Ocean Grove Voice - 27th June 2025

Progress on pool Grove grabs brave victory

Drysdale’s 25-metre indoor pool will be open by late 2027 after design plans for Stage Two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centrewerereleased.

StageTwooftheaquaticcentrebuildson the50-metreoutdoorpool,witha25-metre indoor pool and warm water exercise pool in a dedicated pool hall, along with a gym, twogroupfitnessroomsandacafe.

Both new pools will offer ramps for easy entryandexit.

City of Greater Geelong has now gone out to market for a construction tender, with submissions now being evaluated. A recommendation will be made to council on a preferred head contractor to build the facility.

The City expects the centre will be ready forcommunityuseinlate2027,allowingfor swimming, fitness classes, learn-to-swim programsandwarmwatertherapy.

“It is exciting to see the great work of

the Project Control Group, who have come together to oversee and guide the development of an exceptional indoor aquatic facility for our Bellarine community,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchantsaid.

“The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has been very popular within our local communitysofaroverthewarmermonths, andIknowmanylocalsarelookingforward to enjoying an even bigger and better facilitythatwillbeopenyear-round.”

The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributingupto$300,000.

“This project has been driven by the

Campbell Snookes’ action in this photograph typified the never say die attitude that Ocean Grove displayed on Saturday against last year’s runners-up Anglesea.

Snookes desperately tries to hold on with a tackle despite not being in the best position.

In a way it mirrored his side’s day.

Staring at a 10th consecutive defeat and against a high calibre opponent, the Grubbers started brilliantly, but by late in the third term, Anglesea closed the gap to two points and most thought they would run away with it.

But like Snookes in the photo, Grove not only withstood the pressure, but thrived on it.

The end result was a 41-point win at Ray Menzies Oval with a promising youth policy starting to come to fruition. There will be more losses to come, but for now, perhaps Saturday’s game will be known as the line in the sand that the team finally made.

 For more pictures, see page 21 and for the match report and interviews, see page 23.

North Bellarine community, and I’m so pleased to see it take another big step forward,” Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said. “Stage Two will deliver year-round access to vital health and wellbeingfacilities–includingwarmwater therapy, learn-to-swim programs, and fitnessspaces.”

“We’re proud to reach this significant milestoneonourlong-termplantoprovide better aquatic facilities for residents on the Bellarine,” Murradoc Ward councillor RowanStorysaid.

“It’s exciting to be able to easily visualise how the pool hall, gym and cafe will look insideandhowthecentrewillcomplement the50-metreoutdoorpooloverall.”

How the North Bellarine pool will look after Stage 2 completion. (Supplied)

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Vehicle thefts on the rise

By Jena Carr

Theft offences are increasing across the Bellarine according to the latest Crime StatisticsAgency(CSA)data.

StatisticsfortheyearendingonMarch31 were released by the CSA on June 19, with Greater Geelong’s total offences, which incorporates the Bellarine, up by 9.8 per centto25,356offencesrecordedthisyear.

Victoria Police Western Region Division

One Superintendent Michael Reid said therehasbeena“riseinoverallthefts”.

“Theft of motor vehicles have increased,

with organised offending using key reprogramming devices to steal cars,” he said. “Theft from motor vehicles has increased; a lot of this offending is occurring at night with unlocked vehicles orregistrationplatesbeingremoved.

“Theft within our larger shopping complexes has increased but we have been working with our larger locations in detecting more of this offending than ever before.”

Theft offences were at their highest in Portarlington, with 80 offences recorded in 2025 compared with 42 offences the

previousyear.

Leopold recorded its highest theft numberssince2018,asnumbersincreased by 57 offences from 97 recorded in 2024 to 154thisyear.

Despite theft numbers increasing across many local government areas, Ocean Grove had a decrease in offences, with 34 fewer thefts recorded this year, with 127, comparedto161lastyear.

Mr Reid said police would continue to workalongsidecouncils,theCCTVnetwork and licensed venues to reduce theft and assaultnumbersacrosstheregion.

Queenscliff walkers stride for refugees

Nearly 100 local advocates and asylum seekers joined a 4.5km walk at Queenscliff in support of permanency for 8000 asylum seekersonJune21.

Queenscliff Big Walk for Refugees featured a broad sector of community from refugee advocates, reconciliation groups, faith groups, trade unionists, peace movements, the elderly and the young, walking alongside asylum seekers and refugees from countries including Sri LankaandAfghanistan.

The walk began with a short address from Queenscliff Rural Australians

for Refugees convener Sue Longmore OAM and Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Nithi Kanakarathinam spoke with lived experience of the trauma of the past 13 yearsinAustralia.

“Icame,likesomanyothers,toAustralia byboatin2012,”MrKanakarathinamsaid.

“We were all fleeing persecution in our homelands. It took four years after we arrived in Geelong for the Coalition governmenttoallowustoapplyforasylum. Wewerejudgedunderaveryunfairprocess called‘FastTrack’wheremanywererefused and had limited right of appeal. Up to 8000

people have been denied permanency based on a decision made using the now-discreditedFastTracksystem.

“Thirteen years on they are still waiting for their refugee status to be resolved. They are here in a safe place, but they don’t have freedomandtheystillhavefear.”

At the walk’s conclusion the community wasencouragedtocontacttheirLaborMPs and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke asking for a quick, simple transition to permanency for these people who have been a part of our communities for over 13 years.

“Assaults have increased over the past year, but we are seeing this trending down andseriousassaultwithintheGeelongCBD is at its lowest in over a decade,” he said. “Police (are) increasing intercepts across the region to reduce offending and detect othercrimesthatarebeingcommitted.We know our offenders usually travel in stolen vehiclestocommitothercrimes.

“Victoria Police have arrested more offenders this year than ever before in its history of Victoria. Our members have beendoingatremendousjobinidentifying offendersandbringingbeforethecourts.”

Six sites across Greater Geelong are proposed for sale by the City of Greater Geelong and community feedbackisbeingsought.

The City said the properties have been identified as surplus to operational needs, meaning they arenotrequiredforcurrentorfuture servicedelivery.

In many cases, the land is underutilised or vacant, and continuing to hold and maintain these sites incurs costs to ratepayers without delivering community benefit,theCitysaid.

The sites under consideration are: 59 Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio; 48-58 Barton Street, Bell Park; 2-14 Rollins Road, Bell Post Hill; 5A Dean Street, Belmont; 21-25 Oakden Road, Drysdale; and 36 Dudley Parade, St Leonards.

Chair of the City Planning portfolio Andrew Katos encouraged the community to take part in the consultationprocess.

“Hearing from the community helps us make informed decisions that respect local priorities and contribute to a well-planned future,” hesaid.

Community members can view detailed information about each site and make a submission, including a written submission, by visiting: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au

Submissions are open until 5pm SundayJuly20.

If council resolves to proceed with the sale of any site, the land will be offered for sale through a public process.

Close to 100 people gathered for the Queenscliff Big Walk for Refugees. (Supplied)

No more barriers, period

By Jena Carr

Free pad and tampon vending machines are coming to three Bellarine libraries to remove barriers to education, work and communitylife.

The new machines will soon be installed in Drysdale, Leopold and Queenscliff as part of the state government’s free pads andtamponsprogram.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation

chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said the new machines would help remove financial and social barriers that “affect people’sparticipationindailylife”.

“These machines will have a positive impact on the Bellarine community by providing free access to essential hygiene products,”shesaid.

“Providing free pads and tampons in public spaces like libraries is an important step in reducing period poverty and

supportinghealthequity.

“It strongly aligns with our values of equity,accessandinclusionwhileensuring that everyone can find connection, practical support, and dignity when they walkthroughourdoors.”

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said one in five women across Victoria struggled to afford the period products theyneededeachmonth.

“This rollout means women and girls

Another successful year for Lions members

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club (OGBHLC) held its 2025 handover meeting recently with district governor Michelle Challis pleased to induct the new committeeatOceanGroveBowlingClub.

PresidentBobMarmionspokeofsomeof theclub’shighlightsthisyear.

During the past year OGBHLC has donated $26,500 to local projects with some of those being GenU supported accommodation Ocean Grove ($6500) and Ocean Grove BTaCH Drop in Centre annualcamp($5000).

Bellarine Community Health Child, Youth & Family Hub received $3900 and donations were also made to five local primary schools, Feed Me Bellarine, St Ignatius College, Barwon Heads Fire BrigadeandBellarineSecondaryCollege.

OGBHLChasalsosoldhundredsofLions Christmascakesandmints.

OGBHLC had also collected and sent overseas hundreds of pairs of glasses as well as thousands of stamps. The money raised from these goes to producing prostheticlimbs.

Other highlights were catering for the MentoneGrammarweek-longschoolcamp on the Bellarine, a series of successful barbecues for Bunnings, local schools, the federal election and Barwon Heads FootballNetballClub.

TheclubalsosupportsFeedMeBellarine by assisting with food deliveries and catering.

