Flying-fox concerns
By Jena Carr
Geelongisfacinganincreaseinthenumber of grey-headed flying-fox pups being abandoned and requiring care following bad weather.
Grey-headed flying foxes are an endangered species and rely on their mother for food and protection, but due to last month’s wet conditions, more pups are coming to wildlife carers malnourished and underweight.
BatsofGeelongcoordinatorandprimary carer Layla Merritt said she started to see an increase in abandoned flying-fox pups at the Geelong colony during the second week of November.
“Due to the increased rainfall, mothers have become malnourished because their main food source, which is nectar, is being washed off from the blossom; therefore, their food source isn’t available,” she said.
Flying foxes are nomadic and play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal, so we’re committed to keeping Eastern Park a safe place for them - Layla Merritt
“They are unable to sustain their pups... so mums are making that decision, as they can’t carry their pups for a long distance, to abandon their pups in the colony to search for food.
“They could be left in the canopy of a tree for a week or two before they would end up starvingtodeathifthey’renotpreyedupon or pass away from hypothermia first.”
Ms Merritt said she was concerned that more flying-fox pups could die or be abandoned if the region continued to experience wet weather.
“If our weather does continue to be quite wet over spring, we will likely find they will change their patterns and may not come here at all to set up their nurseries,” she said. “It will be quite detrimental to our ecosystems if that does happen, but they’re
going to learn at some point that Victoria might not be a good place to have their baby if there’s not going to be food.”
City of Greater Geelong acting executive director of city infrastructure Amanda Locke said council was doing what it could to look after the region’s flying foxes and encouragedthecommunitytodothesame.
“Flying foxes are nomadic and play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal, so we’re committed to keeping Eastern Park a safe place for them,” she said.
“We’ve set up an exclusion zone around the camp, paused non-essential work, added signs to remind people to keep their distance, and are doing regular
checks in line with DEECA’s advice.
“The community can help by checking backyard fruit-tree netting to make sure it’s safe for wildlife. If you can poke your finger through the mesh, it’s likely illegal and can harm wildlife.
“Planting native tree species like eucalyptus, paperbarks, grevilleas and banksias also helps provide food sources and supports the health of our local biodiversity.”
If anyone finds a flying fox pup or adultalone,theyshouldnevertouch it and instead should call a wildlife organisation such as DEECA.
Bats of Geelong coordinator and primary carer Layla Merritt with older flying-fox pups. (Ivan Kemp) 523693_01 Inset: Winnie, a 10-week old pup. 523693_03
Dove shop reopened
By Jena Carr
An Ocean Grove opportunity shop is welcoming the community back with a new look and feel just four months after it wasclosed.
Ocean Grove Uniting Church’s Dove OpportunityShopreopenedon9December withafresh-facedandrebrandedfacility.
Church and outreach administrator Silvana Kerin said the reopening was focused on the future and renewal of the shop.
“We had a big day, and our takings were more than any day in the previous 12 months,soitwasverysuccessful,”shesaid.
“This is the church’s connection to community and how they give back, so it’s really important to them that it’s operationalandthatitgoeswell.
“It’s just a combination of relief and excitement as well as this sense of being confident about the future of the op shop, whose hands it’s in and how it’s going to operateinthefuture.”
Ms Kerin said a big aim of the shop was to continue raising money that would go towardsregionalgroupsandorganisations inneed.
“The vast majority of takings get dispersed to different community groups, schools and other programs that apply for agrant,”shesaid.
“Unlike a lot of other church-run opportunity shops, where the majority of theirproceedsgobackintothechurch,this istheoppositeofthat.
“The church and the congregation members are lovely and generous people who are genuinely wanting to do the right thing and have that reflected out to the community.”
The shop shut down on 7 August following issues with the Dove committee and church, along with improvement works,thatforcedtheclosure.
“Some things weren’t going well, and then the church council decided, along
with other people, that the best course of action at that time was to close it so that theycouldresetandchangetheoperation,” MsKerinsaid.
Ms Kerin said the shop will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays untilmorevolunteerscanbefound.
Christmas cheer in Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove Park will fill with music and Christmas cheer with the return ofOceanGroveCarolsinthePark.
The event will feature a full orchestra and choir, along with guest performers and a special visit from SantaonSunday14December.
Jon Mamonski will be master of ceremonies and said the event was a much-loved community gathering that has been running for more than 30years.
“The Ocean Grove Carols is the largest single event in the Bellarine during the year for families, and we expect up to 4000 people to turn up,” hesaid.
“The most important thing for people to do when they’re coming is to remember to bring an unwrapped gift for a needy child; those go to Cottage by the Sea for the kids who wouldn’tgetpresentsotherwise.”
Mr Mamonski said proceeds from the event would go towards helping Feed Me Bellarine provide food to familiesstrugglingtoaffordmeals.
“The bigger the crowd, the better it is, and we just have our fingers and toes crossed that the weather will be great,”hesaid.
“It’s a season of giving, and that’s the best part as families get together and share food, share presents and familiescomealongtothecarols.”
Gates will open at 5pm with carols starting at 7pm and entry is by donation.
Prizes: 1st $100 • 2nd $50 • 3rd $25 Prizes: HURRY!
Winners chosen across 3 age categories: Early learners (4–7), Growing artists (8–11), Skilled creators (12–16) Competition closes this Monday.
Scan the QR code to download Scan code to download the page. Color in and enter for the page. Color in and enter for your chance to win. your chance to win.
Instructions for how to submit are included on the colouring page.
Silvana Kerin, Judy Graham, Noelene Hames and Helen Lascaris are ready to welcome people to Ocean Grove Uniting Church’s Dove Opportunity Shop. (Ivan Kemp) 523630_06
Council says no to purple bins
By Matt Hewson
Geelong council has refused to commit to the permanent addition of a purple glass recyclingbintoitswastecollectionservice.
Councillors voted against the introduction of the state government’s mandated residential glass collection service from 1 July 2027 at this week’s councilmeeting.
Council instead unanimously supported an alternate motion to proceed withaprovisional,contract-basedkerbside glass collection service while advocating for expansion of the flourishing Container DepositScheme(CDS).
Chair of the environment and
circular economy portfolio councillor
Elise Wilkinson called on the Victorian government to “provide greater flexibility in the design and delivery of glass collectionservices”.
“The community is really on board (with the CDS); it’s providing resources to clubs, to individuals, to community organisations in the City of Greater Geelong, and an expansion of this just seemslikeano-brainer,”shesaid.
“The mandatory implementation of kerbside glass as a collection service… (will) increase costs and inefficiency, duplicationofallofourexistingprograms.
“The expense for the roll-out of yet another rubbish bin on the side of the
road, particularly for those people living in smaller apartments and townhouses, seemsincrediblyinefficient.”
The Victorian government’s mandated system intends to standardise household waste and recycling services statewide to address the volatility in the recycling marketsandreducewasteandlandfill.
Its proposed four-stream system, which councils must introduce by 1 July 2027, would see every Victorian household sort its waste into separate bins for glass, food and garden organics (FOGO), mixed recyclingandgeneralrubbish.
Many councils around the state have pushed back on the plan, advocating for delays due to costs or planning staggeredrollouts.
Alan walks to support men’s mental health
By Matt Hewson
A men’s mental health advocate will walk from Ballarat to Geelong to raise awareness of a special event this month.
Ballarat man Alan Thorpe will follow up his nearly 800km walk to Canberra last month with one-day, 90km trek from his home town to Geelong ahead of speaking at the fourth annual Men’s Mental Health Family Fun Day at the Geelong Showgrounds on 21 December. Mr Thorpe’s advocacy, which has included raising more than $80,000 for mental health services through longdistance walks from Ballarat to Canberra
and Adelaide, stems from his own lived experience of mental health issues.
Having experienced the breakdown of his marriage, not having custody of his children, homelessness and the loss of his business, as well as suffering from bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD, Mr Thorpe said walking had saved his life.
“Every day can be a tough time, walking is just how I push through it,” he said.
“Withinacoupleofmonths(ofstarting to walk) I was doing 20km-plus and I thought, yeah, I’m going to walk to raise awareness for men’s mental health.
“Every three hours in Australia a man takes his own life. It’s a bigger tragedy than road tolls, it’s an emergency that needs to be assessed really badly.
“I still have my days, don’t get me wrong, but walking’s done me the world of good, and my physical fitness also.”
The free family fun day, organised by local men’s mental health advocate Troy Koerntjes, will bring together families, community groups and advocates, as well as offering carnival rides, market stalls, live music and entertainment and a bike, car and ute show.
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/events to find out more.
Community to have more budget input from 2026 onwards
Community members will have more say in the council budget than ever before from 2026.
CityofGreaterGeelongwillimplement a new approach next year, giving the public the chance to shape the budget from the beginning of council’s process rather than near the end.
A budget discussion paper will be released to the community for consultation in mid-February, with members of the public able to make submissions until April.
After reviewing public submissions
and comments, the City will then engage with targeted engagement from midApril until the final budget is presented before the end of June.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the new model, which has been successfully adopted by other municipalities around the state, was about bringing the community into the budgetary process earlier.
“Council budgets are extremely complex, as the community is entitled to expect sustainable delivery for the 30 serviceswhichcouncilprovides,”hesaid.
Councillor Emma Sinclair commended the motion to join the growing ranks of dissentingmunicipalities.
“I also support the City of Greater Geelong continuing its advocacy, alongside the 30 other councils, to call on the Victorian government to review the purple-bin rollout,” she said. “When this (idea)wasintroduceditmighthavebeena littlemorelogical,butthatwaspriortothe introductionoftheCDS,whichwe’veseen hasbeenincrediblysuccessful.
“It puts money back into our local community rather than introducing new bins, which is an incredible burden on ratepayersinacost-of-livingcrisis.”
Enjoy a festive morning tea
The region’s biggest Christmas Morning Tea will return to Hamlyn Heights next week with food, music, activities and a visit from the jolly manhimself.
Vines Road Community Centre will host the free community celebration, with people across the region invited to come along and connectwithothers.
Executive officer Sally-Ann Muller saidtheeventwasinitsfifthyearand that it was “getting bigger and better everyyear”.
“Peoplearesoisolatedthesedays, and this is a way to combat isolation and bring people together for a good party,”shesaid.
“This is a chance for us to bring the community together and...we alsousetheoccasiontocelebrateour volunteersandgivethemagift.
“It’s a free community event, and it’s designed to mark the end of the year and create opportunities for genuine connections with our community.
“We’re going to have complimentary catering, live music, lucky door prizes for both kids and adults, a couple of pop-up stalls and a visit from Santa, who will be handingoutlollies.”
The Christmas Morning Tea event will be held from 10.30am to noon on Wednesday 17 December, with a grant from City of Greater Geelong helpingfundtheevent.
“Bringing the community into the conversationearlierwillhelpustohavea budget that is shaped by the community, for the community.”
Finance portfolio chair councillor Andrew Katos said the community should look out for the next steps after the Christmas break.
“We will be communicating further at the start of 2026 about how to get involved,” he said.
“To ensure your voice is heard and the 2026-27 budget represents you, keep following yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.
Ms Muller said another benefit of theeventwastoshowthecommunity whatprogramsandclasseswereheld at the centre, with more than 60 programsavailablenextyear.
“That way we can promote connection and togetherness, and most of our programs are either free orverycheap,”shesaid.
“People come in, and they can see what’s happening, and they can look to the new year and consider trying outanewclass.”
Adam Thorpe and Troy Koerntjes are ready for Men’s Mental Health Family Fun Day next weekend. (Ivan Kemp) 523541_01
Santa made a special visit to Vines Road Community Centre ahead of the Christmas Morning Tea. (Ivan Kemp) 523117_01
Council seeks more funds
Councillors have approved plans to build a new recreation reserve in one of Geelong’s fastest growing areas but have warned the facility will cost ratepayers millions unless the council can find further sources of funding.
Geelong council passed the Coastside Drive Recreation Reserve Master Plan, which details a project to provide sports fields, a playground and community spaces at 530 Horseshoe Bend Road, Armstrong Creek.
The draft plan for the 13.5-hectare council-owned site received strong support through a wide-reaching community
engagement process.
However, councillor Anthony Aitken said while the master plan “highlights fantastic outcomes” for the Armstrong Creek community, “all of the components are not funded”.
“We can’t just be a city that builds houses…the demands and expectations of the community (include) public open space and organised community sport areas,” he said. “The challenge that we’ve got for this particularproposal…isthatStage1isabout $18 million, of which only $12 million is coming from developer contributions.
“The broader Geelong community, just
Torquay hockey pitch now open
Torquay’s Banyul-Warri Fields hockey pitchisnowopentoenablemoreaccessible and convenient games and training in the future.
The new state-of-the-art pitch was opened on 10 December and features artwork by Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole stitched into the pitch’s surface.
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton said the pitch would be a “treasured and much-loved venue” for the community.
“I love seeing people of all ages and abilities participating in their sport, and now we get to add hockey to the mix,” she said. “There’ll be a whole lot of economic benefits that the hockey pitch brings because there’ll be teams travelling to Torquay to participate in hockey.
“I know the Surf Coast hockey community has advocated for this for such
a long time, and it’s so wonderful that we’re now able to deliver on their dream.
“The hockey pitch is a welcome addition to the busy Banyul-Warri Fields precinct, which continues to grow as an important place for community connections and wellbeing.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said she couldn’t wait to see Torquay’s hockey community make the pitch their own.
Torquay Tornadoes Hockey Club vice president Andrew Crowley said their world-class new home was a “true game changer” for the club’s members and broader community.
“With the shire’s long-term support, we’ve grown from one junior team in 2010 to a strong club across women’s, men’s, and junior competitions,” he said.
for Stage 1, is being asked to contribute $6 million towards this particular project.”
Charlemont Ward councillor Emma Sinclair, who presented the plan to the council group, said the approved document gave the City a “piece of collateral” that could be used to seek further funding.
“We can use (that) to go out to funders, to places like the state government, to ask for help closing that $6 million gap,” she said.
“There is significant investment that we will be making, but we can also look to creative solutions.”
The master plan itself recommends a number of funding opportunities through
state and federal government programs.
OneofthoseistheVictoriangovernment’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, which helps municipalities deliver new and upgraded infrastructure for community facilities such as lighting.
The federal government’s National Sport Participation Grants also provide funding to increase women and girls’ participation in sport, including through facility enhancements that remove barriers to participation.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and expected to be completed in 2028.
Mayor Libby Stapleton and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney with young members of Torquay Tornadoes. (Ivan Kemp) 520844_11
Archie helps others
By Jena Carr
Torquay’s Archie Kwiez is the face of children’s charity Variety Victoria’s Christmas Appeal to help support kids in need.
The13-year-oldwasbornprematurelyat30 weeks and diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL), a type of brain injury, following a cranial ultrasound.
Mum Natalie Kwiez said doctors found a loss of white matter, which is the brain’s communication network, leading to his PVL diagnosis, which “later comes under the umbrella of cerebral palsy”.
“A lot of kids who have issues with their brain when they’re born are very unsettled as babies, so Archie would cry a lot and strugglewithfeedingandsettling,”shesaid.
“Archie has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, where his core is weak, but his extremities are very tight, so he’s got the worst situation where he’s tight on the ends, but he doesn’t have any head control.
“Because his legs are so tight, using standard walkers is very difficult for Archie to get good movement, whereas the race runnerthatVarietyVictoriafunded...means that he can move with his peers.
“Archie now loves being out and about in the community, being with his friends, going swimming, and being around people whogethimandcanaskquestionsthatgive him the ability to say yes and no.”
Eleven months after Archie was born, Ms Kwiez fell pregnant with her second son, Oscar, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was two.
“The younger years were difficult trying to help Oscar and Archie as they were from two separate worlds,” Ms Kwiez said.
“Now there’s a lot more connection between the boys, and I’m very lucky to have two great boys that are both very cute and really kind.”
Variety Victoria’s Christmas Appeal aims to raise and donate funds to help children
Made for more purpose
who are disadvantaged, sick or living with a disabilitytoreceivethesupporttheyrequire to thrive.
Visit fundraise.variety.org.au/event/ christmasappeal/home for more information or to donate.
Land rezoned for retail in Leopold
Geelong council has taken the first stepsinpavingthewayforasignificant new development in Leopold.
TheCitywillprepareanamendment to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to rezone the land north of Leopold’s Gateway Plaza and consider an application from Urbis to develop a homemaker centre, with Harvey Norman as the proposed anchor tenant.
Council will also draw up an agreement for the developer’s key infrastructure contributions, includingroadandfootpathupgrades.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the proposed expansion, supported in the City’s Retail Strategy 2020-2036, had been planned for some time.
“As our city grows, it’s important that we have the infrastructure our community needs as we move towards the target set by the Victorian governmentfor126,500newhomesby 2051,” he said.
