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INSIDE THIS EDITION… PORTARLINGTON COMMUNITY CAROLS, PAGE 3

19 DECEMBER, 2025 - 8 JANUARY, 2026

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A special time of year

(Ivan Kemp) 523483_03

Carols in the Park took over Ocean Grove on Sunday 14 December for an evening of singing and Christmas cheer. The annual event, held at Ocean Grove Park, is always one of the most anticipated on the local calendar. It has been running for more than 30 years and is the largest community gathering on the Bellarine Peninsula. Carols in the Park is a true family event and guests were encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift so that Cottage by the Sea could provide gifts for kids in need. Entry was by gold coin donation, which will go to Feed Me Bellarine. Kyla and Mimi Maddock are pictured enjoying the performances. For more photos, see pages 18 and 19. From all of us here at the Ocean Grove Voice, we wish you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. We will return in 2026 with three consecutive editions on January 9, 16 and 23.

Upgrades urgent By Matt Hewson While the latest annual report shows the beloved Potato Shed continues to play a huge role for the Bellarine community, councillors have warned that it desperately needs funding for upgrades. The Bellarine Arts Centre, which includes a 200-seat black box theatre, outdoor amphitheatre, studio spaces, rehearsal rooms and classrooms, welcomed 50,250 visitors during 2024-25, including 70 performances, 145 dance classes and11 community functions. Operated by the City of Greater Geelong under a joint use agreement with Bellarine

Secondary College and St Ignatius College, the small arts venue also hosted 875 high school classes and 450 care sessions outside school hours. The Potato Shed’s Morning Showtime Season also consistently sold out through the last financial year, providing quality entertainment to older audiences and those who struggle to access evening performances. Councillor Rowan Story, the elected representative of the Potato Shed’s Murradoc Ward, said the venue had operated “at or beyond capacity for over a decade”. “The redevelopment of the Bellarine Arts

Centre is of key importance,” he said. “It’s not just the parochial aspect…One of the things that happened in COVID was that a lot of the back-of-house and technical support staff in the theatre world in general lost their jobs and went off and did other things. “One of the things that the Bellarine Arts Centre does, in its relationship with secondary students, is to encourage and introduce them to that sort of world. We will, in the future, be an incubator for these vital members of the creative community.” The annual report tabled at the council’s December meeting calls for a $36 million investment, which would provide a second

larger theatre, improved backstage and technical facilities and additional teaching and learning spaces. Councillor Eddy Kontelj, chair of the City’s arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment portfolio, said he would “be standing right beside” Cr Story in his advocacy for funding. “I think we have to do all that we can to continue to support, develop, promote, grow and of course celebrate our creatives here in Geelong,” he said. “Not everyone’s built for sport…the creatives, the arts, live entertainment is an extremely strong and valuable (part of) the fabric of Geelong.”

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Sports precinct underway By Matt Hewson The sod has officially been turned at Drysdale’s new sports facilities. Local MPs, Geelong councillors and local club representatives gathered last Thursday for the official ceremony marking the opening of stage two works at Drysdale Sport Precinct last week. The occasion was worthy of acknowledgement; the broader project has been in the works since 2011. Stage one, which delivered an oval, multipurpose field, cricket practice pitches, a relocatable pavilion and lighting, was completed in 2018, while a revised stage

two master plan was officially adopted by the council more than six years ago. The $14.5 million stage two of the project will deliver a new pavilion, a soccer pitch with LED lighting and players’ shelters and extensive landscaping. City of Greater Geelong has contributed $6 million, with $5 million from Sport & Recreation Victoria and $3.5 million from the federal government. Works on the site, which is home to Drysdale Soccer Club and also used by Drysdale’s football and cricket clubs, are scheduled to begin soon. The soccer club’s Paul Rawson said the new precinct would drive the club forward.

“When I first joined the club in 2009, we had around 35 members; we had no clubrooms, no pitch, and used to roll out some moveable goals on the Shell Road oval to play our games,” he said. “Today, we have 350 playing members – of which 30 per cent are female – a total of 29 teams, close to 300 junior boys and girls and just over 60 senior players. “The new facilities will bring fantastic opportunities to continue the growth of our game and the club.” Murradoc Ward councillor Rowan Story said it was great to see work about to start on the project. “This project has been long awaited,

with three levels of government working together, so it’s exciting to see it progressing,” he said. “Once completed, this precinct will be a great asset to the community and provide excellent modern facilities.” State member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was “thrilled to see Stage 2 of the Drysdale Sports Precinct underway”. “This investment will support our growing community with high-quality facilities that encourage participation, strengthen local clubs and promote healthy, active lifestyles across the Bellarine,” she said.

Lots of summer activities to enjoy

Richard Duffield, Julie Rock and Peter Drew can’t wait for Portarlington Community Carols. (Ivan Kemp) 524854_01

Lights and sirens will sound for Christmas By Jena Carr Santa will be making a special appearance as he rides into Portarlington on a fire truck for a free family-friendly carols event. Portarlington Community Carols will fill WG Little Reserve with carols, entertainment and family picnics on Friday 19 December. Host Julie Rock said the carols have been running for about 25 years and that she expected close to 700 people to attend on the night. “Santa will be making a special visit with

the assistance of the CFA in Portarlington, so the lights and sirens will be on,” she said. “We will have our live nativity scene, which is always a massive hit with the kids as they love getting dressed up and participating in a little display. “We’ve also got the Geelong Community Band playing again for us and leading our carols, along with a small choir, some guest artists, and four or five local artists, which will be really cool.” Ms Rock said the carols were open to everybody and that it would be a “good night” for the community.

“Come down with your family and friends nice and early to get a spot on the grass and enjoy some carol singing,” she said. “I always enjoy seeing the kids getting all dressed up and feeling like they’re a part of the show, which is really nice. “Christmas is about celebrating all the good things in life with your family and friends, and...this is a really special time for everyone.” Portarlington Community Carols will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with the Lions Club hosting a sausage sizzle from 7pm.

Cottage by the Sea fair has something for everyone Cottage By the Sea’s (Cottage) annual fair will return early next month with a little bit of everything for everyone. The fair is Cottage’s longest-running fundraiser with records of the century-long event dating back to 1910. There will be a range of stalls from fresh produce to a barbecue lunch, barista coffee, homemade cakes, jams and Devonshire tea. The Fair will also include pop-up market stalls, including plants donated by Van Loon’s Nursery, clothing and second-hand books. The Harvey family and Harvey’s of Highton have been supporting the fair for more than 20 years, donating the fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. “Cottage’s annual fair is the most iconic event on our fundraising calendar,” Cottage chief executive Adam Wake said.

“It’s a special day for our community, but it’s also supported by our community. As a non-government funded children’s charity, we rely on fundraising and philanthropy to operate. “With the new Riptide Cottage enabling us to welcome an additional 700-plus each year, every dollar raised at the fair will directly support children experiencing vulnerability.” In celebration of the upcoming launch of Cottage’s new Riptide facility, supporters can join the Riptide Green Brick appeal. For a donation of $200, Cottage will recognise supporters with an original green brick from the Riptide rebuild that includes a plaque with their name. The bricks will be laid in the Cottage grounds. The fair is at the Cottage, 29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff, on Saturday 10 January from 9am to 2pm. Entry is by donation.

People can explore some of the best beaches that the Bellarine has to offer with free activities through the Summer by the Sea program. The program will provide the opportunity to explore coastal and marine environments. Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said Summer by the Sea combined fun and education through a wide range of activities. “This free educational program offers something for everyone, including guided coastal tours, wildlife-themed activities and family-friendly rockpool rambles,” she said. “Summer by the Sea invites young Victorians to discover our beaches and coastlines while learning how to care for our oceans and the unique wildlife that call them home.” Bellarine activities will include a Queenscliff shore snorkel, Point Lonsdale hooded plover conservation, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove coastal discovery walks, and Swan Bay canoeing, along with discovering the Bluff and a rockpool ramble in Barwon Heads. Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said “Summer by the Sea gives families a fun, free way to get active and enjoy Victoria’s beautiful beaches without stretching the budget.” Summer by the Sea will run from 3 to 18 January.

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THE DRY CLEANING EXPERTS The cake stall was popular at Cottage by the Sea’s annual fair back in January. (Supplied)

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for Beach access for all Changes bin collection Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s (OGSLSC) new sandcruiser beach wheelchairs have arrived just in time for the busy summer holiday season. OGSLSC successfully received funding through the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants for its Beach Access for All – Sandcruiser Wheelchairs Initiative. The initiative brings long term support to a pilot with the City of Geelong to enhance inclusive access to the beach and water with the purchase of two new all-terrain beach mobility wheelchairs. The specialised wheelchairs are designed to operate on soft sand and in shallow water, enabling people with limited mobility to safely enjoy the shoreline and ocean environment. “Ensuring everyone can enjoy our beach and ocean is incredibly important to our club,” OGSLSC president Lyndie Freestone said. “The new beach mobility wheelchairs will make a real difference for people with limited mobility, giving them safe and dignified access to the sand and water, and helping us create a more inclusive beach environment for our entire community.” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant visited the club on Monday to inspect the new beach wheelchairs. “The sandcruiser beach wheelchairs are a valuable addition to the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, enabling more locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastlines and beaches,” she said. Anyone can access the chairs by contacting the club directly.

Some minor changes to some Greater Geelong bin collections will occur during the holiday period. Residents who usually get their bins collected on Thursday and Friday will have their bins collected one day later. For people with a usual collection day falling on Thursday 25 December 2025 and Thursday 1 January 2026, bins will be collected on Friday 26 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2026. Those who would have a usual collection day of Friday 26 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2026 will have their bins collected on Saturday 27 December 2025 and Saturday 3 January 2026. Eouncillor Elise Wilkinson encouraged people to consider a low-waste Christmas. “With a bit of pre-planning, it’s easy to reduce the amount of waste produced at Christmas, making clean up easier to handle and reducing your impact on the environment,“ she said. “Think about cooking from scratch, reducing packaging, and sustainable gift-giving like giving experiences or edible gifts.“ As usual, residents are asked to put their bins out the evening before their scheduled collection day, with collections taking place the following morning. City of Greater Geelong’s Resource Recovery Centres will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club president Lyndie Freestone and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant inspect one of the new beach wheelchairs. (Supplied)

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OCEAN GROVE HELP KEEP DRINK CONTAINERS OUT OF LANDFILL DJ Degs In Space (aka Harley Deglaitis) and Cr Ron Nelson at Medusa Bar. (Supplied)

Website promotes live gigs

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A new online service is making it easier for live-music lovers to find and access entertainment across Geelong. City of Greater Geelong has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Live Music Locator to deliver a pilot program in the region gathering all upcoming live music gigs on the one website, with maps, event details and links to venue websites and ticket outlets. Live Music Locator, which is listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations and has full charity tax-concession status, was established in 2024 and launched its first pilot program with City of Yarra in July that year. With the aim of making live music more accessible to all audiences and support venues and artists of all genres, the Live Music Locator website includes a range of filters to help people find the entertainment they enjoy.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj, chair of the arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment portfolio, said Geelong had considerable musical talent. “Our city is home to some incredible live acts,” he said. “While we know of so many, there’s so many more waiting to be discovered, and this website will facilitate that while also encouraging people to get out and support venues and the local economy.” “The arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment portfolio is all about initiatives such as this and continuing to promote and support our local entertainers, musos and hospitality venues.” Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the City was proud to support the pilot and he hoped the community would get on board to support local artists and venues. Visit geelong.lml.live to find live music events near you.

