Ocean Grove Voice - 2nd December 2022

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Summer means festival fun

(Ivan Kemp) 307009_10

The year may be fast approaching its end, but the Bellarine Peninsula isn’t slowing down with a host of festivals being staged in the region.

Last weekend the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival attracted around 50,000 spectators at the waterfront and the sold out Queenscliff Music Festival returned with a bang.

And there’s still heaps to come.

Carols by the Bay with Denis Walter is on this Saturday night, Ocean Grove will hold its Carols in the Park on Sunday December 11, Ocean Grove’s street party Christmas in the Grove is on December 7 and the much loved Geelong Carols by Candlelight returns on Christmas Eve. Pictured are Asher Grant, Sarah and Emma Hobbs enjoying the band Joelistics at the Queenscliff Music Festival.

■ QMF

story and pictures: Page 10.

Mums-to-be left in limbo

By Justin Flynn A Newtown couple is in limbo after missing Epworth Hospital’s maternity department closure cut-off date by days.

The hospital announced this week that it would stop taking new maternity bookings due to staff shortages and there are fears the department could close its doors altogether on March 1 next year.

Monica Arklay and husband Josh are due to have their first baby on March 9, but are likely to be induced a week early, meaning they have missed the cut-off by a day.

The announcement on Monday caught

existing staff and patients by surprise.

“It’s really stressful, it feels like we have had a rug pulled out from under us,” Ms Arklay said. “We chose Epworth for a reason and we have had an amazing experience there so far with the obstetrician at the Geelong Maternity Group. To have that taken away, it’s really disappointing.”

Ms Arklay said she is now waiting for information and advice on where to have her baby.

“It’s all very unknown which adds to the stress of having to go through this,” she said, “We can’t speak more highly of the obstetrician and the group and we have faith

that they will be doing their best to find options for us. We feel for the staff at Epworth.”

A change.org petition was launched on Tuesday, calling for the Epworth to rethink its decision. The petition had been signed by more than 9600 people when the Voice went to print.

Epworth HealthCare group chief executive Dr Lachlan Henderson said workforce shortages across the maternity healthcare industry meant it could no longer offer the service.

“Workforce shortages in nursing and midwifery are being experienced globally, and throughout Australia and our repeated,

extensive efforts to recruit midwifery staff at the Epworth Geelong Maternity unit has met with limited success,” Dr Henderson said.

“A high quality service requires a minimum number of skilled and competent midwifery, nursing, allied health and specialist medical practitioners, across a 24-hour, seven day per week period.

“We have made the difficult announcement of our proposed closure. After consultation is complete, if a decision is made to close, the closure of our Epworth Geelong Maternity service is anticipated to occur on 1 March 2023.

■ Continued:

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NEWS

Community to shape ride centre Community members will be chosen to form a reference group that will help shape the design of Ocean Grove’s new ride centre, which has garnered community support and is desperately wanted by the town’s youth.

The City of Greater Geelong considered eight potential sites in and around the town before settling on Kingston Park.

The centre would contain features such as dirt jumps, an asphalt pump track and a skills trail and has been proposed as an alternative to the high number of makeshift jumps being created in the town, particularly during the COVID pandemic. It would be designed to cater for riders of all skill levels.

The proposed location, along with initial concept plans, were made available for community feedback during July and August this year.

A poll of 351 people found 88.6 per cent of respondents were supportive of Kingston Park as the location, a survey with 203 respondents found 86.7 per cent were in favour and of the formal submissions lodged, 14 were supportive and 10 were objections.

Objectors’ concerns included the potential impact on traffic and a lack of safe pedestrian and cycling connections to the site, along with the loss of open space and off-leash dog areas, and potential overflow impacts to the rest of

the reserve. The objectors were heard in person during a Submissions Review Panel on 12 October.

Council endorsed Kingston Park as the preferred location at its most recent meeting on November 22 and endorsed the formation of a Community Reference Group to assist in the detailed design.

Councillor Stephanie Asher said a final decision on the project and its location would be made once the detailed designs had been completed.

“The aim is that the detailed design process will help us understand how the matters raised by those with concerns can be

addressed,” Cr Asher said.

“There is broad support for Kingston Park as the location and there is no question that a bike facility would be amazing particularly for the younger people of the region.

“But we do need to give appropriate respect to all submitters’ views. There have been some very valid points, very well made. Notably there is a risk of irreversibly reducing safe and off-leash dog walking spaces. This would impact specific demographics so that is the kind of issue that needs to be sorted before it’s changed forever.”

A report with a recommendation will come before Council by August 2023.

Mums-to-be left in limbo ■ From page 1

Host Ian Cover, guest speaker Tom Boyd and organiser David Sharp at the Gentleman of Geelong lunch. (Ivan Kemp) 309936_07

Blokes lunch for a healthy cause journey and gave an inspiring talk.

From humble beginnings with a few ‘blokes’ having lunch at a pub, the 17th annual Movember lunch raised around $50,000 for charities such as the National Centre for Farmer Health, Lifeline, Movember Foundation, Australian Prostate Centre, Barwon Health, Beyond Blue, RUOK, Aussie Helpers and International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Event organiser David Sharp said it was a huge success and Boyd was impressive.

“It was nice to have a younger person there

to talk about their mental health issues,” he said. “His whole interview with Ian resonated with everyone there.

“We’ve had amazing feedback not only on the day but since then we’ve received a lot of text messages of thanks and phone calls.

“Everyone loved the lunch and loved the cause it was for.”

Justin Flynn ■ See page 21 for a full page of pictures

from the Gentlemen of Geelong luncheon.

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After a two-year hiatus, the biggest, hairiest lunch was back with more than 200 blokes enjoying a day of hospitality at Flying Brick Cider Co, Wallington on November 25.

The ‘Gentlemen of Geelong’ luncheon was heldl in the name of preventing male suicide, particularly in rural Australia, and supporting men’s mental health.

Coodabeen Champions’ Ian Cover and Barwon Heads resident Ian Cover emceed the event with former Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd as guest speaker.

Boyd has been vocal about his mental health

“Everyone who works in our Epworth Geelong maternity unit has shown an amazing dedication to this service. We are incredibly proud of our midwives, specialists and maternity support staff who have provided exceptional care to families in the Geelong region since the service commenced in 2017.

“We are working with our obstetricians to contact all booked maternity patients.

To assist, we have established a dedicated Epworth Geelong Maternity concierge service.”

Barwon Health spokesperson Kate Bibby said the growing region’s two other hospitals – the public University Hospital and private St John of God – had the capacity to extra patients if Epworth closed its maternity department doors.

“Barwon Health will work with Epworth Geelong to support any transition of maternity services should this process be required during or after the consultation process,” she said.

“We will continue our partnership to deliver a range of public services at Epworth including elective surgery.

“Barwon Health and St John of God Geelong will work together to ensure families are supported throughout their pregnancy and birth. We are confident there is capacity across both hospitals to provide high quality care.

“Barwon Health would welcome Epworth Geelong midwives and other staff to apply for roles at Barwon Health.”

Booked Epworth patients can call 9426 0622 from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday to discuss their individual circumstances.

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Aquatic centre gains momentum A North Bellarine Aquatic Centre community advisory panel will be formed to help identify several design options for the second stage of the Drysdale facility.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged residents to consider joining the volunteer panel, which will help provide a community perspective on the design options for the second stage of the aquatic centre.

“This is an opportunity for people from across our community to have their say and help guide the delivery of this long-awaited community facility,” he said.

“Providing ongoing opportunities for community members to share their feedback on the plans means we’ll achieve the best outcome.”

The panel will consist of up to 12 members that represent the following areas of interest within the community: • local schools; • aquatic clubs; • North Bellarine Advocacy Group (NBAG); • specific users (ie culturally and linguistically diverse and disability groups); and • additional expertise in aquatic design.

Stage one of the project is well under way

and includes an eight lane 50-metre outdoor heated pool, all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees and parking for 60 cars.

