Ocean Grove Voice - 5th May 2023

‘Brutal’ sport must end: GDR

By Jena Carr

Geelong Duck Rescue is hoping the “brutal“ 2023 duck shooting season is Victoria’s last as politicians consider its future.

Duck shooting season began at Lake Connewarre Reserve at 8a, on April 26 and has been reduced to five weeks with a new bag limit of four ducks.

Geelong Duck Rescue co-ordinator Natalie Kopas said she wished Victoria would abolish the practice for the health and welfare of local wildlife. “I can’t wait till the day when our group stops being duck rescue … and we’re not cleaning up shotgun shells anymore,” she said.

“We try and do whatever we can to help maintain and look after native wildlife.”

Ms Kopas said it was difficult to monitor whether shooters were following the rules. She said she had already witnessed threatened species being shot at, shooting starting before 8am and the bagging more than four ducks.

“The first shots on opening morning were fired at 7.27am, so that’s 33 minutes before shooting time,” she said. “Realistically, even when we do have authorities monitoring, they monitor from shore. It’s a water-based activity that often happens behind reeds out of sight.

“When you see what happens, even when we are monitoring, it makes you just wonder how much more stuff happens when we’re not.”

Ms Kopas said she would continue monitoring Lake Connewarre Reserve with other volunteers in a visible yellow hat, white

balaclava and orange vest to help wounded birds. “You certainly feel like the pellets are raining down on your head,” she said.

“We are very aware of the safety risks and take every possible precaution, but we’re still compelled to be out there. “If we’re there visibly watching,theyarelesslikelytoshootaftertime. They’re less likely to shoot at threatened species and less likely to shoot over their bag limit.”

GeelongFieldandGameconservationofficer Trent Leen said he was disappointed that this could be the last year of the duck shooting season and hunting was often misunderstood. “There’s so much more to hunting,” he said. “We know that duck hunting is completely sustainable, and the biggest threat our water birds have is habitat loss.

“We hunt three months of the year, and the other nine months of the year, we’re out there doing conservation work.

“We feel quite vilified by it when we know it’s sustainable. You look at the data and the science, it’s a sustainable practise and there’s certain definite economic benefits.”

The Game Management Authority organises the Victorian duck season, which will conclude 30 minutes after sunset on May 30. A spokesperson said it would continue to patrol public and private lands to ensure public safety and hunting compliance. “Those who break the law face fines and penalties. They may be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their game and firearms licences. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.”

Duck shooting protesters at Lake Connewarre, Liam Barwick, Natalie Kopas, Traudy Glasencnik, Jackie Jacka and Charlie. (Ivan Kemp) 331793_06

Doctor who raped patients jailed

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

Whenawomansawherdoctorwithabdominal pain shortly after giving birth she was told she needed an immediate pap smear.

Shafiul Milky took her to an examination room and raped her.

“That’s nice,” he told her as he did so.

Laterin2018didthesametoanotherwoman who had booked in for the cervical check.

It wasn’t the first time the Geelong doctor had sexually offended against a patient.

Six years earlier a patient made a formal complaint about Milky to his employers at

Ocean Grove Peninsula Family Medical Practice, and the national health regulator.

She saw Milky for a sprained ankle but he sexually assaulted her under the guise of demonstrating a breast examination.

It was clear what he was demonstrating was not correct, according to the woman, who had just undergone an examination with the practice nurse.

He then put his hands down her pants, claiming he needed to check her femoral pulse. The practice managers appeared to accept Milky’s denials of the woman’s claims and reported to the Australian Health Practitioners

Be moved by Leunig

A new exhibition by legendary Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig has come to Queenscliff this May.

Leunig said he was glad to bring his art pieces to the Queenscliff Gallery and present his Don’tGiveUpexhibition to the public from May 11 to May 28.

“In these inhibited times, newspaper cartooning is not as free, experimental or adventurous as it used to be,” he said. “Painting remains as creative and liberating as ever and is a great relief to the healthy artistic spirit.

“I rarely get to the seaside these days, but showing my work in Queenscliff fits well to memories of happy childhood holidays across the water at Rosebud, where my early creativity found much joy.”

Queenscliff Gallery co-owner Theo Mantalvanos said he was excited to work with Leunig on the exhibition.

“It’s a solo exhibition of 13 paintings that he’s

created specifically for this show and will also incorporate some of his engravings that haven’t been seen for many years,” he said.

“His work is emotional, clever, joyous, and it makes the average visitor or the people that come to see his work really think about things.

“When you look at it a bit more deeply, it can conjure up certain emotions and makes it quite a moving image.”

Mantalvanos said he loved seeing the joy and excitementonvisitors’facesaftercomingtothe gallery and seeing Michael’s work.

“We feel that not only do we benefit as a gallery with Michael’s work here, but we feel that we’re adding something to the town with the visitation,” he said.

“I think the exciting thing is that these are all new works and Michael is quite careful in the way he doesn’t let things leak too early.”

Jena Carr

Regulation Agency that there was no need to investigate.

The regulator took it no further.

A jury found Milky guilty in March of 15 charges including rape, indecent assault and sexual assault involving six women between 2012 and 2019.

County Court Judge Felicity Hampel questioned if his later victims could have been spared. On April 28 she jailed Milky for 14 years and six months.

Judge Hampel said Milky’s victims were left feeling powerless and unable to stop or control Milky, and some felt ashamed at not being able

to speak up earlier, preventing his assaults of other women.

He took advantage of his authority as a doctor, offending under the pretence of medically appropriate intimate examinations to sexually abuse the women for his own sexual gratification, she said.

Milky claimed during his trial that the womenhadmadeuporimaginedtheirassaults. Bangladesh-born Milky is expected to be deported to New Zealand after serving his sentence. She ordered Milky serve at least 11 years behind bars.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Propertypricecorrection

Theo and Soula Mantalvanos at their gallery in Queenscliff. The Good Life, a painting by Michael Leunig in the background. (Ivan Kemp) 331713_01

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

Dear Dr Chalmers,

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

Literary fest getting bigger

By Justin Flynn

The Queenscliffe Literary Festival kicks off its ninth year from May 12 and it keeps getting bigger.

The entire borough has got behind the event with banners displaying the QLF colourful swan mascot lining the streets.

This year there are 33 events over three weekends, an increase of nine from 2022.

