Geelong Indy - 6th June 2025

Big Freeze raises $100k

The Geelong Big Freeze DIY has raised almost $100,000 to help fight the best that is Motor Neurone Disease.

The Big Freeze Geelong replicates the MCG Big Freeze, which is inspired by Neale Daniher and is coming up to its 11th year.

Geelong’s version, which began in Drysdale and was held there for the first two years, moved to Geelong last year at Herne Hill Reserve.

This year it was at Anthony Costa Oval before the big Geelong Football League game between St Mary’s and St Joseph’s on Sunday June 1.

Pictured is one of the ’sliders’ former Geelong premiership star and MND ambassador Zach Tuohy, who is no stranger to ice baths.

So far the Big Freeze Geelong has raised $94,914, but organisers were confident the final amount would be more than $100,000.

 For more Big Freeze Geelong photographs, see pages 28 and 29.

Gas terminal approved

By Jena Carr

A controversial proposed gas terminal project for Corio has the environmental green light to move forward despite community concerns.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny’s assessment of the Viva Energy Gas Terminal Project’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES) found that potential impacts could be managed.

The assessment, which requires strengthened management practices and mitigation measures to be adopted, advances the project towards Viva’s commercial decision to move forward pending further regulatory approval.

A Viva Energy spokesperson told the Independent that they welcomed Ms Kilkenny’s “positive assessment” of the EES, with the energy company

now working to lock in commercial arrangements and seek additional regulatory approvals.

“The project offers a complete solution to the structural gas supply shortages forecast to impact on the state in coming years,” they said.

“A gas terminal would be good news for Geelong. A reliable and affordable supply of gas is critical for industry and manufacturing, supporting employment and economic growth.

“Throughout each stage of the project, VivaEnergyhas,andcontinuestoremain, committed to avoid, minimise and mitigate any potential environmental effects associated with the proposal.”

Viva Energy was directed to prepare a supplementary EES in March 2023 to address key environmental concerns, with public hearings held on the project’s

environmental effects from December last year to mid-January this year.

“The EES process involves an extremely rigorous assessment process to identify potential impacts of the project on the local community and the environment,” the spokesperson said.

“Wewillcontinuetobeopentoengaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including environmental groups, on our business and the projects we are undertaking and to hear their views.

“It is important to Viva Energy that the project can move into the next phase with the community having full confidence thattheprojectwillnothaveunacceptable impacts on the environment.”

The proposed terminal has been subject to protests since the project was started regarding concerns by the Geelong communityaboutitsshort-andlong-term

environmental impacts.

Geelong Sustainability spokesperson Jane Spence said investing in new gas infrastructure locked the state into “decades of emissions at a time when urgent climate action is needed”.

“This short-term decision has significant negative long-term impacts for ourcommunity,ourenvironmentandour collective future,” she said.

“We are incredibly disappointed by this outcome in the face of considerable community opposition... and this economic gamble could leave Victorians worse off.

“We call on the state government to invest in ambitious electrification and renewable energy solutions that provide reliable power and long-term jobs for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.”

G21 over in all but name?

Geelong Regional Alliance, or G21, has effectively disbanded, announcing this weektheendofitscurrentoperatingmodel.

While G21 will retain its brand and continue to advocate for investment and planning in the region, board chair Melissa Stephens announced on Tuesday the organisation will no longer be funded by the five local councils nor retain any staff.

“The G21 board has met to decide future arrangements for the G21 Geelong Region Alliance to maintain its ongoing sustainabilityasaneffectiveadvocacybody for our growing region,” Ms Stephens said.

“G21 has represented an active network

of government, business and community organisations for 23 years across the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe.

“While the five councils are G21’s major fundingsource,theorganisationhasplayed a unique role as a planning and advocacy body for the region, looking beyond the needs of local government.

“This region-based work has been achieved by working with independent members on the board, a broad membership base, the input of various pillar groups and our communities.”

Through advocacy and support, G21 has been involved in successful projects such as the arrival of the Spirit of Tasmania at GeelongPort, the Great Ocean Road upgrade, the redevelopment of Geelong Arts Centre and central Geelong’s Green Spine.

“Last week the Geelong region was named the most popular destination in Australia for internal migration by the Commonwealth Bank and Regional AustraliaInstitute,”MsStephenssaid.“This outcome did not happen overnight or by chance, it has been driven by the region’s collaborative effort over many years.”

Hiking towards a true human connection

By Jena Carr

People across the Surf Coast region can hiketowardsconnectionthroughafreeand casual event this Sunday.

Matriarch Surf Coast Hikes will host a 10.8km scenic trail walk from Torquay along a section of the Surf Coast Trail from 8am on June 8, which is pramfriendly and inclusive.

Founder Emily Hazell said Sunday’s hike was more than a walk and invited people to come along and connect with others within theircommunity.

“We’re seeing huge shifts in how we’re relating to work, wellness, and community post-COVID. There’s a hunger for purpose, forauthenticity,andforgathering,”shesaid.

“So many people are leaving cities, leaving jobs that no longer serve them, and seeking more natural, nourishing ways of being... and it can be really hard to meetpeople,especiallyinyour30s.

“There’s something incredibly powerful aboutbringinglocalstogetheronthis(Surf Coast) land, walking side by side, away from screens, away from comparison, and toward a slower, deeper rhythm.”

Ms Hazell said Matriarch’s monthly hikes were for anyone who wanted to get moving, talking, and out of their head for a few hours.

“We’ll be going into our fourth month now, and every hike has kind of doubled in people attending. It is a free event... and we’redoingadifferenthikeeverytime,”she said. “It’s free. It’s casual. It’s open to locals of all ages and fitness levels. It’s exactly what I wish existed when I first moved to this area and didn’t know how to meet people outside of bars or gyms.”

Visit junetorquayhike.eventbrite.com to register for this Sunday’s hike or @ matriarchofficial on Instagram for more information on upcoming hikes.

While G21 still has a sizeable cash reserve, with no staff and no funding it is unclear what it will be able to achieve in the longer term, or what local government bodies will be able to replace its functions.

Ms Stephens said she and the board “strongly” believed G21 still had “an important ongoing role advocating for vital outcomes for our region”, but would need to“operatedifferentlyaswegoforwarddue to significant budget constraints affecting all member councils”.

“Careful consideration has been given to a different model of operations to ensure viability,” she said.

Geelong community members can support local mental health services whileimprovingtheirownphysicaland mental health this June.

The Push-Up challenge, which takes place from June 4 to 26, gives people the chance to raise funds for headspace, Lifeline or The Push for Better Foundation by completing 3214 push-ups to honour the 3214 lives lost to suicide in Australai in 2023.

Bronagh Ritchie, headspace Geelong and Corio spokesperson, said the challenge was a great opportunity forGeelongpeopletotalkaboutmental health, learn how to support each other and recognise when they might need to find support for themselves.

“Geelong locals have had so much fun pushing up and learning about mental health with us for the past few years, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2025,” Ms Ritchie said.

“More people than ever before are reaching out to headspace for help and support, and the money raised through The Push-Up Challenge will helpuscontinuetosupportthemental health and wellbeing of young people in Geelong and Corio.

She encouraged local businesses, gyms, clubs, schools and people of all ages to join Team headspace Geelong or Team headspace Corio.

“We’re aiming to raise funds to support the delivery of equine therapy foryoungpeople,aservicewecanonly offer thanks to community donations,” she said.

Visit thepushupchallenge.com.au to participate or donate.

Mat Arundel and Matriarch Surf Coast Hikes founder Emily Hazell on a hike in Barwon Heads. (Ivan Kemp) 482023_03

Concessions not enough

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has welcomed the state government’s announcement that farmers in the region will pay a reducedEmergencyServicesandVolunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution due to drought, buthaswarneditislikelynotenough.

Mayor Kontelj’s comments came on Friday (May 30) following an announcement from Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Treasurer and Minister for Regional DevelopmentJaclynSymes.

Ms Symes said farmers in 24 droughtimpacted local government areas would

havetheirESVFcontributioncappedtothe same amount they paid in 2024-25 as part ofthegovernment’sDroughtPackage.

“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” Ms Symes said.

MayorKonteljandothercouncillorshave been outspoken about their opposition to the ESVF levy, saying that raising a new tax on communities in the middle of “an extreme cost of living crisis” would hit

Take action for the planet

The Greater Geelong community can help protect their waterways and create healthy land following World Environment Day.

CorangamiteCatchmentManagement Authority issued a list of six actions people could take, inspired by this year’s World Environment Day (Thursday June 5) theme of ending plastic pollution.

Actions included rethinking plastic, becoming a citizen scientist, joining a Landcare network or group, adopting sustainable agriculture principles, preventing the spread of invasive weeds and diseases and staying informed.

CorangamiteCatchmentManagement Authority chief executive Dr Amber Clarke said it was important for the communitytohelplookafterandmanage the health of the region’s waterways.

“Imagine the difference we could

make if everyone in the catchment took just one of these actions,” she said.

“Healthy waterways - such as our rivers, creeks, lakes, estuaries and wetlands - are the lifeblood of vibrant and thriving communities.

“We need to take action to protect them (waterways) for future generations, particularly in a year of drought conditions and a drying climate.

“Weallrelyonthebenefitsthathealthy waterways provide, including clean drinking water, habitat for native plants and animals, plus incredible places for recreation, tourism and enjoyment.

“Traditional Owners have been caring for waterways on Country for tens of thousands of years, and... World Environment Day is a timely reminder to everyone how important our waterways are.”

farmersbadly.

“I welcome today’s news that the Victorian government has given some consideration to our advocacy around this unfair tax, which they are requiring us to collect on their behalf,” Mayor Kontelj said onFriday.

“I would like to see more information about what the exact concessions are that they are proposing, but anything that provides relief to our ratepayers during a cost of living crisis, and farmers during a challengingdrought,iswelcome.”

Analysis by City officers suggested the

levy would cost the average residential Geelongratepayersanextra$80peryear. However, the hardest hit would be primary producers, who would face levy increases ranging from $1300 to $40,000. Industrialratepayerswouldpayanaverage of$1643nextyear,anincreaseofmorethan $500fromtheyearbefore.

“My concern is that many of our ratepayers, including drought-affected farmers, are still likely to be worse off under this tax, and I call on the Victorian government to abolish the levy in full,” MayorKonteljsaid.

Ifthekitchenistheheartofthehome,thisvillaissureto impress.Openplanlivinganddiningflowtoanundercover alfrescoandfrontveranda,withabutler’spantryand generouslaundrycompletingtheworkingzone. Themastersuiteincludesawalk-inrobeandensuitewith doublevanity.Aseconddoublebedroom,thirdbedroom/ study,mainbathroom,amplestorage,andadoublegarage completethehome.

AsaresidentofArmstrongGreen,you’llenjoyaccesstoa luxuriousresort-styleclubhouseandanenviableretirement lifestyle.ContactourSalesSpecialiststoarrangeatour.

Statewide EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch Facilitator Justine Holmes monitoring estuary health with volunteers in Barwon Heads. (Supplied)

One year of Respect 2040

A Barwon South West partnership to stop violence against women is celebrating its first anniversary of strong advocacy and significantgrowth.

The Respect 2040 partnership expanded to 38 current partner and supporter organisations across the region to advance genderequalityduringitsfirstyear.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West led the partnership, and chief executive Jodie Hill said the initiative aimedtocreatearegionwherewomenand girlswerefreefromviolence.

“It’s testament to the enduring commitment of our partners that we are

not only driving change, but that the partnership has grown so significantly,” shesaid.

“We’reseeingorganisationsstepup,take ownership, and actively contribute to a future where equality and respect are the standard,nottheexception.

“Thiskindofcollaborationisessentialfor us to succeed at making lasting change... and the growth of this partnership shows thatthereisbothaneed,andawillingness, tomakechange.”

Respect 2040 partner Bellarine CommunityHealth’schiefexecutiveKathy Russell said the initiative recognised

that violence could be prevented and was rootedingenderinequality.

“An organisational culture and leadershipthatvaluesrespectfulbehaviour is key to preventing discrimination and violence for both our clients and our workforce,”shesaid.

“Being a member of the Respect 2040 alliance has helped sharpen our focus on improving the workplace culture at Bellarine Community Health to prevent any form of physical or psychological violence.”

City of Greater Geelong was also a partner of the initiative and mayor Stretch

Help Geelong’s cats and dogs find shelter

Winter can be cruel for Geelong’s vulnerable cats and dogs, but a local not-for-profit animal welfare organisation is giving community membersthechancetohelp.

The Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS)haslauncheditsWinterAppeal, encouraging people to donate to help animalsinitsshelter.

Last financial year GAWS took care of almost 3600 animals, with the essential care of each animal costing an average of$65aday.

Nutmeg, a two-year-old domestic short hair cat, cost GAWS more than $10,000 during her 106-day stay at the shelter, with medical expenses accountingfornearly$4000.

The GAWS shelter receives no government funding, generating its income solely through donations, fundraising and the support of the local community.

GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks said the organisation hoped to raise $60,000, with donations going toward food shelter, medical care and enrichment.

“At GAWS, we believe every life is precious and worth every minute and dollarinvestedinthemtopreparethem foradoption,“MsCockssaid.

“We are hoping our community can support in way of donations to enable us to continue to provide the best care possible to the hundreds of cats and dogsadmittedtoourshelter.”

Visit gaws.org.au/winter-appeal-2025 to donate to GAWS’ Winter Appeal fundraiser and help more animals find the warmth, safety and love they deserve.

Kontelj said communities thrived when everyonefelt“respectedandheard”.

“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to partner with Respect 2040 in our shared commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community across the Barwon SouthWest,”hesaid.

“By working together, we can make significant strides in eradicating gender-based violence, ensuring every individualinourregionhastheopportunity toliveasafeandfulfillinglife.”

Respect 2040’s approach aligned with national frameworks for primary preventionofviolenceagainstwomen.

Roll up your sleeves and make a blood donation

People across Greater Geelong are being asked to roll up their sleeves and donate blood with more supplies needed across thestate.

Lifeblood Geelong Donor Centre has appealed for blood and plasma donations throughout National Blood Donor Week, which will run from Monday, June 9, to Sunday,June15.

