The annual Junior State of Origin returned to Ocean Grove for a spectacular weekend of footy, friendship, and fundraising. The concept began as a simple idea between two mates and has grown into a powerful annual tradition, uniting two passionate communities - Ocean Grove (VIC) and Glebe (NSW) - in support of a life-saving cause. This year’s event welcomed more than 370 young AFL players, aged seven to 16, from Ocean Grove Cobras and Glebe Greyhounds. The clubs take it in turns hosting the event. Next year it will be in Glebe, inner Sydney.Pictured are some of the Ocean Grove Cobras singing the club song. More pictures, page 12.
Road done, dusted
By Matt Hewson
Property owners in an Ocean Grove street will pay just more than one percent more than expected for the sealing of their road now that the work is complete.
City of Greater Geelong has delivered road construction work at Asbury Street West with a total actual cost of $120,471.85, a 1.1 per cent increase from the estimate of $119,114 declared in March last year.
Property owners will contribute 75 per cent, or $90,353.89, of the cost, while the City will pay for the remaining 25 percent,
$30,117.96. The works were planned and undertaken on the section of road between Newcomb and Mann streets after surveys of the property owners and feedback from the community. Construction began in February this year and was completed in April. The final costs to the property ownersrangesfrom$8051.02to$20,576.84, based on access, amenity and frontage.
The council approved the increased charges at its meeting on Tuesday night, where Councillor Elise Wilkinson explained councils may increase such chargesbyupto10percentwithouthaving
to formally vary the scheme.
“Thisschemeitselfcameinat1.1percent above the (estimated) construction cost, and this was due to the increase in cost of construction materials over the year that it was being built,” she said.
“From all reports, not only the property owners, but surrounding visitors and residents are also benefiting from what is now a sealed road with kerb and channel.
“It’s much safer, it’s reduced dust and mud and improved drainage.”
Cr Wilkinson said seeking support from residents was a key factor in the City being
able to maintain and seal roads.
“I’d like to acknowledge the residents in terms of collaboration and working together in terms of getting this done,” she said.
“Even though it is an extra 1.1 per cent above the estimated cost - so for some that ranges from an extra $90 up to an extra $231 - the council does have hardship strategies. The hardship team is very open and wanting to discuss if someone is genuinely finding that this special charge is above and beyond them at this time, so please reach out.”
Grant changes revealed
By Matt Hewson
Geelong council has approved its new guidelines concerning community grants aheadoftheofficialopeningoftheprogram thisweek.
The City of Greater Geelong’s 2025-26 Community Grants program opens on Saturday, July 26, offering $2.85 million in funding for sports clubs, community organisations, schools, individuals and businesses.
The council has reduced community grants funding by $1.63 million, with $1.5m coming out of the Community Infrastructuresectionoftheprogram.
However, $1m of that will be transferred
to the City’s Capital Program budget for sportslightingprojects.
“It’s a significant amount of money and fundingthatwillbespreadthroughoutthe community,”CrKonteljsaid.“Certainly,the grants seem to always be oversubscribed, so that’s always a good thing, but also a challengeinmanagingthat.”
Councillors approved a number of changes to the way the grants are administered this year, with lower maximum grant amounts for community infrastructure projects the most obvious change,reducedfrom$400,000to$250,000,
Councillor Anthony Aitken said the lowering of infrastructure grant amounts was to “try to spread the limited amount of fundsthatwehavegotfurther”.
“It will mean some projects won’t go ahead now because we have got that threshold, but it does mean we can maximise the amount of money that we do have available for capital projects going forward,”hesaid.
And while arts project grants funding hasbeenreducedfrom$120,000lastyearto $100,000thisyear,somefundingcategories havebeeneliminatedentirely.
Funding will no longer be granted for First Nations Cultural Heritage, Geelong Heritage or Neighbourhood House
Filming the way forward at free screening
By Jena Carr
A selection of short films from young filmmakerswillbeondisplayinthelead-up totheNorthBellarineFilmFestival(NBFF) laterthisyear.
The free screening event of the festival’s previous films will be held at Boronggook Drysdale Library from 5.30pm on Wednesday, July 30, before the NBFF’s returninNovember.
Vice president Robert Walton said the screeningeventwouldfeatureamixtureof films from young filmmakers in different genres, including animated, comedy, drama,anddocumentaryfilms.
Filmmaking is a really tough gig ... Many of these people are really independent, which is a passion - Robert Walton
“Filmmaking is a really tough gig. You obviously go to university and, when you leave, there’s not really any jobs being advertised,”hesaid.“Manyofthesepeople are really independent, which is a passion. They have that creative thing inside them thatmakesthemgoontobesuccessful.
“We’ve put together a collection of films which date back to 2020 and they were all finalistsoftheEmergingFilmmakerAward and Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award.”
The event will feature a documentary titled Sink or Swim by filmmaker Brie Bartleet, which follows the story of Bree-Arne Manley, a Point Lonsdale
resident with multiple sclerosis who continuestosurfandmakemusic.
“I’ve done a couple other projects post this one and I just want to keep telling stories and shining light on incredible stories,”MsBartleetsaid.
“I’ve got a disabled brother and I’m also
a surfer, so meeting Bree and getting to shine a light on disability awareness while making a film around surfing was a dream project.”
Visit trybooking.com/CZOAR for tickets and more information about the free film screeningevent.
projects, for a saving of $382,500 from last year.
An artist who has previously applied for community grants, Councillor Elise Wilkinson stressed the importance of attendingthegrantworkshopsprovidedby theCity.
“Thegrantsteamarereallyapproachable and can answer questions to clarify information,”CrWilkinsonsaid.
“So do put your best foot forward, attend thoseworkshopsandaskthequestionsyou needto.”
Visit geelong.link/Grants for more information on the City’s Community Grants program, information sessions and grantwritingworkshops.
Footpath network feedback wanted
City of Greater Geelong is inviting residents of Clifton Springs and Drysdale to have their say on a proposed 16.8km footpath network aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity and accessibility across thetwocommunities.
The proposal is in response to community requests for improved pedestrian infrastructure to help people of all ages and abilities move safely and comfortably between key destinations such as schools, sports venues,shops,andlocalbusinesses.
The City will host five in-person information sessions on Wednesday August 13 at Boronggook Drysdale Library. Session times are: 10am, 11.30am,2pm,3.30pmand6pm.
Local food education program Farm My School will host a special session for those who don’t know their kombucha from their kvass.
The program’s next Nourish workshop, Zero Waste Alchemy - The Art of Fermentation, will be a hands-on exploration of the ancient techniques of fermenting bacterial drinks.
Local fermentation enthusiast Patrick Meaney, who will lead the event, first became interested in fermentation processes while spending time in Germany, where he studied food preservation.
“Fermentation is magic,” Meaney said.
“It is an ancient practice and tradition, and I express deep gratitude to the innumerablecultureswhohavepassedon this knowledge.”
The workshop will be held on August 21
at Bellarine Secondary College, which has partnered with Farm My School to deliver the pilot of the educational program.
Farm My School chief executive and co-founder James McLennan encouraged anyoneinterestedintheartoffermentation to book a spot at the workshop.
“Patrick offers a truly authentic experience which is the perfect alignment to Farm My School and our philosophyzero waste, using seasonal vegetables and connecting people through food to create communities,” Mr McLennan said.
“Patrick is a truly artful facilitator that inspiresandengagesallwalksoflifeinhis passion for fermentation.
“As a participant in our next workshop, you will leave with a full belly, a mind exploding with ideas and inspiration as well as a heart glowing with new connections... not to mention a jar or two of your own ferments!”
Visit farmmyschool.com/pages/nourish for tickets and more information.
Fermentation enthusiast Patrick Meaney will lead a workshop on the alchemy of fermentation. (Supplied)
NBFF festival director Bill Lussier and information services librarian Aaron Elsey prepare Boronggook Drysdale Library for the film screening event. (Ivan Kemp) 490988_07
Cutting-edge vessel
By Jena Carr
Queenscliff community members can go swimming and boating in safer waters thanks to a new Coast Guard search and rescuevessel.
Marine Search and Rescue volunteers received the new 12-metre-long and four-metre-wide Vessel Rescue 203 from thestategovernmentonJuly14.
Queenscliff Coast Guard Flotilla commander Chris Smith said the “cutting-edge” vessel was purpose-built to enhance life-saving operations on the water.
“The capability provided by Rescue 203 ensure reliable performance and response whenitmattersmost,”hesaid.
“The new vessel significantly boosts our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies in challenging marine
environments.
“The vessel has been designed for the harsh conditions of southern Port Phillip, the RIP and Bass Strait with advanced navigation, communications, and safety technology.”
Flotilla member Michael Donohue said the Coast Guard had completed 93 responses in the last 12 months until the end of June and that the new vessel would helpfurthersupportthecommunity.
“The new vessel’s more powerful capabilitywillenableustobetterandmore safelyhandlelargervessels...withtwin300 horsepowerdieseloutboards,”hesaid.
“It’salsogotalotmoreroomtomoveand work on the rear deck, which will make it more convenient for members doing complexworkoutattheback.”
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said the boat was designed to help
“I’m proud to say that this vessel was designed and built right here in Victoria, helping local businesses deliver for our communities,”shesaid.
“With so many Victorians holding recreational vessel licenses and enjoying the water, it’s essential that we do all we cantokeepthemsafe.
“We’re giving the hardworking volunteersoftheQueenscliffCoastGuarda fit-for-purpose vessel so they can continue tobethereforthoseinneed.”
Vessel Rescue 203 features state-ofthe-art navigation and operating systems, including GPS, forward-looking infrared radar, and radio direction-finding equipment. The vessel can operate anytime during the day or night, support the Country Fire Authority in marine
Golden Oldies singing through history
By Jena Carr
A group of men from Greater Geelong are helping spread the history of music by singing at nursing homes and retirement villages.
Members from Belmont Senior Citizens have been part of a men’s Golden Oldies singing group, which was founded close to 10yearsago,andsingatabout35agedcare facilitiesacrossGeelong.
“Wesingawiderangeofsongs,fromway back and right up to the 80s... and we get great satisfaction from just seeing people
enjoy music they may not hear any other time,”managerLesPomeroysaid.
“Theyoungestofusis73andtheoldestis anunbelievable99yearsold,andhe’squite exceptional... None of us are professionals, we’re just guys who like to sing and have sungallourlives.”
Mr Pomeroy said the group was important to the members as a means of socialisation and their audience, who may be listening to songs they may not have heardinalongtime.
