Ocean Grove Voice - 3rd May 2024

Golf ball bonanza for Grubbers

More than 1000 golf balls were dropped from a helicopter above Steeline Ray Menzies Oval for Ocean Grove Football Netball Club’s major fundraiser. In a closest to the pin competition, more than $10,000 in prizes were on offer with Waz and Pip Jankiwski’s number 259 golf ball taking out first prize. The chopper dropped 1137 golf balls on Saturday April 27 at the Ocean Grove vs Modewarre footy and netball games. Ocean Grove Cobras (pictured) players immediately set about retrieving the golf balls so the senior footy match could begin. Modda won the footy, but the Grubbers won the netball. ■ See Sport for the details.

Team Grove stars at Aussies

Ocean Grove’s small, but talented, surf lifesaving team achieved superb results at the Australian Surf Life Saving titles recently on the Sunshine Coast.

Coach Sonia Kinsey said large challenging surf conditions suited her young team.

The first part of the competition saw the under 13 to 15 age group race in individuals on the Saturday and teams events on the Sunday.

Georgie McIntyre was a stand out with a bronze medal in the under 15 girls board race.

“She was up the front of the field for the majority of the race and worked extremely hard to get third,” Kinsey said.

“Just making a final at national level is an excellent achievement but racing for a medal in an event such as the board race is right up there. It is very hard to win a medal in

a board race as the event is so popular, with large numbers of competitors and quite a few races just to make the final.”

Under 13 male athlete Grayson Hyde made the surf race final in what was his first ‘Aussies’ coming 17th, along with under 15 girl Chelsea Hanks coming 18th.

McIntyre’s younger sister Indigo also made the under 13 board final in her last year on the smaller nipper boards.

BROWSE OUR WIDE RANGE OF CARPET, FLOORING & RUGS

“It was great to see a number of under 13 kids come up and race at their first Aussies against the best in the sport,” Kinsey said.

“It will give them all something to work towards for next season if they choose to come up again.” A number of other team members made semi-finals, just falling short on making a final a number of times.

■ Continued: Page 6.

Business fest partnership Pier gets big response

More than 600 community members have had their say on the future of St Leonards Local Port Area Plan and the St Leonards Pier redevelopment.

The Local Port Area Plan is part of a $46 millioninvestmentannouncedintheVictorian Budget 2023-24 for critical works at piers and jetties across the state.

Over the last two months, Bellarine locals have been invited to have their say on the draft plans provided by Parks Victoria, to guide the future use and management of the St Leonards local port area.

Fishers, boaters, walkers, divers, and swimmers all had their say ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the current and future needs of the area while striving to balance the unique environmental,

cultural, and heritage aspects of St Leonards.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant advocated for this initial consultation period to be extended to ensure the community could have their say.

“I know just how passionate our community is about the future of the St Leonards local port area, which is why I advocated to extend the consultation period to ensure we can get the best result for Bellarine,” she said.

“St Leonards Pier is not just a pier, it’s a gathering point for the local community and for many it comes with cherished memories and time with family and friends.

“It was great to see so many locals, school kids and regular visitors participate in the surveybyParksVictoria,providingfeedbackto assist with the development of further plans.”

The community feedback provided on the draft plan will help to inform work on further designs from Parks Victoria. Additional consultation and community feedback will ensure the community is informed as the project progresses.

An Engagement Summary Report will be developed from feedback and will be distributed by Parks Victoria to those who have provided their email contact during the consultation process.

Interested community members can also sign up for updates on Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant’s website alisonmarchantmp. com.au

Further information regarding the project can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/st-leonardslocal-port-area-plan-project

Stroke survivor’s courage awarded

A Drysdale man is a finalist in the Stroke Foundation’s National Stroke Awards for his courage after surviving a stroke last year.

John O’Dowd, 57, is one of three finalists for the courage award after he walked out of rehabilitation after three weeks to attend his mother’s funeral after suffering a stroke on March 20, 2023.

Mr O’Dowd said he was surprised to be nominated for the award following an act to honour his mother.

“It’s a bit of an honour because there’s a lot of people going through a lot worse than me, so it’s a bit overwhelming to be in that position,” he said.

“Late one night, I was in bed and wanted to get up, but I couldn’t get out of bed as I had no strength and thought something was wrong.

“My wife heard me tossing and turning and couldn’t work out what was wrong, so she called an ambulance as she thought it was a stroke because I was slurring my words.”

Mr O’Dowd said he encouraged anyone who may have survived a stroke or know someone who has never to give up.

“Don’t give up and keep trying because, in my view, there’s always somebody worse off... and keep trying as you just don’t know what’s around the corner,” he said.

“I’ve never been exposed to strokes or people with a stroke, so I wasn’t very well educated on that sort of thing, and it was all very new to me and quite daunting.

“The support around you also makes a big differencebecauseit’sthelittlethingseveryday that are so hard. You don’t think they’re going to be too hard, but they are really hard.”

Stroke Foundation chief executive Dr Lisa Murphy said Mr O’Dowd had shown immense courage during his stroke recovery.

“He overcame major emotional and physical challenges to be able to attend his mother’s funeral which

for him,” she said. New South

Geelong council and Geelong Chamber of Commerce have announced a three-year partnership to deliver the Geelong Small Business Festival.

The festival, held in August each year, providesaccesstotraining,presentations and networking opportunities for small businessesintheregionandwillmarkits 14th year in 2024.

While the Chamber has supported the festival since its inception, the organisation stepped up its involvement last year to co-deliver the event with the City of Greater Geelong in what was hailed as the biggest and best iteration of the festival to date.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jeremy Crawford said the partnership meant the Chamber and the City could maximise their resources and expertise to create a “festival that continually evolves”.

“All businesses should have access to learning, education, and growth opportunities; this festival does exactly that,” Mr Crawford said.

“Geelong Chamber is committed to investing in initiatives that cultivate a healthier business ecosystem, where businessesthriveandourregionbenefits, a perfect alignment to the festival that makes a tangible impact each and every year.

“The three year partnership extension provides opportunities for us to invest in the brand equity of the festival and some longer term enhancements. This year we include physical small business hubs in Geelong, Torquay and on the Bellarine, a major change increasing the accessibility of the festival.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, chair of the Strong Local Economy portfolio, said the partnership would support the continued evolution of the festival.

“Small businesses make up around 97 per cent of all businesses in Greater Geelong, meaning they are the engine room of our local economy,” Deputy Mayor Aitken said.

“With a focus on championing local business and promoting investment opportunities to drive economic growth in our region, we are thrilled to work together again to deliver the Geelong Small Business Festival.

“Given we have so many experienced people in the region, I encourage community members in the business community to register their interest in running a session to share their knowledge at this year’s festival.”

Visit gsfb.com.au to register your interest or for more information.

would’ve been a tough moment

Wales’ Rebecca Schmidt-Lachlan

and Queensland’s Michael Denehy are also finalists for the courage award.

Jena Carr

John O’Dowd is a finalist for the National Stroke Awards’ courage award. (Ivan Kemp) 403861_01

Session to unpack draft budget

The Borough of Queenscliffe will unpack its latest draft budget at an upcoming presentation to help inform the community of the current financial situation.

Councillorsandcouncilofficerswillpresent the 2024-25 document and answer public questions at the Queenscliff Town Hall at 50 Learmonth Street from 6pm on Wednesday, May 8.

The draft budget was supported by council at its April 24 meeting and focuses on key strategic objectives to support community

well-being, protect the environment and address climate change.

Councillor Michael Grout said he liked the “gist” of the budget and that it was good to see a “breakeven budget” potentially being handed down to the next council.

“It’s only because we can manage our financial sustainability that we can then look at what quality of services we can offer,” he said. “We’re handing over a reasonably sustainable budget for the next council to work with. I may not like everything in the

budget, but I’m particularly keen to now hear what people in the community say about it.

“I’m sure we are going to be challenged to consider allocating funds to some things and maybe they can help us know where we can find the money to do that.”

Mayor Ross Ebbels said he encouraged the community to have their say on the draft budget by May 24.

“With a new council coming on board at the end of the year, I think its pleasing to see that this is a tough budget but, in many regards, it’s

Looking after wetland for the future

A wetland near Connewarre has received much-needed care and weeding to help preserve it for the future.

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) teamed up with Parks Victoria on a Rehabilitation Day event at Murtnaghurt Lagoon on Wednesday, May 1, as part of its Wetland and Waterway Series.

CVA project coordinator Yasmina Tulloch-Medigovich said the event encouraged the community to help preserve the wetland and engage with the surrounding nature.

setting the new council up,” he said.

“I know we’ve got quite a bit of money in allocated and unallocated reserves; our asset renewal has increased this year, and there’s the Murray Road money as well.

“So, from a cash point of view were looking really positive and I look forward to seeing what the new council does with that money.”

The community can view the Borough of Queenscliffe’s 2024-25 Draft Budget on the council’s website and make submissions by email to info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au

Three decades caring for bluff

Friends of the Bluff (FoB) is celebrating 30 years of environmental management and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

FoB is an environmental group that provides support, education, awareness and publicity for the physical regeneration of the Barwon Heads Bluff area’s natural vegetation and habitat.

Founding member and president Jon Duthie said FoB started as a group of friends who wanted to help revegetate the Bluff.

“The FoB was actually formed by a remarkable yet crazy woman called Bev Wood around 1994,” he said.

