Ocean Grove Voice - 22nd April 2020

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Angels are all around us (Supplied)

Performer Kim Cooper has been entertaining Ocean Grovers by singing from her house to keep spirits up during the COVID-19 pandemic. And she has also joined forces with Geelong web developer Aamir Qutub to help launch Angel Next Door. ■ Full story: Page 12

We still remember them

By Justin Flynn Anzac Day services across the country have been cancelled, but local RSL sub-branches are encouraging Australians to remember our fallen Diggers on Saturday.

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch secretary Richard Lewis said locals can still relect on the meaning of Anzac Day despite there being no public services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will be encouraging our members and

the community to stay at home and watch the live stream via Facebook from the Shrine of Remembrance and/or participate in the #Standtoo and #LightUpheDawn Activities being promoted online,” he said.

“I am hopeful that we will see big numbers within the community lining the driveways in our local streets.

“We will also be encouraging the community to make donations via the central donations website or purchase a badge from Woolworths.”

Drysdale RSL sub-branch will ly the

Australian lag at half-mast between 7am and noon at the Cenotaph on High Street.

RSL branches have joined other groups in asking Australians to unite in recognising all armed services personnel by standing on their driveways at 6am for a combined dawn service.

“As a result of restrictions to this year’s formal Anzac Day commemorations, the RSL encourages people to light up the dawn and remember and pay respects from home,” an RSL spokesman said. “his can take several forms including from

the end of your driveway or within your home, with a candle or the light on your phone.”

From 5am, the national commemorative service from the National War Memorial in Canberra will be televised on the ABC. A live stream of the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne will be shown on the shrine’s Facebook page from 6am.

RSL sub-branches on the Bellarine comprise Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Portarlington-St Leonards and Queensclif-Point Lonsdale.

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By Justin Flynn An Ocean Grove charity that helps people from one of the poorest countries on the planet has put the call out for help.

Mphatso Children’s Foundation is the brainchild of Ocean Grove’s Robyn Casey.

Robyn visited Malawi in 2002 and was immediately confronted and challenged by the poverty and societal conditions that were impacting the local people but at the same time was amazed by their warmth and resilience in spite of these conditions.

‘‘

Most people are not as worried about coronavirus as not having enough food

’’

- Robyn Casey Robyn became concerned that children in Malawi were oten going for up to three days at a time without a proper meal.

Initially Robyn began a small nursery school in Mkuonda Village to ensure that the primary school aged children in the village received a nutritious meal each day and a pre-school education. Mphatso has grown and now feeds and educates over 1000 children a day through 12 nursery schools, and is now spread along a 40km stretch of Lake Malawi.

And as the world remains in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malawi remains desperately poor, but Robyn said they remain optimistic.

“People still happy and passing on their joy,” she said. “I went to the village yesterday.

I’m trying to keep the village kids in their own areas, when I am there it is chaos.

“Took down baby formula and the kids illed

Mphatso Children’s Foundation was an idea that came from Ocean Grove’s Robyn Casey. (Supplied)

the yard so quickly and were not happy when I said I was travelling back up to Mzuzu.

“Something happened on the way back from town. Muddy roads as we had heavy rain. A little boy seven or eight years old, dripping wet with a sling shot in his hand trying to catch a bird to eat.

“I stopped and gave him a small avocado that I had bought. He looked at me and said in a

quiet little voice ’zikomo’, thank you.

“I was reminded that most people here are not as worried about the coronavirus as not having enough food. It is going to be our biggest challenge.”

Mphatso’s annual car boot sale in Ocean Grove was still able to raise $4526 in March, but the people of Malawi need help.

Go to mphatso.org to ind out more.

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2 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

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Going on a bear hunt

Grandfather ‘stunned’ by lotto win

By Justin Flynn Teddy bears across the region have united to bring joy to kids during the COVID-19 shutdown.

With the aid of Facebook page ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt! Geelong and Outer Suburbs’, teddy bears are sitting in strange and mysterious spots across the area, waiting to be discovered.

Although the idea is a global one, Lara resident Sal Wick started the Facebook page and bear mania has spread to the Bellarine Peninsula. he premise is that people list their teddy bears with their street and suburb and children (and adults) can ind them while on their daily walk while complying with social distancing rules. Sal said she had more than 2000 people stating they had put bears at windows.