The City of Greater Geelong has an election commitment of $20 million from the Victorian government in addition to the federal government’s commitment of $20 million towards stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher said having people from different

backgrounds share ideas will help deliver the best community facility.

“I’m proud that we’re delivering on our commitments to the Bellarine community with a new pool that supports the health and wellbeing of local residents,” Cr Asher said.

“Bellarine ward councillors have been on this journey with the community since the beginning and our strong advocacy for this facility will continue.”

Residents are encouraged to apply at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au before 9am on Monday, December 19.

Street party back after three-year wait

Young people from Bellarine Training and Community Hub’s drop-in program had a ball at their camp at Halls Gap. (Supplied)

Camp strengthens drop-in bond Bellarine Training & Community Hub’s (BTaCH) drop-in centre held a successful camp at Halls Gap recently.

Youth worker Kylie Kuppen said the camp, which was sponsored by Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club, said the young people who attended the camp got a lot out of it.

“It was my first camp so I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

“All kids engaged really well with the activities planned. Since then we have noticed that all who attended are much more engaged at the centre, with themselves and with staff, who they saw as human rather than staff

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“They interacted and had more-personal conversations. They told us a lot more about their lives outside of drop-in.”

The group stayed at the eco certified Grampians Eco Youth Hostel, whose mission is to provide opportunity for all, but especially young people, for education through travel.

There is a strong commitment to sustainability with a program of environmental initiatives including solar power, water saving and recycling.

Activities at the camp included cooking, minigolf, fishing, canoeing, swimming, a visit

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to the zoo and more.

Ms Kuppen made a presentation about the camp to the Lions Club.

“The money they provided went to such a good cause and they were happy to see that the kids got a lot out of it,” she said.

BTaCH commenced a youth program in 1999 to cater for the needs of young people residing on the Bellarine Peninsula. The age group for the program is young people from grade 6 to year 12 or equivalent.

Drop-in is available every Friday night during school terms from 6pm to 9pm at the centre.

After three long years, Christmas in the Grove is back.

The popular street festival provides an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their wares and encourages Christmas spending to stay in the area.

The Terrace will be close to vehicular traffic and around 40 local businesses will set up stalls for shoppers to browse.

Stage musicians will entertain, there will be a fashion show, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, face painting and all the usual food and drink options will keep festival goers nourished, including the popular Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club sausage sizzle.

“We’re excited to be doing it again,” Ocean Grove Business Association president Ty Simons said.

“It’s been a quiet couple of years for us, so we’re putting on a real kid and family friendly event.

“It’s a reminder for people to shop local and to spend some of their Christmas dollars in and around Ocean Grove.”

Mr Simons encouraged shoppers to use the Grove Money card, a closed-loop gift card system that can only be redeemed at participating businesses in town.

“Purchase a card and use it at participating shops,” he said.

“Buy a Christmas present with it – clothes, wine, lunch – it keeps the money in Ocean Grove.”

Christmas in the Grove is at The Terrace on Wednesday, December 7 from 5pm to 8pm. The Terrace will be close to vehicular traffic from 3.30pm.

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Reserve master plan adopted The City of Greater Geelong has adopted the Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan.

There are currently no paths or formal access to the reserve, however the adoption of the master plan will include a basic path network.

Located on the western boundary of Indented Head, the 13.6-hectare site is managed by the city and was declared a nature reserve in June 2019.

The preparation of a master plan was a requirement of a land exchange between the City of Greater Geelong and a housing

developer in 2019.

The reserve forms an important part of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners cultural heritage. The city will work with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in a joint naming process.

The acceptance of the draft Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan followed a 30-day consultation in May this year where approximately 90 per cent of respondents were supportive of protecting the natural values of the reserve.

Development of the plan has been in collaboration with the Indented Head

Community Association, Indented Head Community Group – Voice and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).

In addition to rare and endangered vegetation communities and many large old trees, the reserve provides habitat for the heavily camouflaged Latham’s snipe.

The largest snipe in Australia, Latham’s snipe is a migratory bird that travels from Japan each year following the breeding season.

Councillor Jim Mason, chair of the environment portfolio, said the adoption

of the master plan was an important step in protecting a unique part of the Bellarine Peninsula.

“This space is a significant conservation reserve for the City of Greater Geelong,” he said.

“In adopting this master plan, council is showing that it is committed to the goals and objectives of the city’s environment strategy to protect the threatened landscapes of the Bellarine Peninsula.”

The plan is to be delivered in two phases over an eight-year period and grant funding opportunities will be pursued.

Carols back in the park Carols in the Park creative director Jon Mamonski says he is “thrilled to be back” for the massive event.

The annual event has been in hiatus for two years, but Ocean Grove Park will be filled with thousands of people celebrating some early Christmas cheer.

“It’s been two years since we’ve had the carols and we have had a lot of response from people saying they are delighted to be back,” Mr Mamonski said.

“It’s the largest gathering of families and locals in Ocean Grove for the whole year.”

The event kicks off at 7pm on December 11 and gates will open at 5pm to allow for families to grab a snag from the sausage sizzle or a delicious pancake.

Other attractions on the night will be the Geelong Youth Orchestra and the Geelong Harmony Choir.

Get ready to see the local primary schools

– Ocean Grove, Surfside and Our Lady Star of the Sea – performing on stage.

There will be all the Carols you love, sung by leading local artists and a special performance by internationally acclaimed The Sweethearts.

Radio personality Mark Hyland is again master of ceremonies.

Thanks to the support of the Ocean Grove Connected Communities, safe LED candles will again be available for $2 each at the entry gates on the night.

Entry is by donation and this year and gate proceeds will go to Feed Me Bellarine.

Locals are also invited to bring an unwrapped gift to put under a giant Christmas tree on the night, which will be distributed to local needy children by Cottage by the Sea. For more information, visit Ocean Grove Carols on Facebook.

Carols in the Park is back on Sunday December 11. (Alan Barber)

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Marchant wins Bellarine for ALP

By Justin Flynn New Bellarine MP Alison Marchant has promised to put community at the centre of decision making following her win in last weekend’s state election.

Ms Marchant will replace Lisa Neville as the seat’s new member, with Labor retaining the seat of Bellarine.

Ms Marchant finished well ahead of the Liberal Party candidate Donnie Grigau with 42.74 per cent of the first prefence vote to Mr Grigau’s 33.27 per cent.

In the two-party-preferred polling, Ms Marchant had 58.5 per cent of the voting.

In first preference voting, Greens candidate Rachel Semmens secured 11.4 per cent while independent Sarah Fenton captured 5.15 per cent.

There was a 2.9 per cent swing towards the Liberal Party, but that was not enough to win back the seat.

“I thank the people of Bellarine for the privilege to serve and represent all in the Victorian Parliament,” Ms Marchant said.

“My commitment has always been to put community at the centre of decision making and to work hard, guided my values of fairness and respect.

“Labor put a positive plan to the voters, giving them a sense of our values and what’s important moving forward.

“We demonstrated our commitment to local priorities such as a community battery, school upgrades and recreational facilities, but also provided bigger picture policies such as government-own energy, investment in healthcare and TAFE. “We know the Bellarine is a wonderful place to live and I will protect that dearly, but there’s always more to do.

“I look forward to getting on with the job, having an open door for constituents and supporting the community.”

Alison Marchant.

(Supplied)

Online help for seniors Senior Ocean Grovers were able to improve their online skills at a free information session at Ocean Grove Library on November 29.

The sessions were part of nbn’s commitment to improving digital capability for seniors.

In collaboration with University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, nbn community ambassadors have been hosting the sessions in Greater Geelong to provide tips to choose an internet provider and how to connect to the internet, helpful information about how they can use connected devices to make life more convenient, how to stay safe online from scams and how to help stay connected in an emergency.

