Ocean Grove Voice - 31st October 2025

Grubbers reinforced

By Justin Flynn

Not content with three consecutive Bellarine Netball Association A Grade premierships, Ocean Grove has moved to strengthen its squad for the 2026 season with three key signings.

The Grubbers needed replacements for midcourter Emily Moroney and defender Georgia Berry.

Premiership captain Moroney is out for theyearaftersufferinganACLinjuryinthe grand final on 13 September although she will stay involved in some capacity while Berrywon’treturntotheRayMenziesOval courts.

Barwon Heads midcourter Perri Jones hassignedonandreturnstotheclubwhere

she began her netball journey and will slot in as Moroney’s replacement while Julia Mitchell’s recruitment will see her partner with Amanda O’Malley in defence.

Mitchell did her ACL at the start of this season while playing with Thomson in the Geelong & District Netball League, but should be fit for the start of the 2026 campaign.

Another key signing is Bridgette Furphy, who won the best and fairest in 2024 for VNL club Bendigo Strikers. Furphy, a goaler, has been at Bell Park and was a former Geelong Cougars star where she linked up with fellow Ocean Grove goaler Zanna Woods. Furphy and Woods were a dynamic duo for Leopold in 2018.

Premiership coach Mel Holmes said

the trio will add depth and versatility to her squad, which at times, was stretched through injury and unavailability last season.

“I needed depth to our team and they have added that,” she said.

“One of the things they all bring is that they are quality people. It’s not just their skillset I’m excited about. They are all good people first, which was something I was looking for.

“You can’t stand still in this competition because it’s so competitive. We’re hoping we have the nucleus of a strong squad to challenge again.

Furphy’s addition will allow Holmes the freedom to mix up her attacking end.

Jones was Barwon Heads’ best player in

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the round 6 clash this season and caused the midcourt all sorts of problems. She can also play all three midcourt positions and showed strong leadership skills in the A Grade side last season

Mitchell, a former Geelong Cougars Under 19s player, missed this season’s GDNL premiership with Thomson after rupturing her ACL, but played a key role in coaching and assisting on game day. She won Barwon Heads best and fairest twice, played at Queenscliff before joining Thomson and is a ready made replacement in defence.

The Grubbers B Grade side will be coached by O’Malley and Georgia Ryan next season with preseason training set to kick off on 27 November.

Perri Jones will play midcourt, Julia Mitchell will play a key role in defence and Bridgette Furphy will strengthen Ocean Grove’s attack this season. (Pictures: Supplied)

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Safe space in Ocean Grove

By Jena Carr

An Ocean Grove woman is helping bring a community safe space to Torquay to support people who are experiencing emotional or suicidal distress across the region.

Kim Edgar will work alongside Roses in the Ocean as a volunteer to launch the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space in February next year at Torquay Community Housetoprovideawelcomingenvironment for people impacted by suicide.

Ms Edgar said the space was about providing a safe, non-judgemental and

non-clinical space for people impacted by suicide.

“If you’re experiencing suicidal distress or mental health issues, whatever that looks like, there’s this kind of stigma that you’re a bit broken, but you’re not,” she said.

“Peoplearenotbroken;they’rejustgoing through a tough time...and having open conversations with people that they can trust is a really important part of breaking down that stigma.”

Safe space volunteers, known as Peer Care Companions, are people with lived experience of mental health, suicide or

bereavement who are trained to use their lived experience to support others.

Ms Edgar said she was inspired to help people throughout their mental health journeys after her son Daniel died from suicide seven and a half years ago at the age of 17.

“You don’t move on; you move forward, andthethingthat’shelpedmeisbeingable to have conversations with people who have a similar lived experience,” she said.

“Everybody’s lived experience is different, and no one person has the same lived experience, but what we know is that there are some real commonalities in that

Fundraising fair full of delicious fresh food

Surfside Primary School’s major fundraiser isalwaysaterrificcommunityevent.

TheOceanGroveschool’sFreshFoodFair promises a festive evening of food, music, student class market stalls, rides and much more.

The fair kicks off with afternoon tea featuring a traditional cake stall, the whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and an array of sweet treats from cupcakes and milkshakes to popcorn, chocolates and lollies. Talented students and dedicated volunteershavebeencookingupadelicious menu that includes cookies, sausage rolls,

soups, potato and kale pastries, curries, flatbreadsanddumplings.

Be entertained by the Surfside Primary School band, along with performances from Agency Black, Caught in the Crossfire, Ange Rogers, The Foundation Fab Four, and Mr Morzinek and friends and our always-popular Surfside’s Got Talent showcase.

“The Surfside Primary School Fresh Food Fair is more than just a fundraiser - it’s the biggest event on our school calendar,” organiserStaceyO’Keefesaid.

“This celebration brings together our

school and the wider community to highlight our students, our school, and our shared commitment to sustainability and local produce. Expect an evening bursting with food, music, games, market stalls, and endlessfunforallages”

Funds raised from the fair support the school’s award-winning Kitchen and Garden program, giving students hands-on experiencesincookingandgardening.

SurfsidePrimarySchool’sFreshFoodFair is at the school’s John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove, location on Friday 7 November from 3.15pmto7.30pm.

Art exhibition paints the way to positive change

By Jena Carr

Rotary Club of Ocean Grove will celebrate artistic creativity across the region with its Annual Art Show back for another year. The show will feature close to 270 paintings at Point Lonsdale Primary School, along with a photography display that will run for the first time this year.

Rotary Club president Lyndy Stagg said the art show was in its 14th year and would helpraisemoneyforcharitiesimportantto the region.

“I’mlookingforwardtoraisingmoneyfor charities and being a part of the opening night as it’s always good fun,” she said.

“Each year we’re amazed by the talent and imagination on display, and the art show provides a platform for artists to share their work.

“The proceeds from the art show benefit

local charities, including Surfing for the Disabled, Riding Develops Abilities and other local projects recommended by our members.”

Art show committee member Margaret Campbell said she loved seeing the community’s response to the club’s art show and expected a good turnout for this year’s event.

“We’ve found that people are wanting our services more and more, especially as things have tightened, and we like being abletoprovideit,”shesaid.“Artshowsand galleries have been an interest of mine for quite some time, and there seems to be a certain joy and excitement from people who attend the show.”

The Rotary Club of Ocean Grove Annual Art Show will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 1 November and Sunday 2 November.

experience.

“Sometimes people can have good supports around them; they can have good clinical supports and wonderful friends and family, but they can still feel isolated from the people around them.”

Roses in the Ocean is a lived experience suicide prevention organisation that aims to save lives and reduce emotional distress and pain, with a community consultation held on 29 October for people to hear more about the safe space initiative.

Email safespaces@rosesintheocean. com.auformoremoreinformationortofind out more about volunteer opportunities.

Photographic talent on show

Local photographers are putting on a showthisweekendinDrysdale.

After a successful inaugural exhibition last year, the Bellarine CameraClubisbackattheSpringdale Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 1 andSunday2November.

With about 30 display boards and hundreds of photographs on show, the exhibition will also include selected prints for sale, presentations from experts on safari photography, streetphotographyandwildlife.

Made up of more than 50 keen amateur photographers, the club meets twice a month through most of the year, holding competitions and conducting regular workshops and fieldtrips.

ClubpresidentDebbieHallowssaid part of the appeal of the exhibition was the diversity of photographic stylesthatwouldbeondisplay.

“We’ve got so many good photographersandthesortsofphotos that people take can be so different,” shesaid.“We’vegotafewthatdogreat bird photography, a few that do great landscapes, and we’re finally getting more people who do portraiture, whichiswhatI’minto.

“There’salotoflocalstuff,awesome photos of birds, the beaches, the storms.Localalwayshitsthespot,but thenwealsohavephotographerswho go on trips to Africa and take photos oflionsandbeautifulcolouredbirds.”

Visit bellarinecameraclub.org.au or facebook.com/BellarineCameraClub for more information or contact DebbieHallowson0400562571.

Rotary Club of Ocean Grove’s Janet Alexander, left, Lyndy Stagg and Margaret Campbell will help bring the art show back for its 14th year.

(Jena Carr) 513680_01

Students Ceda, Eve, Niamh and Annabelle are preparing for Surfside Primary School’s Fresh Food Fair. (Ivan Kemp) 513267_07

MP releases Coles update

By Matt Hewson

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant has assured the Point Lonsdale community she has been speaking for the community on the proposed Coles development.

In an update released last week Ms Marchant thanked community members for contacting her and sharing their views on the possibility of a new Coles supermarket at 2341-2349 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale.

Ms Marchant said she had been actively involvedinrepresentingthecommunityon the issue, including writing to and meeting with both the Geelong and Queenscliffe mayors, hearing directly from Stop Coles

organisers and liaising with Ms Kilkenny’s office.

She said she understood the proposed supermarket development had “caused great concern in the community”.

“As per my statement in September, no formal planning application has been lodged by Coles. That remains the case today,” Ms Marchant said.

“The pre-application enquiry for this site isstillinitspreliminarystagestodetermine if it is eligible for the Department’s Development Facilitation Program.

“Despite speculation, this project has not entered any formal assessment under the Development Facilitation Program, nor does an acceptance into the program

Bag a bargain at church fair

Ocean Grove’s St Peter’s Church fair is back with lots of bargains and fun while supporting a good cause.

Organisers say this will be a particularly good year for jams and preserves with cooks very busy making marmalades, jams, pickles, sauces and relishes. If you want relish and sauce you will need to get there early as they always sell out quickly. Cakes, biscuits, slices, sponges, sausage rolls and many other homemade delicious treats will be selling out fast.

One of the fair’s organisers, Bob Fraser, said there will be children’s activities, plants for every gardener, flower stalls and hamper raffles.

“Plants will be out the front of the church with everything from tomatoes, herbs,

vegetables, succulents and all sorts of indoor and outdoor plants,” he said.

“Our main stall holder is quite the expert in this area as she works in a nursery and has grown many of the plants herself and can answer your questions.