The week centres around World Blood DonorDayonJune14,with3500donations needed from across the state to meet the growingdemandforO-typeblood.

LifebloodStrategyandGrowthexecutive directorStuartChesneausaidtheneedfor “blooddoesnotstop”.

“We need people of all blood types to donate every day, especially O type... and an hour of your time might give someone therestoftheirlife,”hesaid.

“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you getthechancetosavealife.”

The Alfred Hospital Emergency Services deputy director Dr Rohan Laging said hospitals were “dependent on blood to keeppatientsalive”.

“A blood transfusion has an immediate effect. It helps patients breathe. It helps their blood pressure and vital functions,” hesaid.

“O-plus and O-negative are the blood types most frequently needed because they can be used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.”

Visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to bookabloodorplasmadonation.

Epworth nurses stop work for four hours as they seek better pay

Epworth Medical Imaging nurses stopped work for four hours in Geelong from 9am on Thursday June 5 to protest for a lead apron allowance and decent wage increases.

Nursescanberequiredtowearanapron that is up to 10kg for three to four hours a day. Nurses in radiology wear lead aprons to protect themselves from radiation exposureduringimagingprocedures.

Nursessaidtheyareaskingforthesame entitlement many of their peers already getpaid.

Nursesarealsocampaigningfora4.5per centwageincrease,just0.5percenthigher thanwhatiscurrentlybeingoffered.

The stop-work action marks an escalation of the protected industrial actionthatbeganinApril.

Protectedindustrialactionhasincluded wearing campaign T-shirts at work, talking to patients about the campaign,

and bans on on-call and overtime as well asnon-urgentmeetings.

“Epworth Medical Imaging nurses deserve what other nurses – including at Epworth Healthcare’s other sites –are entitled to,” Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Vic Branch) acting secretaryMaddyHarradencesaid.

“Epworth Medical Imaging nurses are taking protected industrial action as a last resort because Epworth HealthCare need toprogressnegotiations.

“We reassure consumers and patients that there will be no risk to their health, safety and welfare. There may be some disruptions while nurses campaign for a fairdealandforthisweapologise.”

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch) has been negotiating a new enterprise agreement on behalf of nurses at Epworth Medical Imagingsincelate2024.

Epworth Geelong.

Shine light on bowel cancer

By Jena Carr

A Geelong man is encouraging people to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and empower everyone affected to live their best life.

Bowel Cancer Australia’s signature awareness event, Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, will run throughout this month to highlight the country’s second deadliest cancer.

Bowel Cancer Australia advocate Jules Mieszkowski was diagnosed with stage three early-onset bowel cancer at 47.

“Ihadastitch-likepaininmystomach, and it progressively got worse, but not to the point where I was too concerned,” Mr Mieszkowski said.

“After two weeks, though, it was not getting any better... I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2022, and after surgery and chemotherapy, I was clear.

“I (then) went three years almost without any evidence of disease, but the cancer had come back.”

Mr Mieszkowski was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer in his pelvisandsaidpeopleneededtobeaware

of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

“It’s important that research is shared. My mother died of ovarian cancer, and now they’re coming up with tenuous links between the two,” he said.

“Had someone told me 10 years ago when my mum died that I should go get myself checked out or be aware of the risk, it could have extended my life by a long time.”

Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins said the risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer “before age 40 had more than doubled since 2000”.

“In 2024, it (bowel cancer) is estimated to be the deadliest cancer for men and the second deadliest cancer for women under 50,” he added.

“Asscreeningisnotroutinelyofferedto people at average risk under 45, we need to improve awareness among GPs and the public about the red flag signs and symptoms of early-onset bowel cancer.

“Thisremainstheprimaryopportunity forearlydetectionprovidedyoungpeople received prompt colonoscopy referral to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause of their symptoms.”

Phone app helps save local grandmother from heart death

A Bell Post Hill grandmother is thankful for a smartphone app that saved her life when she went into cardiac arrest.

GoodSAM is a free smartphone app that connects people experiencing cardiac arrest with nearby community members who could start CPR and more than double someone’s chances of survival.

Trish Fleming said she felt lucky to be helped by a registered GoodSAM while she was in cardiac arrest in February this year, helping her make a recovery three months later.

“When my husband realised I was in cardiac arrest, he immediately called Triple Zero and commenced CPR,” she said.

“A few moments later, a good samaritan called Alex arrived at our door and took over the CPR from Bill... I am so

grateful to Alex and to the paramedics, to everyone involved, they are all absolute angels.”

Three months later, Trish is home and back to normal life – enjoying walks, meeting up with friends and spending time with her family.

Her cardiologist is delighted with her recovery and has described Trish as a ‘rockstar’.

Ambulance Victoria found that rates of survival to hospital discharge were 37 per cent more likely when GoodSAM responders arrived before paramedics for patients in cardiac arrest, according to new research.

Paramedic and researcher Belinda Delardes led the study and said technology like GoodSAM helped improve patient survivability.

“Through this novel research we can

demonstrate the tangible impact from GoodSAM responders in Australia for the first time,” she said.

“GoodSAM is about bringing a level of care from the community into private residential areas, which is where most people suffer a cardiac arrest.

“We’ve known for a long time that patients who experience a cardiac arrest in public have better survival rates due to increased rates of bystander CPR and defibrillation.

“We want to encourage more people to download this life-saving app. The more density we have in terms of GoodSAM responders, the better outcomes we can achieve for patients.”

GoodSAM responder Alex, left, with Bell Post Hill grandmother Trish Fleming and her husband Bill. (Supplied)

Portarlington up for award

Portarlington has been named a finalist in the2025VictorianTopTourismAwards.

The Bellarine’s very own mussel capital of Australia is one of 25 towns named as finalists in the awards, with Portarlington intheSmallTourismTowncategory.

Public voting, now open until Friday, June 27, is a key component of the judging process.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter said towns like Portarlington played a vital role in growing the region’s visitor economy.

“Portarlington being named a finalist in the awards is testament to the passionate

tourism operators there who work tirelessly to deliver the kind of exceptional experiencesthatkeepvisitorscomingback formore,”MsCartersaid.

“When you cast a vote for Portarlington, you’re casting a vote for the barista who makes your morning coffee, the retail staff who greet every customer with a smile, the tour guides who bring to life the story of our proud little town and everyone else who contributes to making Portarlington thefriendly,welcomingplaceitis.”

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said Portarlington being named a finalist in these awards was a proud moment for the entireGreaterGeelongcommunity.

“Famous for its fresh mussels, cool climate wineries and beautiful bayside walks, Portarlington has long been one of our region’s most beloved coastal destinations and its reputation amongst discerningfoodiesisonlygrowing,”Mayor Konteljsaid.

“Iencouragetheentirecommunitytoget behind Portarlington and vote so we can helpitclaimthetitleitdeserves.”

Visit vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/2025 finalists/portarlingtontovotenow.

Portarlington Mussel Festival is just one of the town’s many tourist attractions. (Ivan Kemp) 451995_01

Long weekend Celtic fest: ‘We’re back’

By Matt Hewson

Australia’s biggest Celtic festival is back for the June long weekend, kicking off todayinPortarlington.

The National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF), running from today until Monday,June9,featuresahugelineupof local,nationalandinternationalmusical artists and a huge range of events and experiences featuring Celtic arts, sports andculture.

Four Irish acts - electric contemporary quartet Boxing Banjo, groundbreaking singer and multi-instrumentalist Caoimhín, singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt and emerging traditional group Tulua - will all visit Australian shores for the first time through a partnership with CultureIreland.

FestivaldirectorUnaMcAlindensaidit was a “big honour” to welcome them to thecountry.

“I’m super excited about introducing these new Irish acts to Australia through thisshowcase,”MsMcAlindensaid.

“They’re so diverse, and they’ve never been to Australia before, so it’s a bit of a surprisefactorforeveryone.Tobeableto introduce these four really high-calibre bands… for us, really enhances the festivalprogram.”

Another centrepiece of the festival is the inclusion of renowned Irish chef Declan McGovern, who will showcase a blend of traditional Irish cuisine and fresh local produce at a special event hosted by celebrity chef Simon Toohey in the festival’s Club Room on Sunday evening.

For sports fans, the Heavy Games National Championships will feature displays of raw power and skill, while Geelong and Melbourne will battle for thefirsttimeattheNCFFintheUltimate HurlingClash.

Steeped in tradition, the beautifully crafted St Ayles Skiffs will highlight

the rich history of Scottish coastal communities, while the iconic Highland cattle will charm and delight festival goersofallages.

With traditional ceremonies, workshops and masterclasses, dancing, pipes and drums, theatre and visual arts, the festival’s program is packed to bursting in a way not seen since before theglobalpandemic.

“It feels like, finally, we’re presenting a festival that’s pre-COVID standard,” Ms McAlinden said. “We’re back with a brandnewenergythisyear.We’realways keen to program across the arts, but I think this year it’s really strong across lotsofareas.It’sexcitingtohaveallthese peoplebepartofit,sowe’repumped.” Visit nationalcelticfestival.com for ticketsandmoreinformation.

The redesign of Corio’s Rosewall Park is on the agenda with the City of Greater Geelong asking the community to have their say on the facility, located just behindRosewallCommunityCentre.

The City is seeking input from residents and park users to ensure the new design meets the needs and preferences of the community.

The redesign aims to create a more accessible, engaging and sustainable spaceforallusers.

Key elements such as paths, park furniture,grassedareas,treesandgarden beds will be included in the redesign automatically.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said parks were important community spaces.

“We’re redesigning the whole park, and we want to hear from the people who use it,”hesaid.

“By submitting your feedback and ideas, we can make sure the new design betterservesthecommunity.”

Councillor Anthony Aitken encouraged all residents and park users to share their thoughts.

“We look forward to incorporating communityfeedbackintothefinaldesign ofRosewallPark,”hesaid.

Additionally, community members can completethesurveyonourHaveYourSay page by 5pm Sunday June 22 to outline what elements they would like in their park or use the Build Your Park tool to allocate up to 100 points to features such as play equipment, sports facilities and more.

Head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com. au/rosewallpark to help shape the future of Rosewall Park at 36 Sharland Road, Corio.

Compost is helping drought-proof Geelong’s green open spaces

Nutrient-rich compost is being used in parks across Greater Geelong, not only enhancing soil health but also improving water retention, effectively drought-proofingthesegreenspaces.

City of Greater Geelong’s locally produced compost, made from garden organics collected in green bins and scarified grass from local sports ovals, is enrichinggardensandgreenspacesacross the region – all thanks to the community’s greenbinefforts.

Geelong West Community Garden has embracedthecompost,resultinginvibrant plantsandanabundanceofcrops.

The compost is processed at the City’s Anakie organics facility, helping to reduce transport emissions and maintain quality control.

Around 40,000 tonnes of garden waste are diverted from landfill each year, significantly reducing methane emissions andsupportingtheVictoriangovernment’s target to halve organic waste to landfill by 2030.

Councillor Elise Wilkinson, Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio, said the compost program is a keypartoftheCity’sbroaderclimategoals.

“By 2035, our aim is for the Geelong

region to reach net zero carbon emissions - and programs like this are helping us get there,”shesaid.

“Small everyday choices, like using your green bin properly, can lead to big wins for theenvironment.”

The compost is also being used in vegetable gardens at the Geelong Botanic Gardens, where some of the produce is donated to Geelong Foodshare, further extendingthecommunitybenefit.

FormoreinformationontheCity’sgarden organics program and how to use your green bin correctly, visit geelongaustralia. com.au/gardenorganics/

Irish chef Declan McGovern will feature at this weekend’s National Celtic Folk Festival. (Supplied)

Mayor Kontelj OAM with Cr Emma Sinclair, Cr Elise Wilkinson, Cr Rowan Story and Geelong West Community Garden committee members Rosemary Nugent and Matt Lane. (Supplied)

Show is a family affair

By Matt Hewson

ClareBowditchhas,inherownwords,hada curiouscareersofar.

Wikipedia tells us she is a “musician, author, and occasional actress”, a description which, while technically correct,doesnothingtocommunicatewhat Bowditchactuallydoes.

After breaking into the national consciousness two decades ago as a singer-songwriter of uncommon quality, Bowditch was named the ARIA Awards’ BestFemaleArtistin2006.

She has toured with Gotye, been nominated for a Logie for her acting on Australian comedy-drama Offspring, hosted 774’s afternoon program, written a book,producedapodcastonmentalhealth and received a marriage proposal from LeonardCohen.

While that range of professional experiences speaks to her ability to tell stories, connect with audiences and entertainthroughawiderangeofmedia,for Bowditch it is just about finding and taking opportunities to work when they present themselves.

“Ithinkit’snotanuntypicalsortofcareer for anyone who’s making their living out of

creativity in Australia generally,” she said.

“I established myself in people’s minds and first built my audience as a music maker. ButalongthewayI’vealsohadtheprivilege of being able to try a few other things that workinwellwithfamilylife.

“It’s really just doing things in the world of communicating ideas… but doing it wherevertheworkis.”

June marks a return to the stage for Bowditch and her husband, drummer MartyBrown.

A mini-tour of six dates will see the duo present an offering of new material to audiencesaroundregionalVictoria,agentle re-entry into the world of live music after many years working in jobs more suited to bringingupthreechildren.

“We haven’t done this for a really long time…really,it’sjustsevendatenightswith anaudiencethroughoutregionalVictoriato testthewatersagain”shesaid.

“I worked out how to be a musician and performer in small rooms… and it’s so valuableformetohearwhatpeoplethinkof the new songs, to see their faces and be in thoseroomsagainwiththem.”

ClareBowditchisatQueenscliffTownHall on Friday, June 13. Visit lunalivepresents. comforticketsandmoreinformation.

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU NEWS

Threading Geelong together

Geelong will soon have a permanent mobile wardrobe to provide good quality clothingandshoestopeoplewhoaredoing ittough.

Thread Together received a $100,000 grant from the Geelong Community Foundation as part of its record $1.75 million in funds announced for the region onMay29.

Geelong Community Foundation chief executive Amy Waters said funding for Thread Together was awarded to celebrate thefoundation’s25thyear.