Insights from nbn’s Online Skills Check and Resources (OSCAR) tool shows that almost three-quarters of seniors who used the tool rate their digital skills as important and more than

half regularly communicate with others online.

“These information sessions with nbn and U3A are designed to provide older Australians with support and answers to questions about their home internet, online scams and how to use smart devices,” University of the Third Age Victoria Network’s Glen Wall said.

“Our U3A mentors’ role is to provide peer-based support designed not to feel intimidating and help to get older Australians more confident about being safe online and using internet connected devices for their needs.

“We’ve had great feedback from the community so far, telling us how helpful it has been.”

Gabe Denemark (NBN) assists Michael Martin with his mobile phone. (Ivan Kemp) 309967_03

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By Cr Trent Sullivan As we head into the Christmas season we are often reminded of the need to stay safe on the roads.

This is an important message and one that is applicable for all road users.

Off road it is just as vital to remain vigilant when exercising.

For young people this is often done by swimming, surfing, skating, or riding a bike.

Last month, council endorsed the formation of a community reference group to help shape the detailed designs for our proposed district ride centre in Ocean Grove.

This would contain features such as dirt jumps, an asphalt pump track and a skills trail.

The ride centre would aim to cater for riders of all skill levels, while meeting the needs of those users of makeshift jumps in the town.

Earlier in the year the city assessed eight potential sites in Ocean Grove, which resulted in Kingston Park being identified as a preferred option.

This came down to a number of factors, including its size, topography, location, and existing features such as car parking and public toilets.

The proposed location and concept plans were made available for community feedback during July and August, with 88.6 per cent of 351 respondents supportive of Kingston Park as the location.

However, council noted during its November meeting that objectors’ concerns included the potential impact on traffic and a lack of safe pedestrian and cycling connections to the site, along with issues such as loss of open space and off-leash dog areas.

Having taken on board this feedback, as well

Trent Sullivan.

(Supplied)

as the potential overflow impacts to the rest of the reserve, Council has determined that while Kingston Park remains the preferred location, a Community Reference Group is best placed to help assist in the detailed design of the ride centre.

A report with a recommendation on the

next steps for the ride centre will come before the council by August 2023.

Anybody who would like further project information on the proposed ride centre, including the concept designs, can visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGDRC via the council website.

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Music lovers flock to festival The Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) returned for its 24th edition at the weekend, bringing its trademark program of diverse musical acts to delight around 10,000 festival goers.

Like so many large events, QMF has been on hiatus since 2019 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

Festival director Andrew Orvis said it was wonderful to see the festival flourishing again after the enforced break.

“There were a lot of emotions, but relief is definitely a new one from a festival point of view,” Mr Orvis said.

“To get through it after the last few years was just a big relief. A lot has changed in the last few years; our industry has changed, we’ve lost so many suppliers and people, so it was almost like starting from scratch, even though it was our 24th festival.

“And we had a great weekend. The weather was on our side, there were lots of happy people, lots of great music. It was just great to be back doing it.”

Along with the big names at the festival, such as the Tesky Brothers, Vika and Linda and John Butler, QMF once more introduced many smaller acts to whole new audiences.

“It’s kind of always like that at QMF, and that’s part of the beauty of this festival,” Mr Orvis said. “You’ve got all the big acts, but then you’ll hear people raving about Daddy Long Legs, an awesome blues rock band from the US. Nobody had ever heard of them, but now they’re some people’s favourite band.

“The Bad Dad Orchestra from Tassie too, with maybe the best band name at the festival.

For others, Fanny Lumsden, a country act, was their highlight.

“There are always surprises. The joy of a festival like ours is that it’s a choose your own adventure style of program, and that’s what’s awesome about what we do.”

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1/ Vicka and Linda Bull perform at the Queenscliff Music Festival. 2/ Felicity Urqhart in full voice. 3/ Darcy Wilson, Shane Wilson, Sam Whiley, Jacob Campanella, Ava Wilson and Doug Whiley from Cranbourne. 4/ Chace and Helen Rankin with children Cora and Lonnie. 5/ Mandie Hudson and Josie Wintle from Melbourne. 6/ Joelistics with hip hop band UTZ. (PIctures: Ivan Kemp) 307009

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ENTERTAINMENT The Vendettas are set to rock the Chook Shop once again.

12x12 festival back on stage

(Supplied)

Show will be piping hot

By Justin Flynn Melbourne rock band The Vendettas are heading back to one of their favourite venues, the Piping Hot Chicken & Burger Grill in Ocean Grove.

The band has fond memories of the Chook Shop and lead singer Steve Redden is pumped to be playing at the iconic little venue again.

“We’ve saved the best for last,” he said.

“It’s the last date of a nine-date tour. We just got back from Wangaratta and the week before we were in Tassie.

“We love chucking all our stuff in the car and driving down the highway.”

The last time The Vendettas were in Ocean Grove was for the release of their single ‘6ft Under’ and this time it’s for ‘Long Gone’.

“It has a strong chorus that we all like,” Redden said..

“When we got around to recording it there were bits that weren’t quite making the cut.

“We’ve tinkered with it one last time and figured out the missing pieces, streamlined it and recorded it and it came out pretty good.”

The Vendettas are planning on taking a few months off from touring and are hoping to get back into the studio soon.

“We’re going to take January, February and March off playing gigs unless something we

can’t say no to comes up,” Redden said.

“We’ll hopefully record maybe eight songs, but we’ve got 50 other ideas floating around.”

Redden said the gig at the Chook Shop promised to be a big one.

“We’ll be at the end of our tour so we’ll be letting our hair down,” he said.

“It will be a lot of fun. We’ll have some new songs and we’re looking forward to getting some honest feedback.

“We really feed off the crowd there and can’t wait to get back there.”

The Vendettas play at Piping Hot Chicken & Burger Grill, Ocean Grove, on Saturday, December 17. Tickets: trybooking.com

The Potato Shed hosts Theatre 3triple2’s 10th annual 12x12 festival in December, presenting a series of 12 plays of 12 minutes or less.

The 10th anniversary of the event, held on the 12th day of the 12th month each year, will showcase local, original plays in a broad range of genres written and performed by Bellarine and Greater Geelong writers and actors.

Theatre 3triple2 secretary Chris Reynolds said the company’s 12x12 event was popular every year, and 2022 was proving to be no different.

“A capacity audience for us is 150, and we’ve sold nearly 90 tickets to each show so far,” Mr Reynolds said.

“So there are a few tickets left, but most of the cast haven’t got tickets for their families and friends yet, and we find that in the last week or so tickets get snapped up pretty quickly.”

Mr Reynolds said 12x12 was important for giving up and coming writers and performers a platform to show their work in a format that wasn’t too daunting.

“We have a number of people who perform with GSODA and Skin of Our Teeth, people from Grace Studios as well, but we also have a lot of first timers,” he said.

“It’s all part of entertainment, giving people a go and letting our patrons see a variety of shows and performances.

“And a 12-minute play is great because if you’re doing it with three other people, you’re only going to be the focus for two or three minutes with a dozen lines.”

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED

The Geelong Independent seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

The Geelong Independent is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

12570954-JW40-22

12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

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OCEAN GROVE HOTEL 28 DEC THE PIANO MEN THE SONGS OF ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL

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14 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

SUPPORTED BY SCOOTERS & MOBILITY GEELONG

Give the precious gift of curiosity this festive season Grandparents can help nurture inquisitive young minds and encourage curiosity through their choice of Christmas presents this festive season.

For toys that will help young minds grow and develolp, head to Techzone in Yarra Street, Geelong, which has an abundance of options to choose from for aspiring Einsteins.

Owner Robert Stokes hand picks each product, selecting toys that will inspire children to learn through play.

“It’s about growing their minds and having fun. We want our toys to ignite a passion,” Mr Stokes said.

When entering Techzone, you’ll see a wide variety of quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) toys lining the shelves, intended to be used over and over again.

To name a few, customers can choose from battlebots, remote controlled cars, solar robots, chemistry sets and Vex Robotics sets.

