat Championships. (Supplied)

Ange Liston-McCaughley in training for her trek in Nepal. (Ivan Kemp) 393027_01

It is okay not to be okay

By Jena Carr

This Man’s Worth is coming to Queenscliff to raise suicide awareness and the effects it has on families left behind.

Masonic Hall on 60 Learmonth Street will showcase the 40-minute film, followed by a presentation with John Patterson and Dr Craig Wood from 7.30pm on March 20.

Mr Patterson’s brother committed suicide in the late 1980s and said he hoped the film would help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, depression and suicide.

‘‘ You don’t have to solve the problem, but you can certainly steer them in the right direction ’’- John Patterson

“We’ve got to try and sort of beat these numbersdownalittlebit,butmoreimportantly, start talking about the demon in the room, depression,” he said.

“Depression itself was a taboo subject and suicide;youjustdidn’ttalkaboutit.Thatwasn’t a thing that was done then, and it still probably isn’t.

“It is just as important as paying your tax. In fact it’s probably more important than that, because if you’re not here, you can’t pay tax can you?”

Mr Patterson said it was important to reach out to anyone having a hard time and ask, ‘Are you okay?’.

“Youdon’thavetosolvetheproblem,butyou can certainly steer them in the right direction in where to go to get help...and there is an enormous wealth of information out there,” he said.

John Patterson will present the film This Man’s Worth with Dr Craig Wood on March 20. (Ivan Kemp) 393341_10

“That’s the first step, to get people talking, understand that there is help available and that it’s not so sinister that you can’t talk about.

“It’s about awareness, getting people talking,

andbreakingdownthestigmaofmentalhealth to say, ‘It is okay not to be okay, but let’s talk’.” Help is available with Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support service on 13 11 14.

Schools band together

Five local government schools are coming together to showcase the best of their student bands at a free music festival.

The Geelong Evening Music Fest 2024 will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, March 20 at Matthew Flinders Girls (MFG) Secondary College’s Helen Fraser campus.

The festival will feature student bands from MFG, Geelong High, Belmont High, Oberon College and Bannockburn P-12 performing rock, jazz, classical, and concert band material, with around 80 students performing.

The event is the first put together by Geelong Heads of Music, a group of local school music program directors who have come together to provide more and better opportunities for their students to perform.

The open air concert is a free event, with drinks, a sausage sizzle and a bake sale available as well as plenty of space to spreadapicnicrugandenjoyBYOsnacks.

In previous years the school calendar was packed with eisteddfods and band competitions across Victoria and the country for students bands to perform at.

However, MFG head of music John Kingma said the combination of fewer of those events and the rising costs associated with travel now mean many schools, particularly regional ones, get far fewer chances to perform.

“We’rereallytryingtostartupanannual community event of state schools with a focus on engagement and participation,” Mr Kingma said.

Matt Hewson

Helping others warms the heart

Highton’s Diana Taylor received the 2023 Frank Costa Leadership Award close to two months after being honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). She speaks with Jena Carr about her commitment to the Geelong community.

Diana Taylor AM has always been passionate about giving back to Geelong, with the concept of service above self, as shown by her parents.

The Highton woman has an extensive career across football, legal, and community roles, with her involvement featuring 25 years in Australian Rules Football.

Diana said she admired the selflessness othersshowedonadailybasisandthatherwork in the Geelong community was “multifaceted”.

“Giving back is one of the most important things that you can possibly do for your community and the people around you,” she said.

“My interests run long and deep, but leading and supporting the areas that I do in Geelong to build better lives and a better Geelong for all our community is really my core purpose.

“The greatness of Geelong lies in our people, the strength of our relationships, our care for each other and our unwavering commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for our community.

“I got involved in football because I love it, and I love the fact that it’s such an important part of our community... We really do create positive change through football.

“It’s Australia’s greatest catalyst for positive changeandIloveseeingwhatitdidforGeelong. It galvanises Geelong and assists in creating a community of people with wonderful life memories.”

Diana first met Frank Costa when she was invited to his East Melbourne home after Geelong had beaten St Kilda in the 2009 premiership and said he was her friend.

“It was a pinch-myself moment as I was sitting in the presence of greatness and Frank had made me a cup of coffee,” she said.

“Frank was Frank, and he was in complete control.HespokeabouthisloveofGeelong,his

family, and his business interests, significantly the Geelong Cats and how the Cats should be led.

“He was also my friend and provided me with wonderful life and business advice, as well as about how Geelong works and the importance of our relationships.

“I got some wonderful relationship and dating advice from Frank, and what he would saytomeis,‘Youneedtostartwiththeirvalues, Diana and whether their values are aligned to your values’.

“Frank was completely non-judgmental, he was just interested and concerned in me and how I was going. I didn’t get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ from Frank, but I got guidance from him.”

Diana said she was “absolutely thrilled” to receivethe2023FrankCostaLeadershipAward from Committee for Geelong (CfG) during its International Women’s Day Breakfast on March 8.

“It was an incredibly special morning and I’m very grateful to the CfG for recognising my work and my leadership in our community,” she said. “I love being a part of and making a contribution to Geelong, and I thank the CfG for its significant work and for recognising me in this way.

“Frank was my champion and appointed me to the Geelong Football Club Board. It was because of his gentle nudging that I also became chair of Anam Cara House Geelong.

“I continue to recall his wonderful life and business advice to me when I need it most. To receive this award that is named in Frank’s honour is incredibly special.”

The annual Frank Costa Leadership Award celebrates community leadership in Geelong and recognises Mr Costa’s legacy following his death in 2021.

CfGchairClivePughsaidDiana’sleadership in Geelong was “truly remarkable” and was

proud to present Diana with the award.

“She is a true inspiration to us all and we celebrate her dedication to the region,” he said.

“Her dedication to continually making a positive difference in the Geelong community is evident from her work with multiple organisations.”

On top of receiving the leadership award, Diana was recognised with the Member of the OrderofAustralia(AM)inthegeneraldivision during this year’s Australia Day Honours on January 25.

“To have received this recognition from the Australian government, but also from the Committee of Geelong, I feel quite overwhelmed and incredibly grateful,” she said. “It’s wonderful that community service is being seen and recognised. There are so many people, including myself, who work so hard for our community in quiet places that don’t get seen.

“I think that what it also says for others is the work you do is seen, and wonderful organisations recognise what people are doing.

“There’s so much goodness in the Geelong community and everyone deserves to be recognised. It has been an incredible month.”

Diana said she had two highlights over her career, with roles as Geelong Cats Football Club’s vice-president and Anam Cara House Geelong’s chair continue to “warm my heart”.

“I get absolute pleasure from seeing Geelong Cats members arrive at GMHBA Stadium with their families and friends with that look of joy and expectation on their faces,” she said.

“Another significant highlight was October last year when we officially opened Anam Cara House Geelong after almost a 10-year journey and thousands of hours of work.

“To have that open for our community, it’s just a brilliant thing to be able to provide for our community members.”

‘‘ I got involved in football because I love it, and I love the fact that it’s such an important part of our community ... It’s Australia’s greatest catalyst for positive change and I love seeing what it did for Geelong ’’

- Diana Taylor

Highton’s Diana Taylor received the 2023 Frank Costa Leadership Award from Committee for Geelong chair Clive Pugh. (Pam Hutchinson)

The world is watching our Facebook fight!

An open letter to Prime MinisterAnthonyAlbanese

Dear Prime Minister, Your first response to Facebook brazenly announcing they’ll stop paying for our news that they use to make a fortune from was…perfect!

“That’s not the Australian way,” you said.

Exactly. Australians hate bullies. Australians fight for a fair go. And this battle is not just a fight for a fair go here - the whole world is watching.

Meta, the trillion dollar tech giant that owns Facebook has built an empire out of content they don’t own. They don’t produce anything. They ‘share’ the great work of others and keep the cash.

The Australian government was the first in the world to call out this scandal, and in 2021 the News Media Bargaining Code forced them to finally pay for news content.

But not anymore.

Meta is betting that if they bully the Australian government, they win the world.

PM, this is a fight for the future of news and democracy. This is fight against fake news and a fight for a fair go for all journalists who hold the powerful to account, all around the world.

Let’s make sure Australia shows Facebook what a fair go is. The world is watching.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Schreyer President Country Press Australia

Singing siblings debut

By Jena Carr

A Bellarine sibling duo is channelling their love of storytelling and smooth vocal tones in a new song about growing up.

Wild Honey is the indie-folk and pop project of Daniel and Lucy Crock, who released their debut single Where I’m From on March 15.

Daniel lives in Melbourne and plans to return to the Bellarine to be closer to his older sister. He said it felt “slightly surreal” to release a song in “ode to our influences”. “We’ve been playing music together since

we were kids and when we were teenagers, we would write songs and play together in our lounge room,” he said.

“Now we live a few hours apart, and we’re busier. We still bicker like siblings, but we also understand each other and our music in a way that I think only family can.

“Because we’re siblings, we’re very comfortable around each other which means that we both just say what we want, so that can be a challenge, but it is pretty fun as well.”

Bellarine-based Lucy said the siblings loved singing stories that felt significant, which was the drawcard of folk music for them.

“We wrote Where I’m From a few years ago, reflecting on what it would feel like to look back after everything changes, after all the unsettling of our early twenties,” she said.

“It means even more to us now. Once you’ve grown up a bit, it can give you perspective on the things you used to take for granted. We live a few hours apart now, and we’re a lot busier.

“The things that used to feel normal feel nostalgic and sentimental, things like singing with your siblings...and in Where I’m From, we’ve tried to capture that feeling of the years moving quickly.”

Promoting climate action

A free one-day festival is coming to Torquay to unite the community and promote positive climate action.

One Planet Festival Surf Coast will feature many sustainable food stalls, workshops, kid’s activities, and artists at The Esplanade from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, March 16.

Volunteer co-organiser Laura Grufas said she was excited to bring many local change-makers together and looked forward to connecting with the community to create positive change.

“There’s something for everyone to really engage with, and it’s just a really positive event for everyone to connect and engage with in their own specific way,” she said. “We’ve been blown away by the response from the community. Over 55 local businesses and community groupshavecomeonboardtoparticipate in the festival. “Being able to create that opportunity for connection amongst the public and all these incredible organisations or businesses doing great things, I’m really excited about that.”

Ms Grufas said she hoped people would come down for the festival and engage in the many activities available.

“We’ve got a tent where you can bring all your hard to recycle items as well and we’ve got a really massive kids’ zone,” she said. “We’ll have live music on the day with local acts performing. It’s kicking off with a Welcome to Country, and we’ll have talks and demos throughout the day.” Visit oneplanetfest.com.au/events/ one-planet-festival-surf-coast to secure free tickets.

Bellarine sibling duo Daniel and Lucy Crock have released their debut single. (Supplied)

Council supports arts

By Cr Trent Sullivan

Council this week welcomed recipients of our Arts Project grants program to a meet-and-greet at Wurriki Nyal.

There were 19 projects – receiving a total of almost $180,000 in funding – that were supported in our 2023-24 allocation.

In an indication of the variety of arts and cultural activities being explored across the region, we received more than 60 grant applications.

The event allowed everyone to learn more about the individual projects and the artists behind them.

Among the 19 recent grant recipients were severalmusicinitiatives–eitherinstudiooron the stage.

These include $9820 to support Isabella Losi to record an EP and shoot a music video; $9700tohelpOceanGrove’sAndreaRobertson pursue Bellarine | On the Rise and $6500 for Geelong Symphony Orchestra to facilitate Classical Music for the Screen.

The event was also a great way to share further information and advice on the range of upcoming grant opportunities.

There is a funding stream now open for ArtistsandCreativesProfessionalDevelopment Grants.

These grants support locals to develop their creative skills, business skills and professional practice.