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Amelie Anderson is Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s dux of 2025 with a score of 95.75. (Supplied)

Bellarine Secondary College dux Ella Brown, and Outstanding VCE vocational major student Ismena Goddard. (Pictures: Supplied)

Future of care for Amelie

Ella wants to be a teacher By Justin Flynn

By Jena Carr Problem-solving and caring for people are at the core of what Amelie Anderson loves to do, as she looks to pursue a healthcare career. Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s graduating VCE student was named the college dux after achieving a 95.75 ATAR score. Amelie received raw study scores of 43 in Literature, 36 in Biology, 35 in French, 33 in Indonesian, 30 in Chemistry and 22 in Mathematical Methods. She said it was “pretty exciting” to see her ATAR score and looked forward to pursuing a career in healthcare in the future. “I was sitting down with mum on my bed when I opened it (ATAR result), and

I think we both just screamed, so it was a bit unexpected,” she said. “I studied two languages throughout my high school journey; my grandmother was French, so it was a nice thing to do to speak to family, and I loved studying Indonesian as well. “I’d like to be in a patient-facing and problem-solving role within healthcare as that is what I like to do and, next year, I’m really keen to study nursing at Deakin.” Amelie was also previously awarded the House Medallion (MacKillop) and subject awards for VCE Languages: Indonesian and VCE Literature at the school’s Mosaic Awards Evening on 20 November. Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s vice captains also achieved ATAR scores over 90, with Riley Molloy achieving a 92.95 and Stephanie Reynolds achieving a 92.35.

Bellarine Secondary College dux of 2025 Ella Brown was so inspired by her teachers this year that she wants to follow in their footsteps. Ella, from Ocean Grove, scored 96.1 in her ATAR results and plans to go to Deakin University to study PE and health secondary teaching. “I had a few really good teachers this year and I guess they’ve inspired me to do the same,” she said. It was incredible the support of all the teachers, and even not just the teachers, all the adults and students. They’ve really supported everyone.” Ella said she wasn’t sure what to expect when the results dropped on the

morning of Thursday 11 December. “It was pretty exciting,” she said. ”I was really shocked, if I’m being completely honest, but definitely didn’t expect it. “I had a goal that I wanted to achieve, but I didn’t really know.” Ella plans to spend the summer hanging with friends and going on a camping trip with her family. Will Pope scored 95.85 for his ATAR and Frankie Martino scored 93.05. Ismena Goddard was the school’s outstanding VCE vocational major student. Bellarine Secondary College’s class of 2025 had a 97 percent successful completion of VCE/VCE-VM while 22 students were awarded the VCE-Vocational Major certificate.

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Iconic fun run set to return One of Australia’s longest-running fun runs will again take place on the sands of the Bellarine. The Rip to River features a 10km run and a 10km walk from Point Lonsdale to Ocean Grove, a 5km run at Ocean Grove main beach and Ripper Nipper Run. The event is on Saturday 27 December. It is Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s (OGSLSC) biggest fundraiser and each year about 1000 participants take to the pristine hard sand track. Details are as follows although times

could be earlier in the event of hot weather: 10km walk and 10km run - The walk starts at 9am and the run at 9.30am on the beach west of Point Lonsdale lighthouse. Check in and collect bib first at Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club (PLSLSC). 5km run and Ripper Nipper Fun Run - The 5km run starts at 9am and the nipper fun run at 9.30am at Ocean Grove main beach. Check in and collect bib first at OGSLSC. Those who have registered online can collect bibs either from 4pm to 6pm on Friday 26 December at OGSLSC or or on the

morning of the event from 7am at OGSLSC or PLSLSC depending on which event you are in. Bring along your registration confirmation on your phone. It makes it easier to allocate your bib. A bus will ferry 10km entrants back to PLSLSC (covered under entry fee) and will depart from Ocean Grove Main Beach at 11am and noon. Bags can be labelled and left at PLSLSC and will be ferried to Ocean Grove main beach to be collected from the barbecue tent.

Jack, Harry, Oscar, Polly, Camilla, Maggie and Jemima after the Ripper Nippers Fun Run on 4 January this year. (Ivan Kemp) 451842_11

Dog’s Breakfast for ‘hoodies’ Wagging tails and hungry stomachs will be able to go down to Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club for a food and conservation event. Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine will host a family-friendly Dog’s Breakfast on 3 January, where people and their furry companions can enjoy a free sausage sizzle and dog treats. Volunteer Christine Rees said the event would be a chance for volunteers and community members to discuss how they can help look after the region’s hooded plovers. “The birds, being wild animals, can be anywhere along the beach because we can’t contain them to the area where we put a sign and fence,” she said. “We just want to educate owners that dogs need to be on leash for the entire length of the beach, not just the sections that they see signed and roped.

“It’s a chance for them to get to know the volunteers and for us to get to know some other dog owners as well as an opportunity for us to educate how they can help protect the hooded plovers.” Ms Rees said she looked forward to connecting and engaging with dog owners on ways to help protect the “precious hoodies that live on the back beach”. “We want people to continue walking their dogs along the beach but in a way that will also help the hooded plovers thrive so that everyone can share the space,” she said. “We’re not trying to stop people from doing that activity as we encourage that because it’s a really healthy lifestyle for people to get out and walk their dogs on the beach.” Visit events.humanitix.com/friendsof-the-hooded-plover-bellarine-dog-sbreakfast for more information and to book a spot during the breakfast.

Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine’s Tash Verspeek, left, Christine Rees, Pam Addie, Brenda White and Kerry Marsh with dogs Hazel and Dorothy at Point Lonsdale Back Beach. (Ivan Kemp) 524685_04

Relax with Tranquility at Twilight By Jena Carr

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Ocean Grove’s community will be able to recover from the excitement of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations with the Tranquility at Twilight Fair. Ocean Grove Park will host a lineup of live music and kids’ entertainment, more than 70 market stalls, and a wide variety of food trucks and stalls. Stall coordinator Bec Abram said the fair was a family-oriented night of entertainment for the whole community. “We’re looking to showcase what we have on the Bellarine, so a lot of talent on the stage are local bands, and a lot of the stall holders are local,” she said. “What we find is that a lot of people will spend the day at the beach if the weather is good, and then it’s a good opportunity to come in to grab something to eat and

have a look around.” Ms Abram said funds raised through the event would go towards helping maintain Ocean Grove Park, which was a “really valued community space”. “It helps support maintaining the park, so then we can enjoy it all year round, and then the wider community can really enjoy it,” she said. “We couldn’t run this event without the help of the volunteers, and the biggest asset we have is the people who volunteer their time and effort leading up to all year round.” People are encouraged to bring a chair, picnic rug and water bottle to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, with dogs allowed while on lead. The fair will run from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 3 January, with entry $10 for adults and free for children under 16.

Murray Waugh, Monique Cahill, Dave Pownall and Bec Abram are getting ready for the Tranquility at Twilight Fair in Ocean Grove Park. (Ivan Kemp) 525315_03

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Community farewells Steve By Justin Flynn It’s ironic that Steve Burton, who read the newspaper from back to front because, in the words of his niece Grace, “nothing good ever came from the front of the paper”, ended up exactly there a few days after he passed away. Known simply as ‘Steve’, always accompanied by trusty 16-year-old kelpie sidekick Gaia, he was known by many throughout the region, particularly Ocean Grove and Belmont, for living rough, but always by choice. Steve and Gaia passed away on November 30 and the news was met with an outpouring of grief and emotion. About 100 mourners, and half as many dogs, gathered at Ocean Grove Park on Saturday 13 December for a public memorial service, but the man himself probably wouldn’t have approved. “He would have hated it,” niece Grace said. “In human form, he would have hated it. In spirit form, hoping he loved it. It was an amazing turnout.” Steve was a self-described ‘existentialist’, not homeless. He chose to drift, free from mortgage, debt and the daily grind. He chose the life of a wanderer and did what many of us dream of - he lived life exactly the way he wanted. Steve could be intimidating at times, boisterous and brutally honest, but underneath the rough exterior was a man with a love of reading, a razor-sharp memory and a willingness to listen to others. “I think Uncle Steve and Gaia have left an unfillable hole in the community,” Grace said. “When I heard so many people’s stories, not only about how they cared for

Left: A floral tribute at Steve Burton and Gaia’s memorial service at Ocean Grove Park. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 524246_08 Top centre: Steve’s niece Grace Burton delivers a eulogy. 524246_11 Top right: A tribute to Steve. 524246_01 Right: Steve’s niece Grace (centre) with friends. 524246_06

Uncle, but also so many stories of how Uncle showed care for them. “He was quite charismatic, a little bit of a mystery and he was resolutely himself, which is not what many of us can do without shame or embarrassment.

“He could be incoherent to others, but he was as clear as a bell to himself.” While the public memorial might have embarrassed Steve, it was more for the community to say goodbye to a man who rarely accepted, nor wanted, help.

“The loss was awful, but the memorial was beautiful,” Grace said. “It felt strangely vibrant and colourful and to see so many community members take their time to pay their respects and share their stories was lovely.”

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

Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful coastline this summer!

We care for the coast

Our stunning stretch of coastline is a place to relax, explore and connect with nature. But, as our beaches fill up with happy beachgoers, the risks also increase. We want everyone to come home from the beach safe and sound. Whether you are swimming, walking, riding or enjoying time with friends and family, a little awareness goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.