“It’s great for kids to get off the iPad and learn some proper STEM skills, there’s a lot of classic engineering and figuring out the gears, it’s about theoretical learning, but with hands-on skills,” Mr Stokes explained.

Confident there’s something for everyone, the Techzone team has great advice available in-store to help make up your mind.

“People can come in and get advice, not just a sale,” Mr Stokes said.

“We’ll ask them the child’s age and find a gift that’s really appropriate for them. We strive to make that match.”

Techzone is not just for kids. There’s an impressive selection of Pokemon products and an array of sensory items on offer, from stress balls to fidget friendly items and everything is honestly priced.

“We never add any surcharge, it’s retail as it’s meant to be, nice and honest,” Mr Stokes said.

Head in store to Techzone to check out the latest stock leading up for Christmas.

Keeping with its “nice and honest” philosophy, Techzone’s refund policy is easy to navigate and incredibly helpful leading up to Christmas.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Just make sure you have your receipt on-hand and a full refund can be provided, or a store credit.

Pay Techzone a visit in-store or online to find

a Christmas present to remember and not just another back of the cupboard throw away.

Visit: techzonegeelong.com

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www.techzonegeelong.com Ph 03 4207 0559 35 Yarra St, Geelong Opening hours Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pm | Sun 12pm - 3pm

ORDER ONLINE FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER $100

12581012-AV49-22

Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15

KEEP IT LOCAL

Stroll in the sun at Barwon Heads Visitors and locals alike were enjoying a stroll along Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads, in the sun on Tuesday. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp captured these pictures.

Clare McBeath from Point Lonsdale.

Wills | Powers of Attorney Deceased Estates Home | Zoom | Facetime consultations are available.

MELANIE CROWE B.Com.LLB | PRINCIPAL

Phone 0352 555 369 PO Box 466, Ocean Grove, VIC 3226 melanie@crowelegal.com.au

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Rae Hill with Pippy and Susie Struth with Daisie enjoying coffee and croissants. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 309971

Bellarine Eyecare “Our focus is you”

USE IT OR LOSE IT Did you know that your health fund benefits will most likely expire at the end of each calendar year? If you don’t use your rebate by December 24th you may lose it. Why not put this optical rebate towards prescription eyewear or prescription sunglasses.

COMPLETE PAIR*

At Bellarine Eyecare our focus is you, so come in & take advantage of this limited time offer. *Conditions apply. Offer ends 31 January 2023.

87 The Parade, Ocean Grove VIC 3226 | 03 5256 1295 | bellarineeyecare.com.au 12578251-FC47-22

16 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

12563059-HC41-22

Advertising feature

Above: Jillian Nielsen from East Geelong enjoying a shop. Left: Katie and Trevor Pisciotta from Melbourne with children Poppy and Leo. Below: Rossi Jamieson and Jenny McKellar.

Tiffany Kitchin and mum Kaye Ainsworth.

Advertise with us this Christmas Call for a FREE consultation.

PH: 5251 1195 3/31 Murradoc Rd, Drysdale contact@instyleblinds.com.au

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Ph: 5249 6700 advertising@voicegroup.com.au Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 17

FEATURING ... DINE & ENTERTAINMENT

Advertising feature

Rhonda Burchmore stars in a Christmas spectacular Palais Geelong will celebrate its first Christmas this year in sensational style with ‘A Swingin’ Christmas Spectacular’ featuring Rhonda Burchmore and the Jack Earle Big Band on Friday, December 9.

The show, part of a tour promoting Burchmore and Earle’s new album, ‘A Red Hot Swingin’ Christmas’, will also feature special guest dancers from the Geelong Ballet Centre and Motion Dance Company.

Burchmore said the entire band was looking forward to bringing the Christmas show to Palais Geelong.

“I’ve never performed at the Palais, but I’ve just heard wonderful things about the renovations,” she said.

“It’s going to be a glamorous spectacular, and I think having the big band in such a beautiful venue will be a point of difference.

“We were on hold with this album for so long because of lockdowns and everything else, so when we all finally got together in a little studio in St Kilda to record it there were actually tears.

“There’s a lot of love and a lot of heart in this show, and there’s just nothing like the response from a live audience.”

Burchmore, one of Australia’s most loved performers, said it was a joy to create the Christmas album with young performer, composer and arranger Earle.

“Jack’s only 25, but he’s had his own big band since he was 12; most kids are playing footy at that age, but he had a big band,” Burchmore said.

“We became great friends about five years ago when I heard him play and he got me up to sing with him, and I thought, my gosh, this is a match made in heaven.

“His musicianship is just extraordinary, and he was definitely born in the wrong era; even his name, Jack Earle, sounds like someone who was around with Benny Goodman or

Rhonda Burchmore and the Jack Earles Big Band bring Christmas to Palais Geelong. (Supplied)

Glenn Miller.

“But he has the knowledge of an older soul, I can’t speak highly enough about him. I’ve worked with so many of the finest musicians in Australia and overseas, and Jack’s my favourite.” burchmore has been working nonstop since

joining ‘Hairspray: the Musical’ at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, but says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s been relentless; we all complained about the lack of work during COVID, but now I’m doing two shows a day,” Burchmore laughed.

“It’s just ridiculous, but I love every minute

of it. I just really love performing live, and if I don’t have to do another Zoom in my life I’ll be very happy.”

Tickets to ‘A Swingin’ Christmas Spectacular’ are available at www.palaisgeelong.com.

Matt Hewson

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SUNDAY Thursdays 4 - late

The Wonderland Spiegeltent is returning to Barwon Heads this summer. (Rebecca Hosking)

Fridays & Saturdays 3 - late Sundays - SANGRIA & SPRITZ!

Spiegeltent magic returns

2 - LATE (MUSIC FROM 3:30) LOCAL WINE, COCKTAILS & AUSTRALIAN CHEESES, CURED MEATS & PIZZAS Ph. 5256 3590 thecovenantwinebar.com.au 2/62 The Terrace, Ocean Grove 12580012-HC49-22

18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

The Wonderland Spiegeltent will return to Barwon Heads these summer holidays.

The Spiegeltent has become a fixture on the local calendar and it will kick off with a comedy Christmas gala on December 17 and continue through until January 29.

Audiences will be thrilled by the Circus Wonderland when the adventures of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Pirates come to life with a fun-filled enchanting circus adventure for the whole family.

Acts include Bob ’Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks Show with Laura Davidson, Mark Seymour and the Undertow, INXSIVE, The Absolutely 80s – UK Hits Tour, locals the Bash Big Band, Vaudeville Smash, Killing Heidi’s Ella Hooper and funnyman Akmal

The nostalgic Ferris Wheel is back with stunning 360 degree views and the ever popular donut diner returns along with the slushie bar.

Or course Popcorn Underground returns with its joyously entertaining cabaret, adult carnival, burlesque, astounding circus and extraodinary artists. A riotous variety show like you’ve never seen before.

The Wonderland Spiegeltent (‘spiegltent’ is Dutch for ‘mirror tent’) provides a unique, intimate circus, cabaret or theatre venue in a stylish, historic European setting, which comes complete with stained glass windows and mirrors. The Wonderland Spiegeltent will set up at Barwon Heads foreshore from December 17 to January 29.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

SECTION

Now available for download from www.oceangrovevoice.com BELLARINE

CURLEWIS THE RANGE @ CURLEWIS Get amongst this epic dining destination! Great space, chilled vibe and a fab array of food and bev to choose from.

Culinary cool meets timeless favourites.

Open 7 days from 7am – late Brunch. Lunch. Dinner. Snacks.

1201 Portarlington Road, Curlewis www.curlewisgolf.com.au Phone 5251 1111 CLARIBEAUX The Bellarine’s newest and most dynamic dining destination.

French focus. Contemporary fusion.

Sustainable focus. An impressive local and international beverage list guarantees a state of blissful indecision.