“We try to sing songs that people have been brought up with over their lifetime
and that they can recognise and relate to,” hesaid.
“Some people we sing to are in a state of dementia and may not be showing an indication of recognition... but sooner or later their toes or fingers will start moving orthey’llbemouthingthewords.
“Youjustneverknowwhatpeopleregister and you know what they hear, but music seems to be one of the last things that go fromhumanmemoryorcommunication.”
The group is always looking for new members, and anyone interested can contactMrPomeroyat0414-442471.
Planting event for National Tree Day
Geelong and Ocean Grove’s communities can help restore the natural environments around them during a National Tree Day planting event.
Ocean Grove Coastcare will host a free community planting day at Blue Waters Lake Reserve on Sunday July 27from10am.
President Margot Busch said “peoplecanexpecttogettheirhands dirty”whilehelpingrestorethelake’s habitats to support wildlife and biodiversity.
“What we’d love to see is enthusiasm from people, especially those who live right near and around thelake,”shesaid.
“This is a positive way to speak to allAustraliansabouttheimportance of putting back plants that are indigenoustotheirparticulararea.
“Not everyone will be (planting) trees because the area we’ll be planting won’t be big enough to sustain a whole bunch of trees, but it’llbeamixofplants.
“We’re also giving people the opportunity to do a bird walk and talkwithourlocalbirdenthusiast,so they’ll get about the birds that either visitorlivearoundthelake.
“Inrestoringvegetation,itwillhelp sustainorbringbackourpopulations of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals who have disappeared when their homes and their food sourceshavebeenlost.”
Ocean Grove Coastcare president Margot Busch and bird enthusiast Margaret Alcorn at Blue Waters Lake Reserve. (Ivan Kemp) 491540_03
Ian Creek, Les Pomeroy, Bob Dalton, Terry Ayton, Reg O’Neil, Mel Davey, Wayne Norling, Alan Dempsey sing Golden Oldies across Greater Geelong. (Supplied)
Red knots stay for winter
The weather has been very fresh and cold over the past few weeks, but despite the wintery conditions there have been a few interesting bird observations around the Bellarine Peninsula.
Thanks to my friend Pete Sullivan, I saw a flock of migratory shorebirds known as red knots at Freshwater Lake, near Point Lonsdale.
These shorebirds are ‘near threatened’ in conservation status. They nest at this time of the year in the Arctic Circle around Canada and Russia, but Pete saw a flock of around 55 of these birds that have chosen to ‘overwinter’ or remain in the southern hemisphere for our winter and avoid the long flight to breeding grounds.
Interestingly one of the birds in Pete’s photo is moulting into the reddish breeding plumage that these birds develop at breeding time. The birds that remain in the Southern Hemisphere at breeding time areapparentlyusuallythosethatareyoung and not yet ready to breed.
FreshwaterLakeisahavenforshorebirds atthemomentasitisnotfullofwater,which leaves a great amount of muddy shoreline for waders to use to feed on insects and crustaceans. Some other species also present at the lake are red-necked Stints, which are also overwintering in Australia
rather than flying to the Northern Hemisphere to breed, and non-migratory waders such as hooded plovers and red-capped plovers.
The last two species are sedentary in that they live and breed in Australia rather than flying across the world to different hemispheres.
Hooded plovers flock in the winter time and then disperse to breeding habitats in spring and summer, and at last count there were 37 hooded plovers enjoying the delights of Freshwater Lake.
This indicates that the birds have travelled to this area from the Surf Coast and even from as far as Phillip Island to gather for the winter. It’s amazing that Freshwater Lake is sustaining such numbers of shorebirds currently.
I had a quick visit to the lake to check the birds out, and while walking down Clowes RoadIsawabigwhitebirdtakeofffromthe groundandperchisagumtree.Ithoughtit was a sulphur-crested cockatoo, but unlike thesebirdsitwassilent,soIactuallyscaled a fence to check the bird out and I was thrilled to see a white morph grey goshawk and it hung around briefly for a photo which was great.
I received an email from Karen, who stopped at Lake Lorne on her way home fromDrysdaletoOceanGrove.Sheentered from Reserve Road and saw plenty of ducks on the lake, but couldn’t get a picture with her iPhone as they were too far away, so grabbed her binoculars from the her car, and identified the ducks as pink-eared ducks, which she aptly described as “such beautiful birds their markings and bills are extraordinary”. Pink-eared Ducks are highly mobile birds that fly great distances in search of water, with large flocks often reaching coastal areas in dry years.
I received an email from Lynne, who has noticed I have seen black kites regularly at Drysdale.
ShehasbeentakingherdogstoPawsome fenced paddock in Drakes Road for a run two or three times a week for the past year and nearly always there has been a black kite or two next door at the Drakes Bushland Reserve.
One day earlier in the year there were five of them together. If they are not in the reserve trees or the dead tree they are flying over the surrounding paddocks and sometimes she also sees a little eagle. At the moment the reserve is full of rabbits which is attracting the raptors no doubt. Lynne has been enjoying all the birds
that visit my garden daily and some which have been coming occasionally. Currently an eastern spinebill is visiting daily. Recently a flock of yellow-tailed black cockatoos were feeding off the hakea next door. Currently the musk lorikeets are also coming late afternoon to the flowers in the big ash tree.
A cockatoo has been dropping in occasionally, but in the warmer months dropped in every day for a drink and to eat theapricotkernels.Thepairofmagpie-larks and eastern rosellas are in Lynne’s garden everydayandhavebeenforyears,enjoying the lawn and the birdbath.
Sometimes Lynne finds the magpie-lark very casually walking around in the kitchen or dining room if the back door is open for the dogs. The birds are very comfortable and happy at Lynne’s place, despite the dogs.
Jen’s white morph grey goshawk at Clowes Road.
Pete’s red knots at Freshwater Lake near Point Lonsdale.
Birth suppport fills a gap
Abirthtraumasupportinitiativewillhelp fill a gap in care by connecting people from across Geelong.
The state’s first dedicated peer-to-peer birth trauma support program will be pilotedinGeelongandWarrnamboolnext month to give parents direct access to lived-experience guidance and recovery tools.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive Jodie Hill said the program would help connect people affected by physical and psychological birth trauma.
“We’re so pleased to partner with local practitioners and Birth Trauma Australia
to pilot this vital program in the Barwon SouthWest,whereit’ssourgentlyneeded,” she said.
“This vital peer-to-peer program will provide a valuable space for them to connect with others and feel less isolated as well as to understand their trauma and get the support they need to move forward.”
Birth Trauma program champion and general practitioner Dr Alex Umbers said the evidence-based program will be delivered over six weeks by facilitators withprofessionalandpersonalexperience of birth trauma.
“Birth related trauma can be very
isolating, even more so in rural and regional areas where services don’t meetthedemandsofthecommunity,”she said.
“From personal experience, and as a GP seeing many parents after traumatic births, there’s often a lack of recognition and options for a recovery pathway.
“Thepeer-to-peersupportisawonderful optionforbirthingparentstobesupported, validated, develop connections and build hopeforrecovery,it’saprogramIwishedI had access to myself.”
Birth Trauma Australia research found that up to one in three Australian parents
Celebrating the Bellarine’s natural places
By Matt Hewson
A new exhibition of works inspired by the natural beauty of the Bellarine opened this week in Curlewis.
The Woodlands of the Bellarine, presented in partnership between Artisans of Australia and Bellarine Landcare, is on show at Artisans Gallery until August 11.
ThefreeexhibitionispartoftheGeelong Nature Festival, displaying the works of 34 local artists in media such as painting, pottery, sculpture, mosaics, metalwork and furniture making.
Bellarine Landcare committee member and volunteer Kate Simpson is also a contributing artist to the exhibition.
She said the exhibition celebrated the localnaturalenvironment,whichhumans were a part of rather than separate from.
“We hope that the exhibition inspires people in our community, as well as artists, to learn more, get out and explore the beautiful natural places on the Bellarine Peninsula,” she said.
“ThethingIwouldlovepeopletodoisto observe nature more closely, because the first step in connecting with the natural world is observation.
“Ithinkartcanreallyhelpustohonein, to focus on an aspect of nature, and from there be inspired to see our own gardens, ourparks,ourenvironmentinanewway.”
Artisans Australia founder and manager Helen Meikle said Woodlands of
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Remembering WWII
The 6th of August this year, is the 80th Anniversary of an event that shocked the world.
At 8.15am on the 6th of August 1945, at the very end of WWII, a United States Airforce bomber aircraft, flew over the Japanese city of Hiroshima and dropped a 500 kiloton nuclear bomb that destroyed the city and killed over 250,000, mostly, women, children and elderly inhabitants. Two days later, another 500 kiloton nuclear bomb was dropped by the United States, destroying the Japanese city of Nagasaki and killing another 60,000, mostly women, children and elderly inhabitants.
The nuclear bombings caused unforgivable human suffering, and served no strategic purpose. The United States used the cover of war, to cruelly test their new invention on living subjects.
The nuclear bombings are the only time that a weapon of mass-destruction has been used on humans and is the worst-ever act of terrorism and the worst-ever war crime.
The United States have never been brought to justice for this crime against humanity.
The threat of nuclear annihilation still hangs over our heads.
There are currently 15 countries known to have nuclear weapons. In the order of number of nuclear weapons, Russia, United States, China, France, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea, have stockpiles of nuclear weapons that they have produced themselves. Belarus hosts Russian-owned nuclear weapons, while Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and Turkey,
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), is the only structure left standing in the immediate area where the atomic bomb detonated. (Justin Flynn)
host US-owned nuclear weapons. Until we rid the world of nuclear weapons, there will be no security for the world.
Stephen Chenery, Geelong West
theBellarine,followingimmediatelyafter the gallery’s NAIDOC exhibition, was all about “treading lightly” on the land.
“It shows a lot of diversity in our artists and what they provide, but also in what inspirationnaturehasprovidedforthem,” she said.
“It’s a space that asks you to reflect and to be calm… there’s so much colour and passion, it’s a space to spend time in.”
reported their birthing experience as traumatic.
Chief executive and co-founder Amy Dawes said the program was about “communityvalidation,andfindingaway forward”.
“By sharing lived experiences in a safe, supported environment, participants can begin to make sense of what’s happened to them and importantly, realise they’re not alone,” she said.
“Our Birth Trauma Support Group is a program built by parents, for parents. It recognises the deep need for trauma-informed, peer-led support in the aftermath of a traumatic birth.”