“We started working with bees, removing weeds, monitoring, taking photographs, counting plants, and working out what plants were here. Then, it progressed to become an education and interpretation group.

“Now, sitting up on the Bluff and seeing how much revegetation has come back and the signage and the pathways and everything that we’ve worked really hardfor,it’sverypleasingandsatisfying.”

Mr Duthie said he loved meeting and learning from many “extraordinary people” over the years and looked forward to working on future projects.

“It is a wetland of international significance and is recognised for its importance in supporting a variety of wildlife, including various threatened species of birds.”

Ms Tulloch-Medigovich said many invasive weed species had taken over the wetland’s native flora and overwhelmed the natural ecosystem.

“It’s very important for people to look after our natural wetlands and waterways...as they are some of the most biodiverse and productive

“Globallyandlocally,wetlandsaredegrading and disappearing at alarming rates, they are one of the most threatened ecosystems,” she said. “Despite its ecological and cultural significance, similar to many wetlands and waterways, Murtnaghurt Lagoon has degraded areas and requires rehabilitation.

ecosystems in the world,” she said.

“Wetlands are crucial for climate resilience, supporting communities and our environment to adapt and recover from the impacts of our changing climate.

“They are one of our greatest nature-based solutions to tackling climate change, having the ability to capture carbon up to 40 times faster than forests, and store it for thousands of years.”

Visit conservationvolunteers.com.au to learn more about CVA and get involved with further rehabilitation events.

“I’vegottohangoutwithsomefantastic people. There’s regular volunteers, marine biologists, horticulturalists, bird watchers, plant people and scientists,” he said. “We’re working on our second Barwon Heads Nature Festival, which will happen in late September. We started that last year, and we’re going to try to make it bigger and better this year.

“We’re constantly trying to get information out to people and teach people about the importance and significance of our local environment.”

Visit barwonbluff.com.au for more information about FoB.

CVA placement student Tamara Reyne and project officer Leah Edwards at Murtnaghurt Lagoon. (Ivan Kemp) 404441_04

Jena Carr

Witness the horse-riding benefits

By Jena Carr

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Barwon is having an open day near Ocean Grove to demonstrate the benefits of horse riding.

The event will occur at the Wallington Park Equestrian Centre at 1625 Bellarine Highway in Wallington from 10am on May 16.

Secretary Susan Dodson said the community would witness a horse-riding lesson to showcase what the RDA does for children aged 5 to 18, with tea and coffee also available.

“It (horse-riding) is pretty crucial, and the benefits go far beyond just actually learning to

ride a horse,” she said.

“We deal predominantly with primary-age children to increase self-confidence, well-being, motor skills, and balance.

“It all translates into better social and learning outcomes in the classroom and in their ability to connect socially. It’s a lot more than just riding a horse.”

MsDodsonsaidtheopendaywasalsoaway to thank everyone who financially supported the volunteer-run group that helps children with a diverse range of disabilities.

“The day looks to raise awareness in the community that we exist, we’re the only one around in the Geelong area,” she said.

“It’s also a thank you to our donors, without

which we couldn’t run because we don’t currently charge families or the schools and, of course, costs are rising.

“We’re always looking for volunteers. They do not need to have horse knowledge, it’s nice if they do, but they really don’t have to as they can very much learn on the job.”

Visit rdav.asn.au/centre/barwon for more information about RDA Barwon and how to volunteer.

is having an open day at the Wallington Park Equestrian Centre on May 16. (Supplied)

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Team Grove stars at Aussies

■ From page 1.

Day two was team’s day and the under 15 male and female board and Cameron relay teams made their finals, with a number of the other age groups performing well in the challenging conditions against top competition in teams and board rescue events.

Masters began their racing on the Monday, with a small band of three – Mel Fitzgerald, Amenah McDonald and Bethan Knapp. McDonald controlled her ski in tricky conditions to win her age group event. Wednesday was the start of open competition, with four athletes travelling up for the five days of racing.

Senior athlete Abbie Hanks raced in the under 19 age group, with young under 15 athlete Toby Hallam stepping up an age to join Zeke Lambourne, and Angus Borschman in the under 17 team’s events, with Lambourne and Borschman racing in their own individuals throughout the week.

The best result was Borschman’s 7th in the 2km soft sand run against a top field of runners.

RDA Barwon

Ocean Grove coach Sonia Kinsey with her team. (Pictures: Supplied)

Georgie McIntyre was a stand out with a bronze medal in the under 15 girls board race.

Rare opportunities now available at Bellarine Lakes

With only limited homes available in final stages we encourage you to find out what all the fuss is about at Bellarine Lakes before these brand new homes are sold.

Particularly at these never to be repeated prices and with an amazing cash back promotion of up to $30,000 and stamp duty savings of up to $70,000 – when will there be a better time?

Located close to the beach and only 7km from Geelong CBD, this country club, with its own private golf course it’s a lifestyle choice thatourresidentsandthethrivingcommunity simply love.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase one of the last remaining newly built villas.

The popular three bedroom plus study, 21 square Eden Beach and the spacious two bedroom open plan Belford Waters design have been highly sought after in our last stages of development.

The Eden Beach design offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, open plan living, extensive outdoor entertaining and a double garage. A stylish kitchen featuring stone bench tops, loads of storage and quality appliances. The home has all the features you could possibly desire and the comfort of low maintenance living with resort style facilities in your own backyard.

gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor lap pool, alfresco dining and a beautifully appointed community clubhouse which houses a cinema, billiard room, craft room, medical room, library, fully equipped catering kitchen, club bar and even indoor carpet bowls.

lifestyle choices, Bellarine Lakes Country Club may offer the lifestyle you have been looking for.

In addition to scheduled monthly events there are around 30 activity groups offering a diverse range of activities including; cycling, fishing, aqua aerobics, walking groups, wine appreciation, craft and card groups.

The enviable resort style living facility includes; a private golf course, a four-rink bowling green, tennis court, hobby workshop,

These are simply a few of the wonderful social activities the residents enjoy. If you are seeking a sea change and a low maintenance, quality living environment which offers security, social companionship, freedom and

Join us at our information session on Thursday May 16 at 1.30pm. RSVP is essential as spaces are limited. Contact Bellarine Lakes Country Club todayorvisit402BellarineBellarineHighway, Moolap. Our friendly lifestyle consultant Lisa Duke welcomes any queries you may have. Inspections are always welcome.

Contact Lisa directly to arrange a private tour on 0447 495 400 or FreeCall 1800 255 578.

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 25th and 26th May 2024 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

Organised by the Austin 7 Club, the 47th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Join the Bellarine Lakes information session on May 16 and live the resort style living every day. (Supplied)

Lest we forget

Ocean Grove paused on Anzac Day for a dawn service and a midmorning march and service to remember our fallen Anzacs. Justin Flynn was at the mid-morning march down The Terrace and the service at Ocean Grove Park.

Ocean Grove scouts.

WWII veteran Roy Porter (left) and Craig Bearman. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 401014

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL sub-branch president Phil Edwards.

Bike track in the budget

By Cr Trent Sullivan

Last month council endorsed the release of the 2024-25 proposed budget for public exhibition.

The production of the budget is one of the biggest tasks for Council each year, and I am so thankful to my councillor colleagues and officers for the tireless work they have put in to getting it to this point.

As this is a draft budget, it is now open for the community to provide feedback and let us know their thoughts.

Like many organisations council is operating in a challenging financial climate as we continue to experience the impacts of global inflation and substantially higher costs.

And like all sustainable organisations, when we plan our expenditure, we must do so with both the present and the future in mind.

As such we have taken a very careful and considered approach to developing the draft budget and have landed on what is a very positive result.

It features strong investment in facilities and services that our growing community values highly.

Locally, one of the highlights for me is the $3.5 million allocated to the Ocean Grove Bike Track.

Plans for such a facility in Ocean Grove have been around for several years following the creation of a high number of unsafe jumps during the COVID lockdowns.

There has been so much work completed in the past few years on this project, both from officers and the community.

There have been numerous engagement sessions and the formation of a Community Reference Group to look at where the best location would be to house this facility.

Upon completion, the centre will contain features such as dirt jumps, an asphalt pump track and a skills trail.

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

It is important that we encourage people to be active and providing facilities such as this one is a key part of catering to bike riders living in the Bellarine as well as contributing to the overall health of the community.

The proposed budget is available for community feedback until 5pm on Wednesday May 22 via geelong.link/ Budget24-25

All submissions will be considered before the final budget is presented to council for consideration during our June meeting.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

New roundabout to get underway

Works are underway on a new roundabout in Clifton Springs.

The roundabout, at Bay Shore Avenue and Jetty Road, is being built under the state government’s Safe Roads and Streets Program.

The Clifton Springs project is the first cab off the rank for the $210 million program, which supports local governments statewide to deliver road safety projects on local roads.

The City of Greater Geelong identified the location as priority areas for upgrades.

Crews are on the ground to build a roundabout featuring raised pedestrian crossings at the site, which is expected to be completed by the middle of the year.

Once the roundabout is complete, a reduced speed limit on the road will be introduced to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.

“Crews are on site right now delivering a new roundabout in Clifton Springs, improving pedestrian and driver safety to ensure it is easier and quicker for all road

users travelling through the area,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.

“Upon completion, the new roundabout will contribute to improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for all members of the community,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

Local government authorities own and operate 87 per cent of Victoria’s roads, and about 40 per cent of road trauma occurs on council-managed roads each year.