They are receiving applications until the end of May via geelongaustralia.com.au/grants

There is also plenty occurring in our live music space.

We want those in the industry, plus those

who help support and sustain it, to provide their ideas on how we can make it better.

The City of Greater Geelong, in conjunction with Live Music Office, is holding a free Live Music Forum on Wednesday March 20.

Held at our civic precinct Wurriki Nyal, the forum is a great chance for the community to provide input into how we develop strategic policy for live music.

We are seeking feedback on what people like about our local live music scene; any opportunitiestostrengthenthesector;andhow musicians and venues can be better supported.

Head to geelong.link/livemusicforum for more information about the Live Music Forum.

The forum is part of Live & Local, whichisalsodeliveringprofessional development workshops and micro-music festivals.

To help keep people up to date with other activities in the live music scene, the City of Greater Geelong has established a Music Industry Register.

It provides musicians with information about live music activities, workshops, grants, networking and professional development opportunities.

The register is also beneficial for live music venues or local business owners.

For more information about music in our region, visitgeelongaustralia.com.au/ musicgb

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

Torquay will receive crucial road upgrades to help pave the way for better road safety and traffic flow across the region.

Work is planned between April and August of this year and will focus on north Torquay, with the $2.35 million Coombes Road reconstruction project brought forward.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said it was important to improve road safety to help grow communities.

“We know that these projects often bring disruptions however we always strive to time them to reduce the impact they have on the community,” she said.

“During consultation for our Road Safety Strategy, we heard that speed, intersection safety, pedestrian safety and cyclist safety were important issues in Torquay.

“All of our upcoming roadworks are supporting goals in our Road Safety Strategy, including improving intersection designs and improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.”

Mayor Pattison said residents impacted by nearby roadworks would be notified before works commenced, with many expected to be

completed by July.

The Rosser Boulevard, Surf Coast Highway and Coombes Road intersection will see upgrades and traffic light installations.

Surface repairs and road widening will be conducted along Coombes Road between Surf Coast Highway and Messmate Road.

Surf Coast Highway and Grossmans Road will see intersection upgrades, with Merrijig Drive and Fischer Street receiving road resurfacing works.

A new pedestrian crossing will be incorporated at Beach Road, with a raised pedestrian crossing included at The Esplanade at Beach Road and the Grossmans and Eton Road school precinct.

Further upgrades on the Messmate Road and Coombes Road intersection, Surf Coast Highway and Bristol Road Intersection and Coombes Road between Messmate and Ghazeepore Roads are due to be finished in the 2024-25 financial year.

Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/torquayroads for more information and to stay updated on upcoming Torquay roadworks.

Torquay road works to begin Quartet powering up

Four Geelong recruits are among the 46 apprentices and trainees who will learn the skills to help keep the power network safe and reliable for more than 1.2 million Victorian homes and businesses.

The recruits were selected from a record field of more than 1100 applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including hospitality, animal handling, civil construction, plumbing, electrical trades, traffic control, telecommunications, rigging and carpentry.

James Wood, Maya Eastwood, Lincoln Everett, Jack Doyle will join CitiPower and Powercor, head of operations and delivery Barry David said.

“We are building the next generation of our field workforce, which plays an essential role in keeping the lights on for communities,” he said.

Award recipients with our councillors. Back: Bridie Coughlin, Renee La Peyre, Cr Melissa Cadwell, Cr Belinda Moloney, Cr Elise Wilkinson, Emma Paterson (representing Lee Fox) Front: Karen Todd, Yvonne Parker, Kathryn AstonMourney, (absent: Nikki Stanley).

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED WITH WOMEN IN COMMUNITY LIFE AWARDS

Meet our 2024 Women in Community Life Awards recipients – recognised for the contribution they have made to our Greater Geelong community and in particular, the impact they have made to promote and advocate for the advancement of gender equality.

In partnership with the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee (WiCLAC), we celebrated the recent International Women’s Day by acknowledging and honouring the extraordinary contributions and leadership roles of women across our region. The 2024 awards recognised 29 women* across seven categories.

Award recipients are:

› Nikki Stanley - Women in Community Life Award for a First Nations Woman

› Yvonne Parker - Women in Community Life Award for Climate Action

› Lee Fox - Women in Community Life Award for Disability Rights

› Bridie Coughlin - Women in Community Life Award for Economic Empowerment

› Kathyrn Aston-Mourney - Women in Community Life Award for Education

› Renée La Peyre - Women in Community Life Award for Human Rights

› Karen Todd - Women in Community Life Award for Leadership in Women’s Health

To be eligible for the awards, the nominee had to be a woman* living or working in the Greater Geelong region.

*Also refers to cis and trans women and gender non-binary people.

To read more about our award recipients, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/WICLAwards

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Geelong Major Events Committee –applications invited for external member positions (3)

We’re seeking applications from people with experience relevant to the events, arts, sports or business sectors to fill three external committee member positions for a four-year term commencing August 2024 and expiring July 2028.

Established in 1998, Geelong Major Events (GME) is a Delegated Committee of the City of Greater Geelong, created to attract and support signature, hallmark and major events that will have a positive economic and social impact for Greater Geelong.

Applications are to be submitted via email and close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 2 April 2024. GME External Committee positions are voluntary.

For more information, scan the QR code, visit geelong.link/GME or contact GME Executive Officer, Fiona Duncan at gme@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 5272 5272.

TRAFFIC CHANGES

If you are travelling near the below locations within these dates and times, please scan the QR codes or visit geelong.link/Events for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions.

Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta, Barwon River, Geelong

›Friday 15 to Sunday 17 March

›Barwon Terrace will be closed from Latrobe Boulevard to Moorabool Street

›A section of Barrabool Road from Quarry Close to High Street Belmont will be closed to traffic from 7.00am to approximately 6.00pm, Saturday 16 March and from 6.30am to approximately 5.30pm on Sunday 17 March.

Geelong Cats vs St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium

South Geelong

›Saturday 16 March

›Various road closures from 6.30pm

›Full road closure will affect Moorabool Street, between Park Crescent and Bowen Way.

Ironman 70.3 Geelong

›Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March

›Various times and areas

›Tow away zones include Ritchie Boulevard Upper Eastern Beach Road and Western Foreshore Road car park.

“This summer, our field teams have been responding to major storms, fires and other weather events, getting the power back on to communities safely and as quickly as possible.

“Our new apprentices will become part of our frontline teams and have an opportunity to build a career in an essential industry that is rapidly changing, delivering new opportunities and the need for new skills.”

A mentor has been assigned to each apprentice and trainee to help guide them through their course and on-the-job training during the next four years.

The group of 46 includes eight women, which is the highest female intake of the apprenticeship and traineeship program so far.

The 2025 apprentice intake will open later this year.

›Mayor road closures will include Portarlington Road - Curlewis bound

›Bus routes / times will be affected.

ARE YOU RUNNING AN EVENT?

We can help your event realise it’s potential with a simple and free calendar listing on our Events Geelong website. Whether it's a festival, concert or community gathering, ensure your event gets noticed by the right audience today.

Are you running an event…? Let Events Geelong amplify your reach and tap into our promotional channels and connect to thousands of local Geelong residents. Whether it's a festival, concert or community gathering, ensure your event gets noticed by the right audience. It’s quick and completely free. Partner with us today to make your event a success and visit geelong.link/ListMyEvent

To list your event, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ ListMyEvent

FIREWORKS NOTICE

Geelong Cats vs St Kilda – Saturday 16 March

A twenty-five second firework display will be staged at GMHBA Stadium, South Geelong on Saturday 16 March between approximately 6.40pm and 7.20pm.

Please ensure your pets are secure.

James Wood, Maya Eastwood, Lincoln Everett, Jack Doyle will join CitiPower and Powercor. (Supplied)

A celebration of all things Ford

By Matt Hewson

Geelong’s Eastern Park roars to life this weekend with the highly anticipated 33rd Annual All Ford Day on Sunday, March 17.

With around 1500 cars on display, 300 of those competing in over 30 judged categories, AllFordDayisoneofthebiggestFord-branded events in the country.

Event director Nicholas Heath said this year’s event was poised to set a new record in terms of numbers of entrants, and invited people to come down and enjoy the day.

“It’s a fantastic day out of colour and light,”

Mr Heath said.

“If you’ve got any interest in motor vehicles of any sort whatsoever it’s fantastic.

“Lots of people just enjoy the day with their family because there’s food stalls, there’s entertainment, there’s all sorts of things going on.

“So just a really great family day out in the park with things to see and people to talk to.”

Mr Heath said the event was a “celebration” of car culture and Ford specifically.

He said while the city’s car manufacturing industry was a thing of the past, that history still resonated culturally through the Geelong

Harness your creativity

A Geelong author is hosting free writing workshopsattheBoronggookDrysdaleLibrary to help recognise different stories across the region.

Emma Greville’s first workshop, Short Story Essentials, on Saturday, March 16, from 2pm to 3.30pm, will focus on helping people learn the art of crafting compelling tales.

Ms Greville said she wanted to “offer something for everyone” through the workshops and help people feel supported along their writing journeys.

“Everyone has a story that they want to tell in some form or other. So, I wanted to just do something that’s really fun and casual, helping dip your toes into exploring your creativity,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a word before, you’re a writer coming back into writing, or you have had some success in writing and would like to explore new creative ideas.

“I’ll do my best to guide them through some really fun creative exercises to explore different ways that they can tell whatever stories they’ve got brewing in their heads.”

Ms Greville said writing courses could be expensive and time-consuming, but libraries were a great place to go and try things for free.

“I think it’s really important that we support our libraries so that they are there for our communities... and (writing is) great for people’s self-esteem,” she said.

“There are a lot of adults who’ve got really important things to say and, in Australia’s multicultural society, there are fascinating stories absolutely everywhere.”

Ms Greville will also host a Writing for Children workshop on April 20 and an Effective Editing workshop on May 18 from 2pm to 3.30pm at the Boronggook Drysdale Library. Bookings are essential and can be made at events.grlc.vic.gov.au/event/9752959

of today.

“That means a lot in Geelong, because it’s a Ford town,” Mr Heath said.

“I think if you look at things in Geelong there’s the footy club and then probably the next thing you look at is Ford. So many families have a foundation story around Ford.

“Culturally it’s really important, particularly out in the north. It’s a brand that Geelong identifies with because it’s always been here and continues to be important.

“So many people have fond memories and (All Ford Day) is a chance to relive some of that.”

That rings as true for Mr Heath as for anybody. While this year will mark his eighth year as the event’s director, his family owned long-running dealership Heath Ford and were sponsors of the event when he was a child.

“I used to go along with my father because we sponsored the event in the 70s and early 80s, so we have that family connection,” he said.

“I’ve also got two Ford cars and a truck at the moment, so I’m one of the afflicted as well.”

Go to allfordday.org.au for tickets or more information.

Geelong author Emma Greville and her daughter Ettie. (Ivan Kemp) 349736_06

Focus on Education

Give your kinder kids the best start

For families seeking the best start for their children, Montessori Minds Childcare & Kindergarten stands out as a beacon of educational excellence.

Catering to children aged six weeks to six years, Montessori Minds is not just a childcare centre; it’s a place where young minds are nurtured, and potentials are ignited.

Montessori Minds Childcare Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, opened its doors in late 2023. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care and education for children in a nurturing and stimulating environment. With our experienced staff, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in good hands, receiving the highest quality of care, and engaging in enriching activities tailored to their developmental needs.

We look forward to welcoming new families to Montessori Minds Childcare Centre as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.

At Montessori Minds, the curriculum is more than just a set of lessons; it’s a holistic approach that encompasses the mind, body, and soul of each child.

The Montessori Curriculum is designed to meet the specific developmental needs and interestsofchildren,dividedintofivekeyareas: practical life, sensory, mathematics, language, and culture.