Bellarine Landcare’s Kate Simpson. (Ivan Kemp) 489770_06
Eco reef on display
By Cr Elise Wilkinson
As Chair of the City of Greater Geelong’s Environment and Circular Economy portfolio, few things are more rewarding than seeing some of our local environmental projects recognised on the globalstage.
The Dell Eco Reef, an ocean-friendly artificial reef structure designed to restore coastal habitats, is currently on display at the prestigious Trienal de Design de Covilhã in Portugal - one of the world’s leadingexhibitionsfocusedonsustainable designandinnovation.
Designed by Australian Industrial designer Alex Goad in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong, the reef responds directly to two serious environmental issues along our coastline: erosionandhabitatloss.
Just offshore at Clifton Springs, the reef modules sit in shallow water, around 60 metresfromthecoast.
They are made from eco-friendly concrete using the bi-product fly ash instead of standard cement, blended with recycledshells.
Installed in October 2022, these units work by creating a permeable barrier that slowswaveenergy.
In doing so, they help protect our fragile cliffsandstabilisetheshoreline.
The reef structures also provide vital shelter for marine life and support biodiversity.
They are already helping to restore important habitats, including for the criticallythreatenednativeflatoyster.
Recently, more than 1000 juvenile
Angasi oysters were deployed onto the reef modules by researchers and local communityvolunteers.
Hands-on work is supported by University of Melbourne researchers and the Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare groupandwillbemonitoredinthecoming monthstotracksurvivalandgrowth.
Community involvement has been a key partofthereef’ssuccess.Localknowledge, care and curiosity have helped shape this project into something that’s not only scientificallysound,butdeeplymeaningful forthepeoplewholivehere.
The Dell Eco Reef has already won
Bellarine venues benefit from state grants
Local venues and festivals will benefit from a $3 million state government boost designed to strengthen the industry and thejobsandcommunitiesitsupports.
The latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund will fund 136 venues across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists.
The Live Music Festivals Fund will support 11 festivals across the state with grants of up to $50,000 to help put on new or existing events, including Queenscliff MusicFestival.
“The Bellarine is a hub for live music, withiconicvenuesandfestivalslightingup across the peninsula and this investment willhelpkeepthatlocalenergyalive,while supporting local artists and businesses,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.
In addition, more artists will have opportunities to develop their careers through Multicultural Arts Victoria’s NEWPRINT program, which is designed to support artists, producers and creative workers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to break into the music industry and take their careers to thenextlevel.
“We’re backing our artists, venues and festivals to continue delivering the incrediblemusic,performancesandevents that form part of our cultural fabric and make us the music capital of Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brookssaid.
“We’re ensuring our live music scene takes centre stage, while supporting jobs in this important part of our $41 billion creativeeconomy.”
multiple awards, including the 2023 Dezeen Sustainable Design (Building Product) of the Year, an LGPro Award for Excellence and Victorian Marine and Coastal award for Excellence in marine andcoastaldesign–developmentin2024. It builds on the success of another local project - Ramblers Reef at Portarlington, which has also demonstrated how nature-based solutions can protect our coastlinewhileencouragingmarinelifeto return.
The Dell Eco Reef isn’t the only homegrown innovation attracting internationalattention.
Perpetual Pigments, developed by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, has just been exhibited at the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-ÉtienneinFrance.
This project is leading a new way of thinkingaboutsustainabilitybyextracting colourfromdiscardednaturalfibretextiles, producing micro-pigments suitable for applicationsinart,fashionanddesign.
Both of these projects reflect a shift in how we respond to environmental challenges.
Instead of seeing waste or damage as problemstofix,theyaskwhatopportunities existifwedesigndifferently.
Next time you’re walking along the shoreline at The Dell, take a moment to thinkaboutwhat’sjustbeneaththesurface. It’snotjustareef.It’salivingexampleof what’s possible when community, science, designandcareforCountrycometogether.
To keep up to date with environmental news and projects across our region, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/environment
Queenscliff dog lovers are campaigning for a more accessible off-leashdogparkforresidentsacross theregion.
Borough of Queenscliffe received a petition during its July 23 council meeting for an off-leash dog park trial at Point Lonsdale’s Royal Park Ovalwhenitisnotusedfororganised sportingactivities.
Bellarine Small Dogs Group submitted the petition with 507 signatures. Member Liz Atkinson said the group would like to hold a three-monthtrialattheoval.
“Wewanttodotherightthing,and we want to work with council. We’re prepared to do whatever we can to assist,” she said. “I can’t stress the need for inclusion, and in council’s policies, particularly with the health andwell-beingplan,thereisapriority togetpeopleactiveandmoving.
“It is so important for mental and physical well-being, and we’re encouraged to have a dog as we get olderandmightloseapartner.So,I’m pleadingwithcounciltomakeit(dog park)formal.
“There’s an urgent need for an off-leash dog park. The (current) off-leaddogparkonthebeach,known as the dog beach, is not suitable for many people who may be ageing or havemobilityissues.”
The local tribute show celebrating one of Geelong’s most successful musical artists - original Aussie rock chick Chrissy Amphlett - is holding a special event next weekend.
The Divinyls Story - It’s a Fine Line will perform at Newcomb’s Peninsula Hotel on Saturday, July 26, with 20 per cent of ticket sales going to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Chrissy Burrell, who leads the show in the role of Amphlett, was inspired to organise the fundraiser after digging into theDivinylssinger’sstory.
Renowned for her provocative and defiant performances, often in school uniforms and fishnets, as well as singing theband’sera-defininghits,Amphlettdied frombreastcancerin2013.
“Whether you like Chrissy Amphlett or not, she was the pioneer when it came to Australian rock music; that’s where every
other female (rock musician) gets their attitudefrom,”Burrellsaid.
“It’s really sad to think that after everythingshe’dgonethrough,she’dfound peace, she’d found love, she got married, everything was going right, and then she getsbreastcanceranddies.
“And I’ve got friends my age that have had breast cancer, some are still going through it. So I thought, let’s combine thesetwothings;thepassionthatIhavefor Chrissy Amphlett and the Divinyls, and an
awarenessofbreastcancer.
“I’ve never (organised a fundraiser) before,butthen,I’veneverbeeninatribute band either, so it’s really nice to take it that stepfurtherandtrytohelpotherpeople.”
The band will perform two one-hour sets on the night, with Burrell promising a “partyatmosphere”.
“It will be high energy, definitely,” she said. Visit trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1408801forticketsormoreinformation.
Framing the Streets of Your Town thanks to a new look
By Jena Carr
Geelong Gallery’s Learn Space has a new look, with kids able to interact with bold colours,signageandlayeredmeanings.
Through the Streets of Your Town was created by artist and designer Beci Orpin and provides a free hands-on space at the galleryuntilAugust17.
Ms Orpin said she was inspired by Janenne Eaton’s Lines of Sight—Frame and Horizon exhibition, which showcases pressing humanitarian and cultural debatesshapingtheworld.
“It’s quite a small space, but we try to pack quite a few activities in there. There are nonsensical road signs that maybe don’t make sense or prompt questions,” shesaid.
“I’ve always wanted to make work based around street signs and place finding, and following themes from Janenne’s exhibitiongavemetheperfectopportunity.
“There’s a lot of mirrored works because Janenne uses mirrors in her work quite a lot and, looking at her techniques, she also uses rubbings and stencils, so we’ve got an areathat’squitetextural.”
Ms Orpin said the space was designed to spark imaginations and encourage gallery visitors of all ages to explore different themesinnewways.
“I loved exploring Janenne’s work and
the themes in that and how we can talk about surveillance or refugees to a child,” she said. “So, distilling down big issues and making them more palatable for a child while still being able to discuss these importantissues.
“Kids are aware of the world, and I think it’s important to discuss bigger issues with them in an every day and non-scary manner.Ihopethemessagesconveyedare bothfunandthought-provoking.”
Geelong Gallery chief executive and director Humphrey Clegg said the space was a family-friendly extension of the gallery’smajorexhibition.
“Kids and families bring life and energy to galleries which are often thought to be quietandrestrictivespaces,”hesaid.
“So, Geelong Gallery is delighted to celebrate this vitality through Beci Orpin’s wonderful response to Janenne Eaton’s exhibition.Don’tmissthisfunwaytoshare artwithyourfamily.”
This strictly limited offer is perfect for those exploring the idea of downsizing this year. Your $20,000 discount* applies when you lock in your preferred home design on select homes before 30 September 2025 and move in before 23 December 2025. This is a limited-time offer only available to the first 20 customers on select homes. Don’t miss out! New homes are now selling at Ingenia
Visit our display homes at 40-60 Watt Street, Lara, or call 03 5297 2030 to book an appointment.
Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara
Lifestyle Lakeside Lara
Through the Streets of Your Town has many activities for kids like Florence to enjoy. (Ivan Kemp) 90292_18
Sailor charts his course
Four weeks ago Geelong’s Will Farnell was crowned Youth Sailor of the Year by Victoria’s peak ocean racing body. Matt Hewson caught up with Will to hear about his experiences on the water so far and his hopes for the future.
The ocean remains one of the few untamed environments on Earth; by turns serenely calm and wildly violent,fullofmystery,romanceanddanger, the open water rewards preparation and disciplinewhilepunishingcarelessness.
At 16 years of age, Geelong sailor Will Farnellhasalreadylearntthislessonwell.
Last month Will was named Ocean Racing Club Victoria’s (ORCV) 2025 Youth SailoroftheYearforhislistofachievements manyadultsailorswouldenvy.
He has had something of a head start, surroundedbysailinghiswholelife.
His grandfather Harry Farnell is a former Commodore of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, his father Jason has sailed since before Will was born and older sister Imogenalsosailscompetitively.
For his part, Will has applied himself rigorously to the sport, sailing up to five times a week through the warmer months foryearsnow.
He has also completed ORCV’s Foredeck Essentials course and worked for the last two years at his local sailing and marine partsshop.
But things can always turn for the worst on the water, no matter the skill of the sailor.
Two months ago Will participated in the Apollo Bay Race, sailing on the Valiant, his fatherJason’sboat.
I was just doing what I could to avoid anything bad happening ... There’s no point panicking
-
Will Farnell
Havingcompletedtherace,theydecided toturnandheadstraightforhometoavoid the bad weather forecast for the following day.
Most of the voyage passed by without incident,butnotlongaftertheyhadpassed the Port Phillip Heads their fortunes changed.
Winds of up to 45 knots were soon pummelling the Valiant as it flew north intothebay.