“I did not ever dream that the response would be this big,” she said. “In fact when I irst started the group I thought it would only reach my local suburb of Lara. Now it has gone as far as Winchelsea, Moriac, and Colac and Aireys Inlet and beyond.

“It also never occurred to me that the bear hunt has no age barriers. We have members from all ethnicities and age groups participating and I can see that it is bringing our neighbourhoods together.” he bear hunt has been so successful, every town on the Bellarine is now participating.

“Ocean Grove and the Bellarine have been one of our highest contributors,” Sal said.

“One participant said her son counted over 158 bears during their exercise walk in their local area of Ocean Grove alone.”

Sal said the bear hunt also provided teddy bear owners with a sense of community.

“I’ve had an overwhelming response from

Dusty has been patiently awaiting for kids to ind him in Barwon Heads. (Supplied)

members of the community,” she said.

“A 21-year-old who reached out to me had just come back from overseas and was self-isolating and said she didn’t realise how much she really

NEWS

needed the community at a time like this until she heard a little boy laughing and squealing outside of her window saying ‘look mummy that bear has a hat’.”

A loving Ocean Grove grandfather is looking forward to “spoiling his grandkids rotten” ater scoring more than $608,000 in TattsLotto. he man held one of the seven division one-winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4041. and takes home a division one prize of $608,714.79. As well as scoring the coveted division one prize, the man also scored division six, bolstering his total prize to $608,729.54. he man revealed the life-changing moment he discovered the news.

“I checked my ticket on Saturday night just before I went to bed,” he explained.

“I saw that I had won a division six prize of $14.75 and thought that wasn’t too bad. hen I scrolled down further and saw that I had all six numbers and had also won division one.

“I was in shock. I turned my phone of and just lay in bed staring at the ceiling! I thought I was losing my mind. I couldn’t comprehend it at all.” he regular player also revealed how he came to hold the winning numbers.

“Whenever I put on an entry, I mark a few special numbers before illing up the rest of the entry with random numbers.

“As it turns out, it was the random numbers that won it for me. hey are deinitely special numbers to me now.”

When asked how he planned to enjoy his life-changing windfall, the family man said his top priority was sharing it with his children and grandchildren.

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EDITORIAL

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Challenging time for all

By Mayor Stephanie Asher and Deputy Mayor Kylie Grzybek During this isolation period, we feel privileged that we can continue some work from home. his isn’t true for everyone and it’s a stressful and demanding time for people whose jobs have disappeared during lockdown. his includes 576 CoGG employees who work in our Swim, Sport and Leisure team, Potato Shed and visitor centres.

As Civic Leaders, it’s tricky to wade into a conversation about employees, as it’s very much an operational issue and legislation prescribes this as the remit of the CEO. However, we would like people to consider the dilemma we face.

As well as being without their usual routine and sense of value from working, some of the City’s staf are currently caught in ‘no person’s land’ with regard to government funding.

In response, since the facilities were closed according to COVID-19 health measures, all employees were paid two weeks from that date and permanent employees have been paid a further two weeks. Staf can also use leave entitlements as appropriate. here are several interesting facts to consider, but irstly, we need to think of the employees and what is of greatest beneit to them. here is no question that everyone supports a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. It is well documented that meaningful work has a positive efect on mental health, relationships and general

wellbeing.

Critically, those staf who can have alternative work within the organisation are being redeployed wherever possible. So far, 88 people have taken up this option and the CEO and team are identifying more redeployment opportunities every day.

It’s inancially unsustainable for the City to keep funding employees with no work. he situation is exacerbated by the fact that the closed services were largely revenue generators. he elephant in the room is the fact that salaries for those without work is ratepayers’ money. It is a challenging time for everyone.

We are doing our best to help those who need assistance. Please stay well and see geelongaustralia.com.au for details.

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Grants help our lifesavers Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club has received a $2500 grant from Barwon Water.

Barwon Water’s surf lifesaving sponsorship program was established in 2006 and provides $2500 grants to regional clubs on a rotational basis; $120,000 has been donated to clubs since its inception.