“Our craft group has been working hard to produce lots of interesting items and there will be a lucky dip for the children and fantastic children’s bookmarks.

“We also have a stall selling beautiful homemadegiftsandgreetingcardscreated by some of these talented ladies.”

St Peter’s Anglican Church fair is on Saturday 8 November from 9am to 12.30pm at the church on Draper Street, Ocean Grove. Cash only - no card or EFTPOS facilities.

guarantee approval.

“I can confirm that if a formal planning application is lodged at any stage, the community will have the opportunity to have their say.”

“The City of Greater Geelong’s and Borough’s Point Lonsdale structure plan outlines a vision for this entry corridor, including consideration of more suitable zoning, such as a special use zone focused on tourism or accommodation rather than bulky retail,” she said.

“The minister has written to the City of Greater Geelong to confirm its responsibilities as the planning authority.

“Therecentannouncementtoexpandthe RAMSAR-listed wetlands on our coastlines

further strengthens my deep commitment to safeguarding the most environmentally significant parts of our region.”

The proposal is yet to progress beyond the first stages of a pre-application enquiry to determine whether the proposed development would be eligible for the Victorian government’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP), overseen by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has been vocal in his support of the community on this matter, but if the proposed supermarket were deemed eligible for the DFP the development would bypass municipal planning procedures, with the minister the sole arbiter of the issue.

Vicar Liz Rankin, office manager Kay Webb and fair organiser Bob Fraser are ready for St Peter’s Church fair. (Ivan Kemp) 513266_08

Parkville Station

Heartfelt reunion for Jon

By Jena Carr

TherewereplentyofhugsatBarwonHeads Soccer Club on Friday when Jon Phillips met with the paramedics and bystanders who saved his life.

The Barwon Heads man was playing soccer with the senior men’s team on 16 May when he left the pitch complaining of chest pains.

Mr Phillips was then attended to by teammates - and doctors - Andrew Marriott and Kazunori Nakajima and off-duty emergency doctor Jean Moller before the 54-year-old went into cardiac arrest.

“I was trying to pass the chest pains off like nothing was wrong, but they weren’t listening to me and then the pain just got worse and worse before I doubled over and just passed out,” he said.

Mr Marriott, Ms Moller and bystander CarlyVanderzeilimmediatelyjumpedinto

action by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using the club’s automated external defibrillator (AED) untilAmbulanceVictoria(AV)paramedics arrived.

“Between the three of us we did CPR for a good 15 minutes, including two to three shocks from the defibrillator, before John regained a cardiac output and consciousness,” Mr Marriott said.

“It’s important to first recognise a cardiac arrest and then call for help, perform early CPR and have early access to defibrillation, which probably helped lead to John’s successful outcome,” Ms Moller said.

Five months later, on Friday 17 October, Mr Phillips reunited with the paramedics, first responders and bystanders who helped save his life.

“It was surreal and awkward, but it was great with lots of hugs, and it’s just a nice positive thing,” he said.

“Myribstookalongtimetohealbecause they were broken from the CPR, which is normal and in a funny way, the pain felt good because I could feel it.

“I’m doing great now and that’s because everyone acted so quickly to help me, so I owe my life to my teammates and hope others take this as their sign to learn CPR and know where their nearest AED is.”

Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone and at any time, with close to 21 people experiencing a cardiac arrest every day in Victoria, according to AV data.

Advanced life support paramedic Sam Williams said it was important for people to understand what to do in the event of a cardiac arrest, as only one in 10 Victorians will survive.

“Victoria has the best cardiac survival rates in Australia and among the best in the world, and that’s because people are willing to jump in and deliver lifesaving care when it matters most,” he said.

Incredible range of spring gardens on display this weekend

By Matt Hewson

With spring having well and truly sprung, garden lovers are spoilt for choice this weekend.

The Portarlington Garden Club will open 15 private gardens to the public from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 2 November, featuring a wide range of styles, plantings and design choices.

From a historic property established

in 1875 with trees listed on the Victorian RegisterofSignificantTreestoa6-month-old garden designed by landscape architect ChristianJenkins,thePortarlingtonGarden Trail will have something for all garden enthusiasts.

Organising committee member Annette Lewis said the day was a great opportunity for people in the region to meet the gardeners, hear about their ideas and learn how they make garden spaces work.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

School Canteen Service - Dual Campus

Bellarine Secondary College invites submissions form suitably qualified providers for the operation of the School Canteen Service across both the Ocean Grove (Years 7-8) and Drysdale (Years 9-12) campuses.

Submissions must be made in accordance with the official EOI documentation.

For further information, please contact: Mrs. Tahnee Kemp

Business Manager

Phone: (03) 5251 9000

Email: Tahnee.Kemp@education.vic.gov.au

Closing Date: 4:00pm, Monday 17th November 2025

Interested parties can contact the College for a complete EOI information package.

“Just looking at other people’s gardens, seeing what they do and how they do it, getting ideas from them, it’s amazing,” she said. “You see things and think, oh, I could dosomethinglikethat.Oneofourgardeners grafts natives, so he’s got the most unusual native plants from Western Australia that normally wouldn’t grow here.

“We’ve tried to get all different sorts of gardens, but just about all of them have got a vegetable patch and fruit trees and how

you protect your food crops is always of interest.”

Ms Lewis said the owners of the featured gardens all loved the idea of sharing what they had created and being generous with information.

“They really get a buzz out of talking to other people, and they’ve all taken (the Garden Trail) on as a project,” she said. Visit the Portarlington Garden Trail 2025 Facebook page for more information.

Gallery owners celebrate decade

By Matt Hewson

Hopes and dreams can struggle to survive under the harsh weight of reality, but sometimes life exceeds even the most optimistic vision.

Such is the case for Soula and Theo Mantalvanos, who moved from Collingwood to the region to establish Queenscliff Gallery a decade ago.

Soula said becoming part of their new community was “a very big deal” when they first made the move to the borough.

“Initially we wanted a print studio that also had a workshop; a very hands-on, very lively space where people could come in and ask questions, do workshops, and also that end bit where they buy the work too,” she said. “But the vision probably grew past what we initially wanted. We were really surprisedathowwewereembracedandthe opportunities that came our way.

“The Geelong Gallery were so keen to collaborate in any way, so we inaugurated a national print prize, the Geelong Gallery members come through for special sessions with the artists or demonstrations.

“We didn’t expect that, you certainly wouldn’t be able to do that in Melbourne. The regional arts community is really strong, it’s wonderful, so we’ve definitely exceeded our expectations.”

This November the gallery will celebrate its10thanniversarywithaspecialexhibition 10/10, featuring many of the artists who have been along for the journey including David Frazer, Anita Iacovella, Jim Pavlidis and Trudy Rice.

Running from 13 November to 8 December, the exhibition will include print demonstrationson15and16Novemberand celebratory drinks each weekend between 2pm and 5pm. Visit qgallery.com.au for more information.

Jon Phillips (front middle) with paramedics Michael Christodoulou, Sam Williams, Shannon Cefai, Tim Howes alongside teammates and first responders Andrew Marriott, Bec Dalton (front right) and Jean Moller with dog Jess. (Jena Carr)

Theo and Soula Mantalvanos are celebrating 10 years of Queenscliff Gallery with a special exhibition. (Louisa Jones) 513511_26

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Experience The Blue Show

Artists Karenne Anne and Vonne Beyer are bringinganenchantingexhibitionalltodo with the colour blue to St Leonards.

The Blue Show was inspired by the pair’s 2019 trip to the Greek Isle of Skopelos, where they became fascinated with representations of the female figure, particularly goddesses.

Ms Anne is a photographer who explores ideas of history and culture, and Ms Beyer is a painter who loves colour and texture.

With the azure of the Aegean Sea serving as their guiding muse, the duo have returned to the aesthetic of blue, whether ultramarine,aquaorcobalt,manytimesin their work.

This upcoming exhibition at shed_31 celebrates the hues and subtleties of the colour blue in their artwork – the abstract, representational, and photographic.

Shed_31, is a not for profit gallery set up by Ms Anne in St Leonards.

Ms Beyer said nature was the ultimate medium to channel the colour.

“The artworks in this show are based on experiences with nature. The sea, vegetation, changes in the light at different times of day,” she said.

“We hope that viewers will be inspired to see blues and other colours around them, and realise the myriad subtleties within all of them.

“Being by the sea is the most suitable for a collection of works which strongly reference the deep blues of the bay and other oceanic locations.”.

The exhibition continues until 8 November.

Opening hours are by appointment by calling 0404-294 674.

Vonne Beyer is an artist who will be showing an exhibition on the Bellarine Peninsula. (Damjan Janevski) 508372_01

The community gets ready to remember on 11 November

OceanGroveBarwonHeadsRSLsub-branch will be holding Remembrance Day services on Tuesday November 11 at Ocean Grove Park and concurrently at Memorial Hall in BarwonHeads.

“The significance of this day dates to the 11th of November 1918 when the guns on the Western front fell silent after four years of war,” Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch president Brigadier Phil EdwardsBM,CSC(Retd)said.

“On this day we pause at 11am to reflect onthetremendoussacrificesmadebythose

who have served in conflicts both past and present. It is a day when we remember the courage,thededication,andtheunwavering commitmentofourservicemenandwomen who put themselves in harm’s way for the greatergood.”

During the week leading up to Remembrance Day volunteers will be selling poppies to raise funds for support Veteranwelfare.VolunteerswillbeatOcean Grove Pharmacy on The Terrace, Market Place Shopping Centre on Shell Road, Kingston Shopping Centre from 10am to

4pm daily and at APCO Barwon Heads 6am to noon daily from 3 to 10 November. On Saturday 8 November and Sunday 9 November volunteers will also be selling poppiesatBunningsLeopold.

Remembrance day is on Tuesday 11 November. Ceremonies and wreath laying serviceswillbeheldatseveralvenuesacross theBellarinePeninsula.