OGBHLC meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Anyone interested in attending can call Neil Rancom on 0438320841formoreinformation.

right across Victoria won’t have to miss work or school because they can’t afford them,” she said. “Period products are a basic necessity and we’re making sure women and girls can get them for free, whenandwheretheyneedthem.”

Up to 1500 free pad and tampon machines will be available across the state once the rollout is complete, with 25,000 free packs dispensed in the program’s first sixmonths.

Queenscliffe opposes levy

The Borough of Queenscliffe is the latest council to join the fight against the state government’s emergency services and volunteers fund(ESVF)levy.

During its Wednesday, June 25 meeting, the borough announced that it would oppose the ESVF, which will replace the fire service propertylevyfromJuly1.

Mayor Di Rule said the ESVF required council to act as a collection agent for the state government without sufficient compensation.

“They’re (ratepayers) the ones who are copping it, not the state government and the question remains of what this extra tax will gotowards,”shesaid.

“The state government should do its own dirty work. We have more than enough to do, and they’re putting more than enough responsibilityonlocalgovernment.

“It’s not a levy; it’s a tax on ratepayers. It’s designed to support a broader range of emergency services. However, that’s questionable,andthemainthingis thatitiscollectedbylocalcouncils.

“The median house price in the borough is 1.5 million and that equates to 75 per cent who have formally paid $265 (through the original fire levy) but will now pay $395 which is a 50 per cent increase.”

The borough’s decision followed the lead of City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire councils to advocate for the state government torepealorsignificantlyamendthe levy.

Queenscliffe delivers an ‘exciting’ 2025-26 budget

By Jena Carr

Active roads, heritage, environment and signage are a key focus for Borough of Queenscliffe’scurrentfinancialyear.

The borough unanimously adopted its 2025-26Budget,whichincludesa3percent rateincrease,duringitsJune25,meeting.

The budget features $100,000 for Hesse Street activation initiatives, $50,000 for a heritage study, and $30,000 for a wayfindingsignagestrategy.

Councillors also decided during the meeting to include funding of $17,000 for the Headstone Project to help find and honourthefinalrestingplaceofveterans.

Cr Isabelle Tolhurst said the budget listened to what was important to the community, which guided investments in operations, proposed projects and

initiatives.

“This is a really exciting budget and its really nice to be here in a position to adopt it... and there are exciting projects getting

rolledout,”shesaid

“This budget has struck a balance of legislative requirements and community needswhilebeingfairtothosewhomaybe strugglingwithcost-of-livingpressures.

“(It features a) more than $3 million capital works program, including toilet improvements, sports precinct work, caravan park improvements and renewed beachinfrastructure.”

The budget was designed to support communitywellbeing,encourageanactive lifestyle, protect the environment, address climate change issues, and encourage a prosperousanddiverseeconomy. Protecting distinctive coastal, cultural and built environments, creating sustainable and suitable infrastructure, and providing a financially viable council werealsokeybudgetelements.

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club handover meeting: district governor Michelle Challis, past president Alan Daw, continuing president Dr Bob Marmion, vice-president Lyn Jenkins, treasurer Greg Spaull, secretary Warren Halnon and combined membership Neil Rancom. (Supplied)

MP looks into jobs

Local MP Alison Marchant will chair a new parliamentary inquiry focused on Victoria’s future employment needs.

The member for Bellarine is chair of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee, which will investigate how to guide and support studentstofindemploymentinindustries that are vital to the state’s economic development.

Those industries include health care and social assistance, construction, technology, clean energy and education.

The inquiry will look at pathways into vocational education and training, school career development and how to support disadvantaged, regional and female students.

“This is an important inquiry because actionstakentodaywillhelptodetermine the future economic success of our state,” Ms Marchant said.

The state government expects that by 2034 more than 1.4 million new workers will enter the Victorian workforce.

Nearly 1.2 million of those workers - more than 85 per cent - will need a post-secondary qualification to find employment.

“This inquiry will be examining the types of support students need to gain employment in industries that are in demand,” Ms Marchant said.

“We’ll be looking at support to enter TAFE and other vocational routes, as well as pathways to some in-demand occupations that require higher education.”

The lower house of the Victorian Parliament agreed to hold the inquiry on May 20 this year, stating the committee

must report on its findings by September 30, 2026.

The inquiry is currently accepting public submissions, seeking data from a broad range of people including industry members, employees and students.

“We want to hear from a range of industriesthatareexperiencingworkforce shortages, as well as from students and young people so we can understand what influences the direction they choose to

Elegant cars on display

The bustling Pakington Street will host many elegant vehicles and their feminine driversforthefirsttime.

EV-Day will be held along the busy Geelong West street on Sunday, June 29, from9amtonoontorecognisetheinfluence ofwomenonthefutureoftransport.

Event organiser David Dillon said the eventwasagreatchancetocomealongand meet like-minded people while learning about what hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs)wereavailable.

He also said he hoped the inaugural event would be a “great success”, while helpingraisemoneyfortwocharities. “Irealisethatthenewevolutionofthings is EV motor vehicles... (with many) driven by people who are quite sensible and concerned about the environment,” he said. “(The event will support) The Sexual

Assault and Family Violence Centre and Brain Tumor Alliance Australia, especially for Diane Dunn (from Meredith), who has unfortunately moved into stage four of braincancer.

“They’re two charities that do great things around the Geelong community and report on their performances and all thethingstheyachieveeachyear.

“They’re quite open, transparent, well run and a good example of what they can do and how many people are getting a wonderfulimpactfromit.”

MoreresidentsacrosstheGeelongregion were becoming owners of EVs, according totheCityofGreaterGeelong,whichfound that use of the public EV charging network had jumped from 967 charging sessions in 2020 to more than 18,600 in December 2024.

Whale of a time at film screening

North Bellarine Film Festival and Bellarine Historical Society have teamed up to present the classic New Zealand film Whale Rider as a fundraiserforthesociety.

The film will be screened at Indented Head Community Hall on SundayJuly6at2pm.

Whale Rider was written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker Niki Caro and based on Witi Ihimaera’s 1987 novel of the same name. Family patriarch and current chief of the Apirana family, Koro, is worried.Heissearchingforasuitable heir to the chieftainship, but his grandson, who is next in line, has two daughters and the role is passed down the male lineage. The eldest daughter, Pai, has a deep connection to the family’s ancestors but Koro refuses to accept that she could ever be chief because a woman has never heldthejob.

Tickets are $20, which includes light refreshments, and are available at trybooking.com/DBZOG or at the door,subjecttoavailability.

take after school,” Ms Marchant said.

“We’re also keen to hear from educators and those who have experienced barriers to participation so that we can make meaningful recommendations for the benefit of students, educational institutions and employers.”

Visit parliament.vic.gov.au/ jobpathwaysinquiry for more information ortomakeasubmission.Submissionscan be made until August 1.

The 9th North Bellarine Film Festival will be held on November 14 and15atParksHall,Portarlington.

Bellarine Historical Society was established in 1977 and is located in the old Bellarine Court House on High Street in Drysdale where a vast collection of items and documents fromtheregion’spastishoused.

NOMINATE NOW

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant. (supplied)

Ella Dillon and Kate Aganetti with their electric vehicles along Pakington Street. (Jena Carr) 486474_01

Yesway in Norway for Kaelan

If you’ve heard of Kaelan Lockhart it is probably from the TV show Australian Survivor.

But there’s much more to Kaelan than that.

He recently completed a four-and-ahalf-month trek across the entire length of Norway to raise $10,000 for Queenscliff’s CottagebytheSea(Cottage).

Kaelan skied from the south of Norway to the top in the Arctic Circle, swapping his skis and sled (pulk) for a bike when the snowmeltedduetoearlyspringconditions.

“Roughly 2300 kilometres of skiing and 700 kilometres of cycling – including detours around treacherous lakes and rapid rivers – took me from the bottom of Norwaytothetop,onwhatwasthegreatest adventureofmylife,”hesaid.

No stranger to a physical challenge, Kaelan was a finalist on the 2025 season of Australian Survivor: Brains vs Brawn II, which aired while he was in Norway completing the trek. Kaelan initially learned about Cottage while on AustralianSurvivorfromfellowcontestant dual-Olympian Morgan Mitchell, who attendedCottageasachild.

To see Cottage by the Sea giving this opportunity ... to underprivileged children has inspired me, and I hope that the adventurous nature of my undertaking will help inspire them -

Kaelan Lockhart

The motivation for Kaelan’s fundraiser was to celebrate adventures in nature and offerthisopportunitytomorechildrenand youngpeople.

“To see Cottage by the Sea giving this opportunity – nature-based adventures –to underprivileged children has inspired me,andIhopethattheadventurousnature of my undertaking will help inspire them,” hesaid.

‘Adventure’ is one of Cottage by the Sea’s values, which is explored extensively withinitsprograms.

