Geelong Indy - 5th April 2024

By Justin Flynn

A former SAS soldier will contest the seat of Corangamite for the Liberal Party at the next federal election.

Bellbrae resident Darcy Dunstan will run against Labor’s Libby Coker for the seat. A generalelectionmusthappenbeforeSeptember next year.

Mr Dunstan joined the Australian Defence Force at the age of 21, finished his carpentry apprenticeship, worked as a chippy, and built his own house in his spare time.

Mr Dunstan worked as a diver in the army before being selected to join the elite Special Air Services Regiment. He received a commendation for distinguished service for

outstanding commitment and actions taken while deployed to Iraq in 2021 with the SAS.

“I joined the ADF to serve my nation,” he said.“NowI’msteppingforwardforparliament because I want to serve my community. My commitment is simple. If I am elected, I will listen, I will work hard and I will focus on what matters most to you. I will never stop until our community is heard.

“Having been a tradie, I stand with hardworking, aspirational Australians. They are the backbone of this nation. The people of Corangamite are hurting while the cost-of-living continues to increase. People are goingoutlessandmakingsacrificestopaybills.

If elected, I will work every day to deliver real cost-of-living relief and make home ownership

a reality for all.”

Mr Dunstan faces an 8.26 percent swing against the Liberals at the 2019 election in which Ms Coker won after Sarah Henderson held the seat for the Coalition from 2013 to 2019.

“Darcyisahighly-credentialedrepresentative for the Liberal Party with an exceptional track record of service to his country and community,” Ms Henderson said.

“From acute cost-of-living pressures to the axing of $4 billion for faster rail to the failure to invest in new local infrastructure projects, Labor has consistently turned its back on the needs of Corangamite residents.”

Mr Dunstan is raising his 14-month-old daughter with his fiancée, a local GP, while

100 years and counting

Geoff Ross may not be well known in the Geelong and Bellarine area, but many people will have seen him driving his iconic 1924 Alvis ’Ducksback’ around the region.

But Alvis, as the car is known, is no mere museum piece.

Attired in helmet, goggles and scarf - appropriate to the 1920s style of motoring, but also a necessity with the top down - Mr Ross (also known as Biggles) drives Alvis across the Bellarine on a weekly basis and also participates in overnight rallies with the Alvis Club.

He has personally maintained the vehicle, which is the proper racing version of the 1924 SA 12/50 model.

Local motoring community group the Bellarine Car Group held a special celebration for Mr Ross to commemorate Alvis’s centenary last week, displaying their vehicles for passers-by to enjoy at Indented Head’s Taylor Reserve.

■ Turn to page 3 to find out more about Mr Ross and Alvis.

Former soldier eyes seat

running his own small business. He currently volunteers with the local CFA and plays football for Modewarre and is a member of his local RSL.

When asked for comment, Ms Coker pointed to a recent speech in the House of Representatives where she outlined Labor’s tax cuts. “Did you know that under the Albanese government’s new tax plan 13.6 million Australians, including 70,000 taxpayers in my electorate of Corangamite, are about to get a tax cut?,” she said in parliament.

“It’s all part of our mission to help you and your family with cost-of-living pressures. Underourtaxplan,tokickinon1July,aworker in my electorate earning less than $45,000 will get a tax cut of $804.”

Geoff Ross. (Ivan Kemp) 398260_03

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Includes: 6winetastings 2cidertastings 3hourslivemusic+ customcup&medal +abarreloflaughs

Saturday 20th April, 2024

Leura Park Estate 12:30pm - 5:00pm

Run, walk or skip...then sip!

Tickets: www.grapest5krun.com.au

Geelong council reverses G21 exit

By Matt Hewson

After announcing plans to leave the Geelong Regional Alliance (G21) almost a year ago, Geelong council has decided to continue the partnership, albeit with a reduced funding obligation.

A joint statement from the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) and G21 said after “ongoing talks” an agreement had been reached, with the the City remaining a G21 member and providing $250,000 to the alliance rather than the previous sum of over $500,000.

When councillors mooted ending the City’s

G21 membership last April the council was grappling with a growing list of budgetary headaches.

The cost of membership to the alliance was regularly mentioned in statements from councillors and City spokespersons, and a statement from G21 said it “understands the City’s decision relates to the increasing financial pressure it is experiencing”.

A year later, it seems a combination of budgetary belt-tightening and lower cost of participationhasmadeG21membershipviable for the City again.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said we are

“stronger when we work together’’.

“As the fastest growing regional city in Australia, Geelong has a lead role to play in advocating for the collective interests of our broader region.

“Geelong’s new partnership with G21 aligns with Council’s new Advocacy Framework, which drives how we better strategically advance Greater Geelong and ensure its ongoing positive development.

“This improved and redefined approach recognises that working collaboratively will deliver better value for all our communities.”

G21 chair Melissa Stephens said the

Car buffs celebrate as Alvis turns 100

A group of motoring enthusiasts celebrated the 100th birthday of a vintage car owned and driven by one of their members last week.

TheBellarineCarGroup,asmallcommunity group of recreational drivers, gathered at Indented Head last Wednesday (March 27) to toast Geoff Ross and his 1924 Alvis SA 12/50 Supersports Ducksback, known to the group as simply Alvis.

Affectionately known as Biggles, Mr Ross regularlydrivestheAlvisaroundtheBellarine and Geelong area wearing a leather helmet, goggles and scarf, with his driving companion – a white teddy bear – similarly attired in the rear dicky seat.

Now retired, Mr Ross served in Australia and Malaysia in the RAAF before opening a dental practice. He does all his own mechanical work, and while the 1924 is his “pride and joy” it is only one of three Alvis’s he currently owns.

“The first car I ever owned was an Alvis, which I bought in December 1964 and I still have it,” Mr Ross said.

“So I’ve got… a 1947 and 1948, and I’ve had a 1938 Alvis Silvercrest and also a 1953 TA 21. I’ve had a cacophony of Alvis’s, to use a silly term.

“I was very impressed with the turnout. It was a good venue and the weather was

great too.”

The group of enthusiasts met at Taylors Reserve, Indented Head for a barbecue to celebrate the car’s centenary with Mr Ross, using the occasion as a chance to showcase their range of vehicles.

Ray Allen, one of the event organisers, said the day was “fantastic”.

“It was a barbecue day and we had all the cars in a huge horseshoe,” Mr Allen said.

“We had about 30 cars there, all polished up beautifully, with quite a few visitors during the day coming to look at the cars.”

Matt Hewson

organisation welcomed the City of Greater Geelong’s return to the fold.

“Geelong is the capital of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic region,” Ms Stephens said. “G21’s local government partners and 165 members look forward to a productive partnership which will guide good quality growth across all our communities in the years to come.”

Founded22yearsago,G21isaformalalliance betweengovernment,businessandcommunity organisations advocating for the Geelong regioninfrastructureandpolicyimprovements and state and federal government funding.

GCEC supports local workers

It’s full steam ahead on the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC) as works begin to put the structure in place.

The project will employ 28 local trainees and apprentices who will receive real-world training and experience through the GCEC Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) program.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said Nyaal Banyul was establishing a gold standard forsocialprocurementingovernment-led projects through the GEESP program.

“The opportunity to receive training and work experience on a project like this is truly unique, and we’re proud to be backing 28 local apprentices and trainees,” she said.

“The Nyaal Banyul GCEC will support more than a thousand jobs during construction and hundreds more once complete, generating millions for the regional economy.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the project would positively impact local businesses, individuals and the wider community.

“It is exciting to see the progress that is being made on what will prove to be a world class facility in the heart of our city,” he said.

“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to be partnering with the Victorian and Australian governments in delivering the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.”

Nyaal Banyul is a premier Geelong City Deal project, which is expected to support more than 700 ongoing jobs. Visit infrastructure.gov.au/ territories-regions-cities/cities for more information.

The Bellarine Car Group with Geoff Ross and his 100-year-old Alvis. (Ivan Kemp) 398260_08

Specialist care access easier

A free comprehensive women’s health clinic at BarwonHealthGeelongwillextenditsservices to remove barriers women face when accessing specialist care.

The existing clinic will operate five days a week following an announcement on Tuesday, April 2, that it would be included in the state government’s $153 million women’s health package investment.

Member for Lara Ella George said the Geelong Women’s Health Clinic was an example of “putting women’s health front and center” to ensure women’s pain is not

“overlooked”.

“The new Women’s Health Clinic at Geelong is another example of the Allan Labor Government’s investment into local health services,” she said. “Women in our community will be able to access the world class care they deserveforarangeofcomplexconditionseasily all while being close to home.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said it was essential to transform how women’s health was treated in Victoria positively.

“Victoria is leading the way, first by listening to women and what they experience, and then

by delivering the care and services they need,” she said.

Services will be delivered by hardworking gynecologists, urologists, specialist nursing and allied health support under one roof to help women access specialist care for various conditions.

MinisterforHealthMary-AnneThomassaid Northern Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital, Frankston Hospital and Ballarat Base Hospital will also receive new or extended clinics.

“These new clinics will make a huge difference, delivering affordable and

comprehensivehealthcareforeverywoman,no matter her postcode,” she said.

Five clinics will open yearly for the next four years as part of the state government’s package, including culturally safe Aboriginal-led and mobile women’s health clinics.

The announcement coincided with the opening of the Women’s Pain Survey, which seeks the views of women and girls who have experiences with pain and accessing related services.

Visit engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-intowomens-pain-survey to access the survey.

Ford car show set to roar up funds for the kids

Prepare for a sea of Ford as a new car show comes to Geelong to raise money for kids in need through Camp Quality.

Falcon GT Club of Geelong will host the inaugural Camp Quality Blue Oval Car Show atSouthBarwonReservefrom10amto2pmon

April 7.

Club president Malcolm Lloyd said there would be many old and new Ford cars on display and a sausage sizzle, with all money raised going to children’s charity Camp Quality.

“We’ve been talking about an event for the club for a few years now and got Camp Quality on board, which is excellent as they’re one of our major sponsors,” he said.

“We’re hoping to get around 100 cars for the first event... and depending on how many cars andpeoplewegetthere,we’lltryandmakethis an annual event if we can.

“It’s$10entrypercarandagoldcoindonation for walk-ins (to look at the car displays), so this

will be one of the cheapest car shows going around, and it’s all going to charity.”

Camp Quality’s Ray Murray said he looked forward to seeing the event happen and everyone enjoying a great day out.

“Our (esCarpade) group, which is called The

Road closed Fyans Street level crossing

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Geelong and Warrnambool lines to deliver more frequent trains.

We’re also upgrading two stations and removing congested level crossings at Fyans Street and the Surf Coast Highway.

While we work, Fyans Street will be closed at the level crossing in South Geelong from 6.00am Wednesday 10th April to 6.00am Thursday 25th April. Detours will be in place.

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

12678646-SM13-24

Southern Stars, last year raised over $122,000 (across the state and over 12 months) as a team,” he said.

“We started fundraising for camp quality about 15 years ago for kids with cancer, and we are now involved with the GT club and

everything’s going smoothly.”

Contact the club at falcongtclubgeelong@ gmail.com to enter a car into the event, or visit campquality.org.autodonatetoCampQuality.

Jena Carr

Man partied at 21st before trying to rape 90-year-old

A Geelong man was at a 21st birthday party before he broke into an aged care home and violently tried to rape a 90-year-old woman, a court has been told.

Shane Huici was 23 and still living at home when he was walking back from the party at a Geelong pub and decided to break into the St Albans Park aged care facility in the early hours of August 15, 2021.

He had drunk to excess and consumed cocaine earlier in the night, before removing a flyscreen at the home and climbing through a window.

A 90-year-old resident soon woke to see him in front of her before he pinned her down, telling her to shut up as he tried to rape her.

The woman managed to resist Huici’s attack and activate a personal duress alarm around her neck, but not before she sustained injuries including bruising and cuts to her mouth and a five-centimetre tear to her arm, the County Court of Victoria was told on Wednesday.

CCTV footage later led police to raid Huici’s home, where they found spare keys to another room at the aged care facility.

DNA evidence also linked Huici – now 26 – to the crime scene, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted rape, recklessly causing injury, aggravated burglary and theft after a lengthy court process.

The St Albans Park man had a happy and stable upbringing but got into alcohol and drugs as a teenager, and ultimately ended up in financial strife because of gambling, his defence barrister Amelia Beech said on Wednesday.

Those three factors – alcohol, drugs and strained finances – collided with his social anxiety that night in the lead-up to his

offending, she said.

“None of that is an excuse but it is, at least, an explanation,“ Ms Beech told the court.

Huici has continually denied sexually assaulting the elderly woman, who was terribly frightened by the attack, the court was told.

It was for that reason prosecutor Angela Moran urged Judge Pardeep Tiwana to give little weight to references from Huici’s family.

They claimed he was remorseful and described him as a “well-rounded and pleasant bloke”, “the type of person who thinks of others before himself”, and someone without “a malicious bone in his body”.

“It’s tragic, really, that (the victim has) had to experience something this terrifying … at such a late stage in her life,” Ms Moran said.