“We’ve now distributed more than $16 million in grant since our inception and we’re able to continue to invest into local initiatives, creating lasting positive impact,” she said. “As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we’re also planning strategically for the future, ensuring that the foundation will be a strong and enduringresourceforourcommunity.

Irish-Aussie love story debuts at Celtic Festival

By Matt Hewson

A brand new theatre work will be presented at the National Celtic Folk Festival(NCFF)thisweekend.

The premiere readings of playwright Fleur Murphy’s Never Always Ever Was will be held at Portarlington’s St Andrew’s Church as part of the festival, with the audience invited to be involvedinthecreativeprocessthrough post-showQ&Asessions.

The work stars Geelong actor Amanda LaBontéandTomRoyce-Hampton,both of whom performed in the Australian production of Harry Potter and the CursedChild.

Supported by the British Council and produced in collaboration with the critically acclaimed Northern Irish company c21 Theatre, Never Always Ever Was centres around the lives of youngBelfastmanDannyanduniversity graduate Julia, who meet at a Port Fairy pubonNewYear’sEvein1989.

The work tells a sweeping, multigenerational story that spans the globe, exploring ideas of identity, home and the far-reaching effects of the choiceswemake.

Murphy said she was thrilled to see theworkshowingatNCFFthisweekend.

“(There is) a real appeal to being able to test this work at the festival, because it’s not until you get something like this in front of an audience and in a

CREATING A CLEVER AND CREATIVE FUTURE FOR GREATER GEELONG

space and you can start to see it alive breathing, that you can see how those thingsfunction,”shesaid.

“This opportunity to be able to share some excerpts and engage with an audience and kind of gain their feedback is really really helpful at this kindofearlystageofthedevelopmentof apiece.”

Never Always Ever Was is at NCFF at 1.30pm on Saturday, June 7 and 4.30pm onSunday,June8.

CITYNEWS

seeking feedback from across Greater Geelong.

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT OUR DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN

TRAFFIC CHANGES

Geelong Cats vs Gold Coast SUNS, GMHBA Stadium

If you are travelling in the areas listed below on Saturday 7 June, scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/AFLRound13-2 for detailed information regarding changed traffic conditions.

›Various road closures 3.15pm–7.15pm.

›Full road closure will affect Moorabool Street, between Park Crescent, South Geelong and Kilgour Street, Geelong.

›Emergency access will be maintained.

“By providing access to new clothing with dignity and respect, this (Thread Together) initiative meets people’s basic needs while breaking down barriers to community participation, education, and employment.”

Ms Waters said the foundation’s anniversary was a significant milestone and a great time to celebrate its achievementswithinthecommunity.

“(Itfeelsgreattobe)relivingourjourney, sharing stories and appreciating all the hardworkofthefoundation,”shesaid.

Forty-one new grants were also awarded through the foundation’s 2025-26 Main GrantRoundtoorganisationsandactivities thatalignedwithitsfourgrantstreams.

Grant categories included food and emergency support, education and employment, environment and sustainability, and health, resilience and connection.

Council has voted to endorse the draft Council Plan 2025-29, opening it for community consultation so you can provide your feedback.

The draft plan outlines our proposed strategic direction. There are six objectives, relating to core and critical infrastructure, healthy and caring community, economic development, heritage and cultural identity, environment and circular economy, governance and integrity.

Now is your opportunity to review the draft plan and share your feedback. We want input from as many community members as possible so it can truly represent our community.

Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/CouncilPlan2 to have your say by Wednesday 25 June.

NEWS

Cast your vote in the Top Tourism Town Awards

Portarlington has been named a finalist in the Top Tourism Town Awards.

Recognised in the Small Tourism Town category (population between 1,500 - 5,000), we need your support to secure Portarlington the win.

Grab all your family and friends to cast your vote by 5.00pm on Friday 27 June.

Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/TopTourismTown2

We’re

Playwright Fleur Murphy will premiere new work Never Always Ever Was at Portarlington’s National Celtic Folk Festival. (Supplied)

Clare Bowditch. (Supplied)

Plan for single-use plastic

By Jena Carr

SurfCoastShireCouncilislookingtoreduce single-use items and packaging further to help reduce the amount of waste across the region.

ThedraftSingle-UseItemsandPackaging Policy was put out for community feedback followingcouncil’sMay27meetingandwill beopenuntilJuly4.

Councillor Leon Walker said the policy wouldincludephasingoutmanysingle-use items across all council facilities, events and land over the next five years if adopted inOctober.

“Itisastrategicpriorityforcounciltohelp drive a more circular economy, by avoiding waste and maximising re-use wherever we can,”hesaid.

“Single-use items and packaging are major contributors to waste and pollution... (but)weunderstandthispolicywouldmean somechangeforusersofourfacilities.

“We’re very keen to hear feedback and suggestionsfromclubs,facilityusergroups, businesses, event and market organisers, and the general community now while the policyisindraftform.

“It’s important to us to be aware of any practical considerations, and everything

we hear will be carefully considered before a final policy comes before the council for adoptioninOctober.”

Cr Rebecca Bourke said she was worried about what the policy would mean for the shire’s economy and that the community already knew “how to treat our environment”.

“We don’t need to dictate terms on what kind of vessel they (the community) need to drink out off, especially while we’re desperatelytryingtorecoverourstruggling economy,”shesaid.

“It’s a draft; (the community should) have a look at it, but I think it’s just extra

QMF releases first artist announcement

Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) has announced the first raft of artists that will feature at the 2025 instalment of the Bellarine festival.

Aussie icons The Cat Empire will headline the festival, with Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum, US surf rocker Donavon Frankenreiter, folk favourites The Waifs, Yolngu surf rock sensations King Stingray and punk legends Cosmic Psychos also appearing in the 2025 lineup.

WA outfit Little Birdy will return to the festival alongside indie roots twins the Pierce Brothers, collaborating singer-songwriters Didirri and Rowena Wise and cosmic disco groovers Squid Nebula.

Homegrown talent Fenn Wilson, who received the festival’s Emerging Artist grant in 2018, will return with his band The Weather, while the dedicated kids stage will host the ever-popular Teeny Tiny Stevies.

Folk rockers Minor Gold, genre-defying collective Sex On Toast, psychedelic swamp-blues powerhouse Opelousas, alt-country newcomers The Smith & Western Jury, Americana artist Riley CatherallanddancefloorignitersSuneden will also appear at QMF 2025.

Centred on Queensliff’s Princess Park, the festival draws more than 10,000 festival goers to the town every year, with the programming regularly praised for its blend of new and old, local and international.

QMF director Claire Stickland said the festival, which dominates the foreshore and streets of Queenscliff every November, was “more than just a music event”.

“It’s a full sensory experience,” Ms Stickland said

“With an unbeatable coastal setting, diverse lineup, and welcoming vibe for all ages, it’s the perfect escape for music lovers and experience seekers.”

Early bird tickets are on sale until July. Visit qmf.net.au for more information.

The Cat Empire will headline QMF 2025.

red tape that we don’t need right now. Our community knows how to respect our environmentandthey’reamazing.”

Two online information sessions will be available on June 11 from 6pm to 7pm and June 19 from noon to 1pm for residents to hear more about the policy and ask questions.

Council will develop an implementation plan and supporting resources along with working closely with user groups if the policy is adopted following community feedback.

Visitsurfcoast.vic.gov.au/SingleUsePolicy formoreinformation.

A ground-breaking new research project looking to make Geelong the neuroinclusive footy capital of Australia will launch at a community eventatGMHBAStadiumonJune16.

The Coaching Young Minds event, presented by Read the Play and Manna Institute, will focus on inclusivity in sport, specifically in relationtoneurodivergentyouth.

The event will launch the Geelong NeuroFooty Project, a community participatory action research project seeking to find new solutions to inclusionincommunitysport.

Recently funded by Movember and led by the Manna Institute, the project is led by Associate Professor Erin Hoare, herself a champion netballer and former AFLW Geelong Catsplayer.

Geelong Cat Claudia Gunjaca will emcee the event, which will also feature Philllips Coaching chief executive Simon Lloyd and Sport4All’s Geelong inclusion coach TravisZimmerasguestspeakers.

Ms Hoare said given inclusion in sports happens in many forms, there would be “a place for everyone at the event”.

“We’re hoping for a community discussion to share insights and ideas, learn and collaborate together to understand how we can best support neurodiversity in sport in Geelong,” she said. “So anyone involved in sports - parents who are coaches, people from other roles within sporting clubs, certainly leaders, and of course young people themselves-wouldbemostwelcome.

“And then those in the inclusion space as well. All-ability sports is the kindofspacewherethisisdonereally well, so we want to try to learn from thatexpertise.”

Visit trybooking.com/events/ landing/1398026forticketsandmore information.

Voting open for South Coast Shire Climate Energy Grant projects

Voting is now open for the Surf Coast communitytohavetheirsayonwhatproject wouldreceiveaClimateEmergencyGrant.

Surf Coast Shire Council encouraged community members to vote for their favouriteprojecttoaddressclimatechange, with the successful initiative receiving a $10,000grant.

Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said people could choose between two projects forfundingthroughtheClimateEmergency

Grants program, with voting closing on June 10 and successful grants announced onJune13.

“We know our community is passionate about climate action and it shows with the calibre of projects that have been submitted,”hesaid.

“We know locals play an important role in climate action, and these grants enable people to deliver community-led and community-focusedprograms.

“Council is proud to support community-led initiatives through this grant program... and now it’s over to the community who can show their support by votingfortheirfavouriteproject.”

The first project that could be voted for included a community sessions initiative to help people become active stewards in a sharedclimatefuture.

The other project featured a partnership between Common Ground Project and

Winchelsea Primary School to enable students to learn about regenerative gardening.

Surf Coast Shire’s Climate Emergency Grants have a funding pool of $20,000, which will be split between one $10,000 grant and two $5000 grants, with voting onlyrequiredforthe$10,000grant. Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/CEGrants for more information and to vote on the projects.

The community speaks

By Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM

As a council we have a duty to listen to the communityweserve,whichiswhywevoted to continue providing in-home community careservices.

Over the past few months, we’ve heard loud and clear about how our community values this service and how it makes a differenceinclients’everydaylives.

We’re also extremely proud of our 300 passionate and dedicated employees who provide these important services to our community.

This decision comes with the Commonwealth Government’s changes to the Aged Care Act set to take effect from November1.

Previously, these changes had been scheduled to take place next month, but the Commonwealth government this week announceditwoulddelaythechangesuntil laterintheyear.

The reforms introduce a new Statement of Rights to ensure older people are treated with dignity, changes to who can access aged care services and how they are funded, and better care standards, along with greater oversight from the Aged Care QualityandSafetyCommission.

These reforms are crucial for improving thestandardofagedcareacrossAustralia.

But they will also require significant additional expenditure for the City of Greater Geelong to continue its in-home community care services while complying withthenewAct.

These costs include IT upgrades and

increased compliance requirements including a range of additional quality standardsrequirements.

While we’re committed to listening to our community and providing high quality services, we also have a responsibility to ensure our all services are financially sustainable.

Asacouncil,we’recommittedtoreducing debt to ensure we can continue to provide all the services and infrastructure our communityneedsandexpectslongintothe future.

Fiscal responsibility now allows us to adapt to future economic challenges, just like those we face today including costoflivingpressuresandinflation.

The Commonwealth government’s changes have created funding uncertainty, and we will continue to call for increased federal funding to helpustocomplywiththesereforms.

We will continue to work with our local federal MPs, Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles and Member for CorangamiteLibbyCoker,toadvocate forthismuch-neededsupport.

The City will make some changes to how its in-home community care services operate – in line with the reforms – and will work directly with clients and employees to explain these changes.

Butitisouraimtokeepourin-homecare assimilaraspossibletotheservicethatour communityhascometovaluesohighly.

For the latest updates please visit geelongaustralia.com.au/care. I encourage anyone who needs further information to phone our staff on 5272 5272, or email at agedcarereform@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (Supplied)

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Miles of smiles at Affordable Dentures

Gain a smile worthy of showing off by the team at Affordable Denture Clinic, now in EastGeelong.

Established 10 years ago, the clinic can provide you with a mouth full of solutions including, dentures, partial dentures, custom mouth guards and denture implants.

Owner and dental prosthetist Jason Demko has more than 30 years experience in the dental field and has just opened the doors to the clinic’s brand new location at 306MyersStreet,EastGeelong.

Mr Demko and his team are able to discuss a variety of options to help you achieveyourbestsmileyet.

Ensuring to keep up-to-date with dental prosthetist technologies, Mr Demko focuses on utilising a variety of systems to integrate new practices into his denture workattheclinic.

As part of their care and quality focused service, Affordable Denture Clinic is the only denture clinic in the Geelong and greater district area authorised to provide and manufacture Valplast, the only dentures with an unbreakable lifetime guarantee.

Metal free and with invisible clasps, they’re a great resolution to your denture needs.

Strivingtofindthebestdenturesolution, MrDemkoandhisteamensuretheutmost careandqualityofservicetotheirpatients.

“We are a family owned business committed to providing highly personalised services to each individual,” hesays.

The clinic’s new location, Mr Demko says, is a reflection of hard work and commitment to provide an environment

to give his clients the very best in dental prosthetics. He says it wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support from the communityandhisclients.

Jason Demko with patient Eddie Fraser (right), and inside the clinic. (Ivan Kemp) 301850

The ‘lifesaver’ in aged care

Livelifetothefullestinthecomfortofyour own home with Just Better Care.

Sofia Harris said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service was a “lifesaver” and that there were many things her support workers helped her with that other services wouldn’t.

“They assist with things that I can’t manage to get done on my own anymore suchasdomesticassistanceandshopping. They really strive to do their best to satisfy my care needs,” she said.

“The people are really wonderful, and nothing is ever too much trouble. The staff are very approachable, my case manager is always there to listen, and I know I can reach out if I need anything”

“HavingassistancefromJustBetterCare has given me the independence to keep going. Sometimes there are things I need down the street where it’s hard to go on my own, so having someone along with me is a great to support me.”

To start your Just Better Care journey, call 03 5222 1518, email mailge@ justbettercare.com or visit the caring team at their office at Level 1 114a Mt Pleasant Road in Belmont. Visit justbettercare.com/Geelong for more information.