A Coastal Discovery Stall at Barwon Heads in January 2025

Join us for the January Coastal Discovery Program! Ride smart, ride legal

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Come along to one of the many activities in the January Coastal Discovery Program, delivered with local community groups and agencies! Activities include Coastal Discovery Stalls, Barwon Bluff Walks, Rockpool Rambles and the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre. The program can be found on our website; find out more on the QR code or visit barwoncoast.com.au/ coastaldiscovery

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. 7 Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads Vic 3227 T: 03 5254 1118 E: office@barwoncoast.com.au BarwonCoastVIC BarwonCoast www.barwoncoast.com.au 12831355-FR50-25

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Oriental plover a rare sight Alan’s royal spoonbill (left) and Latham’s snipe at Blue Waters Lake.

There’s been some great birds seen around Geelong over the past few weeks. Ocean Grove locals George and Chrissy spotted a very unusual bird on Beach Road near the Western Treatment Plant (WTP), namely an oriental plover. This bird was seen in a cow paddock mingling with a flock of banded lapwings. This species of plover breeds in northern China and Mongolia and then migrates to Australia in the late spring and early summer. During the non-breeding season this species is usually seen in open grasslands of northern Australia, particularly in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Gulf of Carpentaria of Queensland. Occasionally they fly further south as this bird has done. Since the bird was spotted it’s been a bit of a huge attraction around Beach Road with many birdwatchers travelling from far and wide to see it. Pete Sullivan and I were lucky to spot it, but it was seen from around 500 metres, so my photos were very ordinary. We saw more than 60 species of birds WTP, including many pink-eared ducks, a few blue-billed ducks, some bar-tailed godwits and red knots. It was lovely to go to the WTP after a pretty long layoff. George and Chrissy also saw another migratory bird at Queens Park in Geelong, namely a channel-billed cuckoo, which

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migrates to Australia at this time of year from Indonesia and New Guinea. This bird was initially seen in a large fig tree in Queens Park but seems to have moved on quickly. Pete and I tried to find it on our way back from WTP, but it was nowhere to be seen. I have seen these birds along the southern NSW coast, but Pete had never seen one, so it’s a shame that it didn’t hang around for much longer on the large fig tree. Pete told me that there are freckled ducks currently at Lake Lorne, Blue Waters Lake and Begola Wetlands, as well as pink-eared ducks at Lake Lorne. I must try and get here with my camera as these duck species

are so beautiful. On the theme of migratory waders, Alan spotted a Latham’s snipe at Blue Waters Lake during the week. These birds migrate to Australia from Japan. He also saw a royal spoonbill in breeding plumage with long nuptial plume feathers. There was a recent Latham’s snipe count at Begola Wetlands and it has once again proved to be a bumper spot for snipe, with more than 70 counted there. There is a pair of hooded plovers nesting on the dog beach in Ocean Grove, where they successfully fledged a chick last year. This chick was the only one to survive on the entire Bellarine Peninsula.

Please take note of signs and keep your dogs under control around the nesting area. The beach will be blocked off once the eggs hatch. There was an incident this week where a dog owner allowed her out of control dog to chase the adult hoodies for at least 10 minutes despite a volunteer being present on the beach. This was traumatising for the bird and the volunteer, plus this behaviour contravenes the Victorian Wildlife Act, so please take note of signs and respect those trying to help these endangered birds survive. Thanks so much. Happy Christmas to all and have a wonderful 2026.

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Project crews reopened Boundary Road between Barwon Heads Road and Pythais Way on Wednesday 17 December as part of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade Stage 2a. The key intersection in Armstrong Creek underwent major works to upgrade the western leg of the intersection of Boundary and Barwon Heads roads. As part of these works, new through and turn lanes were built on Barwon Heads Road and new turn lanes on Boundary Road, essential to the project’s goal of safer, smoother travel. Crews are now working to mirror these improvements on the intersection’s eastern side. For the safety of crews and travellers during these works, Boundary Road will be closed between Barwon Heads and Harriott roads until mid-2026. Detours are in place via Harriott Road. “With the western side of the Boundary and Barwon Heads roads intersection reopened, we’re getting straight to work on upgrading the eastern side of this key intersection,” Big Build Roads program director Tim Price said. “Once complete, these improvements will make a vital contribution to the project’s goal of safer travel and smoother

traffic flow. “We thank the community and visitors travelling through the area for their patience as we get on with delivering Stage 2a of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.” The improvements to the Boundary Road intersection will include the installation of traffic lights. Crews have also completed preparatory works for building new lanes between Reserve and Boundary roads, including relocating key utilities infrastructure and installing major drainage lines. The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade is adding lanes, upgrading intersections and building a shared path between Belmont and Connewarre. Completed in 2023, Stage 1 of the project upgraded the section between Settlement Road, Belmont, and Reserve Road, Charlemont. Due for completion by late 2027, Stage 2a is upgrading the section between Reserve Road and Lake Road, Armstrong Creek. Due for completion in 2028, Stage 2b will upgrade the section between Lake Road and Lower Duneed Road, Connewarre. More information about the project, including traffic changes, is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/barwon.

10 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

(Ivan Kemp) 525526_01

Intersection open again

Santa visits Geelong Santa is making a special visit to Geelong to take photos with all the good girls and boys ahead of his busy Christmas schedule. Geelong’s waterfront will host the big man in red, with people able to bring their friends, family or pets along to meet Santa and get a photo. Creative Hearts Therapy will organise the visit, and director Andi Stevenson said Santa loved meeting with the Geelong community.

“It’s nice for people to be able to get a Santa photo and bring a bit of joy to people at this time of the year,” she said. “People are doing it a bit tough at the moment, and some people can’t afford to go and get a Santa photo, or they haven’t had an opportunity.” Ava, Ruby and Ivy met with Santa, who will again visit the Geelong Waterfront from 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 December.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

SECTION

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Thank you for all your support throughout 2025, we’ve loved caring for our wonderful Ocean Grove community and look forward to an even brighter 2026.

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Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 11

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WRITE TO: news@oceangrovevoice.com

2025 was a big year

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NEWS

By Cr Trent Sullivan With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve found myself doing a bit of reflecting and it turns out 2025 has been a big year for the Bellarine. From major infrastructure projects to world-class events, we’ve had plenty to celebrate. One moment that captured that sense of progress came earlier this month, when I joined local MPs and fellow councillor Rowan Story to mark the start of construction of our new indoor pool in Drysdale. This project didn’t just happen – it’s the result of years of passionate advocacy from local residents. And it’s going to be worth the wait. When it opens in 2027, the facility will feature a 25-metre pool, a warm water pool, a gym, a cafe and fully accessible ramps and changerooms – meaning everyone can enjoy the water safely and comfortably. With $20 million each from the Australian and Victorian governments and an additional $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong, it’s a huge investment in the wellbeing of our community. The Ocean Grove District Ride Centre is set to make a similarly profound impact, with construction underway at Kingston Park. Again, the local community played a key role in shaping this facility which, once complete, will be able to accommodate about 100 riders at a time. The layout and features reflect the feedback raised throughout the community consultation process, meaning our region’s

Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan. (supplied)

riders have had their say in what matters most to them. This centre is the result of advocacy from young local riders, particularly those in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, who approached council wanting more places to let loose on the pedals. We thank them for their passion and commitment. In my own ward, I was thrilled to witness the transformation of Leopold Memorial Reserve, made possible by a $3.25 million Australian government investment. The City managed the project, delivering a new asphalt car park with improved

drainage and a brand-new changeroom at oval two. The multipurpose courts have also had a serious upgrade with new fencing, resurfaced courts, improved sports lighting and a new netball warm-up court. Even better, careful project management has delivered savings, meaning more improvements are on the way. Planning is underway for a major upgrade of the cricket nets, CCTV for the reserve, new Australian Rules football-compliant shelters and a new electronic scoreboard at oval one, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. There were plenty more bright spots throughout 2025. The inaugural ROAM Geelong transformed our cultural precinct into a kaleidoscope of art, colour and creativity, attracting 16,000 people. In the 2024–25 financial year, 12 events sponsored by Geelong Major Events generated an impressive $93 million for our local economy and attracted almost half a million spectators and participants. The City’s $1.5 million investment delivered a remarkable return on investment of 56 to 1. As a representative on the Geelong Major Events and Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine committees, I was thrilled to see the impact these events are having on our region. The Bellarine Peninsula will again take centre stage next year, with several world-class events including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the National Celtic Festival and the Victorian Open. Looking back, 2025 has been a year of collaboration and real progress – and it’s left me excited for what’s ahead in 2026.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Cruise into ‘26 at car show By Jena Carr Ready your engines and get down to Drysdale Recreation Reserve early in the new year to enjoy some classic cars and motorcycles. Drysdale’s Classic Car and Bike Show will feature a day packed with shiny classic cars and roaring bikes, along with food, drinks, trade stalls and live music. Event organiser Mark Friend said the show had been running for close to 13 years and that he looked forward to seeing people enjoy the day. “It’s turned into a really good family day with live music, food and coffee, and... everyone’s got a smile with kids everywhere running amok,” he said. “There’s also a cruise through the Bellarine the night before that goes from Drysdale around through Portarlington

to St Leonards and back through Portarlington to Drysdale. “I’ve got a ‘69 American Dodge Charger that I’ve had for a few years now, and it’s been fully rebuilt with a new motor and all that. “It was a long process as I first bought it when I was 19 and I’m 37 now, and I’ve only just really got it running, so it has taken about 19 years to get it on the road, but I get a lot of joy out of it.” Drysdale’s Classic Car and Bike Show will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Sunday 4 January, with entry to the event by a gold coin donation, which will benefit Drysdale Cricket Club. Drysdale Cricket Club president David Sykes and Drysdale Classic Car and Bike Show’s Mark Friend with his 1969 American Dodge Charger. (Supplied)

Wallington Primary School upgrades now complete Students and teachers at Wallington Primary School have access to upgraded facilities after a $2.1 million investment from the state government. Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP recently visited the new, upgraded, state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces, including upgraded works on the main building. The new facilities commenced construction earlier this year and are now complete. The school also received more than $180,000 through the department’s

Inclusive Schools Fund to build an inclusive playground, which was completed in 2024. “These new facilities are a fantastic boost for local Wallington students, giving them the modern, inspiring learning spaces they deserve,” Ms Marchant said. Ms Marchant said new and modern school buildings contribute to school pride for students, parents and the wider community, building their engagement with education. The state government invested $18.5 billion over the past 11 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2300

12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

school upgrades - supporting more than 30,000 jobs in construction and associated industries. “Our government is investing in the Education State to ensure every Victorian student has access to quality, modern learning environments close to home,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said. “We’re delivering on our election commitment and ensuring students have spaces tailored to 21st century learning that develop creative thinking and inspire learning for life.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, Wallington Primary School principal Cameran Edwards and school captain Clancy. (Supplied)

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

SECTION

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Bellarine Secondary College congratulates the Class of 2025 on their VCE and VCE Vocational Major results In 2025, the College achieved a 97 per cent successful completion rate across VCE and VCE Vocational Major, with 22 students awarded the VCE Vocational Major certificate. Academic outcomes were also pleasing, with 11 per cent of students achieving an ATAR above 80 and 21 per cent achieving an ATAR above 70.