Barwon Heads: 10.50am to 11.45am, HitchcockAvenueandOzoneRoad,Barwon Heads.

Drysdale: 10.45am to 11.30am, Drysdale

Barwon Coast Update

Works start at Corner and Cylinders

Barwon Coast commenced major upgrades to two beach access points at 13th Beach on Monday, 20 October. The works involve replacing aging staircases at the easternmost car park, The Corner, and repairing Cylinders beach access stairs which have deteriorated due to coastal erosion and storm damage.

Funded by the Victorian Government’s Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program, the new structures are designed to meet current safety standards, minimise environmental impact, and improve accessibility for beachgoers. Construction is expected to be completed before the summer peak.

Volunteers wanted!

Looking to lend a hand, helping care for the coast this summer? Find a match for your interests and skills by joining a local volunteer group!

• Love talking to people about our local environment and history? The Barwon Coast Discovery Centre (Lobster Pot) could be for you! Open Sundays 1-4pm, training provided.

• Passionate about the marine environment and keen to participate in local citizen science activities? Friends of the Bluff are waiting for you to join them!

• Enjoy planning events and keeping the cogs turning in a small team? Ocean Grove Coastcare is seeking committee members to be appointed at the 19 November AGM (all welcome to attend).

• Keen to help protect Hooded Plovers that live and nest on our local beaches? BirdLife Australia/Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine could be your match!

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about these and other wonderful local groups at barwoncoast.com.au/volunteer

Cenotaph, corner of High Street and Princess Street, Drysdale. Post ceremony sausage sizzle refreshments on sale, providedbyNorthBellarineRotaryClub. OceanGrove: 10.50amto11.45am,Ocean GrovePark,73/87TheAvenue,OceanGrove. Portarlington: 10.45am to 11.30am, The Cenotaph,PierStreet,Portarlington. Queenscliff: 10am, Queenscliff War Memorial,180HesseStreet,Queenscliff. St Leonards: 9am to 9.30am, St Leonards Memorial Hall, 1342 Murradoc Road St Leonards.

Collendina • Ocean Grove • Breamlea • Barwon Heads • Black Rock • 13th Beach

Have your say on two key Barwon Coast strategies

Community consultation is now open on two important Barwon Coast draft strategies – the Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35 and the Mature Tree Strategy. These strategies will guide how we protect and enhance our coastal environment and manage our much-loved mature trees.

Consultation closes 5 November; please read the draft strategies, complete the online feedback survey, or attend our dropin information session at the Barwon Heads Makers Market on 1 November.

Your feedback will help us test and improve these strategies before they’re finalised. Find out more via the QR code or visit barwoncoast.com.au/ project/hys-biodiversitymature-tree

Work has begun on two 13th Beach access stairs

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Northern NSW a bird haven

The cool spring weather has continued over the past few weeks, with some wild winds and storms as well.

Luckily for me I’ve flown to northern NSW to visit a friend, where the weather has been fine, still, and warm, with some overnight rain thrown in. It’s been lovely.

Before flying to NSW, I conducted a ‘birds on farms’ survey in Wallington. It’s always a highlight of every season to walk around the farm and observe the changes in birdlife that occur between the seasons.

The farm that I survey has also had many changes in ecology in that many pine trees have been removed to be replaced by indigenous plants so there appears to be less birds compared to three or four years ago due to the variations in habitat.

The wetland is still very popular for birds, especially pied stilts. The weebills and striated pardalotes that inhabit the yellow gum habitat are still going strong, which is great to see.

The yellow gums in this area have many hollows and one large hollow is inhabited by a pair of sulphur-crested cockatoos, which are obviously nesting. I also spotted a brown goshawk, one sharp-tailed sandpiperandapairofred-kneeddotterels.

Northern NSW is a haven for birds. I went to a beach called Flat Rocks in Ballina. On the rocks were many terns and migratory waders. Unfortunately, I was on the beach on a Sunday, so there were also many people clambering over the rocks so the birds were constantly being disturbed, which was a shame for them.

Among the birds seen were sharp-tailed sandpipers,curlewsandpipers,red-necked stints, red knots and one greater sandplover, as well as common, little and crested terns.

I’m staying at my friend’s house which is located in Lennox Head. In her backyard are eastern whipbirds, Australasian figbirds, blue-faced honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs.

I compare this to my backyard in Ocean Grove where the most common birds seen are introduced species, such as spotted doves, house sparrows, common mynas and common starlings. It’s an interesting contrast.

I received an email from my friend Denis, who sent me one of his photos of white-winged choughs. I told Denis that I have never been able to get close enough to this species to take a decent photo of a chough in flight to capture the white wing feathers.

Denis sent me a photo of a few choughs thathetookattheYouYangsafewyearsago that perfectly captures the wing features plus the vivid red eye of this species.

Festival brings a touch of Greece to Portarlington

By Jena Carr

A new festival celebrating Greek culture will be held in Portarlington during the upcomingMelbourneCupWeekend.

The festival will feature Greek food, music, markets and activities to help increaseawarenessofotherculturesamong theBellarinecommunity.

ManagingdirectorAlexandraDascarellos saidshelookedforwardtohostingtheevent for the first time and hoped to see a “great turnoutofpeople”.

“My objective is to unite people, as we are all one, and when we do that, we break down any prejudices, and we become more tolerant and accepting of each other,” she said.

“Theworld,asitstandstoday,needsmore cultural festivals to increase awareness of other cultures and...there’s no better place foraGreekfestivalthanPortarlington.”

Ms Dascarellos said the festival was dedicated to her parents, who made sure she and her siblings were raised to know theirGreekculture.

“They (her parents) had eight kids, and dad taught us all how to talk Greek, and he had many parties at home because he wanted his family to learn how to dance Greek,”shesaid.

“He also broke many of my mum’s plates with his excitement when he saw his childrendance,andhealwayssaidhewould replacethem,butMumneverbelievedhim, andheneverreplacedthem.”

The Portarlington Greek Festival will be held on the WG Little Reserve and in the

Community Parks Hall from 10am to5pmonSunday2November.

Dascarellos, pictured holding the Greek flag, will host the first Portarlington Greek Festival on Sunday. (Supplied)

Denis’ white-winged choughs at the You Yangs.

Jen’s white-bellied sea eagle at Byron Bay.

Jen’s common tern near Ballina.

Young actor is set to rock

Despite a love for theatre, Dylan Crawley pursued a more typical career path. This November he is getting back in the game, performing in School of Rock at National Theatre Melbourne. He spoke to Matt Hewson about his passion for the stage and balancing life and dreams.

Dylan Crawley has always loved performing, be it on stage in musicals, in the school choir or on the debating team.

But when it came time to make the step from his high school, St Ignatius Geelong, into the big wide world, he decided to follow the more well-trodden path and forge himself a more mainstream career.

Dylan successfully applied for a cybersecuritydegreeatDeakinandworked hard toward financial independence and stability.

“My dad was in IT, so that was one of the paths I definitely wanted to take because I admired him; he was a real inspiration to me,” he said.

“I knew my passion also lay in musical theatre, performance, being on stage. At theendoftheday,Ichoseamoretraditional path, with the mindset that I could then afford my hobbies.”

ThatpassionwasignitedwhenDylanwas in primary school. When he was nine years old, his teacher wrote his own original musical and needed cast members.

“One of the moments I specifically remember that began my love for theatre was during that show,” he said.

“I wasn’t a lead, but there was a scene whereIwasplayingairguitaronstage,and all my family and everybody else had been really supportive.

Being on stage, with the spotlight pointed down on you, the adrenaline rushing…that’s where I feel at home, that’s where I feel alive - Dylan Crawley

“But my dad always gives honest, realist critiques. When we were leaving one of the shows he was talking about how everyone had done a great job, then he said ‘but you absolutely owned the stage’.

“Everybody always wants to congratulate, but I knew his feedback was real, I guess. And when he said that to me at nine years old, that was the spark that lit my fire for musical theatre.”

That fire, which had lain dormant since his last high-school role as Wilbur in St Ignatius’ production of Hairspray, was reignited when, while still studying his degree, he travelled to Orlando, Florida, as part of Walt Disney World’s cultural exchange program.

“Essentially, they recruit all over the worldtryingtogetinternationalemployees so that when guests from other parts of the world come to the park they can relate to somebody,” Dylan said.

“It’s all part of them trying to build the ultimate experience.”

In 2019 Dylan worked for six months as a rideattendantatDisneyWorld,butlearned some unexpected lessons on performing along the way.

“They run their business like a theatre, sowhenyou’reworkingyou’reonstageand when you’re not you’re backstage,” he said.

“Employees, even ride attendants, are called cast members. It’s their mentality, their technique of making sure you’re putting on a show for every single guest that comes through.

“People pay tens of thousands of dollars, travel from the other side of the world to be there. I might be having a bad day, but it might be their only day ever that they’re

going to be at Disney World. You have to be on.”

Dylan returned to the Bellarine to finish hisdegree,thenbeganhiscareerinearnest, commuting to his job in Melbourne or working from home.

When the commute got too much, he movedtoMelbournein2023.Immediately, his thoughts turned to theatre.

“As soon as I moved up I auditioned for a show, the American Idiot musical,” Dylan said.

“I got a call back but I wasn’t successful. But although I didn’t get it, I had such a positive experience auditioning that I knew I was always going to come back to it.

“I got into singing lessons, tried to get back into it, but the cost of living in Melbourne on my own hit me pretty hard. So I just had to focus on my career for a couple of years.”

That initial audition experience was with Theatrical Inc, a not-for-profit production company that is regularly lauded by critics for punching above its weight.

Dylan kept his eye on the company, and when Theatrical announced its 2025 shows one in particular grabbed his attention.

Jack Black’s film School of Rock was releasedin2003,whenDylanwasfour,and he remembers watching it over and over through primary school.

“Themovie,themusicwasaninspiration to me,” he said.