The 26-year-old’s barrister stressed her client’s close-knit family would continue to stand by him.

Judge Tiwana said Huici’s attack was despicable and appalling, and it was unfathomable the Geelong man would do such a thing even while frustrated about his lack of an intimate partner.

Huici’s remorse largely appeared to be self-pitying, he said.

“Despite pleading guilty he seems to still not accept the offending. His insight is described as being very superficial,“ Judge Tiwana said.

The26-year-oldhadstableworkasaforklift driver at the time of his offending and had no previous violent or sexual offences.

The judge is due to sentence Huici on April 26.

Cassandra Morgan, AAP

Malcolm Lloyd, left, David Witcombe, Fiona Lloyd, Ray Murray, Don Campanile, Jonah Peters, and Joe Pante with the Ford cars. (Ivan Kemp) 398660_02

Have your say on Kardinia Park

By Matt Hewson

Geelong residents will have further opportunitiesthroughouttheyeartohavetheir say on the future of the city’s iconic Kardinia Park precinct.

The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) announced they were working together to “set the future vision” of the precinct through the development of a new, 30-year masterplan in a joint statement this week.

The masterplan will not include the future development of Kardinia Park Stadium itself, butwillfocusonthefutureofthe22haprecinct surrounding the stadium and the influence its development will have on the rest of the park.

Having held a 64-day public engagement process between November 2022 and January 2023, CoGG and KPST met last week with a range of precinct stakeholders for a “future-focused visioning workshop” to discuss what the next three decades will look like at Kardinia Park.

The precinct is home to a range of sporting clubs and other organisations, including Geelong Central Netball Association and Netball Victoria, Geelong Cricket Club, Geelong Football Club, Geelong Football Umpires League, Kardinia Aquatic Centre, Kardinia Senior Citizens Club and St Mary’s Sporting Club.

Sports House at Kardinia Park also houses a range of tenants from organisations from the

sport and recreation industry, such as Barwon Sports Academy, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Victoria, Geelong Cricket Association, Golf Australia, Leisure Networks and Tennis Victoria.

Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said hearing from all stakeholders was essential to the success of the masterplan.

“The City of Greater Geelong manages 65 per cent of Kardinia Park; it’s a very significant place for both elite and community sport in our region, and this comprehensive process will give everyone the chance to have input on the reserve’s long-term future,” Mayor Sullivan said. “We’re looking forward to productive discussions with all the stakeholders, and the broadercommunitytocreatethisnewvisionto

Scholarships for college duo

Two Northern Bay College students have receivedHardingMillerEducationFoundation scholarships.

The scholarships are awarded to students in Year 9, and at the end of Year 10, the recipients are invited to reapply for another two years of support. The four years of scholarship support is valued at over $20,000.

Elizabeth McKernan and Hel Thaw Ser, from the college’s Goldsworthy campus, received the scholarships which are provided to female students who show high academic potential and who are currently experiencing low socioeconomic circumstances.

“Receiving the Harding Miller Scholarship is an amazing accomplishment for me,” Hel Thaw said.

“As a recipient, I take great pride in the

dedicationandpersistenceIhavedemonstrated in my academic pursuits. My upbringing in a refugee home has instilled in me a deep desire to care for and look out for others, whether they be family, friends, or others.

“My career goal is to become a doctor. Due to my father inspiring me at a young age, my heart is determined to sustain those who need care at that appointed time and moment. Attaining this scholarship, I believe it’s the first step to achieving my lifelong career goal.”

Hel Thaw and Elizabeth receive a new laptop, high-speed internet, face-to-face and online tutoring, online homework assistance, prepaid expense cards to cover school essentials such as textbooks and excursions, as well as study skills resources and a personal coach to guide them over the four years of the

scholarship.

Harding Miller Education Foundation chief operations officer Caroline Hill said the foundation is proud to be providing vital support to help promising young girls reach their full potential.

“We are so pleased to announce two Greater Geelong students as some of the scholarship recipients for 2024,” she said.

“The foundation’s vital support for high-potential young girls experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage has become even more critical as our country faces increased pressures with higher costs of living.”

Northern Bay College students Hel Thaw Ser and Elizabeth McKernan received Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarships. (Supplied)

support the community for the next 30 years.”

KPST Chief Executive Gerard Griffin said he looked forward to creating a vision that “works in the best interests of this growing community” in the long-term.

“This process will look to meet the growing needs of the precinct, tenants and our community,” Mr Griffin said.

CoGG and KPST will soon begin preparing the draft concept plan, beginning another engagement period with stakeholders and the broadercommunityfromaroundthemiddleof the year. A final report on the plan is expected to be completed by September 2024.

Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ KPMP to stay up to date with the Kardinia Park Masterplan project.

Grab a thrifty bargain

By Jena Carr

It’s time to get thrifty as the Revive Pre-loved Clothing Markets brings displays of on-trend and lightly warn items for one day in Barwon Heads.

The market will return to the Barwon Heads Community Hall on Sunday, April 7, from 9.30am to 2.30pm after its initial launch in December, with entry only costing $2.

Kylie Crane said she started the markets with her daughter Camryn Tucci, who “loves thrifting” and wanted to create an event a little closer to home.

“She(MsTucci)wouldoftentravelbackand forth to Melbourne to visit similar markets andthoughttherewasn’tmuchdownthisway likethat,sowehadagoatputtingittogether,” Ms Crane said.

“Instead of buying new, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on a few special pieces you can pull out and use for special occasions.

“If you’re looking for a bargain, you can certainly find it, and if you’re looking for something special or unique, it’s worth having a good sift through.”

Ms Crane said she expected close to 650 people to attend the market and that the day was “a really good vibe”. She also said people should make sure to bring a bag.

“We have a lot of fun with the people coming as they’re all excited and often come out with arms full of purchases,” she said.

“We do have two dedicated men’s wear stall holders, which I’m interested in seeing how they go, but it would be nice to mix up the demographic.

“This is a much better way to go, especially with the idea of swapping and sharing with your friends as, if you haven’t paid a fortune for it, you may be more inclined to do that.” Camryn

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

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

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

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

Health hub invites feedback

The Anglesea community will soon come together to co-design the future of its Community and Health Hub.

Aco-designgrouphasbeenestablished for the project, featuring 39 people from the community, McMillan Street precinct users and key interest groups.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said the group would help unite many communityvoicesandlookedforwardto seeing the draft concept plan the group comes up with.

“It’s vital that we work hand-in-hand on this... so that we can hear all sorts of community viewpoints,” she said.

“This is a really exciting, once-in-ageneration project that will set a course for the precinct for the coming decades, leaving a lasting legacy for Anglesea.

“The community co-design group comprises a range of ages, genders, life experiences, housing tenure and ways people are connected to the precinct.”

Participantswilltakepartinfacilitated workshops during April and May to discusshowtheprecinctcanbeimproved to meet the needs of community and service providers. Mayor Pattison said the group will consider the work already completed and feedback received to develop a draft concept plan to share with the wider community for feedback.

“I know the McMillan Street precinct is a place the Anglesea community cares deeply about and we want everyone to be involved,” she said. Visit surfcoast. vic.gov.au/AngleseaHub to stay updated on the project, including progress of the community co-design workshops.

Tucci getting clothes ready for the Revive Pre-loved Clothing Markets. (Ivan Kemp) 398722_06

Councillors defend grant

By Matt Hewson

Two Geelong councillors have responded to public criticism over the council’s 11th hour decision to prioritise the grant application of one football netball club over that recommended by city officers.

Councillors Peter Murrihy and Melissa Cadwell made public statements at last week’s council meeting defending their roles in shifting the council’s support from Bell Park Football Netball Club to Newtown and Chilwell Sporting Club.

City officers had recommended the council support Bell Park’s Hamlyn Park application for $1 million of state government funding for new female friendly change facilities, as well as a City of Greater Geelong co-contribution of $700,000 for the project.

However, at the February council meeting Cr Murrihy moved an alternative motion to instead support Newtown and Chilwell’s bid for female change facilities upgrades at Elderslie Reserve.

The new motion, seconded by Cr Cadwell, also increased both the amount sought by the state government grant application and the council’s contribution.

AvotetoreplaceHamlynParkwithElderslie Parkwascarriedbyavoteof6-3,withCrsTrent Sullivan, Ron Nelson and Anthony Aitken voting against.

During the February meeting Cr Murrihy admitted the “optics were not good”, and that statement has proven true; during the subsequent outcry he has faced accusations of havingaconflictofinterestgivenhecoachedat Newtown and Chilwell for two seasons in the late 1990s.

At the March council meeting, a visibly troubled Cr Murrihy said he firmly believed he had “no conflict of interest to declare” and he would continue to advocate for the Bell Park project.

“I was not a Newtown player, I’ve never been on a committee there, I have no influence over the club, and have nothing to gain personally from any decision about funding received by the club,” he said.

“In fact, I have seen more football at Bell ParkoverthepastfewseasonsthanNewtown.”

Hecategorisedthecriticismasunfair,saying those who attacked him via email, messages and social media had “played the man, not the ball”, which had “taken its toll” on him.

Cr Cadwell said councillors routinely rejected or amended recommendations from City officers and had backed the application with the “strongest chance of success”.

“Facilities at both grounds are in obvious needofupgrade,anddedicatedfemalefacilities for all sporting codes are clearly needed,” she said.

“It’snotmyroleasacouncillortojustrubber stamp whatever council officers put to the council chamber,” Cr Cadwell said.

Sound of music to blow through town

The Brass Band Concert Series at the Rotunda is returning to Portarlington for a day of toe-tapping and head-bobbing music.

Geelong Memorial Brass Band will play two hour-long concerts on top of the Portarlington Rotunda at 57 Newcomb Street from 11am to 2pm on April 6.

Portarlington Community Information Booth organised the concert series, and president Phil Cameron said the upcoming event was the third of four free community concert days.

“We have two performances, one at 11am, one at 1pm. We have a marquee for people who need and are seeking shelter the forecourt, but the music is all up and down the streets,” he said. “The most important thing is that people enjoy it, and the weather, thankfully, is going to be good... You get a whole range of contemporary type music that appeals to a wide audience.

“It’s all about making North Bellarine, in particular, Portarlington, a place to come to visit and possibly live... This is a very interconnected town and area where people help each other.

“The building was built in 1910 and it was specifically designed as a bandstand... We are really grateful that we have this facility, and we’ve been able to use it for what it was intended as.”

The previous concert series included performances by Beaufort Municipal Brass

BandonFebruary17andBelmontHighSchool on March 24.

Tackling cost of

pressures is

number one priority. And that’s why we’re boosting wages and cutting taxes.

The last concert of the series will be performed by the Christian College Geelong Brass Band on Sunday, April 21, at 11am and 1pm.

Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy. (Ivan Kemp) 291135_05

Jena Carr

Phil Cameron at the ready for the Geelong Memorial Brass Band at the Portarlington Rotunda. (Jena Carr) 399232_01

Inspiring others to share stories

Armstrong Creek’s Fiona Luca was one of eight successful recipients of Geelong Arts Centre’s creative engine grants for Now: A Life Story, which looks to share stories by the region’s elderly. She spoke with Jena Carr about her inspiration and what the grant would mean for her creative project.

Since she heard about how her parents moved to Australia from Italy, Fiona Luca enjoys understanding history through other people’s eyes.

The Armstrong Creek woman was inspired by her 91-year-old grandmother to help people share their stories by lending a listening ear.

“My Nonna is in an aged care facility full timeherselfandshehasquiteseveredementia which has deteriorated significantly probably in the past three years,” she said.

“I went to visit her a few months ago, and I was sitting by her bed holding her hand. She was lifeless for most of it, and then it was like her soul would kick in, and she would get lucid.

“She can’t speak; she’s lost her words, but she would make sounds, give me this direct eye contact and want to tell me all these things. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, she still has so much to say’.

“She still has so many stories to tell, but it’s like her words have gone and we can’t hear these stories anymore.”

Fiona also instructs yoga and movement therapy classes at Cultura, an aged care facility, to encourage more older people in the region to move and connect with others.

“Every second week I go in, and I do some chair yoga with these incredibly beautiful people, and we move our bodies, sing and listen to music,” she said.

“I would get many of them coming up to me and just wanting to show me pictures of all their grandchildren and telling me stories about their life back when they were my age.

“As time progressed and we built a deeper connection, I would just learn so much about these people as they would just want to tell their stories and want me to hold space for their stories.

“They’re so potent and beautiful. There’s so much wisdom here that we can all learn from, and it really gives us perspective now in our kind of day and age of what our elders have walked.”

Fiona received $3000 and studio access for her project, ‘Now: A Life Story’, through Geelong Arts Centre’s creative engine grants and said she was grateful to be a successful recipient.

The creative project will use interviews with a culturally diverse range of Geelong’s elderly to create a captivating art piece that captures life’s essence.

“The grant is getting it off the ground and it was just impetus to turn this idea into a reality,” she said.

“It will help cement the idea and process which we need to undergo for it to become a project and visual resource that people can enjoy and watch.