Recognisingthebarrierslocalgovernments face in delivering road safety improvements, councils will work closely with the Department of Transport and Planning and the Transport Accident Commission to identify and carry out safer infrastructure upgrades.

The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program will run until June 2027, working with every state local government to plan, design and deliver safety improvements on the highest-risk local roads, intersections, and precincts.

Tolhurst steps down

Isabelle Tolhurst has resigned as Borough of Queenscliffe’s mayor, with councillor Ross Ebbels stepping in to take her place.

Cr Tolhurst announced her resignation as mayor during council’s April 24 meeting and willremainonascouncillorfortheremainder of the council term to accommodate the arrival of her second child.

“I feel obliged to step down, but it was the level of demand and intensive community involvement that was the source of great reward in the role,” she said.

“Serving as mayor has been one of the great privileges of my life...and I look forward to serving the community for the remainder of the term (as councillor).

“Specifically, I wish to thank the community. It is your commitment to each

LABOR’S TAX CUTS

other, the drive for better, the passion for people and place that makes the job so special.”

Cr Tolhurst was first elected to council by a countback in 2022, elected as mayor later that year, and was re-elected as mayor in 2023.

Cr Ebbels was voted in as the new mayor during the council meeting. He said he understood that stepping down as mayor would have been a difficult decision for Cr Tolhurst.

“I’m honoured to have the support of my fellow councillors in electing me as mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with councillors, officers and our community, and I thank Cr Tolhurst for her time and dedication in this role.”

Isabelle Tolhurst has resigned as Borough of Queenscliffe’s mayor. (Ivan Kemp) 335319_04

Kyiv ballet offers a double bill

By Matt Hewson

Geelong ballet enthusiasts will have the chance to witness world-class artists when the Grand Kyiv Ballet returns to Australia this May due to popular demand.

The Ukrainian company, who visited Geelong in July last year, will perform a double bill,presentinglegendaryUkrainianshowpiece Forest Song in one act before launching into a two-act version of the much-loved romantic comedy Don Quixote.

Artistic director Oleksandr Stoianov said the company had come a long way since he founded it in 2014.

“We started with just 30 dancers, most of them from different Ukrainian theatres; Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv and National Opera of Ukraine,” Stoianov said.

“We rented the costumes and created all the props ourselves, they were handmade, and we started with 33 performances in our first year. Now, we have more than 120 dancers, more than 80 productions and more than 300 performances per year.

“Mymainidea,whenIcreatedthiscompany, wastoseparatefromMoscowBallet.Twotimes in my life Russian has tried to take my home, the first time Crimea in 2014 and the second time in 2022.

“It’s very difficult for our people now, but they still try to smile, they still have power and they still fight for the future for our children. And not just for our children, for all civilians and the democratic world.”

Forest Song, based on the 1911 poetic play of the same name, tells the story of the love between mystical forest creature Mavka and man Lukash and contains many mythological images from Ukrainian folk talkies.

“This ballet is very important for Ukraine, for all the people who live in Ukraine now and Ukrainians who live in different countries,” Stoianov said.

“When we come with Forest Song, we bring

a piece of their country, a piece of their culture for them.

“And of course, ballet and art heal people. A lot of people have their problems at home, at work, and when they come to the theatre, it’s like a church; they can purify their mind, their soul, and they can be part of our fairy tale, of our story.

“Because ballet is often about love, about betrayal,aboutmysticism.It’sreallyinteresting and people, when they go home, they take with them a piece of our soul, a piece of our heart, a piece of our art.”

The Grand Kyiv Ballet is at Geelong Arts Centre on Tuesday, May 14.

Slowing down harder than it looks for musician

For local indie musician Stefan West, it’s all about timing.

Many artists struggle with procrastination, or a lack of motivation or momentum stemming from self-doubt, causing projects to flounder and stall.

On the other hand, rushing things to completion before they have had time to properly develop has its own downsides.

It’s a dilemma West, who has been playing in bands since age 14 and is currently plotting out the timeline for his upcoming debut solo album Cambridge, knows well.

“To be honest, I was going to have dropped it already, but… it seemed a little bit silly to drop the16songsnowwithoutthetypeofaudienceI would want,” he said.

“With the way that everything is online now, and the beautiful gift that it is to be able to

find your audience, I’ve decided to take a step back and release, from the end of July, a single a month for seven months, and then drop the full album at the end of that.

“So I’m just taking the time to get that little bit ahead, and then invite all the people in that mightlikethetypeofmusicIhaverecorded.So it’s looking like it will probably be the start of next year now.”

West has already released three singles for Cambridge, which features collaborations with a plethora of musicians ranging from his trumpet-playing father to guitarist/singer Aaron Schembri (Ross Wilson, Renee Geyer, Ross Hannaford).

His latesttrack is Slow Down World, a fusion of indie, punk and folk sounds that came out in March.

The song serves as a great example of the

personal journey the album documents.

“Slow Down World is about when self help goes too far,” he said.

“It’s about trying absolutely everything that you hear might make you feel better, but you still feel stuck.”

Despite him asking nicely, the world doesn’t seemtobeslowingdownforWest;hegigsthree to five times a week, mostly in Geelong and Melbourne, while continuing to write songs and prepare for the release of Cambridge.

“It’shectic,gettingallthisstufforganised;it’s crazy, but it’s fun too,” he said.

“I used to laugh at Schembri… it took him four years to release his first album and I used to laugh and go, ‘what have you been doing for four years?’ I get it now.”

Aussie divas go to Graceland

around all the radio stations. And then the following week we were in lockdown, so that really put the kibosh on it.”

But all things come to those who wait. Once thecrisisperiodofthepandemicbegantopass, Knight and Matthews reignited the project, which is now in full swing.

“We’refriends,sothereasonwewantedtodo this is we just wanted to have fun together on stage,” Knight said.

“And it’s a real lot of fun. Wendy loves this, I don’t get it myself, but we’ve been called Patsy and Eddie (of Ab Fab fame) because we might tell a few stories about, you know, the 80s and the jiggery-pokery we were getting up to.”

Knight and Matthews are joined by four of Melbourne’s finest musicians in Sam Lemann (guitar), Darren Farrugia (drums), Lucas Taranto (bass) and Miro Lauritz (keyboards), delivering a show that is both endearing and

“People can expect to have a bit of fun, to have a bit of a sing with us, which I encourage greatly throughout the evening,” Knight said.

“Wendy and I, and the band, we’re having a lot of fun with beautiful songs, with the audience, and with each other.”

GraceKnightandWendyMatthewsperform Graceland on Sunday, May 19.

Ocean Breeze Dental unveils exciting expansion

Ocean Breeze Dental is thrilled to announce thecompletionofitsexpansionandrenovation, marking an exciting new chapter in delivering exceptional dental care to the community.

Situated in the heart of Ocean Grove in Trak Arcade,juststepsawayfromColes,thepractice has undergone a transformation to better serve their valued patients.

Founded by Dr Samantha Ho, who has been a trusted presence in Ocean Grove for more than a decade, Ocean Breeze Dental has now expanded to include a team of five experienced dentists.

This expansion not only allows them to accommodate more patients but also brings a wealth of specialised skills and expertise to the practice.

One of the exciting additions is the return of Dr Mahwash Masood, who has rejoined the team after practising overseas. Dr Masood specialises in orthodontic treatments and has already sparked enthusiasm among her former patients eager to continue their care with her.

In addition to expanding the Ocean Breeze Dental team, they have extended operating hours and introduced more evening appointment slots for added convenience.

Reception is now open longer and there are online booking options, making it easier than ever to schedule your dental visits.

Technological advancements are at the forefront of Ocean Breeze Dental’s services. They have embraced digital dentistry, eliminating the need for messy impressions with a state-of-the-art digital scanner. Patients can now view digital models that provide a clear visualisation of their dental health.

Ocean Breeze Dental have adopted near-infrared imaging (NIRI) to detect decay

without traditional radiation exposure. When x-rays are necessary, this cutting-edge digital x-ray equipment ensures minimal radiation for patient safety.

Ocean Breeze Dental’s commitment to patient care remains unwavering. They strive to offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including orthodontics and Invisalign, reducing the necessity for patients to seek specialised care elsewhere.

Dr Ho and her team are dedicated to providing gentle and personalised dental care in a welcoming environment. The mission is to ensure every patient receives the highest quality of service tailored to their individual needs.

Whether you’re due for a routine check-up or seeking specialised dental treatment, Ocean BreezeDentalisheretoserveyou.Visitthemat the newly expanded facility on Level 1 of Trak Arcade and experience the difference in dental care.

Theteamlooksforwardtocontinuingtoserve the Ocean Grove community with enhanced services and unwavering commitment to excellence in dental care.

For appointments and inquiries, contact 03 5255 2584 or visit oceanbreezedental.com.au

Dr Mahwash Masood (left) has rejoined Dr Samantha Ho’s team at Ocean Breeze Dental. (Supplied)

Stories of place and process

This week Australian musician and filmmaker Mark Lang launched his new project, a web-based series featuring interviews with well-known musicians filmed in the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum’s Fishermen’s Shed, as well as vignettes with locals. He spoke to Matt Hewson about his journey, from touring the world performing to the stillness of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.

Mark Lang does not look quite like one would expect a globe-trotting singer-songwriter, the former frontman of a successful indie band, to look.

Perhaps ‘look’ is not the right word; he is the perfect, slightly older image of the earnest young frontman of Skipping Girl Vinegar from the better part of 20 years ago, complete withtrademarkcapandslightlybashfulsmile.