There will be 59 presenters from award-winning journalists Andrew Quilty to esteemed authors Alex Miller and Jock Serong as well as Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty and Climate expert Ross Garnaut.

More than 4000 people are expected to attend, with this year’s theme – A Time to Think – the mantra.

“Therangeoftheprogramcoverseverything from the political and environmental landscape to resilience from music to art and that diversity provides audiences with an opportunity to think and reflect on new concepts and ideas,” festival committee member Jacinta Farrugia said.

“Also what stands out about the Queenscliff Literary Festival is that our sessions are all stand alone so there is no clashing of events and this enables people time to think.”

Ms Farrugia said the festival provided an economic boost for the borough and that the ceramic swans around town were popular.

“Collette Stewart, committee member and ideas powerhouse, saw 80 porcelain swans for sale on Kerley’s Auction site and immediately instigated a fun art project tying in with our iconic swan logo,” she said.

“You can go for a wander around the town to see the QLF swan artworks. What local artists, community members and business owners have created with paint and hard work is nothing short of breathtaking. Enjoy and snap a selfie if that’s your thing.”

Ticket sales (queenscliffeliteraryfestival. com.au) are up on last year’s sales by more than 20 per cent with some events already sold out.

Jacinta Farrugia is looking forward to this year’s Queenscliffe Literary Festival. (Ivan Kemp) 332851_08

• Ideal for independent and busy retirees.

• Close proximity to popular beach destinations, shopping strips and centres, bowls and golf clubs, public transport and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

• Social activities, fitness classes, bowling green, library, art and craft room, BBQ areas, active men’s shed group and beautiful gardens.

• Flexibility for individualised and expansive gardens.

• Pet-friendly and gated community.

• Easy access from Melbourne Ring Road to Barwarre Gardens in Marshall and just minutes from Geelong’s CBD.

Comment on the budget

By Cr Stephanie Asher

All governments are facing challenging economic times and it is crucial that we do everything necessary to establish long-term financial sustainability at the City of Greater Geelong.

Last week councillors endorsed the public exhibition of the Proposed 2023-24 Budget, so it is now open for community feedback and we encourage residents and ratepayers to comment.

This proposed budget has a strong focus on financial responsibility. The leadership team has looked at all elements of the organisation to find savings and opportunities to invest in the community; to provide best value for all residents.

We have aimed to deliver a balanced budget, which forecasts a small operating surplus while maintaining high levels of investment in both new and upgraded community assets.

Our spend on capital projects continues, with more than $616.2 million allocated over the next four years.

In 2023-24 we will deliver a wide range of upgrades to our existing assets as well as providing key new infrastructure.

One of the big projects set to be funded in Ocean Grove is at Devlins Road Reserve.

A total of $5.015 million will be spent across three years on the detailed design and construction of a pavilion, sports fields, sports lighting and other infrastructure.

This is an exciting development, particularly for those living in the Kingston Estate, and I’m confident it will be much-loved and well-used.

I’m also pleased we have maintained our sponsorships of community Christmas carols,

events are warmly welcomed every year and consistently well attended. It’s always a joy to see our local community spirit is on display.

It is really important to remember that this is a proposed budget. We are listening to your feedback.

As always, please go to yoursay.

I strongly encourage everyone to provide their thoughtssowecandeliverwhatthecommunity wants.

Our aim is to be a high performing council that provides outstanding value to its community, and this budget will hopefully set the platform for us to do that in a sustainable

Bellarine ward councillor Stephanie Asher. (Supplied)

OCEAN GROVE HOTEL OPEN MIC NIGHT

EVERY MONDAY FROM 7PM A FUN NIGHT FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!

SOLO OR DUET ACTS ARE WELCOME, DON'T BE AFRAID TO SEND US A MESSAGE!

A HOUSE GUITAR AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.

BOOKING SLOTS AVAILABLE BUT NOT NECESSARY, ANYONE IS WELCOME TO PLAY!

Kids enjoy Licola camp

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions sponsored six local children to attend the Lions Licola camp recently.

In all, 78 sponsored children attended the five-day at Licola, which is located in East Gippsland, on the southern edge of the Great Dividing Range.

Four children from Ocean Grove Primary School and two from Surfside Primary School participated in a range of activities, including the flying fox, the giant chair, raft building and climbing the steep boulder wall.

Archery, chess, mini golf and cooking were also popular.

With the assistance of the skilled and dedicated Licola staff and 20 volunteers, the children were encouraged to extend themselves in the numerous activities. Peer support was also important for team building.

“The children were placed in cottages, where the volunteers guided and supported them in living together and looking after each other,” OGBH Lions member John Claringbold said.

“For many children it was a challenging five days and by the end of the week they had gained new skills and a greater understanding of themselves and others.”

The next Lions Licola camp is in January 2024 and they need sponsorship to attend.

Local families as well as Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads Pharmacy and the Piping Hot Chicken and BurgerGrillhavecommittedfundstosponsor deserving children for this camp.

The all inclusive cost per child is now $500. If you would like to make a contribution, contact John Claringbold on 0425 750 387.

Have your say Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2

Planning is underway for the potential future upgrade of Barwon Heads Road between Reserve Road, Charlemont, and Lower Duneed Road, Armstrong Creek.

We are now seeking community feedback as part of the planning approval process and to further refine the scope of the upgrade. To have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/bhr to provide feedback, ask a question or drop a pin on the interactive map by Monday 22 May 2023. We encourage you to take this opportunity to provide your feedback before the Minister for Planning makes a decision on the planning application.

To find out more or to request a hard copy feedback form, please phone 1800 105 105, email contact@roadprojects.vic.gov.au or visit roadprojects.vic.gov.au/barwonheadsrd.

Barwon Coast Update

FAREWELL HOLIDAY SEASON –HELLO COOL-WEATHER COAST!

Recently we farewelled to the holiday season at our caravan parks and campground – and what a season it was! While the weather wasn’t quite predictable, the individuals, families and groups staying at our parks and making the most of the beach over the season have once again brought our coast, and our communities, to life!

Over the season, we were proud to have:

MAKE THE MOST OF OUR STUNNING COASTAL WALKS

Now is the perfect time for ‘nature bathing’ along our lovely Barwon coast and there are some fantastic walks to enjoy.