DUX - Ella Brown 96.1 Ismena Goddard Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student

Special congratulations go to Ella Brown, College Dux with an ATAR of 96.1, along with Will Pope (95.85) and Frankie Martino (93.0). Congratulations also to Ismena Goddard, named Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student. The College wishes all graduates every success in their future pathways. Frankie Martino 93.05 Will Pope 95.85

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Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 13

ENTERTAINMENT

Young guns ready to fire By Matt Hewson Frankston rock band the Gnomes will celebrate both Christmas and a huge year bookended by gigs at the Barwon Club. The Gnomes will be part of a huge lineup at this weekend’s BC Breakup gig, just their second gig at Geelong’s premier rock ‘n roll venue and also the site of their first gig with their current lineup at the end of 2024. Hailing from the Mornington Peninsula, the band includes lead singer/guitarist Jay Millar, guitarist Ned Capp, bassist Olly Katsianis and drummer Ethan Robins.

With a sound belying their youth - Millar and Capp are 19, Katsianis is 21 and Robins is 22 - the Gnomes pump out classic 60s-style rock and roll with a modern garage edge. Born out of frontman Millar’s solo project created for his VCE Music studies, the band coalesced over the past couple of years as the four young musicians connected via a local music hub. “Everyone in the band went to different schools, so we met through Singing Bird,” Katsianis said. “It’s a music studio, so you can record your music, do rehearsals and practices there. It’s

also a live music venue, so it does gigs there, so it sort of has the whole package. “And every member of the band has been going to gigs there since we were 14, 15. It’s one of the last places around that does all ages gigs, which is pretty awesome.” Since Robins joined last year the Gnomes have recorded and released their debut 12-track, self-titled album, supported acts like the Cosmic Psychos, Hockey Dad, the Skegss and Eddy Current Suppression Ring and packed Melbourne bandrooms at their own headline shows. With another EP planned for release early

next year, Katsianis said the band were loving “Jay’s just got heaps of music backed up, so we’re always talking about the next album, what’s going to suit, and then the album after that,” he said. “We’re really keen on recording, finding out track lists and what songs work well together in an album order. It’s just fun to do that stuff.” The Gnomes are at the BC Breakup at the Barwon Club band room on Saturday 20 December. Visit barwonclub.com.au/ gig-guide for tickets and more information.

It’s not easy being green The world’s favourite ogre comes to town this summer for a run of five performances over the new year. Having been enjoyed by audiences the world over since 2008, Shrek the Musical comes to Geelong for the first time as part of its 2025-26 national tour. Based on the Academy Award-winning 2001 film starring Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz, Shrek the Musical is a high-energy, laugh-out-loud production celebrating the themes of love, appearance vs reality and self-acceptance. Part fairytale, part romance, the Tony Award-winning musical follows the story of an irascible ogre turned unlikely hero who takes up the quest to save a feisty princess. With irreppressible sidekick Donkey by

NEWS

his side, Shrek experiences a life-changing journey that proves it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Producer Layton Lillas said the show was the perfect holiday experience for audiences of all ages. “Our version of Shrek the Musical features a talented professional cast and crew of 40,” he said. “The set alone is worth over $2 million and was used on both the UK and American tours, it comes with a dragon that has its own 40-foot shipping container…believe me everyone who comes will be blown away.” Shrek the Musical is at Geelong Arts Centre from 31 December to 3 January. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/ all-events/shrek-the-musical for tickets and more information.

Shrek the Musical comes to Geelong Arts Centre this summer. (Supplied)

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

9 years ago

7 years ago

5 years ago

2 years ago

21 December, 2016, to 3 January, 2017

19 December, 2018, to 1 January, 2019

18 to 31 December, 2020

22 December, 2023, to 11 January, 2024

Target has reversed its decision to stop selling menswear at its Ocean Grove store. Target initially said it was discontinuing selling menswear from its Target Country store on Presidents Avenue as part of a trial, but customer feedback was overwhelming in its disapproval.

Bellarine Police will ramp up efforts to reduce the number of bicycle and scooter riders who are not wearing safety helmets. Bellarine Police have recently observed an increase in penalty notice fines.

Some traders on Ocean Grove’s main shopping street are concerned that recent changes allowing extra capacity for outdoor dining could drive people away. The traders fear traffic congestion will drive locals and tourists from The Terrace and to new shopping centres such as Kingston, Leopold and even Warralily.

Bellarine Police are urging locals to be “aware and vigilant” during the summer holiday season on the Bellarine Peninsula. According to the 2021 Census 25.6 percent of dwellings in Ocean Grove remain unoccupied during the majority of the year, but come peak season, the peninsula’s population swells significantly as people flock to their holiday homes, fill caravan parks and pack out motels and Air B&Bs.

14 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

KEEP IT LOCAL

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Counting down the festive days Most are counting down the days until Christmas and the end of 2025. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Tuesday 16 December to see who was out getting their Christmas shopping done before it’s too late. Josephine Corey. 524855_06

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Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15

DINING OUT

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It’s the season for festive dining on the beautiful Bellarine As the summer sun shines over the Bellarine Peninsula each December, food becomes a central part of celebrating Christmas. With fresh coastal produce, local wineries, and vibrant restaurant culture, the peninsula offers a delicious blend of traditional holiday meals, seasonal seafood, and local artisan delights - perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Local flavours & festive dining: The Bellarine region’s food culture is deeply connected to its land and sea. Fresh produce, seafood straight from local waters, and vineyard-grown wines shape many holiday feasts here. Seafood & coastal classics: Being so close to Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait means seafood features strongly on Christmas menus. Locals and visitors alike enjoy fresh oysters, prawns, mussels and fish - either as part of a leisurely beach picnic or as starters in a sit-down lunch. Portarlington mussels, a local favourite, often appear on festive tables and menus around the peninsula.

Festive menus & local menus to try: Restaurants and venues across the peninsula often offer special Christmas menus throughout December, blending

Flying Brick Cider Co is a great place to dine this festive season. (Pictures: Supplied)

local ingredients with seasonal classics. Festive dining experiences: Bennett’s on Bellarine serves a two-course Christmas lunch on select days in December, featuring roast lamb or pork with all the trimmings or casual grazing boards with wood-fired pizzas and pulled chicken sliders, finished with shared dessert boards of local cheeses and seasonal sweets. Seasonal menus at local clubs and restaurants often include traditional roasts

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Local caters such as Lady and the Fox catering and events also help bring festive meals to private gatherings with bespoke

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Local restaurants & wines: Several peninsula venues offer great settings for festive meals, whether it’s a long lunch, casual dinner, or special event: • Portarlington Kitchen & Bar - classic seasonal fare in relaxed Portarlington. • Mr Grubb @ Oakdene - bistro with a focus

on local produce and relaxed shared dishes. • Flying Brick Cider Co - farmhouse-style dining paired with craft cider. • Bellarine Estate - wine, barbecue and grazing boards perfect for festive groups. • Claribeaux - cafe-style meals ideal for light Christmas morning or lunch bites.

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Wines to celebrate with: No Bellarine Christmas feast is complete without pairing food with local wines. The peninsula’s cool-climate wines - especially crisp chardonnay, elegant pinot noir and refreshing sparkling varieties - complement seafood platters, roasted meats and festive desserts alike. Local vineyards like those found along the Bellarine Taste Trail offer bottles to suit every style of celebration.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Bellarine Historical Society Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Every Sunday until end December, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.  bellarinehistory.org

Ocean Grove Day VIEW Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am.  oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Live music Ballroom dance

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10/12 members/ nonmembers, all welcome.

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 20 December, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben. Wednesday 31 December, 7.30pm-12.30am, $10, bring a small plate, music Kevin.  0400 500 402

Ocean Grove Snooker Club Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. Next year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers.  0448 391 366

Bellarine Historical Society Inc. Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. 1st & 3rd Sundays, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale.  Ann, 0407 234 541

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

Ocean Grove Library Mondays 10.30am-11.30am Preschool story time (last session 15 December) Wednesdays 9.30am-10am Toddler Time (last session 17 December) Thursdays 3pm-4pm Tech Help - drop in session for basic tech needs Thursdays 11.30am-11.50am Baby Time (last session 18 December) School Holiday program details grlc/vic.gov. au The library, including returns chute, closes 5pm 24 December and reopens 2 January.

Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.  Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.  Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday.  5258 1150

Croquet Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.  0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience

necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun.  Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.  Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.  Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.  Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards.  Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Carpet bowls

Drysdale Day VIEW

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold on Wednesday and Friday from 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea.  0400 500 402

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.  Margaret, 0431 636 090

Scottish country dancing classes GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes.  Barbara, 0419 511 781

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly Tuesday: 1pm, snooker, chess, indoor bowls. Wednesday: 1.30pm, bingo. 2pm, ukulele class. 4pm, chord club jam session. Thursday: 1pm, craft & chat, snooker, cards 500, social afternoons. Friday: 9am, art classes, 1pm, cards 500. Fortnightly CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm  Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis 5255 4585 Book club, Wednesday 10.30am.  Paul, 0425 110 792 or Dianne, 5255 1372

Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.  Raelene, 4244 0376

TOWN club The Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.  Bev, 0421 636 830

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education.  oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com

Afternoon tea dance Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5.  5251 3529

CWA Drysdale Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members.  Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Pde, Barwon Heads, on the first Sunday of the month from 2-4pm. New members welcome.  dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 17

COMMUNITY

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Above: Erin and Brett Daniher with their children Maggie and Florence. 523483_02 Below: The Sweethearts band lit up the stage. 523483_01

Amber and Tim Teague with their children Harry, Poppy and Daisy. 523483_05

Park fills with Christmas cheer Carols in the Park was back on Sunday 14 December and Ocean Grove Park was packed with Christmas cheer. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp captured some of the magic.