“Participants engage in experiences like hiking, water sports such as surfing, snorkelling, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding and a snow camp, which foster personal growth in a supportive environment,”CottagebytheSeaprogram managerBelindaSayasaid.

“We use outdoor and adventurous activities as tools to build resilience, self-confidenceandsocialskills.”

Kaelan’s trek was full of adventurous

moments, many of which became his highlights.

“Sleeping under the stars at -25°C and having to shovel all night to stay warm, fighting through a whiteout on Europe’s largestmountainplateautobesurrounded by hundreds of wild reindeer, countless terrifying descents, great camaraderie, the friendliest locals imaginable, heart-wrenchingly beautiful sunrises and sunsets and then the never-ending sun as

I cycled along ethereal empty roads,” he said.

Posting regular updates on Instagram to hissupporters,Kaelanexpressedimmense gratitude to everyone who donated to the fundraiserthatreachedits$10,000targetat completionofthetrek.

“Thegenerosityofyouallissoincredible and it’s really made my journey so much moremeaningful,”hesaid.

“I can’t wait to see how the kids and

youngadultsbenefitfromyourgenerosity.” CottagebytheSeasaiditlookedforward towelcomingKaelantoQueensclifftomeet program participants and see first-hand theimpactofhisfundraiser.

“I can’t wait to visit the Cottage, meet the kids and show my supporters the great thingsthey’redoing,”hesaid.

“It was really a dream to raise $10,000 and it’s going to change so many lives. I’m verygrateful–thankssomucheveryone.”

Working on the water flow

Keepingariverflowingindryconditions can be a significant challenge, which is why Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), supported by both Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water,areworkingtogethertomaintain flow on the lower reaches of the MooraboolRiver.

The Moorabool River, which has reservoirs that are key sources of drinking water for the Geelong region, isoneofthemostflow-stressedriversin Victoria.

The construction of reservoirs, extraction for drinking water and irrigation, and a number of dams along the catchment are all contributing

factors.DryconditionsintheMoorabool catchment have further added to the issue with below average rainfall since April2024.

Corangamite CMA estuaries and environmental waters project manager Jake Van Dam said that our waterways aren’tabletofunctionastheyoncedid.

“Oneofthewayswesupportthehealth of our rivers and wetlands is through waterfortheenvironment,“hesaid.

“Water set aside in storages that is released into rivers and wetlands to support them and the plants and animalsthatliveinthem.”

WTOAC is also aiding in this effort with ‘Wadawurrung water’ to support culturalvaluesalongtheriver.

Kaelan Lockhart raised $10,00 for Cottage by the Sea by skiing the length of Norway. (Pictures: Supplied)

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A sporting chance

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

When my family and I moved to the Bellarine more than 20years ago, one of the first ways we got to know people was throughlocalsports.

Saturdaymorningsatthefooty,weeknight soccertraining,atennismatchortwointhe sun.That’showfriendshipsstarted-notjust forthekidsbutforusasparents,too.

Sport connects people. It’s more than a game - it’s a community, and that’s one of thereasonsI’msoproudtoseecounciladopt the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan2025.

The plan sets out the priorities for improving sporting reserves across Ocean Grove and Wallington to ensure our community can keep participating in a diverse range of sports and recreation activities.

OceanGroveandWallingtonaregrowing and by 2035, the population is expected to reachmorethan24,000people.

That’s a big jump, which means we will have more kids signing up for AusKick, more soccer teams hitting the pitch, more netballers on the courts and more families fillingthesidelineseachweekend.

Theyalldeservegoodfacilities.

Over the past five years, participation in mostsportshasgrownsteadily.

Soccer numbers are up by 77 per cent. Footy has increased by nearly 50 per cent andnetballbymorethan40percent.

That’s a great sign of a healthy, active community but our current facilities are underpressure.

This new plan maps out how we can ease that pressure and support local clubs to thrive.

The Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan considers three pillars to guide local sporting infrastructure into the future, including facility provision to meet community need, efficient operations and sustainability,andaccessandinclusion.

The key directions outlined by the plan are relocating the Ocean Grove Soccer Club

to a purpose-built facility at Devlins Road Reserve, the conversion of Shell Road Reserve with a second oval and further infrastructure upgrades across all six local reserves.

Across the six major reserves in Ocean Grove and Wallington, the plan outlines upgrades like better change rooms, accessible facilities, extra cricket nets and more.

It also keeps a strong focus on inclusion, making sure women and girls, people with disabilities,andpeoplefromallwalksoflife feelwelcomeandsupported.

While this plan focuses on the provision of outdoor sporting infrastructure, it also acknowledges broader trends across the sportingnetwork.

Indoor sports like basketball and emerging sports like pickleball are being planned for in the Geelong Indoor Recreation Facilities Strategy. This will help meet the overwhelming demand in Ocean Grove.

This plan reflects what the community has told us. It’s shaped by the people who usethesereserveseveryweek-thecoaches, theplayers,theparentsonfruitdutyandthe grandiesinfoldingchairs.

It has also been created from a thorough analysis of the existing facilities and usage trends.

Sport has always brought people together in Ocean Grove. This plan makes sure it continues to do that, with better spaces, more opportunities, and stronger clubs for yearstocome.

I’m really proud to see it move forward and I look forward to cheering on our local teams from the sidelines for many years to come.

Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinson. (Supplied)

Drysdale road charge set

Geelong council has resolved to declare a Special Charge Scheme (SRC) to co-fund the sealing of another section of road in Drysdale.

The owners of 10 properties will contribute $94,000 of an estimated total cost of $132,768 to seal 105 metres of road on Newcombe Street, Drysdale between PrincessStreetandTheGlen.

Seven of the property owners will pay

$11,064, while three will pay $5532, each according to the calculated access and amenitybenefitstheywillreceivefromthe roadupgrade.

Murradoc Ward councillor Rowan Story said the SRC had been formulated under a “robust and procedurally fair process that the City has developed over a number of years”. “The proposed road construction sealing works have been developed in

Have a say on dining options

Bellarine hospitality businesses and community members can shape the directionfortradersaboutalfrescodining, making public areas more vibrant and ensuringsafety.

Open for feedback, the Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines intend to provide guidance about suitable locations, exclusion and pedestrian zones and allowable types of fixed and temporary furniture, including planters, tables and barriers.

Thedraftguidelinesfocusonestablishing a consistent and efficient approach to the application process, permit types, positioning, safety measures, design elements,operationsandmaintenance.

Businesses in Greater Geelong would be abletoapplyforapermittousepublicspaces other than footpaths such as pedestrian laneways and plazas, considering factors such as safety, surrounding uses, and publicneed.

Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj

OAM said council recognised the value of outdoor dining and was committed to collaborating with businesses to facilitate thisactivity.

“Alfresco dining in central Geelong and across the region is a significant driver of the economy and helps to make public spacesmorevibrant,”MayorKonteljsaid.

“Dining on the footpath, in unique laneways and plazas attracts local and international visitors, supports jobs and helpspeopletofeelsafe.

“Whether you’re a business owner, supplier, outdoor dining patron or from the broader community, I encourage you to have your say on these important guidelines.”

The guidelines have been informed by engagement such as workshops and surveys with traders, emergency services and community members, and an AccessibilityReviewlastyear.

Shareyourfeedbackandideasatyoursay. geelongaustralia.com.au/outdoordining

response to complaints and a petition received from residents requesting to seal the road,” Cr Story said. “This will improve amenity, road safety and limit the impacts fromdust,mudandstonesscatteredtothe adjacentproperties.”

Of the 10 properties, eight owners were supportiveofthescheme.

“One formal submission was received in relation to the proposed charge,” Cr

Story said. “The submitter’s objection was acknowledged and responded to. They did not wish to speak to (the) council of their submission at a Submission Review Panel hearing.

“Should council declare the scheme, there is an opportunity for submissions to be sent to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for further considerationanddetermination.”

Coming together at sunrise

A family-friendly sunrise celebration willhelpunitepeopleinOceanGroveto supportFirstNationsvoices.

Barwon Coast and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) will host the event at the Barwon Heads end of Bukareeyooat7.30amonMondayJuly7 duringNAIDOCWeek(July6to13).

Wadawurrung Woman and WTOAC interim co-chief executive Rebekah DevlinsaidNAIDOCWeekwasinits50th year, which reflected the achievements andresilienceofthosewhocamebefore.

“We invite everyone to come along, connect with Culture, and celebrate what it means to be on Wadawurrung Country,”shesaid.“Thisyear’s(NAIDOC Week) theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, reminds us that we walk in the footsteps of our Elders as we support our young people

asourfutureleaders.

“We’re proud to stand with Barwon Coast to invite community onto Wadawurrung Dja (Country) at sunrise to take a moment to listen, learn and kolingwadangal(walktogether).”

Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Sandra Gatehouse said the sunrise celebration provided a “powerful opportunity” for the community to come together, learn and reflect.