Perhaps you prefer the coastal trails that run all the way from the top of 13th Beach, connecting you to the Bluff, down to the Barwon River, across Barwon Heads bridge, and then behind the sand dunes to Ocean Grove and beyond (towards Collendina) with lovely vistas and lookouts along the way. Great for walking (or running if you’re feeling energetic). You can always ‘dip out’ to enjoy a coffee and snack along your way at Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove, too - something for everyone!

• 47,000 nights of booked campsite or accomodation

• 6,600 arrivals, who stayed for an average of 6.5 nights (over the season)

• 23,500 people come into the local area to enjoy our wonderful coastline, including both casual campers and seasonal permit holders.

BEAUTIFUL BINS

We’ve started rolling out our new bin surrounds so keep an eye out for them!

Waste management, while not the most glamourous task, is a critical part of how we care for the coast, as it helps to keep rubbish out of our dunes, beaches, water and streets too. Last financial year we emptied 410 bins over 26,000 times!

So if you’re out and about with rubbish and can’t see a bin, please take it home and dispose of it thoughtfully.

Our beautiful new bin surrounds at Ocean Grove Main Beach

One of our coastal paths, looking towards Ocean Grove from the Bluff

Visitors enjoying a stunning sunset at Riverview Caravan Park

Fynn paddles a newly constructed raft, and Lilac gets ready to be hauled up high to the giant swing at the Lions Licola camp. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mother’s Day

Enhancing natural beauty

We’ve all looked in the mirror at one time or another and wondered about the person staring back at us, however Rejuvederm in Geelong West can enhance your natural beauty and get you looking like the best version of yourself again.

Integrating cosmetic injectables with evidence-based skin care, Rejuvederm aims to help you slow and reduce the effects and appearance of aging, while improving your skin’s overall appearance.

Rejuvederm’s talented team of qualified doctors and nurses are focused on continuous training, delivering safe and effective treatments while striving to attain the best results possible for clients.

Nurse Lorelle from Rejuvederm is a clinical nurse specialist with a postgraduate diploma in cosmetic nursing, so she really knows her stuff. Lorelle endeavors to stay focused on the anatomy of the skin and in doing so, can help you to slow the skin’s aging process and better your overall appearance.

For Mother’s Day, Rujevederm is offering full-face rejuvenation and hydration packages why not go for a full face sprinkle with anti wrinkle or some lush lips.

Rejuvederm is offering three areas of anti-wrinkle for $390, two areas for $280 and one area for $175.

Offering quality cosmetic injectables at affordable prices, Rejuvederm’s services include anti wrinkle injections for crows feet, forehead lines, frown lines and more, as well as dermal filler in the lips and cheeks and now

Helping keep mums active

Felicity ‘Flick’ Ryan is FlickPT’s owner and an Ocean Grove local.

Flick is known as one of the most respected fitnesstrainersintheBellarineregion.FlickPT is one of the longest running fitness businesses in Ocean Grove, coming up to its 14th year this October.

Flick is six-months pregnant and mum to a two-and-a-half year-old and like all parents she knows how challenging it is to juggle work, exercise, kids and life.

“Mums carry a huge mental load and exercise, vitamin D and fresh air can help them face the juggle that lies ahead daily,” she says.

“Beingactiveisnotonlygreatforitsphysical aspects but it can also help support the mental and emotional health as a parent.”

Although Flick’s outdoor and indoor sessions aren’t just solely mum-focused, she has a passion for helping women. All of Flick’s classes in Ocean Grove are child friendly and range from bootcamp, intervals, strength, stairs, and pre and post natal classes.

qualified and insured PT with an Outdoor Bootcamp Accreditation, a Safe Return to Exercise + Running Coach, Women’s Health and Performance Coach, Exercising after COVID-19 cert, a Thump Boxing Coach and more.

To help celebrate and honor all the mums in our community Flick is offering a free outdoor session at Ocean Grove foreshore rotunda on Saturday May 13 at 8.30am.

Rejuvederm’s cosmetic nurse, Lorelle, will help you enhance your natural beauty and become the best version of yourself. (Supplied)

offers skin bio remodeling. Rejuvedermislocatedat56AberdeenStreet, Geelong West. For more information, contact Rejuvedermon0432622616,andforbookings visit bookings.mediapp.com.au/21565.

“At FlickPT we aren’t numbers based, our aim is for us to help you to create a sustainable lifestyle that can involve bringing your kids,” Flick says.

“We are about creating an environment that’s warm and welcoming whilst being able to show your children that movement is fun, normal and important.”

Flick not only has the experience of working with mothers, she also has an array of qualifications to support her clients. A

“Thisismytimetogivebacktoallthemums who have supported me over the years - it’s the least I can do for them to celebrate Mother’s Day 2023,” she says.

This class is open to any mum. Mums of babies, older mums, stepmums, single mums, godmums, women longing to be a mum, bereavedmums,mumsoffurbabies,dadswho play the role of a mum - all welcome.

Bookings can be made via email info@ flickpt.com.au or the FlickPT Facebook page.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND ASK FOR THE GIFT OF FITNESS THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Christine’s battle with a dog and a hen

Christine Scheiner is this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition winner.

Christine’s entry, the deliberately misspelt ‘The Day Chris Hensworth Tried to Kill Me’, was one of 24 entries.

The judges appreciated the story’s lively style and the humorous jokes. The ending had a nice touch and spoke to the often funny relationships we have with animals.

The judges enjoyed reading all the 24 stories, which covered a broad range of topics from future worlds to war to humour to tragedy.

Notable mentions to Anne Whisken, Leanne Braddick, Vicki Long and Beryl Stott.

Judges encourage anyone living in the Bellarine region to enter the next competitionadvertisedintheVoicetoday. Please remember to provide your phone number as the winner is contacted by phone.

Christine moved to the Bellarine Peninsulawithherhusband,twochildren, and various horses, cats, dogs and guinea pigs in 1998. She worked in the health insurance commission and later in retail at Horseland. She is retired and now lives a much quieter life with just her husband and dog in Barwon Heads.

Next month’s competition is titled ‘Run’. Entries are capped at 750 words and close Friday June 9. Entries are submitted to acobham@bigpond.com

The Day Chris Hensworth Tried to Kill Me

By Christine Scheiner

If I had only known what the great outdoors was really like, I might never have married a farmer.

My idea of the great outdoors was dashing from my (most likely) illegally parked car to the cafe for my morning coffee, so when I married James my friends seriously contemplated starting a Go Fund Me page to finance therapy for me. A whirlwind of madness ensued, and I’m now living on a 2200 broad acre farm loving life, maybe. Certainly, it’s never dull.