Santa arrives. 523483_24 Eleanor Parry. 523483_23

Kathy Ricca with her daughter Georgia and Ryder Spurr. 523483_04

Hayden Dinse conducts the orchestra. 523483_20

Jon Mamonski. 523483_19

Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School. 523483_10

18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

Annie Cooper and Jacqueline McGlenchy. 523483_08

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Jono and Larissa Towers with son Otis. 523483_12

COMMUNITY

Nick Ellul, Ingrid Parnell and Erin Lockett. 523483_06

Tom Barlow with daughter Meg. 523483_11

Stellar, comprising Jackie, Tina and Gay. 523483_15

Ms Nicolaidis, Mihaela Raguz, Jasper Boyd, Chloe Boyd, Jacob Rowbottom, Ruth Boyd and Elle Boyd. 523483_14

Kristin Symes. 523483_21

Joshua Dower.

Surfside Primary School sang their hearts out. 523483_16

523483_22

Jacob Rowbottom. 523483_13

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson. Laura and David Lee with their children Spencer and Katie. 523483_07

523483_18

Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19

PUZZLES

easy

1 5 8 9 8 2 2 9 9 3 4 3 1 7 4 3 2 8 6 5 8 2

6 2

4 1

DECODER

5 2 7

17 1

2 2 7 3 4

3 6 4

7 6 9 5 6 4 8 6 2

8 18

23 17

10 11 12 13

25 12

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 22 words: Very good

6 2 3 1 5 8 9 4 7 7 9 8 6 3 4 2 1 5 1 5 4 2 9 7 6 8 3 8 7 9 3 6 5 4 2 1 2 6 1 4 7 9 5 3 8 3 4 5 8 2 1 7 9 6 5 8 7 9 4 3 1 6 2 4 3 2 7 1 6 8 5 9 9 1 6 5 8 2 3 7 4

8 2 9 3 4 6 5 7 1 3 6 1 5 2 7 8 9 4 4 7 5 9 1 8 2 3 6 9 4 3 6 8 2 7 1 5 2 1 6 7 9 5 3 4 8 7 5 8 4 3 1 6 2 9 5 9 7 1 6 3 4 8 2 1 3 2 8 5 4 9 6 7 6 8 4 2 7 9 1 5 3

D R

doer, dome, doom, door, dote, GODMOTHER, good, gored, groomed, herd, hoed, homed, hood, hooted, horde, method, mode, mood, mooed, moored, mooted, motored, redo, rode, rodeo, rood, roomed, rooted, toed, trod

E U D

20 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

12 13 14

16 17

21 22

23 25 26

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS AGE ASH AWE COL EEL EKE END EVE LIP MOO ONE OPT PAT PUP RUM TEE TNT TWO URN UTE WHO YOU

No. 268

L A G O O N

ENSUE ERRED GAMER GATED GENRE GLIDE HARPS ICIER INANE KNOWN LASER LEAPS LOSES MEWED NOBLE OKAYS OLIVE OMEGA OUTER PIPES PRANK REELS

4 LETTERS DRIP GAIT HOWL LAID MOST PEEL REDO REST SLAT TAPS 5 LETTERS AGENT ALIBI ALIKE ATONE AWARE CLEAN DARED DOPES

RIPEN SANER SENSE SPREE STEER STEPS STRAP STRIP TALES TEASE TEEMS THUDS TIMED TOADS TUTOR WASPS WORLD YIELD

LAGOON SHREWS SPAWNS TATTOO 7 LETTERS MOURNER PHYSICS SCEPTRE SEASONS TAWNIER WALKERS

8 LETTERS ATHEISTS UNEARTHS UNTANGLE UPSTREAM 10 LETTERS DESCENDING DETHRONING

6 LETTERS HOARDS HORSES

19-12-25

No. 375 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

B L A S T L O W E R U S A G E R E R U N B R E E D

2 8 1 6 3 4 7 9 5 7 6 4 5 9 8 2 1 3 3 9 5 7 2 1 4 6 8 4 7 2 8 5 9 1 3 6 6 5 9 3 1 7 8 2 4 8 1 3 2 4 6 9 5 7 9 3 7 1 8 5 6 4 2 1 2 6 4 7 3 5 8 9 5 4 8 9 6 2 3 7 1

A E

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

C L Q S A H G V Y N M W K

A O

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

30 words: Excellent

hard

9-LETTER WORD

medium

easy

5x5

3 hard

6 9 5 7 2 8 6 3 8 1

1 6 3

1 6 8 4 7 8 5 4 6

No. 300

22 25

medium

19 20 21

23 24 26 27 28 29

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16

U J D O X B P Z T R F

1 8

Marriage partner (6) Roman equivalent of the Greeks’ Poseidon (7) Crimson (7) Temporary release (4) Sympathy (10) Maybe (7) Plants absorb carbon – (7) Leeway (8) Pretty (10) Island group in the Indian Ocean (8) Drink made with wine, fruit and brandy (7) Bravery (7) Passage (7) Colourful arc (7) Redfaced (6) Cosy retreat (4)

1 2

Related to sound (5) Retreat, climb down (9) Of equal value (2,3) Closest to the centre (9) Workroom for an artist, photographer, etc. (6) Plant scientist (8) Inexorable (10) Termination (3) Stomach muscles (3) Exaggerated representation (10) Stigmatise (8) Beauty treatment (6) With many uses (9) Temperate (5) Assertion (9) Pulled (5)

12 14 15 17 19

DOWN

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11

No. 268

QUICK QUIZ

To whom was King Henry VIII married the longest?

Would water freezing to form ice be considered a physical or a chemical change?

Who directed the films Lady Bird (2017), Little Women (2019) and Barbie (2023)?

Winona Laura Horowitz is better known by what name?

Vanderpump Rules was developed as a spin-off from which other US reality TV series?

Rachel McAdams (pictured), Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried star together in which 2004 teen comedy film?

‘Come over to the window, my little darling/I’d like to try to read your palm’ are the opening lines of which song?

Spaghetti alla puttanesca, a pasta dish typically made with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, chilli, garlic and capers, originated in which Italian city?

What is the capital city of Peru?

10 Monkey Grip, The Spare Room and The Children’s Bach are novels by which Australian writer? ANSWERS: 1. Catherine of Aragon 2. Physical change 3. Greta Gerwig 4. Winona Ryder 5. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 6. Mean Girls 7. So Long, Marianne by Leonard Cohen 8. Naples 9. Lima 10. Helen Garner

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

D A R E D T U T O R T A L E S I N A N E A G E N T O L I V E P I P E S M E W E D T E A S E E K E C L E A N O P T P U P D R I P H O R S E S S E N S E T N T T E E Y O U G A T E D S H R E W S M O S T A T H E I S T S L A I D U T E M O U R N E R S C E P T R E G A I T U P S T R E A M E N D R E S T S P AW N S H A R P S W H O P A T U R N L A G O O N S L A T O K A Y S A S H K N OW N L I P AW E S A N E R O M E G A I C I E R WO R L D N O B L E E R R E D L O S E S G L I D E R E E L S

No. 268

S O N I C B A C K P E D A L P E A A O E I A I N N E R M O S T O N P A R T M L D H X I U S T U D I O B O T A N I S T N N A L P D U E R E L E N T L E S S E N D M T N E C A R I C A T U R E A B S L A O A E R A F F A C I A L D E N O U N C E G R T N N N O I S O B E R V E R S A T I L E E I G V S I O I T O W E D S T A T E M E N T

SUDOKU

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Victorian soccer team defeated Marconi Stallions FC to win the 2025 Australian Championship? 2. Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer plays for which national cricket team?

3. Jessica Stenson recently became the fastest Australian woman over what distance?

10. College football coach Lane Kiffin is set to lead which team for the next seven years?

4. The Socceroos are currently set to play the US and which South American country in Group D of the 2026 World Cup?

11. How many teams will participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

5. After a dramatic race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who claimed the Formula 1 world title?

13. In what year was tennis introduced as an Olympic sport?

6. Which Canada-based WNBA team is Australian basketball legend Sandy Brondello set to coach in 2026? 7. Cameron Smith finished second to which Danish golf professional at the 2025 Australian Open? 8. Akech Aliir last played for which NBL club? 9. CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs will add what to the backs of their jerseys for their 2026 Las Vegas match?

LeBron James

12. Which three stadiums will host Men’s State of Origin matches in 2026?

14. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which sport is the focus of the 2009 film Invictus?

Bathurst 1000

19. What is the controversial motto for the upcoming Brisbane Olympics?

15. Which sporting brand is the long-term apparel partner of Football Australia?

20. In a recent Ashes match at Optus Stadium, who memorably caught-andbowled England opener Zak Crawley?

16. How many years long was LeBron James’ recently broken double-digit scoring streak?

21. Former Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen is from which country?

17. Which National League team was recognised by the UN as the world’s first carbon-neutral soccer club? 18. How old is the youngest player to earn an official chess rating?

22. In the NHL, the Sabres play out of which city? 23. How many metres can you run before the ball has to touch the ground in the AFL?

25. Which sport is the focus on the TV show Shoresy? 26. In which year did Melbourne Storm win its first premiership? 27. Tessa Virtue won Olympic medals in which sport? 28. And who was her partner? 29. Christian Brigham is the real name of which WWE wrestler? 30. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey previously played for which AFL club?

24. Who won the 2025 Bathurst 1000 race?

1912

1. South Melbourne FC 2. England 3. 42.195km (marathon) 4. Paraguay 5. Lando Norris 6. Toronto Tempo 7. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen 8. South East Melbourne Phoenix 9. Player surnames 10. Louisiana State University Tigers 11. 24 12. Accor Stadium, MCG, Suncorp Stadium 13. 1896 14. Rugby union 15. Nike 16. 18 17. Forest Green Rovers 18. Three 19. Believe. Belong. Become. 20. Mitchell Starc 21. Finland 22. Buffalo, New York 23. 15 metres 24. Matthew Payne and Garth Tander 25. Ice hockey 26. 1999 27. Figure skating 28. Scott Moir 29. Carmelo Hayes 30. GWS Giants

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Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21

MOTOR

High quality, bargain price By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Yet another new name for Australian buyers to grapple with, Jaecoo is one of three sub-brands from the Chinese Chery brand. Chery is the leading exporter of Chinese vehicles worldwide with Australian sales more than tripling over the past 12 months. Marketed as the group’s premium brand, Jaecoo was launched here in March 2025 with the J7, a mid-sized SUV powered by either petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains. It was joined recently by our test vehicle, the J8 family-size SUV. Although they are built on different platforms, they do share many of the same design elements, most noticeable being what Chery describes as its Waterfall Grille with 20 vertical chrome and piano black bars and the Jaecoo name in the centre. The J8 differs also in that it only comes with a single power option, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine although it seems likely that a PHEV will follow. Although J8 is significantly larger in all dimensions than the J7 both are five-seaters. It’s highly likely that a third row will be added later to allow it to compete against similarly-sized vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger. Jaecoo J8 comes with two variants, the Track 2WD priced at $49,990 and the AWD $54,990 Ridge. Both prices are driveaway.