“Eventslikethisarenotjustsymbolic, they reflect a strong and ongoing relationship built on trust, respect, and shared commitment,” she said. “I warmly invite the community to join us for this special sunrise gathering and stand with us in recognising the strength, vision and legacy of First Nations Peoples – past, present and future.”

Siblings Tom and Amy Filipovic dine outside in Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp) 480715_04

Community

Big year so far for Hassall

By Matt Hewson

It’s all happening for Matilda Hassall in 2025.

The singer-songwriter, hailing from GeelongbutcurrentlybasedinMelbourne, ishavingabumperyear.

KnownprofessionallyasHassall,shehas already played a number of international supports this year, including Crash Test Dummies (Canada) and The Scratch (Ireland), as well as performing alongside well-known domestic acts such as Mia WrayandTheBeautifulGirls.

However, June and July mark two huge eventsforHassall-thereleaseofherdebut album, and a national tour with Aussie rocklegendsKillingHeidi.

Speaking earlier this week, she said

touring with Ella Hooper and the other members of Killing Heidi was “going to be crazy”.

“I’m just getting prepared for that now, doing rehearsals and whatnot,” Hassall said.

“Life’s good, I feel like I’ve got some really exciting shows coming up, so that’s probably at the forefront of my mind. And thenI’llbetryingtopromotethisalbum.”

Thenewalbum,MeansMoretoMeThan ItDoestoYou,isdueonJuly3.

ItwillfeatureHassal’strademark“Aussie sharehouse pop” tunes, which revolve around everyday themes and the specific joys and challenges of her own personal experiences.

A case in point is her recent single, Overpopulator, which she released a

monthago. A driving yet clever indie-pop tune, Hassall said Overpopulator was “about drinking too much coffee, feeling like I’m going crazy, and being unsure whether to havekidsornot,mainlyforenvironmental reasons”.

“It’s just a love song; it’s about how I can overthink24-7,butattheendofthedayI’m alwaysthinkingaboutwhateverboyIhave acrushonatthetime,”shesaid.

“The original version sounds almost country-ish, my mum always called it the DollyPartonsongwhenIplayeditlive.

“And I love the finished product… it all justfeelssuperfunandengaging.”

Keepyoureyeonhassallmusic.com/gigs for the soon-to-be-announced Geelong albumlaunch.

Comedian turns his mum’s disappointments into laughs

By Jena Carr

If you ask any Italian son about their mother,mostwilltellyouthattheirmumis unhappywiththemaboutsomething.

As a 42-year-old unmarried comedian, this is something James Liotta knows all toowell.

Mamma’s (Still) Not Happy is Liotta’s latest version of his first-ever stand-up show,Mamma’sNotHappy.

“The title came from the fact that Italian mums are always unhappy with their sons aboutsomething,fortherestoftheirlives,” hesaid.

“The show features my mum, but not my real mum. It’s my character, the Mamma (Maria Pappagallo), and she opens the show. So, I do my own support act, which manypeopledon’tdo.

“Mamma comes out, which is me, and I do a 30-minute comedy set with her and then we have a little break, and I come on asmyselfanddoa90-minuteshow.”

Liotta decided to bring the show back after it debuted last year for an encore tour with sporadic shows across the country, including at North Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel onJuly5.

“My show has a portion of it that deals

with Italian culture and growing up in an ethnic family, and there’s a lot of ethnic backgroundsinGeelong,”hesaid.

“What I’m really proud of in this show is that there are portions of it that are not relatedtobeinganItalianoranethnicboy. There’s just a lot of observational material andopinionatedcomedy.”

Visit events.ticketbooth.com.au/tickets/ james-liotta-06lbs6h for more information and tickets to Mamma’s (Still) Not Happy.

James Liotta is bringing Mamma’s (Still) Not Happy to Geelong. (Enzo

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Liuzzi)

Matilda Hassall is about to release a new album and tour the country with Killing Heidi. (Jurek Lubinski)

Cockatoo flock impressive

The highlight of my last fortnight occurred whenIwasdrivingwithmydaughteralong Grubb Road, near Oakdene Winery, when a flock of around 60 yellow-tailed black cockatoosflewacrosstheroad.

It was probably the biggest gathering of thesebirdsthatIhaveeverseen.

These birds feed in flocks and like to eat eucalypt and pine seeds. There are many pine trees around Oakdene so I suppose thesebirdsweremunchingonpinecones.

IreceivedanemailfromKevinandAnne Maree,anditwasaverywelcomedemailas Ihaven’theardfromthemforafewyears.

They were at the Eastern Beach swimming enclosure in Geelong and were surprised to see so many grebes (around 15 or so) feeding together within the enclosure. There were some others in the bayitselfandareportofdolphins.

It’s hard to tell from Kevin’s photo, but I think the species of grebe was likely to be the hoary-headed grebe, which prefers large, open waterways, whereas Australasian grebes are usually found in freshwater ponds. These two species look very similar from a distance, and it’s common to see hoary-headed grebes at EasternBeach.

Interestingly hoary-headed refers to the plumage colour of grey or white, so I could

betermedhoary-headedmyself.

I received an email from Carole, who wonderedifshehadtoldmeofthefantastic performance put on by the pink-eared ducksattheWesternTreatmentPlant.They appearedtobefeedingasateam.

Carole contacted Bird Life about her observation, which she describes as the most amazing scene of synchronised swimming she had ever observed. The ducks were paddling as a team and all moving together to frighten the food into oneareawheretheycouldallfeedtogether.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

One duck seemed to be elected ‘watcher’ in case the birds themselves were attacked but everyone else swam in a tight pack moving as one. In all Carole’s years of birding she never viewed this before. ThankssomuchCarole,thissoundsasight tobehold.

I received a message from a work colleague Tenille, who lives at Mount Moriac. She told me that a large raptor (which I identified as a little eagle) was hanging around her property, and she managedtotakeaphotooftheeagleonher

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

8 years ago

July 5 to 18, 2017

Muslims all over the world celebrated theendofRamadanon24June,andone local couple made certain that Ocean Grovedidn’tmissout.

Lynne Wilson and Muhammad Ahmad, from Lime Leaf Asian Grocery, invited Ocean Grovers to their store for a free day of food to celebrate the end of thefastingmonth.

5 years ago July 1 to 14, 2020

A last-minute decision by the state government to abort its plan to allow restaurants and cafes to seat 50 patrons has frustrated some local business owners.

Just days before restrictions were due to be eased to allow up to 50 diners in venues from June 22, Premier Daniel Andrewsannouncedthatthe20-person limitwouldremainbecauseofaspikein COVID-19casesinthestate.

3 years ago

July 1 to 14, 2022

OceanGrove’spopulationhasincreased by more than 5000 people during the past decade, according to Census figures released by the Australian BureauofStatistics.

The town’s population in August 2021 was 17,714, an increase from 12,555 in 2011 and 14,165 in 2016. The population hasalmostdoubledinthelast20years–in2001itwas9992.

phone.

There were two other larger birds (I’m guessing wedge-tailed eagles) also sitting on the fence posts, but Tenille didn’t manageaphoto.

Tenille told me that there are many rabbits around Mount Moriac currently so I’m assuming that the birds are having a rabbit feast. How amazing to have such magnificent birds hanging around a property.

Stay warm and happy winter birdwatching.

1 year ago

June 28 to July 11, 2024

Geelong council finalised its 2024-25 budget at its monthly meeting this week, incorporating a raft of changes in response to community feedback gathered since the draft version went outinApril.

The changes, worth more than $2.7 million in total, include $432,000 to keep North Bellarine Aquatic Centre openduringwintermonthsandanextra $50,000forNeighbourhoodHouses.

Left: Tenille’s little eagle at Mount Moriac. Right: Carole’s pink-eared ducks at Western Treatment Plant (top): Kevin’s grebes at Geelong.

Budget surplus delivered

By Justin Flynn

Free two-hour parking, the removal of a ‘permit to burn’ fee and an increase in funding for Pako Festa highlighted City of Greater Geelong’s budget for the next financial year.

The final budget, which was adopted on TuesdayJune24,givescouncilanoperating surplus of $509,000, which differed from the proposed $3.4 million deficit in the draft budget.

“It is small, very tight, but it’s a surplus,” Cr Andrew Katos said.

“Which is what we want. We don’t want to be running deficits unless we have to. And there are no new borrowings planned for the next financial year, which is important.”

Council’s debt is $157.6 million and forecast to be $136 million in 2028-29.

“Had we not made the correct decisions this year, that would have been over $200 million of debt in 28-29,” Cr Katos said.

“It’s a balancing act - we’ve got to show some financial responsibility, but we also needto,asbestwecan,meettheneedsand expectations of the community.

“That can be difficult. We can’t fund everything, as much as we wish we could, we’d like to provide every service we could and find everything that’s out there, but we have a limited budget and scarce resources so we have to make decisions.”