The day Chris Hensworth tried to kill me started out well. James was baiting foxes for the day so I had to mind Sylvester Stallone, the highly suspicious (of me) border collie, aptly named for his luscious dark hair, robust muscular chest and strong legs. He absolutely loathed me. I took this as a challenge to win him over.

While Sylvester sulked in the lounge room balefully staring at the dog treat I had tried to bribe him with, I decided to pamper myself with a coffee face mask. I had a few hours spare before my mother-in-law dropped by for lunch, and it was at this point things began to turn.

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Christine Scheiner won this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition. (Supplied)

When I jumped into the shower not a single drop of water was to be found. After a frantic phone call pleading for help, James kindly organisedforaneighbourtodropbyand“fixthe water pump”. A quick text to my mother-in-law – “Sorry to muck you around but can you come at 1 instead of 12?” – seemed quite innocuous until I realised I had typed ‘f’ instead of ‘m’.

No brownie points there, but not to dwell on a small disaster, I needed to wash off my face mask.

Smirking with ingenuity, I realised the house yard had a small concrete stock trough which would be ideal. I had just finished rinsing, and my face felt wonderfully smooth and tight, when with perfect timing the neighbour arrived to fix the water pump.

The helpful neighbour was strangely reticent and disconcertingly avoided eye contact with me, however seemed lovely and did indeed fix thepump.ItwasonlyafterwardswhenIlooked in the mirror that I realised he wasn’t shy, just polite, as I had small bits of mask still clinging to my chin and eyebrows, enhanced with tendrils of green algae from the water trough.

I can just imagine the gossip at the local pub – “met James’ new missus the other day….she seems nice, but…”.

Sylvester, who had greeted the neighbour with undisguised joy, leaping about like a puppy and literally crying with excitement, was again sitting in a corner with his back to me, staring at his treat like it was a poisonous toad. Surely a walk would do us both good, and

I could collect some eggs for lunch. James had casually warned me to watch Chris Hensworth (the silky bantam rooster) adding “he can be a bit funny sometimes”.

This was a perfect opportunity to bond with Sylvester, and have back up if Chris got ‘funny’. Besides, how much trouble can a five kilo rooster cause?

It all went wrong immediately. Visualise the Maniac dance scene in the movie Flashdance (Chris’ opening moves), and then pretty much any sword scene from Kill Bill for his final moves as he literally knocked me over and spurred me in the leg. Sylvester watched on in silent disgust. Chris was coming back for a second attack when I spied the week old Pana di Casa breadstick I had forgotten about and put in the chook food. It had the consistency and weight of a concrete garden gnome, and in desperation seemed the perfect weapon with which to defend myself.

I’m not ashamed to say I clubbed that bird with a stroke that Sachin Tendulkar would be proud of, but which sadly only seemed to cause Chris mild discomfort. It did, however, discourage a further assault.

I sat down and began to cry quietly, resting my head on my knees. A wet nose and shaggy head pushed under my arm and gently licked my tears away. My heart soared and I knew Sylvester had finally accepted me into his pack. And to think, if Chris Hensworth hadn’t attacked me, maybe that would never have happened.

BEST PIE 2022

Mum’s musical journey

By Matt Hewson

Every parent knows, despite the many joys, just how difficult the early years of raising children can be; sleepless nights, constant illnesses, tempertantrumsandtheneedfornever-ending vigilance take their toll.

The pressures of parenting, in terms of both time and finances, often require parents – especially mothers – to make big sacrifices when it comes to careers and personal pursuits.

Anna-Lee Robertson’s intimate, funny and reflective show, AfterBirth–aCabaret, springs from this all-too-common experience.

Originally hailing from Port Fairy in Victoria’s south-west, Robertson has performed in both the Australian and West End productions of ThePhantomoftheOpera, studied at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music and Yale University, and even voiced the Wiggles’ Dorothy the Dinosaur.

But when she and her husband decided a decade ago to move to Geelong and start a family,Robertsonputherperformingcareeron hiatus to concentrate on raising her children.

“I shelved my working, performing life and, essentially, my creativity while my babies were young,” Robertson said.

“They’re the best of years, but they’re also the most gruelling years. You hear so many mums talkaboutthatlossofselfandhavingtosideline all the things that you’ve worked toward prior to having babies.

“You’re very happy to do it, but inevitably there is a time when that rears its head and you feel you need to get back to it. So in 2020 I truly felt like I was being tapped on the shoulder –come on, it’s time now. You’ve got no excuse, sit at the piano and start singing again.”

As the pandemic dragged on Robertson continued to work on After Birth, finding

that as time went on the show she was writing became more and more celebratory.

“It was a long process, in terms of that it’s naturally evolved; with the limited opportunities in those couple of years to get it out there, my lens on the whole show changed,” she said.

“What I have now is a very reflective, retrospective and very affectionate account of the early years of parenting.”

Joined by well-known pianist Mark Jones, Robertson weaves her story with and through a collection of timeless musical theatre tunes,

Pub trivia with a twist

For many people, their first experience with contemporary dance can be a confusing one, perhaps something along the lines of “I liked it, but what the hell did I just watch?”

That confusion is exactly what acclaimed Australian dancer Joel Bray seeks to explore in his unique pub trivia show, ILikedIt,BUT…

I Liked It, BUT … seeks to bring contemporary dance down from the lofty heights and into the pub scene, initiating an interactive discussion about what dance is within the setting of the familiar pub trivia night. The show follows many parts of the typical trivia night, with questions and prizes, but also includes more interactive elements.

“I talk about my experience as a dancer and the art form, I perform dance movements from my own works as a way to illustrate what we’re talking about,” Bray said.

presenting her experiences in a witty, honest and self-deprecating fashion.

“There is humour, there’s theatricality and greatmomentsvocally,butit’sequallypoignant, and there are songs that are very funny and have great comedy in them,” Robertson said.

“My byline for the show is that it’s a panacea for every exhausted and devoted parent. But you don’t have to be a mum to enjoy this; I think there is something in it for everyone.”

Robertson will perform After Birth – a Cabaret at the Potato Shed, Drysdale on Saturday, May 13.

“There’s a moment where people are invited to dance with me, there’s a lot of humour, silly costumes and props, just lots of fun.”