The Jaecoo J8 is one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

RATINGS Looks: 9/10 Performance: 7.5/10

Styling Chery’s design team, headed by a former Mercedes-Benz stylist, have done an impressive job with its two Jaecoo vehicles. Both have an understated but stylish appearance, one that proved to be real head-turners wherever we drove, invariably followed by the need to explain that Jaecoo was the upmarket version of the Chinese carmaker Chery. The 320mm extra length of the J8 over the J7 is the most obvious difference between the two siblings with its stretched, slightly tapering roofline just crying out for that extra row of seats. There’s LED lighting all round, both external and internal, with a light bar connecting the tail lights.

Interior The quality and premier feel of the Jaecoo J8 extends into the cabin. The front seats are heated and ventilated with massage function and four-way lumbar support. The Ridge variant adds heating and ventilation to outer second row seats. The driver gets an eight-way powered seat with extended thigh support, four-way lumbar support and memory function. The front passenger has six-way power adjustment. The rear seats get their own air conditioning controls and a folding centre armrest. There’s even an in-built fragrance system in the Ridge that uses replaceable cartridges, located below the dashboard to release a choice of scents through the interior of the vehicle. One feature that we haven’t encountered are speakers built into the front seat headrests. We received a few phone calls during our test – backseat drivers indeed. Boot space is a huge 738 litres expandable to a van-like 2021 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. Note that these measurements are to the roof. Both variants come with a full-sized spare wheel.

Safety: 8/10 Thirst: 7/10 Practicality: 8/10 Comfort: 8.5/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 8.5/10

1750rpm. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes in either front-wheel drive in the Ridge and all-wheel drive in the Track. The engine requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

Safety Jaecoo J8 was yet to be tested by ANCAP, however given that it shares all of its safety features with the J7 which was tested in May 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating, that would seem to be assured. Track has eight airbags including front centre and driver’s knee. Ridge adds side airbags for the outside rear seats. Both variants get Chery’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package that includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and braking, lane departure prevention with emergency lane keeping, driver monitoring system and tyre pressure monitoring. The Range variant adds extra drive modes, torque vectoring and continuous damping control. There are also four lane deviation and three driver inattention/speed limit monitoring systems. All can be turned off temporarily although, fortunately, they are nowhere near as intrusive as others we have come across One thing that impressed us, with both the Jaecoo models that we’ve tested, was that the vehicle will not move unless the driver’s seatbelt is fastened. Such an obvious safety but one that very few other manufacturers have adopted. We understand that ANCAP may add to its testing regime in future.

Engines/transmissions The Jaecoo J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque from

Infotainment In contrast to the portrait format of the Jaecoo J7’s infotainment screen the J8

22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

reverts to the conventional landscape design. The touch screen is 12.3-inch and is butted up against a driver’s information cluster of the same size to display as a single, panoramic screen. Both screens are crisp, clear and easy to access. There’s inbuilt satellite navigation that can be displayed on both screens. There are USB-A ports at both front and rear with fast-charge USB-Cs in both locations. 12-volt power outlets are located in the front and in the boot and there is a 50W wireless charger in both variants. Audio is through an impressive 14-speaker Sony surround sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless.

Driving There are retractable handles on all four doors that open automatically when the key fob comes in range. Unlike most other vehicles with such door handles that can be awkward to open those in the J7 open fully square for easy opening. Visibility isn’t great with about half of the narrow rear window blocked by the rear seat headrests. The A-pillar is wide and sharply angled which, together with the large side mirror, does restrict left-side vision for the driver. As is rapidly becoming the norm, almost all vehicle functions are accessed through the touchscreen rather than using physical controls. While these are among the many important safety features in the vehicle, and no doubt many drivers will appreciate them, they can be quite intrusive and frequently require the driver to look at the touchscreen instead of the road ahead. They can be turned off although with most vehicles they then default back on when the engine is stopped. Fortunately, with the Jaecoo that’s not the case and, apart from the driver distraction alert, they remain off until turned on again.

Another problem we found was the location of the gear selector on the right-hand steering wheel stalk. Typically, that is the location of the right turn indicator or windscreen wiper controls. On a number of occasions, we inadvertently moved the vehicle into neutral when we went to use either the indicator or wipers. The drive experience from the Jaecoo J8 is predictable enough for a large boxy and relatively heavy vehicle but that applies equally to most vehicles in the medium SUV field. It does what the typical family owner wants and does it well. It provides a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride both around town and on the motorway. Steering is light Note that, unusually for a relatively large vehicle, J8 does not have any towing rating. Both variants get an adjustable head-up display.

Summing up Although the Jaecoo brand doesn’t have the badge prestige of European vehicles of similar size the J8’s driveaway price starting from just under $50,000 it offers incredible value for money. The standard Jaecoo warranty covers eight years and unlimited kilometres. There’s also 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance, that can be with the opportunity of extending for the full warranty period provided that the vehicle is serviced throughout at authorised Jaecoo dealers. Another Jaecoo initiative is a ‘Future Price Promise’ that guarantees a minimum resale value subject to specific conditions being met including the aforementioned servicing criteria. The Jaecoo J8 certainly gets our nod as one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. The combination of its, excellent interior space and comfort, safety equipment and pricing make it well worth checking out.

SPORT

Around the cricket grounds All the run makers and wicket takers from the weekend’s Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association matches. Barrabool Jan Juc 206 (M. Zahra 73, B. Roberts 71, T. Walliss 5/60) vs Armstrong Creek 1/25 Ocean Grove 7/271 (J. Priestley 56, B. Hanson 43, C. Bampfield 41, L. Morrison 35) vs Anglesea

BELLARINE PENINSULA CRICKET ASSOCIATION Round 8 A1 GRADE Days 1 and 2, Saturday/Sunday 13 & 14 December Drysdale 8/131 (R. Peillon 35, H. Eddy 35, B. Harcombe 3/34) def Anglesea 129 (S. Weight 41, B. Harcombe 38, B. Dobbin 3/13) Barwon Heads 228 (M. Bode 67, L. Hyland 63, M. Melzer 45, L. Clift 5/72) def Barrabool 164 (A. Jaques 48, S. Kamea 3/21, S. Schaller 3/24) Day 1, Saturday 13 December (day 2, Saturday 20 December) Queenscliff 8/279 (L. Philp 160, H. Illingworth 31, D. Maclean 5/101) vs Armstrong Creek Inverleigh 144 (D. Peel 48, D. Midolo 31, J. Graham 8/80) vs Jan Juc A2 GRADE Days 1 and 2, Saturday/Sunday 13 & 14 December Collendina 5/150 (S. Grazotis 59no, C. Walter 55no, J. Burns 3/44) def St Leonards 147 (T. Griffin 40, P. Hassan 26, S. Grazotis 3/37) Winchelsea 5/202 (J. Groves 65, M. Simons 59, T. Bandara 36, T. Hapugodage 3/48) def Newcomb 129 (R. Sauni 4/37) Wallington 127 (H. McIntosh 33, R. Healy

Barwon Heads slips cordon: keeper Max Melzer, Lewy Hyland, Miller Moulton and Harry Hyland wait for an edge while short fine-leg Darcy Hewitt is ready. (Justin Flynn) 519537_11

3/6, B. Robinson 3/21) & 5/94 (R. Faust 63) def Surf Coast 95 (T. Spencer 7/19) Day 1, Saturday 13 December (day 2, Saturday 20 December) Ocean Grove 6/297 (S. Fankhauser 72, C. Snookes 69, F. Long 66, D. Roddis 48, N. Symes 3/57) vs Portarlington B1 GRADE Collendina 114 (J. Morgan 4/23, T. Jones 3/33) vs Portarlington 5/117 (S. Chisholm 46, J. McGrath 39no) Barwon Heads 9/293 (Jaxon Mallett 95, C. Cox 57, R. Mackie 45, J. Kelly 3/15) vs

B2 GRADE Days 1 and 2, Saturday/Sunday 13 & 14 December Queenscliff 7/240 (L. Citroen 111no, T. Hanafin 30, B. Hayward 30) def Winchelsea 130 (C. Primmer 59, M. Partridge 30, T. Hanafin 3/23) Wallington 2/118 (M. Occhipinti 60) def Surf Coast 61 (J. Devine 4/29, L. Roebuck-Stewart 3/15) Day 1, Saturday 13 December (day 2, Saturday 20 December) Drysdale 266 (L. Cox 84, J. Fletcher 74, X. Jetson 68, J. Claney 5/62, P. Collins 4/63) vs Newcomb 1/36 St Leonards 163 (P. Pepper 35, M. Frankovic 31) vs Inverleigh 2/77 C GRADE Queenscliff 8/299 (D. Blount 72, R. Kanyalkar-Thomson 51, C. Kelly 33, J. Lewry 30no, A. Bryant 30, D. Vella 3/66) vs Barwon Heads 4th XI Armstrong Creek 3/479 (C. McPherson 181, N. Johnson 160, A. Latif 68) vs Barrabool

Rust-eze wins Monday Women’s Section 1 LOCAL TENNIS Donna Schoenmaekers It was grand-final week for Monday Women’s Section 1, which had been close at the top of the table all season. With a bye thrown in, positions changed throughout the season with Smash Hits claiming the minor premiership in the last round, and only by percentage, ahead of Rust-eze. The two teams had solid wins over the other during the season, so it was likely that selection of pairings and the matchups was going to play a part in the end result. The first doubles saw Smash Hits’ Sharon Miguel-Cranston and Katie Nalesnyik against Denise Airey and Evie Ryan from Rust-eze. Both pairs have played well together, but had not played each other during the season. Both teams started tentatively, but Smash Hits got an early break thanks to some good serving from Nalesnyik and solid volleying from Miguel-Cranston. Airey and Ryan stayed in it, rallying well and moving the ball around the court, but with a second break late in the set, Smash Hits proved too good, winning 8-4. Emily Sullivan and Clare Mullen for Smash Hits were pitted against Andrea Eccleston and Mel McClelland for Rust-eze in the second set, with both pairs long-standing partners who play well together. Eccleston, with her low slice, and McClelland, getting the better of some long forehand rallies, took the set 8-3 to give Rust-eze the edge by one game going into the final two sets. Miguel-Cranston and Sullivan took on McClelland and Airey in the first reverse doubles, which was again punctuated by Sullivan and McClelland trading forehands from the back of the court. The combination of Airey hitting deep from the Ad court into Sullivan’s backhand and Miguel-Cranston’s forehand for the McClelland backhand volley put-away, was the difference with Rust-eze getting up 8-2.