Thinking about downsizing? Now’s the time to save.

New 2 and 3-bedroom homes are now selling from $529,000** at Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara.

Secure your home before 30 June and receive $20,000 off the purchase price when you settle by 23 December 2025*

Sofia Harris. (Ivan Kemp) 402348_13

Lakes Open Day

CELEBRATING SENIORS

A new era in aged care thanks to For Purpose Aged Care

In an industry often dominated by profit margins and institutional sterility, For Purpose Aged Care (FPAC) stands as a beaconofwhatresidentialagedcareshould trulybe.

This not-for-profit provider understands that older Australians deserve home-like environments, not sterile facilities that feel morelikehospitals.

Step into The Vue Community Aged Care or Eden Park Community Aged Care (formally known as Luson Aged Care) and you’llimmediatelynoticethedifference.

There are no sterile hallways or cafeteria-style dining rooms here. Instead, you’ll find cosy loungerooms where people actually want to spend their time, and welcoming dining spaces. Everything feels intentional and warm - like someone actuallythoughtaboutwhatitwouldbelike tolivethere,notjustreceivecarethere.

Every resident gets their own room with a private ensuite - no sharing bathrooms withstrangers,nowaitinginline.It’sabasic dignitythatmanyplacesstilldon’tprovide.

Perhaps most importantly, FPAC recognises that quality aged care begins with seeing each resident as a unique individual with their own history, preferences,andneeds.Theirpersonalised, resident-focused approach means that care plans aren’t ‘one size fits all’ but thoughtfully developed solutions tailored toindividualneeds.

The activity calendar isn’t just bingo and craft time either. They offer a diverse range of activities because they understand that peoplehavedifferentinterests.

Somefolkswanttostayphysicallyactive, others prefer quiet activities, and many wantabitofboth.

Book a Tour Today

The onsite hairdressing salon might seem like a small detail, but it represents something profound: the recognition that feeling good about oneself remains important regardless of age. These touches help residents maintain their sense of identityandpersonaldignity.

As more Australians face the reality of needing aged care, places like The Vue and

EdenParkshowuswhat’sactuallypossible. Being not-for-profit means they can focus on what really matters: the people living there,notthebottomline.

For families trying to navigate the overwhelming process of choosing aged care, For Purpose Aged Care offers something that’s become surprisingly rare: peace of mind. You know your loved one

will be treated with respect, given choices, and valued as an individual. They will be partofacommunitythatcaresaboutthem.

If you would like to know more, give them a call. The team from The Vue Community Aged Care and Eden Park

be contacted

Your community aged care home

Eden Park, and below, The Vue.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives

17 years ago

June 6, 2008

Geelong is number-one in Victoria for car vandalism,accordingtoRACVstatistics.

An RACV investigation found that the city led the state with 101 malicious damage claimslastyear.

12 years ago

June 7, 2013

Geelong is uniquely positioned to become an international centre of excellence in trauma, rehabilitation and injury management, health sector leaders have declared.

Thecombinationofthenewly-announced DisabilityCare Australia head office, Transport Accident Commission, Barwon Health, St John of God and Deakin University provided an unrivalled base, theysaid.

7 years ago

June 8, 2018

“Free” solar power systems from a Geelong “community” program could cost customers more than double the price of installing their own, industry figures have warned.

Sydney company ShineHub began marketing the program in May with a headline ‘Free System Solar’, which local electrician Michael Doyle described as “misleading”.

1 year ago

June 7, 2024

AFLBarwonandtheMemberforBellarine are calling for more sporting venues across the Barwon South West to meet the growingparticipantdemand.

The Greater Geelong local government area’spopulationincreasedby2.2percent in 2023 as 6208 more people moved to the region, according to Australian Bureau of Statisticsdatareleasedearlythisyear.

The Guide

INSPIRED UNEMPLOYED (IMPRACTICAL) JOKERS

10, Monday, 9.40pm

LIZZY HOO: HOO CARES!?

ABC Entertains, Saturday, 8.55pm

Securing a ticket to one of endearing comedian Lizzy Hoo’s shows is like making plans with a friend you don’t see that often: you’re in for an hour of side-splitting stories about her quirky family that’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. Filmed in 2022 at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, this feelgood special is about following your dreams – former office worker Hoo (pictured) traded in her corporate career after falling in love with live comedy in her early 30s, and hasn’t looked back since. Tune in for hilarious tales about father-daughter trips to Malaysia with her enigmatic dad Chan, skydiving for her mum’s 60th birthday and her brother’s ambitious backyard troutfarming enterprise.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Wherever Jack Steele, Liam Moore, Dom Littrich and Matt “Falcon” Ford (pictured, from left) go, trouble is bound to follow. On a mission to embarrass each other not just in public settings, but on national television, this quartet of pranksters are back for a third season of hijinks and humiliation, plus harrowing punishments for anyone who doesn’t follow through. In tonight’s premiere, the lifelong mates put the patience of Sydney restaurant diners to the test, pose as ballroom dance instructors and find out whether they’ve got what it takes to be a

in front of a packed crowd at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Like CandidCamerawith a chaotic Gen Z

Friday, June 6

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

THE PIANO

ABC TV, Sunday, 7.30pm

You’d have to be made of stone not to shed a tear of joy, sorrow or hope when watching this poignant and powerful reality series highlighting the extraordinary stories of everyday Australians and the power of the piano – an instrument that’s helped some participants through their darkest days. Hidden away as host Amanda Keller interrogated the public in train stations, shopping centres and markets, musical powerhouse Harry Connick Jr and classic concert pianist Andrea Lam have slowly been casting for a concert at Sydney’s City Recital Hall – and tonight’s the big night. With Connick Jr and Lam guiding them, Grace (pictured), John, Stefania, DJ and Vincenzo will share the musical opportunity of a lifetime.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

SBS, Tuesday, 7.30pm

Sharp-tongued HardQuizhost and Taskmaster Australia’styrant-in-chief Tom Gleeson (pictured) shares a softer side in this genealogical deep dive. In search of the hidden truth behind his seemingly “tidy” family history, Gleeson steps back in time along his mother’s paternal line to unravel the colourful lives of his four-times greatgrandparents, Thomas and Catherine Carpenter. The Gold Logie winner is rarely at a loss for words, but doesn’t quite know what to make of the true-crime saga that unfolds, describing it as “a colonial version of DaysofOurLives”. Then, Gleeson hunts for an elusive ancestor in Victoria’s Goldfields, following a family legend that has long piqued his brother’s interest.

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.10 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (Final) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 11.20 Going Places. (R) 11.50 BBC News At Ten. 12.20 ABC World News Tonight. 12.50 PBS News. 1.50 Alone Australia. (M, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.05 The Cook Up. (R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGadls, R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis discovers how a sauna can save frogs.

8.35 The One That Got Away. (Mal) Rick and Ffion face a dangerous new suspect.

9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 10.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

11.20 ABC Late News. 11.40 Father Brown. (PGav, R) 12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6am Children’s Programs. 9.40 Mecha Builders. 10.30 Beep And Mort. 11.00 Sesame Street. 11.25 Play School. 12.20pm Bananas In Pyjamas. 1.40 Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Malta: The Jewel Of The Mediterranean. (PGa, R) An exploration of Malta continues.

9.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes: Barnard Castle – Sara Davies. (R) Robson Green is joined by Sara Davies. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Atlantic Crossing. (PGa, R) 11.55 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R) 1.45 The Head. (Malv) 3.45 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 13. Adelaide v Brisbane Lions. From Adelaide Oval. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal, R) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.

1.05 Nurses. (Ma, R) A man goes into anaphylactic shock.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

7TWO (62, 72)

Escape To The Country. 2.00 Discover. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Animal SOS Australia. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes. 8.30 House Of Wellness. 9.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am Wildlife ER. 1.30 Australia’s Best Backyards. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 The Great Australian Doorstep.

7MATE (64, 73)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Steal Your Heart. (2023, PGa) Emma Elle Roberts, Robbie Silverman. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG,R) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PGa, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Find My Country House Australia. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

8.30 MOVIE: Sliding Doors. (1998, Msl, R) Two possible lives unfold for a public relations executive based on whether or not she misses a train. Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah. 10.30 MOVIE: Me Before You. (2016, PGals, R) 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping.

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 6.30 The Project.

7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple want to move to the Northern Beaches.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrities include Pamela Anderson.

10.30 10’s Late News.

10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Wild Moments. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: An Elephant Called Slowly. (1970) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 14. Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 Tennis. French Open. Men’s semi-finals. 2am Dad’s Army. 3.00 Tennis. French Open. Men’s semi-finals.

9GO! (82, 93)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Young Sheldon. Noon Innovation Nation. 12.15 MOVIE: Deadly Sorority. (2017, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Batman. (1989, PG) 10.00 MOVIE: Riddick. (2013, MA15+) 12.30am Below Deck. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 LEGO Friends: Girls On A Mission. 4.50 I Love VIP Pets. 5.10 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 5.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 10.00 Blokesworld. 10.30 Nature Gone Wild. 11.30 Storage Wars. Noon American Resto. 12.30 American Pickers. 1.30

6am Sabrina. (1995, PGalv) 8.00 Darling Companion. (2012, PGls) 10.00 Corsage. (2022, Madlns) 12.10pm Emily. (2022, Mas) 2.35 Bonneville. (2006, PGa) 4.15 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PGlsv, R) 5.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PGalv, R) 7.50 Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R) 9.30 The 355. (2022, Malv, R) 11.45 Spider. (2002, MA15+as) 1.35am The Tender Bar. (2021, Mals) 3.35 Speed Kills. (2018, Mlv) 5.30 The Movie Show.

10 BOLD (53, 12)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 7.25 Bushwhacked! 7.50 Motown Magic. 8.40 Spartakus. 10.00 Waterworld Africa. 11.00 Our Medicine. 12.15pm MOVIE: The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 2.10 Yorky Billy. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.35 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 MOVIE: The Ant Bully. (2006) 9.20 MOVIE: Bad Behaviour. (2023, MA15+) 11.15 Nula. 11.45 Terra Nullius. 12.05am Sing About This Country. 2.00 Cultural Connections Immersion Festival. 3.00 Barunga Festival. 5.00 Bamay. NITV (34) VIC

10 PEACH (52, 11)

Socceroo

refresh, it’s absolute mayhem.

Saturday, June 7

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 1.30 Picasso. (Ma, R) 2.30

SSO Simone Young Conducts Elgar & Vaughan Williams. 4.10 The Piano. (R) 5.10 Landline. (R) 5.40 Australian Story: Nick Cave With Leigh Sales. (R)

6.10 Father Brown. (Final, PGav) Mrs Devine’s son is framed for murder.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Rosalind and Joyce are thrilled to receive their red cardigans. Sister Julienne presents Joyce with an award.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)

The discovery of a saint’s bones at an archaeological dig causes a stir in the village. However, after one of the people involved falls victim to foul play, Barnaby realises other longburied secrets have been exposed.

10.05 Bergerac. (Ml, R)

There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone.

10.50 Reunion. (Mlv, R) Christine is closer to the answers she seeks.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Octonauts And The Great Swamp Search. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 The Most Magnificent Thing. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. (Return) 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.20pm Waterworld Africa. 2.10 Nula. 2.40 Living Black. 3.10 First Australians. 4.30 Strait To The Plate. 5.05 Pacific Island Food  Revolution. 6.00 Moko. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 9.30 MOVIE: Seven. (1995, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.00 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid Championship. Round 3. South African Safari Rally. Highlights. 2.30 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 How To Sleep Well With Michael Mosley. (R) 4.35 American Candy. (Premiere, PGl) 5.30 Inside D-Day: Filmmakers On The Frontline. (Premiere, PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Freedom. (Mal, R) Elizabeth Taylor struggles to reinvent herself in the wake of her seventh marriage.

8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: English Country Idyll (Stourhead And Scotney Castle) (PGa) Explores a missing masterpiece which returns to its stately home after two centuries and the search for a buried castle.

9.35 Alone Australia. (Ml, R)

The weather forces the survivalists to innovate like never before. 11.35 Suspect. (MA15+av, R) 3.35 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon Hoarders. 2.35 The Story Of. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.00 Over The Black Dot. 5.30 Mastermind Aust. 10.30 Australia’s Health Revolution. 11.35 Spinal Destination. 12.35am MOVIE: Attica. (2021, MA15+) 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Radioactive. (2019, Mavw) 2.05 Flash Of Genius. (2008, PGal) 4.15 Goal! (2005, PGals) 6.25 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PGals) 8.30 The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+av) 10.30 Day And Night. (2010, MA15+dnsvw, German) 12.25am The 355. (2022, Malv) 2.40 Spider. (2002, MA15+as) 4.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Bob Charley AO Stakes Day, VRC Country Race Day and Oaks Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Americas: Patagonia. (PG) Far south of the Americas, pumas hunt in snowy mountains and rockhopper penguins brave the waves.

8.00 MOVIE: Jurassic World. (2015, Mv, R) A genetically modified  hybrid dinosaur escapes containment and goes on a killing spree at a theme park. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins.

10.30 MOVIE: Battleship. (2012, Mv, R) A US Navy ship fights aliens. Taylor  Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård. 1.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Perth Super 440. Day 1. Highlights. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGal, R)

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Bob Charley AO Stakes Day, VRC Country Race Day and Oaks Day. 5.30 Animal SOS Australia. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning

Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. Replay. 4.00 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. VFL. Collingwood v Casey. 10.00 AFL Saturday Rewind. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

We Local News

Sunday, June 8

ABC TV (2)

NINE (8, 9)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.00 Great Australian Detour. (Return) 1.30 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 2.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PG, R) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PG) Tensions rise for Rachel and Ryan. 8.30 MOVIE: No Time To Die. (2021, Malv, R) Bond is recruited by an old friend from the CIA to rescue a kidnapped scientist. Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux.

11.45 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R) Chris Carmack. 1.15 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs.