Ocean Grove SLSC’s Anna McDonald said the funds had been put to good use, to purchase rescue boards and life jackets. “he new rescue boards have already been great value to us this summer, and we hope to get much more use out of them throughout the year,” she said.

Bryce Newton, Kyle Solterbeck, Drop the Barwon Water mascot and Alice Crawford. (Supplied)

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Queenscliffe Rotary winds up

By Justin Flynn Ater 15 years of serving the communities of Point Lonsdale and Queensclif, Queensclife Rotary will be winding up at the end of June.

Club president Karen Pecar said due to retirement and illness, the club would have only six active members by the end of the year.

“Attracting members to service clubs like Rotary or Lions has been a challenge for many years,” she said.

“Many community members are happy to volunteer but don’t want to commit to joining a club and the increasing administrative obligations imposed by government and insurers make volunteering less and less attractive.” he club is hopeful its two largest events – Queensclife Bricks, and the lighting of Point Lonsdale Christmas tree – will go ahead in the future.

“It’s really sad to see the club close,” Ms Pecar said. “Rotary has done so much good work in the community.

“We’re best known for our two big events – Queensclife Bricks, which has been incredibly popular with LEGO enthusiasts; and lighting the Point Lonsdale Christmas tree. We’re hopeful that … will continue ater Rotary is gone but we’re not sure yet how this will happen.” he club has been in the news lately for its outdoor exercise equipment project for Point Lonsdale and Queensclif. his is continuing and is expected to be completed by the end of May, Ms Pecar said.

“We’ve also been involved in a lot of small projects which aren’t so well known,” Ms Pecar said.

“For many years we’ve run a writing competition for primary students and given a book to each newborn baby in the Borough of Queensclife to encourage reading to children.

‘‘

Attracting members … has been a challenge for many years - Karen Pecar

’’

“We’ve sent a local student to Denmark as part of Rotary student exchange, supported residents of the old Queensclif Lodge, run drug awareness education and are responsible for the visitor information rotunda at the harbour.

“In just the last couple of years we’ve run mental health irst-aid courses, Clean up Australia Day, It’s in the Bag – toiletries and sanitary items for women in need, Bowelscan, we sent a young person to Rotary youth leadership training and supplied a deibrillator for Point Lonsdale community hall.

“You will have seen us running the barbecue at Point Lonsdale market and selling ‘who gives a crap’ toilet paper for the school community musical instrument library. Members have also volunteered locally at Australia Day, Anzac Day, tree planting and community activities.” here will be two remaining Rotary Clubs on the Bellarine Peninsula – Ocean Grove and Drysdale.

Impending Storm by Dorothy Irene Williams. (Supplied)

The show will go on Despite the postponement of the Black Canvas Art Show, artists across the Bellarine are still busy with their entries. he art show was to be held during Easter at Dritwood Cafe, however organisers have encouraged artists to get creative while in isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate their creative appetites. “he beautiful entries already returned guarantee it will eventually be a great show and it is hoped enough funds will be raised from

the silent auction to complete the tree planting started last year at Lake Avenue Reserve,” John Bowman, who initiated last year’s Blank Canvas Art Show, said. “here is also community discussion about planting a food forest and garden.”

Artists can collect blank canvases and entry forms from Dritwood Cafe or use their own canvases.

Photography and under-13 sections have been included this year.

COVID-19 COMMUNITY UPDATE FROM YOUR FEDERAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LIBBY COKER PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD RELIEF EFFORTS Feed Me Bellarine is a food rescue and food relief organisation that is providing much needed support to our community at this challenging time.

If you can, please consider supporting this important cause by making a donation online at feedmebellarine.com.au or by bank transfer to BSB 633 000 and account number 170132120.

If you are a local restaurant, cafe, winery, food producer or farmer with excess stock now, Feed Me Bellarine can rescue it to feed those who are vulnerable in our region. They can come to you to pick up anything that may go to waste.

If you, a neighbour, family member or friend are doing it tough, please reach out to Feed Me Bellarine on 0422 798 791 or their Facebook page, facebook.com/feedmebellarine.

ONLINE RESOURCES

COVID-19 is a rapidly changing situation which is causing great stress and confusion in our community. This is why I will continue to reach out to you directly to let you know that my office is here to assist.