Portarlington 8/288 (C. McDonald 86no, B. Vagg 62, D. Deluca 33, J. Ponsford 4/48) vs Barwon Heads 3rd XI Anglesea 160 (G. Dodkins 68no, D. Bilston 3/16) vs Jan Juc 1/67 (M. Crocker 42) Drysdale 8/138 (A. Oliver 53) vs Ocean Grove D GRADE EAST Collendina 7/206 (J. Hearps 62no, D. Leigh 44) def Queenscliff 9/203 (S. Smith 100no, J. Hearps 3/48) St Leonards 206 (M. Grills 75, S. Miles 49, G. Morissy 3/42, M. Biemans 3/39) def Wallington 4/187 (J. Dunstan 63, T. Jones 42no, M. Dwyer 30) Ocean Grove 2/106 (Z. Carmody 34, J. Murphy 30) def Drysdale 7/105 (I. Seth 35, J. Murphy 3/12) D GRADE WEST Barwon Heads 224 (J. Roche 116no, D. Fazakerley 4/27, R. Kalathur 3/30) def Armstrong Creek 186 (V. Singla 76, R. Kalathur 38, M. Dunell 4/12, D. Buller 3/33) Jan Juc 4/199 (C. Huxtable 88, L. Ayton 35no) def Surf Coast 7/196 (S. Augustine 65, A. Antony 50, G. Massie 35, C. McCallum 3/28) Anglesea 5/161 (G. MacColl 94no, T. Martin 48, B. Sheedy 3/14) def Newcomb 154 (S. Cammaroto 88, T. Martin 3/21, C. Tucker 3/26)

Meg Lappin set to head to Brisbane By Justin Flynn

Midweek Women’s Section 1 premiers Rust-eze: Narelle Thompson, Andrea Eccleston, Mel McClelland, Evie Ryan, Denise Airey.

Midweek Women’s Section 1 premiers Highton: Mary-Anne Castro, Jacinta Thomas, Sara Chol, Brea Hulands, Sarah Laird. (Pictures: Supplied)

Lengthy rallies were the feature on the second court with Nalesnyik and Mullen not willing to miss against Ryan and Narelle Thompson. The pairs were well matched with many games going to deuce, but Smash Hits were the eventual winners 8-5. The match ended tied on sets, but Rust-eze was ahead by four games, to claim their second premiership for the year. Section 2 featured minor premiers Highton playing newcomers Winchelsea and with two close wins, were favourites going into the match. The first sets were complete contrasts with Highton’s Sara Chol and Sarah Laird

getting the best start with an 8-0 win while Brea Hulands and Mary-Anne Castro battled a marathon with Winch’s Cinthya Sabillon and Lesley Matheson before eventually coming out ahead 8-6. Laird had a night to remember when she teamed with Castro for an 8-1 win in the reverse doubles, dropping just game for the night, to seal the win for Highton, but the result had no effect on play in the final set with Hulands and Sabillon again keeping it close with their partners Chol and Joanne Law, respectively, pushing to a tie-break. The Highton pair proved too steady at the end to give Highton the win with a clean sweep.

Newtown & Chilwell’s Meg Lappin became Brisbane’s first father-daughter selection in the AFLW draft on Monday night. The tall defender’s name was read out late in the draft at pick 59 and was only nominated by the Lions on Monday as a potential father-daughter pick. The 179cm Geelong Falcon’s father Nigel played 279 AFL games and played in three premierships at Brisbane. “It’s really exciting to welcome our first father-daughter to the club tonight,” Lions AFLW list manager Michael Swann said. “When Meg is around the ball, she displays great instincts for fighting through traffic and making good decisions, we think that she is going to develop really quickly as part of our system here at the Lions.“ Geelong selected 175cm defender Evie Cowcher at pick 11. The two-time Under 18 All Australian missed a lot of the 2025 season with back stress fracture, but the Western Australian is not afraid to leave her opponent and create damage with her long kicking. With their second pick, the Cats picked Tasmanian speedster Priya Bowering. Bowering averaged 20 disposals per game at Under 18 level this season and was chosen at pick 27. Geelong selected WA midfielder Renee Morgan with pick 43. Geelong Falcons duo Stella Huxtable and Georgia Tyrell went undrafted despite being invited to the draft combine and being among the top rated players in this year’s draft.

Friday, 19 December, 2025 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 23

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Grovers take all 18 points Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ocean Grove on Saturday 13 December to see the home side take all 18 points on offer in the Division 2 clash against Geelong Cement.

Jacqueline McLaren consolidates this end to win by one shot. 519535_16

Shane Hafner plays the forehand. 519535_03

Dylan Ryan leads off for Ocean Grove. 519535_01

Andrew Downie draws the shot that wins the end. 519535_06

Julie Grech leads off. 519535_09 Tobias Bottrell watches his bowl closely. 519535_04

Toni Jones leads the way for Geelong Cement. 519535_02

24 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025

Ross Lever leads his team to win this end by one shot. 519535_08

Noel Fry follows his bowl down the rink. 519535_11

Patria McGrath skippered her team to win 24 shots to 22. 519535_15

Ken Thomas skippered his team to a 21 to 14 shot win. 519535_07

Shane Thorley looks for position. 519535_05

Andrew Barton leads the way for Ocean Grove. 519535_10

SPORT

Flag favourites win again By Justin Flynn On face value, a 33-shot win is comfortable in any language, but Ocean Grove bowls star Brad Pavey said Saturday’s Premier Pennant victory against Lara wasn’t as easy as the 100 to 67 scoreline suggested. While Pavey’s rink had a 31 to 9 win, the other three rinks were close and the Grovers had to work hard to beat a team that had won just once this season. Pavey, who was recently elevated to the Emerging Jackaroos squad, said even his rink wasn’t in complete control until late. “I think we were 3-7 down after six ends and we were probably a little bit slow out of the blocks,” the 25-year-old Victorian state player said. “So we just had to really grind it out and sort of win ugly, I guess. The score probably didn’t really sum up the game that well. We probably won by more than what we should have. “We reset, we had a bit of a chat, just said we all knew that we weren’t really playing that well. We shortened it up a little bit and we were able to gain the momentum from there.” Tyson Cromie’s rink got over the line 17-15 against Don Grellet and Peter Loe’s finished 32-22 winners over Brendan Umbers. Matt Flapper’s rink went down 20-21 to Stu Hedger, earning Lara two points for the game and preventing the Grovers from a clean sweep. Pavey said he was enjoying being skip of his rink with Robyn Hunt as lead, Chris Burrell as second and Chris Price as third. “Robyn is pretty new to bowls and very new to Premier League and she’s been absolutely unbelievable,” he said. “She’s just adapted so well, just takes everything on, full of encouragement, is really, really competitive, hates losing, hates playing a loose bowl, which, to be fair to her, she hasn’t played many of those. “Buzz (Burrell) has been around for a couple of years now. He can bring a lot of energy to the side. He’s a bit of a larrikin, as is Chris (Price), my third. “We’ve played a lot of bowls together over the last three years and he’s a very good player in his own right. He also brings a lot of noise and a lot of energy to our team. “I think our rink has gelled really well together.” The conditions during the game at Lara were windy and with Ocean Grove now playing home games at an indoor venue under the Dome, Pavey said the side had to adapt. “We’ve all played in those conditions outside the last six months when we’ve had the Dome so there’s no excuses,” he said. “I think we just have to probably give ourselves a little bit more time to adapt and just don’t think it’s going to happen straight away. “We still have our (outdoors) green over the road, which is carpet so a few of us had a practice on that on Thursday night, just to try to adapt to the conditions, which was a little bit similar to what Lara was.” GEELONG BOWLS REGION Round 8, Saturday 13 December Rinks in order of skip, lead, second, third. Premier Pennant Ocean Grove 100 (17) def Lara 67 (2): T. Cromie, A. Forster, W. Frith, J. Rudd 17 def D. Grellet, S. Tump, C. McPherson, S. Emond 15; B. Pavey, R. Hunt, C. Burrell, C. Price 31 def MJ Kelly, P. Cook, B. Emond, A. Gillett 9; M. Flapper, H. O’Reilly, J. Bertrand, Z. Abro 20 def by S. Hedger, J. Macgavin, H. Tump, J. Moloney 21; P. Loe, C. Rippon, M. Rowley, T. Joel 32 def B. Umbers, L. Sanderson, A. Ansett, M. Fedyk 22.