“It’s essentially about one person bringingallthesekidsoutoftheirshelland helping them find their passion.

“I always put myself in those kids’ shoes, it was always my dream to be able to perform in a rock show like they did at the end.

“So I had School of Rock pencilled in on my calendar as soon as Theatrical announced it. I began practising audition material even before the auditions were announced.”

From the get-go Dylan had his “heart set on” auditioning for Ned Schneebly, the off-sider of Jack Black’s Dewey Finn.

“I feel like I can really connect with and relatetothecharacterofNed;webothhave a passion for music and love performing, but we both chose traditional paths,” he said.

“Inthemovie,Nedchoosesteaching,and I’ve chosen IT, so I feel a deep connection

to that. And there’s a lot of aspects to him, he’s a complex character. He’s afraid and stuck in his shell, too scared to be himself.

“His roommate Dewey is still living his dream, while Ned’s being pressured by his new girlfriend to stick to the straight line, put music away, focus on his career.

“And yes, he’s shy, anxious, but there’s another side to Ned - the rock star, the performer. So I’m basically trying to build that character so the audience can empathise and begin wanting and waiting for him to finally break out.”

Dylan’s connection to Ned’s anxiety has an obvious source; while he’s comfortable singing and acting, Dylan also has to play guitar live on stage for the show.

“I’ve always loved music, always had guitars around, I never started learning guitar until 2020, the pandemic,” he said.

“So I’m hitting the books in terms of trying to master that craft. It is a slight source of anxiety, but it’s also a source of passion.

“I’ve started proper guitar lessons…and I’m getting better quicker than if I didn’t have this reason to, so I’m able to learn aspects that I missed, being self-taught.”

But that kind of pressure is exactly the reason he loves performing.

“It’s a positive trait in the cybersecurity industry; it’s pretty high pressure, where a lot of things can go wrong, so I feel like I can switch on pretty quickly,” Dylan said.

“Being on stage, with the spotlight pointed down on you, the adrenaline rushing…that’s where I feel at home, that’s where I feel alive.”

Theatrical Inc’s School of Rock is at the National Theatre in St Kilda from 1 to 9 November.

Above: The cast of Theatrical Inc’s School of Rock. Far left: Dylan Crawley plays the role of Ned Schneebly. Left: Dylan with John Yanko who plays Dewey Finn. (Pictures: Supplied)

Butler’s bulb mix-up

As a crime buff, comedian Kieran Butler became, like so many people, invested in theErinPattersonmushroommurdercase.

But he found himself laughing out loud when it emerged that health professionals initially thought Patterson’s victims had eaten daffodil bulbs.

The reason behind his mirth was that the year before, Butler had eaten a daffodil bulb he and his wife had mistaken for an onion.

“We’d moved to a regional town where people with a bunch of excess produce wouldleaveitatthepostofficeforpeopleto take for free - oranges, various other fruits and vegetables,” Butler said.

“My wife picked this thing up and said, what do you reckon this is? So she cooked it up, and the long and short of it was that I nearly died that night.

“When you’re dying from ingesting a daffodil bulb, there are a lot of hallucinations going on.

“I recognised pretty quickly that this was a trip of some description; at one stage my dog was hanging off the ceiling. But it was a trip that had that sharp edge, where if you don’t throw up this daffodil bulb, you’re probably going to die.”

Thatexperienceisnowpartofhisfamily’s pantheon of legends, but it also forms the backbone of Butler’s new show, Dickhead Dad: Where’s the Beef, Wellington?, which he will perform at this year’s Geelong Comedy Festival.

He said performing at the festival last year was a “terrific experience”.

“The audiences were really, really receptive…andIcanseeit’sreallygrowing,” he said. “You can see comedy starting to seed itself in various regional centres, I think it’s all going in the right direction.”

Kieran Butler is at The Geelong Club on Sunday 2 November. Visit geelongcomedyfestival.com.au for more information.

New festival features six of the best

A brand new performing arts festival hits Geelong this November, showcasing the best writing and acting talent in the region.

The Geelong Short Play Festival, presented by Geelong Writers, will feature a short list of six 15-minute plays, with three sessions on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November.

Coveringabroadrangeofthemes,moods and styles, the plays will be performed by actors from theatre companies What’s On?, Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group, Overflow Theatre, Kaleidoscopic Void and Geelong Repertory.

The final session will conclude with the presentation of four awards, including a People’s Choice Award decided by audience votes.

The six plays were chosen anonymously by a panel of experienced judges from a field of 35 entries.

Festival coordinator Paul Bucci, who is also one of the featured playwrights, said inspiring 35 writers to create new works was “an end in itself”.

“I think the thing about short plays is they’re very accessible to newcomers,” he said. “There are a few new actors involved, a few playwrights that have written plays for the first time, so from that point of view it’s really terrific. If nothing else had happened, that would have been a good outcome, I think.”

Bucci said one of the strengths of the program was its diversity.

“There are some comedies, a couple of fairly serious things in there, and some

reallynostalgicthingslookingatissueslike dementia,” he said.

“There’s one that relates to Jack the Ripper, there’s one about a restaurant with a food critic coming along, and then there’s

a beautiful monologue, which is really interesting as well.”

Visit geelongartscentre.org.au or call 1300 251 200 for tickets and more information.

New frontiers beckon Bourne

Guitar maestro Shannon Bourne has been deeply connected to Geelong and the Bellarine for a long time.

Having grown up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, he has travelled the length and breadth of Australia and toured internationally, playing with music legends such as Chris Wilson, Russell Morris, John Butler, Duke Robillard, Tex Perkins and The Waifs.

In the past few years he has found a new home here, along with a chance to redefine himself musically.

“The first time I ever went to the MelbourneBluesAppreciationSociety jam the host band was Turning Blue, and that was (Geelong musicians) Brian Fraser, Ron Hilla and Dave the Bastard,” Bourne said. “And they were fantastic. At the end of the night they said, ‘you should come down to Geelong and play at the De La Ville’.

“So I did. I didn’t even have my license, my folks drove me down, so I would have been 16 or 17.

“And then I’d come down and play at the Limelight Lounge with Chris Wilson, Pistol Pete’s, lots of festivals and things around here. So the Bellarine has been calling for years and years, and now I’m here.”

The new scene has given Bourne a sense of creative freedom. He has recentlyfinishedupaseriesofsessions at Isaac Barter’s studio with drummer Danny McKenna for a duo album he hopes to release next year.

“I feel like I’m going through some kind of rebirth; I don’t really know where I’m headed but it’s kind of exciting,” he said.

“IprobablyfeelthebestI’veeverfeltin my life, so I feel ready to take on whatever I need to do.”

Next weekend Bourne brings his own band to the Barwon Club, a rare eventgivenhowbusyheisperforming withthelikesofCheckerboardLounge, Don Walker and Sarah Carroll. Joined by long-time collaborators Karl Willebrant (bass), Dean Matters (drums) and Tim Neal (Hammond organ), Bourne said punters could expect an “honest experience”.

“We all dig deep when we play the music, and we’ve been playing the music for a long time,” he said. “It’s a pretty intense band, very dynamic. It’s a thing that happens when people have played together for that long, you just can’t fake it.”

The Shannon Bourne Band is at BarwonClubonSaturday8November.

Kieran Butler performs his new show at the Geelong Comedy Festival. (Supplied)

Paul Bucci (centre) works with actors Gabrielle Nagle, Lena Talihmanidis, Chris Cooper and Alexa Hayley ahead of the inaugural Geelong Short Play Festival. (Louisa Jones) 513517_07

CONTACT US

PHONE \ 03 5249 6700

LOCATION \ 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218

DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING

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Indoor pool momentum

By Cr Trent Sullivan

Across the Bellarine, people value strong community connections and access to places that bring us together to stay active andhealthy.

That’s why the next stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is such an importantmilestoneforourregion.

Following a competitive tender process, Ireland Brown Constructions has been endorsed as the preferred contractor to deliver the long-awaited stage 2 developmentoftheindoorfacility.

The panel recommended Ireland Brown based on its excellent project experience, expertiseandthevalueformoneyitoffered.

Anyone who has spent time in Drysdale over summer knows how popular the outdoorpoolattheNorthBellarineAquatic Centrehasbecome.

Ithasquicklybecomeoneofthoseplaces wherecommunityhappens.

The outdoor pool is open year-round, which is fantastic for those keen to keep swimmingthrougheveryseason.

But the addition of an indoor facility will make it easier and more comfortable for many more people to stay active during the coolermonths.

Constructiononthenewfacilitywillstart inNovemberandisexpectedtobecomplete inlate2027.

When finished, the facility will include a 25-metre, eight-lane pool, a warm water pool,accessiblechangerooms,agym,group fitnessspacesandacafewithaseatingarea.

Both pools will have ramps so older residents, people with limited mobility and parents with young children can get in and outsafely.

It is all about inclusion and making sure everyone can enjoy the water, not just the confidentswimmers.

Stage2oftheprojectwillincludeextended car parking, including two accessible car parks, as well as landscaping and a refurbishedentrypavilion.

TheAustralianandVictoriangovernments have each committed $20 million to the

BUSINESS IN PROFILE

project, with the City contributing up to $3 million.

When complete, the facility will give the north of the Bellarine something very special, a place to move, socialise and stay healthythrougheveryseason.

That is important. The recent Geelong Preventative Health Survey showed only around two-thirds of adults in Greater Geelong meet the recommended activity levels.

Facilitieslikethismakeiteasierforpeople togetactiveclosetohome.

Warm water exercise is especially valuable for people living with arthritis, managing chronic pain or recovering from injury. Until now, many residents on the north Bellarine have had to travel for that kindoffacility.

Thisprojecthasbeenyearsinthemaking, anditreflectsthestronglocaladvocacythat camefromthecommunityitself.

Residents turned up to forums, filled out surveys and kept the conversation going aboutwhatthiscentreshouldinclude.

This has been a genuine team effort, from early community campaigns right through to council’s careful planning and partnershipwithbothlevelsofgovernment.