Aschildrenprogressthroughthecurriculum, they encounter increasingly challenging materials that are tailored to their individual abilities, not just their age. This personalised approach ensures that each child is able to learnattheirownpace,guidedbyteacherswho understand and respect their unique learning styles.

One of the core principles of Montessori education is the belief that each child is a

unique individual.

The curriculum is designed to accommodate alllearningstyles,andstudentsareencouraged tolearnthroughself-discoveryandexploration.

Thisapproachfostersasenseofindependence, confidence, and responsibility, preparing children to become engaged, competent, and respectful citizens of the world.

The Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment that encourages

order, coordination, concentration, and independence.

Children are free to choose their activities, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning. This freedom within limits promotes self-discipline and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

For families in Geelong seeking a quality Montessori education for their children, Montessori Minds Childcare & Kindergarten

is the perfect choice.

We are an approved kindergarten centre and currently, we are accepting enrolments for kindergarten-aged children, ranging from three to six years old.

Call or email to book a tour and discover the Montessori difference today. Phone: (03) 7018 6389 or email contact@montessoriminds.com.au

Address: 21-29 Princes Highway, Norlane 3214

Contact No: (03) 5222 8135

Email: contact@MontessoriMinds.vic.edu.au

URL: montessoriminds.vic.edu.au

We believe children learn by building on the knowledge they already have - primarily exhibited through play. Teachers help children learn by creating a rich environment to explore via exciting educational activities.

Montessori Minds Childcare & Kindergarten stands out as a beacon of educational excellence. (Supplied)

Focus on Education

Respect, excellence, achievement and diversity

North Geelong Secondary College is a single campus Year 7-12 academic college.

It is a creative, caring and diverse college, where young people grow into autonomous learners by engaging with our imaginative and intellectually rigorous programs.

Thecommunityisafriendlyandsupportive environment, underpinned by the values of ‘Respect, Excellence, Achievement and Diversity’.

The school places high expectations on student behaviour and academic endeavour and we are very proud of our VCE results and VCAL outcomes in 2023.

• VCEAllstudymeanscore29–anoutstanding achievement!

• 100% VCE satisfactory completion

• The Dux of the year Haisong Qi achieved 99.7 ATAR score.

• 10% of our students achieved ATAR scores 90 to 100.

North Geelong Secondary College is proud to offer a number of enrichment and innovative programs: Scholarship Program, Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, the Strive to Achieve Results (STAR), the Achieving Core Education (ACE) Programs and Excellence in Sport (EIS) Program.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, provides a focussed educational environment for academically oriented students. SEAL classes incorporate a fast-paced curriculum, with less repetition than mainstream classes.

The NGSC SEAL Program centres around critical and higher-order thinking and constantly extends students, encouraging creativity and innovation, building their capacitytoactivelycontributetoourlocaland global communities.

SEAL Program students are encouraged to think independently and to take more

responsibility for their own learning.

Features of the SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) Program at North Geelong Secondary College:

• Students are challenged with work that is beyond the expected level

• Students work produced demonstrates a more sophisticated thinking process in a more challenging learning environment

• Studentsexplorenewlearningenvironments through a variety of excursions/activities

• Acceleration into VCE subjects

AdvancementViaIndividualDetermination

(AVID) – the only program of its kind in Geelong – underpins our SEAL Program. AVID prepares students with not only the content knowledge but also the metacognitive and organisational skills required to succeed in senior secondary school and tertiary studies.

WearenowinvitingearlySEALapplications from students living within the North Geelong Secondary College school zone. Find out more about the application process and the SEAL program on our website (ngsc.vic. edu.au). Early applications close Sunday 14th

April 2024.

If you would like to find out more about our SEAL program, and our other programs and facilities, we invite you to book a personalised tour of our college. You will not be disappointed as you will discover a dynamic, high-quality government school for your child.

We look forward to meeting you. Please contact 03 5240 5800, or email north.geelong.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au to book in a time for a personalised tour.

Healthy tummies can help create healthy minds

The age old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has ensured many children stay healthy and strong with a nutritious, balanced diet for years now - and it’s still just as relevant a saying as any.

To help your children thrive in the classroom, it’s important to be feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet filled with all the energy they need to grow and flourish as young students.

But when life gets busy, it can be hard to ensure the food your family’s eating is covering all the necessary bases, so why not usethesehandytipstohelpboostyourchild’s

brain power?

Firstly: start your day the right way. Breakfast is often overlooked and sometimes rushed, but this morning meal is one of the most important of the day.

Fuelling up before school with a healthy balanced breakfast will ensure your child has all the energy they need to play, learn and power on throughout the day.

Whole grain cereals and toast are always a quick, easy option and for the colder months, why not try some porridge?

Fresh fruit smoothies, yoghurt, eggs and beans are all other quick, nutritious ideas…

the ideas are limitless.

A healthy lunchbox made up of a mixture of foods will keep your kids happy and eating healthily,andtosaveontime,trypreparingit the night before.

Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods such as pieces of fruit and tubs of yoghurt as sweet treats and avoid processed, sugary foods which provide little to no nutritional value.

A good old fashioned sandwich with wholemeal bread is always a good lunch time staple, and remind your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

If you struggle to get your kids to drink

water, why not try adding a splash of lemon juice, or getting them a fun, colourful water bottle to drink out of?

Dinner ideas are endless, but as long as you’re getting plenty of veggies, some protein and other important nutrients in your diet, your kids will be perfectly placed to make the most out of their education.

And the last tip? By eating healthily yourself, you’ll be leading by example and be a healthy eating role model for your kids into the future.

Gabriella Payne

North Geelong Secondary College has a friendly and supportive environment, underpinned by the values of ‘Respect, Excellence, Achievement and Diversity’. (Pictures: Supplied)

Making ‘Friends for Good’

By Matt Hewson

An Australian charity is giving Geelong the chance to support an important helpline service for people experiencing loneliness and also grab a bargain.

Not-for-profit Friends for Good will hold its first annual fundraiser in Grovedale next Saturday, March 23, an inclusive community event aiming to raise funds for its popular FriendLine service.

FriendLine receives thousands of calls every month from people around the country experiencing loneliness and social isolation, butrecentcutstoitsgovernmentfundinghave put the service under threat.

The Friends for Good Community Day, which runs from 9am to 3pm at Grovedale United Services Memorial Hall, will centre around a pre-loved clothing sale with every item priced at $5 – the cost of each call to FriendLine.

The event will also include food trucks, markets stalls, live music and entertainment and a raffle.

Local resident Eleisha Casañas is stepping outside her usual role as the charity’s national research and community education manager, volunteering her time and energy to organise and run the fundraiser.

She said the combination of loss of funding and increasing numbers of incoming calls meant the FriendLine service was struggling to keep up.

“For a lot of people, we’re the only voice that they speak to in the day,” Ms Casañas said.

“We’re struggling at the moment to find the funds to run the FriendLine service and support people experiencing loneliness.

“I find it really heartbreaking that people wouldbecallingandnotbeabletogetthrough to somebody because we just don’t have the

capacity at the moment.”

Ms Casañas thanked the community for its support in donating thousands of items of clothing, some of them brand new, for the fundraiser and encouraged people to come along and find a bargain.

“We’ve priced the clothes at $5 because that’s the price of a FriendLine call, so every little bit of support will go a long way toward us being able to help people,” she said. Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events for more information.

Film society celebrates

Afterasuccessful2024seasonlaunchand celebrationof12yearsofscreeningsthe PortarlingtonFilmSociety(PFS)returns inMarchwithaclassicfeature.

Having kicked off this year’s program with Charlotte Well’s Aftersun, a poignant taleofjoyandmelancholy,PFSbringsRear Window to the big screen on March 22 at thePortarlingtonGirlGuidesHall.

Widely considered one of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films, 1954 mystery thriller Rear Window starred James Stewart and Grace Kelly, returning $37 milliononits$1mbudget.

Like many community activity groups, PFS lost members throughout the pandemic years, but has been steadily recoveringnumberssince.

PFS spokesperson Pearl Wilson encouraged film fans to consider joining the society while they had the chance, as membershipnumberswerecapped.

“We used to have a waiting list, but we don’tatthemoment,”MsWilsonsaid.

“Everything changed in those (pandemic) years, where people now streamalotoffilmintheirownhome.For a while it was hard to get people to come out again. “But they are coming out now, and they’re really out. People are loving being back amongst the other members, wheretheycantalkaboutfilm.”

She said the greatest thing about a film society was having the chance to meet other people who were interested in film and see movies that weren’t always shown in mainstream cinemas. Visit portnh.org. au/film_society for more information or enquireaboutbecomingamember.

Our Funeral Team are here when you need support and guidance.

Eleisha Casañas. (Ivan Kemp) 393975_09

The Guide

PICK OF THE WEEK

Close to home: Sarah Lancashire as policewoman Catherine Cawood.

HAPPY VALLEY

ABC TV, Friday, 8.30pm

After a seven-year wait, the third and final season of this supreme crime thriller lands on free-to-air. Featuring a fascinatingly ordinary protagonist in Yorkshire policewoman Catherine Cawood (played with bewitching emotional dexterity by Sarah Lancashire), this sterling British whodunnit from Sally Wainwright is a masterclass in character-led drama. Damaged and dogged, Cawood’s tragic personal life hasn’t clouded her sense of humour, or her innate sense of justice. In this thrilling six-episode conclusion, it’s seven years later in Cawood’s chaotic life too, with her grandson Ryan (Rhys Connah) now 16. In a fulfilling twist, a gangland crime leads Catherine to Ryan’s locked-up father (Grantchester’s James Norton).

Friday, March 15

THE EMERALD ISLES WITH ARDAL O’HANLON

SBS, Sunday, 7.30pm

Irish comedian Ardal O’Hanlon (pictured) whips off any rose-coloured glasses for this very engaging and witty tour of his homeland. The Father Tedand DeathinParadisestar is an impeccably playful presenter in this three-part sojourn, airing in full tonight. He employs the dubious wisdom of the 1840’s book Ireland,itsScenery,Character,etc.by Mr and Mrs Hall to answer his own question: ”Are we really a bunch of superstitious, godfearing, whisky-sodden chancers?” Tune in for this affectionate and fun travelogue in which O’Hanlon nimbly explores everything from religion to storytelling in some of Ireland’s under-the-radar towns.

LIDIA’S KITCHEN

SBS Food, Monday, 6.30pm

If you don’t have a nonna in your life to impart invaluable Italian cooking know-how and wisdom, Lidia Bastianich (pictured, below) is the big cheese. And even if you do, she’s a welcome addition to everyone’s stockpile of cosy, mouthwatering cooking shows. Returning with her ninth season, there are 26 episodes to feast on. From the keenly simple “Salt Your Pasta Water!” and “Cheese Please!” (with helpful exclamation marks included) to “Bread and Beans”, “Southern Italian Favourites”, “Potato, Potato” and “Just Braising”, Lidia leaves no dough unturned. In tonight’s premiere, “What’s For Dinner?”, easy meals are the go, with an antipasto rice salad highlighting Lidia’s simple ethos.

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

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30

That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques

Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

2.00 House Of Gods. (Ml, R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

AARON CHEN COMEDY SPECIAL

10, Tuesday, 9.15pm

We’re all impatiently awaiting the return of the hilariously quirky comedy Fisk, the homegrown series from Kitty Flanagan that has surged to a global hit. In the meantime, here’s your chance to get your fill of star Aaron Chen (pictured, left). The stand-up comedian’s turn as a mullet-haired probate clerk, known as the “webmaster” has seen the Sydneysider’s popularity skyrocket. In this performance of his show, IfWeren’tFilmed,Nobody WouldBelieve, Chen showcases his deadpan humour, albeit with a smile on his face. The HaveYou BeenPayingAttention?

favourite has a unique style with his deceptively timid yet chatty set about the minutiae of life, including making friends with taxi drivers and learning to cook online.