“It gives me a week in residency in the beautiful Geelong Arts Centre’s studios and also, which I’m a very big advocate for, pays the artist during this process to explore, create and do what we do best.

“I’m really grateful to Geelong Arts Centre for recognising innovation, supporting local people to explore concepts, and doing it without any pressure, but rather embrace the explorative process.”

Fiona said she had a “beautiful cohort” of people who would be involved in the project and couldn’t wait to move with them into the centre’s space and hear their stories.

“I want people to walk around the space and be immersed in the story in a different artistic way,” she said.

“I’ve always been in the creative space, and dance has been my background since I was a little person, and I’ve created a big career out of it as a creator, developer, teacher and performer.

“The visualisation that I have, and I’m quite attached to, is for it (the project) not

‘‘ They’re so potent and beautiful. There’s so much wisdom here that we can all learn from, and it really gives us perspective now in our kind of day and age of what our elders have walked ’’

- Fiona Luca

to be a traditional stage piece, but more of an integrative piece and interactive for the audience members.

“I’ve collaborated with a beautiful small group of creatives to come together and be inspired by this resource to create an integrative performance or work that our region’s public can hopefully enjoy.

“We’ll start with movement, singing, and song, and we’ll use music therapy-orientated music to stimulate memory, so there’s a bit of neuroscience in there as well, and from there, we’ll have conversations.

“We’ll amalgamate the footage that we’ve got and create something to watch where we chop, change and move through all the different interviewees and people that we’re working with.”

Fiona said everyone, not just older people, had a story to share, and she looked forward to creating a project people could learn from and share.

“Story sharing in and of itself is so valid, important and impactful in supporting people to learn, grow and access resources while feeling safe share their own,” she said.

“It evokes introspection and supports people in feeling safe to express their own truth and stories. The compounding effect is huge, so story-sharing is invaluable and a really big part of healing.

“All anybody wants to do is feel seen and heard. When somebody’s brave enough to share their story, the way that ricochets and impacts such a broader audience in many ways offers perspective.

“I’m definitely looking forward to sitting down and hearing the details of these stories on a piece that is directly correlated to and aligned with the region and how it’s evolved and changed.”

Geelong Arts Centre’s creative engine grants will continue to offer regular funding for emerging projects with fresh initiatives for artists in 2024.

Creative industries and programming senior producer Nicole La Bianca said Fiona’s project was one of many grant submissions that “showcased the region’s remarkable local talent”.

“It is a privilege to witness the depth of talent and vulnerability seeded throughout the dynamic catalogue of applications,” she said.

Fiona Luca is a successful recipients of Geelong Arts Centre’s creative engine grants (Ivan Kemp) 396610_09

Immediate restrictions on Pollocksford Road Bridge

Immediate restrictions have been placed on Gnarwarre’s Pollocksford Road Bridge to ensure it can continue to be used safely.

A three-tonne load limit and 10km/h speed limit are now in place following a March 18 structural that found issues from a previous inspection had deteriorated more quickly than expected.

Surf Coast Shire Council placemaking and environment general manager Chris Pike said thestructuralissuesidentifiedwereimpacting the integrity of the bridge deck.

“Safety is obviously our top priority, so we’ve put these restrictions in place to protect road users while we plan the next steps,” he said.

“We have been working with structural engineers to develop permanent solutions but

don’t have the time to wait for this process to run its course.

“Local businesses that are known to use this bridge are being contacted, and McHarrys are working on alternative arrangements for school buses for term two.

“We’ll be monitoring compliance with the new limits, with our next step being a full closure if we find that road users don’t comply with this safety-first approach.”

Pollocksford Road Bridge is located on the Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire boundary, with the two councils working closely on options to improve the bridge.

Updates will be provided to the public as new information becomes available. Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PRBridge for more information.

Surf event locked in

The iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Easter surfing event has been locked in until 2028 the state government has announced.

Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced Victoria will remain the home of the world’s longest running surfing competition – that has made Bells Beach a world-renowned surfing destination while injecting millions of dollars into the region.

With an impressive roll call of surfing legends winning the event and earning the right to ‘ring the Bell,’ including Stephanie Gilmore, Layne Beachley, Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, the Rip Curl Pro continues to attract some of the world’s best athletes.

“We’re proud to be locking in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach for another four years - attracting thousands of visitors to the Surf

CITYNEWS

PET REGISTRATION RENEWALS ARE DUE

Our furry friends are wonderful companions, we share fun times with them and they give us lots of love! An important part of caring for them is to make sure they are registered with us.

If your pet is registered, we can return them to you if they get lost or injured. Registration fees also fund services like dog parks and pounds.

For registered pets, dog and cat registration notices have been mailed and annual renewals are due by this Wednesday 10 April.

If you haven’t received your notice, your pet has passed away, or your pet details have changed, you can call us on 5272 5272.

Need to register? Dogs and cats three months of age must be microchipped and registered with us. If you have more than 2 cats or 2 dogs, you’ll need to also apply for a multiple animal permit if you don’t already have one.

For more information, including pet registration payment options, to register your pet online or download a registration form, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/pets or call us for a hard copy form on 5272 5272.

MEETING

Notice of meeting

A Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 April at the Council Conference and Reception Centre, City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong at 6.30pm to discuss the following report:

• Play Our Way Grant Opportunity

For full details of the agenda and to watch the Council meeting livestream, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ councilmeetings

Planning Committee meeting

The next meeting of the Planning Committee will be held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong on Thursday 11 April at 5.30pm

Item to be discussed is:

›Planning Permit Application No

PP-

935-2020 - Construction of Ten (10) Apartments, Multi-lot Subdivision, and Alteration of Access to a Road in a Transport Zone 2 at 34 Barrabool Road, Highton.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Signs around Ocean Grove signal upcoming footpath works

Community members are advised to keep an eye out for signage about which footpaths are being constructed next in the ‘old’ Ocean Grove and Collendina areas.

The works are part of the Ocean Grove Principal Pedestrian Network (OGPPN) which will see 24.3 kilometres of new pathways over the next few years.

The signs feature a handy QR code directing residents to more information about the staging of the project.

Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ PedestrianNetwork to find out about how this new network will fill footpath gaps and enable safer walking, cycling and scooting to schools, public transport, shops and other destinations. We thank you for your patience while the staged works are carried out.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS

Turn your clocks back an hour this Sunday at 3.00am

Coast region and boosting local businesses and jobs,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

The government’s support also maintains the Victorian wildcard entry in the men’s and women’s competitions – providing an invaluable opportunity for homegrown emerging talent to surf their local break against the world’s best.

“WSL is thrilled to secure the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach until 2028, an iconic event on the WSL Championship Tour, and we sincerely thank the Victorian Government for their ongoing support, ensuring this tradition of ringing the Bell at Bells Beach endures,” World Surf League APAC president Andrew Stark said.

The event has been a mainstay of Victoria’s calendar of major events for decades, helping to boost business in the region over Easter and the school holidays.

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.

ARE YOU RUNNING AN EVENT?

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

We can help your event realise its 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.

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

18 April | GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

For more information, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/ TechnologyInnovationSummit

Young local surfers such as Barwon Heads’ Ellie Harrison have made a big splash at the Rip Curl Pro. (World Surf League/Ed Sloane)

‘Feel Good’ at marathon

Entries are now open for the Surf Coast Century’s Feel Good Ultra ahead of the marathon’s return in September.

The event will feature 100km individual and relayteamsoftwo,three,orfourrunnersracing from Anglesea to Torquay and a revamped 50km run over the first half of the course on September 21.

Torquay-based event organiser Rapid Ascent’s general manager Sam Maffett said the event showed the highs and lows of what its trail runners could achieve over 13 years.

“It takes competitors on a spectacular journey with stunning views matched with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly camaraderie throughout,” he said.

“Thecenturycontinuestooffersomuchmore thanjustanachievableandvariedcourse...and we encourage all keen runners to be part of all

this and more in September.”

This year’s race is the Australian Ultra Runners Association’s Long Course Trail National Championships for the 100km race, which takes runners along the Great Ocean Road. The figure-8 course takes competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, cliff-top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet and returns along the Surf Coast Walk trail.

“It’s an amazing course and a wonderfully fun event,” 2023 Surf Coast Century female winner Jamie Bergman said.

“It was amazing, especially the people on the course. Everyone is really friendly, making it a great day out,” last year’s Surf Coast Century male winner Andy McConnell said. Visit SurfCoastCentury.com.au to enter the Feel Good Ultra and for more information.

New metrics for growth

Surf Coast Shire will look beyond traditional metrics to track economic success to help grow a more diverse and sustainableeconomy.

Council adopted the new Measures of Economic Success, featuring 15 metrics groupedintothepeople,placeandbusiness themes,duringitsMarch26meeting.

Councillor Gary Allen said economic success was usually measured through gross domestic product and jobs growth, with council “now focused on a more holisticview”.

“We know our community cherishes the natural environment, so numerous metrics have a sustainability theme,” he said. “From the number of workers who live locally... to corporate sustainability, we know environmentally accredited businessesdeliverbetteroutcomes.

“We’ll look at factors that relate to the natural environment and lifestyle because weknowthisiswhatinspirespeopletolive andworkintheSurfCoast,andtovisit.”

Metrics featured topics like recreation operations, public transport, environmentally accredited businesses, night-time dining, and entertainment spending.

It also included highly skilled workers, average tourism and local expenditure, businesscreation,andemploymentgrowth inarts,agriculture,healthandtourism.

Data will be sourced from well-established and trusted sources, scoringeachmetricoutoften.

Weighted scores will then be added to eachthemetoproduceanoverallscoreout often.

Surf Coast Century Feel Good Ultra’s 2023 Surf Coast Century female winner Jayme Bergman. (Photos4Sale)

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Refurbishment a vital strategy at Homestyle Aged Care

Homestyle Aged Care believes that the physical environment plays an important role in shaping a resident’s experiences.

With an ageing population, the demand for high quality aged care facilities is increasing. However, many existing facilities are outdated, presenting challenges in meeting the evolving needs of residents.

Refurbishment emerges as a vital strategy to modernise these spaces fostering comfort, safety, and dignity to elderly individuals.

Homestyle Aged Care is committed to this cause, exemplified by ongoing refurbishment projects at Belmont Grange in Grovedale and Sea Views Manor in Ocean Grove.

Both facilities are currently undergoing major refurbish of resident rooms and communal areas, with the aim of enhancing the living environment for residents.

Uponcompletion,eachhomewillalsoboast the award-winning Concentric Rehabilitation Centre, further enhancing the quality and care and amenities available.

If you would like to know more about Concentric Rehabilitation at Homestyle Aged Care or if you or your loved one are looking for care in Ocean Grove, Leopold or Grovedale, our admission team can discuss yourindividualsituationandadvisethemany options available.

Call 1300 104 663 or visit homestyleagedcare.com.au

Homestyle Aged Care is committed to ongoing refurbishment projects at Belmont Grange in Grovedale and Sea Views Manor in Ocean Grove.

Furore over special charges

By Matt Hewson

Portarlington property owners will potentially pay tens of thousands of dollars for the sealing of their street after Geelong council flagged its intention to go ahead with a special rates and chargesscheme(SRC).

After the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) canvassed Portarlington residents for support for sealing roads under an SRC, Park Street was the only street to receive majority support, with owners of six of the 11 properties giving it thenod.

Thepropertyownerswillbejointlyresponsible for paying $328,165.50 of the project’s $437,554 cost,withtheCitycontributing$109,388.50.

James Taylor, who owns two adjacent properties in Park Street and does not support the scheme, would be charged the highest amount–$78,804.75–ifitgoesahead.

The lowest charge to a property owner under theSRCwouldbe$12,946.49.

At last week’s council meeting Mr Taylor questionedthefairnessofthecostapportionment methods applied by City officers to come up withtheindividualchargestoowners.

”How does Council reconcile its proposal to impose a special rate of almost $80,000, which isequivalenttomorethan20yearsoftheannual general rate on my home… with the general cost of living reduction measures being adopted by governments and councils throughout

Australia?”MrTaylorasked.

“And would the implementation of such a special rate demonstrate that Council is out of touchorcontemptuousofitsconstituents?

“How can council justify imposing a special rateonmypropertyof$80,000,whichisaquarter ofthetotalpropertyholdercontributionsforthe scheme, whereas the property on the other side of the road, which enjoys a similar frontage to Park Street as mine, is to be levied with only $12,946.49?”

Councillor Jim Mason, who moved the motion, emphasised there would be an ongoing process where property owners could submit their concerns to the council and subsequently take the matter to VCAT if they remained

Creating the world’s longest book

A Portarlington artist is mapping the community’s favourite Geelong and regional spots in an attempt to make the Longest Book in the World.

Fern Smith started hosting free creative workshops on April 2 at Chilwell Library, with more workshops taking place at varying Geelong Regional Libraries across the year.

Ms Smith said she was inspired by the Guinness Book of Records project, which saw Yang Shuanming complete an 814.26-metre-long concertina book of Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.

“All of Geelong will have participated by the

time we’re finished... and it’s a focus on your favourite place or street,” she said.