12.55pm MOVIE: The Long Dark Hall. (1951, PG) 2.45 MOVIE: The Call Of The Wild. (1972, PG) 4.50 MOVIE: Sitting Bull. (1954, PG) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific.  Quarter-final. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 TBA. 11.00 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.20 Tennis. French Open. Women’s Final. 3am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Jeopardy! UK. 3.00 Young Sheldon. 3.30 MOVIE: Hating Alison Ashley. (2005, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Monster Family 2. (2021, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban. (2004, PG) 10.15 MOVIE: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. (2013, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple are at a crossroads with their little house in the Sutherland Shire of NSW. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) Married business owners who need a weekend escape from their chaotic lives search for a retreat in the Blue Mountains. 9.40 Airport Australia 24/7. (PGad, R) The airport faces a blackout and a plane has to turn back shortly after take-off with a reported faulty engine. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mdv, R) A Wall Street titan is murdered. 11.40 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

(8, 9) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs UK. (R) 4.40 Walking With Dinosaurs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Compass: Grief, A Love Story. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (Final, PG) The day of the concert arrives.

8.30 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv) Bergerac must save his daughter, confront his past and finally crack the case.

9.25 Reunion. (Final, Malv) Brennan promises Carly that he won’t leave her again and finally gets to confront Monroe.

10.25 MOVIE: Partisan. (2015, MA15+av, R) Vincent Cassel. 12.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.35 Grantchester. (Mv, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.20 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PGa, R) 11.30 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGa, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Para-Badminton. (PG, R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 Inside D-Day: Filmmakers On The Frontline. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (Final, PG, R) The exploration of London’s history concludes. 8.25 Queens Of Ancient Egypt: The Other Cleopatra. (Mav, R) Takes a look at Cleopatra II. 9.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 1. 11.05 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R) 11.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R) 2.40 The World From Above. (R) 3.40 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 13. North Melbourne v West Coast.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 13. Carlton v Essendon. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 5. Perth Super 440. Day 2. Highlights. 1.00 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R) Harlee persuades Stahl to arrest Saperstein. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. (R) 1.30 Business Drive. (Return) 2.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R) 3.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGlm, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet II. (PGa, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (PG)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mav) Piers Morgan chats with Robert Spahalski. 10.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) 11.40 9News Late. 12.10 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+mns, R) 1.00 Destination WA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Business Drive. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. (R) 11.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 11.30 Roads Less Travelled. (R) 12.00 MasterChef Aust. (R) 1.10 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGal, R) 3.00 GCBC. (R) 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns to impress judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and  Jean-Christophe Novelli. 8.15 Fake. (Mls) Birdie discusses her and Joe’s relationship with her psychologist, who suggests she work on trusting him. 9.15 FBI. (Final, Mav) The team is thrown into an investigation that leads back to the resurgence of online conspiracy.

11.15 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Thomas. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.40 Isadora Moon. 6.55 Rocket Club. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 TBA. 10.30 Late Programs.

(34)

6am Morning Programs. 12.05pm Black Comedy In America. 2.50 Jeopardy! 4.55 WorldWatch. 5.25 PBS Washington Week. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Great Australian Concerts: Cold Chisel. 9.35 Colosseum. 11.25 WWE Legends. 1.15am Letterkenny. 3.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Discover. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.35 Vera. 10.35 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 11.35 Vicar Of Dibley. 1.30am Australia’s Best Backyards. 2.00 Vera. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1pm MOVIE: The Ship That Died Of Shame. (1955, PG) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Tigers v Penrith Panthers. 6.00 Dad’s Army. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 TBA. 11.00 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.20 Tennis. French Open. Men’s final. 4am The Baron. 5.00 Skippy. 5.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 3.10pm Who We Are In Sport. 4.20 The Point. 5.20 Stompem Ground 2022: Pigram Brothers. 6.30 Great Lakes Wild. 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.35 MOVIE: Listen Up: The Many Lives Of Quincy Jones. (1990, M) 10.35 MOVIE: Krush Groove. (1985, M) 12.15am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv) 2.30 The Final Countdown. (1980, PGalv) 4.25 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PGlns) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PGv) 8.30 The Whole Truth. (2016, Malv) 10.15 Sira. (2023, MA15+av, French, Fulani) 12.30am The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+av) 2.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 Fish’n Mates. 3.00 Mighty Planes. 4.00 Close Encounters Down Under. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 The Wash Up. 7.00 Border Security. 7.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. 8.30 MOVIE: Commando. (1985, MA15+) 10.30 Border Security. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Surfing Aust. 1.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Detroit Grand Prix. H’lights. 2.05 Jeopardy! UK. 3.05 MOVIE: Courage Mountain. (1990, PG) 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: War With Grandpa. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Elvis. (2022, M) 10.35 MOVIE: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. (2020, M) 12.45am Late Programs.

Monday, June 9

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (PGv, R) 11.25 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story: Game Of His Life – Ange Postecoglou. Leigh Sales chats with Ange Postecoglou.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.

9.35 Picasso. (Final, PGs) Picasso explores new artistic mediums. 10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 Planet America. (R)

11.20 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 11.50 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.40 Dance Life. 9.30 TBA. 10.20 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 2.55 Travel Shooters. (PGal) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (Premiere, PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGas, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia: Granada. (PGa, R) Michael Portillo celebrates Andalucia.

8.20 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (PGaw, R) Michael Palin sets out on an epic 2000km journey across Nigeria.

9.15 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG, R) A look at at the history of Windsor Castle.

10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Living Black. (R) 11.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 2. 1.25 Kin. (MA15+lv, R) 3.15 The World From Above. (PG, R) 3.45 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Surf Patrol. (R) 1.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 2.00 AFL: The Big Freeze @ The G. (PG) 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 13. Melbourne v Collingwood.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) The final 24-hour dates end with some unexpected revelations from the ladies before an emotional farm farewell.

9.00 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena’s only chance of surviving and saving everyone on the flight is to attempt to land the plane before it crashes and call on the 118 for help.

11.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

12.00 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Malv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PGl, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PG) The teams build two worlds and link them in water.

8.45 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 1. Finals. From SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Adelaide. 10.35 9News Late. 11.05 To Be Advised.

12.05 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup: You Told The World. (Mas)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (Return, PGls) Four mates set out to embarrass each other.

10.20 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.45 The Project. (R) 11.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Small Business Secrets. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 The Movie Show. 2.30 Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The UnBelievable. 10.05 Alone Australia. 12.05am Couples Therapy. 12.40 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.05pm Unsettled. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Living Black. 9.30 Sammy Butcher: Out Of The Shadows. 10.00 MOVIE: Radiance. (1998, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning

9GEM (81, 92)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Golden Girls. Noon MOVIE: Batman. (1989, PG) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Reloaded. (2003, M) 11.15 Seinfeld. 12.15am Young Sheldon. 12.40 Below Deck. 1.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PGals) 3.45 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PGlnsv) 5.50 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PGas) 7.30 The Straight Story. (1999) 9.40 Vampyros Lesbos. (1971, German) 11.20 The City Of Lost Children. (1995, Mv, French) 1.30am Late Programs.

Programs. 1pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 1.30 Australia’s Best Backyards. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Shetland. 11.10 Born To Kill? 12.10am Doc Martin. 1.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Dad’s Army. 2.30 As Time Goes By. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Hell Is A City. (1960, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.00 Swimming. Austn Trials. Finals. 8.45 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 9.45 Harry Wild. 10.55 The Closer. 11.55 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Border Security. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 The Agenda Setters. 8.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.00 Gem Hunters Down Under. 10.00 Appalachian Outlaws. 11.00 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. Midnight Late Programs.

Tuesday, June 10

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 If You’re Listening. (R) 11.20 Gruen. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 11.00 Canada’s National Parks. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 2.55 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.55 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGals, R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. (PG)

8.50 Dino Apocalypse With David Attenborough: The Last Day. (PG, R) Robert DePalma makes a discovery. 9.45 I Was Actually There: Boxing Day Tsunami. (Ma, R) 10.15 ABC Late News.

10.30 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.55 Books That Made Us. (Final, Malsv, R) 12.50 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGals) 8.30 Insight. Explores what turning 50 means. 9.30 Dateline: The World’s Most Dangerous Job.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Highgrove: The King’s Country Home. (R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 3. From Brioude to Carantonnay. 1.25 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R) 3.05 The World From Above. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 8.35 Doc. (Ma) Amy and Richard reconnect while treating a patient whose diagnosis is not at all what it seems.

9.35 The Agenda Setters. (R) A team of trusted and respected footy voices tackles the biggest topics in the AFL world.

10.35 Accused. (Mav) A divorced woman is put on trial.

11.35 Autopsy USA: Adam West. (Ma)

12.35 Fairly Legal. (PGalsv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

9GO! (82, 93)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PG, R) 1.20 Getaway. (PG, R) 1.50 Talking Honey. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PGl) The eight teams build booby traps.

8.45 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 2. Finals. From SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Adelaide.

10.05 9News Late.

10.35 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGl)

11.35 A+E After Dark. (Mam, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

A Current Affair. (R) 5.00

Morning Programs. 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PGa, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.20

Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

Morning Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Land Of The Giants: Titans Of Tech. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Bourdain: Parts Unknown. 10.10 Dark Side Of The Cage. Midnight Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 1.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.40 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 9.25 TBA. 10.10 Late Programs.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Foyle’s War. 10.55 The Yorkshire Vet. 11.55 Bargain Hunt. 12.55am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Dad’s Army. 2.30 As Time Goes By. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Went The Day Well? (1942, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.00 Swimming. Austn Trials. Finals. 8.45 Dalgliesh. (Return) 10.45 The Closer. 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Gem Hunters Down Under. 3.30

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: The Wedding Singer. (1998, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.30am Below Deck. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.

Wednesday, June 11

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. (PG, R) 11.35 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Gruen. Presented by Wil Anderson.

8.35 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG) Presented by Guy Montgomery.

9.25 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron.

9.55 QI. (PGs)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R)

11.30 You Can’t Ask That. (PG, R)

12.30 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.05 BBC News At Ten. 10.35 Soccer. 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier. Brazil v Paraguay. 12.45 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGadls, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (M) A look back at the season.

8.30 The Veil. (Mal) Imogen and Adilah continue their journey to Paris and face a threat in Istanbul. The pressure mounts on the CIA and DGSE.

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 History Of The Amalfi Coast. (PGa, R) A look at Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

11.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 4.

1.25 The Wall: The Orchard. (Malsv, R)

3.05 The World From Above. (R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.10 Junior Vets. 8.45 Abbott Elementary. 9.30 Doctor Who. 10.15 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Unleash The Beast. 1.30 R.I.P. T-Shirts. 2.00 Unsettled. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Piri’s Tiki Tour. 8.30 MOVIE: A Journal For Jordan. (2021, M) 10.50 First Sounds. 11.05 Who We Are In Sport. Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 (Re)Solved. 1.25 Uncovering Incels. 1.40 Late Life Lesbians. 2.35 Framed. 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire. 6.00 Alone Germany. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Seven. (1995, MA15+) 10.50 MOVIE: Hereditary. (2018, MA15+) 1.10am (Re)Solved. 2.05 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.55pm Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PGl, Hindi) 3.15 The Movie Show. 3.45 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 5.25 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PGaln) 7.40 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, Mas) 9.30 The Piano. (1993, MA15+s) 11.45 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+dl) 2.35am Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.05 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

11.00 Born To Kill? Beverley Allitt. (Mav, R)

12.00 Touching Evil. (MA15+adv)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 2.30 Train Rescue Down Under. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. (PGl, R) 1.20 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 3. Finals.

9.40 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l) In his old farmland, Jeremy Clarkson organises a Farmkhana and competes using his old Subaru.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) A con man attacks a prison transport.

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.

1.20 Talking Honey. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning

Programs. 11.30 Swimming. Austn Trials. Heats. 2pm Dad’s Army. 2.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Maytime In Mayfair. (1949) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes, Prime Minister. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Closer. 11.40 The West Wing. 12.40am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: Dying To Win. (2022, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Space Cowboys. (2000, PG) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am Young Sheldon. 12.40 Below Deck. 1.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Elsbeth. (Mv) Sparks fly between Elsbeth and a handsome Scottish musician after he witnesses a murder through a video art installation. 9.40 FBI: International. (Mv) The team leads an international manhunt when an American woman and her new husband flee to Istanbul after a heinous murder. 10.40 10’s Late News.

11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Thursday, June 12

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

(6, 7)

9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The One That Got Away. (Mal, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Grand Designs UK. (Final, Ml) Adam and Tassy take on a giant water tower.

8.50 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG) Presented by Kevin McCloud.

9.40 Grand Designs Australia: Sutton Farm. (R) Hosted by Anthony Burke.

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R)

11.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 11.00 Canada’s National Parks. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. (M, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGs, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Our Medicine. (PG) 8.45 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley: Shadows And Sleuths. (PGh) Lucy Worsley explores the character of Sherlock Holmes. 9.45 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mv) 10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 The Day The Rock Star Died: Buddy Holly. (R) 11.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 5. From Saint-Priest to Macon. 1.25 Pagan Peak. (MA15+asv, R) 3.05 The World From Above. (R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 2.10 Insight. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Roswell: The First Witness. 10.05 The UnXplained. 10.55 Homicide. 12.45am Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: A Sister’s Grudge. (2021, Mav) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. (R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 14. St Kilda v Western Bulldogs. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 Inside Detroit. (Mal, R) Ben Fogle explores Detroit. 1.00 Raines. (Mahv) Raines investigates a 10-year-old’s murder. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Grace. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Father Brown. 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 4. Heats. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PGa, R) 8.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 4. Finals. 9.30 A+E Crash Scene Emergency. (Mam) Follows medical teams at University Hospital Coventry as they work to save the lives of people injured in traffic collisions. 10.30 Panic 9-1-1. (MA15+v)

11.20 9News Late. 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Yes, Prime Minister. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Seven Nights In Japan. (1976, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Cronulla Sharks v Dragons. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.30 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: Drink, Slay, Love. (2017, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Green Lantern. (2011, M) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 Veronica Mars. 12.45am Below Deck. 1.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Airport Australia 24/7. (PGal) A tarmac collision disrupts passengers.