A proud Wiradjuri man, Bray’s works explore both his Indigenous heritage and queer sexuality, an aspect he said was also “incidentally” present in ILike It,BUT…

Bray works with a local musician each time he performs the show, and for the Geelong dates will partner with local indie musician Matilda Hassall. ILikedIt,BUT…isat LittleCreatures Brewery from May 11-13.

Anna-Lee Robertson and her daughters. (Joanne O’Keefe)

SUDOKU

No. 131

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.

1 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)

4

5 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8) 6 Taking something by force (10)

DECODER WORDFIT

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”.

axing, dean, deign, dine, ding, ending, expand, EXPANDING, gain, gained, ginned, inane, index, nape, neap, nine, pain, pained, pane, pang, panned, pend, pending, pine, pined, ping, pinged, pinned

No. 131

1 Is a monteith a type of bowl, cape or curtain?

2 The tangelo is a hybrid of which two fruits?

3 Who played Susan in the 1980s film Desperately SeekingSusan?

4 In which country would you find the Hôtel de Glace?

5 What does the Latin phrase caveatemptor mean?

6 What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

7 What is a farthingale?

8 The emblem of which Australian state or territory belongs to the same genus as cotton?

9 In which year did the Berlin Wall (pictured) fall?

10 In terms of carbon dating, what does BP stand for?

No. 131

No. 131

No.

annex, aping,

A ‘surprise’ flame robin sighting

The appalling duck shooting season has startedanditrestrictsbirdloversfromvisiting Lake Connewarre at this time of year.

Vale the ducks that are killed in our beautiful wetlands in the name of sport.

I haven’t had to travel far from my home to see some lovely birds. In the local park which I call Sue’s Park after the lady that plants the trees and maintains the gardens, I’ve seen many crimson rosellas, including some juveniles that are moulting into adult plumage.

Crimson rosellas can be nomadic like many birds at this time of the year, when mountainous regions become cold at night, so some birds move to warmer coastal regions. In the non-breeding season, crimson rosellas can be seen in pairs or small flocks when they are feeding.

These birds inhabit forests and woodlands, where they can be seen feeding on seeds on the ground and also consuming fruit, seeds, nectar, berries, and nuts from plants and trees.

I was riding my bike north of Jenelle Way on the paddocks that lead to Coastal Boulevard in Ocean Grove when, to my surprise, there was a male and female flame robin on a farm fence.

I was surprised to see them as there haven’t been as many flame robins around the Bellarine in recent years. I recently went to Ocean Grove Nature Reserve to see if I could spot any, to no avail.

Flame robins are another bird that is migratory in that they move from mountainous regions to flatter and thus

COMMUNITY OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

warmer areas in autumn and winter in the non-breeding season.

In the same area there was a flock of around 20 European goldfinch, which are finches that were introduced to Australia around the 1850s from Europe. These small birds have a red face, a black and white head, brown upper parts, with white underparts and black and yellow wings.

There must be some lovely seeds on the ground in the paddocks that this flock of birds

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were busily feasting on, as they feed on small seeds including thistle seeds, grass seeds and also some tree seeds.

The other magnificent birds that I have seen in the local area were a flock of around 20 yellow-tailed black cockatoos. They were moving from tree to tree in Sue’s Park, feeding on seeds, and were calling raucously which attracted many people and dog walkers to their presence.

To my knowledge, the cockatoos have not

been back to the area since, as they move around in search of food.

There has been a black tern seen at Western Treatment Plant over the past few weeks. It is a small tern usually seen in Europe, Western Asia and North America.

ForthisbirdtobeseeninsouthernAustralia is quite incredible. Personally, I didn’t get a chance to see this bird but I know a few people including local birdwatcher Angus Hartshorn did lay eyes on it.

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.

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea, Monday May 8, 10am-noon. Home cooked morning tea, raffles and spot prizes.

Donation entry $5.

Club meets first and third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Book club

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

Carpet bowls

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

■ 0400 500 402

Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway Leopold on Saturdays. Admission $10 includes sandwiches and cakes.

■ 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual

clothing and flat shoes.

■ Jane, 0481 126 022

Chess clubs

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)

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly

Tuesday: indoor bowls, snooker and chess 1pm

Wednesday: beginner art painting class at 9.30am, bingo 1.30pm and chord club jam session for musicians 4pm

Thursday: social afternoons, cards 500 and snooker 1pm

Friday: sketching art class 9.30am, indoor bowls 1pm

Fortnightly

CWA 1st and 3rd Thursday 7.30pm Monthly Book group 1st Friday 1pm

Inhouse movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm

Ocean Grove Stamp Club 4th Wednesday 10am

■ 5255 2996

Cards

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 like-minded players. Cost: $20 annually and coffee included.

At 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

■ Lyn, 5256 2540

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged Students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.

■ Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

■ oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com or 0428 546 796

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.

■ Barry, 0409 161 129

Ocean Grove on Barwon Probus Meets 9.45am for 10am every third Wednesday at Ocean Grove Golf Club.

■ gwen.anne.james@gmail.com

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.

■ Lorraine, 0412 805 858

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) 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

Afternoon tea dance

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

■ 5251 3529

CWA Drysdale

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members.

■ Jenni, 0452 258 333

Jen’s photo of a flame robin on a farm fence in Ocean Grove and, inset, a crimson rosella.

Out and about

Drysdale hosted Portarlington at Mortimer Oval for a blockbuster Bellarine Football Netball clash on Anzac Day. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there among the crowds.

1/ Glynn Chisholm with Kip, Emily Chiholm and daughter Lottie and Alby, Caitlin, Quinn and Toby Munday. 2/ Erica Payne and Jessie Sykes. 3/ Jo Vaughan and son Reggie. 4/ Jayden and Jess Pulford and son Koda. 5/ Maddie Hopgood and daughter Hazel. 6/ Annabel Dalgleish and daughter Margo. 7/ Beck McInerney with Charlie. 8/ Nathan McGuire and son Harry. 9/ Jan Dalgleish and granddaughter Dorothy. 10/ Nicole Thomson, Rebecca Pigott and Mary Poole. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 329865

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Outback gets better with age

By Chris Riley

After all these years, I still think of the Subaru Outback as a wagon rather than SUV – the Forester too.

Unfortunately,youcan’tbuyadieselOutback anymore, but the latest turbocharged petrol version certainly addresses any perceived deficiencies in performance.