“This was in between Queenscliff and Portarlington, but we had the tide going with us so we couldn’t go slow enough,” Willsaid.
“If it’s wind against tide the waves stand up, so we were just getting launched off each wave. I was downstairs because I’d been up for most of the way back, so I was holding on and then there’d just be a big bang.
“Then I had to go up and drop the sails because it got too windy. We’ve got storm sails,butitgottoowindyforthose.
“Then we had to try to find Portarlington but the GPS came unplugged; we thought it got wet and had stopped working. We ended up going inside the sandbar, so we had 40 centimetres of water under the boat.”
Itwasasituationmostpeoplewouldfind stressful. But despite his age, Will, coming from generations of sailors, has logged moretimeoffshorethanmany.
“I don’t want to do it again… but I don’t reallygetstressedonboats,”hesaid.
“I was just doing what I could to avoid anything bad happening, we were managingwhatwecould.
“There’s no point panicking. We were going inside the sandbar and we couldn’t change that, so we just had to deal with it asitcame.”
For Will, it was a calmness born of experience and the knowledge they had
doneeverythingrightinthelead-uptothat moment.
“When you do a race, you might be back intwodaysoreventhatday,butyouspend weeksgettingeverythingready,”hesaid.
“You’ve got to get all the safety stuff, make sure the boat’s maintained, you’ve justgottohaveeverythingready.
“That takes a long time, a lot longer than the race. You’ll spend more time getting theboatreadythanonthewater.”
In 2017, at the tender age of eight, Will began dinghy sailing, but two years later hebegansailingkeelboats.
He has competed extensively in the smaller vessels, heading to Poland when hewas10fortheinternationalCadetWorld Championships as a crew, then again in England last year as a skipper, finishing in 15thplace.
His offshore experience is also considerable, having sailed to Sydney twice, from Hobart to Melbourne once,
crewed for a race during the Festival of Sails and competed in ORCV’s Apollo Bay Racethreetimes.
His first Apollo Bay Race, when he was 14,washisfirsteveroceancompetition.
The event takes around 10 hours, and Will spent “most of the time on the floor, just lying down” as he fell seasick for the firstandonlytimeinhislife.
The experience, obviously, did not deter him.
Sailing has both shaped Will’s life and taughthimabouthimself.
“It’s what I enjoy doing, and that’s what everything’s based around, I guess,” he said.
“I think I’m pretty organised compared to some other people. (As a sailor) you’ve got to manage time, plan for what’s going to happen and make sure everything’s ready to go, because once you’re out there you can’t change anything, it’s just got to happen.
“And I have lots of routine as well. I get up before six and do school work in the morning normally, because then after schoolIcangosailing.
“As soon as it’s daylight savings it’s five days a week… I’ll be doing Tuesday, Wednesday, then Friday, Saturday, Sunday.”
“I don’t know if I’m into the Olympics as much, but I’d like to do professional sailing,”hesaid.
“There are heaps of regattas in Europe and around the Mediterranean; on the keelboats you get on for the day, crew, then you get flown to the next regatta. I think thatwouldbegoodtodo.
“Tobehonest,I’vegotnoideawhatIwant to do as a career, but with sailing I reckon one day I’d want to sail around the world. Like,justdoafulllapandgoeverywhere.”
Will Farnell. (Pictures: Louisa Jones) 491377
Left: Will training with his laser dinghy in Sorrento. Right: Will on 60 nautical mile overnight race the Gannet cup. (Pictures: Supplied)
Cat supports road safety
The AFL and the TAC launched Road Safety Round today, with Geelong Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield serving as ambassador of the initiative.
Road Safety Round, now in its seventh year, sees thousands of footballers and netballers at all levels don blue armbands torememberthosewhohavelosttheirlives on Victorian roads and raise awareness of road safety.
As of today (Monday, July 21), Victoria
has recorded 175 fatalities on its roads in 2025 - 18 more than this time last year, with the majority occurring in regional areas.
Dangerfield said one of the realities of living regionally was more time spent on the road.
“Being from a rural area I spend a lot of time on the roads… as our extended families do, and the community at large,” he said. “(It) means you’re away from
sporting, schooling facilities, so it means, by nature, you’re in the car. And if you’re in the car more than others, then you’re at a greater risk.”
Dangerfield, who lost an uncle in a drink-driving incident in 1996, said the impact of such a tragedy could last a lifetime.
“Road safety awareness and sporting clubs go hand-in-hand in a way, because sporting clubs are so impactful; they’re
the community center for many people from all different types of backgrounds,” he said.
“So the importance of that is, I think, havinghonestconversationsaroundbeing respectful and responsible on the roads.
“Sporting clubs are the hub of that and it’s a good conversation to have.”
Visit the tac.vic.gov.au/bandtogether for more information about Road Safety Round.
Youngsters need a helping hand to get to Singapore
A selection of talented Under 14 female soccer players from Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Bannockburn Soccer Clubs have been invited to form a team and compete in an international youth tournament in Singapore this November.
Set to host more than 3500 rising soccer stars from around the globe, the eight day SingaCup 2025 tournament will be a showcase of the next generation of elite footballers.
For these young players, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their region, and club, on an international stage.
But before they can step onto the pitch, they need a champion off it.
The team is currently seeking a major sponsor for support with tournament expenses. Sponsorship would ensure every girl gets the chance to play regardless of financial barriers.
“This is more than soccer,” Under 14 team coach Mark Smith said.
“This is a chance to show our girls what ispossibleiftheycommittosport,workas a team and focus on a goal.
“Girls that remain in sport are more likely to become leaders, have enhanced self-esteem, better physical and mental health and greater confidence. This is what we want for our girls. We’ve got the girls,nowweneedhelptogetthemthere.”
This is an opportunity for a business to be in the spotlight with the next generation of sporting talent, promote female participation in sport, and gain exposure locally and internationally.
WithfemalesportontheriseinAustralia and around the world, this team is proud to be part of the movement inspiring girls to stay in sport longer, push theirlimits,andthriveonandoffthefield, Smith said.
Businesses or individuals interested in becoming a team sponsor or making a donationcancontacttheteamdirectlyvia singacup2025@gmail.com
Barwon Coast Update
Cylinders 13th Beach access closed for safety
Barwon Coast has closed the beach access at Cylinders (13th Beach) after an engineering assessment found the staircase unsafe due to erosion and recent storm damage.
Although the staircase may appear intact, an independent environmental structural engineer has assessed it as unsafe for public use.
Barwon Coast is committed to protecting community safety and maintaining safe coastal access. We will keep the community updated as we receive further engineering advice and begin planning repair works.
Give your feedback on draft Breamlea Playground designs
We are progressing the replacement of the Breamlea Caravan Park playground, in line with the actions set out in the final Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan, released in late 2023 following community engagement.
The existing playground is ageing and no longer meets current safety or accessibility standards.
We’re seeking further input from the community to help shape the next stage of planning, including feedback on the draft design and proposed location.
Community members and park users are invited to view the draft plans online, then:
• Complete the short online survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ BreamleaCPPlayground
• Email feedback to ianw@barwoncoast.com.au
• Attend a drop-in information session at Breamlea Caravan Park at 9am on 26 July.
We welcome your input and remain committed to a transparent and respectful consultation process.
Looking for an easy way to do your bit for our beautiful coast? Here are two simple steps that make a big difference:
Follow dog walking regulations
These rules help ensure that everyonepeople and wildlife - can enjoy the coast safely. Dogs must be walked in accordance with the designated regulations, which are in place to protect native animals and sensitive coastal environments.
These controls are law under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and are enforced by the City of Greater Geelong.
Take care with your rubbish
If you can’t see a bin nearby, or a bin is full, please take your rubbish with you.
Even small pieces of litter can blow into our dunes or ocean, where they pose a serious risk to wildlife and fragile habitats.
Beach access at Cylinders 13th Beach is temporarily closed.
Audrey Auld, Sophie Smith, Daisy Bell, Claudia Edis and Quinn Taylor (Barwon Heads), Skye Isbister and Daisy Bianco (Ocean Grove), Lilly and Leonie Leist (Bannockburn). Absent: Cluny Hannagan and Scarlett Williams (Barwon Heads). (Supplied)
Doing it for River’s Gift
The annual State of Origin event between Ocean Grove Cobras and Glebe Greyhounds from Sydney was at Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove on July 12 and 13. The two junior footy clubs take turns in hosting with all money raised going to local charity River’s Gift. Ivan Kemp was there to take these pics.
Bridie Walker with daughter Wilamina, Jackie Churchill and Karina White.
Glebe boys sing their team song.
Glebe under 12 girls with mascot Hope the Elephant.
Brad McCarthy and daughter Madi. Sara Peel and Kirston Barton.
Rosie and Miro. Oliver, Josh, Tiger and Moby.
Left: Mark McLean with daughter Grace and her bestie Siena. Centre: Ricky and Jess Mullen with son Oliver. Right: Highlights of the girls under 12s football game. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 489528
Katrina Lane and daughter Zoe.
A trio of Cobras.
Set sail on a journey of a lifetime with Viking
Imagine gliding through Europe’s most iconic landscapes, surrounded by history, culture, and luxury. Thanks to Viking and yourlocalnewspaper,oneluckyreaderwill havethechancetodojustthat–bywinning aneight-day“RhineGetaway”rivervoyage for two, valued at $16,190, including return airfares.
Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, this unforgettable voyage visits four beautiful countries –Switzerland, France, Germany, andtheNetherlands.
Enjoy six guided tours, all onboard meals with beer and wine, and a host of cultural experiences, including UNESCO WorldHeritageSites.
You’ll relax in a stylish Category F Stateroom, with all portcharges,Wi-Fiandgratuitiesincluded – making this a truly seamless and elegant Europeanescape.
Whether you dream of exploring medieval castles, strolling cobbled streets, or indulging in regional cuisine, this is more than a holiday – it’s a journey of a lifetime.
Haveyouenteredyet?
Entriescloseatnoon,Thursday14August 2025.
For details and to enter, go to starnewsgroup.secondstreetapp.com/ Win-a-European-river-voyage-with-Viking
Whether you dream of exploring medieval castles, strolling cobbled streets, or indulging in regional cuisine, this is more than a holiday – it’s a journey of a lifetime.
Advertising feature
Bikes on the silver screen
Cycling enthusiasts and film buffs alike can enjoy a world-class short film program when the Big Bike Film NightreturnstoGeelong.
For the seventh year, the global film festival brings the very best of films celebrating cycling, with eight international shorts selected by New ZealandcuratorBrettCotter.