Open 7 Days for Breakfast & Dinner Claribeaux Curlewis Golf Club 1345 Portarlington Road, Curlewis P 5251 1111 www.claribeaux.com.au LEURA PARK ESTATE Sensational wines in a funky, rustic chic setting. Enjoy stunning stone based pizzas, platters and seasonal culinary offerings. Live music every Sunday – contemporary pop & rock classics all the way!

Open hours: Thursday – Sunday 11am – 5pm.

Open 7 Days January Private functions on request.

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph: 5253 3180 www.leuraparkestate.com.au

DRYSDALE CHUI YUAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Serving authentic Chinese cuisine Choose from an extensive Menu.

Banquets from $25 pp (4 courses) Our Specialty – Delicious Homemade Dim Sim. TAKEAWAY available - BYO Open hours: Lunch: Wed – Sun 12 – 2pm.

Dinner: Tues – Sun from 5pm Closed Mondays – except public holidays 26-28 High St, Drysdale Ph: 5253 1788

OCEAN GROVE

DRYSDALE MERNE AT LIGHTHOUSE

OCEAN GROVE BOWLING CLUB

Set amongst beautiful trees overlooking

Members bistro open - 7 days,

panoramic ocean views. Our dedicated

Noon - 2pm & 6pm - 8:30pm

and passionate restaurant devotees unite to give you Merne at Lighthouse, a contemporary restaurant with a view.

Caleb Fleet, Matt Dempsey,

OCEAN GROVE OCEAN GROVE SEASIDE PIZZA & PASTA Family owned pizza shop providing

$16 2 course lunches

delicious pizza’s and pasta’s.

$22 Pot and Parmi Thursday nights

Delivery and pick up available.

Bookings essential.

Open hours:

Open hours:

Venue open 7 days 11am - late

Sun – Thurs 4.30pm – 9pm

Graham Jefferies and Joshua Smith

18 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Fri – Sat 4.30pm to late

have travelled long individual journeys

Ph: 5255 1540

before arriving at this point.

www.oceangrovebowls.com.au

Shop 6 Park Lane, Ocean Grove

You can check out their personally

GROOVE CAFE

crafted menus or make a reservation

Family owned cafe providing great

online, or contact the restaurant for

coffee, homemade pies and sausage

more information or to make a booking

rolls, delicious burgers and a large

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO.

Open hours:

range of takeaway meals.

Think innovative space, naturally

Lunch Thursday to Monday

Open hours:

crafted ciders, amazing food without

Dinner Friday & Saturday

Monday - Saturday 6am - 6:30pm

Bookings – phone 5251 5541

Sunday 6:30am - 4pm

www.merne.com.au

OCEAN GROVE PIPING HOT CHICKEN & BURGER GRILL The Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Grill is an Ocean Grove institution.

It is the place people flock to for

5255 4330 and 5255 4861

WALLINGTON

the ‘fancy’, top Bellarine wines, beer,

56 Wallington Rd, Ocean Grove

Friday night live music. In a nutshell

Ph: 5256 3094

- fabulous, funky, fun!

www.facebook.com/groovecafe OCEAN GROVE HOTEL Family friendly hotel open 7 days

Open hours: Open 7 days 11am - 5pm

a week for lunch and dinner.

Dinner Friday & Saturday nights

Large bistro to accommodate group

1251 Bellarine Highway,

bookings with outside play area and

(entry via Swan Bay Road), Wallington

passionately made comfort food

inground trampolines.

and an amazing line up of original

Perfect for Family dinners. Public Bar

live music.

great for catch up drinks with friends

63A The Terrace, Ocean Grove,

with Foxtel, Open Fire place and ice

Victoria 3226

cold beers.

Ph 5255 1566

Hours:

www.pipinghotchickenshop.com.au

Monday/Tuesday 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Call us on 5255 1255 or

Wednesday/Thursday 3:00pm - 9:30pm

CHEEKY COW – OCEAN GROVE

book/order online

Friday/Saturday 12:00pm - 9:30pm

Only café directly across the road

Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm

from the beach. Plenty of parking,

175 Bonnyvale Road Ocean Grove

and space both inside and out.

Ph: 5255 1122

Child friendly menu, play area and

KINGSTON VILLAGE FISH & CHIPS

park right next door. Great coffee and

We are doing gluten free Fish and

food in a friendly relaxed setting.

chips here and we offer 10% discount

Open hours:

for all the seniors card holders.

Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch

Open hours: 11am - 8pm

131 Ocean Throughway, Ocean Grove

Shop 10, 11-31 Coastal Boulevard,

PH 5255 1677

Ocean Grove (opposite Aldi)

www.cheekycow.com.au

Ph: 5256 2099

DRIFTWOOD CAFÉ

www.mrgrubbatoakdene.com.au

NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD oceangrovevoice.com

Dine-in, Take away or Home delivery.

Wide selection of Pizzas & Pasta.

for any event large or small.

Gluten free available. Why not get

Let us bring The Driftwood to you.

online and see full menu on:

Speak with Ty Ph: 5225 1832

www.oceangrovepizza.com

Sunday - Thursday 7am – 4.30pm.

www.flyingbrickciderco.com.au

OCEAN GROVE PIZZA & PASTA

The Driftwood Cafe - Outside catering

Open hours:

Phone 5250 6577

Open hours: Monday - Friday 4:30 - 11pm Saturday & Sunday 12pm - late

Friday & Saturday 7am – 9pm

80 The Terrace - Ph: 5255 5555

64D The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Marketplace, Shell Rd -Ph: 5255 3040

Ph: 5255 1832

www.oceangrovepizza.com

12563209-SN35-22

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD Unrivalled panoramic views across the bay. Savour a Restaurant experience or kick back in the ‘House of Jack Rabbit’ cellar door and café.

Top wines cap it off!

Open hours: Open 7 Days 10am – 5pm. Dinner Friday & Saturday nights.

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine Ph: 5251 2223 www.jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19

ENVIRONMENT OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

A delightful duckling discovery I’ve seen newly hatched Pacific black ducklings in an ephemeral pond in the new housing estate on Banks Road, as well as royal and yellow-billed spoonbills feeding in the water, well hidden by the long grass.

Tom Fletcher, who lives in Ocean Grove, informed me that he had a pair of common bronzewings nesting in his front garden, so I called around to check out the nest, which turned out to be a flimsy pile of thin sticks placed in a bough of a large gum tree, only about a metre or so from the ground.

The male bird of the pair was sitting on the eggs when I photographed them, and the female was wandering on the ground feeding herself.

The male common bronzewing has a pale-yellow forehead and pink plumage on the breast, and both sexes have a white line below and around the eye and beautiful patches of green, blue, and red plumage on the wing.

Unfortunately, Tom informed me a few days later that the nest had failed, maybe due to fox or cat activity. Tom had surmised that the nest was not in a great location and was too close to the ground, so he was not surprised when the nest was predated.

I had a close encounter with a swamp harrier a few days ago, which was exciting as they are a bird that is very hard to get close to.

I was sitting in my car at Point Henry, near the Winchester factory, as I’d seen a wedge-tailed eagle flying in the distance.

A swamp harrier came into view flying over a boundary fence, moving directly towards the car. Usually, swamp harriers will see the car in the distance and take a U-turn, but this bird was very focused at looking at the ground

Main: John’s red-browed finches at Leopold. Left: Kevin’s ruddy turnstones at St Leonards.

Right: Andrew’s little pied cormorant at Blue Waters Lake. (Pictures: Supplied)

for prey, so it just kept soaring towards me. It only noticed me when it was about five metres from the car, and it gave me eye contact before turning sharply to the left.

This bird was very pale brown, and swamp

harriers become paler in plumage with age.

I received an email from Andrew, who sent some images of a couple of dusky moorhen chicks and a little pied cormorant at Blue Waters Lake.