“We’re at 101 metres as of today, and I’m going through the library system, where you capture a whole diversity of people that you wouldn’t normally get.

“You get a good diverse age group as well, and everyone mixes in together, which is really lovely. I think the youngest is about two years old and the oldest is about 85.”

Ms Smith said she thanked Geelong Regional Libraries and Geelong Writers for supporting the project and looked forward to the book’s completion.

“The librarians are very welcoming because they love that there’s someone that wants to engage in a book making process, because it is a book,” she said.

“Once someone has finished writing, drawing or collaging their favourite place, they are now a published author or illustrator, as everyone’s name goes in the back of the book as a contributor.”

Visitevents.grlc.vic.gov.au/eventstoregister for Ms Smith’s Longest Book in the World creative workshops.

Jena Carr

unsatisfiedwiththeoutcome.

“The majority support garnered through this exercise was done so with each property owner understanding their contribution costs,” Cr Masonsaid.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said he had a “history of concern with SRCs” and was ultimately one of three councillors - alongside Crs Belinda Moloney and Eddy Kontelj - who votedagainsttheintentiontodeclare.

“This is an extreme cost that may be borne by theratepayersifthisisfullydeclaredattheend,” hesaid.

Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/SRC/ park-street-portarlington to stay up to date with theParkStreetroadupgrade.

Grant for climate change

A Barwon South West climate group has received grant funding for climate mitigation and adaptation across the region.

Barwon South West Climate Alliance (BSWCA) was awarded $245,200 through round three of the National Partnership Agreement State and Regional Priority ProjectsGrantsProgram.

President Peter Mercouriou said the funding would help BSWCA deliver its Resilient Community Assets Project, focusing on community assets owned, managedoroperatedbycouncils.

“This project will improve the understanding of risks that community assets may face from climate change and extremeweatherevents,”hesaid.

“This is an exciting step for the alliance, and we’re delighted to have been awarded this funding to help Barwon South West communities in this way. “This funding supports the first of many Alliance projects, which will help us reach our goal ofanetzeroemissionsandclimateresilient BarwonSouthWest.”

BSWCA executive officer Sue Phillips said the project would run for 18 months and was expected to commence this financialyear.

Shealsosaiditwouldre-confirmclimate modelling while undertaking a high-level vulnerabilityassessment.

“Up to six selected assets and hazards from councils will then undergo deeper analysis to ready these projects for works,” she said. “Supported by Geographic Information System tools, which enable information to be embedded in council’s systems,assetriskwillbeprioritised.

BSWCA will deliver the project in partnership with Borough of Queenscliffe, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Warrnambool City CouncilandtheCityofGreaterGeelong.

Female sport participation a priority for council

Geelongcouncilhascalledforthecommunity to get involved in reviewing its draft Fair Access Policy, which is now out for public consultation.

The draft policy seeks to increase and improvesportingandrecreationopportunities for women, girls and diverse groups in the Geelong region through providing female-friendly sport infrastructure design, equitably allocating resources and boosting female representation in leadership and governance roles at sports clubs.

Councillor Elise Wilkinson, who seconded Eddy Kontelj’s motion to table the draft policy at the March council meeting, said council had “a lot of work to do”.

“I’ll note in a recent census, done in 2023, (it was found) only 30 per cent of the City of Greater Geelong’s community sports change rooms are gender neutral,” Cr Wilkinson said.

“This report contains six key policy principles… This is an important policy; this will really drive home and frame how we address the inequities within our city.”

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the policy would seek to improve the participation of women in sport.

“We know that rates of sporting participation are considerably higher for men than women, but we also know about the significant benefits of greater participation

in sport for our community,” Mayor Sullivan said. “This policy considers some of the underlyingcausesofthereducedparticipation of women and girls in sport, and identifies the steps we can take to make change.”

Cr Eddy Kontelj said it was important for the community to have their say on the draft policy.

“Local sporting clubs are the experts in what the issues and challenges are for their specific club,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Getting as much input from the community as possible will ensure we get this policy right so we can make real change in this space.

“By investing in women, we will accelerate

positive progress.”

The policy’s process is on a short timeline, as the state government funding criteria for community sport infrastructure will require gender equitable access and use policies to be in place by July 1, 2024.

“We don’t really have a choice here; we need to develop this policy otherwise we’ll be delinquent in our responsibilities, not only to the community, but to our obligations to be continuously improving the City of Greater Geelong,” Cr Kontelj said.

Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ draft-fair-access-policy to view and submit your thoughts on the draft Fair Access Policy before 5pm Tuesday, April 30.

Zoey and Hanna with their grandparents Jillian and Peter Bolger, and artist Fern Smith at the Longest Book in the World Geelong West workshop. (Ivan Kemp) 398388_01

Play space work begins

Construction has begun on the new Inverleigh Active Youth Space to expand opportunities for physical activity, social connection and positive lifestyles for young people.

The $2.3 million community-driven project, supported by the state and federal government, started construction of the youth active recreation and community space on April 2.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Brett Cunningham said Inverleigh’s youth deserved the best equipment possible to play, learn and grow, with construction expected to be completed by September.

“We thank both the federal and state

governments for their funding support in delivering this project,” he said.

“We are thrilled that this project is coming to life with the commencement of construction and look forward to delivering the play space for the young people of Inverleigh and surrounding towns.”

The facility will feature a new skate park, bicycle pump track, social basketball courts, seating, lighting, shades, shelters, and beautification enhancements.

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said she was pleased to see construction start to transform Yerram Yaluk Bun Play Space into a

place for Inverleigh’s young people.

“The youth space will be a place that brings the community together, particularly families, in one of the most beautiful parks in our region,” she said.

“This project is driven by the local community, and I look forward to continuing my work with them alongside our partners in the state government and Golden Plains Shire.”

The project received $1.48 million from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $700,000 from the federal government, with the Golden Plains Shire contributing $150,000.

Mobile blood centre returns

Surf Coast residents will have the opportunity to donate blood once more when the Lifeblood mobile blood donor centre returns to Torquay this month.

After a huge response to a visit in Januarythisyear–thefirsttimeLifeblood had come to Torquay in over a decade –the mobile blood centre is now open for appointment bookings for its return from April 15 to 20.

Lifeblood spokesperson Stephanie Reynolds said it was wonderful to feel so welcomed by the community during the January visit.

“Thereisclearlyastrongdesirefromthe people of Torquay and surrounds to do something good to help patients in need,” Ms Reynolds said. “Every donation was truly appreciated and helped to maintain the nation’s blood supply.

“I thank everyone who took the time to donate. We are so excited to be coming back on April 15 and hope to see you all again.”

The blood donations Lifeblood collects are used to help a wide range of recipients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, people undergoing emergency surgery, road trauma victims and women suffering from bleeding during childbirth.

Surf Coast residents directly contributed to saving 540 lives during January when 180 people turned up to give blood over a five-day period. 49 of those were first-time donors.

Ms Reynolds said Lifeblood recognised the Torquay community’s willingness to donate and wanted to make blood donation easier for the locals.

“Not only will we be back in April, but we will also be looking to plan regular visits in the future,” she said.

Visit lifeblood.com.au to learn more aboutdonatingblood.TheGeelongDonor Centre (237-243 Ryrie St) is also open seven days a week. To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood. com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

View.com.au’s stunning rise shown by new data

View.com.au is the fastest growing residential property portal in Australia with a 102 per cent growth in unique audience since October according to new data.

IPSOS released new data which compared property portal data from October to February with the majority of portals have declined or have had very low growth*.

View’s had a 102 per cent growth increase, while realestate.com.au was the next best with a 2.2 per cent growth.

Domain’sportalhadadeclineof2.6percent, while Allhomes’ portal declined by 9.0 per cent and Homely declined by 0.5 per cent.

View.com.au’s chief marketing officer Paul Tyrrell said it’s fantastic to see such strong audience growth on View as they continue to enhance the product and build the brand.

“Our consumer proposition is unique and features over 136,000 properties for sale, however it offers a complete view of the market with access to nearly 11 million properties Australia wide, with buyers able to express interestinpropertiesevenifthey’renotforsale. All delivered by best in class mapping from Nearmap,” he said. “The marketing campaign is now in full swing and we’ve seen some massivespikes,particularlyfromourbroadcast partnership with Channel 7’s AFL coverage. To be the fastest growing property portal in the country is a testament to the hard work of the team and a clear demonstration of the need for a competitive alternative in the property portal space.”

“Our agent partners are enjoying the benefit of this audience growth with our premium productdeliveringupto10timesmoreenquiry than our free product. But we’re only just getting started, watch this space.”

Homely’s February total audience dropped to 600,000 with View’s February audience over

80 per cent higher at 1.1 million according to IPSOS data, with users of View spending on average 2.8 times longer on site than they did on Homely on While internal Google Analytics data is showing nearly 1.7M Users for the month of February on View.

The executive team behind View includes seven ex-Domain executives that successfully took Domain to a $2.2 billion listing on the ASX and the company is headed up by former Domain chief executive Antony Catalano.

“We’re seeing the proposition we’ve built clearly resonating with consumers and we’ve got great momentum,” Mr Catalano said.

“Our freemium model for agents presents a true alternative to the traditional listings model; it’s free to list on View and our low cost premium product is performing incredibly well and delivering strong value for agents and vendors. We can make it free or keep prices low because VMG’s business model is not predicated on listings revenue, where the only option is annual price increases. We’re creating a true property ecosystem that caters to all steps along the property journey.

“While REA continues to cement its number one position, Domain’s audience has stagnated and we’re seeing some agents downgrading or dropping them from their advertising schedule due to high costs, underperformance and questionable return on investment. The industry is fed up with the status quo.

“We are the first genuine challenger to Domain’s number two audience position, having been propelled into the number three position for residential property portals showcasing properties for sale in only five months and relegating Homely to the number 6 portal behind Allhomes.”

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Brett Cunningham, left, Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker at the Yerram Yaluk Bun Play Space. (Supplied)

Anthony Catalano.

ABA celebrates 60 years

The Greater Geelong branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) will help celebrate the organisation’s 60th anniversary this year.

ABA founder Dr Mary Paton AM had her first child in the 1960s and struggled to breastfeed which made her think about how breastfeeding support could be given to new mothers.

She founded the Nursing Mothers’ Association(NMA)inMelbournein1964with the aim to support and educate mothers on a mother-to-mother basis and to educate the community.

More local NMA groups started to form, including the second group outside of Melbourne, in the Geelong (now known as the Barwon) Region which occurred in 1965.

The spread of groups was quite rapid and over the years there have been small groups in Central Geelong, Lara, South Barwon, Eastern Suburbs, Leopold, Drysdale, Bellarine, Ocean Grove and as far as Colac.

“Our 60th year is time to reflect and acknowledge the changes in society that have impacted mothers, babies, and families,” ABA executive officer Victoria Marshall-Cerins.

“For over 60 years ABA has provided practical mother-to-mother peer support and up to date and evidenced-based information to mums, parents and families.”

Anniversarygatheringshavebeencelebrated locally at 35 and 50 years when current and previous volunteers and members have caught

up to reminisce. Greater Geelong Group, looking after Barwon Region, is still operating, providing weekly gatherings in cafes, monthly pram walks, regular breastfeeding education classes and an extensive breast pump hire service which comes with counsellor support.

The Barwon Region of ABA is holding an event to celebrate the 60th year of supporting mothers and their families through their breastfeeding journeys. If you were ever a member or a volunteer with NMA or ABA, you are invited to high tea from 2pm to 5pm Sunday May 19 at Thomson Football Club.

Secureyourspotbypurchasingticketsonline for $40 per person, which includes a welcome drink on arrival. Bookings close May 1.

Students getting active

Barwon Valley School students will be able to improve their physical activity thanks to state government funding.

The school will receive more than $45,000 from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) small grants program for new smart technology devices to increase physical activity participation.

Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Danny Pearson said the devices would supportinclusiveandaccessiblephysical activity in students aged 12 to 18.

“This grant will ensure all students at Barwon Valley School have access to the equipment they need to maintain and advance their health and wellbeing,” he said.

“By supporting the TAC’s Small Grants Program we’re ensuring the school can meet the unique needs of every student, improving their lives and independence.”

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said it was important that everyone could participate in every aspect of the school environment.

The school will work with Monash University’s occupational therapy students to collect and analyse data on participation in physical activity and the new technology’s effectiveness.

TAC small grants program recipients also included $49,950 for Monash Care Companions, $47,653 for EnAccess Maps, $50,000 for Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability, and $49,875 for Inclusion Melbourne INC.

The Barwon Region group will help the Australian Breastfeeding Association celebrate 60 years. (Supplied)

The Guide

MURDER IN PROVENCE

ABC TV, Saturday, 7.30pm

Like a mimosa among a shout of whiskeys, this amiable crime comedy is light and airy with a nose for fun. It’s the antithesis to crime shows that concentrate on the dark and disturbing side of murder – if you’re fond of distractions such as FatherBrownand DeathinParadise, this beautifully polished crime caper will tickle your fancy. The sublime French terrain and buildings set the tone, with sun and whimsy the overarching focus as chief magistrate Antoine Verlaque (Endeavour’s Roger Allam, pictured) and his glamorous criminal psychologist lover Marine Bonnet (FatherBrown’s Nancy Carroll) play detective in the small town of Aix-en-Provence.

