INSIDE THIS EDITION…
RIDING FOR A CAUSE, PAGE 6
23 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER, 2020
FREE FORTNIGHTLY
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
Plunged into poverty By Justin Flynn Local charities are stepping up to combat the food shortage inflicted by COVID-19. Latest figures from the Victorian Council of Social Service poverty map show that more than one in 10 residents in Corangamite are living in poverty. New figures from Foodbank have also revealed the demand for food relief has risen 47 per cent on average nationally through COVID-19. Lana Purcell, of Feed Me Bellarine and Surf Coast, said she has witnessed first-hand just how COVID-19 deepened the issue of food insecurity in the region. And Corangamite MP Libby Coker said she intends to use Anti-Poverty Week to highlight the need for further federal government assistance for those facing food insecurity.
Four-year-old Ocean Grove identical twins Owen and Bohdi d’Offay are close, but that will all change for a couple of hours on grand final day. Owen barracks for Geelong while Bohdi is a Richmond fan. The two sides meet each other in the AFL decider tomorrow night. The twins will be on opposing sides during the match, but will go back to being best mates after the final siren no matter which side prevails. “The boys are best of mates. They’re thick as thieves and super cheeky and fun,” mum Brigid said. “Bodhi goes for Richmond because I do. Owen goes for Geelong because his Ro and Pa do. “Their other brother, Leo, goes for Bombers and their dad goes for Kangas – so we cover a lot of teams in our family. “They’ll be watching the game at Marengo, we’re down there camping until Sunday. “Our friend has brought a mini projector down to watch it. “They’ll definitely be best mates again afterwards. But I’m expecting to hear a lot of ‘my team won and yours didn’t!’.”
we are often the first line of support - Lana Purcell
■ Continued:
(Louisa Jones) 218820_18
’’
“The environment changed for so many people. For many, they have never had to experience this life before and asking for help was very foreign for a lot of people,” Ms Purcell said. “I’ve tried to create an environment where people can reach out anonymously and for it to be a positive and safe space for everyone.” Ms Purcell said numbers, which were already high before the pandemic, have now reached new levels with the organisation now delivering more than 4100 meals per week. “The numbers were high even initially pre-pandemic because we did create that secure and safe place for people to access help,” she said. “Now, with the ramifications of the changes to both JobKeeper and JobSeeker, our numbers are rising again.” Ms Purcell said she had also experienced an increase in people with mental health issues contacting the service, and from those trapped within domestic violence situations.
Justin Flynn ■ More
grand final pictures: Page 13
Page 5
SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE 12443051-RC11-20
OUR SERVICES:
16 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove
Ph: 5255 5611 All Major Brands - Wheel Alignment Wheel Balancing - Tyre Repairs 12459622-JW40-20
NEW VEHICLE LOG BOOK SERVICING AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING RACV BATTERY SALES AIR CONDITIONING REGAS, SERVICING & REPAIRS LPG REPAIRS & SERVICING CLUTCH & BRAKE REPAIR
12461991-SN40-20
‘‘
In it to twin it