Andrew also informed me that he saw a magnificent, white-bellied sea eagle flying over Shell Road near Clows Rd, heading in the direction of Lake Victoria, while he was out cycling. Andrew has also been cycling near the Breamlea Wetlands and has seen a brolga on two separate occasions.

I received an email from John in Leopold.

Recently John dug a trench to expose his neighbour’s peppercorn tree roots, and he was astonished to find that a spotted pardalote had burrowed the soil to make a nest in the ground. The nesting burrow was located under the roots of a privet hedge.

After John had dug the trench and exposed the nest, the spotted pardalotes waited patiently for a safe time to enter the nest and incredibly allowed John to come within a metre of them to take a photo using his phone camera.

The birds did not abandon the nest despite the disturbance. John has lived on the Bellarine Peninsula for a long period of time, and he told me that in the late 1950s he observed nesting pardalotes in the limestone cliffs on private property along Wallington Road.

John also had a flock of around 10 red-browed finches visit his property. These birds would be loving the rain and the quick growing grass, as they feed on grass seeds.

They are easily recognised by the bright and striking red eyebrow, rump, and beak, on an otherwise olive-green plumage.

I received an email from Kevin, who ventured to St Leonards to check out the migratory shorebird known as a ruddy turnstone. These birds can be seen on the beach in St Leonards, camouflaging in the sand and seaweed.

Kevin used to see more of these birds in this location in previous years. Kevin said that he didn’t see much more of note in the area except for a couple of crested terns and some silver gulls, and Edwards Point didn’t yield much more, possibly partly due to an onshore wind.

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

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

Concert Coryule Chorus Christmas concert Sunday December 11, 2.30pm at St Andrew’s Uniting Church Portarlington. Suggested entry donation: $15. A homemade afternoon tea will follow the concert. Funds raised will assist St Andrew’s Uniting Church and Coryule Chorus.

Car boot sale Saint James Anglican Church, Drysdale, Saturday, December 17, 9am-2pm.

Stallholders welcome, sausage sizzle, scones jam and cream, tea or coffee.

■ Frank, 0438 583 034

Market Market on December 3 from 10am to 2pm, at Australian Unity Retirement Village, 50 Barwarre Road, Marshall. Bric-a-brac, homemade baking, plants, clothing and more.

Geelong Jukebox Rockers Christmas dance, December 3, 7.30pm-11.30pm at Club Italia, Moolap.

Music by Phoenix, tickets trybooking.com.

■ 0432 503 997

Carpet bowls Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday from 20 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

1pm to 3.15pm. Admission:$4, includes afternoon tea.

■ 0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Seniors

consider joining us and coming to our meetings at Clifton Springs Golf Club for lunch fourth Friday of each month.

■ Margaret, 0431 636 090

Leopold/Wallington CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

■ Shirley, 0488 055 969

Ocean Grove Seniors play card game 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. If you are new to the game a quick lesson will get you in play. The core group of six players adjust to any number and you will enjoy the friendship of likeminded players. Cost of $20 annually and coffee included. 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Lyn, 5256 2540

Chess clubs

Scottish dancing classes

Probus Club of Ocean Grove men’s

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

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

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes are on at 7.30pm each Tuesday at the Leopold Hill Hall. All welcome.

■ Jane, 0481 126 022 or Andrew, 0408 369 446

Probus Club of Ocean Grove men’s meets at 10am on the first Monday of each month, except January, at the Surf Life Saving Club on Surf Beach Road for fun and friendship.

■ Barry, 0409 161 129

Book club

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club meeting day is the fourth Wednesday of the month at Flying Brick Cider Co, 6.30pm.

■ 0428 546 796

TOWN club The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) clubs meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions.

Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

■ Janice Bell, 0403 221 737 or bellsbythebeach@bigpond.com.au

Life Activities Club Arvo tea dance every Thursday, 2pm to 4pm at Belmont Pavilion. $5 entry, all welcome.

■ 5251 3529

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Drysdale Ladies Probus Club meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club. New members and visitors welcome for fun and friendship.

■ Lorraine, 0412 805 858

Afternoon tea dance Drysdale Day VIEW Club Drysdale Day VIEW Club supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Please

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry $5.

■ 5251 3529

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

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Out and about The biggest, hairiest lunch in Australia was back on Friday, November 25. The ‘Gentlemen of Geelong’ luncheon was held at Flying Brick Cider Co, Wallington, all in the name of preventing male suicide and supporting men’s mental health.

Ian Cover was MC and special guest was Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take pictures.

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1/ Adrian Buckley and Grant Ryan. 2/ Garfy Watts and Simon Bennett. 3/ Rod Slattery and Ian Perrett. 4/ Keith Gourlay, Gary Caddy and Peter Pearce. 5/ Tom Boyd addresses the audience. 6/ Wes Marshall, Stef Martin and Josh Lamb. 7/ Sean Blood and James Scuderi. 8/ Rhyce Stanley and Mick Fitzgerald. 9/ Darryl Wells, Pete Maher and Nigel Parkinson. 10/ Brett Amezdroz and Frank Sonnet. 11/ Peter Ansell, Peter Waite and Peter Duffield. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 309936 Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21

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No. 109 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

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QUICK QUIZ

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What is the only mammal that can achieve sustained level flight?

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In which country did the kiwi fruit originate?

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Australian singer Vance Joy came to prominence with what 2013 single?

4

The game of snakes and ladders originated in which country?

5

Piedmontese, Herefordshire and Angus are all what?

6

In Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, who captains the Pequod?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

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R

TENET TIERS TROLL USAGE USURP VEERS YEARS

7 LETTERS BRACKET IDEALLY LECTURE OUTSIDE ROUTINE TORPEDO

6 LETTERS BEDBUG RUDEST SPINAL WAGERS

8 LETTERS ENTAILED ESTEEMED HEARTILY PHARMACY

02-12-22

N

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GREAT INANE IRATE NEEDS NOSED OCCUR OPTIC PENAL PLUME REEDS REUSE SANER SCENE SENSE SIGHS SLEDS SLEWS SPIES STYLE SUAVE TEEMS

gloss, glossily, glossy, lissom, logs, loss, milo, moil, moils, molly, moss, mossy, oils, oily, silo, silos, slog, smog, soil, soils, soli, SYLLOGISM, yogi

1 7 9 3 2 6 8 5 4

1 6 5 9 2 7 4 8 3

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4 5 7 2 1 9 3 8 6

8 9 3 4 6 7 1 2 5

8 9 2 6 3 4 1 7 5

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6 2 8 1 5 3 7 4 9

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1 8 6 4 9 2 7 5 3

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4 6 8 3 5 1 9 7 2

9 5 3 2 7 4 6 8 1

5 3 9 7 4 6 2 1 8

2 4 7 5 6 8 9 3 1

9 8 6 3 7 1 5 2 4

3 5 1 4 9 2 8 6 7

22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good

4 LETTERS CEDE CENT DOME EDDY ELKS ILLS LEND LENT LIEU MASS SACS SETS SPAR TOWS 5 LETTERS ACUTE

V

S

17

N

M

S

B

N

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

23 words: Excellent

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

A

16

medium

R

15

easy

A

14

9-LETTER WORD

hard

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ADORN AGILE AIRED ANGEL APRON ARISE ARMED ATTIC BLAST CALLS CARED CHORE COMIC CORGI DEIGN EARLY EATEN EATER EERIE GHOUL GRAND

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7

The famous Little Mermaid statue is located in which city?

8

The Communist Manifesto was written by Karl Marx (pictured) and which other author?

9

What is the sum of the interior angles of a triangle?

10 Out of poplar, walnut and oak, what wood is least suitable for staining?

ANSWERS: 1. Bat 2. China 3. Riptide 4. India 5. Cattle breeds 6. Ahab 7. Copenhagen, Denmark 8. Friedrich Engels 9. 180 degrees 10. Poplar

4 5 6 9 3

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ACROSS 1 3 10

No. 109

, 5 $ 7 (

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

3 ( 1 $ /

No. 109

6 3 , ( 6

SUDOKU

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Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 23

MOTOR AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Ford Ranger Raptor from $85,490 SPECIFICATIONS Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 10sp automatic, 4WD Utility

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.