“Each year I set out with just one goal; to bring together the best short cycling films from around the world for our audiences, celebrating the fun, the adventure, and inspiration thatbikesenable,”MrCottersaid.
“I get a thrill coming to Geelong, because there’s one pair that have been coming since the first year, a dad and his daughter. Last year the dad asked his daughter if she wanted to go, and she’s like, ‘Dad, you don’t have to ask, the answer is always goingtobeyes’.
“Sowe’reseeingpeoplecomeback, that they get it. They’re open to being inspired, seeing what films are being shownandsoexcitedaboutthat.”
Mr Cotter said the films had broad appeal; “you don’t have to be a rider togetthesefilms”.
“My hope is that people go away inspired to make a change, get out and ride a bike once or twice a week, get ideas in terms of places to visit... or push beyond their boundaries, whether that’s volunteering or whatever.“
Expo showcases all the options for a gluten-free lifestyle
Turning passion into accessible and amazinglytastyfood.
So much more than business - a mission to drive change and create unique experiences.
In Australia more than 12 percent of our populationischoosingtoleadagluten-free lifestyle, not including those who are diagnosedcoeliac.
The Gluten Free Lifestyle Show shines a spotlight on some of the businesses that think outside the box and create those ‘wow’momentswheretasteiseverything.
Arancini4Allhavebeenonthisjourney.
After Crystal’s mother was diagnosed as coeliac, Crystal (a chef), Grant and their children started a family business because “we wanted to create sustainably sourced, organic, delicious arancini that everyone caneatandenjoy.”
This passionate family business has received National Coeliac Australia certification and can be seen in retailers, restaurantsandmarketsacrossVictoria.
”Our arancini are made with love,” Crystalsaid.“Wepourourheartsandsouls intoeachone.”
Arancini4Allhavecreatednewproducts specifically making healthy eating accessible,especiallyforkids.
Gluten Free Nomad are another family success story driving innovation and a passion for producing high quality products.
Andywasdiagnosedwithcoeliacdisease more than five years ago at 28 years old –not having any family or friends knowing about coeliac disease, he had to make big changesinhislife.
Having been fortunate enough to travel, Mel and Andy were on a mission. That
vision led to the creation of Gluten Free Nomad. MelandAndywantedtoempowerothers with coeliac disease or those following a gluten-free lifestyle to feel secure and neverfeelliketheyweremissingout.
Community has always been important to Mel and Andy. They want people to feel confident, safe and included. Mel and Andy’s entrepreneurial drive is
inspirational.
The Gluten Free Lifestyle Show brings together businesses like Arancini 4 All, Gluten Free Nomad and more than 40 other businesses. A family friendly setting with a food hall serving amazing fresh food, interactive cooking demonstrations, entertainment and nutritional presentations.
It’s a lifestyle show that is unique and
accessible. Those who are Coeliac can attend with confidence at this 100 percent Gluten Free Event on August 9 and 10 at DeakinWaterfrontCampus. Tickets and programs for the Gluten Free Lifestyle Show are available online at glutenfreeshow.com.au with tickets availablealsoatthedoor.Theeventisbeing delivered by Gluten Free Cook Australia’s onlineGlutenFreeLifestyleCommunity.
Scan this QR code to enter the competition.
Head to the Gluten Free Expo at Deakin Waterfront Campus. (Pictures: Supplied)
Hoo’s ready for comedy?
By Matt Hewson
Comedian Lizzy Hoo has had a bumper fiveorsixyears.
She has starred in three successful live soloshowsandtwovideostandupspecials, appeared as a guest on television shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention? and Claire Hooper’s House of Games and performing at all of Australia’s biggest comedyfestivals.
But Hoo never had any ambition to pursue comedy; it was one random email that led the former marketing account manager to give stand up a shot, forever changingthedirectionofherlife.
“I’d just moved to Sydney (from Brisbane), I didn’t have many friends or a social circle, so I did all these courses at SydneyCommunityCollege,”Hoosaid.
“I thought, well, I’m at rock bottom anyway, let’s try this. I thought public speakingcouldbegoodformyjob,because Iworkedatamarketingagency.
“There was another course called Introduction to Small Talk, and I was tossing up between them, but that was booked out, so I was like, I guess I’ll do the stand-upcomedycourse.”
Hoo was soon hooked, reaching the NSW Raw Comedy state finals in 2017, performing at Just for Laughs Festival at the Sydney Opera House in 2018, and eventually leaving her 9-to-5 job in 2021 to gofull-timeasacomedian.
Having begun her performing life in her
Lizzy Hoo headlines Laughs and Lagers comedy night at Blackman’s Brewery. (Supplied)
30s has given Hoo an air of confidence and self-possessiononstage,aswellasawealth oflifeexperiencestodrawon.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors
8 years ago
July 19 to August 1, 2017
Around 350 to 400 metres of trees, including the native Bellarine yellow gum,onGrubbRoadhavebeensaved.
Initially around 720 metres of trees were facing the chop due to a new housing development, but meetings between Shell Road Development, Ocean Grove Community Association, community groups and individuals were successful in reducing the numbers.
6 years ago July 31 to August 13, 2019
The Bellarine Peninsula will benefit from increased bus services on weekends, the state government announced.
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville announced three extra weekend services on the four bus routes that run toandfromtownsontheBellarine.
4 years ago
July 30 to August 12, 2021
Tess Craven said she felt like she was “walking on air” when her name was read out on AFLW draft night on Tuesday.
The Drysdale midfielder was picked up by North Melbourne with the 13th pickinthedraft.
used to being the subject of her on-stage anecdotes.
“Youthinkyourfamily’snormal,because that’s what you grew up with, but then you explain some things to people and they’re like,no,that’scrazy,”Hoosaid.
“Some stories about my dad and my family, I think, they’re not going to believe me,Ican’ttalkaboutthat.Andsomestories I thought were funny when I first started, I haven’t had the skill to tell them until seven,eightyearslater.”
Hoo said working out “how the puzzle fitstogether”wasoneofthemostsatisfying thingsaboutbeingacomedian.
“Comedians all love some form of attention from strangers, which is the weirdestthing,”shesaid.
“Butthewholeprocessisveryrewarding; from thinking of an idea - oh, this could be funny - to writing something, then it is funny, and then creating a whole show… That’swhatIgetakickoutof.”
She will headline Laughs and Lagers alongsidefellowMelbournecomicsJeremy DooleyandStevenBradshawatBlackman’s BreweryinGeelongonAugust3.
Having performed at the opening of the Geelong Arts Centre and last year’s Geelong Comedy Festival, Hoo said she wasexcitedtoreturn.
“I’m excited, I love gigging in Geelong,” shesaid.“It’llbefun,agoodpubgig.It’sone thingtodoafestivalshow,that’sadifferent feel. But when (the venue) is smaller, it’s intimate, you can riff with the crowd and talktopeople.That’swhatIlove.”
Visit blackmansbrewery.com.au for ticketsandmoreinformation.
2 years ago
July 28 to August 10, 2023
Teen bowls duo Maddie Jacobs and Maya Rees will strive for gold after being selected as part of a five-player Victorian team for the Under-18 NationalsinOctober.
The talented pair, who have spearheaded the Geelong Region’s Geelong Giants Under-18 team for the last four years, earned selection after a successful tri series in July against QueenslandandNewSouthWales.
Much of her material revolves around her family - in particular her Chinese Malaysian father - who she says are now
Focus on Education
Nourishing lunchbox ideas for the cooler weather
We are almost into the last month of winter and it is still a great time to pack hearty and nourishing foods in lunch boxes to keep kids warm and satisfied throughout the day. Here are some ideas forwinter-friendlyschoollunches:
Soup in a Thermos: Pack a thermos full of warm soup, such as chicken noodle, tomato, lentil, or vegetable soup. Pair it with some whole grain bread or crackers fordipping.
Hot Sandwiches: Make sandwiches with warm fillings like grilled cheese, turkey and cheese, or meatball subs. Wrap them in foil to keep them warm until lunchtime.
Pasta Salad: Prepare a cold pasta salad with hearty ingredients like whole wheat pasta, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken. It’s filling and can be eaten cold oratroomtemperature.
Quiche or Frittata: Bake mini quiches or frittatas filled with vegetables, cheese, and maybe some ham or bacon. They’re deliciousservedwarmorcold.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Bake potatoes and fill them with toppings like cheese, broccoli,chili,orbacon.Wraptheminfoil tokeepthemwarmuntillunch.
Warm Grain Salads: Make salads using hearty grains like quinoa, barley, or farro, mixedwithroastedvegetables,nuts,anda flavorful dressing. They’re filling and can beenjoyedatroomtemperature.
Warm Fruit: Pack warm fruit like baked apples or pears in a thermos with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. It’s a comforting and nutritious treat.
Homemade Muffins or Scones: Bake muffins or scones with whole grains,
fruits, and nuts. They’re perfect for a cozy snackduringthewintermonths.
Warm Drinks: Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, herbal tea, or warm apple cider foracomfortingbeverageoption.
Trail Mix: Make a custom trail mix
with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a few chocolate chips for a sweet and satisfying snack that provides energy and warmth.
Remember to consider your child’s preferences and any dietary restrictions whenpreparingtheirlunchboxmeals.
Final chance to win a $1000 prize in writing competition
It’syourlastchancetomakeacool$1000 withthefinalmonthlyBellarineWriting Competition contest up for grabs.
Topic four - CRUISING - with nine entries,wasdisappointingasweusually have more than 15. Perhaps it was our poor choice of topic but we had thought through the possible approaches:
• Cruising through life – most entries chose this approach.
• Cruising as a holiday – the obvious approach used by only two writers.
Perhapsthiswasseenasatooobvious boring approach but it could involve:
• Arguing about it as a holiday preference.
• The cruise itself – delightful scenery and company, annoying passengers, disasters of many types.
Jen Eddy, this month’s winner, wrote this story in an engaging, well written manner with lots of touches of humour, plus a well-rounded ending.
John Farrington’s entry was highly commended.
Topic five (see the accompanying advertisement on this page) is your last chance for the many excellent writers who have contributed over the past sevenyearsand havejustmissedouton the final. Go for it!
• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au
12606701-KG21-23
Sponge Bob
By Jen Eddy
Bob Crouch adjusted his boxer shorts and sprawled back on his mother’s sofa. BRAAAAP!