What is unexpected is the absence of guile. It’s probably a stretch to say any person is not trying to be something, but Mark Lang seems to be trying a whole lot less than most.

It’s a quiet and disarming vulnerability, a trait that comes to the fore in his new YouTube series Out To Sea.

Filmed predominantly at the Fishermen’s Shed at Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, each episode of Out To Sea features a conversation of an hour or more between Mark and one of the country’s finest songwriters.

His guests, which include Emma Donovan, John Butler or Kate Miller-Heidke, are fellow musicians he has become friends with after years of touring the same circuits.

The interviews often focus on discussions about the creative process, how and why Mark and his guest make the music and art they make.

‘‘ Everyone’s in a rush to get somewhere. And actually to do meaningful work actually takes time ’’

- Mark Lang

The series also includes shorter vignettes focused on local personalities such as Elaine Janes – better known as the Chook Whisperer – sharing their stories to create a grass-roots mosaic of the Bellarine.

Speaking to me after the series’ launch event at the Maritime Museum, Mark expresses his gratitude to the people and organisations that gave him the space to let his creative process go to work.

“It’s been an adventure, and what’s been really amazing is the people that have believed in it from the beginning actually were patient, allowed it to fully develop into something,” Mark says.

“And it will continue to grow and develop as we go. But if I just quickly turned something around, we wouldn’t have been watching what we’re watching today, because it wouldn’t have had the time to breathe.

“Everyone’s in a rush to get somewhere. And actually to do meaningful work actually takes time.”

Not being in a rush is at the heart of why Mark and his family have made their home in Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale.

“(For Skipping Girl Vinegar’s) second record, I came down here with Nick Huggins, one of the producers; he had a holiday house in Point Lonsdale,” he says.

“And we just made the album over a winter. And being here for a good month or so, it just… I thought I was a city guy, but I kind of realised that I wasn’t.

“So my wife and I moved down here about 13 years ago; we came down here saying we’ll come for six months and see how we feel, and we just sort of never went back. It just feels like home.”

The essential characteristics of the place where Mark makes his home set the tone for Out To Sea, both in terms of process and product.

“There’s a humble gentleness about the area, there’s a real stillness,” he says.

“The motto of the council, I think, is something about being a safe harbour. (The

Borough of Queenscliffe’s motto is ‘Statio Tutissima Nautis’, or ‘the safest anchorage for sailors’.) And there’s something in that idea of a safe place for people to come and be still.

“Most podcasts, a lot of times it’s done online or in a sterile studio, and it’s generally in between things. They rush in, they do it, and then they get out.

“I don’t think we get to an authentic place when we’re rushing. We actually get to genuine relationships by giving time and space to actually know someone and allow them to reveal themselves.”

And that’s precisely what Mark gives his featured artists when they come to the region to film an episode with him. Mark’s guests stay at the Lon Retreat for a couple of days,

taking in the sights and getting to experience the area.

“I want all the artists to feel like we’re celebrating their work,” he says.

“In my mind, this is about providing a gift, and acknowledging them in their work, and giving them a chance to have some self-care, basically. Because when you’re on the road, it’s hard.

“I know myself, when I’m travelling around the world there are people I know and stay with; it’s like a safe harbour. So that’s kind of the general vibe.”

One of Mark’s biggest hopes is to see Out To Sea become a resource to help inspire and inform younger and emerging artists about creating their own life in the arts.

“It’s a labour of love, it’s not a money thing,” hesays.“It’sjustkindofcoveringitselfenough to be made, to get the team around it, to make it work.

“I didn’t feel myself for a long time there. I was trying to work out where I fit. And sometimes you just got to make the little universe you want to live in.

“I love being out on my boat, and I love having conversations with artists. I love songwriting, I love all that. I would always film things, making little documentaries when I was on tour.

“Somehow, here I am. It feels like all the things I’ve done across my career, all these little things have all kind of led to this moment.”

Australian musician and filmmaker Mark Lang launched his new project in Queenscliff. (Ivan Kemp) 402837_06

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Just Better Care at home

Age gracefully in the comfort of your own home thanks to Just Better Care.

Megan Sacks said the specialist home aged care support provider was “excellent at what they do” and had a “fabulous attitude” to their clients.

“I’ve got arthritis from my head to my toes, I’ve got metal joints everywhere and one thing I cannot do is raise my arms, I certainly can’t hang out washing,” she said.

“The biggest thing for me is keeping the house clean and having my little garden. It is small but exceedingly important to me and

my entire psyche.”

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Visit justbettercare.com/Geelong for more information.

Bellarine will specialists

Are homemade wills legal in Australia?

In short, yes. Homemade wills, also known as DIY wills, are legal in Australia. The idea of drafting a will at home may seem appealing due to its cost-effectiveness, however, it also carries risks.

The primary concern is the potential for errors, which can lead to disputes, delays, and additional costs in the future. Engaging a lawyer to prepare your will can provide peace of mind.

At KG Lawyers, they have the necessary legal knowledge and experience to ensure that your will is valid and accurately reflects your wishes. Their experienced practitioners can provide advice on complex issues specific

to your circumstances, which are often overlooked in homemade wills. KG Lawyers can also review your current will, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, and we can store your will in safe custody for you. The team has extensive experience and expertise and can guide our clients through the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and to navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence. KG Lawyers invites you to visit Kglawyers.com.au to use the estate planning tool, or call the office 5253 1238 so they may assist you.

KG Lawyers, the family firm on the Bellarine.

Just Better Care

client Megan Sacks.

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The team at KG Lawyers are your ultimate professionals. (Supplied)

Unsuccessful search for plover

I was looking at my phone one morning and noticed, via Facebook, that there was an American golden plover in full breeding plumage at Western Treatment Plant.

This inspired me to immediately take off in the car to WTP to try and see this unusual migratory shorebird. Facebook is good for some things.

I got to WTP by 7am on a cold and dull overcastmorning.IalwaysventuretoT-section lagoons first, so I made my way there, hoping that an owl or something similarly exciting would appear in the dull light. The WTP is such a large area and I had no idea where the American golden plover had been seen, so the T-section lagoons seemed like as good a place as any to start.

I saw an unusual bird in this area, in that there was an intermediate egret at the crake pond. There are five species of egrets in Australia, namely great, cattle, little, reef and intermediate egrets.

Little egrets can be readily seen around Queenscliff, and great egrets can be spotted around Lake Connewarre and other Bellarine wetlands. Cattle egrets hang around farm paddocks at the feet of cattle to feed on insects. Reef egrets can be either white or grey in plumage, and they can be seen on rocky coastlines in northern Australia.

Intermediate egrets are also predominantly seen in northern Australia. Last time I was at Fogg Dam near Darwin there were about 100 of them. So I was surprised to see one at the crake pond. It was smaller with a shorter neck compared to a great egret. A good way to differentiate the egret species is to look at the yellow skin around the eye. In the great egret there is a line of this skin that extends past the eye whereas in the intermediate egret, this area of skin ends underneath the eye.

I asked another bird watcher if he knew where the American golden plover had been seen, and he told me to go to the Borrow Pits, which are located a long way from the T-section lagoons, so I made my way out after spottingtwomaturebrolgaswithafully-grown juvenile.

I entered the next section of the WTP

near the Beach Rd boat ramp where I saw a magnificent white-bellied sea eagle fly over. On one of the ponds I had to stop and watch around six white-winged black terns dipping and diving over the pond.

I eventually made it to the Borrow Pits and withabout30otherbirdwatcherswerestanding at the pond with binoculars and scopes and cameras searching for an American golden plover in full magnificent breeding plumage. This bird did not eventuate and I could have stayed in the one spot all day waiting, but I had a feeling that it was continuing a flight to the northern hemisphere for breeding purposes.

OnthewayhomeIhadaquickstopatAvalon Beach where I saw a fairy tern in the distance.

TheonlyotherbirdwatchingIhavedoneover the past few weeks was a drive down Moller’s Lane in Leopold on my way home from work, where I saw six whistling kites and a peregrine falcon, which made the detour worthwhile.

On the subject of Leopold I received an email from John, who lives around the Moller’s Lane area. John spotted a little eagle at 9.12am on Anzac Day and two wedge-tailed eagles at 9.15am in the same locality.

The little eagle had swooped down and possibly fed on a rabbit then flew off. The two wedge-tailed eagles were photographed in the same location soon after.

John also observed that there are many superb fairy wrens and willie wagtails about his property as they must have had a successful breeding season, which is great to hear about. Johnhasalsophotographedthesamewhistling kites that I saw.

I also received an email from Kathleen who has lived in St Leonards for the last eight years after moving from beautiful Benalla. Kathleen is a keen bird watcher and she was so excited to also see an eastern spinebill in her garden last week.

100%

Jen’s intermediate egret at Western Treatment Plant (main) and great egret for comparison with the intermediate egret (left). Right: John’s whistling kite at Leopold.

Plan for a road user hierarchy

A report tabled in the Legislative Assembly this week has recommended the state government take measures to prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users.

The report recommended the government adopt a ‘road user hierarchy’ where road users who can do the most harm to others have a duty of care to reduce the danger they pose to more vulnerable road users.

Member for Bellarine and Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee chair Alison Marchant said “we need to do everything we can to work towards the Victorian Road Safety Strategy’s goal of zero road deaths by 2050”.