NITV

(MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00

Kenya Wildlife Diaries. 10.55 News. 11.05 Going Places. Noon The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show. 1.25 Going Places. 2.00 Faboriginal. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Motown Magic. 3.25

The World According To Grandpa. 3.35 The Magic Canoe. 4.00 Toi Time. 4.30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 NITV News: Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Kenya Wildlife Diaries. 7.30

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.10 Kew

Gardens: Season By Season. 11.00 Food

Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.45

The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (PGv)

A fellow crew member is murdered.

8.25 Endurance: Race The Pole: The Terra Nova Expedition – 1910 To 1913. Part 3 of 3.

9.20 Queens That Changed The World: The Rebel Queen

– Eleanor Of Aquitaine. (PG) A look at Eleanor of Aquitaine.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Departure. (Mav)

11.30 Devils. (MA15+ad, R)

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 1. Collingwood v Sydney. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.00 Miles In Front. (PGa, R) A look into the world of Australian horse racing.

2.00 The Arrangement. (Mav, R) Megan connects with someone from her past.

3.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II: Elephant. (PGa) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PGalns, R)

After a woman wakes up from a coma with amnesia, her distraught husband sets out to rekindle their love. Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum.

10.45 MOVIE: If I Stay. (2014, Ma, R)

12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.35 The Garden Gurus. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook.

Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. Irish comedian Graham Norton presents the first of two compilations of highlights from the recent series.

10.50 Fire Country. (Mv, R) A delivery truck crashes into the fire station.

11.40 The Project. (R)

12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

10 PEACH (52, 11)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am A River

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

Saturday, March 16

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R)

1.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Mas, R)

2.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R)

3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R)

4.00 Universe With Brian Cox. (R)

5.00 Better Date Than Never. (R)

5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Call Of Duty – Anjali Sharma. (R) Profiles young activist Anjali Sharma.

6.30 Back Roads: East Arnhem Land, NT Pt 2. (PG, R) Rae Johnston continues her visit to Arnhem Land.

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

7.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (Mav) Part 2 of 4.

8.25 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3. A grisly discovery in a college garden raises suspicion among a celebrated Oxford orchestra.

10.00 House Of Gods. (PGl, R) Isa struggles to meet his financial commitment.

11.00 Happy Valley. (Malv, R) A body is found in a drained reservoir.

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo. 9.30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.15 Shaun

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Love

Your Garden. (PGa, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PGl) 11.00 Urban Conversion. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Artistic Apparatus World Cup. Highlights. 4.00

France: A Journey Through Time. (R) 5.00

Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGav)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa) Part 2 of 4.

8.30 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication: The Secret Scandal. (PGa) Part 1 of 3. Documents the biggest scandal ever to engulf the British royal family.

9.30 The Wonders Of Europe: Alhambra, Treasure Of Andalusia. (PGav, R) Part 4 of 4. The story of the people who built the Alhambra, one the most visited monuments in Europe.

10.30 Those Who Stayed. (Mal)

11.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo.

3.30 Face To Face. (Ma, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm Gymnastics.

Artistic World Challenge Cup Series. Replay. 2.10

Every Family Has A Secret. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.50

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. The All-Star Mile and Chandon Ladies Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A Chinese couple are caught with food.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 1. Geelong v St Kilda. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 The Irrational. (Ma, R) After a passenger plane crashes into the Potomac River, Professor Mercer and the team are asked to investigate the pilot’s personal motivations and piece together clues to reveal the truth.

1.00 The Arrangement. (Mav, R) Kyle and Megan must weather a huge rumour that threatens to upend both their careers.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Get Clever. (R) Educational kids’ program in which the wonders of maths and science are explored.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) A look at locations that highlight living well.

7TWO (62, 72)

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today

Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Surfing Australia

TV. 12.30 Great Australian Detour. (R) 1.00 My Way. 1.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R) 2.30 David Attenborough’s

Dynasties II. (PGa, R) 3.30 Renovate Or

Rebuild. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News

First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) Experts help people declutter their lives.

8.30 MOVIE: Jason Bourne. (2016, Mav, R) An assassin is forced out of hiding when one of his old allies uncovers information about his past. Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander.

10.55 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R) Two divers go on an extreme adventure. Chris Carmack.

12.45 Abby’s. (PG, R)

1.10 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs.

11.00 Seaway. 12.10pm The Baron. 1.20 MOVIE: Fire Over Africa. (1954) 3.00 MOVIE: Lawman. (1971, PG) 5.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Women’s. Round 1. NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies.

7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 4. NSW Waratahs v Blues. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific

Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Hang ’Em High. (1968, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Healthy Homes. (R) 9.30 Food Trail: South Africa. (R) 10.00 To Be Advised. 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 11.30 Australian Survivor. (PG, R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGm, R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PG, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.40 The Dog House. A couple who dream of very different dogs are searching for a pooch they will both agree on.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mad, R) NSW Ambulance crews race to a call for a slashed throat and perform life-saving CPR on teens.

9.40 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) With a spike in staff illness due to COVID-19, the ambulance service calls on the military for help.

10.55 So Help Me Todd. (PGv, R) Todd seeks help from his ex-girlfriend.

11.50 FBI: International. (Md, R)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

10

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 The King Of Queens. 8.00 Becker. 9.00 Neighbours. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 The King Of Queens. 12.30pm Australian

NITV (34)

7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. 10.15 MOVIE: Beasts Of The Southern Wild. (2012) 11.55 MOVIE: Selkie. (2000, PG) 1.30pm Kenya Wildlife Diaries. 2.20 NITV

News: Nula. 2.50 The Blinding Of Isaac Woodard. 4.50 Going Places. 5.50 True North Calling. 6.20

News. 6.30 Tradition On A Plate. 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 Idris Elba’s Fight School. 8.35 MOVIE: Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Lola. Continued. (1961, PG, French) 7.10 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 9.20 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 11.10 American Hustle. (2013, M) 1.40pm A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 3.55 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 5.50 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995) 8.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 10.50 Sex, Lies And Videotape. (1989, M) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs.

11.30 The 4WD Adventure Show. Noon MXTV.

12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Bossy’s Bucket List. 2.00 Motor Racing. Shannons SpeedSeries. Round 2. Race Tasmania. Day 1. 4.00 Supercar Customiser: Yianni. 5.00 Storage Wars: NY. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, M) 10.40 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

2pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of St Petersburg. H’lights. 3.05 MOVIE: Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life. (2016, PG) 5.00 Kenan. 5.30 MOVIE: Sonic The Hedgehog. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde. (2003, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Bad Moms 2. (2017, MA15+) 11.35 Dating No Filter. 12.05am Made In Chelsea. 2.00 Late Programs.

10

This Week. (R) Praise. (R)

Gardening Aust. (R)

3.00 Nigella Bites. (R)

Chef. (R) (PG, R) 4.40

5.30 The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.00

6.30

Urban Conversion. (R) PBS Washington Starblasters

Volleyball. Australian Beach Tour. Gold medal Cycling. Paris-Nice. Highlights.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv) A former children’s home resident is murdered.

8.30 House Of Gods. (Mls) Batul’s politicking is interrupted by the possibility of motherhood.

9.30 Happy Valley. (Malv, R) A body is found in a drained reservoir.

10.30 A Life In Ten Pictures: Robin Williams. (PGln, R)

11.20 Harrow. (Final, Mav, R)

12.15 Significant Others. (Madl, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.05

Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

7.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (PGa) Part 1 of 3. Irish comedian and actor Ardal O’Hanlon explores the islands off the coast of Ireland.

10.30 Pompeii: The Origins. (Mv, R) Explores the development of Pompeii. 11.30 Egypt’s Lost City of Canopus. (PG, R) An investigation into Canopus.

12.25 Spain’s Secret Conquest. (Mav, R)

2.45 Chernobyl: The New Evidence: Fallout. (PGa, R) 3.40 Grayson Perry: Divided Britain. (Ml, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6am

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

NINE (8,

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.30 Lockerbie. (PGav) Part 1 of 4. Documents the events surrounding the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, focusing on the investigation into the tragedy on both sides of the Atlantic.

10.30 Quantum Leap. (Return, Mav) Ben finds himself in 1978.

11.30 Autopsy USA: Gilda Radner. (Ma)

12.30 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise. (2006, Masv, R) Tom Selleck.

2.30 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) It’s time for a commitment ceremony.

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48: Last Hope/ Truth And Consequences. (Mav, R)

A teen’s life is cut short in Atlanta.

11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

12.00 David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet. (PG, R)

1.00 World’s Greatest Engineering Icons. (PG, R)

2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGa, R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) With only days remaining, someone’s in the firing line and another must make an impossible choice.

8.40 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) After ransomware is used to cause the controls on a dam to malfunction, Ernie and a team of hackers are tasked with finding the culprit responsible before power and water is cut off to the island.

10.40 FBI: International. (Mv, R) The fly team chases a tech tycoon.

11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

10

6am The Middle. 9.00 Australian Survivor. 10.00 The Big Bang Theory. 12.30pm Ready Steady Cook. 1.30 The Middle. 2.30 So Help Me Todd. 4.30

10

Monday, March 18

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques

Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Australia Remastered. (R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.10 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG)

Hosted by Paul Barry.

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R)

11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.45 Planet America. (R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Parliament

Question Time. 2.05 Tenable. (R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30

7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.20 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. 11.10 Food Markets: In

The Belly Of The City. (PGa, R) 12.10

WorldWatch. 2.00 Blitz Spirit With Lucy Worsley. (PGav, R) 3.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R)

4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Rising From The Ashes. (PGa) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

8.30 The 2010s: The Social Media Boom. Takes a look back at how social media seemed to fulfil the promise of the internet connecting people.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency: Something Changed. (Ma) An elderly man is admitted to St George’s Hospital after being found struggling to breathe at home.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Blanca. (Final, MA15+v)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av, R)

3.25 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Insight. 1.35 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 2.00 Cycling. AusCycling Mountain Bike National C’ships. Downhill. H’lights. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.50 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

8.30 Taskmaster. 9.25 Ten Year Old Tom. 10.30 The Matchmakers. 11.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise.

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 To Be Advised.

1.30 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) A nationwide search for the next singing superstar continues with the top six performers.

8.30 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec agrees to testify as an expert witness in a wrongful death trial for a friend of Kylie. As he faces an old nemesis, he discovers competing emotions around an accidental shooting.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) An auction house gets robbed.

12.00 MOVIE: Farewell, My Love. (2000, MA15+lv, R) A woman avenges her parents’ murder. Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Phillip Rhys.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm

The Barber. 2.10 Kutcha’s Carpool Koorioke. 2.20 Yarning Culture Through Film. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.00 Toi Time. 4.30 Spartakus

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) It’s time for the homestays as the remaining couples experience life in their partner’s home environment.

9.00 To Be Advised.

10.00 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Court Cam. (Mv, R) A judge’s temper gets the best of him.

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.00 Hello SA. (PG)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6am Morning Programs.

9.30

9GO! (82, 93) 6am

Beauty And The Beast. Continued. (2014, PG, French) 7.25 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995, PG) 10.05

La La Land. (2016, M) 12.25pm Sex, Lies And Videotape. (1989, M) 2.20 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 4.05 About Elly. (2009, PG, Persian) 6.15 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 8.30 Dr Strangelove. (1964, PG) 10.20 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon Scorpion. 3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 Full House. 4.00 Family Ties. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Yes Man. (2008, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The Nanny. 12.05am

(Return) 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGasv) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) With only the final four contestants remaining, tensions are on the rise as deals are exposed.