8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma) Benson and Carisi suspect a woman’s assault was prearranged by a third party. 9.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Morning Programs. Noon American Pickers. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. 11.00 Outback Truckers. Midnight Late Programs.

(82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, Man, Spanish) 2.20 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 4.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PGals) 6.35 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 7.30 Casablanca. (1942, PGav) 9.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+alv) 1.25am Late Programs.

(5, 10) NINE (8,

Discover UK, Ireland, Europe

WITH 10 new ocean itineraries in the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Europe now available for 2026 and 2027, Viking have something for everyone, whetherit’safirstor50thvoyage.

The holidays range from eight to 22 days and feature 12 additional recurring ports new for Viking Ocean voyages including stops in Fowey, England; Bordeaux, France; Limerick (Foynes), Ireland; Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Haugesund, Norway; Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, Spain; Fort William and Tobermory, Scotland; and Karlskrona,Sweden.

With a fleet of small sister ships, the elegant cruise line offers more than 100 differentitinerariesacrossallfiveoceans.

Viking’s new ocean voyages visit iconic cities,aswellaslesser-knowndestinations, with additional combination voyages also available.

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said as their award-winning fleet of small ocean ships continues to grow, the cruise line was pleased to introduce new voyages that have been thoughtfully plannedforcurioustravellers.

“Every Viking itinerary is focused on the destination, and our state-of-the-art ships, with no children and no casinos, allowgueststoexploretheworldinelegant Vikingcomfort,”theChairmansaid.

One of the new itineraries for 2027 is the British Isles and Ireland 15-day cruise from London to Belfast where guests will traverse the coast of the British Isles and the stunning shores of Cornwall and Scotland.

Thisvoyageisbookendedwithovernight stays in London and Belfast, allowing guests to explore more of these stunning cities.

As guests discover Ireland’s rugged coastline and visit the ancient city of Limerick,thereistimetoexploretheiconic King John Castle on the banks of the River Shannon.

Explore the quaint town of Fowey and visitancestorsinCountyCork,therichand vibrant cultural centre where Irish cuisine hasreachednewcreativeheights.

Witness the preparation of a traditional Irish lunch and visit a family-owned guesthouse or discover the craftsmanship involvedintheproductionofIrishwhiskey at the home of Jameson Whiskey, the MidletonDistillery.

Walk among the captivating gardens of Ballymaloe Cookery School and savour

a delectable lunch before moving on to Londonderry,whichhasbecomeariverside hub for creative culture and where an up-and-coming food scene thrives and traditionalmusicfillsthestreetsfromcozy pubs.

Visit historic Glasgow in Scotland and savourtheworld-famousseafoodandcraft beers of lovely Loch Fyne or journey to the Burns National Heritage Park for a unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son, world-renownedpoetRobertBurns.

Take in the highlights of Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast and explore two conflicting neighbourhoods separated by a series of Peace Walls, and view brightly paintedpoliticalmuralsorvisittheTitanic BelfastMuseum,thebirthplaceoftheRMS Titanic.

Also new for 2026 and 2027 is the

twelve-day Iberia, France and England Explorer cruise between Lisbon and London.

The cruise offers a wide-ranging sojourn tohistoriccitiesinEurope.Fromthevibrant streets of Lisbon to the wine-rich region of Bordeaux,guestsvisitdestinationsthatare richinhistory,cultureandgastronomy.

Explore Bilbao with its majestic Guggenheim Museum, quaint old town and delicious pintxos, displays of which aretrulyworksofart.

Admire A Coruna’s attractions from the ancient Tower of Hercules to idyllic Orzan Beach.

Sample the cherished brandy on a “Privileged Access” visit to the historic Camus distillery in Bordeaux or sample oysters plucked fresh from the sea in Arcachon.

Drive into one of France’s most celebratedwineregionstoenjoyatourand lunch at a family-owned vineyard within the largest estate in the appellation of Lalande-de-Pomerol.

WalkinthefootstepsofMonetwithatrip fromGivernytoRouenandwitnessallthat inspiredthisbrilliantimpressionist.

Learntoprepareathree-courseNorman menu, then share a meal at your chef’s lovely rural home. In the heart of the Auge region.

Catch the first glimpse of Dover, the doorway into England and experience regal London as the ship sails the iconic Thames River, the beating heart of the capital,London.

For additional information, contact Viking on 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ) orvisitwww.viking.com

The town of Cobh is the gateway to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city and home to nearby Blarney Castle.

LEE MCCARTHY

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tobermory built as a fishing port during the late 18th century.

Visit the picturesque town of Fort Augustus and sail across the tranquil waters of Loch Ness.

Explore the highlights of Tobermory from the sea and learn about life below the ocean waves.

Visit the humble cottage where poet Robert Burns was born. Fully restored, it depicts what life was like throughout his childhood.

Visit a family-owned guesthouse to learn about Ireland and witness the preparation of a traditional Irish lunch at Lynnwood House, a beautiful Victorian home nestled in the heart of Cobh.

Viking named best of best

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Reader’s Digest 2025 Trusted Brands Awards of Australia, making it one of the oldest and most respected consumer awards initiatives in the local market, celebrating the brands Australians trust most.

The awards, compiled by an independent survey of more than 4000 Australians, represent a snapshot of the Australian population, capturing their opinions on which brands of products and services are most important to them, making it the ‘people’s choice’ survey.

This year, a new category was introduced - the River Cruise Operators Category, which Viking Australia and New Zealand Managing director Michelle Black said the group was thrilled to win.

“We are incredibly honoured that the Reader’s Digest community has recognised Viking as ‘Australia’s Most Trusted Brand’ in the highly competitive category of River Cruise Operators,” she said.

“This recognition is a testament to the trust we’ve earned by consistently delivering culturally immersive river voyages that resonate with our guests.

“This recognition as a ‘Trusted Brand’ in Australia underscores the strong connection we’ve built with our local community and the unwavering trust our guests place in us.”

Reader’s Digest magazine Asia Pacific Editor-in-Chief Louise Waterson was full of praise for the cruise line.

“With its extensive and fascinating range of destinations for The Thinking Person, Viking has built a reputation over 28 years of sharing the world with its curious guests,” Waterson said.

“As the first winner in the new River Cruise Operators category of the 2025 Most Trusted Brands survey, the team at Viking are to be congratulated for setting such a high benchmark in the industry.

“This endorsement is proof that Viking’s efforts to ensure their guests have only the best choices in river journeys, visiting some of the world’s most culturally charming and captivating locations, have been well worth it.”

Viking has many points of difference, including world-class guest lecturers, resident historians, destination performances, an onboard cooking school, port talks, destination insights, resident musicians, and curated libraries.

What the cruise line doesn’t have is children under 18, casinos, charges for Wi-Fi, spa, laundry, beer and wine with lunch or dinner, formal or themed nights, inside staterooms, smoking and there is no charge for alternate restaurants.

Guests can choose between five categories

Guests can choose between five categories of spacious rooms, and all come with king-sizebeds, large showers, heated bathroom floors, LCD TVs, multiple US/EU outlets and USB ports, private verandas, and 24-hour room service.

of spacious rooms, and all come with king-size beds, large showers, heated bathroom floors, LCD TVs, multiple US/EU outlets and USB ports, private verandas, and 24-hour room service.

Cruises include River Cruises to Europe, Asia, Egypt and Mississippi; Ocean Cruises

include Scandinavia, British Isles and Ireland, North America, Caribbean and Central America, South America, Mediterranean, Quiet Season Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, World Cruises, Grand Journeys; Viking Expeditions include trips to Antarctica, The Arctic, the Great Lakes, North America, South America, Longitudinal World Cruises.

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. The cruise line was designed for curious travellers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine. For additional information, please contact Viking on 138 747 or visit www.viking.com

Each Viking ship features a curated library for travellers to research upcoming destinations.

The main pool with open roof and jacuzzi treats guests while at sea or after onshore excursions.

The spacious and luxurious theatre on board Viking’s ocean cruise lines.

Viking ships feature a stunning atrium complete with the piano centrepiece.

With the Viking inclusive value, there is no additional charge to dine-in Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant (pictured) and The Chef’s Table.

LEE MCCARTHY

GRAND MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER

Istanbul to Lisbon or vice versa

36 DAYS | 10 COUNTRIES | 29 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: MAR-APR 2027

From $31,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $38,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER

Athens to Lisbon or vice versa

30 DAYS | 9 COUNTRIES | 24 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: OCT 2026; FEB-JUN, AUG 2027

From $22,395pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $27,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

Uncover the history, culture and traditions of the world’s most captivating destinations – for less.

Our voyages are meticulously crafted to offer you immersive experiences, exceptional service and everything you need included.

Save up to 30% on selected river and ocean voyages booked by 30 June 2025*.

ADRIATIC & MEDITERRANEAN DISCOVERY

Lisbon to Venice or vice versa

22 DAYS | 7 COUNTRIES | 18 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: OCT-NOV 2026; FEB-JUN, AUG 2027

From $16,395pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $20,495pp in Penthouse Veranda

All-Inclusive Cruise

10 night all-inclusive luxury cruise on board Silver Cloud

Visiting: Broome, Buccaneer Archipelago (overnight in port), Adele Island, Hunter River (overnight in port), Ashmore Reef, Vansittart Bay, King George River, Darwin (overnight in port)

Includes one shore excursion per guest at every port

Pre-paid gratuities and WI-FI on board

In-suite butler service and fully stocked fridge for all suites

All-inclusive beverages including fine wines, beers and premium spirits

Hotel Stays

2

3

All hotel stays include breakfast

Escorted Tours

Darwin City Tour

Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Litchfield National Park All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Family sings in harmony

and friends.

Tony Armstrong-Carrigg has been playing music in the Geelong region foralongtime.

The 69 year old’s new band The Sound Collective brings together some of the best musicians in the region as well as family, butthestoryofitsformationhearkensback decades.

Tony, one of The Sound Collective’s lead vocalists, began as a drummer in 70s, playing with bands that supported touring bands at classic Geelong venues such as theSundownerandtheEureka.

“Myjourneygoesalongwayback…when I was 16 I was playing in bands that would go on before Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, theLaDiDa’s,”Tonysaid.

“We were the local act. That was a lot of fun - I was in a pub as an underage kid playing all sorts of interesting music, we had a pretty good band and it was very exciting.”

The heady days of rock and roll evolved into the cabaret band scene for Tony, until he hung up the drumsticks when he and hiswife’sfirstsonMatthewcamealong.

“Music didn’t really come back until Matty was overseas, he was about 25,” Tony said. “He didn’t even know I was into music, so he was quite surprised to come backandseeIhadbandsgoingagain.”

Tonyhadbeeninspiredbythe2001Sting concert/documentaryAllThisTime,which featured the ex-Police frontman leading an extended band, including multiple singers and a horn section, performing rearrangementsofhisownmusic.

“From there I developed the concept of the Bash Big Band… I thought, what a great concept, bringing all these people together,” he said. “I thought, I’ve got lots of people that want to have a go, I’ve got good players and I’ve got people that need tolearnanddevelop.

“One of my friends said, I’d love to do that but I wouldn’t have the ability; I said, you can do it. So we got a whole heap of people, some with experience, some not, andbroughtthisthingtogether.”

We all just want to support each other and make sure we’re all doing our best. If someone makes a mistake, it’s like don’t worry about it ... we laugh it off

- Rachel Cumming

The Bash Big Band played R&B, blues and 70s rock around the greater Geelong regionformorethan20years,followingan inclusive policy that welcomed anyone to joinin.

“The concept of the Bash Big Band came from giving everybody a go; if you think you can do it, get up and have a crack with us,”Tonysaid.“Wewerenotpreciousabout that. It meant that people could say ‘I got up with the Bash Band last Saturday night, I gave them a song and they helped me throughit’.”

One of the people that got up and had a crack was Tony’s daughter, Rachel Cumming.

“I was watching Dad (in the Bash Big Band) from probably age eight,” Rachel said. “Some of the girls would sing songs

I knew and they’d give me an opportunity to jump up and sing a song or two on the night. I feel like, with the Bash Big, I was keentodoitbutIprobablywasn’tready.

“Then, when Dad felt like he needed to step back from the Bash, he had this concept with some other musicians that weredadstobringtheirdaughtersforward to start singing. So we started the Fam Jam.”

Fam Jam began with father-daughter duosTony(drums)andRachel,John(bass) and Rory Crosgrove and Dean (guitar) and IzzyRowlands.

One of Fam Jam’s first gigs was at Bash Big Band sax player Robbie Calvert’s 80th birthday, which, thanks to Robbie’s extensive national and international touring career, was attended by many famousmusicians.

“That was maybe my second or third gig, playing in front of all those musicians,” Rachelrecalled.

“Also, I was just seven weeks pregnant, and no one knew. I was sick as a dog, singingupthereinfrontofthem,like,what amIdoing?Itwasquiteoverwhelming.”

Fam Jam formed the house band for the night, with various players getting up throughout the night to perform with them.

After that initial success, the band has continued to gig around the Bellarine and SurfCoast,butrecentlyTonyfelttheitchto getthebigbandsoundhappeningagain.

Tony (who switched from drums to lead male vocalist), Rachel, John and Rory Crosgrove formed the nucleus of The Sound Collective, and are now joined by Tony’s longtime collaborators Robbie Calvert (sax), Rex Foord (trombone), Dahl Murphy(drums),AshleyWard(guitar)and PeterBowers(piano).

The band has three high-energy sets full of music from 70s and 80s artists such as Joe Cocker, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Christopher Cross, as well as modern tracks like Dua Lipa’s Levitating, Amy Winehouse’s Valerie and Mark Ronson’s

UptownFunk.

Tony said it was “amazing” to be sharing thestagewithhisdaughter.

“I’m 69, so will I still be playing in 10 years?Hopefully,”hesaid.

“IknowthatI’mcomingtowardstheend of a musical career that’s spanned many years and I’m rapt that I’ve got Rachel now coming up as well. And our little granddaughter, Willa, she gets up on stage withusshakinganegg.

“Sheisgoingtojointhebandeventually. If I’m around it’ll be great. It’s been wonderful to have the family be a part of it.”

ForRachel,whoisstillintheearlydaysof her musical journey, she couldn’t imagine abetterbandtobeapartof.