He let a fart rip, baked beans for lunch will do that to you. He felt much better in the guts which made him snigger like a school boy instead of the Generation Y bloke that he really was. TV remote in one hand and can of soft drink in the other he channel-surfed to the next instalment of TheBoldandTheBeautifulwhilereflecting onhislifethusfar…
Bob liked to think of himself as a man with his glass half full, so when COVID-19 hit the country, he looked for the positives in his life. The dreaded lockdown ensued and working from home became normal in Melbourne. This was a godsend for Bob. He got to sleep in, no more one-hour commutes in peak hour traffic from his unit to the office and no office manager hanging over his shoulder, banging on aboutdeadlinesandproductivityquotas. Eventually rental hikes and all the takeaway food costs took their toll and he had to let the apartment go and do what most Generation Ys do at some stage and thatwaspackinghisbagsandmovingback in with his mother, Sharon. He still turned that into a positive though. His mum had an ongoing customer service job at the local supermarket, so he had the house to himself all day and if he tried really hard, he could almost imagine that the place was his own bachelor pad. Sharon provided all the food and did the cooking, which eliminated all the costly takeaways.
Alan Cobham Jen Eddy is this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition winner. (Supplied)
She also did the cleaning and the washing and ironing, Bob only needed one fresh shirt a week to wear with his boxers on his daily zoom staff meetings. She paid all the bills. So, life for Bob was pretty good, you might even say he was…cruising.
Bob’sreminiscingwasinterruptedbythe ding-dong of the doorbell. Not expecting any visitors, Bob got up, brushed the toast crumbs off his singlet, stepped over the dirty lunch dishes lined up beside the sofa and went to see who it was.
A man in brown overalls stood at the door. He flashed Bob a big friendly grin. “G’day, Bob,” he said, handing him his business card. Bob read the card. In bold lettering were the words Fred Schiffler –House Clearer.
“How do you know my name?” asked Bob.
Fred grinned again. “I actually have a contract with your mother. You’ve been sponging off her for way too long Bob. I’m here to remove you and your belongings from her home.”
“You’re joking?” Bob tried to slam the door shut, but Fred had his big size 13 steel-capped boot firmly planted in the doorway.
“Terms of the contract state you’ve got 20 minutes to get some clothes on, bag up your possessions and we’ll drop you at the nearest bus station.” Fred looked at his watch.
“Make that 18 minutes. You’d better get a wriggle on.”
It was 5.30pm before Sharon got home from work that night. She’d stopped in the bottle shop attached to the supermarket and browsed the aisles, finally selecting
a nice bottle of expensive Prosecco. She popped it into the fridge to cool down.
Bob had sent her a text message earlier telling her that he was temporarily staying withhisdadwhilehelookedaroundforhis own place to rent. He even went so far as to apologise profusely for overstaying his time with her. That was the real Bob she knew and loved.
She kicked her shoes off and flopped onto the sofa. Eight hours solid on her feet and her varicose veins were screaming like banshees. Sharon wriggled into the comfy indentations left by Bob, picked up the TV remote and fired up the television.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually got to relax like this. The pizza she’d stopped and ordered on the way home should be arriving any minute. She stretched back and sighed contentedly. She’d been dreaming about this moment for ages and couldn’t wait to dig out her old flannelettepyjamasforthecruisyweekend she had planned. There’d be plenty of opportunity to catch up on all those The Bold and the Beautiful episodes she was behind on and imagine herself in the dreamboat Ridge’s arms. Another big sigh. Apparently, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Assail (5)
4 Keep trying (9)
9 Ancestry (7)
10 Stinging plants (7)
11 Deliverance from harm (9)
12 Restore (5)
13 Stun (3)
14 Entitlement (11)
16 Impossible to rectify (11)
19 Be in debt (3)
20 Of them (5)
22 Helper (9)
25 Japanese paper art form (7)
26 Instructs; improves (7)
27 Without paths (9)
28 Varieties (5)
DOWN
1 Girdles (5)
2 Plant with large yellow head and edible seeds (9)
3 Jewelled coronet (5)
4 Officiate (7)
5 Encounter (3,4)
6 Pull up by the roots (9)
7 US comedian,
– DeGeneres (5)
8 Not here (9)
13 Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt (9)
14 As opposed to hardcover (9)
15 Quarantine (9)
17 Understand clearly (7)
18 Woven containers (7)
21 Nickname of Eva Perón (5)
23 Deft (5)
24 Check-ups (5)
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.
Ocean Grove Day VIEW
Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am.
oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday July 26, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Charles.
0419 463 306
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.
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
Wednesday August 6, 2pm-3pm: introduction to podcasting
Wednesday August 6, 5.30pm-6.30pm: Menopause - Embracing the Change Wednesday August 20, 2pm-3pm: book chat
Wednesday August 27, 5.30pm-6.30pm: author talk with Gail Holmes - In the Margins
Thursdays 3pm-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs
Mondays 10.30am-11.30am Preschool story time Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Youth Collective (ages 12-18)
Wednesdays 9.30am-10am Toddler Time Thursdays 11.30am-11.50am Baby Time
Thursdays 3.45pm-4.45pm (excluding school holidays) After School Program –Story Coders
Thursdays 4pm-5pm Play with OSMOs Kids school holiday programs
grlc.vic.gov.au for details and bookings
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
Barwon Heads Senior Citizens Crazy whist: Join a friendly group to play this easy to learn card game at Clifford Pde, Barwon Heads, 10am-noon Mondays. $2, morning tea supplied.
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 Grove Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Bellarine Women’s Workshop
Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.
Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
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.
Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea.
0400 500 402
Scottish country dancing classes
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.
Jane, 0481 126 022, 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
Out & about at Barwon Heads
It was a windy afternoon at Howard Harmer Oval on Saturday but that didn’t deter a healthy crowd, and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp, gathering for the Barwon Heads vs Ocean Grove footy and netball games.
Ross Crichton with grandsons Harry and Alby.
Jye Baker, Olivia Jubber and Jaspa Wilding.
Left: Georgie McLeish. Centre: Gordon Nash, Kylie and Simon Whitcher. Right: Mackenzie Farrer, Jemina Harris and Maya Hamilton. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 490551
Chultim O’Neill and Mitch Lindkvist.
Ginger O’Meara and Claudi Collins.
Above: Margi McDonald with her daughter Hannah. Left: Elsie Fulton and Carla Brin and baby Wally.
Ben Harris with his son Charlie and Oscar Bailey.
Jodie Young.
Mark Reilly, Ben Carter and Josie Cowlie.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. After over 10 years of professional racing, which Australian sprint cyclist announced his retirement in May 2025?
2. Nearing $50,000 in total, who is the most fined player in AFL/VFL history?
3. What is the nationality of Jasper Philipsen, the winner of the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France?
4. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar has won three Tour de France titles competing for what team?
5. Achieved in July 2024, what is tennis player Alex de Minaur’s highest-ever
Who is the all-time leading points scorer in the NRL?
A famous Aussie with the same name plays in what other sport?
8. Which is the only team in the US NFL to have never hosted nor played in the Super Bowl?
In which winter sport are the terms ‘stale fish’ and ‘mule kick’ used?
Which NBL team is from
The third Test against the West Indies marked which Australian cricketer’s 100th Test?
12. Which ultra-successful F1 team recently sacked its team principal after 20 years?
13. Which Maroons player was named man of the series for State of Origin 2025?
14. How many squares does a chess board have?
15. South African Wiaan Mulder scored a monumental 367 not out against which cricketing nation?
16. Super Bowl I in 1967 was won by which team?
17. Which three clubs entered the VFL 100 years ago in 1925?
18. Maro Itoje is the captain of the British & Irish Lions and which nation?
19. Who will coach Port Adelaide in 2026 following Ken Hinkley’s final season with the AFL club?
20. Which Indian batsman scored 430 runs (269 and 161) against England in the second Test, the second-highest aggregate in Test cricket history?
21. Who did Jannik Sinner defeat in the recent Wimbledon men’s singles final?
22. Which three A-League teams will Wrexham AFC play on their Australian and New Zealand tour?
23. Which politician presented Chelsea with the winning trophy in the recent Club World Cup final?
24. Prior to 2025, in what year did a fully-fit Nathan Lyon last not play in a Test match for Australia?
25. How many Sheffield Shield teams has Usman Khawaja played for during his career?
26. West Coast player Jack Graham was recently suspended for how many games due to an on-field incident?
27. Who is the current coach of the Gold Coast Titans?
28. Golfer Grace Kim was born in which Australian city?
29. How many countries boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games?
30. Birdman is the mascot of which NBL team?
Alex de Minaur
Jaecoo J7 – China’s best yet?
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Another name to grapple with as the surge in Chinese imports gathers strength and they not only come with quantity but also quality.
This time we’re looking at Jaecoo, which joins Omoda and Tiggo as sub-brands within the giant Chery group, the fourth-largest of China’s plethora of manufacturers and, along with SAIC, one ofitslargestexporters.
Although Chery did make a brief and unsuccessful attempt to enter the Australian market about 10 years ago, it hasonlyjustre-launchedhereandremains largely unknown. Which is a blessing in disguise because these early models were awful and bear no comparison to the qualityvehiclesthatarecomingherenow.
First out of the blocks for Jaecoo is the J7, a mid-sized five-seat SUV. It shares much of its components and dimensions with its Omoda 5 and Tiggo 4 stablemates, but is aimedatmoreupmarketbuyers.
There are four Jaecoo J7 variants: Core, Track and Ridge. All are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Summit SHS is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a18.3kWhbattery.
Driveaway prices range from $34,990 for theCorethroughto$47,990fortheSummit SHS.
WereviewedtheSummithybridrecently so will concentrate on the three petrol modelsthistimearound.
Styling
It’s hard for any vehicle in the highly-competitive and congested small/ midsize SUV market to stand out from the crowd but, in our eyes at least, the J7 just doesthat.
The front is the standout feature of the J7’s design dominated by what Chery describes as a Waterfall Grille with 20 vertical chrome and piano black bars and theJaecoonameinthecentre.
The grille is flanked by twin stacked LED headlights below slimline LED daytime runninglights.
Core and Ridge run on 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels. Ridge steps up to 19-inchmulti-spokealloys.
J7 Ridge adds red brake calipers, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and puddlelights.
There are five exterior colour options, threewithoptionalcarbonblackroofs.
Interior
The quality and premier feel of the Jaecoo J7extendsintothecabin.
The synthetic leatherette-trimmed seats are large and supportive. All front occupants get powered seats while the driver in the Ridge adds a memory function, powered lumbar support and seatperforationandventilation.
Also standard across the range are a premium steering wheel with tilt and telescopicadjustment.