“The expansion of retail in Leopold was called for in our Retail Strategy back in 2020, and now, we’re taking the next step to make it a reality.”
Leopold Ward councillor Trent Sullivan said the community would be invited to make submissions.
“Make sure you follow yoursay. geelongaustralia.com.au to stay informedaboutopportunitiestomake a submission once the amendment goes out for exhibition so that your views can be captured.”
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Natalie Kwiez with son Archie who is the face of Variety Victoria’s Christmas Appeal. (Supplied)
Suzie takes back her life
At first, alcohol was the saving grace for a young Suzie Browne who was struggling to fit in with everyone around her.
It all started close to 57 years ago when the then 14-year-old had her first taste of a drink that numbed her anxiety and allowed her to connect with others.
“I always felt different and that I was not connected to my friends from an early age, as I felt like I didn’t belong and always had that feeling of anxiety from a young age,” she said.
“Alcohol took all of that (anxiety) away, and it gave me a sense of confidence, as no longer did I feel like I didn’t belong because when I drank, I felt like I did belong.
“Those feelings of low self-esteem and unworthinessdissipatedonceIhadalcohol in me, and it got me from a very early age, and that went on for four decades.”
But what had once saved her slowly started to destroy her, as Suzie spiralled out of control as alcohol took over her life.
“I drank for 45 years, and at the end of my drinking, I was mentally ill, and I was physically sick,” she said.
“I felt like it had destroyed all my brain cells, and I had all sorts of things going wrongwithmybody,includingafattyliver.
“I had no coping mechanisms, I couldn’t makedecisions,andifIdidmakedecisions, they were bad ones, and that’s just the mental part of it.
“Towardstheendofmydrinking,Idrank against my will, but I didn’t know how to stop because alcohol is cunning, powerful, baffling, and it just destroyed everything.
“It becomes the most important thing in your life, as everything else becomes unimportant, and you put it
before everything.
“You become powerless, where all you think about is drinking, and it affects everyone around you, and it is called a familydiseaseasit’sjustverydestructiveto everyone in your life, especially yourself.”
Suzie stopped drinking when she was 63-years-old and was proud to announce that she is currently eight and a half years sober at 71.
“I’ve done so much since I stopped drinking...andI’vegottwograndsonsthatI spendahellofalotoftimewith,andthey’ll never see me drink,” she said.
“They’repartofthereasonwhyIstopped, because I knew if I didn’t stop, I’d probably be driving around with them in the car while drinking.
“Life’s just so simple now and so good; I would never dream of going back to the booze and all the stuff you can do when you stop drinking is amazing, as you get your life back.
“I’m proud of myself, and I still don’t give myself much credit for anything I do. I still have that low self-worth, and I don’t think that ever goes away, no matter how sober you are.
“But when I think about it, I feel very proud of myself, and I should be prouder of myself and give myself more credit.”
Ever since she stopped drinking, Suzie has reignited her connection to spirituality and continues along her journeyofrebuildingherlifeawayfromthe “homicidal maniac” that is alcohol.
“I’ve always been spiritual, but since giving up (alcohol), I’ve been on a spiritual searching path of delving into everything spiritual,” she said.
“I take on everything that I can in a
I used to think the bottle would give me those answers, but the bottle didn’t give me those answers, it just annihilated me
- Suzie Browne
spiritual manner to try to learn and delve into everything I can find, and I’m still looking, searching and wondering why we’re here and what it all means.
“I used to think the bottle would give me thoseanswers,butthebottledidn’tgiveme those answers, it just annihilated me.”
Suzie delves into her journey through alcoholism,sobriety,andspiritualityinher new memoir, The Hole in the Soul: From Chaos to Clarity.
“The book is just a raw, unfiltered and honest account of my life from when I was about five, and it’s my truth,” she said.
“There’s some hilarity, and there’s some tragedy, but it’s all to do with the insidious disease of alcoholism and losing total power over it.
“It’s a bit frightening publishing a book because you don’t know what people are going to think or whether they’re going to agree or disagree.
“Reliving some of those sad times was hard writing about, and there were times when I had to turn the computer off and go to the beach to try and get my head out of that place.
“It’s probably not a lot of people’s truth as no two people ever see the situation in the same way, but the readers are getting me, not a version of me. They’re getting the authentic me in this book, warts and all.”
Suzie’s advice for people who may be struggling with an addiction was, “When indoubt,askyourselfwhatwouldlovedo?”.
“You just have to focus on what you need to stay sober, and the rest has to go. Whether it’s good or bad, it just has to go,” she said.
“I’ve realised that to stay sober and to stay happy, I’ve got to stop having expectations of other people, because that can be soul-destroying.
“It’s called survival, and we have to sit in this pain. When it’s painful, we need to sit in it and feel it to heal it, instead of drinking, as this too shall pass.
“Just don’t abandon yourself to the alcohol, which is what happens as we actually abandon the person that we are, so just stay true to yourself, listen to your soul, and choose love.”
Visit linktr.ee/theholeinthesoul?utm_ source=linktree_profile_share to grab a copy of Suzie’s memoir.
Ocean Grove’s Suzie Browne recently released a memoir detailing her unhealthy relationship with alcohol. She speaks with Jena Carr about her journey through alcoholism to sobriety.
Suzie Browne with her memoir The Hole in the Soul: From Chaos to Clarity.
(Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 521520
Carols spread joy
By Jena Carr
Greater Geelong is the place to be for Christmas carols this weekend, with Lara and Corio hosting free events for the community.
ItwillallkickoffwithLaraCarolsatPirra Homestead from 6.30pm on Saturday 13 December, which will provide music and entertainmentforresidents,youngandold.
Event organising member Pastor Rob Chaney said he was expecting “bigger than evercrowds”fromthisyear’scarols.
“Santa Claus will come along, and there will be an opportunity for him to interact withthechildrenonthenight,”hesaid.
“One of the things that we want to do is basically make sure that the traditional element of Christmas remains, and that is having Jesus Christ as the centre of Christmas.
“Therefore, we want to make sure that those elements hold true on the night, and that includes a retelling of the Christmas storyfromatraditionalperspective.
“I love the fact that there is a sense of having the community gather together for events like this, as well as families being able to get together and enjoy the festivities ofChristmas.
“Youdon’tparticularlyhavetobereligious at all to come along because there really is something for everybody...and we’re really lookingforwardtoawonderfulnight.”
The Good Neighbourhood Project will then host Northern Carols on Sunday 14 December from 5pm at Corio Community Park. The event will feature a line-up of talented local performers, including school groups, along with a petting zoo, roving performers,andfacepainting.
Driving towards more wildlife signs
Surf Coast Shire residents could be driving past more wildlife signs following concerns over safety risks posed to kangaroos and the community.
Traffic assessments will be undertaken by Surf Coast Shire Council on Duffields Road, Bones Road, Jarosite Road and Addiscott Road in response to a petition for extra signs, which received 44 signatures.
Councillor Liz Pattison said the petition highlighted an issue of injuredwildlifeoncouncil’sroads.
“This petition has escalated within council and community about the need to really look at how we are managingourroads,”shesaid.
“Unfortunately, current research indicates that over 40 per cent of driversdon’tactuallypayattentionto conventionalwildlifesigns.
“The root cause of this petition is about ensuring that we are looking afterortryingtominimisetheimpact of wildlife being hit, kangaroos in particular,onourroads.”
Cr Tony Phelps said the region was known for its kangaroo habitats and healthypopulations,andthatnobody wantedtoseethemdeadontheroad.
Council unanimously decided during its 9 December meeting to adjust wildlife signage in accordance with Australian Standards and Department of Transport guidelines, dependent on traffic assessment findings.
Honouring your loved one at Christmas
• Acknowledge your loved one in some way - place a special decoration or raise a toast.
• Accept that everyone grieves differently, even within the same family.
•Light a candle in your loved one’s honour.
•Donate a gift or some time to a charity.
•Talk about your loved one. Remember them with love, and remember that love came first.
•Always allow time for some self-care.
Lara Carols at Pirra Homestead will return on Saturday. (Supplied)
Festival to flex its mussels
Portarlington is preparing for an influx of more than 20,000 visitors to its 2026 Mussel Festival early in the new year.
The festival returns on Saturday 10 January for a full day of live entertainment, local seafood, community celebration and family-friendly fun.
Now in its 18th year, the volunteer-led festival will take over the Portarlington foreshore with fresh mussels, cooking demonstrations, roving performers, market stalls and three lively music stages.
Festival director Ian Favarger said the event remains a much-loved celebration of local pride.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome everyone back in 2026 for another fantastic event,” he said.
“This festival is a true reflection of the Portarlington spirit, and its success is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers.
“Their passion, along with the generous
support of our sponsors, is what brings this community celebration to life and allows us to showcase our local mussel industry and the people who make this town so special.”
Visitors can expect roving performers, cooking demonstrations and the festival’s famous mussels cooked fresh on-site. More than 100 vendors will offer food, artisan goods and local products delivering exceptional value to festival-goers.
The festival began in 2007 as a small street celebration of the local mussel industryandhasgrownintooneofVictoria’smost popularcoastalfestivals.Entirelyrunbyvolunteers, the festival donates proceeds back into local organisations and has already returned more than $250,000 to community initiatives.
Portarlington Mussel Festival begins at 1pm on Saturday 10 January at Portarlington foreshore with entry $10 for adults and free for under 15s.
Waste management Greater Geelong’s ‘largest challenge’
By Matt Hewson
Geelongcouncilhasreiterateditsopposition to an incineration facility within the municipality but acknowledged the need to “explore the best mix of residual waste options”.
With the Drysdale landfill approaching the end of its operational life and the state government looking to divert the vast majority of waste from landfills,
waste management looms as one of City of Greater Geelong’s biggest challenges.
A report tabled at Tuesday night’s council meeting, prompted by communityoppositiontotheproposedLaraenergy to waste facility and requested by councillor Anthony Aitken in January this year, reflected the council’s continuing stance against incineration in Greater Geelong.
Butitalsoemphasisedtheneedtolook at alternative solutions, including other
waste to energy options, such as gasification, pyrolysis and bio-digestion.
Councillor Aitken said the City needed to advocate to the state government to spend the money collected through the EPA’s landfill levy on research and development for new technologies.
“WhatIdoknowisthatthesolutionfor addressing residual waste does not exist today,” he said.
“That’s where technology, advance-
ment and our tertiary sector play a very important role.
“The EPA landfill levy increased by 29 per cent to $169 per tonne… we’re talking about $300 to $400 million per year that could be put into the tertiary sector to try to find the advancements we need to address residual waste.
“We should be…encouraging those people that are smarter than ourselves to find a solution.”
Moveinready
Kambria Roffey and Jesse Patrick at Portarlington Mussel Festival earlier this year. (Ivan Kemp) 451995_02
Revving engines for kids
By Jena Carr
Motoring lovers across Geelong and the Bellarine are coming together on motorcycles and revving their cars to provide support to children living with cancer.
The Cruisin 4 Kids Unite Ride and Conquer for Camp Quality event will feature a day of wheels, music and community spirit on Sunday 14 December.
Organiser Michael Carlini said the event would feature all types of motorcycles and cars coming together to raise money for Camp Quality.
“We are looking forward to a good community vibe as you are getting car and bike enthusiasts together to support kids in need,” he said.
“Last year we raised around $5000, so this year we’re hoping for $10,000, but any amount would be amazing...and we’re expecting at least 300 to 400 bikes, and about 150 cars.
“We’ll try and get a big line with the bikes going first, followed by the cars with a bit of a gap in-between, and we want to show people and make a stance that we’re here for a good cause.”
Graeme McMahon has been helping fundraise for Camp Quality for 17 years and said he loved to help the charity support kids facing childhood cancer or the diagnosis of a sibling or parent.
“It’s a charity that I came across through a car event, and the first event was mainly about going to have some fun,” he said.
“Then you find out what Camp Quality does for children with cancer and how they look after them and their families; it just really melts your heart.”
BikesandcarswilldepartfromMoolap’s Club Italia at 10am and ride around the Bellarine Peninsula before finishing up at Queenscliff Foreshore Parkland, with live music and food available after the ride.
Geelong council adopts waterfront plan for the future
After a final six-month community engagement process, City of Greater Geelong has presented a clear vision for the future development of Geelong’s waterfront.
Council adopted the Geelong Waterfront Master Plan this week, providing a coordinated framework for the future planning, investment and activation of the stretch of coast between Rippleside Beach and Limeburners Point.
The latest round of community engagement follows on from extensive public consultation in 2023 and 2024, revealing what councillor Trent Sullivan described as a community “passionate about investing in this world-class attraction”.
“This is the number one tourist attraction in our region,” he said.
“People care about it, people want to be proud of it and people are excited
about the next stage.”
Councillor Anthony Aitken, while fully supportive of the plan, sounded a note of caution about the dangers of ignoring other, less glamorous areas of Geelong.
“The waterfront is well loved by Geelong, but there are other parts of Geelong, especially our residential areas, that are suffering infrastructure decline and they need renewal as well,” he said.
“This is a very good master plan…but
I will be keeping a close eye that it does not cause the prioritisation of funding to be taken away from the suburban areas.”
Councillor Eddy Kontelj acknowledged Cr Aitken’s concerns but said the City needed to “continued to invest, and invest hard, in the waterfront”.
“We will never overcapitalise on the waterfront; our return on investment will come back in multiples,” he said.
Stepintoabeautifullydesignedvillathatbalancescomfort, style,andpracticality.Themodernkitchenwithabutler’s pantryconnectstoopen-planlivinganddiningareas, leadingtoanundercoveralfrescoandwelcomingveranda. AsaresidentofArmstrongGreen,enjoyaccesstoaresortstyleclubhouseandavibrant,relaxingcommunitylifestyle.
PLEASENOTE:duetotheBarwonHeadsRoad upgrade,allentryisto
Michael Carlini and Graeme McMahon are gearing up for the Cruisin 4 Kids Unite Ride and Conquer for Camp Quality event on Sunday. (Ivan Kemp) 522677_03
International visitors rise
By Matt Hewson
The post-COVID recovery of international tourism in the Geelong region has continued, according to the annual report from the region’s peak tourism body.
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine (TGGB) reported the continued increase in overseas tourists coming to the region, with the number of visitors increasing 49 per cent from 49,000 for the year ending December 2023 to 74,000 to December 2024.
The amount of time spent in Greater Geelong by those international visitors increased by 57 per cent, while their expenditure went up from $46m in 2023 to $111m in 2024 (142 per cent).
Economicdevelopmentchaircouncillor Trent Sullivan said the “extraordinary” and “dramatic increase” in international numbers was thanks to the efforts of TGGB staff and volunteers.
“International (tourism) is well and truly back in our region,” he said.
“There are so many businesses in our region that rely on tourism; tourism’s everyone’s business, employing over 7000 people in our region.
“894 people attended workshops and classes by TGGB, building that capacity, making sure we are ready to cater to the increasing demands and needs of the international visitors. The
QUALITY CAR SERVICING
whole team down there does an amazing job.”
However, the gains made in internationaltourismdidnotcompensate for the drop in domestic visitor expenditure from the previous year.
From 2023 to 2024, the amount of Australian tourists to Geelong stagnated, dropping 0.3 per cent from 4.533 million to 4.519 million.
However, while the amount of visitors was the same, their expenditure in the region dropped from $775m to $628m, a regression of $147m.
Councillor Andrew Katos said the domestic expenditure was “the only caution” in the report.
“That’s probably the economy and cost of living pressures on local people,” he said.
“Soifwecandosomemoretoencourage local visitors to come to our fine part of the world, that would be fantastic.
“From a financial perspective, Geelong and Bellarine Tourism ran a surplus of $178,000, which is good to be in the black.
“The important thing is that the destination in our local neck of the woods tends to be the Great Ocean Road, so the more visitors we can divert into Geelong and down to the Bellarine…the better the tourism and hospitality sector will improve.”
Grant program for First Nations
Starting this month, First Nations individuals, groups and organisations will be able to apply for a new council grant program supporting projects, events, activities and capital works.
Geelong council approved the 2025-26 Community Strengthening First Nations Grants guidelines this week, which will provide $100,000 in two funding categories - grants for smaller projects up to $5000, and for larger-scale initiatives for more than $5000 to $25,000.
Applications will be open from December to February for not-for-profit and charity organisations, businesses and sole traders, with applicants notified of the outcome of their applications in June 2026.
Councillor Ron Nelson said the program would support applications delivering on the goals of the City’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“The purpose of these grants is to support self-determined projects and initiatives aimed at increasing health and wellbeing for First Nations people,” he said.
“The objective…is to overcome the entrenched inequality faced by far too many of our Indigenous community.”