VERA

ABC TV, Sunday, 8.30pm

The beauty of this long-running detective series –returning for its 13th season tonight – lies not just in the high-end, gorgeous Northumberland scenery cultivated with medieval churches and windswept cliffs overlooking the moody coastline. It’s the titular detective (Brenda Blethyn, pictured), grumbling and bluntly speaking her mind, who is categorically enchanting. These three new episodes feature an admirably unguessable whodunnit involving a hit and run in a serene country lane. The return of Joe Ashworth (David Leon), who worked with Vera over a decade ago, unsettles the power dynamic and irks our otherwise unflappable, lovably unkempt lawwoman.

MARCUS WAREING: TALES FROM A KITCHEN GARDEN

SBS Food, Monday, 8.30pm

Who is Marcus Wareing, you may ask? A Michelin-starred British chef and real-life advocate of the farm-to-plate ethos, you could call him your new, silver-haired version of Matthew Evans, who fronted the hit series GourmetFarmerfrom his Tasmanian horticultural paradise. From his farm in Sussex, Marcus is learning as he goes, even in this new third season. It’s therapeutic as he goes about his jobs and tries new techniques, and it’s all polished off with an agreeable orchestral soundtrack. Tonight Marcus visits a hop farm, whips up some smoked chilli butter and forages for sea vegetables. Laid-back yet educational, it’s nutrition for the soul.

Friday, April 5

PICK OF THE WEEK

EGO: THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY

Seven, Tuesday, 7.30pm

Thank you for the music: Ego tells the story of music icon Michael Gudinski, pictured left with Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran.

There’s barely an Australian alive whose life hasn’t been touched by the legacy of music pioneer Michael Gudinski. This feature-length doco follows his career’s wild ride, charting five decades of Mushroom Records, the label that launched Skyhooks, Jimmy Barnes and Kylie Minogue, as well as showcasing Gudinski’s passion for promoting international acts such as Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen. Famed for his ambition, bold antics and passionate approach, this testament to the music man’s brilliance delves into his early years as the shy son of Jewish immigrants and his first entrepreneurial efforts. With insights from some of the world’s biggest artists, archival footage and an electrifying soundtrack, it’s a not-to-be-missed glimpse into the life of a genius.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 QI. (PG, R) 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 House Of Gods. (Final, Ml, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds. (R)

3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

4.40 Grand Designs. (R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Millie Ross propagates new plants.

8.35 Happy Valley. (Malv)

As Tommy’s big day approaches, Catherine becomes suspicious and Ryan finds a new way to defy her.

9.35 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

Presented by Tom Gleeson

10.05 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.

10.35 QI. (PGa, R)

11.10 ABC Late News.

11.25 Western Stars. (PG, R)

12.45 Belgravia. (Final, PG, R)

1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.20 Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 11.20 Mountain Vets. (M) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Ancient Egypt By Train: Alexandria. (R) Part 1 of 4.

8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PG, R)

Part 1 of 3. Michael Palin embarks on a 1609km adventure through Iraq.

9.25 Secrets Of The Lost Liners: Normandie. (PGa, R)

Takes a look at ocean liners.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 A French Case. (Malv)

11.45 Max Anger: With One Eye Open. (Malv, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 MOVIE: Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery. (2016, PGav, R)

2.00 Beat The Chasers UK.

3.00 The Chase. (R)

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Adam Dovile builds a modular lounge.

7.30 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

8.00 Football. AFL. Round 4. Port Adelaide

v Essendon. From Adelaide Oval.

11.00 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.45 Armchair Experts. (M)

A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.30 Get On Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

1.00 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Scented With Love. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB]TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.00 The Talk. (PGa) 8.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 8.30 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 9.00

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

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

8.40 MOVIE: Toy Soldiers. (1991, Mvl, R) After commandos seize control of a prep school, a group of students decides to take action. Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton.

10.55 See No Evil. (Mv)

11.55 Iconic Australia. (Mav, R)

1.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.55 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.55 Garden Gurus

Moments. (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. (PGa, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by actors Daniel Craig and Sir Ian McKellen, presenter Clive Myrie and comedian John Bishop. Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth performs his song Loser

Fire Country. (PGa, R) The crew works to contain a forest fire.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am

Saturday, April 6

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.25 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 1.25 Miniseries: Life After

Life. (Final, Mal, R) 2.20 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 2.50 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.40 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time. (R) 4.30 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) 5.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Patient Zero – Richard Scolyer. (R) Presented by Leigh Sales.

6.30 Back Roads: Braidwood, NSW. (PG, R) Presented by Heather Ewart.

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

7.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav)

Part 1 of 3. An investigating judge and his romantic partner, a criminal psychologist, investigate murders.

9.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal) Part 1 of 5. A clinical psychologist is asked to assist in the investigation of the murder of a young woman.

9.50 House Of Gods. (Ma, R) Seyyed Modhaffer devises a new and risky way for Isa’s payments to be transported to Iraq.

10.50 Happy Valley. (Malv, R)

Tommy’s big day approaches.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden. (PGa, R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World C’ship. Round 2. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour Of Flanders. Men’s race. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. Tour Of Flanders. Women’s race. H’lights. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.35 A Cold War Of Spies.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ireland’s Wild Islands: Sea Of Serpents. (PGa) Part 1 of 3.

8.30 New Zealand From A Train: The Northern Explorer. (R) Part 1 of 2. Documents a scenic railway journey aboard New Zealand’s Northern Explorer.

9.25 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes: Florence, Lake Como, Milan. (PGaln, R) Part 3 of 4.

10.20 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces: Palaces. (PGa, R)

11.10 Between Two Worlds. (MA15+asv)

12.05 Miniseries: True

Colours. (Malv, R)

1.59 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

3.00 Looking For Life On Mars. (R) 4.00

Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News

Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day 1 and Caulfield Race Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A woman is suspected of being involved in drugs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the upcoming match, featuring hot topics and the latest AFL news.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 4. Western Bulldogs v Geelong. From Adelaide Oval. 11.00 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.30 To Be Advised.

12.30 The Arrangement. (Mav, R) Kyle makes a move that could upend his life.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Mystic. (R) Issie’s visions become hard to ignore.

5.00 My Greek Odyssey: Amorgos. (PG, R) Peter Maneas visits three separate islands.

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 Great Australian Detour. (R) 12.30 Destination WA. (PG, R)

1.00 Ageless. (PGa) 1.30 Living On The Coast. 2.00 The Pet Rescuers. (PGm) 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) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Food Trail: South Africa. (R) 10.00 Ready Steady Cook.

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

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

8.30 MOVIE: Godzilla Vs. Kong.

(2021, Mav, R) Fearsome monsters Godzilla and King Kong square-off in an epic battle for the ages. Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall.

10.40 MOVIE: Hulk. (2003, Mav, R) Eric Bana.

1.15 The Garden Gurus. (R)

1.45 Explore. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.15 Getaway. (PG, R)

2.30 World’s Greatest Journeys. (PGa, 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) 7TWO (62, 72) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30

Would I Lie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Melbourne

Comedy Festival: The Allstars Supershow. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL. 11.05 MythBusters. 11.50 Double Parked. 12.10am Portlandia. 12.55 Black Mirror. 2.05 Upstart Crow. 2.35 Unprotected Sets. 3.30 ABC News Update. 3.35 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 11.50 MOVIE: Selkie. (2000, PG) 1.25pm Wild Survivors. 2.15 NITV News: Nula. 2.45 Going Places. 3.45

Bamay. 4.20 Utopia Generations. 4.50 Persons Of Interest. 5.50 Going Native. 6.20 News. 6.30

Strait To The Plate. 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Poltergeist. (1982, M) 10.30 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra. 11.10 Late Programs.

6am

Binti. (2019, PG, Dutch) 7.40 A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 10.00 The Internship. (2013, M) 12.15pm I

Am Michael. (2015, M) 2.05 Dan In Real Life. (2007, PG) 3.55 The Kid From The Big Apple. (2016, PG, Mandarin) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 8.30 Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 10.25

The Chambermaid Lynn. (2014, MA15+, German) 12.05am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 The 4WD Adventure Show. 11.30 Your 4x4. Noon Bossy’s Bucket List. 12.30 Blokesworld. 1.00 Football. VFL. Gather Round. State Game. SANFL v VFL. 4.00 Supercar Customiser: Yianni. 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars.

Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

1.40pm Motor Racing. Formula E. Tokyo ePrix. H’lights. 2.45 A1: Highway Patrol. 3.45 The Bradshaw Bunch. 5.15 Kenan. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. (2011) 7.30

MOVIE: 17 Again. (2009, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The DUFF. (2015, M) 11.30 Dating No Filter. Midnight Kardashians. 2.00 Love After Lockup. 2.30 A1: Highway Patrol. 3.00 Late Programs.

6.00 To Be Advised.

7.00 The Dog House. (PGa)

Two brothers are wowed by a pure husky. The search is on for a spaniel that needs a playmate that can keep up.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Return, Ma)

In the first of two strike days, North West Ambulance Service loses over a third of its workforce as staff joins the picket lines to strike over pay, working conditions and concerns for patient safety.

10.30 So Help Me Todd. (PGv, R)

Todd stumbles into a case Margaret agreed to co-counsel with Gus.

11.30 FBI: International. (Mv, R)

A lawyer is killed in a car bombing.

1.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R)

The team investigates a murder spree.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Home Shopping. 9.00 To Be Advised.

Sunday, April 7

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10) NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.30 The Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

singer’s husband is murdered.

8.30 Vera. (Ma) Part 1 of 3. DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after a young man is found dead following a collision with a car. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not an accident and is way more than a hit and run.

10.05 Happy Valley. (Malv, R) Tommy’s big day approaches.

11.05 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 5.

3.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Doctor At The Door. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden. (PGa, R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. (PG) 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Trampolining. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. ProMX Australian C’ship. Round 2. 4.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup. Highlights. 5.35 A Cold War Of Spies. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Hunt For Cleopatra’s Missing Tomb. (PGa) A look at the hunt for Cleopatra’s tomb.

8.20 Treasures Of The Mediterranean Islands. (PGs, R) Bettany Hughes explores some of the treasures of the Mediterranean, beginning with the mask of Medusa.

9.15 Incas: The New Story. (Mad, R)

Takes a look at the Inca people, how they were organised and why they disappeared so suddenly.

10.55 Underwater Stonehenge. (PG, R)

11.50 Ancient Metropolis. (Mav, R)

2.45 Vaccine: The Inside Story. (Ma, R)

4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The 1% Club. (PGl) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.05 Carl Barron: Skating Rink For Flies. (Ml) Comedy performance by Carl Barron from Melbourne’s Palais Theatre.

10.05 Code 1: The Bourke Street Mall Tragedy. (Mav, R) A look at the Bourke Street Mall tragedy.

11.05 Quantum Leap. (Ma) Ben takes on the role of a Hollywood assistant.

12.05 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: No

Remorse. (2010, Mav, R) Tom Selleck.

2.00 Home Shopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6am WorldWatch.

9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon Super Maximum Retro Show. 1.00 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. 3.35 Sailing. SailGP. H’lights. 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.05 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.35 The Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia. 6.10 Ocean Wreck Investigation. 7.05 Cycling. UCI World Tour. ParisRoubaix. Men’s race. 1.50am Late Programs.

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGal) The participants reunite for the final dinner party. 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9News Late. 10.15 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) A look at the latest round of football. 11.15 Transplant. (MA15+m, R) 12.05 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)

1.00 World’s Greatest Engineering Icons. (R)

2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Ms, 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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The scariest trial, The Viper Room, returns and the celebrities share the personal stories that connect them to the charities they are playing for. Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 FBI. (Return, Mv) When a bus explosion kills several innocent people, the FBI team jumps into action to take down the terrorist organisation responsible. Scola tries to balance fatherhood with the job.

12.00 The Sunday Project.

(R) A look at the day’s news.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 The Real Seachange. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Harry’s Practice. 3.00 Feel Good Road Trips. 3.30 Animal Rescue. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 I Escaped To The Country. 6.00 Imagine Holidays Iconic Rail Journeys. 6.30 Kath & Kim. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 11.30 Late Programs.

Monday, April 8

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.

12.55 Vera. (Ma, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (PG, R)

2.55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds. (R)

3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

4.45 Grand Designs. (R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry.

9.35 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson. (PG) Boris resigns as Prime Minister.