The committee investigated changes to road users’ behaviour during and after the

COVID-19 pandemic, and how this affected the safety of people most at risk on the road, such as pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists. These road users made up 36 percent of all lives lost on Victorian roads in 2023 and 47 percent in 2022.

“It’s not easy to change people’s behaviour simply by educating or urging them to be more responsible,” Ms Marchant said.

“Complementary approaches are needed such as enforcement and infrastructure that separates vulnerable road users from motor vehicles and that guides motorists to slow down in areas with high volumes of bike riders and pedestrians.”

The report has 61 findings and makes 56 recommendations.

The inquiry found that, while there is a lack of published supportive data, anecdotal evidencesuggestsVictoriandrivers’behaviour worsened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of increased aggression, impatience, risk-taking, inattention and rule breaking.

The inquiry also found that new travel patterns have emerged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with reduced public transport patronage and increased travel by car, as well as an increase in cycling, walking and the presence of delivery drivers on our roads. Remote working means these patterns are likely to continue.

The committee also recommended; creating a vulnerable road users’ advisory

group to contribute to the development of road safety interventions; reviewing the flexibility of speed zoning guidelines with the aim to decrease suburban ‘rat running’; reviewing the location of pedestrian crossings on arterial roads to ensure there are regular crossings linked to public transport stops, activity centres and schools; prioritising road treatments in regional areas and running a targeted campaign on regional road safety to improve safety for vulnerable road users and encourage safer behaviours on regional roads. The committee received more than 300 submissions and held six days of hearings. The report is available to download at parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/ roadsafetybehaviours/reports

Unclaimed money available for Greater Geelong residents

The state government is encouraging Greater Geelong residents to check whether they could be eligible for some unclaimed money from the State Revenue Office’s register.

Millions of dollars end up in the Victorian Unclaimed Money Register each year, with Greater Geelong having the most unclaimed money available across the state.

Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas said more than 33,000 entitlements valued at over $4.3 million were available for eligible people in Greater Geelong.

The State Revenue Office Victoria holds records of money that remains unclaimed after 12 months from sources, including share dividends, salaries, wages, rents, bonds, and sales proceeds.

Ballarat had more than 14,000 entitlements and $1.8 million available, followed by Greater Bendigo with 13,000 entitlements at $1.8 million and Latrobe with 13,000 entitlements at $1.5 million.

Greater Shepparton also had close to 9,000 entitlements at $1.2 million, with 7,000 entitlements worth a million available for Mildura.

“We encourage Victorians to check the website and claim their unclaimed monies,” he said. “This could provide substantial benefits to people if they make the effort. If you are not sure, our advice is to go to the website and check.’’

Community members at last year’s A Walk in the Park. (Supplied)

Walking for Parkinson’s

The Geelong community will come together this weekend to raise funds and awareness of the world’s fastest growing neurological condition.

Fight Parkinson’s is calling on as many people as possible to help lift the lid off Parkinson’s by joining in A Walk in the Park at Eastern Park this Sunday, May 5.

The inclusive and accessible walk sets off at 10.30am, with music, coffee, a sausage sizzle and some speeches starting at 9.30am.

Armstrong Creek’s Rose De Kook, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2021, will be taking part in her third A Walk in the Park this year.

Ms De Kook, 65, encouraged everyone to get along to the event and support the cause.

“Come down and bring the kids, there are lots of kids and it’s a short walk,” she said.

“Obviously, we can’t do marathons. But we do the best we can, and there are people with motorised scooters and walkers, people walkingandyouknow,families,kidsskipping

along ahead of you, it’s a fun day.

“It’s a really nice day and you feel as if you’re doing something for a really good cause.”

Fight Parkinson’s chief executive Emma Collin said the event helped raise awareness of the different ways Parkinson’s could affect different people.

“Together, we want to ensure the wider community understands the deep impact of Parkinson’s that goes beyond shaking so the disease is taken more seriously by decision makers and also to reduce the stigma associated with some of the symptoms,” Ms Collin said.

“When the community is united, they can empower each other to make a difference. A Walk in the Park provides the perfect opportunity to stand together to be seen, heard and understood.”

Visit fightparkinsons.grassrootz.com/awalk-in-the-park-geelong-2024/tickets to register.

Matt Hewson

The City of Melbourne is the metropolitan Melbourne council area with the most unclaimed money, with more than 67,000 entitlements worth over $17.7 million.

This is followed by Boroondara at $9.8 million, Stonnington at $6.9 million and Whitehorse at $6.6 million.

Visit sro.

vic.gov.au/ unclaimedmoney to claim owed money by searching the register using personal or company name and address.

Wine run just the Grapest

Leura Park Estate hosted the annual Grapest event on Saturday April 20 with revellers running, waddling, walking and sipping their way into heaps of fun. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp didn’t imbibe with the wine, but took these great photos.

Above centre: Karen King and Deb Menzies (left); Marisa Ottavi, Sesta Rees and Rena Ottavi. Left: The Not Fast, Just Fabulous team of Lainnie Thornton, Joanna Lamb, Larelle Thomas, Kim Ellis, Amanda Morgan and Jenny Martin. Centre: Jen and Lauren Graham and Sam Douglas. Right: Leah and Connie lafranchi. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 402579

Left: The Can’t Run, Can Coffee team. Above: Lana Parsons and Natasha Dallas (top); The start of the 5km run.

Christine wins writing comp for April

Certainly, they offered no shade from the relentless sun. He clutched a torn, worn photograph of his wife and baby daughter, and wondered if his eternity would be here in this brown earth – a cowardly death hiding in terror.

Bellarine Writing Competition judges received 21 entries for this month’s topic ‘The Apology’. While most entries were of a very high standard, there were two outstanding stories. The winner was Christine Scheiner’s story ‘TheTobaccoTin’andthehighlyrecommended one by Helen Friee, ‘The Perfect Apology’. We would be very pleased to receive a lot more new writers to our competition from a whole range of ages for Topic 3 which is advertised in The Voice today. Alan Cobham

Judges’ comments

The Tobacco Tin was a very moving selected event from an important historical happening portrayed in a very quiet, but penetrating emotional way. The jump between the time zones was very effective and controlled with the narrator then playing a very important role in the story. A must read.

The Tobacco Tin

By Christine Scheiner

August 1915, Hill 60 Gallipoli, Turkey

The dry earth was bleached white at the trench edge and the azure sky stretched on forever, but Andy saw none of this. The heat, the stench, the fear and the continual shelling beckoned a horror that bordered on madness as he lay prone in the dirt unable to open his eyes.

AhmetprayedtoAllahandhidunderascant canopy of shrubs, barely enough to cover him.

The blast blew them both into a nearby trench, already a morgue of soldiers, and when the shattering concussion of the mortar faded, they lay not more than a few feet apart.

Condemnedeyeswatchedeachotherasayoung father barely 23 and a terrified boy, raised their weapons together and fired, both fighting for their own God, country and life.

1980

Melbourne

I knew my grandfather had fought at Gallipoli. Every year we did the Dawn Service and Anzac Day march together as a family, but we all knew discussions about his time in Turkey were strictly forbidden. He carried whatever burden the war had given him with his usual stoicism, and certainly displayed no obvious post-traumatic stress symptoms. He was a strong, fair and kind man, who was extraordinarily gentle. Being the only granddaughter of a man with three sons and sevengrandsons,Ihadaspecialandclosebond withPa.Whenhewasdiagnosedwithterminal pancreatic cancer, it brought heartache to our familybutrelieftohim–withmygrandmother 12 years in her grave, he told us he was ready to see his Millie again.

Onmyfinalvisitwithhim,hetoldmeastory that sent chills through me, a heartbreaking tale of a choice so awful he had been unable to face the consequences for over 65 years. Silently crying, he handed me a small, dented tobacco tin containing an old ring and a faded photograph.

He asked me if I thought all sins could

be forgiven. Would salvation be offered to someone who had spent every day in this life asking for forgiveness, whatever the sin?

1915

Sometimes if you lay on your side for long enough, the world never rights itself. Andy cradled the mortally wounded enemy soldier and wished himself dead instead. Ahmet wept softly, still breathing, but in reality, he was already gone. With quiet incomprehensible words, but clear meaning, he gave Andy his crumpled photograph and a tarnished silver ring, Arabic inscriptions on the inner surface

and a deep-set moonstone on the outer. It took Ahmet a long time to die. When he finally did, Andy became a motionless shadow lying next to a corpse on soil that neither of them had wanted to fight over.

Andy realised a few days later that he had shot Ahmet on his 17th birthday. It was a day that took away forever the boy he had once been.

1980

The tobacco tin felt like it was burning me, its poignant contents lightweight yet so monumental. Completely incapable of facing the tragic outcome of a single trigger pull for more than six decades, my grandfather had carried this immense burden alone, an untenablesorrowthathehadsomehowlearned to live with. The thought of my grandfather bearing this guilt on his own for so long, broke me into pieces.

1981

Turkish Military Archives, Istanbul, Turkey

The tobacco tin still carries its precious cargo, but it is now nestled safely in my backpack as I approach the office and take the first steps on the journey to repatriate its contents. Ahead of me lies a mammoth task – to find Ahmet’s familyandtellthemthestoryofaboy,andhow he was sorry every day he was on this earth, that he had lived, and Ahmet had died. My grandfather wanted them to know that he had tried to comfort him as best he knew how, and that Ahmet didn’t die alone. Finally returning his items was a plea for absolution, an apology from our family to his, with the understanding that he would never expect forgiveness. The death of Ahmet was the price of his own survival, but Andy had paid again and again for the rest of his life.