The new program replaces the gap left by the conclusion of the City’s First Nations cultural heritage grants, whichranbetween2021and2024,but were paused for review.
Supporting Our Village
The Geelong community is being encouraged to help give the gift of joy and comfort to families in need this holiday season.
Our Village, which incorporated three regional charities, including Geelong Mums, has launched its Festive Appeal to provide essential items to babies and children across the state.
Our Village chief executive Ruth Holdaway said 835 children were currently waiting for essentials and that “no child shouldmissoutonthemagicofChristmas”.
“There are hundreds of babies and childrenwhodon’tevenhavetheessentials that most of us take for granted,” she said.
“We urgently need funds to help us deliver safety, dignity and a little festive magic before Christmas, and...every dollar helps turn hardship into hope.
“This appeal is about restoring dignity, wrapping children in care, letting them know that they’re seen and valued, and reminding parents and carers they’re not alone.”
Ms Holdaway said she encouraged the community to help families in need by donatinghigh-qualityessentialitems,such as clothes and blankets, or by donating money.
The charity assists more than 20,000 babies and children each year and receives nearly 50 requests for help each day.
Our Village’s Festive Appeal has raised morethan$75,600forfamiliesinneedasof 4.30pm on 8 December, with the end goal of $250,000. Visit bringbackmagic.raiselysite.com for more information and to donate to the Festive Appeal.
Our Village volunteers with essential items for families in need during this year’s festive season. (Supplied)
Four special awards
Four Greater Geelong residents have been recognised at a special International Day of People with Disability event for their achievements and contributions to the community.
Selected from 19 nominations, the winners of the Geelong Awards for People with Disability were announced at Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Wednesday 3 December.
Achievement award: Scott Price
Scott’s creativity extends into projects suchasTheDemocraticSetandRADIAL, which give communities a chance to tell their stories in fresh and inclusive ways. Scott, who was “stoked” to receive his trophy, openly speaks about the importance of celebrating disability and making sure everyone is treated equally. Scott’s mix of artistry, advocacy and leadership makes him a talented actor and role model.
Leadershipandadvocacyaward:Clare Reilly
Clare’s podcast, MS Understood, shares conversations about Multiple Sclerosis with thousands of listeners and offers practical strategies. Her speaking engagements, advocacy and fundraising highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusive spaces. She is studying to become a counsellor for people newly diagnosed with chronic illness or disability. Clare’s work shows that people with disability can lead full and influential lives.
Volunteering award: Chris Henderson Chris embodies the spirit of this award through his unwavering commitment to advocacy, leadership and support for
individuals with disabilities. His work through the Freedom Sports Foundation and its partnership with Kids+ has given young people the chance to experience the camaraderie that sports bring through the Wheelchair Sport Program. Chris strives for an inclusive, diverse and socially connected community.
Inclusive business award: Heather Thompson
Final Homes Now Selling
As founder of Life Is Worth Living, Heather creates opportunities for people with disability to live fulfilling lives, participate in their communities and achieve goals. She invests in the next generation of inclusive practitioners through her mentoring of staff and students. Heather’s vision demonstrates how small businesses can drive meaningful, lasting social change.
for hidden disabilities
Sunflower lanyards will be handed out at maternal child and family health services across Surf Coast Shire to support people with hidden disabilities.
Surf Coast Shire Council adopted the Hidden Disability Sunflower program across the shire as part of its International Day of People with Disabilities activities.
Councillor Leon Walker said sunflower lanyards communicated to others that the wearer had an invisible disability or condition and may need a little more support or time.
“Sunflower lanyards will be available for families and carers to use at Council’s MaternalChildandFamilyHealthServices,” he said.
“The Hidden Disability Sunflower is such a simple and intuitive way to make the invisible visible...and we are proud to be offering this new level of understanding, response and inclusion.
“Staff will be educated about ways they can respond to wearers – maybe just recognising that interactions might take a little more time or might require use of a quiet space.”
Cr Walker said 90 per cent of disabilities and chronic health conditions were not clearly visible, including sensory processing difficulties, chronic pain and mental health issues.
The program is being rolled out at Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre Torquay, Torquay Children’s Hub, Anglesea Kindergarten, Lorne Community House, Moriac Preschool and Winchelsea Community House.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IDPWD for more information.
Geelong Awards for People with Disability winners Scott Price, Heather Thompson, Clare Reilly and Chris Henderson. (Supplied)
Study prompts safety calls
Experts have called on the state government to act on research conducted in Geelong on harmful sexual behaviour at nightlife venues.
AresearchteamfromDeakinUniversity’s School of Psychology interviewed people exiting 18 Geelong venues on Saturday nights between December 2022 and February 2023.
They found unwanted behaviour such as leering, groping and forcible kissing were more prevalent in places that were more dark, noisy and tightly packed.
Deakin professor of violence prevention and addiction studies Peter Miller said the
Victorian government needed to tighten liquor licensing regulations to ensure venue patrons could feel safe from sexual harm.
“We need to see real action from government, the police and the venues to prioritise the safety of patrons,” he said.
“We’ve worked with great venues and police,butwithoutsystemlevelchangesall that work ultimately goes to waste.
“Dark, crowded spaces inside nightlife venues leave patrons particularly vulnerable to unwanted touching and sexual comments.
“Venuescanimprovesafetybyincreasing
lighting, limiting the number of patrons, so spaces, particularly dance floors, aren’t crammedwithpeople,aswellasincreasing the visibility of security staff.”
More than 230 people aged between 18 and 65 were interviewed for the Geelong study, including equal numbers of women and men. The median age of respondents was 21 years.
Half the women and almost one-third of the men reported being the target of unwanted and harmful sexual behaviour, including being leered at, sexually propositioned, touched, groped or forcibly kissed.
Pool facilities named after club life member
A new deck and pergola at Lara Swimming Club has been named after life member Greg Andrews.
Mr Andrews died last year and was one of the most influential and dedicated members in the club’s history who contributed far beyond what is expected of any volunteer.
Other upgrades for the facility include installation of a new accessibility ramp, in place of an elevated entryway.
Also known as Abe and Jean McClelland Pool, it is Geelong’s oldest aquatic centre, withLaraSwimmingClubformingin1963.
Bring
Geelong’s
When four-year-old Rottweiler mix Cerberus arrived at Geelong Animal Welfare Society’s (GAWS) shelter, he was scared, cold and emaciated.
With ribs showing through his thin coat and legs trembling from the simple act of walking, the dog was so weak the GAWS team could not take blood samples.
Canine animal supervisor Danielle Richens said the 24kg Cerberus was in poor condition and had endured more than any dog should.
“Our team provided him with urgent veterinary care and comfort,” she said.
“Slowly, over many weeks, Cerberus began to heal and put on weight. His
The project was funded by two Community Infrastructure Grants from City of Greater Geelong - one for more than $20,000 in 2020-21 to plan the project and the other for $220,000 in 2023-24 for construction. Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank also provided $35,000 in funding and Lara Swimming Club contributed $5000.
Lara Swimming Club president Barry Majetic said the project was first proposed in 2019.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the City of Greater
Geelong and the Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank - we truly wouldn’t be here today without them,” he said.
“The project’s completion marks the final stage of restoring our club room after a devastating storm in February 024toreofftheroof.Thankyoutoeveryone who backed our club through each challenge.”
Councillors Chris Burson and Anthony Aitken joined Lara Swimming Club members to help unveil the new deck, pergola and ramp at its Bank Street clubrooms over the weekend.
animals a little Christmas cheer
transformation has been extraordinary.”
In November a healthier, stronger and happier Cerberus received the greatest Christmas gift of all, a loving home.
Last week GAWS launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal, calling on the community to help the organisation find homes for the 400 animals just like Cerberus that will likely spend Christmas Day in its care.
“This Christmas, your support can change lives,” GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks said.
“Every dollar helps an animal move from rescue to recovering, and ultimately, into their forever home.”
Deakin PhD candidate Kira Button said many of the young women who spoke to researchers felt these behaviours were a normal part of going out.
“During venue observations, security staff were often hard to locate, either because there were too few of them or because their dark uniforms made them difficult to see in low lighting,” she said.
“We asked patrons to rate venue brightness on a scale from one to ten. For each one-point increase in perceived brightness,theoddsofexperiencingsexual harm fell by 27 per cent.”
HIPPY marks 25 years of support
A Geelong program has celebrated a quarter of a century of helping children make the leap from pre-school to grade prep.
The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a free, two-year program for children around the age of three delivered by community support organisation Meli. The program, which has been runninginGeelongsince2000,builds children’s social and emotional skills, concentration, literacy, language and listening.
MotherofthreeSarahPooleandher sonOscarjoinedtheprogramin2020. She found the program challenged her thinking and provided ideas on how to engage Oscar with his preferred style of learning.
“It’s had a lasting effect because I can see the value in play-based learning,” she said.
“That’s the approach I have with my kids now. It affects my relationship with them in a positive way.”
Ms Poole subsequently joined HIPPY as a mentor before studying early childhood education and becoming a facilitator with the City of Greater Geelong’s Best Start program.
Chief executive Robyn Hayles said Meli was proud to celebrate the important milestone.
“HIPPY is an incredible program that has supported hundreds of parents over the past 25 years in Geelong, and we are pleased to celebrate this milestone with some of themanymums,dadsandcarerswho have been a part of it all,” she said.
“We are proud to have been able to deliver such an important program to Geelong, Colac and the Surf Coast, and hope to do so for many years to come.”
GAWS offers multiple ways for community members and businesses to support its efforts.
A simple donation can help ensure vulnerable animals receive the food, shelterandveterinarycaretheyneed,with supporters able to donate toward specific items like surgical lights, cat caves and foster care packs.
Businesses can also join GAWS’ Nice Business List by donating, and people can also purchase festive eCards to send to friends and family for Christmas.
Visit gaws.org.au to help give animals like Cerberus a second chance.
Cerberus (now Moose) with his new family Rosie, Izzi and Sam Scott. (Supplied)
Barry Majetic (president), Margaret Kerr (treasurer), Helen Fairweather (secretary), Libby Bate (LDCE Ltd), Kath Andrews (wife of Greg Andrews), Natalie Candy (LDCE Ltd), Scott Thompson (former president), Cr Anthony Aitken, Cr Chris Burson. (Supplied)
Creative girls shine
By Matt Hewson
Thecommunitycelebratedthelatestcropof clever and creative participants in the Girls as Leaders in STEM (GALS) program this week.
Held at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Estate on Wednesday 10 December, the GALS program presented the work of studentsfromthreelocalschools-Belmont HighSchool,KardiniaInternationalCollege and St Margaret’s Primary School - to the public.
Throughout the course of the semester, students from years five to eight worked with their teachers to find STEM solutions to issues important to the girls, their communitiesandtheworld.
Their projects included a portable ramp to provide more accessibility to people with disability, weighted blankets for pets experiencing anxiety and a combined medicine and drink holder for people who regularly need to take medication.
Deakin University School of Education professors Linda Hobbs and Linhua Xu, who have co-led the GALS program since itsinceptionin2018,saiditwasgreattosee studentsrecognisedfortheirwork.
“There’ssomuchenergyintheroom,and theparentsaresoproudoftheirkidsandso thankful that their daughters have had this opportunity,”ProfHobbssaid.
“We want the girls to be proud of what they know. Being a leader means knowing something really well so you can communicate it to others, and when they gettopresenttheirworkit’sastrongidentity momentforthem.”
ProfXusaidthepubliclauncheventwasa
Belmont High School students Alice Farran, Kayla Ballard and Lexie Hyatt with their GALS certificates. (Ivan Kemp) 523169_01
meaningfuloccasionforthestudents.
“It’s a time to celebrate how much they have grown, what they achieved and also the mistakes they made and learned
from,”shesaid.
Visit stem-gals.org for more information on how to participate in GALS or become a philanthropicordeliverypartner.
Young councillors deliver report
TheinsightofGeelong’syoungpeople was on display at this week’s council meeting when the City’s Youth Councildelivereditsfinalreport.
Presented by junior mayor Ayush Singh, the report included personal reflections, an outline of Youth Council’s meetings and activities in the last three months and advice and recommendations on issues impactingGeelong’syoungpeople. That advice included establishing a youth-specific grants stream, investigating the possibility of a vape-andsmoke-freezoneincentral Geelong, providing opportunities for young people to exercise their voice and participate in civic life and introducing free public transport for peopleaged17andunder.
In his final address, junior mayor Singh said he would treasure the skills he had developed through the YouthCouncilforyearstocome.
“This past year has been truly life-changing, and I could not be moregratefultohavebeenpartofthe YouthCouncilprogram,”hesaid.
“I am sure I speak for all Youth Council members when I say we are grateful for all the mentoring you (councillorsandstaff)havegivenus.”
CouncillorRowanStorysaid“we’re very proud of our Youth Council and what they do, and also of the officers who assist them in getting to this higher level of understanding what it means to be involved in governing a complexentitylikeacity.”
Musical on the high seas
Local piano man Andy Pobjoy is one of Geelong’s best loved and most well known entertainers.
Owner and manager of the vibrant and inclusive Piano Bar, where he can often be found delighting crowds from behind the keyboard, Pobjoy is a veteran of the cruise ship entertainment world.
His experiences tickling the ivories while sailing across the world, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, form the backbone of his new musical theatre work Sail Away - The (Lockdown) Cruise Musical.
Pobjoy will unveil his new musical for the first time on Monday 15 December at
the Piano Bar, delivering a live reading with the full cast of local performers.
“Piano Bar Geelong exists because I fell in love with music, with people, and with storytelling while performing as a piano-bar entertainer on ships many years ago,” he said. “Now, as someone who headlines on multiple luxury cruise lines each year, I’ve continued to hear stories that deserve to live in a musical.
“Andwhenthepandemichit-whencrew weretrappedatseaunsureiforwhenthey’d get home - I knew this was something I had to write.”
The new work, which features 16 original songs written by Pobjoy, has been
supported by Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine’s Ignition grant program.
Exploring what life is really like for those working on cruise ships, the musical follows six crew members whose lives collide as the world goes into crisis.
“SailAwayshowsthejoyandabsurdityof cruise life,” Pobjoy said.
“But it’s also about what happened when the world closed its doors and crew suddenly found themselves stuck at sea with no way home. Those stories deserve to be told with honesty, humour, and heart.”
Visit eventbrite.com.au/o/piano-bargeelong-8174129156 for tickets and more information.
Get your funk on with The Mojae at the Barn this weekend
Sometimesthingsarejustmeanttobe.That’s certainly how it felt to singer-songwriter Jennifer Jae when she walked into A&B MusicinGeelongafternearly20yearsoutof the music scene.
Jae walked into the music store in April, 2023 on a whim and began chatting with a staff member, enquiring if he knew any guitarists who might be interested in playing some soul, funk and blues music.
As it turned out, that staff member, Tim Fogarty,wasbothaguitaristandinterested.
“We started jamming after that and did a few gigs as a duo, but the main goal for me wastotrytogetmyoriginalstuffintoaband format,” Jae said. “It was the two of us for
about a year and then we started looking for other band members.
“The most important thing was getting
FROM THE ARCHIVES
people that Tim and I gelled with and got along with, but also people that had a similar taste in music.”
By the end of 2024 the new band, The Mojae, had solidified, with bassist Tom Lyons and drummer Joel Williams joining in quick succession.
The band currently has an album in the works and hopes to hit the festival circuit next year and begin broadening their audience.
For Jae, who moved from her childhood home of Kalgoorlie to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, returning to music after a break of more than 15 years has been uplifting.
The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives
18 years ago
7 December, 2007
Building approvals dropped almost 20 per cent in City of Greater Geelong last year amid housing industry concerns that limited land supply was hitting affordability.
City of Greater Geelong issued 1117 approvals valued at $246.9 million in the 12monthstoJune,2007,fora19.9percent drop on the previous year, according to the City’s Economic Indicators Bulletin released this week.
12 years ago 13 December, 2013
Geelong’s council has split with Committee for Geelong, finally ending a meddling and fractious relationship, accordingtoformermayorBarbaraAbley. Council decided this week to allow its membership of the committee to lapse, citing the committee’s new corporate structure as a public company.
6 years ago 13 December, 2019
Geelong is suffering growth pains as infrastructure and services lag behind the city’s rapidly expanding population, according to municipal alliance G21 and ratepayers.
“Infrastructureisnotkeepingpacewith growth,” said Elaine Carbines, G21 chief executive officer (CEO).
“Musichasalwaysbeensuchanimportant thing in my life,” she said.
“Without even really verbalising it or knowing it as a kid, it was the thing that made me happy. If I spent time on my own, I’d be in my room with the tape player going and singing along.
“Dad was a big country music listener, so there was a lot of Linda Ronstadt and Dusty Springfield around me growing up. And I thinkthathasinfluencedmeprobablymore than I realise.”