I am publishing regular email updates with the latest local information and government announcements related to the coronavirus.

If you would like to receive these email updates, please sign up on my website, libbycoker.com.au.

Our office has compiled the key information in an online portal, accessible at libbycoker.com.au.

COMMUNITY OUREACH

EMAIL UPDATES

Our team is currently phoning residents in our electorate who are aged 80 and older. It is important to ensure that vulnerable people in our community are linked in to the practical supports they need as they self-isolate. It might be as small as getting a prescription to the chemist or an occasional meal.

CORONAVIRUS APP

Stay informed by downloading the official Coronavirus Australia mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

You can also receive updates from the Australian Government on WhatsApp by signing up at aus.gov.au/whatsapp.

If you, or someone you know, needs help, please feel welcome to call our office on 5243 1444 so we can link you/them to appropriate services.

Phone 03 5243 1444 Email Libby.Coker.MP@aph.gov.au @LibbyCokerMP Authorised by Libby Coker, Australian Labor Party, 3A/195 Colac Road, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216 12447094-LB17-20

5 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

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NEWS

Master plan connects Bellarine

By Justin Flynn he Bellarine Peninsula stands to beneit from City of Greater Geelong’s 10-year plan aimed at creating a fully connected network of shared trails across the Greater Geelong region. he Shared Trails Master Plan sets out a prioritised list for the building of new trails (network gaps), illing of missing links in existing trails (trail gaps) and upgrades to existing trails (trail deiciencies).

Of the top ive priorities identiied for network gaps, three are on the Bellarine: • Drysdale to Ocean Grove – 11km • Drysdale to Portarlington – 9km • Drysdale to St Leonards – 12km he trail gap from Golf Links Road in Barwon Heads to 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club (2km) has also been prioritised.

Upgrades could include widening of trails, surface improvements and addition of supporting facilities such as directional signage, dog bins, seating and water fountains.

Planning has already started for a new of-road path between 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the western car park on 13th Beach Road using $200,000 from this year’s shared trails budget allocation. his project will be carried out in partnership with the Barwon Coast Committee of Management.

Other high priority trails and upgrades will be considered for funding in the 2020-21 budget.

Shared trails are intended for multiple types of travellers, including walkers, joggers, wheelchair users, cyclists and horse riders.

Licola Camp called off

Lion John Claringbold with children at last year’s Lions Licola Camp. (Supplied)

he annual ive-day sponsored Lions Licola Camp was postponed and then cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. he camp was scheduled for the irst week in January and eight local primary school students were selected by their schools to attend the camp.

While the East Gippsland ires were some distance from Licola, it was decided to postpone the camp until the school holidays in April.

However, the coronavirus was already having serious impacts on communities and so the camp was cancelled.

Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads has had generous support from the local community in the form of sponsorships for the eight children. he sponsorships enable each child to attend Licola at no cost to their parents. he sponsors this year have been Bellarine Property, Hendry Cycles, Barwon Heads Pharmacy and individual members of the community.

Lions Licola 2021 will be in early January and OGBH Lions are determined to continue its work at the Licola camp.

If you would like to sponsor a local student, contact John Claringbold on 0425-750 387.

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Life in lockdown Residents across the north and west have been getting creative and spreading the message of hope during the COVID-19 lockdown. On our Facebook pages, Star Weekly last week asked readers to submit photos of what they have been doing during the pandemic, and we were overwhelmed by the responses.

Kathy has set up an LED multi-coloured snowball tree and some signs in her front windows.

“I run a succulent business and a recycle project from home, and have plenty of admin to do, but of course my Gumtree ads are paused and there are no customers coming to my door,” Kathy said.

“But I wanted to ind some way I could catch the attention and cheer my neighbours and passersby.

“I racked my brains and realised that as I had two large, full-length windows in the front of my house, I could do something there.

“As daylight fades, I turn the tree on and it twinkles away until I go to bed.

“I often wake before daylight, so I switch it on again … for the many workers who leave home early and drive past.”

Kathy has encouraged other residents to decorate their windows and doors with messages of hope.