The outdoor pool has already shown how much locals value having access to safe, quality aquatic facilities. The indoor stagewillmakethataccesseasierandmore enjoyablerightthroughwinter.

It is exciting to see this long-term vision now becoming real and it is a reminder of what can be achieved when we and work together to advocate for what our communityneeds.

For updates and design details, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/nbacproject

Only eight brand-new homes remain at Bellarine Lakes

With only eight brand-new homes remaining in the final release, now is the perfect time to see why so many are choosing to call Bellarine Lakes Country Clubhome.

Explore our collection of beautifully refurbished and brand-new two- and three-bedroom homes, including the impressive Eden Beach design, which offers 21 square metres of stylish, low-maintenanceliving.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, open-plan living, a double garage, and extensive outdoor entertaining,thishomeismadeforcomfort and connection. The contemporary kitchen, complete with stone benchtops, ample storage, and premium appliances, setsthetoneforeffortlessmodernliving.

The stunning Belford Waters home features two generously sized bedrooms, each with its own beautifully appointed privateensuite.Themastersuiteincludesa spacious walk-in robe, creating the perfect retreatforcomfortandstyle.

Designedforthosewholovetoentertain, the modern kitchen showcases premium 40mm stone benchtops, abundant storage with sleek soft-close drawers, and high-quality appliances - combining functionalitywithsophistication.

Enjoythefreedomofresort-stylefacilities right on your doorstep. Residents have access to an enviable range of amenities including a private golf course, four-rink bowling green, tennis court, hobby workshop, gymnasium, indoor heated pool, outdoor lap pool, alfresco dining, and a beautifully appointed clubhouse featuring a cinema, billiards, craft room, library, medical suite, and even indoor carpetbowls. Perfectly positioned just minutes from the beach and only 7km from Geelong’s CBD, Bellarine Lakes Country Club offers morethanjustahome-it’salifestyle.Here, relaxation, recreation, and community cometogetherinoneexceptionalsetting.

JoinusforourOpenDayandtwo-course luncheononFriday14Novemberatnoon. Meet our friendly residents, tour our stunning display homes, and experience first-hand the warmth and vibrancy of our community. Spaces are limited, so RSVP is essential.

For more information or to arrange a private tour, contact our friendly lifestyle consultant Lisa Duke on 0447-495 400 or FreeCall 1800 255 578. We look forward to welcoming you to Bellarine Lakes Country Club, 402 Bellarine Highway, Moolap.

Bellarine Lakes: Live the resort style living every day with a private golf course, walking tracks, hairdressing salon, swimming pools and so much more –do as much or as little as you like.

Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

Jen Eddy wins writing competition for Chasing Rainbows

The winner of the Bellarine Writing Competition is Jen Eddy for her story entitled Chasing Rainbows. The overall topic, Serendipity, produced five excellent stories from the finalists, Jenny Macaulay, Christine Scheiner, Shannon Brookes, Jen Eddy and Roy Mears.

Judges’ comments

This is a gentle, weird story with a quirky and likeable central character. It features relevant local historical references, strong planning and controlled execution, and successfully meets the requirements of the topic.

In our seventh year we received nearly 100 stories, using anonymous entries for the first time. As usual we had many entriesfromourveryrespectedsupporters, but there were a lot of new faces for our last topic which provided a beginning and ending phrase for the story. Again there was a lack of young writers, a hard factor that we will endeavour to rectify next year.

- Alan Cobham

Chasing Rainbows

By Jen Eddy

“Haveyouheardoftheword‘serendipity’?”

Rory Shannon asked Ted, his newsagent. His attention focussed somewhere in the middle of Ted’s chest as he exchanged money for the Geelong Advertiser.

“Morning Rory, I’ve heard of the word, but I can’t say I know its meaning,” replied Ted.

“Many people think it’s a stroke of good luck. But it really means the faculty of making desirable, but unsought for discoveries.”

Ted frowned. “It just sounds like good luck to me.”

“It was first used by the English author, Horace Walpole, 1717-1797 in his Persian fairytale The Three Princes of Serendip.”

Ted looked suitably impressed. “You’re just a font of information, Rory. You never fail to amaze me every day with your knowledge. I told the missus about your sneezing theory and she reckons you’re absolutely right about that.”

Rory finally dragged his gaze up to meet Ted’s. “Of course I’m right; it’s a well-known proven fact that whenever we sneeze our eyes automatically shut. No one ever sneezes with their eyes open.”

Ted dropped the coins into the cash drawer. “So, what’s on for today then?” he asked.

Rory rolled up the paper and shoved it under his arm; he grinned excitedly. “The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting showers at lunchtime followed by sunshine. I’m hoping to go on an investigative reconnaissance of rainbows this afternoon.”

“Well good luck with that,” Ted laughed. “Or should I say ‘I hope you have a very serendipitous experience. You might even find a pot of gold’.”

Giving Ted a final wave, Rory retreated out of the shop. He wasn’t comfortable with small talk and Ted’s last remark had literally gone right over his head. That was why his normal conversations always included some astonishing information or statistic that was only important to him.

Rory was fascinated with rainbows. Through childhood his Irish mother had regaled him with stories of chasing rainbows and searching for pots of gold left by wily leprechauns. Of course, now as a grown man, he knew that was a fairytale. Leprechauns and pots of gold weren’t real. But sometimes the boy deep down inside

him still really wished they were. Plus, it was a proven fact that you could never get to the end of a rainbow. But Rory still liked to try.

His late father, Finlay Shannon, had beenofasimilardisposition,besottedwith facts and figures and prone to fixating on dreams and the unrealities of life. Because of The Troubles in Ireland and hoping for a better life, the family had emigrated from Ballykelly in 1982 after a bombing in their town killed 17 people. Rory was only eight years old. They settled in the tiny seaside town of Queenscliff because it reminded them of the quaint little fishing villages back home.

Finlay got a job on one of the fishing boatsanditwasn’tlongbeforeheheardthe legendsofBenitoBonito’sTreasure.Hewas immediately captivated by the story of the pirate whose ship the Relampago had been forced off course by severe weather and sheltered in a cove near Queenscliff.

Loaded with ill-gotten Spanish and Peruvian treasures the cargo had been offloaded and buried in nearby caves. That was over 200 years ago. At least that’s how the story had been told to Finlay. Over the years many professional recovery attempts had been made, but none had succeeded. The pursuit of this treasure became his obsession and chased him into an early grave.

Rory got his wish later that day as he watched a bank of nimbus clouds settle over the town.

Soon it was raining steadily, but then just as quickly as it started it stopped and a sea breeze chased the clouds away. The sun appeared and with it a colourful rainbow arc stretched across the sky.

Rory was off on the hunt, chasing the concentric coloured phenomenon across the town.

Luck seemed to be on his side today as he entered the cemetery at Queenscliff. Excitement mounted inside him and his nerves tingled with anticipation. He really was nearing the end of the rainbow.

Usually, the cemetery was a place of quiet contemplation, disturbed only by the occasional birdsong or the wind sighing in the tea-tree branches but today the air buzzed with the mechanical sound of a digger. A grave was being dug. A bucket shovel was mounding dirt in a pile and

when it stopped silence reclaimed the hallowed ground. A short man with carrot coloured hair squashed under a peaked cap and wearing a green Council overall jumped down from the machine and slid a wooden barrier over the newly dug hole. He winked at Rory. “Mind you don’t go fallingin.”Heclimbedbackontothedigger and drove away, his work for the day done. Silenceagainreturnedtothecemeteryas Rory watched him leave. He estimated that the rainbow should be hitting the ground right near the new hole but when he turned backtolook,muchtohisdisappointmentit had vanished, although he noticed the sun was reflecting a small sliver of light off the top of the mound of dirt. Rorygotclosertothemoundandscooped upthetinyobject.Itwasroundandseemed to be made of a heavy metal coated with many layers of dirt. He used his thumbnail to scrape away the dirt.

As he did so a smile spread across his face. He was almost certain that it was a Spanish doubloon just like the ones his father had collected photos of during his searching days. Could this be part of Benito’s treasure?

Rorycleanedoffmoredirtwiththesleeve of his flannelette shirt. He looked up to the heavens above.

“Well Dad, I think I’ve just made a desirable but unsought for discovery!”

Competition judges Barry Sproull, Alan Cobham, Jen Eddy, Connie Smith and Jan Sproull. (Pictures: Supplied)

Jen Eddy is presented with the Bellarine Writing Competition winner’s prize by Connie Smith.

Bellarine Writing Competition finalists Shannon Brookes, Christine Scheiner, Jen Eddy, Roy Mears and Jenny Macaulay.

LEURA PARK ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

12606035-SN21-23

Shop local in Portarlington

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Newcombe Street in Portarlington on Monday 27 October to see who was out shopping local.

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

Funky, Fabulous, Fun.

• Landmark Bellarine venue

• Innovative space

• Delicious food

• 100% naturally crafted ciders

• Luxurious grounds & vineyard

• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au

12606701-KG21-23

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

12606706-RR21-23

THE RANGE @CURLEWIS

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

• OPEN 7 days

1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au

Ian and Sandra Darling. 512957_06

Kaye Vunton from New Zealand and Tina Dahn. 512957_05

Leigh and Andrew Tweedle. 512957_07

Glenn Sparks. 512957_03

Megan Forristal. 512957_02

Sue Bartels. 512957_01

Sabrina Ranasinghe. 512957_08

Marion Wilde. 512957_04

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 Without a fixed address (8)

5 Climb (6) 10 Churlish (5)

11 Emission of energy (9)

12 Hammer (6) 13 Ultra (7) 14 Harsh (8)

15 Plaster artwork (6)

18 Rib (6)

20 Yearbooks (8)

21 Cannabis derivative (7)

24 Desired (6)

27 One of seven children (9)

28 Appropriate (5)

29 Killer (6) 30 Adieu (8) DOWN 1 Dry fruit outer (4) 2 Citrus preserve (9) 3 Faithful (5) 4 Observation (8) 6 Strew (7) 7 Banish (5) 8 Perilous (9) 9 Lazy (4) 14 Combination into a whole (9) 16 Across the region 17 Variety of hot drink (5,3) 19 Free time (7)

22 Dividing walls (5)

23 Aid (4)

25 Passageway between seats (5)

26 Small duck (4)

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, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday November 1, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben.