The Mojae are at the Barn at the Barwon Club on Sunday 14 December from 2pm to 5pm. Visit doublepevents.com.au for tickets and more information.
1 year ago 13 December, 2024
In its first substantive meeting the new Geelong council, dominated by Liberal party affiliates, has dealt a blow to Geelong’s First Nations community by beginning the process to roll back changes surrounding January 26 introduced in 2023. In front of a packed and emotion-charged gallery, Geelong councillors spent the majority of Tuesday night’s meeting debating Councillor Eddy Kontelj’s motion to direct City chief executive Ali Wastie to prepare a report detailing the process for confirming support for the date for Australia Day.
Andy Pobjoy and the cast of his new musical Sail Away. (Supplied)
Funk/soul band The Mojae hit the Barn at the Barwon Club this weekend. (Supplied)
Riders give their all
Barwon Heads cyclists have endured gruelling conditions to raise money for charity.
NinemembersofBarwonHeadsCycling Club raised nearly $29,045 for local charity organisation Give Where You Live Foundation through the fourth annual BridgetoBridge,a900kmridefromAlbury toBarwonHeads.
Their nine-day route took them through the Victorian High Country to Lakes Entrance, where the riders turned west through Gippsland before catching the ferrytoQueenscliffandridingintoBarwon HeadsonSunday16November.
Club member Steve D’Andrea said even riding through freezing conditions at Mt Hotham, the riders were delighted to supportthefoundation.
“Itwasapleasuretosharetheexperience with the group and raise funds for Give WhereYouLive,”hesaid.
“Although some days were a challenge, especiallywhenitsnowed,thecamaraderie and encouragement contributed to a fantastic event. It’s the least we could do forourcommunity. Wecouldn’thavedone it without the support of our sponsors, the localcommunity,friendsandfamily.We’re lookingforwardtothenextone.”
Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive Zac Lewis said the foundation was incredibly grateful to the club’s riders fortheirsupportofthelocalcommunity.
“We’re working hard to create a fairer Geelong and we can only do that with the supportofourcommunity,”hesaid.
“The amazing efforts of the Barwon Heads Cycling Club’s Bridge to Bridge riderswilldirectlyhelpthosemostinneed in our region. All funds raised will assist in funding our own initiatives and local programs with a focus on food security, homelessness assistance and inclusive employment.”
Safer cycling for Surf Coast
Cyclists across Surf Coast Shire can participate in a free council trial to help make the region’s roads more bike-friendly.
Two hundred local riders will be selected to participate in a 12-month trial to help Surf Coast Shire Council better understand cyclists’ experiencesacrossroadsandpaths.
Councillor Phoebe Crockett said each participant in the trial will receiveafreesmartbikelightthatwill collectdataduringeachcyclist’sride.
“We are looking for all types of cyclists, families and kids riding to school, newbies, commuter cyclists, fair-weather cyclists and training cyclists,” she said. “It’s time for everyone to get involved, and we can now offer these lights to more cyclists and collect data shire-wide...and the lights are easy to attach onto any bike andcollectdatawhileyouride.
“We participated in a previous project, with 50 cyclists and focused on Torquay roads...and this data has played a key role in helping to shape the design and scope for the current FischerStreetprojects.”
Data collected from the trial will help council to improve cyclist safety, guide future road upgrades and strengthen funding applications for bettercyclinginfrastructure. Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ SmartBikeLightTrial to apply to participate in the trial by 9 January 2026.
Barwon Heads Cycling Club raised nearly $30,000 for local charity Give Where You Live. (Supplied)
Wine award winners crowned
Jack Rabbit won the overall best wine at the 2025 Geelong Wine Show awards for its 2024 chardonnay.
The judging panel, led by Chair Matthew Brooke (Crown Melbourne), selected a diverse range of winners that highlight both signature varieties and emerging styles.
Oakdene’s Liz and Bernard Hooley were inducted into the Geelong Wine Hall of Fame.
More than 200 entries were submitted for the awards.
Best Wine in Show: Jack Rabbit Vineyard 2024 chardonnay
Most Successful Exhibitor: Oneday Estate
Bestchardonnay: Jack Rabbit Vineyard 2024 chardonnay
BestpinotnoirOakdene: 2024Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir
Best shiraz: Mermerus 2024 Tom Tom shiraz
Best sparkling: Terindah Estate 2022 Méthode Traditionnelle pinot noir, chardonnay
BestroséMulline: 2025 rosé
Bestotherwhitewine: ScotchmansHill 2025 sole albarino
Bestotherredwine: Provenance Wines 2021 nebbiolo
Wine of Provenance: Provenance Wines 2023, 2018, 2015 Geelong shiraz
Jack Rabbit Estate’s David and Lyndsay Sharp with winemaker Nyall Condon won best wine overall. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 522408_10
Best sparkling winner Cate Slattery and Robyn Johnson from Terindah Estate and Provincial Media’s John Zabiegala. 522408_01
Jack Rabbit winemaker Nyall Cordon accepts the trophy for best chardonnay from Sam Vogel. 522408_02
Robin Brockett winemaker at Scotchmans Hill won best other white wine and The Davidson’s Anthony Brain. 522408_03
Mulline Wine winemaker Ben Mullen accepts the best rosé award from the Novotel’s Jake Shelberg. 522408_04
Oakdene wine director Steven Paul with the best pinot noir trophy with Geelong Cellar Door’s Jon Helmer. 522408_05
Mermerus Vineyard’s Paul and Jennifer Champion won best shiraz. 522408_06
Provenance Wines winemkaer Sam Vogel with the Wine of Provenance trophy. 522408_07
Oakdene’s Liz and Bernard Hooley were inducted into the Geelong Wine Hall of Fame. 522408_08
Sam Murray, owner and winemaker at Oneday Estate accepting the trophy for the Most Successful Exhibitor from Labelhouse’s Steve
The Guide
Sail away: Sam Claflin stars as Edmond Dantès in TheCount ofMonte Cristo
PICK OF THE WEEK
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO SBS Viceland, Saturday, 8.30pm
Sam Claflin (DaisyJones&theSix) and acting icon Jeremy Irons lead an impressive cast for this epic eightepisode interpretation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1846 novel. The men are cast as prisoners on a forbidding island off the coast of Marseilles. They spend five years chipping away at the mortar between them, with the elder Abbé Faria (Irons) educating Edmond Dantès (Claflin) in multiple subjects before his death gives the younger man a chance to escape. Armed with Faria’s knowledge of a vast treasure, Dantès makes for the island of Monte Cristo to claim his fortune. Boasting epic fight scenes, revenge, romance and profound moments, this historical drama has something for everyone.
BILL BAILEY’S VIETNAM ADVENTURE SBS, Monday, 7.35pm
As far as travel companions go, English comedian Bill Bailey (pictured) has to be up there with the zaniest, most affable and entertaining offsiders to hit the road with. Keen to immerse himself in local life, the BlackBooks star jams with musicians, meditates with monks and enthusiastically connects with the Vietnamese people in this six-part travelogue. Returning to Vietnam a decade after his first visit, Bailey is intrigued by how the country has changed in recent years, but also determined to know more about its ancient stories and history. In this final episode, he sets sail in a traditional boat and weaves through the limestone karsts and mythical waters of Ha Long Bay.
POH COOKS MALAYSIA 10, Tuesday, 8.30pm
CRICKET: BIG BASH LEAGUE
Seven, Sunday, 7pm
The summer of cricket is now in full swing, treating fans to action left, right and centre. Between Saturday night’s WBBL final, the third Ashes Test commencing in Adelaide tomorrow and the electrifying action of the Big Bash League beginning tonight, cricket lovers are spoiled for choice by the sport’s overlapping fixtures. Live from the Furnace, the first match-up of the Big Bash season pits the Perth Scorchers against the Sydney Sixers. After an early exit in BBL14, the Sixers (aided by new signing, Pakistani superstar Babar Azam) will be eager to make a statement against the most successful side in the league’s history. As cricket legend and Seven commentator Aaron Finch (pictured) puts it, “The best thing about the BBL is the unpredictability”.
Friday, December 12
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
When Poh Ling Yeow (pictured) first auditioned for MasterChefin 2009 with a fancy French dish, the judges asked why she didn’t cook a meal from her culture. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. In fact, the Malaysian-born cook, who moved to Adelaide aged nine, has spent her entire career reconnecting with her ChineseMalay heritage and traditions of her childhood. This vivid homecoming special takes Yeow back to her beginnings, exploring the tropical nation’s vibrant food scene, through markets, hawker stalls and family kitchens as she rediscovers the dishes and stories that shaped her, before recreating her favourites with fresh Aussie ingredients.
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 11.05 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Final, Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Nazca Desert Mystery. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala.
8.30 Maigret. (Final, Mav) Tragedy strikes in Saint-Fiacre.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (Final, R)
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News. (Final)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Final, MA15+a, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 10.35 Mini Kids. 11.10 Mister Maker Around The World. 11.30 Wiggle. 1.10pm Octonauts. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. (Final) 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: Drillbit Taylor. (2008, M) 1.45 Yorky Billy. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Living Black. 6.10 Bamay. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 MOVIE: Mee Shee: The Water Giant. (2005, PG) 9.20 MOVIE: Big Momma’s House. (2000, M) 11.05 Living Black. 11.45 Terra Nullius. Midnight Supreme Team. 1.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Jaws: Making A Splash In Hollywood. Charts the making of Jaws 8.30 William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill. (Mav, R) An intimate portrait of actor William Shatner’s nine decade-long personal journey.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (Ma, R) 11.40 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 1.50 Soldiers. (Mal, R) 3.35 Growing A Greener World. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Cooking Up Christmas. (2020, PGa, R) Meagan Holder. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Melissa King visits Castlemaine.
8.30 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law.
11.10 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv, R) Jared Leto. 1.15 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72)
1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 The Great Australian Doorstep.
7MATE (64, 73)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas At Carbell Family Farm. (2024, PGa) Tamara Almeida, Cody Ray Thompson. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Swimming. Australia v The World.
10.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) The taskforce uncovers a sinister robbery scheme.
11.30 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations.
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple’s house is too small. 9.50 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Brie Larson. 11.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 MOVIE: Nickelodeon. (1976, PG) 3.30 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: If I Only Had Christmas. (2020) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: Diamonds Are Forever. (1971, M) 11.00 The Equalizer. Midnight New Tricks. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 MOVIE: Laughter In Paradise. (1951) 3.30 Seaway. 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. 5.00 Yorkshire Auction House.
(82, 93)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 The West Wing. 12.10pm Pretty Little Liars. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: 10 Things I Hate About You. (1999, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Never Been Kissed. (1999, PG) 11.40 Seinfeld. 12.40am Ghost Hunters. 1.40 The Vampire Diaries. 3.30 LEGO Friends: Girls On A Mission. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Cry
6am A United Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 8.10 Living. (2022, PGals) 10.00 Breath. (2017, Mals) 12.10pm The Eight Mountains. (2022, Mals) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.45 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PGl) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 7.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, Malsv, R) 10.00 La Chimera. (2023, Ml) 12.35am Mothering Sunday. (2021, MA15+ns) 2.30 There’s Still Tomorrow. (2023, Italian, English) 4.45 The Movie Show.
10 COMEDY (52, 11)
10 DRAMA (53, 12)
Saturday, December 13
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Return To Paradise. (Mdv, R) 1.25 Maigret. (Final, Mav, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Le Concert De Paris 2025. 5.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R)
6.00 Back Roads: Harvey, WA. (R) Lisa Millar visits the town of Harvey, WA.
6.30 When The War Is Over: Afghanistan. (PGa, R) Rachel Griffiths meets artist Ben Quilty.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (PGdv) A crime writer is found stabbed to death.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after a young man is found dead following a collision with a car.
10.00 The Forsytes. (R) Soames ends Irene’s Parisian dreams.
10.55 Bergerac. (M, R) There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone.
11.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 10.10 New Zealand From A Train. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 When The World Watched. 3.25 Cycling. Cape To Cape MTB. Highlights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.35 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 4.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped. (PGl, R) A look at Wham!’s LastChristmas
8.40 Alpine Hotel At Christmas: Winter Wonderland – Christmas At The Palace. (R) Chronicles the Christmas season at the Gstaad Palace hotel in Switzerland. 9.35 Osborne House: A Royal Retreat. (PG, R) A look at Osborne House. 10.50 The Real Spies Among Friends. (PGalv, R) 11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 3.05 Being Beethoven. (PG, R) 4.10 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 4.00 Knee High Spies. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Super Monsters. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 MOVIE: The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland. (2024) 8.50 Chopped Jnr. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Living Black. 2.50 MOVIE: The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter. (1990, PG) 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 The Coolbaroo Club. 6.00 The Barber. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Black Water. (2007, M) 10.05 Australian Music Vault: Emma Donovan. 11.15 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 1.05 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Count Of Monte Cristo. (Premiere) 10.40 Snowpiercer. 12.25am Letterkenny. 1.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Annie’s Fire. (2022, Mals, French) 2.40 A United Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 4.45 Delfin. (2019, Spanish) 6.25 The Giants. (2023, PGalv) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, Malv) 10.55 Erotic Stories. 1.05am La Chimera. (2023, Ml) 3.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, Malsv)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Pakenham Cup Day, Ingham Charity Raceday and Gateway Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Final. 10.30 Women’s Big Bash League Final Post-Game. Coverage of the WBBL Final post-game. 11.00 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, MA15+lv, R) An FBI agent and a convict must break into the former Alcatraz prison to stop a renegade general from going through with his threat of launching deadly poison gas missiles at San Francisco. Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Students compete against other schools to win cash and prizes. Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Medical Emergency. 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 2.30 Better Homes. 5.00 Horse Racing. Pakenham Cup Day, Ingham Charity Raceday and Gateway Raceday. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Sunraysia Safari. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Grown Ups 2. (2013, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Kingdom. (2007, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 Our State On A Plate. (R) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer. 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 Eatwell Christmas. 3.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Airport 24/7.
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Avatar. (2009, Mv, R) A paraplegic marine finds his loyalties tested when he is given the chance to assimilate into an alien culture. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver.
10.45 MOVIE: The Domestics. (2018, MA15+lv, R) A couple search for safety. Kate Bosworth, Tyler Hoechlin.
12.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG, R) The team looks at France.
1.30 Our State On A Plate. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
12.45pm MOVIE: The Man Who Loved Redheads. (1955) 2.40 MOVIE: How To Stuff A Wild Bikini. (1965) 4.40 MOVIE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: Live And Let Die. (1973, PG) 11.00 MOVIE: The Thomas Crown Affair. (1968, PG) 1.05am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Ice Hockey. NHL. St Louis Blues v Chicago Blackhawks. 2.40 Soccer. English Premier League. Arsenal v Brentford. Replay. 4.40 Australian Roulette. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London. (2004, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games. (2012, M) 10.20 The Winter King. 11.30 Top 20 Funniest. 12.30am Late Programs.
Sunday, December 14
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
(6, 7)
9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 World This Week. (Final, R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Nigella’s Christmas Table. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family. (R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PGl, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Secrets Of The Deadly T-Rex. (PG, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Terror Whale. 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis.
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG) Seven artists return for the semi-final.
8.50 The Forsytes. (Final, PG) Jolyon decides his future.
9.45 Return To Paradise. (PGdv, R) A crime writer is found stabbed to death.
10.40 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R) 11.10 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
11.40 Nigella’s Christmas Table. (R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.40 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.10 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) Cleopatra ascends the throne despite many obstacles. 8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (PG) New Englanders rush to surround the British Army in Boston, but as war begins, Americans find themselves sharply divided. 10.40 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R) 11.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R) 1.05 Empires Of New York. (Madl, R) 3.35 Dishing It Up Christmas Special. (PGl, R) 4.30 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.55pm Knee High Spies. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Stick Man. 5.40 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 MOVIE: Niko: Beyond The Northern Lights. (2024, PG) 8.55 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG) 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.50 Bamay. 2.20 Jeopardy! 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Road To Change. 6.05 MOVIE: Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature. (2024, PG) 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Rama X: The Mysterious King Of Thailand. 10.40 Liaison. 11.40 Late Programs.
6.30 The Dog House UK. (PGa) A family of three dogs are split up.
7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) Mary and Tom saved for many years while working at a supermarket and they finally purchased their two-storey dream home.
8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (PGa, R) Mitch and Mark are searching Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the glorious Mornington Peninsula to help two sets of buyers find their perfect homes.
9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The Fugitive Task force is called in to connect a series of random poisonings before more lives are lost. 11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) The team races to find a human trafficking victim. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
10)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Beretts Tour De Cure. (PG) 1.00 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv, R) 3.30 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 GolfBarons. (R) 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 Explore TV. (R) 12.00 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards. (PGl) 4.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 The Dog Academy. (PGa) 11.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. (R) 12.30 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Eliminator round. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 12. Melbourne United v Sydney Kings. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 1. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Liam Bartlett sits down with a killer.