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.40 The Business. (R)

10.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.30 You Can’t Ask That. (Madl, R) 12.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal, R) 12.50 Grand Designs. (R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Magic And The Brain – The Science Of Illusion: A Catalyst Special. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.10 Lucknow. (PG, R) 9.20 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.20 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PGa, R) 11.30 Mountain Vets. (PG) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00

Bitesize. (R) 2.10 Ancient Egypt’s Darkest Hour. (PGa, R) 3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 3.30 Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10

World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: And Still I Rise. (PG) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

8.30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (Return, PG) Follows the Tower’s staff as it prepares for the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

9.25 24 Hours In Emergency: You Are Not Alone. (M) A 52-year-old with cerebral palsy is rushed to George’s Hospital suffering from a suspected stroke.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Christian. (Malv)

11.50 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlv, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.50

Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (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. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Beyond Oak Island. 2.00

5.15 The Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia. 5.50 The UnXplained. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Taskmaster. 9.25 Ten Year Old Tom. 10.25 Alone Australia. 11.25 Over The Black Dot. 12.15am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Talking Language. 2.00 Going Places. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 3.25 Fresh Fairytales. 3.40 Bushwhacked! 4.05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.35 Grace Beside Me. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Wild Survivors. 7.35 First Australians. 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.05 Statue Wars. 10.15 MOVIE: The Shiralee. (1987, M) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)

Tuesday, April 9

6am The Natural. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.55 A Month Of Sundays. (2015, PG) 10.00 Three Colours: Blue. (1993, M, French) 11.50 Three Colours: White. (1994, M, Polish) 1.30pm Belle And Sebastian 3. (2017, PG, French) 3.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 5.30 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 7.30 Hajjan. (2023, M, Arabic) 9.50 Casablanca Beats. (2021, M, French) 11.50 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

Seven Morning News.

MOVIE: Love At Daisy Hills. (2020, PG, R)

Beat The Chasers UK.

NINE (8, 9)

The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGal, R) 1.45 Explore. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A group of tradies goes ballistic when they are caught without seatbelts and with an unsafe load.

8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 2. (2018, MA15+v, R) A retired CIA black ops operative is forced back into action when his friend is killed while investigating a murdersuicide and he sets out to use his resources to find the culprit and get revenge. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 The Clown And The Candyman. (MA15+av, R) Part 1 of 4.

12.30 Grand Crew. (Return, PGadls) Noah responds to Simone’s marriage proposal.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 The Greatest Aussie Caravan. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Midweek Mayhem. H’lights. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Final, Mals) The participants return as the experts discuss the romantic, dramatic and uncomfortable highlights of the season.

9.15 To Be Advised.

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

11.40 9News Late.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Hosted by Ben Shephard.

1.05 Pointless. (PG, R) Presented by Alexander Armstrong.

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.

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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Twelve celebrities are still surviving the jungle, all in the hope of winning money for their chosen charity.

9.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) After a woman and her two young sons are murdered, Remy Scott and the team search for a copycat killer who is recreating the murders of notorious ’80s mobster Jackie “The Fox” Bianchi. 11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon MOVIE: My Little Pony: A New Generation. (2021, PG) 2.00 Surfing Australia TV. 2.30

Bewitched. 3.00 Full House. 3.30 Sunnyside. 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: I Am Legend. (2007, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The Nanny. Midnight Medium. 1.00 Below Deck. 2.00 Late Programs.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

(8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (PGa, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.15 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PG, R) 11.25 Mountain Vets. (PG) 12.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Rye To Dungeness. (PG, R) Presented by Michael Portillo.

8.30 Insight. With advances in technology, Kumi Taguchi explores when is it okay to be watched and when is it wrong.

9.30 Dateline: The Kid’s Gambit. Follows a child chess prodigy.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (PG, R)

11.20 Faking Hitler. (Mlns)

12.15 Good People. (MA15+v, R) 3.00

Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.35 Solar Storms: A Warning From Space. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story. (Madl) The story of entrepreneur Michael Gudinski who revolutionised the Australian music industry.

9.55 First Dates UK. (Ma) Dog groomer Brenna meets electrician Ross, as they embark on a first date.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News.

11.30 Born To Kill? Cleophus Prince Jr. (MA15+av, R)

12.30 Emerald City. (PGhv)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00

Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. (Ml) The teams are challenged to create and execute an interactive publicity stunt for Cadbury’s new chocolate range.

To Be Advised.

9News Late.

La Brea. (Return, Mv) Josh and Riley wake up in an unfamiliar time.

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Mads, 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.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) As the competition for charity continues, the celebrities face a secret mission and if they succeed, they will feast.

NCIS. (Mad) As NCIS mourns the loss of Ducky, the agents find comfort in working on one of his unfinished cases involving a woman whose father was dishonourably discharged from the US Marines.

The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

Home Shopping. (R)

CBS Mornings.

Wednesday, April 10

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.10

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Gardening Australia: My Garden Path. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (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 White Fever. (Premiere, Mls) A woman sets out to diversify her dating life.

9.30 QI. (PG) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

10.00 Planet America. (Return)

10.35 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final, R)

11.15 ABC Late News.

11.30 The Business. (R)

11.50 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal, R)

12.40 Grand Designs. (R) 1.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6am Morning Programs. 1.50pm Anthem Sessions Interstitials. 2.00 Faboriginal. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.35 Grace Beside Me. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Kickin’ Back With Gilbert McAdam. 8.05 Muhammad And Larry. 9.05 MOVIE: Any Given Sunday. (1999, M) 11.50 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.15 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PGa, R) 11.25 Mountain Vets. (PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00

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

Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (R) 5.05

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) The participants’ focus turns to food.

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

9.25 Miniseries: Litvinenko. (Mal)

Part 3 of 4. A team of detectives, led by Brian Tarpey, arrives in Moscow to interview Lugovoy and Kovtun.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Blinded. (MA15+d)

Bea threatens Ygren.

11.40 COBRA. (Madl, R)

3.10 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

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

6am

Chad. 2.00 Sidelines. 2.20 Abandoned. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Bananas. 5.20 The Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia. 5.50 The UnXplained. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Reclaiming Amy. 9.30 Take A Chance. 11.10 MOVIE: Dark City. (1998, M) 1am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am A Friendly Tale. Continued. (2020, PG, French) 6.55 Belle And Sebastian 3. (2017, PG, French) 8.35 Little Nicolas. (2009, PG, French) 10.15 Gandhi. (1982, M) 1.45pm The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 3.40 Hit The Road. (2021, PG, Farsi) 5.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 7.30 Drunken Master. (1978, M, Cantonese) 9.35 Wild Indian. (2021, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs.

Thursday, April 11

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: At Home In Mitford. (2017, G, R)

2.00 Beat The Chasers UK.

3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.

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

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

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Unbelievable Moments

Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

12.00 Parenthood. (Ma, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs.

7.30 Room For Improvement. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Snowkissed. (2021, G, R)

7MATE (64, 73)

Officer Under Attack. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. (PG) Hosted by Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis.

9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Under The Gun Pt 2. (MA15+alv) While serving as an undercover cop, Keith Banks became used to a high-octane lifestyle.

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

11.10 9News Late.

11.35 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.10 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.05 Destination WA.

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.

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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) As the competition for charity continues, the celebrities face their first elimination – a double.

9.00 FBI: International. (Mv) The FBI fly team heads to Morocco when a commercial aircraft flying from New York to Athens is grounded and an American citizen on board goes missing. Kellett’s relationship with Erdos continues to blossom.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GO! (82, 93)

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7) TEN (5, 10) NINE (8, 9)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News

At Noon. 1.00 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mls, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 QI. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 9.30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.25 Outta Town Adventures. 11.25 Mountain Vets. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10

Most Scenic River Journeys. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30

(MA15+av) Stabler and Teddy Silas hatch a plan to turn the club into a venue for Murphy’s illegal dealings. 11.20 9News Late. 11.50 A+E After Dark. (Mm, R) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.35 Pointless. (PG, R) 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

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Hypothetical. 2.15 American Runestone: A Viking Mystery. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.15 Bananas. 5.20

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Mass Shooting USA. 11.20 Taskmaster. 12.15am Late Programs.

Programs.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

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

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The campmates face a disgusting food trial. Yet another celebrity is eliminated.

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

10.00 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+av, R) Muncy tries to fit in with the squad.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Becoming ‘Chopper’

By Matt Hewson

Basing a comedy act around impersonating a man convicted multiple times for killing people might not seem like a great career move to some.

But in the early 2000s the potential implications of creating a show based on infamous (and at that stage, very much alive) criminal Chopper Read didn’t occur to then-uni student Heath Franklin until it was a little too late.

After discovering Read through the 2000 film Chopper, Franklin would often quote the movie when hanging out with his mates.

“Then I did a show at a university revue and I was like, I want to put the Chopper thing in,” Franklinsaid.“IfIcanjustborrowallthefunny bits and get rid of the super dark bits from the movie, then there might be something there.”

Before he knew it, Franklin was performing as Chopper at the 2024 Melbourne Comedy Festival, drawing the interest of Channel 10 in the process.

“We did a pilot for them and eventually got a series (The Ronnie Johns Half Hour) greenlit,

and I was just sort of caught up in the fact that I was on a TV show,” he said.

“But the first time that first episode went to air, just as the Chopper sketch was about to come on and I was like, oh, hang on, I bet

Chopper’s got a TV.

“That was the first time I thought, oh my gosh, I’m suddenly accountable for this. But thankfully… he seemed to take it pretty well at the time.”

Having entertained audiences across Australia and overseas for nearly 20 years, Franklinsaidthefocusofhisshowwas“mostly just an hour of jokes about humans acting like idiots”.

“There’s a tendency now… that there’s going to be a story or a message or some philosophy or something like that,” he said.

“ButI’veneverbeengreatatthattobehonest. And it’s also kind of hard if you’re playing a sociopath to have a moment at the 50-minute mark where you reflect on your feelings, because you don’t have feelings.

“So I’m just going for as many hard laughs as I can for an hour. I just want people to sit down and forget about everything and enjoy themselves and leave hopefully with aching stomach muscles and a big smile on their face.”

Heath Franklin’s Chopper Read: Not Here to F*** Spiders is at Geelong Arts Centre on Thursday, April 11.

Emma’s honouring a family legacy

Award-winning singer Emma Donovan has performed since she was a young child, played to audiences across the world and sung with everyone from Archie Roach to Paul Kelly and symphony orchestras.

But when Melbourne music company CookingVinylofferedherthechancetorecord a solo album, she “freaked out for a little bit”. ForoveradecadeDonovanhascreatedmusic and won awards with Melbourne-based funk/ soul band The Putbacks in what she called “a beautiful bubble” of collaboration.

“It’s a long relationship, from times with Doogs (drummer Rory McDougal) and (bassist) Micky (Meagher) in the Black Arm Band days,” she said.

“After being in this collaboration with The Putbacks for so long… I thought, what can I present, what can I do on my own? And that’s a massivequestionforme,givenI’vebeenplaying with these generous and amazing players.

“So when I ask myself who am I, or what can I do on my own, all I can go back to is chords and progressions, melodies and phrases from my early childhood, which was growing up in a musical family.”

Donovan’s grandparents Micko and Aileen Donovan were the founders of Aboriginal country band The Donovans, which included her mother Agnes and her five uncles. Having begun performing with The Donovans since the age of seven, she said her upcoming album ‘Til My Song is Done was all about making her family proud.

“It was such a beautiful thing to grow up around, houses that were full of all the mob comingtogethertosing,”shesaid.“Forme,this album is just going back down memory lane, going back to basics and things that I grew up on,which ismyloveformyfamilyandcountry music. And there’s a big story, you know.”

Enjoy Hypnos by Lewis

An Ocean Grove family will soon perform Hypnos in their hometown following the neo-classical album’s successful launch in March.

Musician, recording artist and producer Simon Lewis will be joined by daughter Calista, 18, on violin and vocals, and son Lazarus, 15, on cello at the Ocean Grove Uniting Church from 7.30pm on April 13.

Mr Lewis said the family would play music from Hypnos, a relaxing and piano-based album released on March 2.

“It (music) called me, more than me choosing it... and I’ve always been drawn to the way music can help people feel calmer,” he said.

“Hypnos is quite simple in the structure,butthere’senoughdepthinthe textures to make it interesting to listen too, rather than just one thing.”

Calista said she looked forward to the Uniting Church show and that performing with her dad and brother was a “circle of life moment”.

“It(Hypnos)letsyousitwitheverything and gradually washes that calmness and serenity over you. It’s so nice listening to it and it has a great effect,” she said.

“It’s so nice to be at a level now where I can learn Dad’s music and contribute artistically to how it’s played... and the church is so familiar, they’re like family.”

Lazarus said he grew up listening to classical music and was excited to play music with his family in front of the Ocean Grove community.

“Calista and I thought we’d play quite a lot together, growing up it was a bit harder, but it’s great to be able to do that now 12 years later, it feels surreal,” he said. “When you’re playing with your family, it’s very different compared to any other ensemble at school or outside of school because you can connect with each other and it’s actually fun.”

Visit simonlewis.com.au to listen to Hypnos or to book tickets for the upcoming show.

Jena Carr

Emma Donovan will perform an intimate show – Songs, Stories and Soul from Family and Country – with special guests David Tweedie and James Gilligan at the Potato Shed on Saturday, April 13. ‘Til My Song is Done is out April 19.