 0400 500 402

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 Steet, 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

Closed Friday 7 November Tuesday 11 November, 2pm-3pm: tech taster

Wednesday 19 November, 2pm-3pm: book chat

Tuesday 25 November, 11am-noon: seed saving for beginners

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 After School Program

Bellarine Presbyterian Church

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

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

The Big Read

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

 Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls

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

 5258 1150

Live music

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

Croquet

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

 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays

Portarlington Neighbourhood House Garden trail, Sunday 2 November, 10am-4pm, 15 private gardens open for inspection, $10, kids free.

 Facebook - Portarlington Garden Trail 2025

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.

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

Carpet bowls

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.

 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

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

Writers’ group

The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, on the first Sunday of the month 2-4pm. New members welcome.

 dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Spooky Sunday at the Shed

Drysdale’s Potato Shed hosted Spookfest on Sunday 26 October and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there for the frightening fun.

Pacey Liam and Dea Tassalini from CircArts Geelong. 512568_04

Darcie, Penny and Daisy dress

Charlie and Archie recruit help for Halloween. 512568_10

Evelyn Wiese paints Alliera’s face. 512568_05

Breidi Boyle with Audrey and her children Scarlett and Killian. 512568_12

A1ChimneySweep&Co0426897479

0352552584

Fronx an appealing little car

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Not sure what to make of the Suzuki Fronx. ItsharesaplatformwiththeSuzukiSwift, so it could be described as the crossover version of Swift.

The Fronx name is a portmanteau of ‘Frontier Next’ which was trademarked by Suzuki way back in 2014.

They are a bit slow off the mark but apparently the idea was to create an SUV that is widely accepted by the market with existing resources, which could explain some things.

Suzuki describes Fronx as the most comprehensively equipped Suzuki model ever offered in Australia, pairing premium styling with the advanced features you’d normally expect in higher-end cars.

Let’s see.

There’s just the one model priced from $29,990 driveaway. Premium paint adds $745 to the price; two-tone paint which combines a black roof with a second colour is $1345.

Our test vehicle was finished in the two-tone combination of Bluish Black Pearl over Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic.

Standard kit includes single-zone climate air, combination cloth and leather accented trim, leather transmission shift and steering wheel, heated manual-adjust front seats and keyless entry and start.

There are also 16-inch alloys with 195/60 profile rubber, LED head and daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition and rear parking sensors.

Fronxiscoveredbyafive-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance.

Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first. No mention of fixed price servicing.

Styling

Fronx is an attractive little vehicle.

One of those in-betweeners, not quite a hatch but certainly not an SUV.

It’s just under four metres in length with a 2520mm wheelbase and weighs 1064kg.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a smallish 9.0-inch touchscreen. It features Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, AM/ FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and generic six-speaker sound.

Separatecontrolsareprovidedfortheair, but no physical volume control is provided for the audio.

Navigation is not included and while we have objected strongly to manufacturers dropping this feature in the past, the advent of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto largely fills this role - EXCEPT that is when you leave civilisation behind and phone reception becomes patchy. Alas, then you’re on your own.

There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and 12-volt sockets in the front, plus two USB-C sockets in the back.

Fronx has not been tested for safety yet. Infact,theonlySuzukitocurrentlycarry a rating from ANCAP is the Swift hatch and it mustered only three stars.

However, it comes with a comprehensive suite of driver assist features including six airbags, head-up display, a 360-degree reverse camera and auto emergency braking.

Dual Sensor Brake Support II employs radar and a camera to detect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians directly or diagonally ahead of the vehicle.

If a collision is likely, audio and visual warnings alert the driver. If the driver doesn’t brake hard enough, brake assist

steps in to automatically help slow the vehicle.

And, if the probability of a collision increases,thesystemautomaticallyapplies brakeforcetohelpreduceimpactforceand mitigate damage.

There’s also Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Weaving Alert.

Two ISOFix child seat anchors and three top tethers are provided in the rear.

Engines/transmissions

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine develops 76kW at 6000 rpm and 137Nm of torque at 4400 rpm, with the assistance of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

It’s paired with a six-speed automatic, with drive to the front wheels.

Interior

Rear legroom is generous for a vehicle this size, but at the expense of luggage capacity.

The elevated rear seat limits headroom and rear seat passengers unfortunately miss out on their own air outlets.

Cargo capacity is 304 litres with the rear seats upright, or 605 litres with them folded, with a multi-level floor that hides a space saver spare.

It’s a tight little chassis with a low centre of gravity and Fronx handles surprisingly well, given the limitations of the simple torsion bar rear suspension.

There are paddle shifters for changing gear manually as well as a Sport button on the centre console.

In other markets Fronx is available with

all-wheel drive, but that would impact the price.

Driving Suzuki is slow to respond to feedback, or is just not listening, because the car comes with the same old transmission shift that has attracted criticism in the past.

The problem is that dragging the shift backwardstoputthecarintoDriveislikely to engage manual mode if you pull too hard, and there’s no lock out to stop this from occurring.

The result is a car that revs loudly, demanding a gear change that is not going to happen until you realise what is going on.

Putting anything in the two cupholders ahead of the transmission shift makes it difficult to move the shift into park. Seriously, guys?

The instrument cluster is basic, with old school analogue gauges for the tacho and speedometer, separated by a small informational panel.

It offers a surprising array of choices, somesuchasG-forceareperhapsirrelevant to the average driver.

Using Android Auto to navigate locks the information panel to map directions and in the process locks out the digital speedo, justwhenyouareprobablygoingtoneedit.

The head-up display is of the cheaper, flip-up variety, but at least it works.

Better still, you can actually see it wearing polarised sunglasses.

Light steering and a compact 9.6-metre turning circle make it an okay car for getting around town, as long as you’re an

undemanding driver.

But a lack of power and especially torque sees it struggle outside of town where you are more likely to encounter hilly terrain and have the need to overtake.

Engaging Sport mode is a bit frenetic for prolonged use, but you can get the car really moving quite well if you elect to change gears manually.

The majority of drivers are unlikely to persist with this option, but letting the transmission do its thing sees it slip back into a torque hole.

Thecardoesn’treallygetgoingwithoutat least 2300 revs on the dial.

As we mentioned, it’s a good chassis and could easily accommodate a more powerful drivetrain. It deserves it.

Although the driver assist features aren’t too intrusive, there was one incident where auto braking activated for no apparent reasonasweroundedadescendinghairpin bend - not once but three times.

With a 37-litre tank it takes standard 91 unleaded and with auto engine stop-start, fuelconsumptionisaclaimed4.9L/100km. We were getting 5.7L/100km after 533km - not bad but not as good as a Toyota.

Summing up

There’s a great car inside the Fronx waiting to get out. It could be so much more and is crying out for further investment.

On our wish list is a more powerful engine, a digital instrument cluster and a reorganisation of the infotainment system.

The original four quadrant system nailed simplicity, this one is just confusing. Just saying.

There is a great car inside the Fronx waiting to get out. (Pictures: Supplied)

Coutas’ flying start

By Justin Flynn

After losing last season’s Geelong Bowls Region Pennant Premier semi-final by the barest of margins, there is a sense of optimism for the 2025/26 campaign at Queenscliff.

Queenscliff lost by one shot to Torquay in the 2024/25 semi and had to work hard to hold off a fast-finishing Drysdale in the opening round of the new season on Saturday 25 October, but emerged 74 to 72 victors.

Rink3skipMitchHockingmadethemove to the Bellarine this season from perennial powerhouse Highton and is relishing the new challenge.

A meeting during the offseason with Ray Butler and Steve Sullivan convinced Hocking to play with the Coutas.

“I was just planning on having a few months off and not thinking about bowls, but they sent me a message and put through an offer to me,” he said. “Playing (against) them last year, they’re all a bunch of good blokes and you could definitely tell it was a nice tight-knit community, so it was pretty much a no-brainer to join them.”

On Saturday, Hocking’s rink of lead Craig Heard, second Barry Gladman and third Jackson Reilly prevailed 22 to 15 against Drysdale’s Bryant Howie, James Miller, Mark Neicho and Mark Johnson.

“They all bowled really well,” Hocking said.“Wegotouttoaprettyhandyleadearly andprettymuchthewholegame.Theycame back at us pretty hard, but we managed to keep our nerve and win some ends when we needed to.”

Hocking said it was highly likely his rink will remain unchanged for the season other than unavailability.

“That’s how we lined up for three of our practice matches and then obviously yesterday, so I would say moving forward, it looks pretty likely,” he said.

“Definitelythosepracticematcheshelped me get to know how those boys play and what their strengths and whatnot are. So it’s been pretty good so far. I feel like we’re all getting along together pretty well.”

Hocking praised the game of Reilly in particular. “He was probably our best by a long way,” he said.

“He’s a character. He is what he is - very loud and he bowled very well yesterday.”

Overall, Queenscliff got out to an early lead against their Bellarine counterparts although Drysdale, which is also expected to contend this season, hit back.

“Wehadafairlygoodleadprettymuchthe whole day and then Drysie came back at us in the last ten to fifteen ends,” Hocking said. “They pulled back really hard and nearly pipped us.”

Hocking said that picking up a close win against a good side early in the season was a huge boost, especially with Queenscliff playing its first three matches away from home.

“If you have a handful of those games that could go either way, if you lose them, then you definitely look like you’d be missing the top four,” he said. “So it’s definitely important to get those close ones under the belt and just get the points for the match.”