12.00 The Queen Unseen. (PG, R) Takes a look at Queen Elizabeth II.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Tipping Point: Celebrity Special. (PG) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge. 8.10 Events That Changed Australia: Black Saturday. (Ma) Looks at Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday fires, which claimed 173 lives.
9.20 Red Eye. (Premiere, Ml) A London police officer escorts a criminal back to Beijing, but finds herself embroiled in an escalating conspiracy.
11.20 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners: Robertson. (Mv, R)
12.10 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
1.00 Explore TV. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 5.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.00 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. 9.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Heathrow. 1am Better Homes. 2.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 12.25pm MOVIE: Hawaii. (1966, PG) 3.45 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Golden Gun. (1974, PG) 11.05 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. 1.05am MOVIE: How To Stuff A Wild Bikini. (1965) 3.05 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959, PG) 5.50 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Sydney v Adelaide. 2.30 Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester United v West Ham United. 4.35 Young Sheldon. 5.05 Dinner With The Parents. 5.35 MOVIE: Superman IV: The Quest For Peace. (1987, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Avatar: The Way Of Water. (2022, M) 11.20 Gotham. 1.15am Late Programs.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Explores the relationship between William and Harry, one being the heir apparent, with the other being the spare. 9.00 FBI. (Madv, R) The team races against the clock to take back control of a hijacked train that an unarmed OA and Gemma are riding. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 NCIS. (Mad, R) The team mourns the loss of Ducky. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
NINE (8,
Monday, December 15
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 10.25 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 MOVIE: Whatever It Takes. (2024, Mdls) Ebay harasses two small-town journalists.
9.30 MOVIE: Embrace. (2016, Mn, R) Follows body image activist Taryn Brumfitt’s crusade. Taryn Brumfitt, Renee Airya.
11.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Jenny Kee. (PGl, R) 11.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R)
12.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Premiere) 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Anthem Sessions. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Quincy Jones: Music Man. 10.00 MOVIE: Shaft. (2000, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.20 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Planet Reef. (PGaw, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGaw, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG)
8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. Comedic game show, hosted by Greg Davies. 9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr presents a celebrity special. 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 The Man Who Died. (Malv)
11.35 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 1.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.15 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 I Am Smokin’ Joe Frazier. 11.10 Question Team. Midnight Django. 1.00 Creamerie. 2.05 The Bloody Decade. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Blow Dry. (2001, Mals) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PGa) 4.55 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PGav) 7.30 Samia. (2024, Mlv) 9.30 Unforgiven. (1992, Malsv) 11.55 Glengarry Glen Ross. (1992, Mls) 1.50am Late Programs.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Coated Christmas. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 2. Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) In the face of adversity, Pascal searches for justice. Violet struggles to write a letter to Carver.
12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby goes on a date with a TV celebrity.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. 1pm Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Doc Martin. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 Late Programs.
Tuesday, December 16
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Art Of... (Mns, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Forsytes. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 When The War Is Over: Australian Wars. (Final, PGa) Rachel Griffiths looks at art.
8.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R) The final concert takes place.
9.20 The Art Of. (Final, PG) Namila Benson travels to Papua New Guinea.
9.50 The Assembly: Richard Roxburgh. (PG, R)
11.20 Escaping Utopia. (Mas, R) 12.20
A Country Road: The Nationals. (R) 1.20 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R)
2.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Planet Reef. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Glasgow To Cumbernauld. (R) 8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Paddy McGuinness. (PG) Paddy McGuinness looks at his family history.
9.40 Australia In Colour: Australia At Play. (PGa, R) A collection of colourised archival footage. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Families Like Ours. (Mal) 12.10 De Gaulle. (Mav, R) 2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 9.10 Super Shark Highway. 10.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Homicide. 2.15 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Hoarders. 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.15am Bad Education. 1.25 Count Abdulla. 2.20 The Bloody Decade. 3.15 Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Vintage Christmas. (2024, G) Merritt Patterson, Christopher Russell. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Deal
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The guides head to northern Tasmania.
8.40 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A young woman, who dreams of marriage, leaves her small town to find romance in the big city. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths.
10.50 The Equalizer. (Mav) The team searches for a missing pregnant woman.
11.40 Sight Unseen. (Premiere, Mv)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
1pm MOVIE: The Cracksman. (1963) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas. (2019) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: The Spy Who Loved Me. (1977, M) 11.15 Major Crimes. 12.15am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. (Final) 9.50 MOVIE: The Prep Room. (2024, MA15+) 11.40 Seinfeld. 12.10am The Vampire Diaries. 1.50 Late Programs.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) A last-ditch attempt to reconcile the brothers is brokered. 8.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) The team is in a race against time to find an officer who disappeared during his wedding proposal. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: My Norwegian Holiday. (2023, PGa) Rhiannon Fish. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 3. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa) Quinten’s parents visit. 12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) Danny is accused by the papers of murder. 1.15 Travel Oz. (R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
NINE (8,
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Heiress Of Christmas. (2023, G, R) Katerina-Maria Vitkoff, David William Pinard. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Chatty Cheetah. (PG) The vet team sedates a cheetah for a dental check.
8.30 Jamie Durie’s Future House. While the Quercinis and Foxes race ahead, Jamie and Ameka are still waiting for their DA approval.
9.35 Beyond The Build. Jesse and Mel attempt to renovate a heritage home.
10.35 Wild Cards. (Mv) 11.30 La Brea. (Mav, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 8.00
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. Jamie Oliver shows what to prepare on Christmas Eve. 8.30 Poh Cooks Malaysia. (Premiere) Poh Ling Yeow returns to Malaysia, rediscovering her roots through its vibrant food scene. 9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) A New Jersey mayor is kidnapped. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Miniseries: Without Sin. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: The Raging Moon. (1971, PG) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: Deliver By Christmas. (2020) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Moonraker. (1979, PG) 11.15 Major Crimes. 12.15am Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Three Amigos! (1986, PG) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 Kardashians: The Billion Dollar Dynasty. 12.30am The Vampire Diaries. 2.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia. 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 12.30am Storage Wars. 1.00 American Pickers.
Wednesday, December 17
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Hard Quiz Battle Of The Networks. (M) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (PGa) Charlie Pickering is joined by celebrities to take a look back at the highs and lows of 2025.
9.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.
10.20 If You’re Listening. (Final, R)
10.40 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 11.45 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.30 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 4.10pm Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming. 9.05 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.00 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready. 8.30 Songrites. 9.50 Sammy By Sammy: My Tale Of The 60s. 10.50 Turn Up Respect. 11.10 Angels Gather Here. Midnight Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00
PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05
Planet Reef. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco At Christmas. (R) A look at Costco during the festive season.
8.30 Terror On The Space Station: Science And Survival. (PGa) Looks at the creation of the International Space Station. 9.30 Crime. (Madlsv) A body turns up with similar injuries to another victim.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Elvira. (PGa, R) 2.15 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (Malns, R) 3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Hong Kong’s Fight For Freedom. 1.30 If You Are The One. 3.30 Fashionista. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 Travel Man. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.40 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 10.30 MOVIE: Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm Bandit. (2022, Mlnsv) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Mary Shelley. (2017, PGals) 5.35 The Bookshop. (2017, PGal) 7.40 The Nugget. (2002, Ml) 9.30 A Good Person. (2023, MA15+ad) 11.55 Crimes Of The Future. (2022, MA15+ahnv) 1.55am Million Dollar Baby. (2004, Malv) 4.20 Late Programs.
Thursday, December 18
ABC TV (2)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 4. Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers. From the SCG.
10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Kidd connects with a troubled teen interested in Girls on Fire.
12.00 MOVIE: Top Of The Class. (2020, Mav, R) A student is accused of murder. Jacqueline Scislowski, Kate Watson.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 The Duke And I. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Our Town. 1.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam Holiday Specials. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.
SBS (3)
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas On The Alpaca Farm. (2023, G) Kirsten Comerford, Matt Wells. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (PGl, R) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R)
A motorcyclist crashes into parked cars. A flight crew holds a rural GP’s life in its hands.
9.30 RPA: Jamie’s Baby. (PGm, R) In the paediatric ED, a toddler is admitted in respiratory distress after an illness.
10.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv)
12.30 Resident Alien. (Final, Mlv)
1.20 9Honey: He Said She Said. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: The Mind Benders. (1963, PG) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: Marry Me At Christmas. (2017) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 TBA. 8.30 MOVIE: For Your Eyes Only. (1981, M) 11.10 Major Crimes. 12.10am Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.10 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs.
12.10pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Arrival. (2016, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. 11.30 Kardashians: The Billion Dollar Dynasty. 12.30am The Vampire Diaries. 2.15 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal) Presented by Gordon Ramsay. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) After three men impersonating ICE officers raid a church, the Fugitive Task Force must find the men who were kidnapped. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
SEVEN (6, 7)
(8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R) 11.25 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. (Final)
8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Yarraville Pigeon. (Final) A man converts the old Yarraville Pigeon club.
9.00 Long Lost Family. (Final) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell.
9.45 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R)
10.35 The Art Of. (Mln, R) 11.05 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 11.50 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia: Family Easter Special. (R) 5.30 7.30. (Final, R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PGl, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 ABBA And Elvis In The Outback. (Ml) A country town sets out to hold an ABBA festival. 8.35 The Untold Story Of The Vatican. Chronicles the history of the Vatican. 9.35 Vigil. (MA15+av) Kirsten begs Amy to come home.
10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Vienna Blood. (Return, MA15+av) 12.10 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 1.35 House Of Promises. (Ms, R) 4.15 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.15 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. 1.30 Appetite. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Rio. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.20 The UnXplained. 11.10 Homicide. 12.55am Normal People. 2.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 5. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes.
10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with a deep dive into the world of cricket.
11.15 The Amazing Race. (PG) The final four teams race through the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower and other iconic Paris locations. 12.45 Life. (Malsv, R) A court reporter is beaten to death.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 The Duke And I. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Big Sky Girls. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Merry And Bright. (2019, G, R) Jodie Sweetin, Andrew Walker. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) The team discovers the Danube in depth.
8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water. The team challenges Olympic kayaker Noemie Fox in a rough water race.
9.30 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth: Strength. (PGa, R) Chris Hemsworth learns about strength.
10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) 11.20 Next Stop.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: The Young Ones. (1961) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: A Rose For Christmas. (2017, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Clarkson’s Farm. 8.30 MOVIE: Octopussy. (1983, PG) 11.10 Major Crimes. 12.10am Late Programs.
6am
(5, 10)
(R) 12.00
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls) Guests include Bruce Springsteen. 8.40 MOVIE: Jack Reacher. (2012, Mlv, R) A former US Army military police officer investigates the shooting of five innocent civilians by a sniper. Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Jai Courtney. 11.15 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.40 10 News+. (R) 12.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: Skyscraper. (2018, M) 10.35 MOVIE: Zombieland. (2009, MA15+) 12.35am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Too Cool To Kill. (2022, Mav, Mandarin) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 5.20 A Room With A View. (1985, PGnv) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, Mlns) 9.30 An Unfinished Life. (2005, Mal) 11.30 Ben Is Back. (2018, Madl) 1.30am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Survivor 49. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Survivor 49. 10.30 MOVIE: Within The Pines. (2024, M) Midnight Seinfeld. 12.30 The Vampire Diaries. 2.15 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs.
Empowered Liveability is building an accessible future
ThehomeandlivinglandscapeinGeelong is evolving and Empowered Liveability is right there at the forefront, ensuring that people living with disabilities have access to safe, accessible and genuinely empoweringhousingoptions.
As one of Australia’s leading Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers,EmpoweredLiveabilityhaslong recognised Geelong as a region of growth, communityandopportunity.
Led by regional tenancy manager Tanya Sexton who understands that Geelong is more than a beautiful coastal city – it’s home to a thriving and diverse disability community that deserves long-term housingsecurityandchoice.It’salsohome to half of the team, who are based around Geelong,withanofficeinLara.
For Empowered Liveability, Geelong represents the balance between city convenience and regional connection. Withaccesstomajorhospitals,community hubs, education and employment opportunities, and ongoing infrastructure investment, it’s an ideal region for people seeking independence while remaining closetofamilyandservices.
Tanya and the Empowered Liveability team are deeply committed to helping participants find homes that aren’t just compliant, they are comfortable, inclusive and built for the future. Through close collaboration with participants, families, and support providers, the team ensures that each property reflects what people trulywant:safety,accessibility,connection andcontrolovertheirlives.
Empowered Liveability currently offers a range of SDA homes across the Geelong
region, including fully accessible and high physical support villas designed with space, natural light and technology to enhance independence. These homes prioritise thoughtful design – from wide corridors and assistive technology to landscaped outdoor areas that invite communityconnection.
But the team isn’t stopping there. With several new developments planned for
2026,EmpoweredLiveabilityisexpanding its footprint in and around Geelong. These upcoming projects are set to introduce evenmoreoptionsforparticipants–homes that respond directly to what people have beenaskingfor:morestorage,betteraccess to transport and shops, and beautiful, modernenvironmentswherelifecantruly flourish.
As the NDIS continues to evolve, so too
does the need for quality housing that grows with it. Empowered Liveability’s vision is clear – to create communities where people of all abilities can live with dignity, freedom, and joy. For a closer look at what’s currently available, visit Empowered Liveability’s website at empoweredliveability.com.au and stay tuned for what’s coming to Geelong in 2026.
Participant Thai chooses his house colour scheme for his own SDA property.
Inside one of Empowered Liveability properties.
The Empowered Liveability team. (Pictures: Supplied)
BUSINESS IN F CUS
The festive season is full of joy, but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for pet emergencies.
With holiday food, decorations, heatwaves and last-minute travel plans, veterinarians see a sharp rise in preventableissueseveryDecember.
Festive Foods Christmas treats may look harmless, but ham offcuts, fatty meats, chocolate,grapesandpuddingscanleadto poisoning,stomachupsetsorpancreatitis.
Keep plates out of reach and remind guestsnottoslippets‘justalittletaste’.
Decorations and distractions
Tinsel, ribbons, baubles and wrapping are irresistibletocuriouspets-andswallowing them often leads to emergency surgery. Even scented candles and essential oils cantriggerreactionsinsensitiveanimals.
Summer heat
With temperatures climbing, heat stress is a real risk. Walk dogs early, avoid hot footpaths and ensure pets have plenty of shadeandfreshwater.
Boarding and travel crunch
Every year, Our Vet sees a surge of last-minute bookings from pet owners needing vaccinations and parasite protectionbeforeboardingtheirpets.
If you’re travelling, check requirements earlytoavoiddisappointment.
Where to get help this holiday season At Our Vet, conveniently located inside select PetO stores, our friendly team provides full veterinary care - from consultationsandx-raystosurgery,dentals
andin-housediagnostics.
Whether you need a pre-holiday check-up or urgent advice, we’re here to help.
While you’re in store, PetO has
everything to make the season easier: calmingaids,travelgear,coolingproducts, nutritiousfoodandfestivetoystokeeppets entertained.
A safe Christmas starts with planning
and knowing where to turn if things go wrong.
Visit your local PetO and Our Vet clinic at 50 Fyans Street, South Geelong.
PetO’s friendly team provides full veterinary care. (Pictures: Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Market
Royal Children’s Hospital Geelong Auxiliary annual Christmas stall & bake sale, Highton Village, Bellevue Avenue, 9am-1pm, Saturday 13 December.
Jan, 0421 772 000
Meditation & discussion
All welcome to a secular nonreligious group getting together for peace. Belmont Library, Saturday 13 December, 11am-12.30pm.
0438 785 512 or 0415 344 756
Christmas concert
Bellarine Big Band free community, carols, Christmas songs and Santa too. Carol sing-along sheets available for gold coin donation, all proceeds to Food Assist 3223. Saturday 13 December, 2-4pm, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington.
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 13 December, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Puff. Sunday 14 December, 2-4.30pm, free, but bring a small plate.
0400 500 402
Geelong Sports & Game Fishing
Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.
John, 0409 234 307
Geelong Anglers Club
Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions.
Brian, 0417 190 092, or Ian, 0470 114 787
Drysdale CWA
Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every fourth Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club.
Jenny, 0452 258 333
Scottish dancing
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes
7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed.
Vicki, 0412 762 983, or Barbara, 0419 511 781
Geelong Scottish Dance Highland dance classes for all ages Wednesday from 4pm and Saturday from 10am at Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, St Herne Hill.
Christine, 0468 311 788, or facebook.com/GeelongScottishDance
Bingo
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.