“We all just want to support each other and make sure we’re all doing our best,” shesaid.

“If someone makes a mistake, it’s like don’t worry about it. We laugh it off, then gettorehearsalandfixitupstraightaway.

“Rory has taken me under her wing to help me be more confident, helping me heaps with learning harmony lines. Everyone’ssokindandjustwantseveryone tosucceed.”

For Tony, The Sound Collective has anotherpurposeasidefromjustputtingon great gigs; to help support music generally intheregion.

“I’velivedsomuchofmylifedownonthe coast, but Geelong is, in a way, my home,” hesaid.

“I think that there are so many good opportunitieshere…greatroomsthatneed tohaveregularperformanceshappening.

“I come from the days of the Eureka, the Sundowner, when music was huge. To see music now in Geelong not as strong as it was, I’d love to be able to be part of bringing that back, and working with my demographictotrytogetthemoutagain.”

The Sound Collective are at The Piano Bar on Friday, June 13. Visit soundcollectiveaust.com/shows for tickets andmoreinformation.

Father and daughter Tony Armstrong-Carrigg and Rachel Cumming make up two-ninths of recently formed band The Sound Collective. They chatted to Matt Hewson about the intersection of music, family

The Sound Collective’s Rex Foord, Robert Calvert, Peter Bowers, Rachel Cumming, Dahl Murphy and Tony Armstrong-Carrigg. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp)

Tony Armstrong-Carrigg and his daughter Rachel Cumming.

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 Peppy (4)

3 Thin spaghetti (10)

10 Firm in purpose (7)

11 Sellers (7)

12 Very small amount (8)

13 Greek letter (5)

14 Beaten track (4)

15 Jarring (10)

18 Event (10)

20 Hideous (4)

21 Those entertaining (5)

23 Mark left by walking (8)

26 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

27 Emit (7)

28 Restriction (10)

29 Burden (4)

DOWN

1 Male deer (4)

2 Believable (9)

4 Substantial (9)

5 Film (5)

6 Frankness (7)

7 Dissolute (5)

8 There and then (9)

9 Absurd (4)

14 Predictive (9)

16 Particle accelerator (9)

17 Total (9)

19 Esteem (7)

22 Faint (5)

23 Wildlife (5)

24 Flank (4)

25 Tidy (4)

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 Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman co-starred in which 1942 film?

2 Which country is the flattest on Earth?

3 What was the name of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s wife?

4 In a 2022 biopic, Austin Butler (pictured) portrayed which musical legend?

5 Name the three zodiac signs associated with the element earth.

6 TheSecretHistory, The Little Friend and TheGoldfinch are works by which US novelist?

7 Which World War I battle was responsible for the most deaths?

8 In which part of the body is the cuboid bone located?

9 Which athlete became the most decorated Australian Olympian after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

10 What is the westernmost county of Ireland?

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 Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.

Lectures

Bittersweet - Chocolate, Tea and Coffee in the Early Modern World, Wednesday June 11, 10.15am, Newcomb Hall.

Formal Dining in the Courts of 28th Century Europe, Wednesday June 11, 5.45pm, Geelong West Town Hall. Join Adfas Geelong Inc. for illustrated lectures by art historian Matthew Martin, formerly curator of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday June 8, 7.30-11pm, $10 includes supper, music Kevin.

 0419 463 306

Arts National Geelong Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at:

 artsnational.au

Live music

Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Rd Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab.

 Dawn, 0417 148 493

Bellarine Historical Society Inc.

Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. 1st & 3rd Sundays, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.

 Ann, 0407 234 541

GROW Australia

Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.

 grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268

Grovedale Seniors

Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.

 Julie, 0419 549 521

Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.

 0418 521 265

Drysdale Day VIEW

Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Geelong Day VIEW

First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio.

 geelongdayview@gmail.com

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.

 leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Geelong Evening VIEW

Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

 Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com

Lions Club International

Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is

Sports Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available.  Maureen, 0429 397 015

right for you.

 Les, 0428 466 446

Grovedale Marshall Probus

Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.

 Anne, 0425 356 973

Chess

Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.

 Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457

Community kitchen

Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?

 healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au

Croquet

Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.

 0428 740 591

Barefoot bowls

Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown, Friday twilight starting 6pm. $15 covers bowls and BBQ. Drinks at Crackerjack bar prices.

 Wendy, 0401 221 061

Mr Perfect

Monthly free bbq for men of all ages to get together over a BBQ for a chat. Norlane Community Centre first Sunday each month except January, 10.30am-12.30pm.

 0430 022 446, or michaeldg999@gmail.com

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, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.

Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

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

Monthly

Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.

 Dianne, 5255 1372

Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus Meets on the second Thursday of the month at 10am 200 McCurdy Road Fyansford.

 Noel, 0425 706 339

Esoteric coffee meetups

For mature 18+ interested in the supernatural/occult paranormal experiences tarot cards, Anton La Vey, NDE, for fortnightly/coffee and chat catch-ups in Northern Geelong/Geelong area. Bookings limited.

 Text name and details, 0400 542 522

Geelong Central Probus

Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL.

 geelcentprob@gmail.com

Newcomb Probus

Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.

 Gary, 0407 320 735

Polish language for kids

Fortnightly Polish language classes for kids aged 7-11 at one of Geelong’s libraries.

 Dorota, 5224 1105

Music for preschoolers

Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.

 Rhonda, 0437 241 345

Rostrum meets

Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.

 Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958

Highton Seniors

Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton.

 Elma, 0411 065 524

Adfas Geelong

Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road.

 adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au

Cards Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid.

 griddlepop@hotmail.com

Geelong Historical Society Inc.

Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West.

 Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au

Stamps

Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West and 1pm third Monday of the month at Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont.

 Julie, 0438 270 549

Scrabble club

Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool & McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.

 Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282

Games

Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.

 Dinah, 0418 547 753

Book club

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

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.

 Mary, 0419 278 456

Mindfulness & meditation

U3A 9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale.

 Jean, 5264 7484

Geelong Breakfast Lions Morning club for those who want to help others, first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (formerly Karingal) in East Geelong. Dinner somewhere in Geelong each month to suit members.

 ajd53m@yahoo.com

Ocean Grove Seniors

Play 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. Cost $20 annually and coffee included. 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

 Lyn, 5256 2540

Scribes Writers Group

South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills.

 geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, or 5243 8388

Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm.

 Val, 5251 3529

Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged three to six years; 7-10 years; and 10+ years at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am.  Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea, 0403 005 449

Geelong Dragon Boat Club

Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial.

 revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons

sliders do it for MND

It was another successful Big Freeze Geelong on Sunday and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Kardinia Park to capture all the sliders.

Professor of Neurology and Clinical Consultant for MND patients Paul Talman.

Deanna Guy raised $17,200 for Fight MND, and Collingwood AFLW player Britt Bonicci.

Retired world champion swimmer Phoebe Mitchell salutes the crowd after taking the plunge (pictured bottom right).

Nephew of Big Freeze founder Neale Daniher, James Breust.

The volunteers that make it work.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj hits the water.

AFL Barwon Media and Communications Camryn Sheehan.

Former Australia Diamonds netballer Caitlin Thwaites.

Former St Mary’s president Jock McMahon.

Premiership AFL footballer and MND ambassador Zach Tuohy (right and inset).

Dennis Walter behind the microphone.

Left: St Mary’s Football Netball Club president Sally Flynn. Right: The crowd building up before the Big Freeze. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 480203

Above: St Joseph’s senior women’s co-captain Katherine Kvant.

Above centre: Peter Murrihy does his best Houdini act.

St Joseph’s assistant coach Paul Hood.

K rock commentator Jane Burch.

Paralympic gold and silver medallist Kelly Cartwright.

Organiser Graeme Reid addresses the volunteers.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 6/10

Luxury journey in the SQ7

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Ah! That takes me back. Almost two decades ago I was a member of the media that helped launch the new Audi Q7 in Australia in a transcontinental relay from easttowest.

MysectionofthetrekbeganinBirdsville andendedupatUluru.

An assortment of ‘scribblers’, me included, had scaled Big Red, the iconic Simpson Desert sand dune west of Birdsville(becausewecould),inastringof Q7s,thepremiumseven-seaterwhichwent on to become the mainstay of the brand’s SUV lineup, before setting off down the Birdsville Track, on to the Oodnadatta Track, Coober Pedy and up the Stuart HighwaytotheRock.

Like the luxury Audi SUVs did then, this brings me nicely to the theme of this piece – the new SQ7, which, with its high-performance heart wrapped in a luxury skin, has recently undergone upgradesaspartofQ7design,comfortand technologyupdates.

Designated by the MY25 tag, the car comes to market for a base $174,815, plus on-road costs. Standard equipment includes 22-inch Sport wheels with red brake callipers, and Sport steering wheel, leather seat upholstery with embossed S logoanddiamondpatternstitching.

Audi drive select enables access to six driving modes – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, Efficiency, Off-Road – Adaptive drive assist includes Stop & Go, distance indicator, traffic jam assist and lane guidance. Cost options include a Dynamic Package ($10,900) consisting of roll stabilisation system and quattro sport differential.

Furthermore, a Sensory package, for $14,400,addsBang&Olufsen3DAdvanced Sound System, front seat massager, rear sunshades and air quality package. This, plus other odds and bobs, took the total priceofthetestcarto$209,215.Thevehicle

is subject to Audi’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, plus five years roadsideassist.

Styling Naturally, to justify the premium price over the Q7 ($66k), the SQ7 has a unique character on the outside, starting with the single frame octagon grille with vertical inlays.Airinletshavebeenupdated,which together with new headlamp graphics, engender a more modern and assertive stance.

S-specific bumpers and quad tailpipes andredbrakecallipersdoubledownonthe car’sperformancecredentials.Ownerscan opt for digital OLED rear lights, allowing taillight signatures to be customised throughtheMMIsystem.

Interior

In keeping with the athletic exterior, the cabinofferssport-styleleatherseatingwith contrasting stitching, plus quality inlays in matt brushed aluminium with linear embossing.

Up to seven occupants can be carried in comfort and safety thanks to a versatile seating system, the result of the SQ7’s three-metre-pluswheelbase.

A three-spoke sport leather steering wheelsportsshiftpaddles,plusamultitude ofbuttonsforvehiclesystems.

Cargo (up to 793 litres), carried in the area behind the third row of seats, can be expanded to 1921 litres with second and thirdrowsfolded.

Infotainment

Also included is the latest MMI touch response with its dual displays – Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch colour display and MMI navigation plus with 10.1-inch touchscreen. A Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D Sound System with 23 speakersservesup1920Wofcrispsound. The‘scene’issetwithheadlininginblack andfullleatherseating,includingmassage

In the case of the SQ7 it’s not the destination, but the journey. (Pictures: Supplied)

function up front, heated seats in the back and manual sunshades for rear side windowsandrearwindow.

Air quality is taken care of by four-zone climate control air-conditioning, ioniser and two quality perfumes in four intensities. Audi Connect plus dishes up navigationandinfotainment,plussecurity and assistance services. Smartphone interfaces are wireless for Apple CarPlay andAndroidAuto.

Engines/transmissions

The impressive powertrain is at the service of a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine stumping up 373kW of peak power and 770Nm of maximum torque, enabling the SQ7totop100km/hinjust4.1seconds.

Safety

Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, with pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus pre-sense features head up the advanced safety systems

followedbyAudisideassistwithblindspot warningandlaneguidanceassist. Park assist features parking system plus, while traffic sign recognition is making a firstappearanceonthismodel.

Driving

In these days of electric vehicles quietly takingoverthestreetsthere’snaryasound but the honeyed hum of the motors. Enter the SQ7. Drop into the premium leather driver’s seat of this Audi high performance seven-seater SUV, press the start/stop buttonandthecabinisfilledwiththegrowl of an engine just itching to do something that’shardtoignore.

And this one does not disappoint: try 100km/h from rest in 4.1 seconds to the rasp of a donk let loose. Press the accelerator pedal and there’s a solid shove inthebacktoo,asthewagontakesoff.Talk aboutaflyingstart.

In what Audi calls its upper-large SUV family, the five-metre-plus SQ7 is streets ahead of much of the segment in powertrain performance alone. However, fuelconsumptionisintheupperreachesof the‘pipeline’at9.2litresper100kilometres inhighwaytrafficandupto18litresper100 kilometresinstop-startcitystuff.

Advanced driving dynamics get in on the act with the standard mix of adaptive suspension and all-wheel steering, while an even more exhilarating driving experience is provided by the addition of the Dynamic package of quattro sport differential and active roll stabilisation, the latter electromechanically reducing the side tilt of the body during cornering. Itworks!

Summary

People ask: Why buy a vehicle – especially one that tips the scales at $200k-plus – that cangoattwicethelegalspeedlimit.Inthe case of the SQ7 it’s not the destination, but the journey. I’m sure the wagon would not bewantingontheBirdsvilleTracktoo.

Joeys come out on top

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Kardinia Park on Sunday for the St Joseph’s vs St Mary’s Geelong Netball League clash which Joeys won by 20 goals.

Tori Honner clears out of defence.

Above: Ava Pierce looks to pass. Below: Mon Peoretti with the ball. Below centre: Isabelle Grapsas beats Tori Honner for possession.

Left to right: Larni Howard leaps to take a pass; Hannah Fitzgerald gets front position; Mia Aitken comes out of defence; Ella Closter receives a pass under the net. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 480200

Elli Leydin takes a pass out wide.

Grace Blood looks for a teammate.

Kiahna Fallon wins this contest.

Elli Leydin soars to take the ball.

Joeys win a classic

St Joseph’s came from behind to win a Geelong Football League classic against St Mary’s on Sunday and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Anthony Costa Oval to see it.

Left: Hamish Bourke finds space to pick up the ball and kick forward. Centre: Oscar Morrison snaps towards goal. Right: Eddy McCoy kicks the ball out of the centre. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 480202

Above: Josh Nurnaitis handballs before being tackled. Left: Eddy McCoy and Fletcher Hughes do battle in the ruck.

Elijah Wales tries to break a tackle.

Patrick Dowling is wrapped up in a tackle.

Lewis Antonac marks strongly at half forward.