One free two-hour parking session per vehicle, per day in 2P zones is intended to support local businesses, especially in central Geelong while helping to reduce the cost of living.

“In my own personal calendar, I’ll be proclaiming the 24th of June as World

Geelong Free Parking Day,” Cr Eddie Kontelj said.

The fire prevention burning-off fee will be scrapped while Geelong West’s multicultural Pako Festa will receive an extra $20,000, up from $80,000 in the draft budget.

“Food is the way communities come together,” Cr Ron Nelson said.

“I was a chef for 20-something years. There’s nothing better than sharing food and sharing stories with the community because that’s what brings the community together.”

North Shore and Barwon Heads Football Netball Clubs also benefited from the budget.

Safety netting totalling $95,000 will be installed at North Shore’s Windsor Park while $20,000 was included to subsidise maintenance of Barwon Heads’ Howard Harmer Reserve.

You Yangs Ward councillor Chris Burson said the budget “hasn’t been amazing for the northern areas”.

“However…I’m looking forward to what happens in the future. There’s some out of theboxthinkingfordrainageandstuffthat

we’ve been talking about and the CEO has obviously been quite happy to talk to me about what she wants me to achieve in the next three years,” he said.

“We really didn’t get much/anything in this one, however, in the future three years we should be getting a lot more so I understand there’s a lot of frustration out in the north. I know that Anakie don’t even feel like people know they are part of Geelong a lot of the time, but they are.”

Mayor Stretch Kontelj’s vision for a version of Hobart’s Salamanca Market on Little Malop St between Moorabool and Yarra streets was given $100,000.

“Our intention is to seek expressions of interest to be the coordinator of the market,” he said.

“We’re looking for people who are experienced in putting together markets that are renowned for their destination, we’re looking for something special.”

While rates will be significantly higher next year, due mainly to the state government’s fire levy, Greater Geelong’s charges will be at a 2.5 percent increase, belowthestategovernment’s3percentcap.

“Whenyoudogetyourratesnotice,there will be two things that go up, and that’s not City of Greater Geelong responsible,” Cr Katos said. “Your waste charges will be going up - 27 percent increase from the state government, so just be aware of that. And the fire service levy, which is going to be replaced with the emergency service volunteers levy, will be going up a lot.

“Just remember when you get that, the levy and the waste charges, we can’t do anythingaboutthat.(It’s)stategovernment that’s putting up these levies and we unfortunately are the collectors of that.”

Barwon Heads Football Netball Club was allocated $20,000 to subsidise maintenance of Barwon Heads’ Howard Harmer Reserve.

Hunter meets Cats heroes

Hunter Hamilton and his family have been through a lot during the past year after the 8-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. To put some joy back into his life, Hunter was treated to a special meet-and-greet with his Geelong Cats heroes. Jena Carr sat down with Hunter and mum Kelly to speak about his health journey and the big surprise.

When 8-year-old Hunter Hamilton woke up last Friday morning, he had no idea of the surprise waiting for him.

The young boy and his family made the journeydownfromCranbournetoGeelong on June 13, where he met with his biggest heroes from the Geelong Cats.

Thepastyearhasbeenachallengingtime for the family, with Hunter diagnosed with a rare and non-cancerous brain tumour called craniopharyngioma.

Mum Kelly said Hunter was getting headaches every day throughout August last year, which led her to take her son to the doctor.

“We went out shopping one day and he was fine. All of a sudden, he got a red face and started crying and said, ‘Mum, I’ve got a massive headache. I need to go home’,” she said.

“I knew something wasn’t right, so we went to the doctors, and they ordered an MRI. We had that done and the next day they rang and said we needed to come in to the doctors straight away as his results were back... Unfortunately, he had a mass on his brain.

“He also had clusters surrounding the tumour. They were going to operate and take a small section, but when they (surgeons) got in there, they couldn’t. So, they had to remove a whole side of the tumour.

“For three months after that, he couldn’t doanything.Hewasanactivekidwhothen couldn’t swim, ride his bike, jump on the trampoline,kickafooty,orhitatennisball.

“When he went back to school, he had to stay inside for recess and lunch. He couldn’t go out because we couldn’t afford for him to fall over, get pushed or get hit with a ball.”

Fast forward to February this year, Hunter underwent another MRI that found the tumour had grown despite the surgery.

“The surgery normally keeps the tumour thathe’sgotdormant,andnothinghappens. Itjuststaysdormant,butunfortunately,his grew,” Kelly said.

“The tumour is inoperable as they can’t take any more out because everything has surrounded itself around it. He’s walking and talking, so they can’t touch it.

“We had to go straight to six weeks of radiation for five days a week. That really broke him. We were in the hospital and he

“His coaches have been amazing. Through the treatment, he still went to training and played games. The coaches knew everythingthatwasgoing on and kept an eye on him.”

Clint Stanaway from Nova 100’s Jase and Lauren breakfast show organised the meet-and-greet with Hunter and the Cats.

Mr Stanaway said he was happy to help provide a “terrific experience for a young man who has done it really tough”.

“He comes from a family of Carlton and Essendon supporters, so he’s actually the outlier of the family, which makes it even more unique and impressive,” he said.

“The experience took him out onto the field where he met every single Geelong player. They all shook his hand and knew his name, which he was really chuffed about.”

A highlight for Hunter on the day was spending time with his favourite player, Jeremy Cameron, who is somebody Hunter wants to be like when he is older.

It felt good and I was a bit surprised (to meet Cameron). He was funny and we talked about his farm. I (also) gave him some goal-kicking tips

- Hunter Hamilton

really broke down because we just thought it (the tumour and treatments) was over.”

Kelly said Hunter was doing well at the moment but would need to undergo further MRIs and doctor appointments throughout his life to monitor the tumour and the surrounding clusters.

“He’s still getting headaches, but that could be simply from swelling from the radiation, because he only finished that about three weeks ago,” she said.

“We’re lucky that when doctors did a small sample biopsy, and it came back, the tumour wasn’t cancerous. I feel sorry for the parents who are going through a child with cancer.

“It’s horrendous enough not having it. Going into the oncology room where there are kids that do have it is so sad. As terrible as it is with what Hunter is going through, you thank your stars that it’s not worse.”

Outside of medical appointments and school, Hunter loves playing for Nar Nar Goon Football Club. Despite everything he’s been through, Kelly said Hunter doesn’t complain about anything.

“Unfortunately for him, he has to wear a helmet now, which nearly deterred him from playing football because of what kids can be like, as some may not be nice,” Kelly said.

“We were able to find one that was a Geelong helmet so that everything matches. There’s another kid in his league who wears the helmet as well, so he’s not alone.

“It felt good and I was a bit surprised (to meet Cameron). He was funny and we talked about his farm. I (also) gave him some goal-kicking tips,” he said.

“WhatIlikemostaboutfootballisgetting to run around and kick goals. I play for Nar NarGoonbecausethey’rethesamecolours as Geelong.”

Jeremy Cameron said he had a great time meeting Hunter and receiving some goal-kicking practice. The young boy was also treated to a private tour of the club’s rooms at GMHBA Stadium.

“He taught me a few things and actually kicked a couple of really nice dribble kicks from the boundary. He’s got really good skills,” he said.

“Hunter’s a fantastic kid and it was great to have him out here. It was nice to have a really nice day for it and all the boys got around him which was perfect.”

The surprises didn’t stop on Friday, with Nova 100 revealing on-air Monday morning, June 16, that Hunter had been invited back to Geelong later in the season to run out with the Geelong Cats team for a home game.

Clint Stanaway, right, from Nova 100’s Jase and Lauren breakfast show organised for 8-year-old Hunter, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour last year, to meet his hero Jeremy Cameron. Inset: Hunter gave his idol Jeremy Cameron some tips during goal-kicking practice.

Hunter Hamilton met with all the players from his favourite football club, Geelong Cats, last Friday. (Pictures: Supplied)

SHOP LOCAL & WIN SHOP LOCAL & WIN

Shop local and win big

The Shop Local & Win promotion is your chance to WIN big while supporting six fantastic local businesses.

It’s simple to enter. Just scan the QR codeorvisitaparticipatingbusinessand you’ll go in the draw to win a mega prize – a $50 gift voucher from each of the six participating stores below. That’s $300 to spend locally on fashion, food, gifts, homewares and more.

Running for four weeks from June 27, this promotion is all about celebrating the shops that make our community special. Whether you’re shopping for

something you need or just treating yourself, supporting local has never been more rewarding.

Keep an eye out for the Shop Local & Win page in the Ocean Grove Voice, where all participating stores will be featured. One lucky winner will walk away with a shopping spree to remember – will it be you?

It’s free to enter – just scan the QR code and you’re in.

Let’s shop local – and WIN together.

We’d love to thank you for visiting mention this ad and enjoy a complimentary gift with your purchase.

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Vee with some reading material.