Frank, 5241 1776
First steps in music
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.
info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
Dragons Abreast Geelong Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try.
Traci, 0417 301 226, or Facebook Dragons Abreast Geelong - Juggernauts
Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to help each other sing in Welsh and English.
0413 406 433, or welshladieschoir.com.au
PlayLinks
Music and art playgroup where babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential.
info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
Grovedale East Ladies Probus Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL.
Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610
Waurn Ponds Combined Probus Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am. Maximum 100 members.
probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn
Lions Club of Geelong Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Contact below for venues and times.
geelong.vic@lions.org.au or 0408 599 962
Geelong Harmony Chorus Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill.
contact@geelongharmony.com.au, or 0406 666 737
Chess clubs
Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe St, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Rd (on Blanche St), St Leonards.
Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)
Geelong Scout Heritage Centre Meets third Sunday of the month, 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm.
0419 591 432, or geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au
Dancer’s Club Geelong Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall
7.30-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs by Puff, Damian and Anne and Kevin.
Russ, 5250 1937
Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2-4pm, $5 entry.
Val, 5251 3529
Belmont Combined Probus
First Monday of the month, 9.30am, Geelong RSL Function Room, 50 Barwon Heads Road. New members and visitors welcome
Sue, 0409 945 011, or probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com
Barwon Valley Belmont Probus
First Thursday of the month, 10am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Membership officer, 0407 333 263, or bobstafford@ozemail.com.au
Lectures
Join Adfas Geelong Inc. for illustrated lectures by art historian Matthew Martin, formerly curator of the National Gallery of Victoria.
Sports
Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.
Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights. Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available.
Maureen, 0429 397 015
Arts National Geelong Welcomes guests and members to monthly lecture series. Details of lecture topics, lecturers and venues at:
artsnational.au
Live music
Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Road Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab.
Dawn, 0417 148 493
Bellarine Historical Society Inc. Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. 1st & 3rd Sundays, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.
Ann, 0407 234 541
GROW Australia
Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong, Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Zoom group 7pm Tuesdays.
grow.org.au, or 1800 558 268
Grovedale Seniors
Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm. Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.
Julie, 0419 549 521
Drysdale Day VIEW
Fourth Friday of each month at
Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.
Margaret, 0431 636 090
Table tennis
All seniors welcome for a social game. Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Wednesdays 12.30-2.30pm.
Allen, 0433 883 116
Leopold VIEW
Second Tuesday of each month at Leopold Sportsmans’ Club at 10.30am.
leopold.viewclub@gmail com
Geelong Day VIEW
First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio.
geelongdayview@gmail.com
Writers’ group
The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, first Sunday of the month, 2-4pm. New members welcome.
dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au
Geelong Evening VIEW
Third Monday of the month, 6pm at Waurn Ponds Hotel.
Von, 0414 930 259, or geelongeveningview@gmail.com
Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays, 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.
0418 521 265
Lions Club International
Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.
Les, 0428 466 446
Grovedale Marshall Probus
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.
Anne, 0425 356 973
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.
Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?
healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au
Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.
Fortnightly
CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Monthly Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm. Dianne, 5255 1372
Carols Carol singing and guest artists, Aberdeen Street Baptist Church, 7 Aberdeen Street, Newtown, Sunday 21 December, 6pm.
Out & about at the waterfront
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp relished the chance to get out and about on a warm Monday to see who was doing the same at Geelong waterfront.
Coby Ferguson and Ella Wolfenden. 523011_01
Dave Monkivitch and Brendan Malone. 523011_02
Kim and Adam Roth with daughters Bailey and Ashlee. 523011_04
Adele Prescott, Bethany Emonson and Georgie Clarke with Ralph. 523011_05
Guy and Glenys McKay from Tasmania. 523011_06
Sisters Kelly Rozynski holding Mabel and Sarah with their children Remy, Felix and Finley. 523011_07
Marek Truskolaski and Ela Truskolaska visiting from Poland. 523011_08
Rebecca Campbell with Lilly. 523011_09
Luci Hadler with daughters Siena and Coco. 523011_10
Above: Mikaylah Ebbels and Matthew Di Santo with their children Thomas and Carter. 523011_11 Left: Farnaz Bagheri and Asfaneh Habibi. 523011_03
Oscar Suratin, Charlotte Sawiris, Evelyn Towart and Evie Villarosa. 523011_12
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team did North Melbourne defeat to win the 2025 AFLW Premiership?
2. Australian athlete Nicola Olyslagers competes in which track and field event?
3. US-born AFL player Mason Cox is set to play
4. Perth Thundersticks defeated which team to win the 2025 Women’s Hockey One Grand Final?
5. Which AFL team did Ross Lyon coach first in his senior coaching career?
6. Which Spanish golfer won the 2025 Australian PGA Championship?
HC Melbourne defeated which team to win the Men’s 2025 Hockey One Grand Final?
R360 is a proposed international competition showcasing which team
Eli Katoa plays for which NRL club?
Idrissa Gueye was sent off during a match against Manchester United for slapping which Everton teammate?
Argentina has lodged a formal complaint against which England rugby union player for alleged bad behaviour?
12. What is the name of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s iconic WWE elbow drop move?
13. Which F1 team had two drivers disqualified from the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix?
14. What happened for the first time in 104 years during a recent Ashes Test match between England and Australia?
15. Former basketball player Luc Longley part-owns which two NBL teams?
16. Performed by many athletes before major events, what does the term ‘tapering’ refer to in sports training?
17. The domed Macquarie Point Stadium has been proposed for which Australian city?
18. In which year did Mike Tyson infamously bite Evander Holyfield’s ear during a boxing match?
19. Waldi, the first ever Olympic mascot, was created for which Olympic Games?
20. And what type of animal was Waldi?
21. What was the nationality of F1 driver Ayrton Senna?
22. What is the name of the track by Blur that is featured on the soundtrack of FIFA 98?
23. Which team won the very first AFLW premiership in 2017?
24. Stephen Amell starred in a TV show called Heels, which is about which sport?
25. Tarni Brown, who recently retired, played for which two AFLW teams?
26. True or false: in gymnastics, women compete in the pommel horse event?
27. In the NBL, how long is an offensive player allowed to stay in the key?
28. Which sport features in the movie Inside Out 2?
29. The Washington Nationals play in which league?
30. How many times has Ronnie O’Sullivan won the World Snooker Championships?
Ronnie O'Sullivan
Mike Tyson Mike
1 Small hard seed in a piece of fruit (3) 3 Free from contradiction (10)
Animal cadaver (7)
Germane (7)
Extravagant (9)
Light globe (4)
Brightness (10)
Travel slowly to the airport terminal (4)
Greasy (4)
US science magazine, National – (10)
Molten rock (4)
Capital of Catalonia (9)
Suffer (7)
Hearing organ (3)
Rolled up tobacco and paper (9)
18 Ancient Greek goddess (9)
21 Thoroughfare (6)
22 Courting (6)
24 Assume (5)
25 Sheep’s cry (5)
26 Celebration (4)
1 Which spice is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus?
2 What is the northernmost capital city in the world?
3 Jack Black (pictured) plays which children’s author in the Goosebumps series of films?
4
7 What does the ‘E’ stand for in BASE jumping? 8 Mickey Mantle is best known for playing which sport?
9 What is the name of Linus’ sister in the Peanuts comics?
10 Who wrote the novel Crime andPunishment?
No. 299
No. 267
A versatile family SUV
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Isuzu Ute MU-X is a seven-seat family SUV from a Japanese company that has a long history of producing hard working vehicles.
Indeed, Isuzu has a history dating back formorethan100yearsinlightcommercial vehicles including a couple of decades when they were sold here rebadged as Holdens.
The MU-X is one of only two vehicles offered by the Isuzu Ute brand alongside the D-Max utility with which it shares the same chassis and numerous other components.
MU-X has been a major success in Australia. Sitting on the same platform as the brand’s D-MAX utility it’s currently sittinginsecondplacebehindFordEverest and well ahead of other ute-based rivals suchasMitsubishiPajeroSportandToyota Fortuner.
Originally powered exclusively by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-diesel engine, a 2024 upgrade to bothMU-XandD-Maxaddedtheoptionof a1.9-litre,turbo-dieselunit.
The smaller engine proved to be short-livedanditwasreplacedinmid-2025 by a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that provided greater power and torque outputs, lower emissions and greater towingcapacity.
At the same time the chassis and suspension were upgraded along with technicalandsafetyimprovements.
A new flagship MU-X model called X-Terrain was added with the MY2025 update,joiningtheexistingthreevariants: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T. The entry level LS-M is available with either two- or four-wheel drive.Allothersare4×4only.
Our test vehicle here was the X-Terrain. We’ll get into one of the 2.2-litre models earlynextyear.
Styling MU-X is a good-looking vehicle that’s aimed at those looking for an attractive vehicle that’s going to appeal to family buyers looking for something that’s more thananupmarketstationwagon.
The bonnet is tall and slopes down at the outer edges. The windscreen has a practical, relatively upright slope in that it doesn’t reach too far back and therefore keeps the sun off the driver and front passenger.
Theroofstretchesbacksothatitprovides a tall load area, again adding to the practicalnatureofthisvehicle.
Two new exterior colours have been added to the MY2025 MU-X with Neptune Blue and Slate Grey joining the previous six. Our test X-Terrain came with the exclusiveSlateGrey.
X-Terrain adds XT badging, black radiator grille, fender flares and 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, lower body side skirtsandhighway-terraintyres.
Interior
Inside, MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family vehiclenotsimplyanoff-roadmachine.
There’s excellent interior space for all occupants in each dimension with tumbling second-row seats making passenger access to the third-row reasonablyeasy.
X-Terrain gets leather accented seats with red stitching, red ambient interior lighting and a 360-degree surround view monitor.
There are cup holders in all three rows, 12intotalaswellas18storageoptions.
Boot space with the third-row seats folded is 1119 litres, dropping down to a reasonable311litreswithallsevenseatsin place.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All models come with full size spare wheels, all bolted beneath the rear of the vehicle.
Steel in the LS-M and LS-U, alloy in the LS-TandX-Terrain.
Infotainment
The LS-M variant comes with a seven-inch colour touchscreen and four-speaker audio.
Others get a nine-inch screen and eight JVCKenwoodspeakers.
Likewise, LS-M comes with a smaller (4.2-inch) driver’s instrument display comparedwiththe7.0-inchscreeninLS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain. In bright sunshine we struggled to read the screen with light bouncingoffit.
Fortunately, there are two physical controls for the audio and some toggles below the screen to adjust the air con settings.
Embedded satellite navigation is only included above the LS-M Connectivity is by way of wireless Apple CarPlay or AndroidAuto.
Engines/transmissions
The 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine has maximum power of 140 kW and peak torque of 450 Nm from 1600 rpm. Transmission is through a six-speedAisinautomatic.
The new 2.2-litre drops to 120kW and 400Nm but gets an Aisin eight-speed auto transmission.
Safety
The Isuzu Ute MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in September 2022. The subsequent upgrades in the past two
years have added numerous extra features as required by ANCAP to maintain the maximumscore.
StandardsafetyfeaturesacrosstheMU-X range start with eight airbags including front centre and driver’s knee protection together with the mandatory stability and traction control and autonomous emergencybraking.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assist adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with engine stop/start, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alertandbrakingandtrailerswaycontrol.
There’s also hill start assist and descent control,roll-overmitigation,post-collision braking, forward collision warning, mis-acceleration mitigation, intelligent speedlimiter,driverinattentionassist,rear cross traffic alert and ISOFIX child seat anchorsintheoutercentre-rowseats.
Rear parking sensors are standard in all variants but only the LS-U and above get frontsensors.LS-TandX-Terrainalsocome witha360-degreesurroundviewcamera.
Driving
With its 235mm ground clearance, getting into and out of the MU-X X-Terrain can be challenging especially for occupants at opposite ends of the age range. Black sidesteps and grab handles at all doors do help.
As is the norm nowadays there are numeroussafetysettingsthatareaccessed throughthetouchscreen.Theyarenowhere near as intrusive as many other, mainly Chinese vehicles, and can be turned off reasonablyeasily.
As is often the way with turbo-diesels MU-X it’s a bit sluggish off the mark but once it gains momentum it responds quickly. There’s strong mid-range torque deliveringplentyofpullingpower.
Steering is on the light side, making low-speed manoeuvrers easier and providinggoodfeedback.
The vehicle turns in nicely and holds the pathchosenbythedriverwithouttheneed for small changes to keep it on the chosen path.
Keep in mind that you’re driving a 4WD notapassengercarbutitisexcellentinthe waythatitrespondstoroadconditions.
The MU-X range is covered by Isuzu’s unusual six-year/150,000km warranty – most of its rivals have five years and unlimited distance. It does have capped price servicing and up to seven years roadsideassistance.
Fuel consumption with the X-Terrain as listed at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We didn’t spend much time off-road and averaged just under 9.0 L/100 km. Pretty goodforsucharelativelylargevehicle.
Summing up
Isuzu’s stock-in-trade diesel power and genuine off-road ability have drawn consistently high sales numbers to the MU-X throughout the six years that it has beenontheAustralianmarket.
It’s well-priced, powerful and versatile, combining large and comfortable family transportwithgenuineoff-roadcapability. We have one in our family that spends most of its time either transporting childrenaroundorusingits3500kgtowing capacitytocomfortablypulladoublehorse float.
Isuzu Ute MU-X is a well-priced, powerful and versatile. (Pictures: Supplied)
Action around the grounds
Results from Geelong Cricket Association and Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association 1st XI games on Saturday 6 December.
GEELONG CRICKET ASSOCIATION
DIVISION 1
Round 7, day 1, Saturday 6 December
South Barwon 8/262 (B. Nicholls 71, G. Singh 46, S. Ellis 35, N. Pearson 35no, H. Hauenstein 32, L. Wilson 4/61) vs Lara North Geelong 150 (N. Cooper 37, A. McCann 32no, D. Moroney 4/49, J. Jenkins 2/18) vs East Belmont
Grovedale 6/234 (M. McNeel 52, J. Moran 46, J. Windus 37no, J. Wrigglesworth 34, R. East 2/28, H. Lewis 2/57) vs St Peters St Joseph’s 224 (Z. Keighran 135, N. Burke 4/56, L. Sperling 3/49) vs Newtown & Chilwell 1/16
DIVISION 2
Geelong West 139 (D. Naralasetti 36, D. Shatishkumar 35, T. Dunn 4/21, J. Fisher 3/24) vs Torquay 0/14
Alexander Thomson 6/153 (N. Pearce 42, S. Welsh 37, T. Hewson 30, B. Taylor 2/36) vs Geelong City Bell Post Hill 8/147 (R. Burke 30, B. Muir
30, F. Neeson 5/13, I. Bird 2/25) vs Highton
Leopold 8/310 (J. Vallelonga 71, H. Hatswell 58, S. Mitchell 40no, T. Treble 33, J. Ettridge 2/49) vs Bell Park
DIVISION 3
Lethbridge 9/192 (S. Dillon 76no, L. Brown 6/53) vs Murgheboluc
Thomson 194 (J. McDonald 71, J. Baxter 62, M. Norris 3/29, B. Greenwood 3/44) vs Marshall 2/23
Bannockburn 114 (T. Hay 66, J. O’Hanlon 4/22, B. Ross 4/29) vs Modewarre 4/41 (J. Jervies 2/3)
Corio 9/272 (C. Laurie 63, A. Grace 61, B. Strachan 50, D. Haturusingha 3/54, E. Rogers 3/97, T. Carroll 2/27) vs Waurn Ponds Deakin
DIVISION 4
Little River 2/115 (B. Slater 69no) def Teesdale 113 (C. Meehan 54, H. Wright 4/37)
Manifold Heights 9/192 (M. Pratt 55,
Tayne Hewson jumps to keep out a delivery during his innings of 30 for Alexander Thomson against Geelong City. (Ivan Kemp) 519533_11
Nathan Pratt 37, M. Vicary 4/36, G. Randhawa 3/16) def Guild St Mary’s 9/147 (D. Thomas 60, M. Bartlett 3/34)
Newcomb & District 3/147 (C. Egan 49, T. O’Neill 31no, H. Nield 31) def St Albans/ Breakwater 6/144 (D. Haines 47, N. Keevil 3/24)
BELLARINE PENINSULA CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Round 7, day 2, Saturday 6 December A1 GRADE
Jan Juc 159 def Drysdale 111 (B. Spencer 49no, J. Graham 7/47)
Barwon Heads 2/190 (M. Melzer 74no, M. Bode 34, D. Donaldson 29no) def Armstrong Creek 6/189
Queenscliff 177 drew with Barrabool 3/67 Inverleigh 165 def Anglesea 107 (S. Weight 37, A. Haygarth 3/21)
A2 GRADE
Winchelsea 8/213 (J. Groves 49, T. Furbush 44no, S. Murdoch 43) def Collendina 73 Portarlington 202 def Surf Coast 183 (V. Rathore 52, R. Healy 37, W. Liddle 28, N. Symes 5/21, T. Stewart 4/44)
Wallington 7/109 (S. Burluraux 50no, B. Singh Brar 3/33) def Ocean Grove 107 St Leonards 4/165 (T. Griffin 79, P. Hassan 52no) def Newcomb 163 (S. Kumara 97no, S. Healey 38, W. Stovell 3/30)
A full wrap up of Geelong women’s cricket results
An English recruit starred for Geelong City while young guns Matilda Cole and Aria Huby had great games to highlight round 8.