Christine Scheiner.

Warmth in every bite

Winter is coming and there’s nothing quite like warming up with comforting, hearty dishes that fill your home with delicious aromas. Whether you’re snuggled up by the fireplace or hosting a gathering of friends and family, these winter recipes are sure to delight and satisfy. From steaming soups to decadent desserts, let’s embark on a culinary journey to keep you cosy all season long.

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

400g can diced tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth

1 cup dried lentils

2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1/ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2/ Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.

3/ Add chopped kale or spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4/ Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

900g beef stew meat, cut into chunks

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 carrots, sliced

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3 potatoes, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1/ In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.

2/ In the same pot, add onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

3/ Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender.

4/ Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients:

1½ cups Arborio rice

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

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225g mushrooms, sliced

½ cup dry white wine

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1/ In a saucepan, heat vegetable broth over medium heat until warm. Keep warm while preparing the risotto.

2/ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.

3/ Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5 minutes.

4/ Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the grains are coated in oil and slightly translucent.

5/ Pour in white wine and cook until it is absorbed by the rice, stirring constantly.

6/ Begin adding warm vegetable broth to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.

7/ Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

8/ Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Decadent Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 cups milk (any type you prefer)

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions:

1/ In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat until well combined.

2/ Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling.

3/ Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.

4/ Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!

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PUZZLES

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.

ACROSS

1 Metal disc under nut (6)

4 Supress (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Lasting (9)

11 Intending (coll) (5)

12 Pointless (9)

13 Coffee (8)

15 Peels (6)

16 Tabooed (6)

18 Scale of colour (8)

23 Without trust or belief (9)

24 Long-barrelled firearm (5)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

27 Senseless (5)

28 Japanese game company (9)

29 Natural aptitude or skill (6)

DOWN

1 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

2 Twig offshoot (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Tantrum (6)

6 Bucking (7)

7 Grenade-wielding soldier (9)

8 Landed properties (7)

10 Pieces (5)

14 Divide into parts (9)

16 Ten plus five (7)

17 Excel (7)

19 Adhesive mixture (5)

20 Mediterranean island (7)

21 Most shy or submissive (7)

22 Impassioned (6)

25 SOS light (5)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 Who is the lead singer of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

2 What evergreen tree is featured on the flag of Norfolk Island?

3 The Great Fire of London occurred during what year?

4 Which country’s president is known by his initials AMLO?

5 Which character did Ke Huy Quan (pictured) play in the movie Indiana Jones and theTempleofDoom?

6 What is the term for a multihulled boat or ship consisting of two hulls?

7 What is the historic capital of the Inca Empire?

8 Who directed the 2009 documentary Capitalism: ALoveStory, about the global financial crisis?

9 What is the more common name for the bird Gymnorhina tibicen?

10 What were the Luddites famous for destroying as a form of protest?

No. 183 No. 183

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

7 years ago

May 10 to 23, 2017

The Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM) has called for tenders for a new 21-year lease at the Dunes Cafe site of the Ocean Grove Surf Beach complex.

The open public tender process, which is consistent with Victorian Government policy and direction, has been timed to co-incide with the planning phase for a significant upgrade to the complex, which will include a $271,877 State Government grant to Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club for the construction of a new patrol tower.

COMMUNITY

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

5 years ago

May 8 to 21, 2019

“Perceptions“ of increasing crime and two road deaths so far this year have prompted dual police operations on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Bellarine Police Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said the entire peninsula will benefit from an increased police presence, but Operation Satellite will focus on the smaller towns.

3 years ago

May 7 to 20, 2021

A group of Barwon Heads students are pleading with the City of Greater Geelong to construct a bike track in the town.

The group of about 15 locals, ranging in age from eight to 13, presented their case at last week’s council meeting and have a petition that has attracted more than 250 signatures.

1 year ago

May 5 to 18, 2023

GeelongDuckRescueishopingthe“brutal“ 2023 duck shooting season is Victoria’s last as politicians consider its future. Duck shooting season began at Lake Connewarre Reserve at 8am, on April 26 and has been reduced to five weeks with a new bag limit of four ducks.

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.

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.

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

Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.

■ Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. 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

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly

Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, chord chord jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.

Fortnightly CWA 1st & 2nd Thursday 7.30pm

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, or Barbara, 0419 511 781

Monthly Stamp club 4th Wednesday 10am, inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.

■ Dianne 5255 1372

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)

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

Ocean Grove Day VIEW Meets second Wednesday of the month, 10.30am for 11am.

■ oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

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. Email oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com for details.

■ 0428 546 796

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.

■ Bev, 0421 636 830

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

Out and about

Lots of holidaymakers took Friday off for an extra long weekend and headed to Steeline Ray Menzies Oval for the Ocean Grove vs Modewarre footy and netball games. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

1/ William and Lachlan Gregory. 2/ Trevor and Maureen Charville with Steele. 3/ Amy Willuweit with Toby. 4/ Melissa Briggs and Lisa Grigg. 5/ Zali Stiles and Sarah Hunt. 6/ Matt Jackson with his son Harry. 7/ Jimmy Dalton with his kids Elsie and Eddie. 8/ Carolyn Roberts, Denise Matthews and Paula Stiles. 9/ Daniel Paraskavis and Matt Campbell. 10/ Zarli and Loni Williams. 11/ Chantelle Dalton with her daughter Elsie. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 403495

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Basketballer Caitlin Clark was born in which US city?

2. In what year did Nathan Buckley become senior coach at Collingwood?

3. NRL star Zac Lomax recently signed with which team?

4. Which Australian women’s cricket star was recently named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year?

5. Harley Reid is a first-year player for which AFL team?

6. What number is at the very bottom of a dartboard?

7. When an athlete suffers an MCL tear, is the torn ligament located on the inner or outer side of the knee joint?

8. In 2004, who became the first Australian to win two individual cycling gold medals at the same Olympics?

9. The first Rugby World Cup was co-hosted by which two countries?

10. To the nearest hour, approximately how long does an average Major League Baseball game last? Emma Moore was recently named general manager of which Australian women’s

Which Australian batsman scored a century in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record IPL total of 3 for 287?

And which country holds the record for the highest T20 International team total?

14. Ange Postecoglou is the manager of which English Premier League club?

15. Which racing car driver won the 2023 Supercars Championship?

16. Which famous Australian sporting award was first handed out 100 years ago in 1924?

17. What major sporting event will be held in Milano-Cortina in 2026?

18. Which current Australian golfer shares their name with a rugby league legend?

19. Which National Soccer League club won the last two NSL titles before it became known as the A-League in 2005?

20. What country was Formula One world champion Max Verstappen born in?

21. Taylor Duryea has played for which two AFL clubs?

22. In which running event did Cathy Freeman win both her gold and silver Olympic medals?

23. Nathan Walker is considered the first Australian to play in which US sporting league?

24. In mountain sports, what is a piste?

25. In the early 17th century, golf balls were often made from leather and stuffed with what?

26. How many times did ‘King of the Mountain’ Peter Brock win the Bathurst 1000 motor race?

27. Which Australian fast bowler famously took 37 wickets in the 2013-14 Ashes Test series?

28. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics?

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29. Which country won the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer final?

30. What is the name of the 2024 tennis film starring Zendaya?

Zendaya

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 6/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Well equipped and keenly priced

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Launched here in 2004, the small Cerato hatch or sedan has been one of Kia’s biggest sellers, often sharing the Australian sales podium alongside Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Mazda3.

The current, fourth generation, Cerato has been on sale here since 2018 with an upgrade in 2021 adding new tech features as well as the fresh new Kia logo.

The next generation Cerato is due early in 2025 but it will be given a name change, adopting the global name of K4.

Let’s hope that Kia doesn’t face the same negative buyer reaction that Nissan did back in 2006 when, under instructions from its Tokyo head office, the popular and well-established Pulsar nameplate was dropped and replaced by the unknown Tiida leaving potential buyers either confused, angry, or both

We don’t anticipate that happening with the Cerato/K4 change. Kia has one of the smartest marketing teams in the business, as shown by its brilliant sporting superstar advert for the upcoming Tasman ute.

But, enough about the future, the Cerato remains on sale now as an excellent alternative in its small hatch/sedan category.

It comes with the choice of four variants: S, Sport, Sport + and GT, all with either five-door hatchback or four-door sedan bodies. Prices rangefrom$27,060fortheSthroughto$36,860 for the GT. There’s no difference between the hatch and sedan.

Don’t get too excited about the use of the Sport and Sports + name. Both models get the same 2.0-litre petrol engine with the same modest outputs as the S. Sport and Sport+ do get 17-inch alloy wheels while the S has 16-inch steels.

Our test vehicle was the Sport + hatch.

Styling

The 2021 Cerato upgrade was one of the first models to get the new stylised badge which has now spread across the Kia range.

Other new features include a revised headlamp design extending the grille pattern out to the car’s flanks, the reworked front bumper adding a sleek sporty character.

Front foglamps are slotted into the air intake grille, sharpening the looks up front. In profile the Cerato hatch is a model of restraint, with one exception, An alternative design for the 17-inch alloy wheels differentiates the Sport and Sport + from the rest of the range.

At the rear the exhaust has been concealed for an up-to-date hatchback appearance.

Drivelines

Cerato S, Sport and Sport+ are powered by a 2.0-litre,four-cylinderpetrolengineproducing 112 kW and 192 Nm, while the GT comes with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder motor with 150 kW and 265 Nm.