Shopping local in the Grove

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to The Terrace on an unseasonably mild day on Monday to see who was shopping and dining local in Ocean Grove.

and

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• Landmark Bellarine venue

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• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

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Above: Carolyn and Carl Anderson with Gus. Left: Simona Maffini (top), and Gabrielle Baxter.

Chris Wheeler (above), and Jesseme Jarvis (left).

Tanya Mielicki,

Jacob McHugh and Emily Notting. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 485715

1 Cover (5)

4 Came into line again (9)

9 Demand as a right (5)

10 Power cells (9)

11 Religious house (6)

12 In company (8)

14 Bringing to (10)

15 Fun activity (abbr) (3)

17 Curved path (3)

19 Snakelike (10)

23 Total (8)

24 Not liable (6)

26 Point to be judged upon (9)

27 Tree (5)

28 Game birds (9)

29 Dollars (coll) (5)

1 Receive (6)

2 Conjecture (7)

3 Japanese warrior (7)

4 Red precious stone (4)

5 Allowed (10)

6 Titanic sinker (7)

7 Not one nor the other (7)

8 Preoccupy (8)

13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)

16 Encumbrance (8)

18 Unite (7)

19 Merchants (7)

20 Public conveyance (7)

21 Wandering (7)

22 Hoards (6)

25 People (4)

1 How many countries border Austria?

2 What nationality is singersongwriter Sarah McLachlan?

3 In which war did the Charge of the Light Brigade take place?

4 John Goodman (pictured) plays which character in the Monsters, Inc. franchise?

5 What type of animal is an American marten?

6 How many yellow stars appear on the People’s Republic of China’s flag?

7 The Pont du Gard is a bridge in which country?

8 Which actor played the character of President Orlean in the 2021 film Don’tLookUp?

9 Ariel Sharon is the former prime minister of which country?

10 Monticello was the primary plantation of which US president?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Barwon Heads Senior Citizens

Crazy whist: Join a friendly group to play this easy to learn card game at Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, 10am-noon Mondays. $2, morning tea supplied.

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30-11am.

 oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. Next year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers.

 0448 391 366

Bellarine Historical Society Inc. Film, Whale Rider (PG), Sunday July 6, 2pm, Indented Head Hall, refreshments included. Tickets trybooking.com/DBZOG 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

Portarlington playgroup

Experience play in an unstructured, relaxed environment. Large indoor space with toilets and baby change facilities. Suits 0-4years. Free to attend. Wednesdays 10-11.30am, Parks Hall Portarlington.

Ocean Grove Library

Thursday July 3, 3-4pm: Newspapers on Newsbank

Wednesday July 16, 2-3pm book chat Wednesday August 6, 2-3pm: introduction to podcasting

Wednesday August 6, 5.30-6.30pm: Menopause - Embracing the Change

Thursdays 3-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs

Mondays 10.30-11.30am Preschool story time

Tuesdays 4-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)

Wednesdays 9.30-10am Toddler Time

Thursdays 11.30-11.50am Baby Time Thursdays 3.45-4.45pm (excluding school holidays) After School Program –Story Coders

Thursdays 4-5pm Play with OSMOs Kids school holiday programs – see

 Details and bookings: grlc.vic.gov.au

Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

 Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.

 5258 1150

Live music

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.

Croquet Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for

training, bring a friend.

 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.

 Megan, 0439 317 344

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

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

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

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

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

 0400 500 402

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington,

Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.

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

Scottish country dancing classes

GOG Scottish Country Dance classes

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

 Jane, 0481 126 022, or Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm, snooker, chess, indoor bowls. Wednesday: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500. Fortnightly

CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm

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

Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.

 Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372

TOWN club

The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

 Bev, 0421 636 830

Drysdale Day VIEW

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

 Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education.

 oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail. com

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

 gwen.anne.james@gmail.com

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

 Raelene, 4244 0376

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

 5251 3529

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

 Jenni, 0452 258 333

Book club Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

 Shirley, 0488 055 969

Out & about

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach on a very mild Monday June 23 to see who was out and about.

Rachel White with her daughters Charli and Lola (hidden).

Todd Mestrovic and daughter Chloe.

Ross Barclay.

Michael Adams and Colleen Hodgins.

Peta Bigum with Polly.

Tahlia Bogg and Tom Buttigieg.

Rob and Sandy.

Above: Faith and Michael Lora.

Below: Sam Rush and Ruby Fisher.

Right: Stewart and Christine Neil.

(Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 485706

Jack Spiers after his daily swim, and Kelsey Hare and Josh Cumberland.

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Q4 e-tron offers top value

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

IhadzeroexpectationsoftheAudiQ4.

I hadn’t driven one before, let alone an electricone.

I later learned Q4 comes only as an EV and is available in compact SUV and Sportbackcoupeform.

Launched in 2021, the five-seater shares aplatformwithsiblingtheQ5e-tronalong withcousinstheSkodaEnyaq,CupraBorn andVolkswagenID.4.

Interestingly, the Q4 e-tron is the first AuditobebuiltinthecityofZwickausince the pre-war era of the company. It is here that Audi and its predecessor Horch were founded before the two brands merged to becomeAutoUnionwaybackin1932.

Thereendeththehistorylesson.

Styling

Audi says the Q4 e-tron is more than just a new model; “it represents the future of driving”. It also happens to be the smallest andmostaffordableofitsEVssofar,andas suchhasabigjobtodo.

The Q4 was a long time in gestation and Audi has played with the spec so it could duck the Luxury Car Tax and qualifies for an exemption under Fringe Benefits Tax. As a result of this manoeuvring the price is enticingly low, starting from $84,9000 plusonroadsforQ445e-tron(524km);the Sportbackfrom$86,500(540km).

The Sportback is extra presumably becauseitgetstheSlinetreatment.

Moving further up the ladder we come to the higher performance Q4 55 e-tron quattro (488km), priced from $105,900; Sportback 55 e-tron quattro (503km) from $107,500.

Our test car the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron was also fitted with the optional $2200 Comfort package which adds electric front seats, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise assist with stop and go, active lane assist and emergency assist, park assist plus, with memory settings for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, bringing the price to $88,700pluson-roads.

The S line interior package is a no cost option, consisting of sports front seats, combination fabric and artificial leather, black cloth headliner, dark aluminium inlays, stainless steel pedals, illuminated front door sills and a flat bottomed sports steering wheel. Metallic paint is also a no costoption.

The Sportback is a sexy beast, with a stubby front end, sloping back and a muscularstance.

The coupe-like roofline adds a healthy dose of style, finishing in a spoiler that splits the rear window horizontally – a la thefirstEclipseCross.

Our test vehicle was finished in pebble grey and rides on 20-inch, five-spoke alloys, with the S line body kit, a radiator grille finished in titanium black with horizontal aluminium slats, and lower air intakesinmattplatinum.

Although it’s an EV, the design of the Q4 has not made the complete transition to electric vehicle as it retains a blanked out radiator grille. Why? Ditto the old style instrument cluster and inset touchscreen inside which remain separate entities. And the instrument cluster is somewhat clutteredanddifficulttoread.

Range could be a deciding factor, stretchingfrom488kmto540km(thelatter forourQ4Sportback45e-tron).

Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, twin-spoke leather steering wheel, power-adjust driver’s seat, heated front seats with four-way lumbar support, ambient interior lighting and a power-operatedtailgate.

There’s also LED exterior lighting, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree

camera,autodimminginteriormirror,auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, plus auto folding/dimming/ heated exterior mirrors with kerb-side dip onpassengerside.

Q4 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with 6-year roadside assistance and eight-year/160,000km coverage for the battery. Service intervals areevery24months/30,000km.

Infotainment

TheMMIinfotainmentsystemiscontrolled from an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

It offers the usual array of features, includingBluetooth,voicecontrol,built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an in-house eight speaker 180 wattaudiosystem.

There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair in the back plus a couple of 12 volt outlets (oneintheboot).

Notice we didn’t mention DAB+ digital radio–thejuryisoutonthatone.

Safety

Q4 scores a full five stars for safety but we weregobsmackedtoseeitisfittedwithrear drumbrakes.Rememberthem?WTF?

Driver support systems include Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Backover) as well as a lane support system withlanekeepassist(LKA),lanedeparture warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM)arestandard.

Not all safety systems are standard, however. Q4 55 comes with a more comprehensive form of adaptive cruise control, as well as active lane assist, 360 degreecameraandparkassistplus.

The Q4 55 can also be optioned with augmented reality head-up display, projecting new intuitive directions to the headupdisplaywithinthedriver’seyeline.

Powertrain

Motivation comes from a single electric motor that provides 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque in this model, with drive to the rear wheels through a single-speed two-stageplanetarygearbox.

Driving

Sitting between the Q3 and larger Q5, the Q4 e-tron is Audi’s shooting star, quickly becoming its best-selling electric vehicle sinceitsbelatedlaunchherelatelastyear.