8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) The team races to prevent more killings as its search for an embezzling businessman who is wanted for his wife and daughter’s murder. Jess takes advantage of his empty nest to properly court Sarah.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am

Over Sharenting. Explores issues of childhood exploitation. 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

Blackout: Tomorrow

11.05

Is Too Late. (Mlv) 12.00 Miniseries: Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+av, R) 12.40 Trom. (Malv, R) 3.10 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00

6am

Gold Diggers. 9.30 Frozen Gold. 10.30 Mountain Men. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (Final, PG) After 45 days of battling it out in Samoa, the final three are pushed to their limits.

9.30

10.35

11.05

Affair. (R) 5.00 9News Early.

5.30 Today.

9.15 Aaron Chen Comedy Special. (PGal) A stand-up comedy performance of Aaron Chen’s IfWeren’tFilmed, NobodyWouldBelieveshow.

10.15 NCIS. (Mdv, R) The NCIS team investigates the death of a US Navy commander who trained athletes.

12.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Wednesday, March 20

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A.

(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National

Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

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

9.05 This Is Going To Hurt. (Final, Mal) Adam faces a tribunal over his malpractice.

9.50 Planet America. (Final) A look at the US political climate.

10.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R)

11.35 Rosehaven. (PG, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (R) 1.15 Parliament Question Time.

2.15 Tenable. (R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.20 Make Me A

Dealer. (R) 10.10 Kew Gardens: Season By

Season. 11.00

Food Markets: In The Belly Of

The City. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00

Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30

The Point:

Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.45

The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Most Scenic

Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30

Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (PGa) Part 3 of 3.

8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (Premiere, M) Jimmy Carr hosts a comedic game show where paying attention pays off.

9.30 Kin. (Final, MA15+alv) Conflict is put into overdrive as Michael and Jimmy find common ground.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Blinded. (Malns)

11.45 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Mal) 3.05 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Ms, R)

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

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch.

12.35 Alone. 1.45 Chad. 2.15 Abandoned. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone: The Beast. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

8.30 Robert De Niro: Hiding In The Spotlight. 9.30

Clockwork Orange: The Prophecy. 10.30 MOVIE: Fight Club. (1999, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.

6am The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.35 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 9.20 Selkie.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30

Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00

7.35

11.20

12.05

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 The 1% Club. (Final, PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.35 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.35 Talking Footy. A look at the week’s AFL news, hosted by Trent Cotchin, Joel Selwood and Mitch Cleary.

10.35 The Latest: Seven News.

11.05 Crime Investigation Australia: The Cangai Siege. (MA15+alv, R) A look at the 1993 Cangai siege.

12.35 Parenthood. (PGa, R)

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Shopping.

6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Room For Improvement. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Hotel Inspector. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes.

5.30

NINE (8, 9)

Afternoon.

4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG)

5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. It is time for the dinner party.

9.00 Under Investigation: The Good Snitch. (Mlv) Liz Hayes and her team of experts investigate the death of star witness Andrew Petrelis.

10.00 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 The Equalizer. (Mav, R)

(PG, R)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 8.30 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 9.00 Bold. (PGav, R) 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 10.00 GCBC. (R) 10.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 11.00 Dr Phil. (PG, R) 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 Australian Survivor. (PG, R) 3.00 GCBC. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGlv) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition.

8.30 FBI: International. (Mav) As the clock ticks on Forrester’s reassignment, the FBI Fly Team heads to Austria to find an American teen who was kidnapped as a child and whose abductors are now holding a second young girl captive.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 Becker. 8.00 Dr Phil. 9.00 The Middle.

9GO! (82, 93)

10 BOLD (53, 12)

JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 Hawaii Five-0. 10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG.

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A Glass Of Revenge. (2022, Mav) Lynn Kim Do, Monique Parent, Michael Swan. 2.00 Your Money & Your Life. (PG) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

AFL. Round 2. St Kilda v Collingwood. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News. (R)

11.30 The Amazing Race. (PG, R) The teams of two continue their race around the Americas for the chance to win $1 million.

1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+av, R) A murder

6.00

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PG) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav, R) The team joins forces with Elliot Stabler to hunt down an evil mastermind.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Jamie searches for an arsonist.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

10 BOLD (53, 12)

6am Home Shopping.

8.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 21. Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers. Highlights. 8.30 Diagnosis Murder. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Soccer. AFC 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Second round. Australia v Lebanon. 10.30 NCIS: New Orleans. 11.25 Late Programs.

Beans release new album

By Matt Hewson

Geelong psych-rock five-piece Beans has just released their new album, but it’s been a much different (and longer) journey than those of their previous releases.

Their third studio album Boots N Cats hit streaming platforms today (Friday, March 15), nearly four years after the release of Beans’ second album All Together Now.

The band, which consists of frontman Matt Blach, guitarist Jack Kong, drummer Lachlan McKiernan, bassist Vincent Clementson and keyboardist Mitch Rice, can be forgiven for the long stretch of time between albums, given All Together Now was launched right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clementson said the pandemic couldn’t have happenedataworsetimeforAllTogetherNow.

“We had all the album launch plans (for All Together Now) and everything ready to go,” he said. “We were putting some shows together and then we played the (launch) show and then the next day they were like, there’s no more gigs.”

Despite the separation, the band continued writing and developing new songs through lockdowns, which would eventually form the core of Boots N Cats.

“It was kind of a different approach (for this album); half the band was here in Geelong, then Matt and Jack were up in Melbourne, so we couldn’t see each other,” Clementson said.

“I definitely think it allowed for different ways, like different things that we’ve never really thought of.

“I think it had a positive effect, to realise we don’t need to be in the same room together, we canstillharnessourcreativityfromadistance.”

Blach agreed, saying while it wasn’t an approachthebandreallywantedtotakeit“was the way it was”.

“We couldn’t see each other at all but we

wantedtokeeptheballrolling;wehadallthese songs, so we started recording them,” Blach said.

The band members, who are all between the agesof28and31,grewupontheBellarine,with Blach and Clementson taking their first job delivering papers for the Geelong Independent to earn their “lolly money”.

The lads played music together through high school, officially forming the band in 2017, and Blach said the chemistry and camaraderie developed over the years was his favourite part of playing in Beans.

“We’ve all just known each other for that long and it’s always been a fun time rather than a serious time,” he said. “(It’s) doing something productive, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously. And that’s reflected to the audience.”

Beans are playing at Aireys Inlet Music Festival on Saturday, March 16.

A catastrophic comedy

Theatregoers should expect the unexpected when the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society presents its production of A Christmas Carol this month.

Brought to the Potato Shed by Theatre3Triple2, the show tells the story of the fictional society’s hapless attempt to bring Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life.

Though the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society members hold boundless enthusiasm and self-belief, things quickly take a turn for the worst.

Missed cues, forgotten lines, big egos, collapsing scenery, sonic mishaps… the list is endless.

Written by David McGillvray and Walter Zerlin Jnr, the play was first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1987, subsequently spawning a series of plays portraying the Dramatic Society’s attempts to produce theatrical works.

Director Rob MacLeod said despite having seen the show over 30 times over the years, he still found it hilarious.

“It’s a play within a play… it’s about this group of ladies in England who are part of a dramatic society, and they decide to put on A Christmas Carol,” he said.

“But of course it’s fraught with disasters along the way, including the fact that they couldn’t get it on before Christmas so they’ve had to put it on in March.

“It’s almost like an adult pantomime in the fact that it has audience participation, it’s got some singing and dancing and laughter and it’s

very colourful… a bit Pythonesque.

“It’sappropriate-it’snotrude,it’sveryfamily friendly - but it’s extremely funny.”

MacLeod paid tribute to the production’s mostly female cast, saying there was already talk of having the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society back next year.

“We may see another one next year; we’re thinking about doing the version of MacBeth next year,” he said. “That’s if this goes well, and I’mprettysureit’sgoingtogowellaslongaswe get good audiences.

“So it would be lovely to have people come along and have a laugh, because you can never laugh too much.”

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s production of A Christmas Carol is at the Potato Shed 8pm on Friday, 22 March and 1pm and 8pm on Saturday, 23 March.

Matt Hewson

Farndale Avenue Housing Estate townswoman

Thelma (Lynne Sutton) plays Scrooge. (Supplied)

Beans. (Danysha Harriott)

Awards recognise local women

The 2024 Women in Community Life Awards recognised 29 women on Friday March 8.

The City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee (WiCLAC), nominated the candidates across seven categories: First Nations Woman, Climate Action, Disability Rights, Economic Empowerment, Education, Human Rights, and Leadership in Women’s Health.

Commencing in 2016, the annual awards acknowledge the contribution women have made to the Greater Geelong community and in particular, the impact they have made to promote and advocate for the advancement of gender equality.

The 2024 award recipients are:

Nikki Stanley: Women in Community Life Award for a First Nations Woman – Nikki’s impact on the Geelong community extends far beyond her role as a proud Wadawurrung woman. Nikki’s deep commitment to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of the Wadawurrung people has made her a cornerstone of cultural education and awareness in the region. Her dedication to fosteringasenseofbelongingforallcommunity has cultivated an environment where everyone feels connected and respected, breaking down barriersandbuildingbridgesbetweendifferent cultural backgrounds.

Yvonne Parker: Women in Community Life AwardforClimateAction – Yvonne Parker is a climate activist and volunteer with Geelong Sustainability and is an exemplary role model andatrueinspiration.Frompickinguprubbish on our beaches to providing an example to the women and girls in our community that you are never ‘too’ anything to not have a go and to strive for your dreams. She uses her writing

skills as an activist and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

Lee Fox: Women in Community Life Award for Disability Rights – Facing challenges posed by bipolar disorder, Lee’s transition from being on the disability support pension to leading a team of mental health professionals is a remarkable example of breaking through the barriers of gender stereotypes and societal expectations. By openly discussing her journey and being in a position of influence, she is a persuasiverolemodelforwomenandgirlsfacing similarchallenges.Herstorydemonstratesthat achieving professional success and personal growth is possible regardless of age, gender, and health challenges.

Bridie Coughlin: Women in Community Life Award for Economic Empowerment –

Musicians had significant economic impacts on their profession and ability to generate income during the COVID19 pandemic. Bridie has been a leader in re-establishing the live music scene in Geelong, through her role at The Barwon Club Hotel. Bridie has a unique style and a self-confidence that demonstrates professional leadership and the ability to ‘be ones-self’ in their chosen profession. Her identity is simultaneously “alternative” and personable, allowing those opportunities for mentorship, especially with musicians who may not conform to mainstream ideals of gender or identity.

Kathyrn Aston-Mourney: Women in Community Life Award for Education –Kathryn is a scientist, musician and inspiring leader who is passionate about training the next generation of women. Her visibility as a

successful young woman in STEM continues to challenge entrenched stereotypes. Kat volunteers to promote STEM careers to the young women of Geelong and provide exciting opportunitiesforwomenscientiststoshowcase their work to the Geelong community. She also volunteers with Orchestra Geelong as a committee member and oboist encouraging women and girls to support their involvement in community music.

Renée La Peyre: Women in Community Life Award for Human Rights – Renée has significantly advanced participation, representation, and leadership for women and girls in the Greater Geelong community through her pioneering efforts in the disability sector. Her dedication to eradicating historical abuses aligns seamlessly with her commitment to advancing the positions of women and girls. Through her business, Renée has provided emergencyaccommodationtoover200women with disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promotingthebeliefthateveryonedeservesthe chance to have safe and enjoyable experiences regardless of their circumstances.

Karen Todd: Women in Community Life Award for Leadership in Women’s Health

– As a social worker, Karen is a passionate advocate for protecting women and children from family violence and has trained hundreds of health professionals to effectively recognise and respond to patients experiencing family violence. Her work has led to a significant shift in the way health professionals and health services throughout the Greater Geelong region respond to victims of family violence. Karen’s advocacy resulted in the successful introduction of a social work service across seven days in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Geelong in 2021.