The 2.0-litre engine is paired to a six-speed automatic while the GT’s turbo engine gets a double-clutch (DCT) seven-speed auto.

Minimal sales saw the demise of the previous six-speed manual gearbox at the 2021 upgrade.

Interior

Kia Cerato has a well-designed and practical interior with everything in the right place.

There’sreasonablerearlegroomalthoughthe sunroof in the GT does limit head space.

Rear seat occupants also get a fold down

armrest with cup holders, USB socket and air vents.

Sport+ has leather-appointed seats, heated upfront, that are comfortable without being supportive in a lateral context.

Other carryover features include electrochromic mirror, and power exterior folding mirrors, soft-touch trim, illuminated glovebox and passenger-side seat-back pocket.

Luggage space with the rear seatbacks folded is 428 litres in the hatch and 502 litres in the sedan.

Infotainment

Standard across the Cerato range are a 10.25-inch audio-visual unit with an LCD screen and a 4.2-inch TFT LCD cluster.

The latter displays information such as drive mode (normal, eco, sport, smart), average and instantaneous fuel consumption, trip meter andodometer,fuelrange,lanekeepassiststatus driver attention level and compass bearing.

Built-in satellite navigation, with 10-year MapCareandSUNAtrafficupdates,alsoallows access to DAB digital radio, voice recognition, wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, plus the dial-up soothing Sounds of Nature.

To maintain occupant aural pleasure all round, a rear-seat sleep mode can be called on to limit the speaker level in the back for occupantstoenjoyamorerestfulenvironment.

Safety

Ceratocomeswithacomprehensivelistofsafety features that include six airbags, enhanced ABS brakes, stability control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, lane departure warning and driver attention alert.

Therearealsofrontandrearparkingsensors, high beam assist; reversing camera; and two IsoFix child seat anchor points.

Sport + and GT add blind spot recognition; blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit warning; and enhanced AEB to include pedestrian and cyclist recognition.

Anoptional$1000SafetyPackisavailablefor theSandSportmodelsthataddsaCyclistAEB, electronic parking brake; blind spot detection; and rear cross traffic alert.

Driving

As mentioned previously, performance from the 2.0-litre models is only modest but it’s the same story with its direct competitors. Zero to 100 km/h is just under 10 seconds. It’s left to the GT with 1.6-litre turbo power to carry the sporty flag, with the speed from a standstill coming up in roughly seven seconds.

Ride and handling remain pleasantly unchanged, with the Sport + keeping the tried-and-true McPherson Strut front end and couple torsion beam axle at the back tuned especially for Australia by our own engineers.

Suspension is reasonably supple, though rough Aussie country roads can occasionally troubleit.Noiseandvibrationarewelldamped.

The latest Korean models are almost up with the Europeans due to their driving dynamics being uprated to suit Australian drivers’ tastes.

Steering provides a quick response from good feedback.

Fuel consumption from the 2.0-litre engine is listed as 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban / highway cycle. We averaged 8.3 L/100km during our week-long test of the Sport + hatch.

Summing up

Cerato has played a significant part in the spectacular rise of Kia in Australia over the past decade or so. It’s been the brand’s best-selling model for much of that time and still, despite the current model due for imminent replacement, sitting in second place behind the Sportage SUV.

The modest performance isn’t especially important to most of its owners who just want a compact, affordable and reliable vehicle.

TheupcomingK4willalmostcertainlycome with a significant price hike so it might be an opportune time to check out the Cerato and do a bit of haggling with your local dealer.

Cerato has played a significant part in the spectacular rise of Kia in Australia over the past decade. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grubbers host Modda

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday April 27 for the Ocean Grove vs Modewarre B Grade netball match.

Left: Imogen Bennett leaps high to pull in a one-hander. Centre: Amelia Cunningham takes a pass under the net. Right: Zarly Smith races out of defence. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 403493

Emily Quinten intercepts.

Above: Shelby Hackett finds a way out of defence. Below: Zarly Smith in front of Amelia Cunningham (left); Tania Redpath presents.

Above: Isabel Hackett looks to pass. Right: Jesse Sutton drags this one in.

Courtney Trigg takes possession.

Grace Fraser beats Jessica Thwaites in this contest.

Warriors prevail in nail-biter

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval to see Modewarre defeat Ocean Grove on Saturday April 27.

Jeremy Ollis handballs under pressure.

Left: Michael Harper marks in front of goal. Centre: Matt Farrelly marks on the run. Right: Jacob Talarico takes a strong mark. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 402310

Ben Bennett takes the ball under pressure from Tom Duncan.

Zack May and Kye Annand compete in the ruck.

Above: Connor Joseph marks under pressure. Left: Scott Morter kicks under pressure.

Ed Dayman marks, and right, Tom Hornsey takes a one-handed mark.

Will Thrum tries to break a tackle.

Ready for another tag

Christian Petracca knows he must fight fire with fire when Geelong becomes the latest opponents to pay him close personal attention.

The Melbourne star has worn tags from the Brisbane Lions’ Jarrod Berry and Richmond’s Marlion Pickett in his last two games.

While Petracca still has contributed, he hasn’t had quite the influence he showed in his impressive start to the season.

Noting that the Cats put work into Carlton midfield aces Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh last weekend, Petracca has no doubt he will wear another tag in Saturday night’s MCG blockbuster.

“It’s something I will plan for and do some research,butIalsohavetofightforit,”Petracca said.

“Ican’tjust(accept)I’mgoingtogettagged,I also need to do a better job of being aggressive and still playing my game, back myself in.”

Petracca spoke on Monday morning after reviewing his game in the Demons’ Anzac Eve win over the Tigers.

“Iactuallyplayedprettywellwhenhewason me,” Petracca said of Pickett.

“I got to the right positions and got to the drop of the ball at contests. My stoppage stuff was pretty good.

“I will always try to base my game on process, rather than the outcome.

“(They’ve been) low-possession games the last two weeks, but that’s just because they’ve been on me.

“We won (against Richmond), which is the more important thing, and we won clearancewhich is something we’ve been trying to work on the last few weeks.”

After losing at home to Brisbane, the bye and then a scrappy win over Richmond, the Demons have a massive fortnight ahead against unbeaten Geelong and sixth-placed Carlton.

“When you play against the two best teams, it’s a really exciting opportunity to see as a team where we sit,” Petracca said.

“We’re 5-2, I feel like we’ve had a really good start to the season.

“I feel like we can play some better footy ... Geelong have played some great footy.”

While the Cats will lose captain Patrick Dangerfield to another hamstring injury, they are set to regain star defender Tom Stewart.

Petracca said Melbourne’s attack might lack big names such as Geelong pair Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, but it’s more about how well the Demons bring the ball into attack.

Youngster Daniel Turner kicked three goals for Melbourne against Richmond.

“We’re doing a much better job of hitting the right options and being more smart with the footy, rather than just blazing away,” he said.

“I’vetriedtoworkonthatovertheoff-season, just being a bit more calm with the footy.

“It frustrates me sometimes when we talk about, ’Oh, we don’t have a key forward, we don’t have a Jeremy Cameron’, but the personnel we have down there are capable of doing a great job. “Sometimes, it’s the delivery - us mids need to do a better job. We’re doing a really good job over the first seven weeks of just hitting the right options.”

-AAP

Orange Ball hits off on the courts

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

This week marked the start of the Tennis Geelong Winter Junior and Senior Pennants and some of the future stars of the game hit the court for the first time in the Orange Ball section.

Orange Ball is played on a smaller court with lower compression balls allowing players to start at an earlier age and help practise what they are learning in their lessons.

This season there are eight teams from across the association participating with players aged between eight and 12, with almost all players new to competition format.

To help the players hone their skills and keep things moving while they are learning, the matches are played to four games with sudden death deuce, drop and hit second serves, and parents helping with scoring and collecting balls.

Matches were held at various venues with SurfcoasthostingPointLonsdaleWhite,Point Lonsdale Stingrays hosting Barwon Heads, All Saints hosting Geelong Lawn Parrots and Geelong Lawn Plovers hosting Clifton Springs. The weather was perfect for the first week and all the players enjoyed the day out. The objective of the section is to learn, so there is no ladder, but the teams were evenly matched with all being successful in at least one set on the day, and two of the matches tied at three sets all.

Many of the previous Orange Ball participants are now playing Green Ball and Yellow Ball competitions, so we look forward to seeing all of our young stars progress over the next few seasons.

Be prepared to change it up

ON THE BITE Peri Stavropoulos

The inner harbour of Corio Bay has kept anglers guessing this week with the areas that have recently been fishing very well, seeming to have slowed up a bit.

However, due to this fishos have been trying some different spots and have been finding the fish hanging there instead.

For example the Grammar School Lagoon has been hot this past week with pinky snapper, silver trevally, bream, flathead and, interestingly, some yellowtail kingfish.

Anglers casting soft plastics have been picking up all these species with the pinkies being most prolific, the super popular Turtleback worms have yet again proved to be the standout lure and let’s face it, that’s not going to change anytime soon.

Garfish have remained pretty hit and miss for most anglers with some days the fish seeming to be everywhere in good numbers and other days far from that. St Helens, Grammar School, LineburnersandtheGeelongwaterfront are just some locations that are well worth having a look for them.

Around the peninsula, garfish have been in better numbers compared to the inner harbour with Clifton Springs, Portarlington and Swan Bay all fishing quite well. For gars, a steady burley trail is a key factor to finding success with super tiny baits suspended under a pencil float.