At 4591mm in length and with a kerb weight of 2240kg, it’s a mid-sized SUV in practical terms if not name, with a flat interior floor, generous legroom and good-sized boot that offers 535 litres of storage – plus underfloor storage for charging cables. However, there’s no spare tyreofanykind–justapuncturerepairkit.

Dark tones produce an unnecessarily sombre atmosphere in the cabin, but this has been a complaint of Audi’s cars since thebeginningoftime.

Cabin storage is good with front bottle holders that are angled and located high on the inside of the front doors, instead of down low where you can’t see them. However,thefloatingcentreconsolewhich juts out obscures the lower storage area, particularly the USB ports and 12-volt outlet.

Thestartbuttonislocatedonthefarside of the gear selector, with a similarly sized audio control of some kind on the near side. Further back is a small, difficult to reach drive mode selection button. Gear selection is achieved via a small fore and aft toggle with a separate button for park, but we were never quite sure whether the carwasactuallyswitchedoffwhenitcame timetoexit.

The steering wheel controls are touch sensitive and as usual the small cruise control stalk is difficult to see and work

7.5

7.5

7.5 Practicality: 7

7

7

7.5

7.3

out once you’re driving, and takes some mastering.

Separate air-con and seat heat controls are provided below the centre screen, with separate controls in the back for rear seat passengers. There’s a number of drive modes and regenerative braking can be modulated with paddles on the steering wheel. No, they’renotforchanginggear.

Power is stored in an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh useable), with energy consumption thatisratedat16.9kWh/100kmandarange of540kmforthismodel(WLTP).Weclocked up617kmatarateof15.7kWh/100km.

Charging from a household power point takes up to 30 hours, while a 7.2kW single phase AC Wallbox reduces this figure to 11 hours. DC charging capacity has been upgraded to 175kW and this means the car can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in as littleas28minutes.Yeah,right.

The Q4 e-tron does not offer V2L functionality.

Rear-drive Q4 45 e-tron, SUV and Sportback, are capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive quattro Q4 55 e-tron does it in 5.4 seconds.

It’s not what you’d call lightning quick, butit’squickenoughtobeabitoffun. Ride quality is good, but tends to the wrong side of firm which becomes quickly apparentonourdeplorablebackroads. Handling is also pretty good, but there’s thosedrumstoconsider,sowewouldn’tbe goingintoohard.

We’re surprised adaptive suspension is not fitted, but bearing in mind this is primarily a city-focused car, it’s hardly surprising.

Remember too Audi was focused on reducingtheprice–something’sgottagive.

Summing up

Ifnothingelse,theAudiQ4e-tronisagreat alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling TeslaModelY.

TherangeisalmostonparwiththeTesla and it is stylish, unlike Tesla’s lookalike range,particularlythebulbousY.

The dynamic Q4 Sportback e-tron has come a long way since the first Audi to carrythee-trontag.

It’s surprisingly spacious and sporty to drive, and quite frankly, we expected it wouldcostalotmore.

If nothing else, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a great alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grove remains undefeated

Justin Flynn was at Shell Road Reserve on Saturday to see Ocean Grove keep its unbeaten run intact with a win against Anglesea.

Left: Kelsey Ollis showed she has lost none of her skill after an ACL injury. Centre: Hannah Barry-Murphy and Jessica Croker get busy for Anglesea. Right: Zanna Woods and Arlee Bennett face some opposition from Anglesea’s Teresa Mangar.

Left: Hannah Barry-Murphy finds space. Centre: Gemma Bell passes to Courtney Leith. Right: Isabelle Bartlett in action. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 485655

Above: Mascots Annabelle, Isabel, Ivy, Harriet, Lulu and Ava gave terrific support Above right: It was great to see Kelsey Ollis back playing after sustaining an ACL injury in the 2023 grand final.

Georgia Ryan had a different role at wing attack and made it look easy.

Below: Georgia Berry and Amanda O’Malley in defence.

Bottom left: Courtney Leith and Isabelle Bartlett had a good battle at centre.

Bottom right: Zanna Woods starred again in attack.

Glorious Grubbers win for the ages

Ocean Grove caused the upset of the season, defeating Anglesea by 41 points at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove on Saturday. Justin Flynn was there to capture some of the action.

Gus Bourke clears for the Grubbers.

Ayden Gras snaps one of his four goals for Anglesea.

Charlie Every refuses to concede this contest.

Gus Bourke aims to tackle Harrison King. Right: Josh Lange clears from the back pocket.

Rory Phillips gains a contested possession. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 485656

Left: Will Batson has a lot of room on the wing. Centre: Caleb Belcher in the thick of the action. Right: Ben Bennett races clear.

Jordan Keras boots a goal.

Rhys Devlin walks off after copping a heavy knock.

As close as it gets

It was the halfway mark of the winter season this week for Tennis Geelong’s Senior Pennant and things couldn’t be closer at the top end of Section 3 Mixed with only one point separating the top three teams.

Surfcoast Torquay leapfrogged Ocean Grove Red and Wandana Heights to take top spot with a win at home against Eastern Districts.

Torquay stormed out of the blocks winning the first two mixed 6-0, 6-1, while Districts women Debbie Irwin and Madison Gioffre won 6-3, and Torquay’s men Brenton and Peter Currie countered 6-3 in the doubles.

Torquay’smixedpairingsagainproved too strong in the reverse mixed, Torquay winning five sets to one, with Brenton and Peter Currie three-set winners.

Ocean Grove White got to within two points of the four, when they posted a 4-2 win over Grovedale.

The teams were evenly matched with Grovedale winning the first mixed 6-4

while Ocean Grove took the second 6-2. Grovedale proved too strong in the women’s 6-0, and the Grove in the men’s 6-2, leaving the teams even on sets and games going into the reverse mixed.

Vanessa Armstrong and Darren Loftus put Ocean Grove in front with a 6-3 win in the fifth set before Oscar Dallman teamed with Marina Merriman to win his third set for the day 6-3, putting his team over the line.

Things were a little closer when Drysdale hosted Leopold with the home team coming from behind to take the win.

The opening mixed sets were keenly fought with Leopold eventually taking both sets 7-5, 6-4. Ria Kougi and Rachel Shanks fought back hard for Drysdale, winning the women’s 6-0, but Leopold steadied with Hayden Walters and Jackson Brotchie taking the men’s 6-2.

Leopold were looking for their first win of the season after a couple of close loses, but Drysdale were to deny them again with Kougi teaming with Thomas Palmateer to take the fifth 6-1 and Georgina Palmateer with Tim Craven

winning the sixth 6-2, levelling the sets and putting Drysdale ahead by seven games.

Thefinalmatchofthedaywasbetween first and second teams Wandana Heights and Ocean Grove Red and proved the most pivotal for the day.

Wandana started the day well winning both mixed with Anneliese Walsh and Rowan Perrott ahead 6-4 while Melissa and Craig Smith dominated 6-0.

The doubles were one-sided affairs with Wandana taking the men’s 6-1 and Ocean Grove the women’s 6-1.

Going into the reverse mixed, Wandana were leading three sets to one with an eight-game advantage and were looking good for the win. Both matches were hard fought with Ocean Grove getting over the line in both 6-4, 6-3, which levelled the teams on sets.

Wandana did enough to keep three games ahead, taking the win for the day. The win put Wandana one point away from Ocean Gove Red and Surfcoast with only percentage separating the top two teams, keeping the section as one of the closest in the competition.

McDonald is crowned best clubperson

Amenah McDonald took out Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club’s prestigious John Bishop Best Club Person Memorial Award at the club’s senior presentation night on June 14.

McDonald holds many roles within the club as Director of Life Saving/ Club Captain, on the club board, is on the emergency response team and also competes and wins medals at local, state and national levels.

It is McDonald’s passion and commitment to the club in general that was celebrated where she regularly goes above and beyond in her support and mentoring to all member ages and stages and especially young people.

On the night, the club recognised the achievements across all areas including lifesavingpatrols,trainingandassessment and sports, as well as celebrating some of the outstanding contributions of some members and the club as a whole.

Our major award winners were:

• Fred Leiper Best Patrol Person: David MacGregor

• Dave Renton Patrol Service: Jack Borthwick

• Barry Renton Memorial Best Competitor: Grayson Hyde

• Best Competition Team: Youth Men Board relay team of Grayson Hyde, Ryan Tolley, Kaelan McGee

• Bob Millet Lifesaver Improvement: Zane

Former Diamond to lead Tigers in coaching coup

Former Australian Diamond Madi Browne has taken over the role as Torquay netball coach full-time on a three-year contract.

Browne is dual Liz Ellis Diamond winnerandcurrentsportsbroadcaster with Fox Netball and SEN 1116.

Shesteppedintotheheadcoaching roleinJune,takingthereinsfromlongserving A grade coach Sonia Harris.

Browne’s return to local netball drew attention last November when she was unveiled as Torquay’s inaugural senior netball specialist - a rolefocusedontechnicaldevelopment and mentoring. Her new contract will see her lead the club until 2028.