Liz, who calls herself an “amateur photographer” snapped this gorgeous photo of rainbow nature-strip art. See @LizEllisPhotography54 on Facebook or lizellisphotos for more photos.

Left: Renee snapped this picture of Cooper, aged seven, and Lucas, aged four, who have made their own McDonald’s drive-through.

Right: Jo sent us these snaps of her daughters, 12 year-old Ella and nine year-old Lily, who gave their father Mick a haircut.

The girls gave Mick a handlebar moustache, trimmed his hair and even shaved his legs.

Three year-old Harper drew some rainbows on the path near her family’s home for people to enjoy when they walk past.

Left: Radhika submitted these photos of some lawn art, created by her husband Sohil and daughter Gauhar.

Right: The Stewart Family created this window art. “Many people have been stopping by to see the window, especially at night. We have loved seeing people taking photos and sharing the colourful picture around social media,” the family said.

Several residents have drawn chalk illustrations around the local park and estate. The trail has been dubbed the “walk of positivity”.

Nas, who sent in the images, said: “We have had many cases where people say it brought them smiles.

“The community have gone out and purchased chalks and wrote on the footpath. Each time the rain washes it away, we go and write again. This is our contribution.

“As a community, we ran competitions to keep our sanity intact – we had bin isolation day competitions, colouring competition and few more organised for the next few weeks.”

Chalk art, above, sent in by Georgia.

8 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

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NEWS

Op shops all clear in Grove

Clockwise from top left: Junior deputy mayor Ashley Delaney, Owlfred, junior mayor Farzana Hussani and competition winner Kim Hayes. (Supplied)

Owlfred leads the way You may have seen signs featuring a handsome tawny frogmouth staring down at you as you drive or walk by. hat’s Owlfred – the city’s newest unoicial mascot.

An image of Owlfred now takes pride of place on the region’s vegetation signs which have been given a long overdue upgrade. he tawny frogmouth, a bird oten mistaken for an owl, is found in open woodlands, parks and gardens around the Bellarine and Greater Geelong.

he upgraded signs are part of the work the city is doing to highlight native vegetation on roadsides, to protect it from being accidentally cleared or disturbed.

Only about ive per cent of the original extent of native vegetation in the Greater Geelong region remains today, and much of this is on rural roadsides.

In late 2019, the City asked the community to give a clever and creative name to the face of the new signs. Submissions were made through the City’s Facebook page.

he Youth Council has decided on a winner.

Kim Hayes will be sent a Field Naturalist Kit including a set of Olympus binoculars.

“Protecting our precious habitats is so important. hese signs will help the community identify native vegetation areas and ensure that no unapproved works can damage them,” Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said.

“Owlfred is a great mascot name, and the image of the tawny frogmouth shows the community the types of fauna that inhabit these protected areas.”

Local op shops have escaped the needless dumping of unwanted second-hand goods that has occurred in Geelong during the coronavirus pandemic.

Reports of several Geelong op shops being used as dumping grounds angered second-hand shop staf, but the Bellarine has been largely spared. he Voice contacted several Bellarine Peninsula op shops and all reported that people seem to have steered clear of using them as garbage disposal outlet.

Gonni Runia from Uniting Church Outreach Centre, better known as ‘he Dove’, in Ocean Grove said large signs seem to have deterred any unwanted drop-ofs. “We have put a very large notice outside the steps of the shop asking the community to not drop of goods during the coronavirus,” she said. “he verandah … is not easily accessible due to the large notice. he Dove committee is grateful to the community for abiding by our request.”

Michelle White is one of the managers at he Wave op shop at Ocean Grove Baptist Church. “Our community has been really good about not dumping anything at the shop,” she said. “here has been probably about two or three supermarket bags a week, but no major dumping.

“We really appreciate that our customers and the community are considerate of the fact that we are unable to process any donations at this time.”

Justin Flynn

STILL OPEN Now is a great time to update your Home

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9 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

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Idol inalist joins Grove’s angels

By Luke Voogt An Ocean Grove Australian Idol inalist has joined forces with a Geelong web developer whose toilet paper shortage inspired a website helping those stranded in the coronavirus crisis. he idea originated when Enterprise Monkey founder Aamir Qutub, like many others, found himself short of toilet paper.