King George whiting remain on the chew in the usual areas, as always mentioned the stronger tides are the best times to chase them. Calamari have been a little tricky lately and it probably has a bit to do with the water clarity but still well worth having a go.

Offshore Barwon Heads has still been offering some fantastic gummy shark fishing for those bottom fishing out there.

Chris and his crew on Gone Fishing Charters has been right amongst the action landing some quality sharks to 15kg. Other anglers have also been getting amongst the action landing gummy and school sharks along with some nice eating size pinkies.

Freshwater fishing this week has yet again seen WurdiBuloc produce some cracking redfin with anglers casting fromthemainrockwallgettingamongst the action. Spoon and soft plastic style lures are a hot favourite for the reddies here and pretty much anywhere in the state but don’t be too surprised if a big trout comes along and has a crack.

Patrick Dangerfield will miss with a hamstring injury. (AAP Image/Rob Prezioso)

Gone Fishing Charters with some gummy sharks. (Supplied)

Orange Ball Clifton Springs: Chloe Richardson, Chloe Muscat and Meg Richardson. (Supplied)

Grove’s slow start proves costly

By Justin Flynn

OceanGrovewaslefttocountthecostofanother slow start, this time against Modewarre.

The Grubbers conceded six goals in the opening term to trail by 33 points at the break, before outscoring the Warriors for the remainder of the game to lose 9.11(65) to 12.9(81) at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday April 27.

Ocean Grove also gave up up six goals in the opening term against Barwon Heads in round four.

“We’veplayedsomereallygoodfootyearlyin gamesthisseason,butthelasttwoweeksteams have scored heavily on the back of our early mistakes,” coach Dave Farrell said.

“While their pressure is at its highest we seem to be our most nervous. The more the group plays together and experience these guys get under that sort of pressure the better they will be for it.”

Modda duo Tom Hornsey (five goals) and Connor Joseph (four) proved the difference between the two sides.

The rebuilding Grubbers are yet to win this season.

Scoreboard

OCEAN GROVE vs MODEWARRE

Ocean Grove 1.0(6), 3.1(19), 7.5(47), 9.11(65)

Modewarre 6.3(39), 8.7(55), 11.8(76), 12.9(81)

GOALS: Ocean Grove - Brady Pritchard 3, Kye Annand 3, Ed Dayman 2, Campbell Snookes. Modewarre - Tom Hornsey 5, Connor Joseph 4, Scott Morter, Matthew Farrelly, Baxter Anderson.

BEST: Ocean Grove - Max Sutton, Edward Dayman, Kye Annand, Benjamin Bennett, Cameron Fowler, Jet Kneebone. Modewarre - Joshua Finch, Tom Hornsey, Matthew Farrelly, Baxter Anderson, Michael Harper, Thomas Duncan.

at quarter time wave the white flag.”

Farrell said the young Ocean Grove outfit would welcome travelling to Queens Park this weekend for a clash against Geelong Amateur in front of a premiership reunion crowd.

Rowan Hore and Ryan Cook were best in the 12.6(78) to 7.6(48) win. Fletcher Long and Joe Pierce each booted two goals.

“The playing group has a lot of confidence in the method we are developing and is committed to sticking to the task,” Farrell said. “We ask they not retreat defensively or play to the scoreboard but to continue to work on their game and a style we think when we get right is really competitive.

“It’s a big week for the Ammos with past players and premiership celebrations planned,” he said.

“I’m yet to see any side play the perfect game but we’re always hopeful the next one will be. The character of the players was pretty telling after quarter time as there would have been many more experienced outfits six goals down

“We’re excited by the opportunity to play in front of another big crowd and expose our players to some of the most experienced and talented players in the comp this week.”

Ocean Grove won the reserves match by five goals and is in the top five. Ollie Monteith,

Undefeated sides to clash

Ocean Grove netball coach Mel Holmes will head back to Queens Park this weekend to take on her old side Geelong Amateur, which is holding a 10-year premiership reunion.

Holmes played in the 2014 A Grade premiershipforAmmos,butwillwalkthrough the gates of her old home as coach of the opposition.

“I’m looking forward to the game itself,” she said. “We’re looking forward to testing where we’re at. I’m probably more excited than nervous, but trying to keep it fairly low key. I’m sure it will, at the time, feel strange, but I think like everyone’s made me feel so welcome at Ocean Grove that I feel like I’m sort of part of it all now.

“And I didn’t leave (Ammos) on bad terms. It’sbeenawonderfulpartofmylifefor10years so I’m going back with fond memories.”

Keisha Guilmartin and Sharon Ford are still playing from the 2014 premiership side, but Ammos will be without prolific goalshooter Ruby Watson, who will be at a wedding in Queensland.

“She’s a big option for them, but they’ve got a lot of good players,” Holmes said.

“They’re a team of 10 to 11 players that are all really capable.”

Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur are the only two undefeated sides so far.

The Grubbers are coming off successive 10-goal wins against Barwon Heads and Modewarre.

“It was a good test, Modda have always been competitive and I think to their credit they played really well,” Holmes said.

Justin Flynn

Round 5

A GRADE

Ocean Grove 56 def Modewarre 46. Best: Ocean Grove - Courtney Leith, Zanna Woods, Emily Moroney. Modewarre - Clodagh Newton, Kathryn Vickers, Monique Sefton. Portarlington 49 def Drysdale 47.

Best: Portarlington - Mikayla Mevissen, Morgan van Leerdam, Madison Robbins Hart. Drysdale - Chloe Hobbs, Aleisha Walters, Caitlin Munday. Geelong Amateur 57 def Barwon Heads 23. Best: Geelong Amateur - Sharon Ford, Zoey Shaw, Darcy McFarlane. Barwon Heads - Issey Armstrong, Chelsea Baker, Perri Jones. Queenscliff 53 def Newcomb 52. Best: Queenscliff - Amelia Bakker, Kaitlin Gladman, Keely Kinsey. Newcomb - Jessica Duke, Carly Sanders, Chloe Hoyle.

Torquay 63 def Anglesea 45. Best: Torquay - Rhian Moresi, Taylor Mitvalsky, Tessa Willett. Angelsea - Bree Caldwell, Claudia Callagher, Breda O’Kane.

B GRADE

Ocean Grove 79 def Modewarre 25.

Best: Ocean Grove - Jessica Thwaites, Emily Quinten, Isabel Hackett. Modewarre - Tania Redpath, Piper Mensch, Courtney Trigg.

C GRADE

Ocean Grove 38 def Modewarre 27.

Best: Ocean Grove - Sofia Dickeson, Remi Bennett, Kellie Morrish. Modewarre - Jessica Carpenter, Jordyn Quilliam, Tiarna Quilliam.

D GRADE

Ocean Grove 40 def Modewarre 24.

Best: Ocean Grove - Meg Bedendo, Abbey Stanic, Giselle Dawson. Modewarre - Tamsyn Duncan, Hannah Rounds, Georgia Atherton.

E GRADE

Ocean Grove 39 def Modewarre 19.

Best: Ocean Grove - Sabella Maier, Charlise Duckett, Emilie Punton. Modewarre - Emma Potter, Hayley Dummett, Breanna Broughton.

19&UNDER

Ocean Grove 28 def by Modewarre 37.

Best: Ocean Grove - Evie Hines, Tilly

Meanwhile Barwon Heads coach Sam Schaller said Ocean Grove was on the right track after his side won the Battle of the Bridge game by 79 points in round four.

“You can see Ocean Grove are a young side, they are in good hands with Faz (Farrell) and his coaching group and they just need to stay the course and get some games together,” he said. “When they had the game on their terms they were incredibly dangerous. They are a lot better than what it looks like on the ladder.”

Peace-Teague, Alice Molloy. Modewarre - Jorja Martinez, Ella Fields, Keely Griffiths.

17&UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 35 def Modewarre 11. Best: Ocean Grove - Bree Sampson, Emma Barry, Abhi Sanjeev. Modewarre - Zali Stiles, Indiana Chealuck, Grace Oakley.

17&UNDER DIVISION 2

Ocean Grove bye

15&UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 29 def Modewarre 19

Best: Ocean Grove - Sammi Needham, Amber Pallero, Alexandra Norgard. Modewarre - Lily Drayton, Isla Stokes, Zoe Toull.

15&UNDER DIVISION 2

Ocean Grove 35 def Modewarre 11 Best: Ocean Grove - Olivia Power, Lara Forward, Estella Sorace. ModewarreFrida Collins, Charlotte Luttrell, Saskia Kamp.

13&UNDER DIVISION 1

Ocean Grove 23 def Modewarre 13

Best: Ocean Grove - Alana Farrow, Tayte McKenzie, Abharna Sanjeev. ModewarreMackenzie Foot, Isla Button, Ayva Brady. 13&UNDER DIVISION 2

Ocean Grove 26 def Modewarre 5. Best: Ocean Grove - Matilda Kerr, Chloe Davies, Daisy Coates. Modewarre - Paige Rayward, Grace Roberts, Eve O’Connor.

Chloe Park and Anna Smith battle for the ball. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 403493

Kimberley Hart looks for a passing option against Modewarre.

Left: Josh Lange lays a strong tackle on Oscar Cooke. Right: Tom Hornsey takes another mark for one of his five goals for Modewarre. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 402310

“Not just a lifestyle, a style of life.”

Gordon Armstrong Green Resident