Storrar made 47 and three wickets for Geelong City in the win against North Geelong while Huby took 4/10 for St Joseph’s.
Cole had a great all-round game for Barwon Heads, making 34 and taking three wickets.
GEELONG WOMEN’S CRICKET
Round 8, Sunday 7 December
A GRADE
South Barwon 4/114 (A. Seddon 66no, M. Cole 3/28) def Barwon Heads 111 (M. Cole 34, A. Seddon 3/12)
Geelong City 5/139 (I. Storrar 47, P. Agg 24no, A. Beach 3/4) def North Geelong 9/137 (L. Kelly 52, J. O’Donnell 3/14, I. Storrar 3/23)
Bell Park 7/150 (J. Kaur 58, H. Rooke 32, A. Huby 4/10) def St Joseph’s 9/98 (C. Kirk 31, T. Smith 29, L. Derbyshire 4/16, M. McCullagh 3/14)
East Belmont 7/167 (B. Farey 53, K. Harman 27, I. Fenner 24no, T. Denham 3/41) def Lethbridge 5/162 (C. Wight 48no, C. Smith 39, M. Waddington 20)
B GRADE
Queenscliff 2/115 (M. Bennett 53no, C. Headlam 23, N. Beeston 21) def Portarlington 7/111 (E. Allen 20, J. Fletcher 4/23)
Barrabool 2/121 (J. Grigg 59no, J. Neil 29no) def Lara 119 (H. Coyne 23, V. King 3/20)
Anglesea 151 (N. Taylor 69, H. Donoghue 28, S. Ingle 3/21) def North Geelong 63 (S. Bellur 2/5)
Marshall 6/184 (M. Mcgaw 78) def Highton 8/102 (M. Virajani 43, I. Dunne 2/7, M. Cooper 2/11)
C GRADE
St Leonards 5/174 (J. Phillips 46no, S. Roberts 34, E. Blanch 28no, S. Fisher 3/34) def Teesdale 3/138 (R. Wood 50ret, R. Thomas 25no)
Waurn Ponds Deakin 1/142 (D. Cashin 50ret, J. Bonanno 33, P. McCormack 27no) def Wallington 6/141 (S. Kelsall 28, J. Smith 23, G. Asquith 2/12) Bannockburn 8/182 (B. Gorman 51ret, J. Jacobs 34, B. Mitchell 31, A. Richardson 23) def East Belmont 4/105 (L. Chester
38, A. Tabakovic 23)
Torquay 1/133 (E. French 51ret, C. O’Loughlin 23no) def Drysdale 5/131 (L. Sheehan 42, I. Oliver 27ret, A. Eddy 26)
D GRADE
Armstrong Creek 4/121 (A. Lockwood 50ret, S. Lamont 23no) def Grovedale 5/120 (A. Nurnaitis 29, E. Lang 2/2)
Thomson 0/64 (L. Thomas 31no, C. Anderson 26no) def St Joseph’s 63 (J. Charles 2/6)
Geelong West 4/122 (G. Wright-Janocha 33no, P. Suter 32no, E. Richards 21, H. Uwland 2/17) def Bell Post Hill 7/121 (H. Brady 42, R. Collins 20no, L. Thistlethewaite 3/20)
Modewarre 6/171 (K. McInnes 52ret, B. Hubbert 50no, A. Sewell 22, R. Wright 2/12) def Newtown & Chilwell 8/82 (G. Cameron 3/7, C. Newton 2/8)
E GRADE
North Geelong 2/155 (S. Caruana 32ret, J. Clark 30ret, J. Heap 30ret, M. Caruana 30ret) def Murgheboluc 57 (L. Williams 22no, S. Caruana 3/1)
Little River 4/185 (I. Wilkinson 33ret, S. Anderson 31ret, K. Templeton 30ret) def Newcomb & District 7/96 (C. Hillgrove 23, K. Appleyeard 22, S. Anderson 3/17)
Barwon Heads 5/96 (R. Lane 31ret) def Alexander Thomson 5/85 (G. Wray 24, J. Castledine 2/4)
Lethbridge 7/124 (N. Dawber 31ret, A. Spiller 22, N. Sorgiovanni 4/16) def St Peters 7/106 (T. Sorgiovanni 29, M. Ford 21no)
F GRADE
Corio 1/77 (M. Hill 23no) def Thomson 76 (E. Hancock 3/12)
Manifold Heights 1/96 (S. Williamson 32ret) def South Barwon 5/95 (N. Read 33ret, S. Williamson 2/14)
Jan Juc 5/147 (B. Withers 36no, G. Mackay 32ret) def Bannockburn 2/98 (E. Thomson 30ret)
Bell Park 2/161 (L. Neville 31ret, L. Marino 31ret, E. Edge 25ret) def Wallington 7/49 (L. Neville 2/14)
G GRADE
Queenscliff/St Leonards 2/85 def Armstrong Creek 5/84 (S. Hannah 22ret) East Belmont 2/124 (S. Kennedy 30ret, M. Eggleton 23no) def Lara 6/117 (A. Reeves 28, S. Kennedy 2/19)
Bell Park 2/113 (J. Taylor 30ret, C. Lymer 24no) def Little River 5/116
Geelong City 3/79 (K. Lambert 26, C. Vos 22no) def Meredith 7/75 (T. Young 20, K. Winberry 3/11)
Matilda Cole made 34 and took three wickets for Barwon Heads.
Hamlyn Park in hot form, guaranteed a grand final spot
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
Hamlyn Park H.E.A.T had already guaranteed a place in next week’s Thursday Triples Section 2 grand final with an unassailable lead on Moolap Zing Kings.
Geelong Lawn 2 is only three and a half points behind, hoping to win well over Moolap Goats, which still had a very outside chance of sneaking into the final.
H.E.A.T. started well against the Zing Kings with Axel Potter-Ayres getting up in the first singles 6-2 while Todd Morgan and Ed Jones battled through winning a tie-break.
Jones used the doubles as a warm up to power through the second singles 6-0 while Joe Traficante and Potter-Ayres had their hands full, eventual winners in
another tie-break.
Jones got a trifecta when he teamed with Traficante to win 6-4, with Zing Kings’ only success coming in the third singles with Matt Young posting a 6-2 win.
The win consolidates the H.E.A.T. on top with Zing Kings waiting on the other match to determine whether they had done enough to earn a rematch next week.
Moolap Goats hosted Geelong Lawn 2, and did its best to thwart Lawn’s chances at overtaking the Kings to face H.E.A.T. next week. Kyle Beattie and Fletcher Allen put the Goats on the board with a 6-2 win, followed up by a tie-break win to Dan Smith in the singles.
Allen kept his momentum, winning the second singles 6-3, while Shaun Rawolle and Michael Collins got Lawn on the board, winning 6-4. Lawn had kicked into gear with Rawolle winning the third
singles 6-2 while Collins and Tom Smith pulled off a 6-1 win, giving Lawn the win by six games and putting itself half a point ahead of Moolap Zing Kings to book a place in next week’s grand final.
Section 5 has another week to play, but with changes at the top and bottom of the ladder, there is still plenty to play for.
Leopold’s Hit for Brains held a narrow lead over Moolap Aces going into this week, but with The Big 3 pulling out a 5-1 over the ladder leaders, things would change by the end of the night.
Leopold’s Hayden Walters and Georgia Verlin won the first doubles, but from there The Big 3 of Marius Dyer, Alex Buso and Dev Rushi won the remaining five sets to take the win.
It was a battle of second vs third when Grovedale’s Four Posts hosted Moolap’s ACES, with both teams still well in grand
Jordy snares seven
By Justin Flynn
Jordy Graham stepped up when Jan Juc needed him most to deliver a knockout marathon bowling performance against Drysdale.
The naggingly accurate left-arm seamer took 7/47 from 27.4 overs against Drysdale to lead the Sharks to their third Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade win.
Defending its day one total of 159 all out, Jan Juc bowled Drysdale out for 111.
“Once I stop, I’m probably not starting again,” Graham said of his marathon bowling effort.
“It got to a point where I had a little bit of a rhythm up and me, Turtle (Nick Hyden) andBuzz(PeterBuszard)spokeaboutitand (they) just said, ‘look, you just keep going from this end and we’ll rotate it from the other end’.”
At 32, Graham is far from a veteran, but Jan Juc’s attack is young and he found willing support from Oscar Crocker, Joel Powers and Elijah Falconer.
“He’s (Crocker) been massive for us,” Graham said.
“He’s only 21-years-old and when he gets into a rhythm, he sends him down with a prettygoodclip.Hisopeningspellyesterday probably allowed me to get into a groove.
“Joelisanothermediumpacer,justturned 18. He’s another kid that’s got a pretty good future.
“Elijah’s only 16 maybe. We’ve got a pretty young group really.”
Ben Spencer gave Jan Juc a late scare with 49 not out from 53 balls, but he ran out of partners after coming in at No 9.
“He did it to us last year,” Graham said.
“Coming in at number eight or nine, he might have got 60-odd last year doing the exact same thing. He hits a pretty long ball.
“There was certainly a point there where he played it pretty well, milking the strike andtargetingthatshortboundaryatJanJuc.
“They had about 50 runs (to make) and I said to Buzz, ‘mate, one or two more big overs from him and that’s game on here’.”
The win moved the Sharks into fourth spot on the ladder and they face Inverleigh before the mid-season break.
“They’re a pretty solid side - pretty dangerous on their home deck,” Graham said.
“We obviously want to win that and set ourselves up at Christmas. They’ve got some pretty dangerous players and they’re a pretty well-rounded unit.
“Platty (Lachlan Platt), the Collins boys (Will and Henry) and Danny Midolo - we always seem to have a good game against them.”
INVERLEIGH is off the mark with a much-needed win against Anglesea.
Resumingatacomfortable0/29,Anglesea was1/61inpursuitof166forvictory,butlost 9/46.
Austin Haygarth (3/21), Hamish Flett (2/20), Murphy Walker (2/21) and Daniel Midolo (2/31) bowled superbly and got Inverleigh its first win for the season.
BARWON Heads easily accounted for Armstrong Creek, losing just two wickets chasing 190 for victory.
Max Melzer was unbeaten on 74 while Matthew Bode (34) and Daniel Donaldson (29 not out) helped the Seagulls stay unbeaten.
PLAY between Queenscliff and Barrabool began late and meandered through to a tame draw with the Bulls 3/67 in reply to Queenscliff’s 177. Tom Kidd sent down 22 overs for the impressive figures of 2/23.
ZANE Keighran struck a superb century for St Joseph’s on day one of the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 clash against Newtown & Chilwell.
Keighran’s knock of 135 accounted for the majority of the Joeys’ total of 224 all out at Queens Park on Saturday 6 December.
TheformerMelbournePremierGradestar belted 131 from 53 balls in round 1 and in just his third game of the season, peeled off 135 on Saturday in a knock that contained 14 boundaries and seven sixes.
Andrew Casey’s 22 was the next highest as speedster Nick Burke caused the Joeys’ battersplentyofproblemstaking4/56while Lachie Sperling chipped in with 3/49.
final contention and with a close match in their first encounter, they appeared well matched.
The end result however, proved to be one sided with ACES taking a clean sweep, moving into first place and leaving Grovedale with only the slimmest of chances to make the final.
Geelong Lawn 3 had a solid 5-1 win over Grovedale’s Cutting It Fine and was hoping that it would help its chances at staying in finals contention, but with the other results, the strong win wasn’t enough to pull up out of fourth.
This week ACES will face Geelong Lawn 3 and need two sets to guarantee the minor premiership. Hit for Brains will travel to Grovedale to play Cutting It Fine and needs to win to hold out Grovedale’s Four Posts and ACES to lose to gain the home final next week.
Young Cat signs on for two more
Geelong has locked away skilful defender Lawson Humphries until at least the end of the 2028 season. Humphries was already contracted for next year, but penned a further two-year deal to stay at Kardinia Park.
Executive general manager of football Andrew Mackie said the Cats were delighted to extend Humphries’ contract.
“Lawson has become an integral part of our football club in such a short period of time, and we are pleasedtoretainhimuntilatleastthe end of 2028,” he said.
“Since arriving at Geelong, we’ve all seen Lawson’s on-field ability which is matched by his brilliant character off the field.”
StJoseph’squickAustinHumphreystruck late in the day, removing the dangerous Pat McKenna without scoring with the Two Blues to resume at 1/16.
SOLID contributions all-round got South Barwonto8/262from82oversagainstLara.
Bryson Nicholls made 71 from 140 deliveries in a fine display of concentration while Gurpreet Singh also occupied the crease for his 46 from 111. Sam Ellis (35), Nathan Pearson (35 not out from 36 balls) and Harry Hauenstein (32) also contributed.
Lara paceman Luke Wilson again toiled away for 4/61 from 20 overs while George Blatherwick was given plenty of work, taking 1/66 from 23.
DYLAN Moroney grabbed four wickets and gave East Belmont a huge at inflicting North Geelong’s first loss of the season.
Moroney took 4/49 from 16 overs to have the Magpies all out for 150 late on a shortened day’s play due to wet weather while new-ball partner Jack Jenkins (2/18 from 14.4 overs) and off-spinner James McMahon (2/52 from 15) also contributed.
Ned Cooper (37) was North Geelong’s top rungetterwithAlistairMcCann(32notout) and Adam Costello (27) also chipping in.
GROVEDALE reached 6/234 from 73 overs against St Peters.
Michael McNeel (52), Jordan Moran (46) and Jack Wrigglesworth (34) contributed to the total while Josh Windus will resume on 37 with seven overs left to bat.
Riley East and Hunter Lewis each grabbed two wickets for St Peters.
Humphries and Geelong’s full squad have returned to pre-season training as the Cats begin their preparationsforthe2026AFLseason. Humphries joined Geelong in 2023 when he was selected with pick 63 in the national draft.
After an impressive first half of the 2024 season playing with the VFL side, the West Australian product earned his AFL debut in round 16.
Humphries would feature in the Cats’last11gamesofthe2024season, including two finals appearances, cementing his place in Geelong’s defensive unit.
He continued to grow in 2025, only missing one game while playing a numberofimportantroles,collecting 23 disposals and being adjudged one of Geelong’s best players in the grand final loss to Brisbane.
Humphries finished with an average of 16.2 disposals in 2025, leading Geelong for total rebound 50s across the season while also pushing forward to kick four goals.
Jordy Graham snared seven wickets for the Sharks. 365685_06
Lawson Humphries.
Action on the rinks
Drysdale had a good win against Bell Post Hill in Geelong Region Bowls Premier Pennant on Saturday 6 December and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp caught some of the action at Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club.
Mark Neicho leads off for Drysdale. 519534_01
Fred Clayson leads the way for Bell Post Hill. 519534_02
Matthew Campbell plays the backhand. 519534_03
Dan Phalp lines up his bowl. 519534_04
Aaron James plays for position. 519534_05
Left: Ben Seaton concentrates. 519534_06 Centre: John Monahan leads his team to a 40-6 win. 519534_07
Right: John Monahan leads his team to a 40-6 win. 519534_07 Sue McIlvenny leads the way for Bell Post Hill. 519534_09
Brian Richards steps in to bowl. 519534_08
John Toner gets good position. 519534_12
Ashley Rees plays to consolidate the head. 519534_15
Dan Phalp concentrates on his line. 519534_20
Two big guns join Drysdale
By Justin Flynn
Drysdale will unveil former world No 1 playerKelseyCottrellandhusbandAndrew Howie as marquee players for the round 10 Geelong Bowls Region clash against ladder leader Ocean Grove.
The 17 January clash at Drysdale will be eagerly anticipated with Howie and Cottrell, who reached a world No 1 ranking in June 2024, locked in to play.
Drysdale player and skip Bryant Howie said his brother Andrew and sister-in-law Cottrell would “make it a big week for the club”.
“She’s (Cottrell) going to do some coachingclinicsanddoaminisportsman’s night for us on that night,” he said.
“We’ll be playing Ocean Grove and starting a bit later so there’ll be a bit of a crowd there as well.”