Headandlegroomareaboveaverageand a panoramic sunroof with tilt-and-slide function, really opens up the area, letting in light and, with blind closed, keeping out muchofthesun’sheat.
There are plenty of storage spaces with cup holders and phone charger in the centre console, a deep cubby with cooling andaconvenientslotforthekeyfob.
Beneath the floating centre console is a large area to store phones, handbags, wallets,etcoutofsight.
Maximum boot capacity in the Core and Track models is 424 litres up to the cargo cover and 584 litres to the roof. With the rearseatbacksfoldedthatincreasesto1349 litres but down to 340/1265 litres in the Ridge.
Core and Track have a space-saver spare wheel.Ridgegetsafull-sizespare.
Engines/transmissions
All three petrol Jaecoo J7 models are powered by a fifth-generation 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, putting out 137kW at 5500 rpm and 275Nm from 2000 to4000revs.
Transmission is through a seven-speed dual clutch unit sent to the front wheels in the Core and Track and all four wheels in theRidge.
Safety
Jaecoo J7 was tested by ANCAP in May 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating.
Standard features include eight airbags, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, various lane keeping alerts and corrections, adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring system, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert andbraking.
Variants above Core add a driver’s knee airbag, front parking sensors and 360-degreearoundviewmonitor. Disappointingly, only Ridge comes with ahead-updisplay.
Infotainment
Unlike most other current vehicles which use a landscape-orientated display screen,Jaecoohasoptedforportraitmode, 13.2 inches in the Core and Track and 14.8-inch in the Ridge. The portrait screen, unlike the swivelling one in BYD, makes a lot of sense because it comes closer to the driver.
Tabletuserswillhavenotroubleadapting tothescreen.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Both screens are crisp, clear and easy to
There are USB-A and -C in both the front andrearwhiletheTrackandRidgevariants each have a 50w wireless smartphone charger.
Core has a six-speaker sound system, Track and Ridge get an eight-speaker Sony system with both having controls on the steeringwheelaswellasvoicecontrol.
Driving
There are retractable handles on all four doors that open automatically when the key fob comes in range. Unlike most other vehicles with such door handles that can be awkward to open, those in the J7 open fullysquareforeasyopening.
One safety feature that impressed us was that the car will not move unless the driver’sseatbeltisfastened.Greatidea,let’s hopethatothersfollowthelead.
Not such a good idea, but something that’s becoming increasingly prevalent is that almost all vehicle functions are accessed through the touchscreen rather thanusingphysicalcontrols.
Then there are the various alerts including lane deviation warnings, speed limitanddriverinattentionwarning.While theseareamongthemanyimportantsafety features in the vehicle, and no doubt many drivers will appreciate them, they can be quite intrusive and frequently require the driver to look at the touchscreen instead of theroadahead.
They can be turned off although with most vehicles they then default back on when the engine is stopped. Fortunately, with the Jaecoo that’s not the case and, apartfromthedriverdistractionalert,they remainoffuntilturnedonagain.
There’s nothing special about the Jaecoo’s drive experience, but that can be said about most vehicles in the medium
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7.5/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
SUV field. Having said that it does what the typical family owner wants and does it well. It provides a smooth, quiet and comfortableridebotharoundtownandon themotorway.
Steeringislightandresponsive. The dual-clutch automatic takes a bit of getting used to. It’s a bit slow to respond, especially when shifting through lower gears.
Core and Track have three drive modes, Normal, Eco and Sport. The AWD Ridge adds Snow, Mud, Sand and Offroad modes andafull-sizesparewheel.
Summary
Chery, somewhat ambitiously, describes Jaecoo as its luxury premium sub-brand but after spending a week behind the wheel,thetagisn’tasfaroffthemarkasyou wouldthink.
Obviously, it doesn’t have the badge prestige of European vehicles of similar size but, with prices starting from $35k driveaway it offers incredible value for money.
It fits perfectly within the mid-sized family SUV category that’s proving so popularatthemoment.
Chery’sdesignershavedoneanamazing job to craft together a look that’s simple but elegant and one that proved to be a real head-turner wherever we drove. Often followed up by the need to explain that Jaecoo was the upmarket version of the ChinesecarmakerChery.
Jaecoo offers a comprehensive warranty package of eight years/unlimited kilometres, plus capped price servicing anduptoeightyearsroadsideassist.
The J7 certainly gets our nod as one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. The combination of its understated but stylish looks, excellentinteriorspaceandcomfort,safety equipment and pricing make it well worth checkingout.
Jaecoo fits perfectly within the mid-sized family SUV category that’s proving so popular at the moment. (Pictures: Supplied)
Grubbers beat plucky Heads
Ocean Grove stayed undefeated, but not before an almighty scare from a young Barwon Heads side. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Howard Harmer Oval netball courts to capture some of the action.
Lily Maclean with the ball.
Perri Jones looks for a passing option.
Left: Zanna Woods and Maddie Okely compete for possession.
Right: Krystal Baker takes the ball under pressure from Kelsey Ollis.
Chelsea Baker in action.
Chelsea Baker looks to pass out of defence.
Left: Gemma Bell intercepts. Centre: Zanna Woods and Maddie Okely compete for possession. Right: Maddie Okely leaps for a pass. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 490550
Maddie Okely leaps for a pass.
Georgia Ryan passes.
Arlee Bennett keeps the ball in play.
Zanna Woods surveys her options.
Seagulls overrun Grubbers
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at a windswept Apco cafe24-7 Oval where the home side Barwon Heads eventually overran a spirited Ocean Grove on Saturday July 19.
Barwon Heads with the Battle of the Bridge trophy. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 490549
Ollie Cincotta marks strongly.
Jamison Hallam takes a strong grab.
Above: Sam Witherden kicks one of his two goals after marking strongly. Left: Luke Davis marks strongly.
Left to right: Darby Graham kicks one of his two goals; Nathan Down breaks free with Billy Hayward inside; Zach Walter kicks the Seagulls into attack; Josh Lange kicks a goal on the run. (Ivan Kemp) 490549
Left: Tom Baker runs forward. Above: Jake Whybrow is brought to ground by Jamison Hallam as he runs into an open goal.
Cameron Fowler breaks through the centre.
Heights stay on top
It was a wild and windy Saturday for Tennis Geelong’s Junior and Senior pennants this week with the conditions making life difficult for many players across both competitions.
It was a day mostly for the away teams in the afternoon’s 1 Mixed with three of the fourmatchesgoingtothevisitors.
The one match going the way of the home team was where Western Heights hosted Moolap Black, and while the courts enclosure provided some relief from the blustery conditions, play was still tricky. Evie Ryan and Matthew Evans kicked off thedayfortheHeightswitha6-4wininthe first mixed, but Moolap countered in the second with Courtney Leech and Cameron Dempsterwinning6-2.
The doubles were both tight, but the Heights put themselves ahead with Ryan and Mel McClelland getting up 6-4 and Nathan Gibson and Aiden Taorei in a tie-break. Dempster and Rebecca Reinert putMoolapbackintouchwinningthesixth 6-2, but McClelland and Evans held out Leech and Matt Pettigrew 7-5 to take the tie four sets to two, the win pushing Western Heights into third place, and relegating MoolapBlackbacktoeighth.
Hamlyn Park helped themselves off the bottomoftheladderwithawinoverMoolap Gold, and Gold remaining at seven points out of the four. Moolap started very well with proven combination Ange Oldham and Matt Allen winning the first mixed 6-3 while Rita Nelis and Michael McKenzie followed suit in the second, also winning 6-3. From there however, Hamlyn Park got their game together with Tiffany Gray and Kerrie Fatone winning the women’s 6-2, andStevePeretinandNashMoedthemen’s
Decider back at Grinter Reserve
This year’s Bellarine Football Netball League grand final will return to Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve after beingplayedatLeopoldin2024.
Grinter Reserve will also host the league’s preliminary finals with the first two weeks of the finals series to beplayedatPortarlington.
Lara Recreation Reserve will continue its role as a key finals venue, hosting the 2025 female football grandfinals.
StJoseph’swillagainhostthejunior grandfinalsatDrewandWalkerOvals. Junior boys’ finals competitions will be played across both Saturdays and Sundays, consistent with previous seasons.
6-4 putting the teams back on level pegging goingintothereversemixed.
Gray and Peretin kept the momentum going, winning the sixth 6-4, leaving the fifth to determine the match, with Fatone and David Weidmann grinding out a tie-break win to put Hamlyn Park ahead foursetstotwoandthreegames.
Moolap’s bad day continued with the White team also going down in their match against Wandana Heights. Wandana’s Natalie Killeen and Hamish McNaughton battled to win the first mixed 7-5 while TamikaHodgeandPaulDeanhadaslightly easiertimewinning6-1.
The doubles were both close with McNaughton and Dean getting the men’s 6-4, while the Amy’s, Lizmore and Kuskunovic,snuckthroughinatie-breakfor Moolap. In the reverse mixed, Lizmore and Darcy King kept Moolap in touch winning 6-4, but Hodge with McNaughton taking the last 6-4 to give McNaughton his third setfortheday,Wandanatookthepointsand
maintainedtheirleadontopoftheladder.
Grovedale were beaten again by Clifton Springs this week, who appear to be their bogey team, with a second loss to the sixth placed team. The Springs couldn’t have asked for a better start with Alison Scott and Peter Grunberg winning 6-0, while Jess Lee and Bernie Attard put Grovedale on the boardwinning6-4.
FromthereitwasallCliftonSprings,with Elodie Greenwood and Emily Mortimer taking the women’s 6-1, Grunberg and Matthew Meier the men’s 7-5, before the reversemixedofGreenwood/Grunbergand Scott/Meier 6-4 and 6-2 for a five set to one win. The win puts them within one point of fifthandonlyeightpointsofthefour. Wandana Heights now appear to have a strangle hold on the minor premiership, 11 points clear of Grovedale in second, but with only 13 points separating second and sixth and four rounds still to play, there are still finals positions to be had for the teams thataregoodenough.
Gymnasts do Geelong proud at championships
Nine YMCA Geelong Gymnastics Club athletes were selected to represent the Victorian team that competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast.
“Our athletes delivered standout performances filled with strength, precision, and competitive spirit across all levels,” YMCA Geelong chief executive Shona Eland said. “We had three athletes selectedfordebutandsixathletesreturned to the Victorian state team selection and sisters Vivian and Asher Bayles gained a spot in the Victoria contingent.