GEELONG BOWLS REGION

Round 1, Saturday 25 October

Pennant Premier

Ocean Grove 112 def Lara 44 (points

Ocean Grove 18, Lara 0): B. Pavey 42 def D. Grellet 5, T. Cromie 28 def M. Kelly 10, M. Flapper 21 def B. Umbers 19, P. Loe 21 def K. Weil 10.

Queenscliff 74 def Drysdale 72 (points Queenscliff 15, Drysdale 3): R. Butler 21 tied with J. Monahan 21, S. Sullivan 18 def M. Godbolt 15, M. Hocking 22 def B. Howie 15, B. Russell 13 def by A. Rees 21. Torquay 100 def Bell Post Hill 71 (points Torquay 16, Bell Post Hill 2): J. Banks 36 def D. Gillett 13, N. Ball 28 def K. Matthews 18, D. Cairns 16 def by D. Gercke 23, D. Kitchin 20 def B. Toner 17.

Highton 84 def Eastern Park 83 (points Highton 14, Eastern Park 4): S. Shuttleworth 21 def N. Bell 17, S. McLachlan 17 def by S. McDonald 25, David Priddle 26 def T. Balchan 18, Dan Priddle 20 def by A. Martin 23.

Division 1

City of Geelong 86 def Leopold 79 (points

City of Geelong 16, Leopold 2): J. Snell 21 def B. Anderson 17, M. Nitchie 21 def by M. Willis 25, D. Vogele 22 def C. Sproal 20, S. Tillson 22 def T. Dickson-Arthur 17.

Belmont 91 def Highton 59 (points Belmont 14, Highton 4): R. Hayes 17 def O. Landry 11, S. Davies 20 def by R. Imanse 24, J. Harris 19 def by N. Oakes 21, R. Agg 35 def M. Cavanagh 3.

St Leonards 76 def Ocean Grove 73 (points St Leonards 15, Ocean Grove 3): A. Long 18 def H. O’Reilly 16, A. Hills 15 tied with M. West 15, M. Kennedy 23 def by R. Brehaut 24, H. Dahler 20 def A. Drury 18. Portarlington 101 def Geelong 57 (points Portarlington 17, Geelong 1): B. Hirth 26 def T. Thompson 13, G. Reed 17 tied with B. Wilson 17, B. Lockyer 24 def G. Harrison 12, M. Dennis 34 def A. Crooke 15.

Scores from around the BPCA grounds

A1 GRADE

Barwon Heads 5/296 (L. Hyland 125, M. Melzer 55, D. Hewitt 44, D. Donaldson 37) def Armstrong Creek 5/101 (A. Trevean 36, B. Robertson 30, H. Hyland 2/18) Drysdale 4/121 (J. Malcolm 34, H. Eddy 32no, O. Crocker 2/30) def Jan Juc 117 (P. Buszard 60, J. Penton 25, B. Dobbin 4/24, T. Burns 3/25) Anglesea 6/223 (T. Norman 43no, L. Perrett 2/22, H. Collins 2/33) def Inverleigh 7/122 (S. Haygarth 27, D. Taylor 3/27, K. Eskrigge 2/28)

Queenscliff 0/200 (H. Illingworth 100no, L. Philp 96no) def Barrabool 6/197 (J. Fisher 47no, A. Pickering 38, D. Grigg 32, M. Kelson 27, L. Philp 2/35)

A2 GRADE Winchelsea 4/159 (S. Murdoch 53no, T. Bandaranaike 33, R. Edwards 29) def Collendina 8/158 (C. Walter 96, J. Groves 4/22)

St Leonards 9/175 (S. Cutajar 62, T. Griffin 27, S. Anderton 3/37, N. Lovett 2/28) drew with Newcomb 4/88 (T. Hapugodage 25no, P. Hassan 2/21)

Surf Coast 9/159 (R. Dawes 35, B. Tekin 27, T. Stewart 2/17, P. McGrath 2/24) def Portarlington 156 (P. McGrath 59, J. McGrath 38, B. Robinson 3/44, B. Lieschke 2/20, W. Liddle 2/22) Ocean Grove 4/185 (C. Snookes 66no, D. Roddis 54, C. Weidemann 28no, M. Roxburgh 2/28) def Wallington 8/141 (R. Faust 38, D. Roddis 2/15, T. Kent 2/24, C. Snookes 2/28)

B1 GRADE

Jan Juc 8/222 (B. Roberts 71, I. Lygo 54, B. Foord-Engelsman 3/26, B. Young 3/36) def Ocean Grove 8/135 (J. Priestley 40, A. Arnold 37no, M. Zahra 3/19, H. Harris 3/30)

Barrabool 128 (C. Findlay 40, J. Wilson 38no, D. Treharne 4/13, J. De Jong 3/19, D. Britt 2/11) drew with Collendina 5/114 (D. Every 57, J. Fuller 3/18)

Armstrong Creek 129 (R. Stoneley 54, L. Schilling 5/12 including hat-trick) drew with Barwon Heads 3/94 (A. Joyce 47no, J. Balkan 2/37)

B2 GRADE

St Leonards 7/168 (C. Day 40, H. Joyce 37, S. Singh Bhangu 32, D. Irwin 3/43) drew with Newcomb 2/95 (D. Irwin 55no)

Inverleigh 5/107 def Winchelsea 104 (R. Brown 2/6, C. Rigby 2/12, M. Spiller 2/15, C. Bishop 2/21, H. Flett 2/28)

Queenscliff 9/151 (T. Smith 40, A. Fleming 34, S. Deol 3/36, S. Singh 2/20) def Surf Coast 114 (M. Mathew 36no, N. Merret 4/34, P. Mileto 2/10, T. Hanafin 2/18)

Drysdale 6/177 (L. Cox 34, S. Kelly 34no) def Wallington 8/144 (M. Occhipinti 63no, L. Cox 2/4, A. Coghill 2/37, M. Newby 2/38)

C GRADE

Ocean Grove 9/149 (G. Scarpa 68no, W. Finn 30, R. Mulholland 4/28, N. Gnaccarini 2/23) drew with Barrabool 6/71 (W. Finn 4/7)

Queenscliff 7/173 (C. Kelly 68, D. Worn 3/23, G. Montgomery 2/48) def Collendina

Victory for Highton Blue

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Section3OpenladderleadersHighton Blue continued its good form when it hosted Moolap Black at Pioneer Park.

Highton’s Peter Duxson and Corey Hird came bounding out of the blocks to claim a rare ‘double bagel’ victory in the first singles and the trend continued in the singles with Brant Mitchell claiming a 6-2, 6-1 win.

Moolap rallied back to claim the third rubber with Joseph La Spada clinching a 6-2, 6-2 singles victory, however, with Mitchell and Hird victorious with a hard fought 6-3, 7-6 win in the second rubber doubles, they also claimed overall victory for Highton three rubbers to one.

Ocean Grove pushed into second spot after travelling to, and defeating, Waurn Ponds White. Ross Gibson and Mark Kruger kicked off the match for Ocean Grove with a 6-3, 6-2 win while Mitchell Field posted a 6-4, 6-2 win for the home team in the first singles.

The Grove’s good doubles form continued in the second with Kruger teaming with Adam Golding in their 6-4, 6-1 win while Gibson came back from a set down in the reverse singles togetup4-6,6-1,10-8resultingina3-1 win to Ocean Grove.

Waurn Ponds Red travelled to Highton to go toe to toe with its Gold team, but like their White counterparts, struggled on the day. Anthony Eyles put Gold on the board witha6-4,6-0inthefirstsingleswhile teammatesMartinCostelloandDerek Dobson posted a come from behind win 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 in the doubles. Costello successfully backed up in the second singles winning 6-3, 6-3 and Dobson and Eyles rounded out a 4-0wintakingtheseconddoubles6-4, 6-3, moving Highton Gold into third, behind Ocean Grove on percentage.

25 October.

7/166 (M. Gibbon 44, K. Montgomery 38, H. Jones 2/10, B. Bullock 2/33)

Portarlington 8/225 (S. Chisholm 90, C. Dunne 36, A. Quirk 2/25) def Barwon Heads 5/173 (M. Bell 53no, P. Vyas 2/29, N. Middleton 2/31)

Barwon Heads 240 (J. Roche 122, B. Fleet 37, M. Crabbe 3/55) def Armstrong Creek 217 (S. Baumann 71no, A. Latif 43, A. Israel 42, M. Somerville 2/14, J. Perry 2/14, J. Speechley 2/30)

D GRADE EAST

Collendina 6/129 (S. Robinson 65no, S. Rutley 2/24) def Ocean Grove 127 (S. Le Bel 45, J. Hearps 2/9, D. Atkins 2/12, H. Thomson 2/16)

St Leonards 6/212 (M. Grills 77, L. Roberts 31, J. Hornibrook 30) def Wallington 9/177 (S. Perry 57no, M. Dwyer 32, S. Annand 32, R. Pape 3/19, L. Roberts 3/25) Queenscliff 5/306 (S. Risbey 100ret, P. Rhodes 48no, P. Bishop 45, S. Smith 39, D. Gambhir 2/52) def Drysdale 63 (D. Beasley 4/5, S. Keane 2/13)

D GRADE WEST

Surf Coast 0/90 (J. Mathew 54no) def Anglesea 71 (L. Edwards 5/13, J. Hutchieson 3/9, S. Gambin 2/1) Jan Juc 9/247 (B. Camm 67, B. Mensch 36, R. Ingham 3/24) def Newcomb 132 (J. Johnston 43, N. Winkler 35, L. Smith 4/12)

Barwon Heads 3/275 (M. Johnson 102ret, M. Butt 80, C. Jackson 54no, D. Fazakerley 2/31) def Armstrong Creek 75 (D. Buller 3/13, J. McKeown 3/13)

The final match for the section saw Moolap Gold host Grovedale, but the home court advantage was not enough for Gold with Winter Section 3 premiers Grovedale too good on the day. Andre Attard continued his winning form taking the first singles 6-0, 6-4 while brother Beau and Jaylen Sachcontinuedtheteam’sformwitha 7-5, 6-2 win in the doubles.