And, like a fine wine, Outback continues to get better with age.

Its one major gap in an otherwise impressive repertoire remains the fact that it seats only five.Infact,Subaruhasn’tofferedaseven-seater as part of its range since the propeller-nosed Tribeca in 2013.

Butyou’renotlikelytoreceiveanycomplaints from those five passengers in a car that really sets a benchmark for comfort and features, given its relatively modest price.

Styling

Prices for Outback start from $42,690. Two turbocharged versions are offered: Outback AWD Sport XT is $52,190 while Outback AWD Touring XT is $55,990 - $5000 more than their standard counterparts.

To distinguish turbo models, they feature dual tailpipes to go with the extra performance, although they are barely visible below the back bumper.

There’s also an ’XT’ badge (remember the powerhouse XT Forester) and LED fog lights that are made up of six LEDs - we’re told it’s an homage to the Subaru badge which features six stars.

Infotainment

Subaru was slow to the infotainment party, but has made up for lost time with a big, impressive system that’s dominated by a large 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen.

It has been redesigned to make it more user friendly, with new shortcut buttons, updated climatecontrolbuttonsandfullscreenAndroid Auto.

XT Sport features Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ Digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with six-speaker audio. The CD player has gone to God.

Physical buttons such as the climate control panel have been integrated into the screen, with convenience and operability prioritised

through shortcut switches for some frequently used features.

Safety

Five-star safety starts with eight airbags, a rear-view camera and Autonomous emergency braking (Car to Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover).

EyeSight 4.0 features roadside speed sign recognition, adjustable speed limiting, and intersection crash avoidance using new cameras with a wider field of view and a lower profile inside the cabin.

There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

Driving

Apart from the turbocharged engine, the other big change is the switch to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is stiffer and provides the scope to use alternative powertrains -- such as hybrid or fully-electric setups.

With maximum torque kicking in from a low 2000 revs, Subaru says the turbo does the dash from 0-100km/h about 22 per cent quicker than naturally aspirated models (but they don’t reveal what that time is).

Auto Stop-Start now incorporates “Change of Mind Control“ which as its name suggests, restarts the engine within 0.2 of a second -- if

you change your mind.

Althoughdescribedassymmetricalall-wheel drive, like most systems these days it is actually a part-time system with torque transmitted to the rear wheels as required (read the fine print).

In manual mode the CVT features seven steps or simulated gears, with the addition of Intelligent and Sport modes plus two-mode X-Mode for off-road driving.

With 213mm of ground clearance, X-Mode is designed for use below 40km/h with one setting optimised for snow and dirt and the other for deep snow and mud.

Fuel consumption from the 63-litre tank is a claimed 9.0L/100km compared to 7.3L/100km for the standard model, and it takes premium 95 unleaded.CO2 emissions are 204g/km.

The suspension has been re-tuned to accommodate the new engine, with different settings for the springs and dampers, and the result is first rate.

The extra torque of the turbocharged engine has also allowed the tow capacity to be increased 400kg, up from 2000 to 2400kg.

Outback is easy to get in and out of, with a cabinthatisaniceplacetobe.Theseatsarelarge and comfy, something Subaru has always done well, and the ride is quiet and buttery smooth (in contrast to the Jeep we drove previously).

All-round vision is excellent and you can see where the front of the bonnet is when it comes to parking.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Outback 2.5: $42,690

Sport 2.5: $47,190

Touring 2.5: $50,990

Sport XT 2.4: $52,190

Touring XT 2.4: $55,990

SPECIFICATIONS

Subaru Outback XT Touring 2.4-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon

The large physical blind spot lights that never fail to capture attention.

Elbow room is a bit snug however, so be sure to try it on for size.

The interior layout looks pretty much the same as the previous Outback that we drove a couple of years back, but the front seats have been redesigned with advanced shaping and support to reduce fatigue over longer distances.

Although the infotainment system looks impressive, the instrument cluster has a bit of catching up to do.

It retains old-style analogue gauges that flank a small central driver info screen with fuel consumption figures etc.

We finished on 10.1L/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving, but expect this to be higher around town.

Summing up

The Subaru Outback is not perfect, but that is the word that springs to mind.

The turbocharged engine adds some punch and extra towing ability, but be prepared to pay a penalty in fuel consumption.

However, it’s the comfort and ride quality that leave a lasting impression -- one that you’ll want to take home.

The next step in the evolution of the wagon is a hybrid version, followed we assume by a fully-electric Outback sometime down the track.

Subaru’s Outback ... you won’t want to give it back. (Pictures: Supplied)

Ammos prove tough opposition

Ocean Grove hosted Geelong Amateur on Saturday, April 22 and both clubs look like being strong this season. Justin Flynn took these pictures of the under-19s and D grade games.

Left: Lexie Annand was excellent in defence for the Under 19s. Centre: Madeline Goodger accepts the pass. Right: Emma Sinkinson gets airborne.

Lexie Annand patrols goal defence.

Top left: Ammos’ Grace Caspari looks for an option, but Grubber defenders Lexie Annand and Milla Bella make things difficult. Top right: And the ball goes into the net. Below: Charlotte Teague and Grace Caspari battle for the ball. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 330807

Tylah Foley with the ball, and left, Tylah has a shot for goal.

Tina Birch in goal.

Tia Holdsworth faces some stern defence from Emma Sinkinson.

Tough going for young Grubbers

Ocean Grove Tyrrell found the going tough in its under-18s grading match against Geelong Amateur. Justin Flynn was at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday, April 22 to capture some of the second half action.

Above: Oscar Condon was one of Ocean Grove’s best.

Below: Three-quarter time. The huddle must have worked. Ocean Gorve kept Ammos to two goals for the quarter.

Above: Sam Iddles gets his kick away despite strong opposition from Kayden McCracken Right: Ocean Grove held its own in the last term.

Above: Jams Devine was in everything for the Grubbers. Right: Ammos proved too good for the Grubbers. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 330804

Above: James Dean in action. Left: Oliver Martino racks up another possession. Right: Oliver Martino breaks free.

James Devine was strong in the air.

Blicavs a Cat for two more years

Geelong premiership big man Mark Blicavs has signed on for another two years with the Cats.

Blicavs, a dual best and fairest winner, is coming off a flag and All-Australian selection in 2022.

Blicavs, 32, a former runner and category B rookie, has played 234 games since his 2013 debut and has been used in the ruck, through the midfield, and as a key defender.