Back: Renée La Peyre, Bridie Coughlin, Lee Fox. Front: Karen Todd, Yvonne Parker, Kathyrn Aston-Mourney. Absent: Nikki Stanley. (Supplied)

Local news and local jobs at risk

By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australiapresident

Australia’s largest organisation of newspaper publishers has attacked the announcement by Meta that it will no longer negotiate deals with publishers once current agreements expire.

Country Press Australia [CPA] represents more than 230 regional, rural and outer suburban publications across the nation.

The organisation was advised through an email from Meta on March 1 that “our company priorities have substantially shifted in the past year and, as a result, we will no longer be making Facebook news tab available in Australia”.

Meta also confirmed “This doesn’t affect our agreement with CPA which will continue in accordance with its terms and conditions until it expires”.

In a subsequent meeting, between CPA and Meta it was made clear that CPA’s agreement with Meta would not be renewed.

This is a devastating blow to our members who are party to the agreement.

Meta has been providing grants to CPA publishers which has provided vital sustainability.

There will be publishers who close the doors and won’t be able to continue supporting their communities with news in the wake of this announcement. These regional and local publishersarethemajor,andinmostcasessole, providers of local public interest journalism in their communities.

In times of trouble and in emergency situations, such as during floods and in major bushfire events, the local publisher’s Facebook page is never more important or appreciated by people in our communities.

Meta’s actions undermine our democracy

in the way the company displays such disdain for the work of the news industry. It also undermines public confidence in the media sector.

The most popular Facebook pages in most regional and rural communities are those of the local news publishing company, yet Meta says people don’t go to Facebook for news or political content.

What about in times of bushfire and floods or when the chips are down and someone in the community needs help? Local experience would suggest otherwise.

If, by Meta’s own admission, Australians don’t go to Facebook for news or political content, then the federal government should

Meta move ‘blackmail’

One of our pet hates at the Independent is the phrase: “Yeah, I read about that on Facebook”.

Gets the hackles up every time.

Yes, the person may have read a news report while on the social media platform, but it is almostcertainthatinformationwasgenerated elsewhere.

Facebook doesn’t employ journalists to engage with local communities and report information relevant to readers. We do.

Facebook, as a US-based tech giant, doesn’t have a physical presence in those communities. We do.

Facebook doesn’t attend the local meetings and events that matter and report on what happens. We do.

Facebook doesn’t campaign on the important social issues or infrastructure needs of local communities. We do.

Facebook doesn’t support great local causes across the west. We do.

Yes, the Independent and other media organisations use Facebook as one of the many platforms to disseminate the news we produce, along with print products and various websites.

But the news people read on Facebook is produced elsewhere; by companies like ours that pay people to provide that service.

What Facebook does bring to the ‘news’ conversation are the various noticeboard sites that pop up that offer rumours and misinformation.

Police investigating the disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy had to appeal to people to stop theorising about the case on social media sites, some of which were created specifically for that case.

Thisrumourandinnuendowasn’tspreadby traditional media, but through the unfettered social media channels.

Facebook has for years happily hosted our more legitimate and responsible content and made trillions of dollars from the eyeballs it attracts.

A few years back industry heavyweights lobbied hard for the Federal Government to establish a News Media Bargaining Code that compelled Facebook to start paying for this news content.

Thefundingthatcameoutofthatagreement allowed us to employ more journalists and invest in more resources.

Facebook has now signalled that it will be walking away from that hard-fought agreement, a move that will cost local jobs and mayforcesomelocalmediaoutletstothewall.

The decision by Meta to stop paying for the news it allows to be shared across Facebook and Instagram will have a direct impact on our newspaper and the support we can offer our readers and communities. And it is the same for every small suburban and country newspaper across Australia.

It may not seem such a big deal that the news tab on Facebook will disappear, but what if they decide to block all news services, like Meta has done in Canada?

Is it okay that a massive US company can hold Australian governments and businesses to ransom like this?

This decision should be a warning to all small businesses and organisations that use Facebook or Instagram as their only digital platform. What happens if Meta next randomly decides to charge hairdressers for business pages, or block community Pride events? Not paying fairly for news, and then threatening to block access to media on their platforms is blackmail.

This isn’t just a squabble between giants; it’s about the survival of small newspapers. It’s about the sustainability of publications that give rural and regional people a voice and record the history of the towns in this region.

This isn’t just about us; it’s about fair compensation for the news we produce. Don’t let our story end. Stand with us, stand with your local paper.

-Geelong

Independent editorial staff

heed the advice of Meta and immediately cease advertising on Meta’s platforms.

The federal government must act to give assurance to our industry and to support the democratic infrastructure that is the newspaper industry. And it needs to move swiftly, decisively and with purpose. We need government to support the news industryandinvokethenewsmediabargaining code.

Sadly, jobs will definitely be lost as a result of Meta’s decision, but it’s hard to put a number on this.

Given the already well-documented challenges our industry faces, this announcement will force many publishers to confront the issues ahead of them and cut staff.

The reaction from our members in the aftermath of the announcement has been one of deep concern, alarm and even anger.

Facebookreapedthebenefitsofourmembers’ unique local content for many years, and has paid those local and regional publishers for only the last three years and will now not renew their agreement with CPA. A democracy cannot function without a healthy news sector, and this is now heavily at risk in regional and local communities after Meta’s decision.

It is important that the federal government responds swiftly to this decision and considers all possible action including designating Meta under the News Media Bargaining Code and other options available to them and the ACCC.

It is vital that news media is adequately compensated for the content that Facebook has been able to build their business from over many years and ensure a strong and robust news media industrywhichisvitalforahealthydemocracy.

It is also vital that the federal government ensures strong support of the industry now more than ever before and ensures the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) is finalised urgently.

Right: Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Easter service

Manifold Heights and Geelong Korean Baptist Church service, corner Volum Street and Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights. Easter Sunday March 31,10am, followed by a combined shared lunch.

■ Yvonne, 5278 2503, or Bernard, 0466 820 420

Geelong Jukebox Rockers

Rock ’n roll classes start March 18, beginners 7pm-8pm, arrive 6.45pm, 6-week course. Social dancing to 9pm. Club Italia, Moolap.

■ 0432 503 997

Sports

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

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

■ Maureen, 0429 397 015

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

■ artsnational.au

Hamlyn Heights Probus

Second Thursday of the month, 10am, Geelong Cement Bowls Club, 200 McCurdy Road, Herne Hill.

■ Noel, 0425 706 339

Geelong Central Probus

Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.

■ geelcentprob@gmail.com

Newcomb Probus

Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.

■ Gary, 0407 320 735

Polish language for kids

Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.

■ Dorota, 5224 1105

Music for preschoolers

Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.

■ Rhonda, 0437 241 345

Rostrum meets

Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.

■ Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958

Adfas Geelong Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.

■ adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au

Cards

Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.

■ griddlepop@hotmail.com

Scrabble club

Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool and McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.

■ Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282

Games

Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2pm-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.

Sailing Come for a sail or, if you have a trailable yacht, a tag-along cruise with Geelong Trailable Yacht Club. Sunday March 17, 9.30am or 12.30pm, St Helens boat ramp, Swinburne Street, North Geelong. Visitors welcome. ■ John, 0411 142 917

■ Dinah, 0418 547 753

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm.

■ Shirley, 0488 055 969

Sing Australia Geelong Choir

Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.

■ Mary, 0419 278 456

Mindfulness & meditation

Wednesdays 11am at U3A Geelong, Thursdays 10am, U3A Torquay.

■ Jean, 5264 7484

Ocean Grove Seniors

Ocean Grove Seniors play 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. Cost $20 annually and coffee included. 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Lyn, 5256 2540

Scribes Writers Group

South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills.

■ geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388

Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged three to six years; 7-10 years; and 10+ years at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am.

■ Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea, 0403 005 449

Geelong Dragon Boat Club

Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial.

■ revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons

Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential.

■ zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au

Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont.

■ Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net

Choir

St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7.45pm to 8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir.

■ Dr Terry Norman, 0411 875 033, or termernorman@gmail.com

Geelong ballroom dancing

Saturdays 7.30pm to 10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate.

■ 5278 9740, or geelongballroomdc.com.au

Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings

First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.

■ geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au

Alcoholics (and other addicts)

For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at BelmontHighton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont.

■ 0420 910 763

Belmont Seniors

Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

■ 5241 1776

Lions Club Of Geelong Meets for breakfast first Tuesday of each month at The Eastern Hub, Geelong East.

■ ajd53m@yahoo.com

Dancer’s Club

Ballroom dancing Wednesdays

7.30pm-10.30pm, Leopold Hall, Bellarine Highway. Cost: $8, includes light supper.

■ Russ, 5250 1937

Geelong Harmony Chorus

Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm in Herne Hill.

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

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English.

■ 0413 406 433, or welshladieschoir.com.au

Chess clubs

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

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

Carpet Bowls

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

■ 0400 500 402

OMNI

Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am.

■ Allan, 0409 665 608

Lara Community Market

Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL from 9am to 1pm.

Geelong Breakfast Lions Club Meets first Tuesday of each month, 8am at The Eastern Hub, East Geelong.

■ ajd53m@yahoo.com

Geelong Amateur Radio Club Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30pm to 4pm and Fridays at 6.30pm.

■ Robert, 0438 409 979, or vk3atl.org

Geelong’s Soroptimist International Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL.

■ 0455 835 691, or geelong@siswp.com

Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.

■ John, 0409 234 307

Geelong Anglers Club

Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions.

■ Brian, 0417 190 092, or Ian, 0470 114 787

Drysdale CWA

Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every third Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club.

■ Jenny, 0452 258 333

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed.

■ Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781

Bingo

Tuesdays 1pm-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

■ Frank, 5241 1776

First steps in music

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.

■ info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Festival held in scorching heat

Geelong’s Wooden Boat Festival was held in sweltering conditions on Saturday March 9, but Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

1/ Garth Whitten, Rob Tucker (skipper), Richard Connolly and Philip Mellett aboard Morning Star, a 1935 couta boat. 2/ Rop maker Mark Delaforce. 3/ Jae Fahroedin and Steph Rutter visited the festival from Melbourne. 4/ Michael Bishop and Sue Harberson at the clubhouse. 5/ Mark Davis and Victoria Afar enjoy a drink in the shade. 6/ North Geelong Prespyterian rowing group just returning from a row around the yacht club with this group of kids. The boat is a New Zealand navy whaler that was built in 1943. 7/ Pete Clark admires this wooden dinghy. 8/ Alan Blake, skipper of Goolara. 9/ Graham Creighton, a rope maker from Colac with a rope making machine that he built. 10/ Dave Cliff and Peter Kovesi from the Denmark, WA community rowing association with Elizabeth Walsh from Mordialloc. 11/ John Rundell and Sonia Castelli from Royal Brighton Yacht club on board Why Not, a Salar 40 blue water cruising sloop. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 393818

No.

To

ACROSS

1 Philosopher, Rene – (9)

6 Ukraine city (4)

10 Indian Ocean country, – Lanka (3)

11 Extreme conservatism or rightism in politics (11)

12 Brings to life (8)

13 Urging, – on (6)

14 Greeting (Ital) (4)

15 Forbidden by law (7)

20 Order (7)

21 Prefix meaning 1 billionth (4)

25 French male name (6)

26 Disparage (8)

28 Disenchant (11)

29 Suitable (3)

30 Directs (4)

31 Banishment (9)

DOWN

1 Send out (6)

2 Curved sword (8)

3 Antenna (6)

4 Journeyed (9)

5 Location (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Journey (6)

9 HitchhikersGuide author, – Adams (7)

16 Fanatic (9)

17 List of employees (7)

18 Seasoned smoked beef (8)

19 Impetus (8)

22 Eight-legged animal (6)

23 Time of the year (6)

24 Austrian capital (6)

27 Car (4)

DECODER

3 LETTERS

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

Today’s Aim:

15 words: Good

No. 176

QUICK QUIZ

1 What word can refer to a famous volcano, a variety of apple or a photography company?

2 What chemical element is represented by the symbol Pt?

3 Which of the following series did JJ Abrams not produce: a) Fringe, b) Revolution or c) Continuum?

4 Danny DeVito (pictured) plays Frank in which US comedy series?

5 How many strings are there on a standard ukulele?

6 What is the heaviest lizard on Earth?

7 What is the capital of Croatia?

8 What is a female rabbit called?

9 What colour is sepia?

10 Is pinot gris a red or white wine?

No. 176

No. 176

No. 176

Radical reshape a stand out

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Puffing out its chest Hyundai has declared its radically redesigned 2004 i30 Sedan is meant to turn heads. It does, but not all for the right reasons. From most angles the car presents the characteristics of a sleek four-door coupe with sporty pretensions.