His sister Saba came to his aid with ‘dunny rolls’, inspiring him to create a website he calls Angel Next Door.

‘‘

We can’t all save the world right now but we can … make - Kim Cooper a difference

’’

Ocean Grove singer and 2009 Australian Idol inalist Kim Cooper is the ‘face’ of Angel Next Door.

Kim has also been performing from her front porch using a sound system, and helping elderly neighbours with their shopping, she said.

“We can’t all save the world right now but we can deinitely make a positive diference to our little slice of it,” she said.

Kim became an ambassador for the website to do more and encourage others to help, she said. “It can be as simple as cooking a meal or doing a grocery shop for someone in your street who needs a little support. A small gesture can go a long way.” he website works by connecting neighbours, Aamir explained.

“Plenty of people are doing it tough right now,” he said. “It’s not just toilet paper – they’re facing challenges with food, groceries,

Ocean Grove performer Kim Cooper is the face of Angel Next Door. (Supplied)

medicines, money, jobs, stress and lots more.”

Aamir said people could register their details privately on the website, then post what help they can ofer or what they need. he website then rallies people living nearby

to spring into action based on those requests.

“It might be cooking some take-home dinners or walking the dog … putting out the rubbish bins, gardening or advice on government support,” he said.

THINKING OF SELLING? Speak to your agent about listing on realestateview.com.au.

Be seen everywhere.

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12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

Aamir and his team run angelnextdoor. com.au out of Villawood’s Geelong database.

More than 3000 people have registered with Angel Next Door since the site kicked of at the beginning of this month.

ENVIRONMENT OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Virus cuts short trip of a lifetime At the end of February, I let Ocean Grove for an 11-week drive that I had been planning for more than ive years.

I was accompanied by John and our two faithful dogs. I should have known that the trip was not going to be straightforward when I misplaced the car keys, and this delayed our departure by an hour.

We stopped in St Arnaud for lunch and realised that the back door of the camper trailer was open, and on further inspection discovered that it would not lock properly. We had to take everything out of the trailer and reload it, and it still would not latch properly.

We solved the problem by securing the door by using two bungee ropes – a solution that allowed us to continue to Mildura but would not be a long-term ix.

Ater a particularly blowy night next to the Murray River we decided to trade the camper in at the local Jayco shop, and we became the proud owners of a second-hand caravan. his delayed our departure from Mildura, which was wonderful, as it allowed me to explore the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens located just across the bridge in Buronga, New South Wales. It was about 38 degrees in the shade, but I still managed to spot my irst ever Gilbert’s whistler, plus white-browed babblers, apostlebirds, white-fronted honeyeaters and peaceful doves.

Ater we picked up our caravan, we drove to

Wedge-tailed eagle.

(Supplied)

Broken Hill. he landscape was so dry that I wondered how anything could survive in such harsh conditions, but I did see a few raptors, including wedge-tailed eagles. here were also many white-plumed honeyeaters.

Our next stop was Port Augusta, where I spent a memorable day at the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Gardens. I managed to see redthroats, white-winged fairy wrens, a southern whiteface, and a Chirruping wedgebill.

We drove on to Coober Pedy, which was

just amazing to experience as it’s such a quirky and unusual place. I was directed to the wastewater area out of town and I was stunned to hear a little grassbird calling in the middle of the desert. I also saw many zebra inches, black-faced woodswallows and white-plumed honeyeaters.

I read online about a great birdwatching spot, 12 kilometres south of Coober Pedy, near a memorial to the irst person who found an opal in the area. I ventured out to this spot and straight away saw a chestnut-breasted

whiteface, but did not hang around for long due to the very friendly, persistent and annoying lies. he ly problem was just as severe at Uluru, but it was wonderful to inally lay eyes on this sacred area. I saw a few small locks of Major Mitchell cockatoos on the way to ‘the rock’ which was lovely.

We then experienced Alice Springs, where I searched unsuccessfully for a spinifex pigeon but loved every minute of the search.

When we arrived in Katherine the coronavirus epidemic had obviously worsened considerably. here was consideration of state borders closing. he day we drove from Katherine to Kununurra, Western Australia, was one of the best of my life. he scenery around Victoria River was breathtaking, and boab trees were scattered throughout the desert. Under the Victoria River Bridge, I saw a purple-crowned fairy wren, which made my year.