The Raptor rests in the upper reaches of Ford Ranger territory ready to swoop on rivals. (Pictures: Supplied)

Raptor flies in the face of rivals

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Driving the Ranger Raptor can give you a sore throat. Pull up, climb down and most likely someone will be standing there wanting you to fill them in on the workings of Ford’s super ute.

There again, probably it was the sunset Sedona Orange duco of the test vehicle that had caught his or her eye. Generally, a long list of questions had to be answered before parting company with the onlooker of envious eye.

Hence the driver’s dry throat.

The last time this happened was years ago when a bunch of bikies bailed me up demanding info on the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 I was trying out.

The 2023 dual cab Raptor lives up to its wild-world moniker representing the bird of prey in all its elusive power and engaging street presence, the latter emphasised by contrasting black wheels and signature grille, plus ‘RAPTOR’ decals on its flanks.

The Ranger Raptor has been around for a while, four years to be exact, and like its predecessor, the latest generation, developed by the Australian design and engineering team with Ford Performance DNA, relies on Ford’s F-Series trucks for its pedigree. However, the newbie, with its own looks and more power, is streets ahead of the ‘old bird’.

However, so is the price - $85,490, plus on-road costs, as opposed to $74,900, plus on-roads. To my mind, the MY23 Ranger Raptor carries off the extra ‘load’ well.

Opposition includes Nissan’s Pro4-X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rogue.

Styling The Ranger Raptor is surprisingly restrained in exterior looks - flashy chrome is conspicuous by its absence - relying on dark F-O-R-D block letter radiator grille, grey wheel arch extensions and functional fender vents, and black powder coated die-cast aluminium side steps. Matrix LED headlamps are accompanied by LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps.

24 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

LED tail lamps can be found out the back with a rear bumper with integrated step pad and towbar. Tow hooks front and back share company with front bash plate made from 2.3 mm-thick steel, while an optional factory fitted power roller shutter seals the lined tub from the weather.

Interior Ford Performance seats embossed with Raptor signature logo, suede inserts and orange highlights and stitching. Up front they are firm yet comfortable and supportive during spirited cornering. The rear bench is wide enough to take three adults.

The sports steering wheel has room for a selection of controls including selective drive modes and paddle gear shifters. Storage is made up of a deep centre console bin and phone charge pad.

Triple stack of glove compartments is designed to take stuff of multiple size and shape. Doors incorporate bottle storage and cup holders pop out from the outer dash.

and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

There’s a 12.4-inch configurable digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver, while the Bang and Olufsen audio has its quirks operating the on-screen controls. The sound could be sharper too.

Half a dozen factory-fitted ready-wired auxiliary switches are handily sited in the roof, while the door release is not so, being a horizontal lever hidden inside the door pull.

Safety The Ranger’s five-star ANCAP score cannot be extended to the Raptor because of differences in such things as engine size and ride height.

However, the list of safety features includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assistance, automatic headlights and high-beam, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, and intelligent speed limit assistance.

Infotainment A centre mounted tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen with a Ford SYNC 4A system

Driving For a start (literally) there was a surprising

amount of turbo lag: unusual with the advanced turbo tech of today. However, late in the test I discovered the racy Baja anti-lag system that, at the touch of a button, enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. Thus engaged, the ute fairly flew off the mark accompanied by a unique and full-on exhaust note.

Ford claimed an optimistic fuel consumption of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle with 98 RON premium unleaded, the test vehicle could do no better than 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres in a range of driving conditions.

The driver has access to a plethora of selectable drive, steering, damper and exhaust modes, all of which can be lumped into one at the touch of a single button. Trail Control comes in handy off road, helping to maintain constant speeds up or down varying terrain, while unique 17-inch optional beadlock-capable wheels are designed to minimise damage from rocks while off-road driving.

Summary Despite the odd stumble, when all the talking ceased, the Ford Ranger Raptor showed itself to be worthy of its elevated position in the species.

Streets ahead of the Raptor it replaces.

SPORT

1

2

Finally, a great day for cricket It was an unfamiliar feeling for local cricketers on Saturday. the temperature pushed past the mid-20s and a full day’s play was had across the region. Justin Flynn ventured to Collendina Recreation Reserve and Memorial Oval Ocean 3

Grove to capture some of the action.

5

8

10

4

6

7

9

10

12

1/ Shaun Fankhauser made a brilliant century for Ocean Grove. 2/ James Burns bowled economically for the Saints. 3/ Shanaka Kethbevilage toiled hard for St Leonards. 4/ Sam Tucker bowled well for the Snakes. 5/ Nathan Taylor made a patient and important 58 from 193 balls. 6/ Dane Wise-Graham looked in good form for his 23. 7/ James Burke was busy in the field. 8/ Angus Peters picked up the wicket of Damien Howsam. 9/ Damien Howsam drives during his innings of 25 for Wallington. 10/ Collendina skipper Nathan Frye in action. 11/ Sven Burluraux made 91 for the Wallabies. 12/ Monty Juffermans-Goodluck in the field. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 310109 Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 25

SPORT

Cats recruit Falcon young gun Geelong selected Queenscliff onballer Jhye Clark with its first selection in the AFL draft on Monday night.

Clark got to stay locally with the Cats selecting the young with pick number 8.

Clark is being touted as a future leader and a ready made player who could slot into Geelong’s side as early as round one next year.

The 181cm midfielder was captain for the Geelong Falcons this season and won the best and fairest while also leading Vic Country during the national championships where he finished runner-up to the number two overall pick Will Ashcroft in Larke Medal voting.

Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells said the club was thrilled to add a player of Clark’s potential to the list.

“We’re really excited to add a player of Jhye’s caliber to our club,” he said.

“He’s had an exceptional 12 months, leading both the Falcons and Vic Country, while also playing some terrific football himself.

“We love his competitive nature, and his leadership traits as an 18-year-old are really encouraging.

“We think Jhye will be a terrific addition to the Geelong Football Club and has the potential to be a very good player for a long time.”

Defender Oscar Murdoch (190cm, 91kg) joined Falcons teammate Clark at the Cats via the rookie draft, Murdoch is renowned for his penetrating kick and excellent intercept ability.

Murdoch can lock down tall or small opposition forwards.

Cam Guthrie presents Jhye Clark with his new Geelong Cats jumper. (AAP Image/Morgan Hancock)

Summer pennant reaches halfway LOCAL TENNIS Donna Schoenmaekers It is the halfway mark of the Tennis Geelong Saturday Summer Pennants and things were nice and tight in Section 2 Girls, where only 14 points separated first and sixth.

This week’s matches showed how evenly matched the teams are with close results in all three.

The best win of the day was to Surfcoast Torquay which travelled to Highton for a match up of second vs third. Torquay started well with Sarah Speldewinde and Phoebe Truswell taking the first two singles, but with only one service break the difference 6-3 and 6-4.

Highton’s Imogen Richards helped her team with a 6-0 win in the third, before Emma Jarvis extended Torquay’s lead going into the doubles with a 6-3 win. The doubles were tough matches for both teams, with both decided 6-4. Isabella Brockman and Liana Skoko turned the tables on Speldewinde and Truswell for Highton winning the first, but Richards with Estelle Fanning sealed the match for Torquay taking the second, and the win pushing Torquay two points ahead of Highton and its second place.

In the battle of fourth vs fifth, Drysdale and Western Heights Uniting Blue played a tale of two halves.

Blue started well with Evie Ryan, Pearl Thompson and Liviana Ryan all winning their singles in close matches, 6-3, 6-5, 6-4, but Drysdale didn’t give up and turned its fortunes around with Indi Colley winning the fourth singles 6-1 before teaming with Carlotte Iles to win their doubles 6-2, while team mates Lulu Doughty and Matilda Iles sealed with the win with their 6-2 victory.