Then there’s the rear . . . oh dear! The boot lid has been crafted as an aero spoiler. And, for some reason, in contrast to the rest of the car’s buffed body, it sticks out like a sore thumb. The darker Ultimate Red duco of the test vehicle wentsomewaytodisguisingthis,butpixofthe lighter colours unfortunately highlighted the blemish.

On the plus side, there is much to back the maker’s hyperbole. The i30 MY24 range includes upgraded convenience and safety, plus Bluelink connected car services for Elite and above. And there’s impressive fuel economy from the debut of a petrol / electric hybrid powertrain claiming a combined urban / highway consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Upgraded 2.0 MPi and 1.6 T-GDi petrol-only power plants are continued.

Standard features across the range now include LED headlamps and daytime running lights,frontparkingalarmshavebeenaddedto rear versions, more advanced forward collision avoidance and intelligent speed limit assist. Entry-level trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, plus premium patterned black cloth seats, while the Elite model introduces Bluelink connected car services; Premium adds Bose premium audio and assorted new-to-the-model technology.

On test was the introductory i30 2.0 MPi CVT, replacing the Active variant. Petrol-only models step up to the Elite 2.0 MPi CVT and Premium 2.0 MPi CVT, then the N Line chips

The Hyundai i30 Sedan has come in for a major reshape. (Supplied)

in with 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT and N Line Premium 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT. Hybrids are i30 1.6 GDi 6DCT, Elite 1.6 GDi 6DCT and Premium 1.6 GDi 6DCT.

Pricesstartat$29,000,pluson-roadcosts,for the entry level i30 CVT and top out at $41,500 for the N Line 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT Premium. The 1.6 GDi Hybrid 6DCT is $33,000. All MY24 i30 sedans are covered by Hyundai’s five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assist for 12 months, 1500 km free first service, a dedicated customer care centre

and myHyundai owner website.

Styling

Sedans, in general, are not known for getting young buyers dancing to their tune, so Hyundai has deliberately set out to rectify this with a ‘sensuous sporty’ sedan that relies on geometricshapes,3-Dsurfacingandsexylines.

The result is an i30 that, ‘with its wedge shaped stance complementing a coupe-like body profile’, it is set aside from the conventionally-styled small sedan rivals. Up front a split horizontal grille, with black parametric pattern incorporates a chrome highlight connecting the headlamps.

The standard LED headlamps blend with the wide grille topped by optional LED indicators as part of LED daytime running lights. The steeply raked windscreen and rear window connect the sleek roofline in a typically sporty profile.

We offer a wide range of services in our modern workshop and are known for our fussiness and attention to detail, and that’s exactly how we like it!

As mentioned above, that’s where the ‘coupe’ comes a cropper. From behind, the sedan is not only dominated by the sticky-out spoiler, but below is a deeper diffuser-style bumper, teamedwithastandardH-lightingLEDset-up. For me it’s all a bit messy..

Interior

Movingrightalong,thecabincouldn’tbemore accommodating.Theswoopyroofrearrequires occupants to crouch on getting in and out, but inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious. The boot is unlocked via the key fob but is not hands free. It can take 474 litres of cargo with the rear seat backs up. Folded them comes by releasing a pair of latches under the opening. The hinges intrude into the boot space with the lid closed.

The i30 sedan’s unique wraparound dash and centre console with large digital displays focus on the driver and fit in with the more dynamic features of the exterior.

A cleaner more modern appearance comes from premium-patterned upholstery in Obsidian Black. Elite and Premium variants step up to a leather-appointed black interior, while N Line versions add sporty red stitching and highlights throughout. The i30 Sedan carries a full-size spare wheel.

Infotainment

TheMY24i30Sedancabinincludesareworked wireless charging pad made for larger mobile phones, front and rear USB-C outlets, a customisable multi-function button on the steering wheel and newly-designed 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, adding a sharper look.

Just a mention of Hyundai Bluelink connected car services operating through a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen in Elite, Premium and N Line variants. This enables

app-based features such as calendar sync, remote services, find my car, remote vehicle check and more. Complementary for the first five years, they are transferrable to subsequent owners during this time.

Engines / transmissions

The entry-level i30 has an upgraded version of the preceding SmartStream G2.0 MPi engine with efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, two-stage variable intake system and dual-continuously variable valve timing. This is mated with a new SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission tuned to copy a conventional automatic transmission, with eight virtual gears and a sequential manual mode, adding to improved efficiency and refined performance.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The test came up with 9.1 litres per 100 km in the city and 4.8 litres per 100 km cruising the motorway.

Safety

Hyundai SmartSense safety features six airbags, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist,smartcruisecontrol,rearoccupantalert, parking distance warning (front and rear), plus rear-view monitor with dynamic guidelines.

Driving

Keyless entry comes via buttons on the key fob but that’s it; no push-button start here. The engine is fired up with an ignition key (remember those?) inserted into a steering column slot. How quaint.

The powertrain soon has the i30 Sedan back in the 21st century with the upgraded 2-litre engine quietly going about its job with little fuss. Power is put to ground via continuously variable transmission taught to mimic a conventional automatic transmission through eight virtual gears, or a sequential manual mode.

Sharp throttle response delivers impressive power and torque together with pleasing fuel efficiency. It’s a refined package well beyond its small sedan ‘pay scale’.

As with most Hyundais the i30 Sedan ride and handling have had the benefit of stand-alone suspension tuning especially designed for Australian conditions. Steering has a respectable linear feel and is helpfully more weighty in Sport driving mode. Speed limit recognition system needs more work, although it can be switched off.

Summary

Love it, or hate it, Hyundai has brought a new dimensiontothesmallsedansegmentwiththe MY24 i30.

Holmes unfazed by contract rumours

Geelong speedster Max Holmes is putting contract speculation and comparisons to Chris Juddasideasheattemptstoestablishhimselfas one of the AFL’s breakout stars.

There is plenty of hype around Holmes heading into Geelong’s season opener against St Kilda at the newly-renovated GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

He is out of contract at season’s end with reigning premiers Collingwood among those expected to push hard to snare the 21-year-old.

When asked if he saw his future at Geelong, Holmessaid:“Yeah,definitely.We’vejustgotto sort it out.

“I guess it’s just up to ’Mack’ (list boss Andrew Mackie) and my manager to sort it out and then when they’re happy with it, I’ll be happy with it.”

Holmes understood speculation around his future would continue until he re-signed, but was happy to leave negotiations to his manager while he focused on football.

“I’m pretty adept at playing footy without listening to the noise,” he said.

Captain Patrick Dangerfield has previously described Holmes, who missed the 2022 flag through a hamstring injury, as “Judd-like”.

Holmes, with 51 games under his belt, is taking the lofty comparison to the two-time Brownlow Medallist in his stride.

“That was a bit silly. I don’t know why he had to come up with a big call like that,” Holmes said.

“Hecouldhavejustbeenniceaboutmygame without doing that. But hopefully I can try to make him seem a little more credible.

“I haven’t seen it as much so far as maybe Patty has but I was very flattered with the compliment.

“So yeah, I guess we just keep trying to push towards that. But I’m not putting a ceiling on anything at the moment.”

Holmes had expected to play on-ball this year but dynamic displays off half-back, after

being thrown “in the deep end“ in trainingincludinga29-disposaleffortagainstEssendon – may have made the decision for him.

“I’m on a need-to-know basis at the moment, soIjustgettoldwhereI’mplaying,andIjustgo do it,” he said.

“Probably a little bit at half-back at the moment, but it’s probably subject to change throughout the year – in the guts as well and on the wing.

“The way that AFL is going at the moment, the half-back role probably does seem to suit my traits.

“I always have seen myself as a inside midfielder but ... I played pretty well the other day on the half-back.

“A lot of teams are using faster runners off the half-back to try and produce some bounce off the half-back and if that works for us, then I’m happy to.”

Anna Harrington, AAP

Highton through to prelim

LOCAL TENNIS

It was semi-final week for 10 of the 15 sections in Tennis Geelong’s Senior Pennant and competition was fierce across all sections.

Despite a win last week, Waurn Ponds dropped from second to third in 1 Mixed, which pitted them against Highton this week. The teams were evenly matched, with the team’s trading sets through the day, but Highton managed one extra game, putting them through to a prelim match-up with Grovedale Black.

Highton had another close one in 2 Mixed, where the games were drawn with Wandana Heights, but they had the set advantage four to two.

Grovedale’sYellowteamin4Mixedenjoyed success sewing up a 4-2 win over Lara.

Grovedale started well, winning the first two sets, and with the balance of the sets being split between the teams, this proved the difference.

In 5 Mixed Grovedale Yellow travelled to Teesdale and things proved very tight. The teams were even on sets going into the final two mixed, with three game lead to Yellow. The remaining sets were split 6-3 each way so the result remained the same, with Yellow booking a match-up with Moolap.

Newcomb had a day they would like to forget, bowing out in three finals on the day. Clifton Springs/Drysdale had the upper hand in the previous meeting in 3 Mixed, so it was poised to be close, and with the teams tied with two sets to play, it was, before the away team took the final two sets to seal the win four sets to two.

In 1 Open Newcomb took an early lead against Grovedale, winning the first singles 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 and doubles 6-4, 7-5. From there Grovedale rallied winning the return singles 6-1, 6-3 and doubles 6-1, 7-5, levelling the match on rubbers, and giving them the win overall by 10 games.

Surfcoast Torquay hosted Newcomb in 2 Open and couldn’t have asked for a better start with Michael Hili winning the opening singles 6-0, 6-0, but Newcomb pushed hard in the doubles, coming away eventual winners 2-6, 6-3, 10-7. Things were closer in the reverse rubbers with each team coming away with one win each, but the initial difference was too great, meaning Torquay will play Wandana Heights for a place in the grand final.

Ocean Grove travelled to Grovedale for an eliminationfinalin3Openand,asbothteams had registered a win over the other during the season, the result was difficult to predict. The first singles went to Grovedale 6-3, 6-0,

Bays producing plenty of fish

ON THE BITE

Peri Stavropoulos

Some hot fishing is certainty on offer at the moment with Corio and Port Phillip Bays both producing some great reports.

Snapper have been back on the chew with the outer harbour offering some nice fish to anglers.

Fishing around the quarries has been quite productive with reports of anglers landing fish to 5kg, tide changes have been critical to having better success. Towards the south end of the channel more so between Leopold and Portarlington there has been a true mixed bag on offer.

In the shallow water anglers have been coming across King George whiting, flathead, salmon and garfish. Some anglers have just been anchoring indepthsbetween1.5to3.5metreswith a solid burley trail and been targeting everything with some good success for all species.

The best thing about this style of fishing is that the fish will take pretty much the same rig and baits. Not so much the gars - you’re much better off with a pencil float rig with a tiny piece of bait.

Around the peninsula towards St Leonards has seen some great whiting on offer. The area known as Bourke Street has been a hot location with anglers landing lots of fish in this area.