He has had a strong start to this season and spent more time in the ruck with Rhys Stanley (fractured eye socket) sidelined.

“Very happy they gave me the opportunity

way back at the end of 2011 when they didn’t need to or have to and I’m very grateful,” Blicavs said.

“Loving living and playing here so a pretty easy decision.”

In a statement, Cats list boss Andrew Mackie said: “Mark continues to be a really important player for us”.

“He has shown a high level of consistency over his career and has worked extremely hard to become the player he is, and his high training standards see him continue to improve each season.

“While Mark plays a critical on-field role, he

is also a leader off it. He is a popular member of the team and has great relationships across the playing squad.”

Speedy young midfielder Mitch Knevitt has also signed for another two years.

“Super grateful just to have more time just to learn and get better at the club,” he said.

“(We’ve) got such great oplayers to learn off. They’re so good with us young boys helping guide us through.”

The Geelong local was pick No.25 in the 2021 AFL draft and played two games last season and has added another two, including one as a substitute, this year.

Whiting still on the chew

ON THE BITE

The outer harbour of Corio Bay has had some fantastic reports of King George whiting with anglers finding large numbers of fish and at a quality size.

Some anglers are taking home bags of fish with the average around 40cm with some over 45cm, which is a fantastic fish for this area. Fishing the tides with squidhasbeensupereffectiveandhaving burley in the water certainly helps.

Around the peninsula has had some really good gummy shark fishing inside the bay with St Leonards through to Queenscliff fishing quite well. Fishing the tides with fresh salmon or squid for bait is proving to be irresistible to the gummies. Some anglers have been landing numerous sharks in a session with some to 15kg.

Calamari also remain a high interest for anglers and for good reason as they seem to be in fantastic numbers across the peninsula. Size 3.0 and 3.5 jigs are working best with Duel Squid Jigs doing some serious damage.

Tournament a positive experience

LOCAL TENNIS

State League Championships is a concept that was trialled last year by Tennis Victoria with 16 teams across two sections.

This year at Royal South Yarra and Kooyong Tennis Clubs and Melbourne Park, 72 teams splitintoninesectionsofeightwithpremiership teams from across the state invited to compete against each other.

Nine teams from various Tennis Geelong competitions participated in a doubles tournament with a chance to be crowned best in the state for their standard.

Several of the teams have shared their experiences:

Winks Wizards (Thursday Triples Summer S2): We are very proud to have won the grand final in Section 7 yesterday in Melbourne. The team had a terrific weekend playing at Royal South Yarra TC and at Melbourne Park. We playedourbesttennisinthegrandfinalagainst the Kingsville Knockers. We thoroughly recommendthisopportunityandthankTennis Geelong and Tennis Victoria for holding this tournament which allowed for the first time, association grand finalists to compete against their peers at the state level.

Wandana Heights Blue (Saturday Winter S2): We played in Section 7 in the State

Championships. On Saturday we had two close matches, a tie against Peninsula and a two-game loss against Kingsville. On Sunday Wandana Blue had a comfortable win against Lancefield and finished second in their pool.

Barwon Heads (Midweek Winter S5): Our team played Section 9 against other women’s teams. It was an amazing fun weekend full of unknowns and firsts for us all. We are proud and were delighted to have made it to the grand final at Royal South Yarra Tennis Club on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. Although our opposition Eley Park was way too strong forusitwasanexciting,enthrallingexperience.

Moolap Two Phones Chol and Goats (Thursday Triples Summer S1 and Spring 1 S2): We were fortunate enough to have two teams accept the invitation to attend the weekend tournament. Expectations were low, as everyone was looking forward to the experience of playing at world class venues in Kooyong LTC and Royal South Yarra LTC. CholsfinishedchampionswhiletheGoatswere runners-up.

Newcomb (Saturday Summer S5 Mixed): We played in Section 8 at the championships. We had a great time and the weather was magnificent. The teams we played were great too. We all enjoyed the cocktail party. It was well organised and all the Tennis Victoria people were very helpful.

Down the west coast, the tuna are going very well with Portland on fire with school fish. Gone fishing charters has been dominating down there getting their customers on lots of fish with the odd big boy popping up here and there. Thecrewlandedoneontheweekendthat went 77kg (dressed). If you are chasing a barrelthenitisworththelittleextradrive and getting down to Port MacDonnell as the fish down that way are going really well with reports coming through nearly daily (weather permitting).

Skirted lures are working very well such as the JB’s and Billmark Lures with some fish also coming off live baits.

Moving inland and the High Country mountain rivers and streams have been fishing very well with both brown and rainbow trout on the chew. The flow is just right and has turned the fish on big time.

Peri and Adam from Trellys Geelong made the drive up over the weekend landing heaps of fish with Rapala F5s proving to be a standout yet again.

Mark Blicavs and Mitch Knevitt have both re-signed for two more seasons. (Ivan Kemp) 332373_13

Donna Schoenmaekers

SLC Newcomb: Ava Wharton, Peter Wharton, Dianna Spork and Darren Turner with members of Peninsula team Eden Park. (Supplied)

SLC Wink Wizards: Boon Kweh, Brett Salajan, Rohan White and Kien Wong. (Supplied)

Peri Stavropoulos with a nice rainbow trout from the hills. (Supplied)

Bridge battle blockbuster awaits

By Justin Flynn

After two consecutive losses, Ocean Grove has turned its focus onto the huge round six Battle of the Bridge against cross-river rivals Barwon Heads.

The rivalry between the two clubs is one of the fiercest in country footy.

“Wayd Piec is on our coaching panel, he and I both played junior footy at both clubs,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.

“I was only 12 but remember clearly attending the most memorable one, the ‘94 grand final.

“Our group is enormously proud of the club’s history, but is pretty good at not being distracted from our medium and longer term goals and the need for continued improvement. We won’t be overplaying this one that’s for sure.”

Barwon Heads was flying, but ran into a

charged up Torquay side last weekend and suffered its first loss.

Ocean Grove is coming off a six-point loss to Geelong Amateur and a 31-point defeat at the hands of Drysdale.

Farrell said the Seagulls would be hurting, but that wouldn’t affect the way his side will prepare for the game.

“Two weeks ago people asked about us playing a proud Ammos on the rebound from Barwon Heads and now Barwon Heads are on the rebound from Torquay,” he said.