Sach posted his first singles win for the season 6-4, 6-3 in the second singles before the Attard brothers completed a clean sweep with a 6-1, 6-2 win. The team moved into fourth, only one point behind Ocean Grove and Highton Gold.

Ocean Grove’s Craig Rippon, Tony Joel, Peter Loe and Max Rowley watch as they win the end in the opening round against Lara on Saturday.

(Ivan Kemp) 510899 _14

Moolap’s Les Phillips in action (top), and Highton’s Brant Mitchell goes for the forehand. (Pictures: Supplied)

The Voice takes a look at all Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association games played on Saturday

Grovers home under Dome

Ocean Grove began the new Geelong Bowls Region Premier Division season with a big win against newly promoted Lara under the brand new Dome at home on Saturday 25 October and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

Craig Rippon leads off for Ocean Grove. 510899_01

Max Rowley tries the forehand. 510899_04

Peter Loe bowls to get close with Lara holding the shot. 510899_08

Hayley O’Reilly in action. 510899_17

Left: Jason Bertrand goes the backhand. 510899_19 Centre: Wayne Frith looks for position. 510899_31 Right: Wayne Frith looks for position. 510899_31 Tony Joel concentrates on his line. 510899_06

Zak Abro watches his line. 510899_21

Matt Flapper is all concentration. 510899_23

Andy Forster leads off. 510899_30

Josh Rudd looks to consolidate the end. 510899_32

Tyson Cromie skipped his rink to a 28-10 shot win. 510899_35

Grove beats local rivals

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday 25 October to see Ocean Grove defeat Wallington in A2 Grade of Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association.

Luke Roebuck-Stewart sends one down. 510982_03

Mitchell Sleeman in action. 510982_04

Above: Dan Roddis hits out. 510982_06 Below: Both Dan Roddis and Jack Davies miss this delivery. 510982_09

Campbell Snookes (66 not out) hits this delivery to the boundary. 510982_07

Left: Max Roxburgh walks back to his mark. 510982_12

Dane Wise-Graham takes the catch to dismiss Dan Roddis. 510982_21

Heath Farnsworth turns at the top of his mark. 510982_22

Connor Weidemann makes it home for a quick single. 510982_26

Connor Weidemann cuts behind point. 510982_27

Dan Roddis evades a Max Roxburgh bouncer. 510982_15

200-run stand for Couta pair

By Justin Flynn

An unbeaten double-century partnership got Queenscliff’s Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade season back on track after a winless opening three rounds.

Captain Hayden Illingworth and fellow opener Lochie Philp chased down Barrabool’sscoreof6/197allbythemselves in an impressive response.

It was only a matter of time before Queenscliff got onto the winner’s list even thoughitlostitsfirstthreegames.Thesigns have been there, particularly the batting, with totals of 188, 186 and 192.

On Saturday 25 October at Queenscliff, Illingworth (100 not out) and Philp (96 not out) timed their run chase to perfection after being 0/61 after 20 overs.

“We had to go at seven an over after the drinks break, which with 10 wickets in hand, you might say that’s pretty doable whenyou’reusedtowatchinginternational level cricketers go at eight or nine an over pretty easily,” Illingworth said.

“We felt like we were pretty bogged down in the first 20 and we didn’t have a lot of momentum. So we had to break the shackles a little bit and that was more on me.

“I’d had most of the strike, probably took 70 percent of the strike from Philpy. So I said to him, ‘I’m going to get a move on here’.”

And move on he did with the pair getting the runs from the final ball of the penultimate over. Fittingly, it was Illingworth who hit the ball to the boundary to bring up his century. Philp wouldn’t have been unhappy with 96 not out. In fact, Illingworth said he is the ultimate team player.

“I would have loved to play just another

couple of balls for his sake,” Illingworth said.

“It was a matter of time with Philpy, though. He’s an unreal trainer. Really good attitude towards cricket. He’s the hardest worker of the group and sets a brilliant standard for everyone.”

Earlier in the game, five of Barrabool’s top six got starts, but good spells from Jordan Monahan (0/22 from eight overs), Frank Mileto (1/29 from eight) and Jordan Aldrich (1/33 from eight) kept the total to less than 200.

“It wasn’t a perfectly executed bowling innings, but we’re probably missing three guys that would usually play A Grade as bowlers at the moment,” Illingworth said.

“Soitwouldjustbeamatterofotherguys stepping in and playing a role. It might not look really pretty, and we might not be able to run through teams and bowl them out cheaply, but you’ve just got to stick to the task and keep your standards as high as possible.”

The win lifted Queenscliff from last place to sixth on the ladder with 75-over beginning this weekend. The Coutas travel to Jan Juc for round 5 with the Sharks in fourth place.

LEWYHylandpeeledoffa57-ballcentury for Barwon Heads in a massive win against

Armstrong Creek. Hyland was eventually dismissed for 125 from 69 deliveries while belting 10 sixes and battling a hamstring strain. The Heads made 5/296 with Max Melzer enjoying the best seat in the house at the nonstriker’s end watching Hyland’s destruction, but also made an important 55whileskipperDanDonaldsongot37and DarcyHewittenjoyedhispromotionupthe order, getting a quick 44 off 23 deliveries. The Titans finished on 5/101 in reply with Lewy’s cousin Harry Hyland snaring the opening two wickets of the innings.

TYRON Norman steered Anglesea to a four-wicket win against Inverleigh with a classy unbeaten 43 from as many balls. The Seas restricted the Kookaburras to 7/122 with left-arm paceman Dylan Taylor grabbing 3/23. Anglesea’s top four all got starts, but nobody passed 17 until Norman stepped in and, after a rain delay, got Anglesea home.

SPEEDSTER Blake Dobbin picked up 4/24 and Tallan Burns 3/25 to help Drysdale dismiss Jan Juc for 117 although Peter Buszard played well for his 60. The experienced Jason Malcolm (34) and improving youngster Hayden Eddy (32 not out)sawtheHawkssafelypasttherequired total with six wickets and almost 15 overs to spare.

Young gun steers Ocean Grove to three solid wins in a row

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove stretched its Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade winning streak to three on Saturday and it was a young all-rounder who spearheaded the victory.

Fresh from an unbeaten half-century in Grove’s T20 win against St Albans/ Breakwater during the week, Snookes made66notoutfrom71deliveriesandtook 2/28 from eight overs to propel his side to a 44-run round 4 win against Wallington.

“It was nice to get a few away this week finally,” Snookes said.

“I was a little bit rusty at the start of the year. Probably was doing a bit more damage with the ball, which is unusual for me. It was nice to finally get a few and get the win for the boys.”

The 20-year-old left-hander has hardly played the past few seasons after playing for Barwon Heads and Geelong when he was a junior.

“I played three games last year with the Grubbers when I finished at Geelong, I think three years ago now,” Snookes said.

“I didn’t play any cricket over that period of time, but, I’m loving it. Such a good bunch of blokes down there and we’re really excited for the year.”

Ocean Grove made 4/185 batting first at Ray Menzies Oval and opener Dan Roddis continued his productive start to the season with 54 while recruit Connor Weidemann chipped in with 28 not out from 21 balls.

“Danhasbeenworkingreallyhardonhis batting,” Snookes said.

“His body doesn’t really allow him to be a fast bowler anymore, but he’s huge for us and really sets up a good platform for the back end of our innings.”

One of Ocean Grove’s problems last season was a lack of batting depth that resulted in it being relegated from A1 Grade.

But with Snookes, Weidemann and Baljinder Singh Brar added to the line-up, the Grubbers now bat right down.

Snookes said it was “exciting how deep we bat”.

“It’s super handy knowing you have blokes in the shed that can come out and

do the job,” he said. “We genuinely believe we bat to, sort of, 10, with Corey Buxton being super for us as well, coming in and finishing it off.

“And then you got JT (Jake Taylor), who’s probably at seven or eight and he made a run a ball 50 for us (in round 2) and got us out of a pretty tricky situation.”

In reply, Wallington never got any momentum with Snookes applying the pressurealongwithfellowslowbowlerTom Kent (2/28 off eight overs) and quick Zac Jones going for just 21 off his eight overs. Roddis then chimed in with a two-wicket cameo to have the Wallabies 8/141 when the overs ran out.

“It’s quite a different group this year,” Snookes said.

“A few of the older boys are saying that bringing in a couple of younger boys like myself and Connor Weidemann, Baljinda as well, has been great.”

SURF Coast won a thriller just when it looked like a Portarlington father/son duo would take the game away. Richard Dawes (35) top scored for the Suns in a final total of 9/149, but accurate bowling from Tom Stewart (2/17 from eight overs) restricted Port’s run chase to four an over. At 5/40, the Demons were then thrust back into the contest by father/son pair Paul and JacksonMcGrath.WhentheelderMcGrath was run out for 59 with the score at 6/140, Port was still favourites. But the junior McGrath fell for 38 and with one wicket in hand, the Dees needed four for victory. But Blake Robinson (3/44) sent the off stump out of the ground and the Suns chalked up another win.

COREY Walter made a superb 96 for Collendina, but Winchelsea came away with the points. Jarrod Groves took 4/22 to restrict the Cobras to 8/158 with Nathan Frye (20) the only other batter to make double figures. Shane Murdoch again played an experienced knock to end on 53 not out as Winch got the runs four down with more than five overs to spare.

RAIN ruined a potentially close finish withStLeonardsandNewcombsettlingfor a draw. Shane Cutajar (62) made runs with the Saints posting 9/175. When Mother Natureenteredthefray,theBullswere4/88 at the halfway mark of the innings.

Campbell Snookes drives down the ground during his innings of 66 not out. 510982_10

Left: Zac Jones is bowled by Max Roxburgh. 510982_23 Right: Dan Roddis raises his bat after making his 50. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 510982_18

Lochie Philp playing against Barrabool in the final round of the 2024/25 season.