Fishing the strong tides is ideal. Most fish have been averaging in size between 32cm to 40cm with a couple of much better models kicking about too. Calamari have also been in good numbers close on the grass beds with natural and red coloured jigs the standouts this past week.

At the moment there seems to be a lot of small squid getting about but there are certainly some better sized ones amongst the little ones. Sempai Aston got out over the weekend and fished these areas, landing himself a bag of both squid and whiting fishing in the areas just mentioned.

The local tuna bite is still on the go but reports have slowed up a bit but can be a case of the weather and the fish are sitting out pretty deep (65 metres plus).

If you’re chasing a tuna over the next week or so it’s well worth heading deeper straight away. The fish have been responding to hardbody lures on the troll and also small stick baits when sighted on top busting on whitebait.

while the doubles went to Ocean Grove 6-4, 6-1, leaving the teams evenly poised going into the reverse rubbers. From there Ocean Grove took control winning both rubbers and match-up with Moolap Gold in the prelim.

ThebiggestwinforthedaywenttoDrysdale in 3 Men, when they faced Clifton Springs. Drysdale had won the two match-ups through the season, and they continued their winning run taking the match 6-0.

Donna Schoenmaekers

S2X Wandana Heights 1: Nicole Wright, Tamika Hodge, Lucy Williamson and Jared Shaw. Front: Chris Shelley.

S1O Surfcoast Torquay: Michael Hili, Sam Rogers, John Stephenson.

S5X Grovedale Yellow: Peter T. Watkins, Morgan Lever, Laura Watkins, Peter Watkins, Absent: Steph Thomas.

S4X Lara: Rob Dando, Briane Doolan, Ashleigh Hughes, Wendy Caddy, Max Harbison, Tim Forssman.

S3M Clifton Springs and Drysdale: Jack Van Zyl,Raphael Nicholls,Will Vlahovic and Dante Nicholls, Richard Knight,Luke Maher,Gareth McAlister,Nathan Hocking and Paul Lapham.

Sempai Aston with a mixed bag. (Supplied)

Grovers fire up for Midweek flag

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove won the Midweek Pennant Division 1 bowls premiership, surviving a late surge from a gallant Torquay at Highton Bowls Club on Tuesday March 12.

While the Grovers prevailed 60 to 49 and won all three rinks, Torquay got to within six shots late in the game.

But Ocean Grove held steady with Tyson Cromie needing to play exceptionally well to defeat Russell Symons by one shot.

Alan Drury won by four against Joshua Rudd and Matt Flapper got home by six against Daryl Kitchin.

Belmont defeated Queenscliff by six shots in the Division 2 Section 1 decider despite winning only one of the three rinks.

Karen Hayes’ rink had a 20-shot victory, which proved to be more than enough for Belmont to take the flag.

In Division 2 Section 2, Ocean Grove returned home with the premiership, defeating Eastern Park 63 to 53. Marg Carroll’s rink comprising Val Crumbie, Pat Virtue and Brian Smith had a 15-shot win.

Torquay got the better of Ocean Grove in Division 2 Section 3 to the tune of 14 shots with all three rinks tightly contested.

Bareena won by the barest of margins

against Leopold in Division 3 Section 1.

Leonie Smith and Jeannie Bartels won for Bareena while Valerie Kinchin won for Queenscliff.

Anglesea won by six against Leopold in Division 3 Section 2 with Barbara Hinton winning by 16.

Eastern Park took the honours against Ocean Grove in Division 4 Section 1 with both teams winning a rink each, but it was Jayne Rayner’s nine-shot victory that proved the difference.

Eastern Park thrashed Geelong 61 to 19 in Division 4 Section 2 with Meryl Inderberg winning by plenty.

Norlane capped off a fine season by defeating Eastern Park 37 to 36 in Division 5. John Stavris won by one for Eastern Park, but Neil Cotter won by two for Norlane.

Meanwhile, the Saturday Pennant preliminary finals have been rescheduled to Saturday March 16.

Extreme heat forced Geelong Bowls Region to cancel the matches set down for March 10 and they were rescheduled to Sunday March 11, however hot weather forced another cancellation.

All divisions will play preliminary finals on March 16 with grand finals set down for Sunday March 17.

Left: All eyes on this bowl from Jen Le Cerf. Right: A very tight end (top); Sandra Skene goes on the backhand.

Left: Tyson Comrie goes the drive. Centre: Faye Richardson looks to consolidate. Above right: Patria McGrath looks to get close.

Left: Corry Hooiveld in action for Torquay. Centre: Bashia Speed leads the way for Ocean Grove. Right: Joshua Rudd looks for the right line. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 393870

Junior cricket premierships won

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Armstrong Creek for the Under 17 grand final between Barwon Heads and North Geelong and the Under 15 decider between Grovedale and Geelong City on Saturday March 9.

Left: Liam Biddiscombe was superb for North Geelong with 69 and conceding just 19 runs from 12 overs. Above: Ben Demasi in action for North Geelong.

Above left: Liam Biddiscombe dives to prevent a single. Above right: Player of the match Taj Don turns this delivery to square leg during his innings of 58 for Barwon Heads. Right: Ryder Scott takes this delivery down the leg side.

Left: Ollie Melville gives this delivery plenty of air for Grovedale. Centre: Matteo Surace lofts this ball to square leg during a fine innings of 67. Right: Noah Brooks hooks this delivery behind square leg during his unbeaten 55 for Geelong City. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 393817

Trent Salter hooks this delivery to the boundary.

Heath Langley takes the catch to dismiss Riley McLure for 16.

Riley McLure lofts this Luke Harper delivery down the wicket.

Two Blues grab last finals spot

By Justin Flynn

Newtown & Chilwell went from sixth to fourth on the Geelong Cricket Association ladder without even playing and will meet North Geelong in a semi-final this weekend.

All round 14 day two fixtures were cancelled due to extreme heat, but the Two Blues had already secured first-innings points against Highton on day one.

The win also pushed Newtown & Chilwell’s percentage higher than St Joseph’s. The six points allowed the Two Blues to end the home

andawayseasonon39points,thesameasJoeys andSouthBarwon,whohadtosettlewiththree points.

Skipper Dylan Hodge said his side was eyeing off an outright result to make the finals, but it had all worked out in the end.

“That was part of our reasoning to declare straight after passing Highton’s total last week and the best chance at an outright,” he said.

“Luck was on our side and we didn’t get on, which worked in our favour.”

The Two Blues will take on ladder leaders North Geelong this weekend at Osborne Park

and are in good form.

“Since Christmas, I think we’ve had that stability in our selection and availability with players and confidence is a huge thing,” Hodge said. “We’ve had some great individual performances, but as a team, we’ve had different people step up every week. We take a lot of confidence in our form post-Christmas. We think we’ve performed just as well as any other side since the start of the 2024 season.”

Hodge said it was a challenge playing North Geelong, but that his players would enjoy it.

“They’re obviously a good side,” he said.

Seagulls win Under 17 premiership

Barwon Heads defeated North Geelong in the Under 17 Just cricket grand final thanks to some superb individual performances that complimentedagenuineteameffortallseason.

After winning the toss and batting first on Saturday March 9, the Seagulls were in early trouble, losing two wickets with just two runs on the board.

A 132-run partnership between promising wicket-keeper Matteo Surace (67 from 94 deliveries) and star all-rounder Taj Don (58 from 113) resurrected the innings and an unbeaten 23 from 30 balls from Daniel Shaw pushedthefinaltotalupto6/196from50overs.

Fred Lucas picked up two wickets for the Magpies while Liam Biddiscombe was tidy with 0/19 from 12 overs.

Don struck early for Barwon Heads on the following morning, but ultra promising all-rounder Biddiscombe and a patient 18 from 81 balls from Harvey Marles yielded a 95-run stand.

Biddiscombe played beautifully and was probably the only player standing in the way of a Heads victory, but when he departed for 69 from77deliveries,theHeadswereabletowrap the innings up quickly.

Don (4/31) and Angus Ford (4/10) were the pick of the bowlers with North Geelong all out for 121.

Queenscliff won the Under 17 Everett competition with Jordan Monahan (4/36 and 55 from 51 balls) the star of the show.

Lethbridge defeated Corio in Under 17 Dempsey with Harry Bugeja (3/22) and Rory Harding (37 not out from 25 deliveries) the architects.

Grovedale and Geelong City played out a thrilling tie in the Under 15 Edmond final with both teams being crowned premiers. Both sides were all out for 175 from 49.5 overs with Grovedale’s Heath Langley (3/29), Luke Harper (3/25) and Ryder Scott (48) and City’s Noah Brooks (55 not out) and Riley McLure (4/26) having great games.

Bell Post Hill are the Under 15 Elliot premiers defeating St Joseph’s with Giorgio Grivas making 50.

Modewarre defeated Geelong City in Under 15 Douglas with Spencer Rashleigh taking 4/11.

Highton took out the Under 15 D’Arcy title despiteafine5/24fromJanJuc’sTajHaidlinger. Harry Emerson (4/12 ans 64 retired) had a massive game for Highton and Riley Trickett (44) batted well.

Chelsea Reid starred for North Geelong in itsUnder18GirlsfinalagainstStJoseph’s.Reid took three wickets and made 29 retired as the Magpies won by four wickets.

EmersonHovey(31notout),MollySchroeter

(30 not out) and Ella McDonald (29 retired) made runs in Grovedale’s Under 15 Girls A premiership while Isabella Dunne (29 not out) was good for East Belmont.

Piper Benson made 23 retired from 25 deliveries and took a wicket in South Barwon’s Under 15 Girls B Central West premiership win against Barrabool.

Collendina defeated cross-river rivals Barwon Heads in the Under 15 Girls B South East grand final with Holly Britt (26) and Ruby Armstrong (20 retired) getting runs while Holly Don (37 not out) and Matilda Cole (22 not out) did the same for the Seagulls.

Justin Flynn

“Ithinkwe’vetriedtolearnfromwhatthey’ve done the last couple of years around how to balance, how to play tough, hard cricket and kind of a ‘we can win from anywhere’ type of mantra. We’ve got enormous respect for North Geelong,butwe’veactuallyhadadecentrecord against them and we’ve had some good wins so we’ll take confidence in that same thing. It’s 11 against 11.”

East Belmont will host Grovedale at Winter Reserve in the other semi-final.

Play begins at 11.30am on both days, Saturday March 16 and Sunday March 17.

Seas finish minor premiers

Extremeheatcausedthecancellationofthe finaldayoftheBellarinePeninsulaCricket Association home and away season on SaturdayMarch9.

With the top temperature forecasted to be 40 degree in Geelong on Saturday, play was abandoned for the day with all A1 Gradesidessharingthepoints.

It meant the ladder stayed the same and minor premiers Anglesea will take on Barrabool in one semi-final and Barwon HeadshostsArmstrongCreekintheother.

Drysdale would have been cursing the weather,whichdenieditahomefinal.

TheHawkswereonly10runsawayfrom outright victory against Newcomb, which would have been enough to lift them to second place on the ladder and a home final. However, Portarlington would have been more than happy to have the day off. The Demons finished second and will have hosting rights over their fierce rivals in a semi-final. Collendina will host St LeonardsintheotherA2Gradesemi-final.

Ocean Grove won the B1 Grade minor premiership and will host Armstrong Creek while Barrabool will entertain BarwonHeadsintheothersemi.

In B2 Grade, Barwon Heads finished on top of the ladder and will host Queenscliff whileInverleightravelstoWallington.

Armstrong Creek is undefeated in C Grade and Barrabool gets the daunting task of a semi-final match-up while Jan Juc had secured first-innings points on dayoneandavoidedafirst-upfinalagainst the Titans and will instead travel to Ocean Grove. The One-Day Competition top four is very even with Queenscliff hosting Jan Juc and Wallington will entertain ArmstrongCreek.

Barwon Heads won the Under 17 Just grand final. (Supplied)

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