“The Torquay community has been so welcoming, and there’s a great energy around the club,” Browne said.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players, the coaches, and support staff.There’sastrongculturehere,and I’m excited to be part of it.

“The BFNL is competitive and full of talent. I’ve been impressed with the skilllevel,theintensityofthematches, andthecommitmentacrosstheclubs. It’s clear that the league has a strong foundation and is continuing to grow, which makes it a great environment for player and team development.

“Right now, my priority is to build strongconnectionswiththegroupand create a clear, united playing identity. Moving into 2026, my focus will be on developing consistency, sharpening our game strategies and fostering leadership across the team.

“We want to create a highperformance environment where players can grow, enjoy their netball and push for long-term success.”

There is plenty to work with for Browne. Only last Saturday the Tigers pushed flag favourites Ocean Grove to within three goals and probably should have won the game.

“Madi is a passionate leader, mentor and role model,” club president Michael Gibson said.

“What stands out most is her commitment to building culture through genuine connection - not just with players, but with their families and the wider community.

Zoe Naughtin, Tyler Smith

• Rookie of the Year: Sylvia Melville

•

•

• Excellence in Training: Andrew Smith

Development

Elise Hanks

Other achievements were those who wereselectedonstateteamsandcompeted and were successful at Australian Championships as well as club champions and coaches awards across all ages and sporting modalities (summer surf sport, IRB, pool and beach).

Others were acknowledged for their incredible voluntary hours and years of service, some with more than 200 hours in the one season.

“This is a historic moment for our club. Madi’s experience and professionalism lift us to a new level and her presence cements Torquay as a genuine destination for netballers across the region.

“Together with Madi, and the support of our committee, we’re focused on developing a clear juniorto-senior pathway and embedding a high-performance culture that will benefit our players for years to come.

“The club extends its thanks to Sonia Harris for her four years of service and wishes her all the best as she travels Australia with her family.”

Conners,

Ray Johnson Nipper of the Year: Lilian Spolding

Junior

award:

Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club president Lindy Freestone presents Amenah McDonald with the John Bishop Best Club Person Memorial Award.

(Andrew Smith)

Torquay has appointed former Ausyralian Diamond Madi Browne as netball coach. (Torquay FNC)

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Grubbers cause big upset

By Justin Flynn

As Anglesea moved to within two points at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday, most of the crowd could have been forgiven for thinking that Ocean Grove had played well,butwasabouttobeoverrunbyamore experienced side.

But nobody told the players that.

The Grubbers would kick two late goals before the siren and eventually go on to record an ultra-impressive 17.8(110) to 10.9(69) win.

It was Ocean Grove’s second win for the season after losing nine straight.

Coach Dave Farrell said he was proud of his players for absorbing that late third-quarter pressure.

“It was a nervous period for everyone and I am sure the guys on ground felt the pressure but showed maturity beyond what they are credited with by sticking to the task,” he said.

“Often in that situation players with only the best intentions get pulled out of structure and go away from their role to try and influence the outcome. We’ve done a lotofworkinthisareaandtheboysshowed great trust in each other to stick to their guns.”

Not only did the Grubbers absorb that pressure, they picked up their game and booted the first two goals of the final term.

When Ryan Baker goaled for the Seas at the nine-minute mark, the deficit was just 15 points and it looked like a thriller was about to play out.

Jye Walker replied almost immediately andyoungsterJackConnollykickedtrulyat the 14-minute mark. A stalemate occurred intheensuingminutes,butTysonRuckand Josh Lange made certain of the win to the delight of the large past-players contingent in the crowd.

Ayden Gras booted four goals for Angleseatotakehisseason’stallyto50,but the combined efforts of teenagers Jamison Hallam and Hugo Walsh kept the star forward relatively in check.

“We left the role to be shared between Jami and Hugo after seeing so much footy go through Gras over the last few weeks,”

Farrell said.

“We thought it would be a great

opportunity for them to work together on positioning as primary defender and support as secondary. For a 17and 18-year-old to grasp that and work so well together on the day was really encouraging.”

Playing co-coach Nick Bourke said the leadership group rallied when Ocean Grove was challenged in the third quarter.

“It’s always great to add some senior

players to the side and I feel like they were pivotal for us when Anglesea got on a bit of a run,” he said.

“The kids have been incredible all year for us (and) with a lot of our older players and leaders being injured, they have stood up and played big roles for us all year.

“And I think we saw the reward for that yesterday for them and us as a team. They are the future of the club and so happy to see them rewarded yesterday.”

The Grubbers face Queenscliff this week. In the corresponding game earlier in the season, Grove was held to just two behinds for the first three quarters.

“Next week provides us with another great opportunity against a side that’s in some really good form,” Bourke said.

“We showed on the weekend that our method we have been working really hard onoverthelastfewweeksinparticularcan match it with the best, so we are looking forward to the challenge this week.”

DRYSDALE’S topsy turvy season continued, but this time in a good way with a 19-point win against a red-hot Queenscliff. Key defender Jack Jenkins again led the way for the Hawks while Tyler Monahan booted two goals and was best for the Coutas.

PORTARLINGTON came back from 30 points down at the last change to defeat Modewarre by five. Ruckman Scott Greenhough was instrumental for the Demons.

TORQUAY thrashed an injury-hit BarwonHeadsby42pointswithmidfielder MattBoagbestwhileNo20pickinthe2008 National Draft Tom Swift was best for the Seagulls.

MITCH Day booted eight goals for Geelong Amateur in a 65-point win against Newcomb while Jack Duke slotted five for the Power.

Team focus on a good start pleases Grubbers’ coach

By Justin Flynn

After ‘stealing’ a three-goal win against Torquay, Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes said her side’s start was crucial against AngleseaatShellRoadReserveonSaturday June 21.

The Grubbers kept their unbeaten run intact in the round 10 game against the Tigers with a final-quarter effort to get them over the line.

In round 11, Ocean Grove was 16 to 10 up at the first break before going on to win 64 to 38.

“I think the girls weren’t happy with how we started against Torquay so it was a real focus of having a strong start and keeping the consistency over four quarters, which I felt like they did well,” Holmes said.

“I was happy with how we bounced back. Our aim was to keep them (Queenscliff) at 10 (in the first quarter), but ours was to be something like 16. So we met that and we knew it would take four quarters. It’s not won in the first quarter, but we wanted to get a good start.

“That was a focus because we didn’t do that against Torquay. I wanted consistency and we got it. So I was happy with how the girls performed with the bare seven.”

Injuries to Ashton O’Brien and Emily Moroney probably won’t see them back in the side until after the July 12 bye.

The Grubbers now have games against an injury riddled Queenscliff and bottom side Modewarre to come before the break Against a young and plucky Anglesea, Holmes started Georgia Ryan at wing attack to great effect, allowing Zanna Woods and Arlee Bennett to play in goals. Star defender Kelsey Ollis also played

very limited minutes, but looks to have not missed a beat after an ACL injury in the 2023 grand final.

“She (Ryan) was really great yesterday and it was really good and then Kelsey had a cameo appearance,” Holmes said.

“She was wonderful when she came on and created some doubt. She just adds that level of excitement the girls really get up andaboutfor.Itreallybringsabitofenergy to our team. She’s obviously very, very limited and very nervous coming back, but that’s what she wants to do and we’re here to support her when she comes on.”

While Queenscliff is third on the ladder, it will be without one of the competition’s genuine stars in Kaitlin Gladman who did

her ACL two weeks ago. The Coutas lost to Drysdale on the weekend and will be keen to bounce back.

“We’re well aware of the injuries, but they’ve got depth,” Holmes said.

“And they want to win, so it’s not going to be easy at all.”

The Grubbers also have injuries to key defenders in B Grade, putting flow-on strain throughout the grades.

Holmes was able to give some minutes to A Grade debutante Amanda Durbridge at wing defence in the third quarter on Saturday and had Jesse Sutton as a back-up goaler on stand by.

Ocean Grove’s main challenger for the premiershipthisseason,GeelongAmateur,

had a powerhouse win against Newcomb. Defender Keisha Guilmartin was best in the 51 to 33 win while Kayla Donnellon shot 42 goals from 48 attempts.

Drysdale kept in touch with the top five with an upset win against Queenscliff, 47 to 43. Goal keeper Nicole Butler was best while Coutas’ goaler Alex Booker was good for her side.

Torquay defeated Barwon Heads 53 to 39 with bookends Sophie Ritchie-Crichton at goal keeper and Daisy O’Kane (46 goals) best.

Defender Hannah Branson led a resurgent Portarlington to a 50 to 27 win against Modewarre to keep pace with the top five.

Left: Georgia Ryan was superb at wing attack for Ocean Grove. Right: Zanna Woods caused a lot of headaches for Anglesea. (Pictures: Justin Flynn) 485655

Ayden Gras and Jamison Hallam had a great battle. (Justin Flynn) 485656_01

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