“It’s a great competition and I don’t think anyone this early is placing too high an importance on one win or loss.

“Torquay are an awesome outfit and showed that on the weekend, but I’m sure the result hasn’t bruised Barwon Heads’ confidence. They can still get the job done later in the year.”

Farrell said turnovers were costly in the loss

to Drysdale on April 29. The Hawks led by 35 points at the main break, but Ocean Grove improved in the second half to go down, 12.9(81) to 16.16(112).

“We gave up nine goals from direct turnovers,” Farrell said.

“Drysdale’s pressure was good, but we perceived it to be greater than it was. Most of these errors weren’t forced.”

TomRugglesbootedeightgoalsforDrysdale in an outstanding individual performance up forward.

“I thought Funky (Glenn Campbell) was terrific on him – Ruggles is a really tough match-up and whoever plays on him needs some help,” Farrell said.

“They have a really good spread of talent forward and the pressure we put ourselves under with our turnovers and lack of pressure on the ball coming in meant all our defenders were caught one vs one.”

Results

ROUND 5, April 29

A Grade: Ocean Grove 62 def Drysdale

56. Best: Georgia Finn, Mia Smith, Georgia Ryan.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 44 def

Drysdale 41. Best: Isabel Hackett, Amelia Cunningham, Gemma Bell.

C Grade: Ocean Grove 27 def by Drysdale 46. Best: Alyse O’Keefe, Kate Titheridge (20 goals), Heidi Bennett.

D Grade: Ocean Grove 28 def Drysdale

27. Best: Monet New, Paula Birch.

E Grade: Ocean Grove 37 def Drysdale

14. Best: Hannah Quinn (24 goals), Emilie Punton, Kylie Collett.

19 & Under: Ocean Grove 23 def

Drysdale 22. Best: Charlotte Teague, Anika Bult (17 goals), Lexie Annand.

17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

13 def by Drysdale 28. Best: Ella Brown, Giselle Dawson, Sofia Dickeson.

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

33 tied with Drysdale 33. Best: Scarlett Sadler (19 goals), Alice Molloy (14 goals), Molly McLean.

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

27 def Drysdale 25. Best: Ella Brown, Emma Barry (20 goals), Billie Cook.

15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

31 def Drysdale 30. Best: Piper Needham, Annika Willis (21 goals), Mia Ryan.

13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

22 tied with Drysdale 22. Best: Isabella Montgomery, Amber Pallero, Heidi Armstrong.

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

24 def Drysdale 8. Best: Joie Clarke, Olivia Clark, Emma Robinson.

Ocean Grove’s six-point loss at home to Geelong Amateur on April 22 and the defeat to Drysdale has cost it a spot in the top five.

“We gave them (Ammos) a head start by not executing on our plan to limit their ability to get speed on the ball through the middle part of the ground,” Farrell said.

“In the first half their key forwards (Aaron) Willittts and (Jai) Sheahan got the ball delivered to their advantage too often. After half time we corrected that.”

The Battle of the Bridge is at Howard Harmer Oval, Barwon Heads on May 6 starting at 2.10pm.

In the reserves, Ocean Grove defeated Geelong Amateur by 10 points in round four and lost to Drysdale by 16 points in a low-scoring affair in round five.

The Grubbers are third on the ladder and take on the unbeaten Barwon Heads starting at noon.

ROUND 4, April 22

A Grade: Ocean Grove 51 def by Geelong

Amateur 77. Best: Georgia Ryan, Rebecca O’Neill (35 goals), Lexie Annand.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 60 def Geelong

Amateur 45. Best: Gemma Bell, Meg Badrock, Jesse Sutton (22 goals).

C Grade: Ocean Grove 24 def by Geelong

Amateur 37. Best: Heidi Bennett, Emily Quinten, Matilda Kelly (12 goals).

D Grade: Ocean Grove 37 def Geelong

Amateur 36. Best: Emma Sinkinson, Tina Birch 16 goals), Tarryn Stanley.

E Grade: Ocean Grove 26 def by Geelong

Amateur 32. Best: Claire Sheridan, Anabelle Sargeant, Hannah Quinn (14 goals).

19 & Under: Ocean Grove 23 def by Geelong Amateur 35. Best: Tylah Foley, Charlotte Teague, Abbey Cowley.

17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

40 def Geelong Amateur 21. Best: Ella McGlynn, Chelsea Ferguson, Evie Hines.

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove

13 def by Geelong Amateur 32. Best: Maggie Drake, Sienna White, Molly McLean.

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove

17 def by Geelong Amateur 29. Best: Maggie Drake, Ruby Armstrong, Bree Sampson.

15 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 26 def Geelong Amateur 23. Best: Annika Willis (18 goals), Charli Burke, Mikala Martin.

13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 21 def by Geelong Amateur 27. Best: Heidi Armstrong, Ruby Cook, Alana Farrow.

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 9 def by Geelong Amateur 24. Best: Crystal Wright, Emma Robinson, Joie Clarke.

Challenging two weeks ahead for Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove enters its round 6 Bellarine NetballLeagueAGradegameonMay6against Barwon Heads in third place on the ladder.

Defeat to Geelong Amateur in round 4 and a hard-fought win against Drysdale last week has the Grubbers at a 4-1 win-loss record for the season.

Barwon Heads is in fifth spot on the table and promises to be a tough match-up for the first Battle of the Bridge of the season.

Ocean Grove won by six goals against Drysdale after holding a three-goal buffer at the first change and led by six at half time,

three-quarter time and full time.

“We could have capitalised a little bit more on our turnovers,” co-coach Candice Parker said. “You’re going to take the win regardless, but there are still a few things to work on and a few coming back from injury.

“Drysdale were really good and fired up and shot really well.”

Georgia Berry is still a few weeks away with a calf injury and Rhiannon Whitson is being eased back into playing after suffering concussion in round three.

Ocean Grove faces Barwon Heads and

Queenscliff in the next two weeks.

“Ifeellikethesetwogameswillbeachallenge for us,” Parker said.

“There’s some really good competition and it will be good to see where we’re sitting.

“We always know we are going to have a physical game. They (Barwon Heads) always match up well against us. We just need to get off to a good start.”

Justin Flynn

Kassidy Werner is surrounded by Ocean Grove players. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 330807

Ammos’ centre Christine Beever passes.

Left: Ruby Hilderbrandt passes. Right: Zarly Smith looks for a teammate.

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