Matt Hewson Emma Donovan. (Ian Laidlaw)

Simon Lewis on piano, with Calista on violin and Lazarus on cello. (Ivan Kemp) 398026_08

Heath Franklin as Chopper Read. (Supplied)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives

16 years ago

April 4, 2008

Developers plan to build an “iconic” hotel adjacent to the start of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay. The plan for a three-storey hotel at 2-4 Geelong Road has 36 apartments, covered parking for 33 cars, a reception centre and a manager’s residence.

12 years ago

April 6, 2012

Developers want to build “much-needed community facilities” in Torquay’s Spring Creek, according to their spokesperson. Redstick Strategic Communications’ Tony White said the “landowners” wanted to begin discussions with residents and community groups about opening up the site

8 years ago

April 8, 2016

A massive community effort has made a dying wish come true for a Meredith woman.

A flood of offers helped organise a wedding in just a week for Mandy Pattenden and fiance John Brockway.

4 years ago

April 3, 2020

Geelong mums are leading efforts to feed the homeless and unemployed as the COVID-19 pandemic forces some local charities to close their doors. Newtown mother-of-two and teacher Leah Irvinghasasecretweaponinthebattleagainst hunger – the humble BLT sanga.

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.

Sailing

Come for a sail or, if you have a trailable yacht, a tag-along cruise with Geelong Trailable Yacht Club. Saturday April 6, 9.30am St Helens boat ramp, Swinburne Street, North Geelong. Visitors welcome.

■ John, 0411 142 917

Christian Singles

Saturday April 13 – 6.30pm dinner at Mallee Thai, Shop 6, 1-3 Bellevue Ave, Highton. Table for 30s & 40s, table for 50s and over. Book by April 11.

■ 0400 662 352

Saturday April 20 – 11.30am girls lunch at private venue. For details ring by April 19.

■ 0418 672 570

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway on Saturday, April 14. Admission $10 including supper, 7.30-11pm, music Kevin.

■ 0400 500 402

Dancer’s Club Geelong

Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30pm-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Puff and Damian.

■ Russ, 5250 1937

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc]

Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2pm-4pm, $5 entry.

■ Val, 5251 3529

Belmont Combined Probus

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

■ Pam, 0408 520 931, or leave a message on 5243 4042

Barwon Valley Belmont Probus

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

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

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.

■ 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

Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings

First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.

■ geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au

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

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

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

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

Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central Meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome. Next meeting Wednesday April 10. Guest speaker will talk on the building of the Great Ocean Road after WWI. Brief Anzac Memorial Service (Last Post) and a display of war memorabilia. ■ Secretary, 0417 555 547

Surf’s up at Rip Curl Pro

1/ Superstar Kelly Slater. 2/ Barron Mamiya enters the water for his heat against Kelly Slater. 3/ Kelly Slater heads down to Winkipop for his heat. 4/ Sinead and Gary Case with their son Bodhi from Adelaide. 5/ Ishan with his children Bodhi and Ayla sharing an ice cream. 6/ Finn tests his skills on a board. 7/ Haley Esquino and Emma Carlin from California and Bella Linz from Melbourne. 8/ Cole Houshmand wins his heat on the last wave. 9/ Jesse Moyes with his daughter Milla. 10/ The crowd watching the heats on the big screen. (Picture: Ivan Kemp) 397476

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp ventured to the Rip Curl Pro at Jan Juc on Easter Saturday.

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

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 nouns ending in “s”.

19 words: Good 28 words: Very good 38 words:

1 What is the largest train station in the UK?

2 In relation to trees, what does deciduous mean?

3 Pedro Pascal (pictured) starred alongside Nicolas Cage in which 2022 film?

4 Which continent are capybaras native to?

5 What type of food is a chimichanga?

6 The book cataloguing website Goodreads was launched in which year?

7 Is Paraguay a landlocked or coastal country?

8 True or false: Otzi the Iceman, a natural mummy from 3105BC, had tattoos?

9 The world’s first electric tram line operated in which country?

10 Hazard signs are typically black symbols on what colour triangular background?

Review: the Mitsubishi Eclipse

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

I read somewhere that the government was going to drop financial incentives for plug-in hybrids in April next year.

I’m not surprised. While PHEVs look good onpaper,withtheirultra-lowfuelconsumption figures - the reality is very different.

For example, vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV are good for a claimed 1.9L/100km. But to achieve this figure, you need to recharge the battery every 100km, or the final figure is liable to be considerably higher.

Basically, the battery provides 45km of petrol-free travel for the first 100km travelled, 45kmforthenextandsoon.Don’trechargethe battery and you won’t reap the benefit.

Styling

With seating for five occupants, Eclipse Cross sits between ASX and Outlander in terms of size.

There are three plug-in hybrid versions from which to choose: ES, Aspire and Exceed.

Prices start from $47,290 for ES, $51,240 for Aspire and $55,990 for top of the line Exceed.

All PHEVs come with an auto and all three are underpinned by all-wheel drive. Standard kit includes cloth trim, two-zone climate air conditioning, 18-inch alloys, push buttonstart,LEDdaytimelights,cruisecontrol and rear parking sensors.

Aspire adds suede and synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, power-adjust driver’s seat, LED headlights, front parking sensors, along with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Exceed adds full leather, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjust passenger seat, built-in navigation, head-up display and a double sunroof – plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system.

The PHEV received some minor updates earlier last year, including a power tailgate for Exceed and V2L (the ability to power external equipment) for Aspire and Exceed. latest USB-C ports or a 12-volt socket in the cargo area. Ditto rear air vents.

It’scoveredbya10-year200,000kmstandard warranty, provided that it’s always serviced at a Mitsubishidealership,otherwiseitdropstofive years and 100,000km.

So be wary if you’re consistently averaging more than 20,000km a year.

The battery warranty is for eightyears/160,000km battery warranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment comprises a now small 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlayandAndroidAutoandaneight-speaker Mitsubishi-branded sound system.

Engines/transmissions

The powertrain comprises a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, one for the front and one for the back axle, plus a 13.8 kWh battery.

The engine produces 94kW of power and 199Nm of torque, while the electric motors deliver60kW/137Nmand70kW/195Nmapiece.

A combined figure is not provided, but throttle response is sharp thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. Drive is to all four wheels through a single-speed transmission and is remarkably smooth.

Safety

Standard safety includes seven airbags, rear view camera, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system.

The latter reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h.

Driving Eclipse has grown a little in size since

launch. It now offers a pleasant, comfortable environment, with more rear legroom and a larger boot.

The cool two-piece rear window has gone, replaced by a conventional and probably cheaper one-piece unit.

A revised instrument cluster displays engine speed as well as EV charge levels and battery use - but alas no digital speedo.

Thefrontseatsandsteeringwheelareheated, but cooling would have been a better option given our climate.

Although larger overall, plug-in hybrid versions have a smaller boot than the standard model because of the space occupied by the battery pack. At the same time the spare wheel has been replaced by a tyre repair kit.

The PHEV system is ‘EV-biased’ and prioritises EV mode wherever possible, but can deploy series or parallel hybrid modes when required.

In EV mode (available from 0-135km/h), the PHEV is powered by the front and rear electric drivemotors,drawingcurrentfromthebattery.

In series hybrid mode (available from 0-70km/h), the car continues to use the battery to power the front and rear motors, while the petrol engine is engaged to run the generator to charge the battery while driving.

This mode is also automatically activated when the driver wants maximum acceleration, or for example when driving uphill or when battery charge is low.

In this mode, the vehicle will attempt to revert to EV Mode as often as possible for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

In parallel hybrid mode (available above 70km/h), the PHEV operates like a traditional hybrid.

This means the petrol engine drives the front wheels in tandem with the front electric motor via the multi-mode front transaxle, while the rear electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Once again, the vehicle is configured to revert to EV mode or series hybrid mode whenever possible.

There are five steps that add drag when you take your foot off the throttle, sending energy

back to the battery.

But, unlike other vehicles of this kind, you still need to apply the brakes. A button marked ‘SAVECHRG’suggestsyoucansavethebattery charge for use later, but it’s a bit confusing.

The whole PHEV thing might sound a bit complicated, but there’s no need to worry because the car takes care of everything — everything that is apart from charging.

ThePHEVhasACType2andDCCHAdeMO style input sockets.

Using the supplied cable and a regular 10A powerpoint it takes seven hours to fully charge.

It’s also supplied with a second cable for faster Mode 3 charging using a wall charger which takes four hours, while 0-80 per cent with a full-blown commercial DC charger takes 25 minutes.

The Mitsubishi Remote Control app allows drivers to plan and activate battery charging remotely via the app, to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.

Mitsubishiclaims55kmofelectricrange,but that’s under the old NEDC standard. Under the newer, more stringent WLTP system, it’s actually 45km - but 55 sounds better.

Basically, if you live in the ‘burbs, Mitsubishi claimstheelectricrangeissufficienttopopinto the city and back without needing to recharge. We reckon it’s a costly option and a lot of mucking around for little in return.

The cynical might suggest it has more to do with satisfying emissions requirements across the range rather than delivering real world benefits.

At the same time, because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you don’t need to worry about being stranded. When the juice runs out, the petrol engine kicks in.

Hybrid questions aside, the PHEV is a heavy car and this has implications for ride and handling.

There are five drive modes: tarmac, snow, gravel, normal or economy.

Normal or Eco are what most urban motorists will use, while tarmac is in effect a sport mode in which the car becomes tauter, sportier and more responsive.

The ride is harsher on anything apart from smooth bitumen, even though they’ve done a bit of work on the rear suspension. You feel all the little imperfections and the car can take longer than normal to settle as it continues to bounce up and down on the suspension.

That weight means and the fact the car sits relatively high and also means it has a tendency to run wide in corners, with squeal hard braking and lift-off oversteer when braking late and hard into corners.

Thesteeringlacksanysortoffeel.Infact,you can waggle the steering wheel (technical term) from side to side with little or no effect on the direction of travel.

It’s like trying to change direction in the billy carts we used to build as kids in the backyard with wood pinched from building sites.

A sports car it is not.

With a 45-litre tank, it takes regular 91 unleaded.

We were getting 6.5L/100km after more than 800km, bearing in mind that the trip computer in Mitsubishis are a law unto themselves.

That’s nowhere near the claimed 1.9L/100km, but unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to recharge the battery after the initial charge had been depleted.

Interestingly, 39 per cent of our time was spent driving in EV mode - not sure how.

This compares with 7.7L/100km for the 1.5-litre turbocharged all-wheel drive version of the car.

On a final note, our test vehicle was fitted with Mitsubishi-branded roof racks, which were the source of an annoying hum at speed.

Summing up

At $14,750 more than the regular model, the Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire is a big ask.

For a little less you can get into something like MG’s ZS Long Range EV, a fully electric SUVwith440kmofrangethatdoesnotrequire charging as frequently.

While buyers might be coming around to the benefits of EVs, they have demonstrated a reluctance to pay the outrageous prices that manufacturers are demanding for them.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. (Supplied)

Good start for footy and netball

Ocean Grove took on Queenscliff in the opening round of footy and netball at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Good Friday.

Justin Flynn was there to check out the A Grade netball and senior footy.

Far left: Max Sutton and Lachie Kidd go hard at this contest. Left: Co-coach Nick Bourke played well across half-back. Above: Campbell Snookes gets his kick away.

Below left: Charlie Every gets free on the wing. Below: Nick Bourke in action. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 397856

Left: Georgia Ryan looks for an option with Keely Kinsey providing plenty of pressure Centre: Courtney Leith in action. Right: Georgia Ryan and Laura Cayzer in midcourt. (Picture: Justin Flynn) 397855

Left: Zanna Woods was massive in attack for Ocean Grove. Centre: Emily Moroney and Zanna Woods. Right: Wing defence Anna Smith puts the pressure on, but Madison Foot is first to the ball.

Houshmand, Simmers win Rip Curl Pro titles

Rookie Cole Houshmand and teen sensation

Caitlin Simmers have made it a southern Californian sweep, winning their maiden Rip Curl Pro titles on a dramatic finals day at Bells Beach.

Houshmand beat his close friend, longtime rival and San Clemente neighbour Griffin Colapinto 13.50-12.80 in the men’s final.

Colapinto came into the fourth stop of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) season sitting atop the rankings, having won the previous event in Portugal.

But it was the 23-year-old Houshmand who emerged victorious on Wednesday, becoming only the third men’s goofy-footer this century to salute at the storied Bells break.

“I just told (Colapinto) that this is what we dreamed of, since we were kids competing,“ said Houshmand, who came into the event in danger of missing the WSL’s halfway cut, but is now ranked No.8 in the world.

“It’s not many times you get into a final against your best friend and a mentor like Griffin.

“I just really wanted to enjoy it.

“At the same time it’s like there’s no one I want to beat more, but there’s no one I’d rather lose to. It’s kind of a weird mindset.”

Houshmand made the early running with a 7.00-point wave which turned out to be the best of the final, although no one was surprised when Colapinto hit back hard to briefly reclaim

the ascendancy.

But after changing boards at the midway point, Houshmand held his nerve to close out the victory.

“I honestly don’t think it’s going to sink in for a while,” he said. “I’ve been visualising this every day for the last two weeks, ringing that bell, and I guess it works.”