Drysdale bounced back from a loss to Highton to convincingly defeat Bell Post Hill in round 7 on Saturday 6 December in Premier Pennant bowls.
John Monahan’s rink of lead Mark Neicho, second Matthew Campbell and third Aaron James won 40 to 6 and contributed heavily to the overall 110 to 57 win.
Bryant Howie’s rink of lead Julie Candy, second Tony Villani and third Mark Johnson had a tougher assignment before pulling away to win 27-14.
“It was 14-all on 17 ends out of 21,” Howie said.
“And then we kicked away, played some clutch bowls and really finished the game strong and responded after a bit of a scratchy start.”
Howie’s rink has come together after his regular lead Jimmy Miller tore a tendon in his thumb, putting him out until the New Year at the earliest.
“Julie has stepped up to Premier League in the past three weeks through injury to oneofourplayersandsomeunavailability,” he said.
“She’s stepped up from our second side and has really just been solid, been building and she’s a great character and has become part of the team.
“Tony, our second, he played a lot of Premier League last year, just sort of droppeddowntothesecondgradebecause of form and has worked his way back up there the last few weeks. He offered up a solid performance, won his position and then finished the game really strongly.
“Mark has recently come across from St Leonards. I had a pre-existing relationship through kids’ sport and we worked on getting him across, not promising him anything. He’s come in and brings a lot, brings a great attitude. He’s a good player and fits in really well with the club.”
Drysdale is 5th on the ladder and plays Queenscliff (3rd) and Torquay (4th) in a big couple of games before the Christmas break.
“We’ve had a couple of disappointing results, but Queenscliff are sitting high up on the ladder and they beat us by one shot in the first round,” Howie said.
“We could have played a lot better so we’re taking that as a big challenge.
“Torquay is always a pretty close game for us. They’re sitting above us in the four.
“We beat them at home last time so there’s no real fear for us. If we play well, that’s the spot in the four that we’re looking to wedge ourselves into before Christmas.”
GEELONG BOWLS REGION
Round 7, Saturday 6 December Premier Pennant
Rink lists: skip, lead, second, third. Ocean Grove 105 (18) def Eastern Park 57 (0): T. Cromie, A. Forster, W. Frith, J. Rudd 19 def S. McDonald, M. Sherwell, T. Scorpo, M. Coleman 12; P. Loe, C.
Rippon, M. Rowley, T. Joel 22 def N. Bell, R. Sherwell, P. Scorpo, T. Balchan 15; M. Flapper, H. O’Reilly, J. Bertrand, Z. Abro 36 def A. Munro, D. Jackman, P. Hawkins, D. Washington 12; B. Pavey, R. Hunt, C. Burrell, C. Price 28 def A. Martin S. Webb, G. Connolly, S. Field 18.
Torquay 83 (14) def Queenscliff 69 (4): G. Banks, T. Jenkinson, J. Howarth, A. Sampson 15 def by S. Sullivan, R. McGovern, A. Green, S. Monahan 24; B. Irvine, B. Calthorpe, G. Gibson, P. French 21 def M. Hocking, C. Heard, B. Gladman, J. Reilly 16; D. Cairns, R. Milesi, W. Roberts, B. Ott 33 def R. Butler, R. Cameron, W. Visser, J. Mahoney 10; J. Issell, C. Papastergiou, R. Aitken, A. Shaw 14 def by B. Russell, M. Speed, W. Macleod, N. Dixon 19.
R. Priddle, D. Tudor, C. Polwarth 35 def I. Polwarth Jnr, J. Macgavin, S. Edmond, D. Moloney 12;
Round 5, Friday 5 December Ocean Grove 123 (18) def Bell Post Hill 50 (0): P. Loe, C. Rippon, M. Rowley, T. Joel 42 def B. Toner, S. McIlvenny, J. Toner, B. Bottrell 10; T. Cromie, A. Forster, W. Frith, J. Rudd 28 def D. Gercke, S. O’Donnell, J. Tararico, P. Kane 12; B. Pavey, R. Hunt, C. Burrell, C. Price 26 def D. Gillett, A. Lewis, B. Mayne, M. Couzens 17; M. Flapper, H. O’Reilly, J. Bertrand, Z. Abro 27 def A. Pratt, P. Kelly, R. Couzens, G. Logue 11.
DIVISION 1
Leopold 76 (14) def Portarlington 74 (4): C. Sproal, B. Mathieson, P. Shuttleworth, D. Seear 23 def T. Demaria, P. Schmidt, M. Weales, M. Dennis 20; N. Lazic, B. Shaw, M. Booth, T. Kelly 22 def B. Hirth, D. Roberts, W. Atkins, P. Fisk 15; M. Willis, P. Halliday, D. Rudge, D. Alderuccio 18 def by D. Dunlop, I. Wiffen, R. Malcomson, J. Baker 21; L. Cameron, M. Gregg, T. Salisbury, L. Seear 13 def by G. Reed, T. McNamara, A. Marston, T. Freeman 18.
St Leonards 85 (16) def Highton 70 (2): M. Kennedy, F. Aston, P. Garlick, A. Doyle 27 def N. Oakes, L. Hore, H. Gilmore, P. Monk 13; T. Long, M. Maddox, B. Padgham, G. Lund 21 def O. Landry, P. Jones, S. Kerr, R. Kerr 16; H. Dahler, R. Beattie, D. Barnett, R. Michael 23 def R. Imanse, R. Stephens, I. Anderson, K. Madden 16; A. Hills, J. Doyle, B. Auld, B. Culph 14 def by M. Cavanagh, M. Staggard, D. Cameron, D. McGregor 25.
Drysdale 110 (16) def Bell Post Hill 57 (2): J. Monahan, M. Neicho, M. Campbell, A. James 40 def B. Richards, F. Clayson, D. Phalp, B. Seaton 6; A. Rees, M. Hommelhoff, L. Benson, A. Keranen 15 def by B. Toner, S. McIlvenny, J. Toner, B. Bottrell 17; B. Howie, J. Candy, T. Villani, M. Johnson 27 def D. Gillett, G. Logue, R. Couzens, M. Couzens 14; M. Godbolt, P. Lucas, M. Rees, J. Fry 28 def D. Gercke, A. Lewis, B. Mayne, A. Pratt 20. Highton 122 (18) def Lara 44 (0): Dan Priddle, M. Coulter, R. Wilkinson, B. Prior 19 def D. Grellet, S. Tump, C. McPherson, T. Ansett 16; A. Lee, D. Kiss, Y. Olsen, S. Shuttleworth 36 def K. Weil, G. Hinch, J. Van Baar, M. Fedyk 8; J. Fitzgerald, J. Kiss, T. Hickey, D. Klemke 32 def M. Kelly, H. Tump, G. Watts, P. Cook 8; David Priddle,
Ocean Grove 86 (16) def Belmont 63 (2): H. O’Reilly, J. Le Cerf, C. John, D. Henery 26 def S. Davies, B. Clark, M. Koulkoudinas W. Hovey 14; M. West, M. Jacobs, T. Brady, O. Clark 19 def by J. Harris, S. Grainger, S. Rundell, D. Ross 20; R. Brehaut, M. O’Reilly, B. Boyle, A. Callow 19 def R. Hayes, G. Davies, P. Newton, L. Butcher 15; A. Drury, T. Warren, P. Entwistle, C. Verrier 22 def R. Agg, J. Clark, C. Bassett, G. Smith 14.
City of Geelong 89 (16) def Geelong 67 (2): D. Vogele, N. Trease-Gordon, G. Lane, S. Khruapanich 19 def B. Wilson, B. Armitage, C. Fawthrop, J. Fry 18; S. Tillson, R. Sutherland, S. Somerton, D. Wombell 20 def by T. Thompson, N. Coots, G. Briggs, G. Harrison 23; M. Nitchie, L. Simpson, N. Robinson, S. Ashby 26 def T. Earp, R. Kent, D. Jarman, S. Martin 15; N. Craven, H. Boult, K. Gooley, L. Harvey 24 def K. Petzierides, R. Petterwood, F. Wheat, A. Fawthrop 11.
Bell Post Hill’s Ben Toner leads his team to a 17 to 15 win. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 519534_16
Drysdale’s John Monahan applauds this shot with his rink winning 40 to 6. 519534_22
Gloomy day for local cricketers
Another gloomy day greeted Independent photographer Ivan Kemp when he went to Richmond Oval where Geelong City hosted Alexander Thomson in GCA Division 2 and to Ervin Reserve where Newcomb welcomed St Leonards in BPCA A2 Grade on Saturday 6 December.
Singhara Kumara made a swashbuckling 97 not out for Newcomb. 519531_05
Nakia Pearce drives down the wicket during his innings of 42. 519533_13
Above: Geelong City and Alexander Thomson players bring the covers onto the Richmond Oval pitch. 519533_02 Right: James Leather took 1 for 31 off 13 overs for Geelong City. 519533_10 Far right: Ethan Guida toiled away for City. 519533_23
Sam Welsh plays and misses for Alexander Thomson. 519533_05
Jack Parrot walks back to his mark. 519533_14
Shane Healey drives down the ground during his knock of 38. 519531_08
James Burns in action for St Leonards. 519531_10
Thisum Hapugodage is bowled by James Burns. 519531_14
Jacob Rees takes the catch to dismiss Jarrod Price. 519531_16
Will Stovell took three wickets for St Leonards. 519531_19
Saints overcome adversity
By Justin Flynn
St Leonards had the worst of the conditions - and the rules - but stayed calm and workedhardtodefeatNewcombinaheavilyrain-affectedround7BellarinePeninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade fixture.
Day one of the scheduled two-day clash was completely washed out and rain early on day two meant play began almost an hour late.
Newcomb won the toss and had no hesitation batting first and the Saints’ quick bowlers had trouble with their footing on a slippery surface at Ervin Reserve.
Eight overs were lost at the start of play, but under BPCA rules, the teams didn’t get to face 36 overs each. Instead, Newcomb would be given a full allotment of 40 overs and the Saints would then have 32 overs to chase any score they were set.
It made for an interesting afternoon.
“At tea we still had 12 overs to bowl,” St Leonards captain Shane Cutajar said.
“I don’t think we started our batting innings until just shy of five o’clock. And then it started looking gloomy again and then obviously light was going to be a factor.”
Newcomb was all out one ball shy of its 40 overs for 163 with Singhara Kumar left stranded on 97 for the second time this season. Shane Healey made 38, but no other batter reached double figures.
Kumar made 97 not out in round 3 against Winchelsea and again left the field at the change of innings three runs shy of a deserved century.
“He (Kumar) skied a lot of balls that just dropped into gaps and had a bit of good fortune,” Cutajar said.
“When we came out after tea, they were 101 with 12 overs to bat and he just went nutsandstartedhittingtheballreallyclean and it was unfortunate that he couldn’t get back on strike in the last over to get his ton because he deserved it in the end.”
Saints’ paceman Seb Harrison struggled with the slippery surface, but Cutajar’s son Oscar again stepped up with 1/28 from eightoverswhileWillStovelltook3/30from eight and James Burns 1/29 from eight.
“He’s probably been our most consistent line and length bowler,” Cutajar said of his 18-year-old seam bowler son.
“Which as we all know in the Bellarine, if you can control your lines and your lengths, it goes a long way to being economical, and he’s been able to do that this year. He’s been great and he’s really enjoying the move from Drysdale.”
With 32 overs to chase 164 for victory, Troy Griffin again destroyed the bowling attack with a rapid 79 while Paul Hassan made a valuable 52 not out.
“He (Griffin) was the catalyst for the win - he just hits the ball so cleanly,” Cutajar said.
“(And) I could just see in the nets on Thursdaynightthathe(Hassan)washitting the ball really cleanly. I said to him, ‘mate, you’re going to bat up the order this week’.”
St Leonards reached the target in the 27th over with six wickets intact with Cuta-
jar making 19, but throwing his wicket away with a handful of runs to win.
“I tried to finish it off with the last shot of the game and hit it straight up in the air,” he said.
“When I went in, we still needed 45- or 50-odd runs, but once we got it down to single figures we knew we were home. I just tried to just finish it off there and then and holed out.”
The third-placed Saints face Collendina in the final game before the break.
While the Cobras appear to be struggling of late, Cutajar knows how dangerous some of their players are.
“It’s the challenge that we need and it’s the challenge that we want going into Christmas,” he said.
“We know that if we get everything right against them and get the six points, we couldn’t have done any more in the first half of the year.”
WALLINGTON won a low-scoring game against Ocean Grove to ignite its season.
Resuming at 3/9 in pursuit of 108 for vic-
tory, the Wallabies lost an early wicket and were in more trouble again at 7/56.
But Sven Burluraux (50 not out) was joined by Billy Gravett (20 not out) with the pair sharing an unbeaten 53-run stand to take their side to victory.
Baljinder Singh Brar took 3/33 for Ocean Grove while Campbell Snookes snared 2/16 from 13 probing overs.
WINCHELSEA batted for the majority of day two to end on 8/213 after bowling Collendina out for 73 last week.
Jarrod Groves failed to add to his overnight score of 49, but captain Shane Murdoch (43) and Toby Furbush (44 not out) spent time at the crease while Corey Walter took 2/38 from 16 overs for the Cobras.
PORTARLINGTON captain Nathaniel Symes took 5/21 and Tom Stewart 4/44 to help defeat Surf Coast by 19 runs.
Needing 203 for victory, Vik Rathore (58) and Rhys Healy (37) gave the Suns a chance, but when Will Liddle was run out for 28 with the score at 7/164, it was always going to be tough.
Sharks locked in tense GCA Div 2 battle against Vikings
By Justin Flynn
Geelong City captain Byron Taylor said his side’sGeelongCricketAssociationDivision2 match against Alexander Thomson is “in the balance” after a rain-interrupted day one. Only 59 overs were possible at Richmond Oval with Alexander Thomson set to resume on 6/153.
“They’ve still got the opportunity to bat an extra 20-odd overs,” Taylor said.
“If they get a few runs, it could slip away from us, but at the same time, if we get a few early ones, maybe that changes it a bit.”
Taylor said it was difficult to predict what total the Sharks would be comfortable chasing.
“It probably depends how many overs we’ve got to bat,” he said.
“Idon’treallyhaveanumberforyou,but I guess whatever it is, we’ve still got to apply ourselves to try and make them with whatever time we’ve got.”
Taylor won the toss and sent the Vikings in with the middle order getting starts. Nakia Pearce (42), Sam Welsh (37) and Tayne Hewson (30) worked hard against some accurate Geelong City bowling.
Taylor was his side’s only multiple wicket taker with 2/36 from 16 overs. He said his attack bowled well.
“It was just a matter of trying to restrict runs and bowl some tight lines to build that pressure,” he said.
“We had a little bit of a focus this week as a bowling group to try and bowl a few more maidens. You get hit for a few runs when you have that boundary ball every over,
which just releases a bit of pressure (for the batting team).
So that was a focus from us yesterday to try and do that.”
The Sharks are just outside the top four while an Alexander Thomson would put it back in the equation for finals.
“It’s an important game for us, this one, considering where we are on the ladder,” he said.
“Obviously we would have liked another win, but playing a couple of the top teams, they’re playing some good cricket as well so it just makes this game important for us.”
SofarTaylorishappywiththewaythings are going at Richmond Oval in his first season in charge.
“I think the buy-in from everyone has beengoodandwe’vegotsomestrongyouth around the club as well,” he said.
“That’s really been good to see the development and then the boys buy-in to what we’re trying to do, which has been really pleasing. “
HIGHTON leg-spinner Fionn Neeson took 5/13 against Bell Post Hill on day one of Geelong Cricket Association Division 2 and has a chance to add to that this Saturday.
Neeson not only took wickets, but conceded just 13 runs from as many overs with Bell Post Hill reaching 8/147 from 64 overs after rain prevented a full day’s play.
LEOPOLD’S top seven batters all made
contributions in a big score of 8/310 from 75 overs against Bell Park. Joseph Vallelonga (71) top scored while youngster Henry Hatswell made 58 with Hayden Butterworth’s 22 the lowest individual score in a fine batting effort for the visitors.
TOMDunn(4/21)andJohnFisher(3/24) took seven wickets between them for Torquay to have Geelong West all out for 139. Ash Russell sent down 19 overs and conceded just 30 while also taking the wicket of Dhanush Satishkumar for 35. In reply, Torquay made it safely to stumps without loss with Tristan Kassis scoring all 14 runs.
Singhara Kumara drives down the ground during his unbeaten 97 for Newcomb. 519531_09
Oscar Cutajar continued his consistent season for St Leonards. (Ivan Kemp) 519531_01
Jack Parrot bowled economically to take 1 for 28 off 12 overs for Geelong City. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 519533_03
Tayne Hewson drives down the wicket during his innings of 30 for Alexander Thomson. 519533_18