Ater arriving at Kununurra, John’s brother, an ex-senior federal policeman, rang and informed us that state borders were closing, and the pandemic was becoming a very serious health problem. We camped next to Lake Kununurra and the scenery was glorious.

Comb-crested jacana and green pygmy geese were lying between lilypads on the lake. I will always remember this beautiful spot, and I knew that the next day we would be going home. We drove into the Northern Territory the day before the borders were closing, and reached the Queensland border a few hours before closure.

It took us a week to drive from Kununurra to Ocean Grove and we arrived home seven weeks early. We drove about 6000 kilometres in a month and I observed 159 species of birds, including 22 new species (for me).

An important message from the Victorian Government

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE. That means there are only four reasons to be out.

Shopping for food and supplies that you need.

Exercise.

Medical care and caregiving.

Work and education – if necessary.

Stay informed at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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14 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020

DINE OUT

THE LOCAL GUIDE FOR DINING ON THE BELLARINE

79% People 14+ read print newspapers

Print still No.1 Local newspapers lead the way 1209057-48-15

Mr Grubb is offering a delivery service every evening. (Pictures: Supplied)

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action and with the impact of COVID-19 forcing the closure of businesses across the globe, Mr Grubb @ Oakdene has stepped up to the plate so that you can still enjoy your favourite meals.

Mr Grubb is now ofering delivery and takeaway services seven days a week from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

With a range of tasty dishes on ofer, from a 200 gram Porterhouse steak, chicken parma or chicken schnitzel to gourmet pizzas, burgers and pastas – as well as a kids menu – there’s something to keep the whole family happy.

Owner Marty Chichester says it’s easy to experience Mr Grubb dining in the comfort of your own home.

“Visit our website to see the menu and simply order online or by phone,” Marty says.

“You can even pair your meal with a bottle of Oakdene wine, all delivered to your door.”

Mr Grubb is also ofering home-cooked food for families to ease the burden.

“We’ve done the hard work for you by preparing your lunch or dinner, all you need to do is heat it and eat it!” here is a delicious selection of dishes available such as Moroccan lamb tagine, Black Angus beef lasagne, hai green chicken curry and pork and fennel sausages with mash. You just heat in the container for 30-40 minutes and dinner is served.

Twenty-four hours’ notice is required to prepare home-cooked meals – see below for

details to order.

Marty says the hospitality industry is a resilient industry, full of strong characters.

“We’re operating in an incredible region. Our thoughts go out to all the struggling businesses at the moment.

“Let’s support each other as we navigate this diicult period, then continue our co-operative approach to bounce back stronger, together.

Stay safe everyone.”

Mr Grubb @ Oakdene, 255 Grubb Road, Wallington.

Inquiries: 5255 1255 or visit www.mrgrubbatoakdene.com.au.

Home-cooked meals: Marty, 0416 125 397 or email marty.chichester@oakdene.com.au

OCEAN GROVE KINGSTON VILLAGE

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Dine at home with Mr Grubb @ Oakdene

Shop 10, 11-13 Coastal BLVD, Ocean Grove

5256 2099

BURGERS

FULL TAKE AWAY & DELIVERY MECHICKENS FREE HOHOT lly ca lo LIVE ove Only )

WE CAN RUN PRE-ORDERS OUTSIDE TO YOUR CAR – PLENTY OF PARKING

Open 7 Days a week for Take away

( Ocean Gr

MUSIC

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OCEAN GROVE PHONE ORDERS 5255 1677 OR CALL / TEXT 0437 198 103

ICONIC IN OCEAN GROVE

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#TheWeeklyTakeAway 12446975-SG17-20

WE ARE STILL OPEN 7 DAYS FOR TAKEAWAY, LOTS OF PARKING AND PHONE ORDERS WELCOME, WILL EVEN DELIVER TO YOUR VEHICLE WITH CONTACTLESS PAYMENT

5255 1566 5&6, 63A The Terrace

www.pipinghotchickenshop.com.au 15 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Wednesday, 22 April, 2020