The end result, three sets all and seven games to Drysdale.

Ladder leaders Barwon Heads will be breathing a sigh of relief after a close encounter with sixth placed Western Heights Uniting White, taking the win by only two games.

White played well away from home with Klara Pehar, Zoe Morrison and Mikayla Whelan winning their singles 6-4, 6-5, 6-2, while Elyssa Mutton put the Heads on the board with her 6-1 win at number 2.

The doubles were both hard fought but the combinations of Mutton with Siena Gill and Alice Crane with Sarah Malouf proved too good on the day, winning both sets for the Heads 6-4.

At the end of the round, all teams are still well in contention for finals, and will consistent performances for the rest of the season to guarantee their place in the top four.

26 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022

Anglesea thrives at carnival Anglesea placed third overall at Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) second beach carnival for the 2022-23 season.

South Melbourne LSC hosted the carnival, which attracted more than 100 of Victoria’s best beach athletes, including athletes from Anglesea, Jan Juc, Lorne, Ocean Grove and Torquay SLSCs. Anglesea finished with 67.5 points thanks to a double threat performance from Cooper Stanley, who won both the open and under-19 men’s beach sprint.

Teammate Pierre Lee took out both the open and under-19 beach flags and a win in the open mixed beach relay in a composite team with Seaspray SLSC and second in the open men’s beach relay, teaming up with Hampton LSC. Acting manager aquatic sport David Potter said it was great to show off LSV’s athletes’ rescue ready skills on the first day of the patrol season at a bustling inner-city beach.

“This weekend, lifesavers at many locations across Victoria raised the red and yellow flags to mark the start of patrol season and at South Melbourne it was even more exciting to have 100 of our volunteers who will be patrolling these beaches across the summer, displaying the skills that translate to saving lives,” he said.

“From the iconic beach flags event, demonstrating the quick reflexes and thinking required in a rescue situation, to the traditional belt and reel race, combining proud lifesaving history and modern day rescue practices, it shows how truly unique our sport is.”

The third beach carnival for the season will take place at Hampton LSC on Friday, December 16.

Anglesea SLS’s Pierre Lee gets there first ahead of Jack O’Dea. (Supplied) Western Heights Uniting’s Liviana and Evie Ryan.

(Supplied)

SPORT OG1 secure pennant win

A 174-run opening stand between Nathan Taylor and Shaun Fankhauser put Ocean Grove in a commanding position on day one against St Leonards.

Below: Shaun Fankhauser was the star of the day with a sparkling 109. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 310109

Openers on the attack

By Justin Flynn Shaun Fankhauser and Nathan Taylor put on 174 for Ocean Grove’s opening wicket and have their side in a commanding position against St Leonards in Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade.

Fankhauser hit nine boundaries and three sixes during his superb 109 from 174 deliveries while Taylor was more subdued, but no less important, with 58 from 193.

Ocean Grove finished day one last Saturday with 9-271 from 75 overs at Memorial Reserve and would be confident of victory given the Saints haven’t passed triple fugures since the opening round of the season.

Mick Thornton made a quick 29 from 27 while Bailey Le Maistre contributed a rapid 30 from 16 late in the innings.

St Leonards seamer Kanishka Nawagamuwa was magnificent, taking 6-43 from 16 overs.

If it wasn’t for his efforts, Ocean Grove would have made 300-plus.

Spinner Shanaka Kethbevilage took two wickets for the Saints while seamer James Burns tried hard and picked up one wicket.

In B1 Grade, Ocean Grove will defend 260 against Barwon Heads next week.

Adam Arnold top scored with 79 from 190 balls, veteran Adam Spiby made an unbeaten 54, Isaac Saunders contribted 37 and Oliver Corby made 34 not out from 31.

James Ponsford looked the most likely of the Heads’ bowlers with 2-28 from 13 overs.

In B2 Grade, Ocean Grove fell for just 68 against Collendina, which has already wiped 16 off the chase with all 10 wickets intact.

Ben Hanson made a superb century in D Grade.

Ocean Grove made 4-182 from 40 overs against Portarlington with Hanson making 100 retired from 119 deliveries and Andrew Schoch 32 from just 20.

Port chased the total down with Jon McLaren (65) and Steve Dowie (42) among the runs.

In a battle between the Ocean Grove stablemates, it was the No 1 team that prevailed in Geelong Region Bowls Pennant competition on Saturday.

OG1 kept top spot on the ladder while OG2’s loss was another body blow for its finals hopes.

Alan Drury’s rink defeated Brad Pavey by four shots, but OG1 won the other two rinks with Pete Loe emerging victorious by 20.

The final score of 75 to 50 was mainly due to the dominance of Loe’s team.

It sets up a mouthwatering contest this weekend between Ocean Grove 1 and Highton.

The competition’s two top teams will battle it out for midseason premiership favouritism.

Highton brushed past fourth-placed side Eastern Park by 26 shots in a clinical display.

Highton won all three rinks and gained two points on Ocean Grove on the ladder.

Jeremy Fitzgerald had the biggest win of the afternoon with a 27 to 18 performance.

Lara broke through for its first win of the season and leapfrogged Bell Post Hill on the ladder.

Lara won all three rinks with a hefty Michael James Kelly win of 31 to 13 the highlight.

Bell Post Hill is now on the bottom of the ladder, but faces a winnable game against Ocean Grove 2 this week.

Queencliff strengthened its hold on third position by defeating City of Geelong by 19 shots.

Benjamin Russell piloted his rink to an 11-shot win.

In a battle for fifth place, Bareena beat Drysdale in a thriller by two shots.

A nine-shot win by Shane Jones proved the difference.

Wallabies on top thanks to top Burluraux knock Wallington holds the upper hand against Collendina on day one of its Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade game.

Led by a superb 91 from Sven Burluraux, Wallington was all out for a hefty 230 on Saturday. Collendina is 11 without loss in reply.

Burluraux and last-round centurion Damien Howsam added 42 for the opening wicket before Howsam was caught at mid-off

by Noah Jeffrey off the bowling of Angus Peters.

Dane Wise-Graham lifted the tempo with 23, but at 4-112, Collendina was back in the contest.

The introduction of crafty medium pacer Dean Britt slowed the innings down and captain Nathan Frye also bowled well.

Britt would take 3-60 from 18 overs while Frye took 2-18 from 11.2.

Burluraux was eventually out nine shy of a deserved century and Shaun Biemans continued his improvement with a handy 34 in the middle order.

Young leg-spinner Jeffrey picked up 3-43 from 12 for Collendina.

Both teams would be reasonably satisfied

with their efforts.

Wallington’s 230 is an imposing total to chase, but Collendina applied the brakes when the total looked like it was headed for more than 250.

Frye and Richie Peters will resume next week with all 10 wickets intact and 220 runs to win.

Spinner Jacob Gasier put Collendina in a winning position in B2 Grade, taking 4-18 to help rout Ocean Grove for 68.

Left-arm seamer Dave Treharne took 2-8 from 12 overs and Harrisyn Wingrave 2-16 from nine.

The Cobras are 16 without loss going into day two.

It was a different story in C Grade with Collendina all out for 63 (Jack Wood 15) against Barwon Heads and in reply, the Seagulls have nine wickets in hand and need only 13 more runs.

Queenscliff defeated Collendina by nine wickets in D Grade.

Dina made 6/151 with Grant McIntosh making 47. Queenscliff got the required runs in 27 overs, losing one wicket.

Justin Flynn

Sven Burluraux was superb for Wallington with 91 from 168 deliveries. (Justin Flynn) 310109_14 Friday, 2 December, 2022 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 27

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REPLY TO: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin Street Notting Hill VIC 3168

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OCEAN GROVE VOICE GEELONG INDEPENDENT. NOV, 2022

For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au 28 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 December, 2022