Simmers left it very late before edging past France’s Johanne Defay 12.77-11.60 in the women’s final.

The 18-year-old caught what turned out to be the decisive wave with only 15 seconds remaining.

“I wish we could have been trading off eights the whole final but it was like a really grindy

Top wins for Grovedale

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

The Tennis Geelong Saturday Senior Pennant hasconcludedandpremiershavebeencrowned for another season.

Moolap had a successful day at home with 6 Mixed winning 4-2 over Drysdale, highlighted by Cameron Dempster winning his three sets.

Sophie de Wit also led the charge in 1 Mixed winning her three sets in their 4-2 win over Highton, while 4 Open won both singles and the final doubles to take their final over All Saints three rubbers to one.

Grovedale had the most success for the day winningthroughinfouroftheirsixfinals,with 4 Mixed, and 1, 3 and 5 Open getting over the line. Steve Tomkins and Saxon Richardson led the charge in 1 Open upsetting minor premiers Geelong West three rubbers to one, while the father son combination of Andrew and Lachie Smith remained undefeated in 5 Open’s win over Lara Blue.

One of the closest matches for the day was 3 Open where the junior Premier A runner-ups Malachi Hedt and Tano-Li Quach rallied along with CJ Watkins to get over Ocean Grove three rubbers, four sets, 33 games to one rubber, four sets,36games.Theclubwasguaranteedtheflag in 4 Mixed, with Black and Yellow teams facing off, and despite Matt Allen winning his three sets for Yellow, Black proved too consistent

taking the match by four games.

Jason Murnane suffered the same fate as Allen in 1 Men winning his three sets for the day for Waurn Ponds, but this wasn’t enough to stop Barwon Heads getting up by three games. The best win in the Men’s sections went to Inverleigh with their 6-0 score over Ocean Grove in 3 Men. Ocean Grove had Inverleigh’s measure through the home and away season, but Inverleigh countered in the first-semi and followed up in the final.

Wandana Heights had a clean sweep against Moolap in 2 Open, avenging their semi final loss. The Heights had won both home and away matches against Moolap, but missed out

final,“ said Simmers, who replaces Defay at the top of the world rankings heading into the next round at Margaret River in mid-April.

“I wish we could have had one of those classics where we were doing big cutbacks and carves on every wave, but it just came down to the last wave and I guess Jo didn’t have a choice.

“There was a three-wave set, she went on the second one and there was another one.

“Somehow there was a third wave in the set and it just gave me a good section.

“It’s everything you’ve thought about, but in those moments you don’t think, you just do it. It played out for me.”

John Salvado, AAP

Hawkins stars in 350th game

Not even a 43-minute lightning delay could stop Geelong from taking down Hawthorn by 36 points in beloved club legend Tom Hawkins’ 350th game.

The Cats were cruising with a six-goal advantage before players were told to leave the field just before the start of the final quarter in the traditional Easter Monday MCG fixture.

Play resumed at 6.11pm, past the match’s original scheduled finishing time, with Geelong doing enough in torrential rain to win 17.4 (106) to 10.10 (70) in front of 67,020 fans.

After a stunning seven-goal opening quarter, the Cats had to contend with a fierce fightback when the Hawks reduced the margin to four points early in the third term.

But Geelong broke away again with six of the next seven goals before heavy rain set in during the third quarter.

Officials were told by the Bureau of Meteorology that lightning was present within a 10km radius, and the call was made to stop the match.

Once the teams left the field, AFL rules state they had to be off for at least 20 minutes.

on the minor premiership in the last round on percentage. Moolap came away with the win in the first Semi, but the Heights rallied when it counted to win out in the end.

Clifton Springs/Drysdale came from fourth in 3 Mixed to upset minor premiers Moriac. After Moriac took the first set, the combination team took control winning the next five sets, spearheaded by Andrew Vlahovic winning his three sets.

Tom Crosbie won his three sets in St Mary’s 4-2 win over minor premiers Grovedale in 2 Mixed. The team won the first two sets, and with the balance of the sets split, this was enough to get them over the line.

The closest result in the mixed sections went to Surfcoast Jan Juc in 5 Mixed against Moolap. Jan Juc made it through to the grand final with a two-game win over Moolap, and it was the same difference in the final, although with three sets decided 7-5, the match was a cliffhanger with the result in the balance until the very end.

Highton had wins in both their finals with Adam Thomas winning his three sets to lead 2 Men to a 4-2 win over Bannockburn, while Anthony Eyles won his singles and doubles in 6 Open to help his team to a seven-game win, with the rubbers and sets level.

With the summer season now done players will enjoy a break until the start of the winter season on April 27.

Power forward Hawkins was a valuable contributor in his milestone match, kicking two first-quarter goals and finishing with an equal game-high four.

Hawkins – who will become Geelong’s games record holder in six weeks – overtook recently-retired Richmond great Jack Riewoldt (787) to move to 13th for most goals kicked in VFL/AFL history.

Hawkins’ family and former Cats teammates packed out the club’s rooms after he was chaired from the ground by Jeremy Cameron and Mitch Duncan.

“They (teammates) love the guy,” Cats coach Chris Scott said.

“He’s just been such a great ally for so many people over the years.

“It says something that Harry Taylor jumped on two planes from Geraldton to get here.

“There’s a lot of ex-players and families coming to honour the great man, which I think is a nice touch.”

Geelong will face the Western Bulldogs in Gather Round on Saturday night.

Section 3 Mixed Clifton Springs/Drysdale & Moriac: Back (Moriac): Matt Head, Shelley Thompson, Sue Maibaum, Bridget Laird, Chris Thompson. Front (CS/D): Andy Vlahovic, Elodie Greenwood, Nicole Nicholls, Alison Scott, Jack Lane.

Section 6 Open Highton & Surfcoast: Loiuse Dahlenburg, Sienna Clatworthy, Daniel Wright, Anthony Eyles, Sara Chol, Conor MacKinnon. (Pictures: Supplied)

Easter netball to open season

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Spring Creek Reserve on Easter Saturday for the A Grade and the 17 & Under Division 2 netball games between Torquay and Drydale.

Chloe Hobbs accepts a pass.

Rhian Moreski wins this contest.

Left: Betty Blackley streams out of defence. Centre: Julia Allan-Goodwin passes to Rhian Moresi. Right: Cassidy Milburn surverys her options. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 397486

Above: Kiralee Collings looks for a passing option. Above right: Matilda Derbyshire in action.

Above: Paige McGrath streams forward. Above right: Aleisha Walters looks to pass. Below: Molly Leith takes possession. Below right: Monica Lord takes a pass.

Grace Chapman accepts this pass.

Repeat as Tigers tame the Hawks

In a battle of last year’s Bellarine Football League grand finalists, Torquay defeated Drysdale in front of a big Easter Saturday crowd at Spring Creek Reserve and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

Left: Luke Mahony is tackled high. Centre: Michael Croxford kicks into the forward line. Right: Tim Delaney marks at half back. Baxter Mensch kicks out of a pack.

The ball spills free as Cooper Heard is tackled.

Left: Ben McNamara is tackled by Ben Henderson. Centre: Sheldon Ham kicks a goal. Right: Tom Ruggles snaps a goal on the run. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 397481

Above: Matt Piggott marks in front of Ed McCoy; Chase Loftus loses the ball in the tackle.

Port breaks 68-game losing run

By Justin Flynn

Portarlington broke a 68-game Bellarine Football League losing streak with a rousing Good Friday win against Newcomb, sending its home fans into raptures.

TheDemonshaverecruitedimpressivelythis off-season and none was more important than former Hawthorn livewire Teia Miles, who booted five goals in a best afield display.

The 15.13(103) to 10.12(72) win was the Demons’ first since July 2018.

Newcomb pair Jack Duke (five goals) and Josh Saltalamacchia (four) couldn’t have done much more.

In a battle of last season’s grand finalists, Torquay sent an ominous warning to its opponents with a 53-point win against Drysdale at Spring Creek Reserve on Easter Saturday.

Gun Newtown & Chilwell recruit Matthew Boag was best afield and showed that he will be a nightmare matchup this season.

Drysdale had its moments, but ultimately couldn’t keep up with the rampaging Tigers. Final scores 18.16(124) to 11.5(71).

Lucas Anderson and Tom Diamond each booted three goals for the reigning premiers while Tom Ruggles kicked three for Drysdale.

Former Adelaide and Hawthorn player Kyle Hartigan booted four goals as Queenscliff opened the season on a high against Ocean Grove.

The Grubbers were in front by six points at the last change in a see-sawing encounter, but Queenscliff booted six goals to one in the final term to run out winners, 15.14(104) to 12.8(80).

Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell was pleased with many aspects of his side’s game, but paid tribute to Queenscliff.

“Forperiodsofthegamewewerereallygood, especially in the first half we strung together good moments and you couldn’t help but get excited by the way the boys were playing,” he said.“Queenscliffplayedsomereallyconsistent

footy and have some real fire power forward when they get the footy in quickly.”

Will Baker also kicked four for Queenscliff while Brady Pritchard showed he is in for anothergoodseasonwithfourfortheGrubbers and ruckman Ed Dayman was terrific.

Anglesea showed it is set for improvement with an impressive performance against Barwon Heads.

Anglesea had multiple avenues to goal and dominated the Seagulls on the counter attack in a 17.15(117) to 12.9(81) triumph.

Onballer Will Batson was instrumental in the victory, forward Jack Baker was good and former Heads product Noah

Grubbers open season with entertaining victory

Ocean Grove opened its Bellarine Netball League A Grade season with a two-goal win against Queenscliff at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Good Friday.

The new-look Grubbers led by a goal at the last change and prevailed 57 to 55 in an entertaining game.

Both sides showed enough to suggest they will again be there at the business end of the season.

New coach Mel Holmes said being reigning premiers was not really in the forefront of her team’s minds.

“I have to see it as a new challenge with a new group,” she said.

“Last year was amazing and successful, but it’s a new year and a new team. They were successful last year and it was amazing, but I don’twanttogointothemindsetthatweneed to prove anything other than to ourselves.”

Ocean Grove’s new-look attack started the season strongly with star recruit Zanna Woods scoring 35 goals and young gun Arlee Bennett shooting 22.

“Zanna brings loads of experience and she’s got a really positive attitude and she’s willing to impart her knowledge on to the rest of the group,” Holmes said.

“And Arlee’s the baby, she’s fresh out of Under 19 Cougars, but she’s not playing there this year. She’s relocated here for uni and I think she’s just going to get better and better.”

Holmes said the side’s grit impressed her most, especially when it was challenged

multiple times by a very slick Queenscliff outfit. She said the team will take a while to gel.

“They (Queenscliff) were good,“ she said.

“They were strong and polished so we were really happy to get that first win.

“I’m really confident with the group we’ve got that it will just come as the season builds. Just getting used to each other and how to play.

“It was pretty close and at times there were ups and downs, but I think we dug deep and took it up that level.

“I was really proud of the fight the girls put up, and we just said ‘it’s not going to happen unless we make this happen, so we have to dig deep’.”

GEELONG AMATEUR sent a warning to the competition with a 66 to 28 win against Modewarre. Ammos led by 19 at the first break and never looked back with Darcy McFarlane and Ruby Watson unstoppable in attack.

ANGLESEA won a thriller 44 to 43 against Barwon Heads. Eliza Toohey was best for the Seas.

DRYSDALE edged past Torquay 46 to 43 in an absorbing tussle with Chloe Hobbs dangerous in attack.

NEWCOMB got the better of Portarlington by eight goals with Sarah Mulqueen and Sian Mortlock combining well under the ring.

McGregor-Dawson played well against his old side.

Defender Kyle Polley started the season well for the Seagulls while small Sammy Baker (four goals) looked dangerous and 16-year-old second gamer Angus Ford impressed with 16 touches and two goals.

Geelong Amateur’s impressive recruiting spree paid dividends with a 13.11(89) to 9.8(62) win against Modewarre.

The consistent Daniel Grose was best for Ammos while Tom Gorell booted four majors.

St Joseph’s premiership player Josh Hovery was best for Modda and former Geelong and BendigoVFLstarMatthewFarrellywassuperb.

Justin Flynn

Youngster Arlee Bennett was impressive for Ocean Grove in her first game.

Star recruit Zanna Woods started the season strongly. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 397855

Above: Brady Pritchard looks set for another good season for Ocean Grove. Right: Ed Dayman and Joe Cincotta had an absorbing duel in the ruck. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 397856

“

Not just a lifestyle, a style of life.”

Gordon Armstrong Green Resident

BOUTIQUE VILLAS STARTING FROM $635K

If location is a high priority when considering your next move, look no further. Armstrong Green is conveniently located across the road from the Warralily shopping precinct where you will find:

- Woolworths & Aldi

- Specialty shops and cafés

- Fast food outlets

- Bakery

- Bottleshop

- Pharmacy

- Medical Practices

- Allied Health

- Veterinary Practice

When you live at Armstrong Green, you can leave the car at home.

Call 1800 777 898 to book a tour.

armstronggreen.com.au