“We are excited for the future of our athletes in our region in the sport of gymnastics on the national stage. All our athletes achieved an outstanding top 10 result across the week.”
Senior International
Asher Bayles – 3rd All Around, 6th Bars, 8th Beam, 8th Floor, Victorian Team Gold: The 18-year-old was the most experienced athlete on the floor with poise and power, showing exactly what years of hard work canproduceatthetoplevelofcompetition.
Future International Poppy Masters – 5th All Around, 3rd Vault, 10th Bars, 5th Beam, 8th Floor, Victorian Team Gold: In her first year at this level, Poppy held her own against some of the country’s best up-and-coming athletes. A remarkable debut with plenty more to come.
Level 10
Vivian Bayles – 10th All Around, 9th Vault, 15th Bars, 16th Beam, 9th Floor and Charli Cox – 17th All Around, 3rd Vault, 22nd Bars, 19th Beam, 7th Floor: The
Level 10 athletes displayed grit and grace, tackling tough routines with confidence andmaturityinoneofthemostchallenging divisions.
Level 9 Over
Mia Fewster – 6th All Around, 10th Vault,
12th Bars, 4th Beam, 5th Floor, Victorian Team Silver: Mia put together a beautiful competition, showing strong form across all events and making her mark among Victoria’s top Level 9 gymnasts.
Level 9 Under Porsche Bates – 11th All Around, 9th Vault, 9th Bars, 11th Beam, 10th Floor, Victorian Team Silver and Lucy Riddle – 4th All Around, 11th Vault, 1st BarsGold, 3rd Beam, 6th Floor,|Victorian Team Silver: The younger Level 9 competitors impressed with their consistency, control, and podium-worthy routines. A brilliant effort from both Lucy and Porsche on debut.
Level 8 Under Aria Posterino – 13th All Around, 19th Vault, 5th Bars, 13th Beam, 15th Floor: Aria took on her first nationals with great energy and focus, showing strong skills and big potential for the future.
Level9Under(Men’sArtisticGymnastics)
Mitch Hornsby – 11th All Around, 5th Floor, 8th Pommel, 5th Rings, 12th High Bar: The club’s sole MAG representative, Mitch brought determination and style to his routines, holding his own in a highly skilled national field.
Y Geelong Gymnastics Club also had Abbey Bow (Team Coach Level 9), Katelyn Hancock (Personal Coach level 9) and Rhian Jamieson (Personal Coach level 10 and International) selected as coaches and Shani Cashin (Judge levels and International) in the Victorian State Gymnastics Team that attended the championships.
Epworth Senior Female Football & Under 16 & 14 Female Week1– OsbornePark,HamlynPark, OceanGrove
SundayAugust17-semifinals
Week 2 – HerneHillReserve
SundayAugust24-preliminaryfinals
Week 3 - LaraRecreationReserve
SundayAugust31-grandfinals
Epworth Female Football Under 18 Week 1 – AnthonyCostaOval
FridayAugust15-semifinal
Week 2 - AnthonyCostaOval
FridayAugust22-preliminaryfinal
Week 3 – AnthonyCostaOval
FridayAugust29-grandfinal
Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Football Week 1 - Ocean Grove, Ellimatta Reserve(Anglesea),TBC
Saturday August 23 & Sunday August 24-semifinals
Week2- VictoriaPark(Bannockburn)
Saturday August 30 & Sunday August 31-preliminaryfinals
Week 3 – HerneHillReserve
Saturday September 6 & Sunday September7-grandfinals
Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Netball
Week 1 - Kardinia Park Netball Precinct
FridayAugust29-semifinals
Week 2 - Kardinia Park Netball
Precinct
Friday September 5 - preliminary
finals
Week 3 – Kardinia Park Netball Precinct
FridaySeptember12-grandfinals
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust All
Abilities
Week 1 – Kardinia Park Netball Precinct(netballonly)
TuesdayAugust5-preliminaryfinals
Week 2 – Kardinia Park Netball
Precinct(netballonly)
TuesdayAugust12-grandfinals
Week 1 – TBC (football only)
SundayAugust24-grandfinals
Asher Bayles and coach Rhian Jamieson. (Supplied)
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
Left: Hamish McNaughton won three sets for Wandana Heights. Right: Paul Dean helped Wandana Heights to stay top of the ladder. (Pictures: Supplied)
Finals arrive four weeks early
By Justin Flynn
Only percentage separates fifth and sixth on the Bellarine Football League ladder and Barwon Heads coach Sam Schaller recognises that this Saturday’s game will probably decide who plays finals.
The Heads and Anglesea are both on seven wins with the former holding onto fifth spot by 14.35 percent.
The two teams play each other this week at Ellimata Reserve and with four rounds remaining, it is highly likely that the winner will play finals and the loser will miss out.
“It’s almost like an elimination final without the full repercussions of it,” Heads coach Schaller said.
“We’ve probably had one eye on that since the bye. It’s sort of an early finals test for us, so we’ll be keen to get down there and put in a good performance and hopefully come home with the four points to sort of set up the rest of it.
“We’reundernoillusionsthatit’slike a genuine eight-pointer this weekend. So we don’t want to leave anything to chance and hope that they lose one or twomoredowntheline.Wejustwantto get down there and win this weekend.”
The Seagulls were tested by their arch rivals in round 14 and it took until the last quarter to run away with a 33-point win.
The Grubbers have won just two games this season, but were only five points down at the last change before Barwon Heads booted four goals to none in the final term.
“We touched on it during the week and then again in the pre-game about, you know myself personally being in their position in the past as a player when they were really good and we weren’t,” Schaller said.
“So you sort of got yourselves up for those two games of the year, just to do your community and your club proud.
“We knew that they’d be up and about, fresh off the bye as well. They were fantastic, especially in that first half. I thought our second-half was really good and probably maybe just showed our maturity compared to where they’re at.”
The Seagulls have a young list, like many teams in the competition, and fielded three 16-year-olds against the Grubbers. Particularly impressive was emerging
ruckman Ollie Cincotta, who teamed brilliantly with Luke Davis.
For Ocean Grove, the injuries keep mounting.
Ben Bennet suffered a cut on his eyelid, RyanCookbrokehisfingerandJhdaraJones badly injured his ankle and could barely walk after the game.
“Jonesy tried to go on after half-time but couldn’t bear much weight in his ankle, so I suspect that will take a couple of weeks to get right given how sore he looked when we pulled him out of the game,” Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said. “From the 10-minute mark of the first quarter, once we settled, I thought we played 50 minutes of really high quality footy. The ground and the game looked like we wanted it to.
“Toscorefourgoalsinthesecondquarter into a really stiff breeze was a highlight and a great reference point for not needing to retreat or collapse defensively when under pressure as we have a number of times this year.”
However, defensive general Kyle Polley and ruckman Davis proved too strong in the air, with Polley taking numerous uncontested marks.
“Polley and Sticks (Davis) are great players, and we weren’t able to match them aerially as clearly we are light on for healthy talls at the moment,” Farrell said.
“While we weren’t able to generate a competitive score after halftime our young defensive group took another big step, the third quarter they were under fire but only
gave up three scores from 18 inside 50s.”
The Grubbers have no doubt improved over the past month even with their lengthy injury list. Their best chance of a third win is this week at home against Newcomb before taking on the top three sides in the final rounds.
“Each week we are still seeing great energy and belief throughout the week and leading into games,” Farrell said.
“To play as well as we did for periods on Saturday will no doubt give the whole group confidence going into the last four rounds of the season. We’re excited about the opportunity this week, but without looking too far ahead, planning to draw as much as we can from games against the top three in the final three rounds of the year.”
Future looks bright as Seagulls continue late season form
By Justin Flynn
There is genuine cause for optimism at Barwon Heads with its young A Grade netball side finishing the season strongly.
The Seagulls pushed undefeated Ocean Grove to within six goals (43 to 49) at Howard Harmer Oval courts on Saturday and, at times, looked genuinely capable of a massive upset.
Despite sitting at a modest 8th spot on the ladder with just three wins, Barwon Heads has actually improved as the season has progressed.
Co-coach Ebony Evans said she was proud of her team for continuing to turn up and play well each week.
“Matching it to the top team and only losing by six is definitely a win for us,” she said.
“I think this year, (co-coach) Jordi (Okley) and I taking the reins, we started out really getting the buy-in from girls. That was our biggest goal that we needed people committed and we needed people that wanted to perform and be here.
“I think we also discovered our consistency and in our players that played in their positions and performed with a lot more confidence. Just having consistent game time together has really just built their performance.”
Pocket rocket goaler Krystal Baker is having a terrific season and caused the Ocean Grove defence plenty of headaches on Saturday.
“She does mountains of work in attack,” Evans said.
“Jordan and I as coaches always make comments that she’s working incredibly hard all the time. Her smarts and her brain and how she sets up that ring is just incredible for someone that is so young.
“She hasn’t had a lot of high-level experience, but she’s a super talent and her goal accuracy has really come a long way from last year as well.”
The Seagulls’ run home is favourable and could yield a few wins to round off the season. They face Anglesea (9th), Newcomb (5th),Modewarre(10th)andDrysdale(7th).
“Given how we’ve done against those top sides, I think even Newcomb’s a really matchable game for us,” Evans said.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to match it with them again. We’ve worked all those girls in the team and they have worked incredibly hard and I think they are so deserving of having some wins on the board.”
Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes was impressed with her cross-river rivals.
“They’re a young team and if they can stick together, I think they’re going to be alright,” she said.
TheGrubbershavesomeinjuryconcerns with captain Emily Moroney and defender Amanda O’Malley both missing the game while defender Kelsey Ollis and goaler Arlee Bennett suffered relatively minor injuries during the game. Ashton O’Brien and Zanna Woods have both missed chunks of the season.
Ocean Grove faces a tough run home, especially in the final two rounds, with Newcomb (5th), Drysdale (7th), Geelong Amateur (2nd) and Torquay (3rd) still to come, but Holmes is welcoming the challenge.
“I’m happy to have that run home,” she said. “We’re not looking too far ahead. The position we’re in compared to last year when we were chasing and the underdog and this year is slightly different.
“But our approach is still to win. It’s a good position to be in and we deserve to be there, but we’ve got work to do.”
Luke Davis was a constant aerial threat against Ocean Grove. Inset: Barwon Heads coach Sam Schaller prepares for the last quarter. (Ivan Kemp) 490549
Left: Krystal Baker is having a tremendous season for Barwon Heads. Right: Arlee Bennett finds space to accept a pass against Barwon Heads. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 490550