Mitch Chafer has his jumper pulled in this marking contest.

Above: Hunter Lewis marks on the run to set up his third goal. Right: Ryan Pendlebury handballs to Luke Bartolo.

Oscar Morrison breaks clear of a tackle.

Cats ready for Suns clash

Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins signed a two-year contract extension recently, but his mind is firmly on tackling Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old will come up against Suns’ stars Matt Rowell, Touk Miller and Noah Anderson.

“ObviouslyAndersonhasprobablybeen the standout,” Atkins said.

“His last month has been awesome, thenRowellandToukarereallyconsistent players. We will have a challenge, it is always a challenge but we feel like we

have been going pretty well as well.

“It is more about how can we nullify their strengths but amplify ours, we will look forward to them in the next couple of days.”

The Cats were challenged by bottom of the ladder West Coast on Sunday and Atkins said coach Chris Scott remained calm at three-quarter time when the game was up for grabs.

“Scotty never shows his frustration, it isalwaysaveryforwardlookingmindset,” he said.

“We still had a quarter of footy left and he was just reminding us that we are one of the best fourth quarter teams in the competition.

“It is not just going to happen, we need to go out there and get it done and that is what eventuated.

“It is nice to have a calm mindset knowing that if you put in the effort, you can execute.”

Atkins said the Cats were in a good positionatthehalfwaymarkoftheseason.

“We have had some tough games, but I

feel like every game we have been in it,” hesaid.“Therehasn’tbeenagamethatwe have played where I felt like we couldn’t have won at some point.

“That is probably the most pleasing thing, that we have been able to stay in games and at times we have executed.

“Our last three weeks have been really enjoyable, hopefully we can carry that through.”

Geelong takes on the Gold Coast Suns at 4.15pm on Saturday June 7 at GMHBA Stadium.

Stunning finish at Indigenous titles held at Djarrak

The 2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles delivered a stunning finish at Djarrak (Bells Beach), with champions crowned across all divisions in a day full of powerful performances, spectacular moments, and community celebration.

The Open Men’s final proved to be a strategic battle, with slow sets making wave selection critical. Landen Smales (Noosa Heads, QLD) was first to strike, opening with two fast-paced snaps and drifting the fins on the final manoeuvre to score a 7.17 and take the early lead.

Finn Hill (Avoca Beach, NSW) stayed busy, banking a couple of mid-range scores to keep his momentum alive. After a long lull in the swell, Jordie Campbell (Torquay, VIC) made his first wave count, locking in an excellent 8.00-point ride that brought him within striking distance of Smales, who had already built a strong backup score.

A final flurry of waves then pushed through the lineup. With Hill holding priority and Smales in second priority, Hill took the first wave, unleashing his powerful style across multiple major manoeuvres for a 6.93-point ride. But Smales answered straight back, taking the larger and cleaner second wave of the set, and laid down a dynamic series offorehandsnapsandcarves.Thejudges rewarded him with the highest score of the final, an 8.67-point ride, securing his win with a 15.84 combined total. Hill placed second on 11.10, with Campbell

third and Russ Malony (Central Coast, NSW) fourth.

“I ended up in second priority at the end, and there was a two-wave set, and I kinda sold Finn on the first one and got the bomb behind it and got a good score,” said Smales.

“Thisisalwaysagreatevent,thewaves seem to always turn on for us, and I love coming here every year,” he continued.

Smales wasn’t done yet. He backed up his Open Men’s win by claiming victory in the Open Men’s Longboard final as well. Continuing his dominant

form from Day 2, he caught eight waves, with three scoring above 8 points. His standout was a 9.67-point ride that included an extended nose ride out the back and a stylish mix of carves all the way to shore. That wave not only sealed his longboard title but also earned him the Surf Better Now Wave of the Day.

In the Longboard Women’s final, Djarrak again delivered as lines stacked to the horizon under a shining Winter sun. The competitors embraced the moment, catching plenty of waves and exchanging laughs, epitomising

Grand final week for local tennis as

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

For the second week of finals, the weather was not looking favourable for our Tuesday Ladies,buttherainpausedlongenoughfor matchestogoahead,andgrandfinalistsbe decided.

Itwasn’tagreatdayformanyhometeams with four of the six preliminaries going to last week’s elimination finalists and the two that did make it through did it by the skin of their teeth with only a few games difference.

Section 4 was the only grade with two finals, with Surfcoast Torquay Black, who have dominated all season, having a 5-1 win over fourth placed Western Heights Uniting,whileTeesdalehadamuchtougher time against their Torquay’s counterparts BellbraeGreen.

The match went set for set, and there was only one game separating the teams with twosetstoplay.

Itwasagreatmatch,with‘deuce’theword of the day. Bellbrae put themselves ahead with Diedre Pike and Judy Harvey winning 6-3, but with Lynette Wood and Melissa

Gillett’s 6-1 win for Teesdale, they took the day,andthespotinnextweek’sfinal.

TheupsetsstartedatthetopwithSection 1 minor premiers Barwon Heads going down to Moriac in a tough battle. Moriac, fresh off their deciding set win last week,

the event’s spirit of connection and joy. Among them, Melissa Combo (Bundjalung, NSW) stood out with a flowing, smooth ride that featured critical high-lining and stylish control. Her6.67-pointridehelpedherfinishwith a 12.47 combined total to claim the title. Angela King (Torquay, VIC) followed closelyinsecondwith11.70points,while Elly Muir (Port Macquarie, NSW), Jessi Muir (Jan Juc, VIC), and Matilda Thearle (Woolooware, NSW) rounded out the final placings in third, fourth, and fifth respectively.

home teams struggle to win

startedwell,butwithacoupleofclosewins in sets three and four, eventual winners foursetstotwo,butbyonlytwogames.

AireysInletalsostruggledintheirmiddle sets against Surfcoast Torquay Yellow in Section 2, with Yellow proving too strong winning four sets to two. The team was helped along with Kerryn Viner winning herthreesetsforthemorning.

Highton tussled with Clifton Springs in the first two sets in Section 3, eventually winning 6-4, 7-5, and then taking the third 6-2beforetheSpringshitbackinthefourth, winning6-0.

Jacqui Duxson led from the front for Highton winning her third set with Jules Gower to give the team the win, while the Springstookthelastinatie-break.Highton throughtothefinalwitha4-2win.

Highton also enjoyed success in Section 5, with the best win of the day defeating Grovedale six sets to love. The team had won both of their encounters during the home and away series, so were favourites goingin,andtheymadethemostoftheday. The teams have enjoyed their matches over theseason,includingthefinal,evenposing foraphototogetherafterthematch.

Grovedale fought hard in their Section 7 match with St Mary’s, and despite leading three sets to one going into the remaining two sets, St Mary’s weren’t just going to lie down.

Christie Moores and Denise Henry kept them in contention winning the fifth set 6-4, while Teresa Mifsud and Carol Mills put them over the line by three games, winning6-3,withtheteamslevelonsets.

Clifton Springs were neck and neck with Hamlyn Park in their Section 6 clash with the result in question to the end. Hamlyn Park took the first set 6-3, but the Springs managed to go two games better in the second, winning 6-1. The Park took the third 6-4, the Springs countered with a 6-3, nowthreegamesahead.

The remaining two sets were again split with Hamlyn Park winning the sixth 6-2, but with Clifton Springs getting up 6-1, despite being tied on sets, the match went totheSpringswithafourgameadvantage.

The winners will now be looking to next week’sgrandfinalsandhopingtheywillbe theonesattheendofthedaywithaglassof champagne and having their premiership phototaken.

TWS5 Highton and Grovedale: Back: Melanie Wise (H), Lia Neate (H), Maree Biscan (H), Fiona Miller (H), Lisa Leahy (H), Front: Kerry Carlin (G), Vicki Castven (G), Kerrie Grinter (G), Diane Ambrus (G), Therese Wilson (G). (Supplied)

Angela King and Jordie Campbell. (Pictures: Elley Harrison/Surfing Victoria)

Joeys win Big Freeze classic

By Justin Flynn

For the second year in a row St Joseph’s and St Mary’s have produced a Big Freeze classic. Since the Big Freeze Geelong event was moved from Drysdale to Geelong in 2024, Joeys defeated St Mary’s by a point last year and produced a comeback for the ages on Sunday to scrape home by five points.

Trailing by 26 points at the last break, St Joseph’s booted six goals to one in the final term to win 16.15(111) to 16.10(106).

These two sides bring out the best in each other.

“I think we’re both pretty competitive and very proud clubs,” St Joseph’s coach Ron Watt said.

“I think there’s a real rivalry that’s been formed over quite a few years now. So it’s not something new, but it’s something that’s, I think, enhanced and continued on, particularly playing on big days such as Big Freeze day that helps to create a real atmosphere as well.”

It took Joeys six minutes to register a goal in the final term, but Charlie Lang kicked truly for St Mary’s soon after.

With 15 minutes elapsed in the quarter, St Mary’s led by 25 points and that’s when the comeback truly began.

Hunter Lewis put Joeys in front in the 26th minute they hung on for a memorable victory.

Watt said there was no magic wand waved at his three-quarter time speech.

“We just started playing properly,” he said.

“We had three or four positional moves and we kept our rotations fairly tight so we had fresh players coming all the time through the middle and it took us a while to break them.

“We were patient with what we were doing. It just felt that if we did things well

enough for long enough, we’d give ourselves a chance.”

Many pundits expected St Mary’s to plummet down the ladder after the loss of several key playmakers, but that hasn’t been the case and Watt isn’t surprised.

“They have lost some good players, but they’ve been able to replace them or give opportunities to young players,” he said.

“I think they’re as good as they were last year as far as list-wise goes.”

Despite the win and remaining unbeaten, Watt said there was obviously room for improvement.

“Probably just not watching the ball as much as they do,” he said.

“I think the temptation is that you watch the ball and you think you know where it’s going, but you’re not actually watching the game. So just pulling ourselves back a little bit from watching to actually using some initiatives in what they need to do next.”

Joeys take on Newtown & Chilwell this Sunday.

The two sides have already played each other. A quirk in the fixture meant they played their round 15 match before the season proper.

St Joseph’s won by 35 points, but the Eagles are a better side now.

“I think we probably had our list just a little bit more in place,” Watt said.

“I think we were ready to go and I think they’ve, in the last couple of months, assembled a list that is really hard to beat. A couple of their young boys have really come on.

“And (we’re) looking forward to a really good contest because we’ll have a good crowd here (Herne Hill Reserve). We’ll have a 10-year premiership reunion so there’ll be a lot of people here celebrating.”

Ammos recover from Grove loss with Portarlington victory

By Justin Flynn

Perhaps Geelong Amateur’s defeat to Ocean Grove in round 7 was the loss it had to have.

For the past two seasons, Ammos have gone unbeaten until the grand final, where they lost both times to Ocean Grove.

But defeat to the Grubbers on May 24 has probably eased the pressure this time around rather than added to it.

Ammos certainly showed no signs of the loss in round 8 when they easily accounted for Portarlington by 25 goals on Saturday May 31.

First-year coach Kaitlyn Sheringham was pleased with her team’s response.

“I think it was really important just to get the girls’ confidence back up and knowing what we can put out on court and our real focus was defensive pressure (against Port),” she said.

“And I thought we brought it, which was great to see and it was really good that what we implemented at training came across on game day, so we were really happy with the response and how the girls went about it.”

Sheringham wouldn’t be drawn on saying whether the loss to Grove was something that might benefit her team in the long run.

“It’s just a matter of us learning to stick to our game plan and to stick to what we know, but yeah, there was lots of learnings that came out of that game,” she said.

“It was nice to be able to go back and watch it and really pick up on some things that we can improve on and hopefully next time we play (them) we can implement those things and it’ll be a bit of a tighter tussle.

“The girls were quite disappointed with

the loss, but sometimes it’s a good thing just to get that fire in the belly and want to get back out there and give it another go.”

Sheringham said Ocean Grove wasn’t the only team to be challengers this season.

“There’s some other teams like Queenscliff and Newcomb that I think are a bit underrated at the moment,” she said.

“It’ll be a tight top four, top five. It’ll be good coming into finals and the back end of the season. I think we’ve got a few tough games leading into finals, which is a good thing, too.”

Sheringham said there was no rush to get injured goaler Kim Hammond back into the team. It will only happen when she is fully recovered from an injured knee, which has kept her out since the early rounds.

“It’s a bit of a waiting game, just week by week,” she said.

“She’s doing all the right things and the physio’s ticked her off and she’s really keen to get back out there. It’s just letting it heal and hopefully within the next few weeks I’d love to see her out there. We’ll keep her in cotton wool until she’s ready to go and then get her back out there.”

Ammos travel to Anglesea this weekend and Sheringham said if her team’s defensive pressure is as good as it was against Portarlington, it would stand them in good stead.

“On Saturday, our defensive pressure was great and our conversion rate as well,” she said.

“So from those turnovers, we were able to score off them, which was really great to see. We’re just building on that each week and those little one percenters.

“We just want to build each week and get better and hopefully hit our straps coming

into the back end of the season.”

JESSE Sutton played her 150th senior game for Ocean Grove and was brought into the A Grade line-up to cover for the missing Zanna Woods (injured) and Ashton O’Brien (unavailable). Sutton scored 18 goals from 23 attempts at goal attack to help the Grubbers to a 56 to 37 win against Drysdale.

NEWCOMB’S goal pairing of Carly

Sanders (31 goals) and Sian Mortlock (23) combined to give their side a 54 to 40 win against Barwon Heads.

QUEENSCLIFF came away with a 60 to 50 win against a dogged Torquay with Kaitlin Gladman again in the best.

ANGLESEA had to work against a determined Modewarre to triumph 55 to 34 with Ariana Luamanu and Jessica Croker dangerous in goal.

Hunter Lewis puts St Joseph’s in front with minutes remaining. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 480202_27

Ryan Pendlebury marks strongly in the dying minutes of the game. 480202_28

Ron Watt leaves the ground after addressing his players at three-quarter time. 480202_14

Geelong Amateur playing coach Kaitlyn Sheringham talks to her players at three-quarter time against Ocean Grove two weeks ago. (Ivan Kemp) 477687_36