Lauren Maclachlan in action for Ocean Grove against Geelong Cement in Division 2. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 519535_23

Left: Geelong Cement’s Jacqueline McLaren was locked a tight battle all game on her rink. 519535_21 Right: Shane Thorley shows his style. 519535_17

Queenscliff 78 (12) def Drysdale 74 (6): B. Russell, M. Speed, W. Macleod, N. Dixon 27 def B. Howie, J. Candy, T. Villani, M. Johnson 8; S. Sullivan, R. McGovern, B. Gladman, S. Monahan 16 def by A. Rees, M. Hommelhoff, L. Benson, A. Keranen 22; M. Hocking, C. Heard, W. Visser, J. Reilly 18 def J. Monahan, M. Neicho, M. Campbell, A. James 26; R. Butler, D. Saunders, A. Green, R. Cameron 17 def by M. Godbolt, P. Lucas, M. Rees, J. Fry 18. Torquay 108 (18) def Bell Post Hill 55 (0): N. Ball, R. Aitken, J. Howarth, J. Banks 39 def D. Gillett, G. Logue, R. Couzens, A. Firth 9; J. Issell, C. Papastergiou, A. Shaw, A. Sampson 25 def B. Seaton, F. Clayson, D. Phelp, B. Richards 13; D. Cairns, R. Milesi, W. Roberts, B. Ott 20 def D. Gercke, A. Lewis, A. Mayne, A. Pratt 17; B. Irvine, B. Calthorpe, G. Gibson, P. French 24 def B. Toner, M. Couzens, J. Toner, B. Bottrell 16. Highton 98 (18) def Eastern Park 62 (0): David Priddle, R. Priddle, C. Elliott, C. Polwarth 33 def S. McDonald, T. Scorpo, S. Young, M. Coleman 14; A. Lee, D. Kiss, B. Prior, S. Shuttleworth 26 def N. Bell,

R. Sherwell, P. Scorpo, T. Balchan 14; Dan Priddle, M. Coulter, R. Chambers, J. Fitzgerald 21 def A. Munro, D. Jackman, D. Andueza, D. Washington 17; S. McLachlan, J. Kiss, T. Hickey, D. Klemke 18 def A. Martin, S. Webb, P. Hawkins, S. Field 17. Division 1 City of Geelong 94 (16) def Leopold 69 (2): M. Nitchie, L. Simpson, N. Robinson, S. Ashby 20 def B. Anderson, B. Shaw, L. Seear, L. Cameron 18; N. Craven, H. Boult, K. Gooley, L. Harvey 28 def M. Willis, D. Rudge, M. Booth, N. Lazic 9; J. Shell, N. Trease-Gordon, G. Lane, D. Vogele 19 def by T. Dickson-Arthur, M. Gregg, T. Salisbury, D. Alderuccio 26; S. Tillson, R. Sutherland, S. Somerton, D. Wombell 27 def C. Sproal, B. Mathieson, P. Shuttleworth, D. Seear 16. Belmont 95 (16) def Highton 63 (2): J. Harris, S. Grainger, S. Rundell, D. Ross 33 def R. Kerr, Y. Olsen, I. Anderson, D. Tudor 20; S. Davies, B. Clark, M. Koulkoudinas, W. Hovey 16 def by O. Landry, P. Jones, S. Kerr, R. Imanse 19; R. Hayes, G. Davies, P. Newton, L. Butcher

20 def P. Monk, G. Gerdtz, H. Gilmore, N. Oakes 13; R. Agg, J. Clark, C. Bassett, G. Smith 26 def M. Cavanagh, M. Staggard , D. Cameron, D. McGregor 11. Ocean Grove 107 (14) def St Leonards 67 (4): H. O’Reilly, J Le Cerf, C. John, D. Henery 16 def by A. Hills, J. Doyle, B. Auld, B. Culph 18; M. West, M. Jacobs, S. Renshaw, O. Clark 42 def H. Dahler, R. Beattie, D. Barnett, R. Michael 11; A. Drury, T. Warren, P. Entwistle, C. Verrier 18 def by T. Long, M. Maddox, G. Lund, B. Padgham 20. R. Brehaut, M. O’Reilly, B. Boyle, S. Avery 31 def M. Kennedy, F. Aston, P. Garlick, A. Doyle 18. Geelong 101 (18) def Portarlington 71 (0): B. Wilson, B. Armitage, L. Formosa, C. Fawthrop 19 def D. Dunlop, I. Wiffen, R. Malcomson, J. Baker 15; T. Earp, R. Kent, D. Jarman, S. Martin 23 def B. Hirth, D. Roberts, W. Atkins, P. Fisk 22; A. Crooke, R. Petterwood, K. Petzierides, A. Fawthrop 33 def G. Reed, T. McNamara, A. Marston, T. Freeman 15; T. Thompson, N. Coots, G. Briggs, G. Harrison 26 def T. Demaria, M. Weales, D. McNamara, M. Dennis 19.

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Michael Kelson cuts. 519537_15

Max Melzer dives for Barwon Heads. 519537_12

Gulls go into break unbeaten Justin Flynn was at RT Fuller Oval on Sunday 14 December for day two of the BPCA A1 Grade game between Barwon Heads and Barrabool, which the home team won by 64 runs to enter the midseason break undefeated.

Shane Stevens turns the ball to leg for Barrabool. 519537_07

Michael Kelson is bowled by Angus Mackie with wicket-keeper Miller Moulton looking on. 519537_17

Matthew Bode, Daniel Donaldson and Darcy Hewitt find something mildy amusing. 519537_04

Archer Jaques played well for his 48 Barrabool. 519537_21

Sema Kamea took three early wickets for Barwon Heads. 519537_01

Angus Mackie took 2/18 from 11 overs. 519537_16 Luke Clift plays a pull shot. 519537_03

Left: Barwon Heads’ Sam Schaller bowled 59 consecutive deliveries for no runs. 519537_20 Centre: Darcy Hewitt steams in. 519537_02 Right: Harry Hyland follows through. 519537_13

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Roddis enjoying new role By Justin Flynn Dan Roddis knows what it’s like to not only play in a struggling side, but lead one. The former Ocean Grove captain/coach is now just enjoying playing, but this season it’s even more fun. The Grubbers were relegated from the BPCA’s A1 Grade competition last season, but so far, life in A2 Grade has been good with the side sitting in 2nd place. The recruitment of Campbell Snookes, Connor Weidemann and Baljinder Singh Brar has meant the Grubbers have more batting depth, allowing the likes of Shaun Fankhauser, Fletcher Long and Roddis more security at the top of the order. Roddis is flourishing in his new role as opener with 232 runs at 33.14. Normally a dasher, Roddis has adopted a more cautious approach this season and credited the side’s batting depth as a reason why. “If Red (Fankhauser) fails, I fail or Fletch (Long) fails, you know that someone in the middle - Zac (Jones) and Snookesy, Connor, Baljinder - one of them will make a score,” he said. “And then if they don’t, we’ve still got Jake Taylor and Corey Buxton at eight and nine. Both blokes who have batted in our top four previously and they can’t even get in the top six. “It’s a really good feeling to have. The whole thing this year is about contributions, everybody contributing. It doesn’t need one bloke to carry the team on his shoulders.” Ocean Grove goes into day two of its round 8 clash on Saturday against Portarlington defending 297 at Ray Menzies Oval. Fankhauser (72), Snookes (69), Long (66) and Roddis (48) all made hefty contributions on the opening day last Saturday. Roddis said his change of mindset towards batting came with the responsibility of opening. “I’ve sort of had to,” he said. “Not looking to score at a run a ball every game like I was previously. Don’t get me wrong, I still, every now and then have a little brain fade and I try to hit the good ball that’s nipping away for six and end up playing and missing, but it’s slowly getting better. “I didn’t think I’d actually enjoy leaving the ball or kicking the ball back for a few overs to get my eye in. It’s something that was pretty foreign to me, especially in the

Dan Roddis on his way to 54 against Wallington in round 4. (Ivan Kemp) 510982_16

first two-day game, just kicking a few balls back.” Despite the big score, Roddis knows that Portarlington is a strong batting side and victory will not come easily. “They’ve got some quality bats,” he said. “I think he’s (Paul McGrath) the leading run scorer in the history of the BPCA, batting at four or five. Tooley’s (Brenton Toole) a good stick too. Cam Gourley’s already made a couple of scores this year. “They’ve got fire power. We’ve got to bowl well. Regardless if you’ve got 150 on the board or you’ve got 300 on the board, you still have to bowl well to win the game.” ALL other A2 Grade matches were played last Saturday and Sunday to go into the break a week early.

THE competition’s batters might have been scurrying around checking the fixture as Wallington unleashed English paceman Tom Spencer. Spencer will play five games for the Wallabies and bowled with venom late on Saturday to eventually take 7/19 against Surf Coast. Wallington was all out for 127 on day one and then Spencer wreaked havoc to have the Suns 5/50 at the close of play. Mitch Sleeman broke through early on day two to have the Suns 6/50, but Will Liddle (24) gave them a sniff. Spencer then ran through the tail - Surf Coast all out for 95. Wallington had another hit and was 5/93 at the close with Richard Faust getting 63

from 60 deliveries. AN unbroken 93-run stand between Stan Grazotis (59 not out) and Corey Walter (55 not out) saw Collendina home after it was 5/57 chasing St Leonards’ 147. Grazotis had a player-of-the-match performance, also picking up 3/37 from 16.4 overs on day one. Troy Griffin (40 from 34 balls) was again among the runs for the Saints while James Burns took 3/44 from 22 overs. WINCHELSEA defeated Newcomb to hold top spot going into the break. Ricci Sauni (4/37) helped dismiss the Bulls for 127 and a 112-run second-wicket stand between Jarrod Groves (65) and Mark Simons (59) got Winch to 5/202 when play ended.

Drysdale paceman bowls his team to victory in a thriller By Justin Flynn Drysdale remained in touch with the BPCA top four with a thrilling two-wicket win against Anglesea. In a Saturday/Sunday fixture on December 13 and 14, Anglesea never really got going after being sent in. A 55-run stand between Sam Weight (41) and Ben Harcombe (38) had the Seas 2/68, but it was slow going. Blake Dobbin sent down 15 overs and took 3/13, including 10 maidens, and Hayden Eddy took 2/19 from 11 to have Anglesea all out for 129. After losing an early wicket, Jason Malcolm (21) and Ron Peillon (35) put on 51, but at 6/73, victory was still a long way off. Eddy made a valuable 35 and Drysdale was 7/117 when he departed. Soon after it was 8/124 when debutant Noah Innes was dismissed. Innes may have made a duck, but that doesn’t tell the story of the previous 23 deliveries he kept out to be there with Dobbin. With help from No 10 Josh Williams,

who survived 13 deliveries, Dobbin was able to carry the Hawks to victory with an unbeaten 29. Harcombe had a stand-out game, taking 3/44 from 19 overs. BARWON Heads went to the break unbeaten with a 64-run win against Barrabool. Also a Saturday/Sunday fixture, the Seagulls made 228 batting first with Matthew Bode (67), Lewy Hyland (63) and Max Melzer (45) the architects. Luke Clift’s off-spinners yielded 5/72 from 23 overs to keep the total down from what it could have been. On day two, the Heads’ attack was at its miserly best. Sema Kamea grabbed the first three wickets in a fiery opening spell while Darcy Hewitt (1/35 from 21 overs) was a willing ally at the other end. Left-arm spinner Sam Schaller’s first 59 deliveries did not yield a single run and he would eventually take 3/24 from 18.4 overs while young leggie Angus Mackie snared 2/18 from 11. Archer Jaques (48) offered resistance in

Sema Kamea did the early damage with the ball for Barwon Heads against Barrabool. (Justin Flynn) 519537_22

the middle order for the Bulls, but they never looked like hauling in the total, being all out for 164. LOCHIE Philp made a stunning 160 for Queenscliff in a final total of 8/279 against

Armstrong Creek. Philp’s 220-ball stay at the crease contained 21 boundaries and a six. Titans skipper Daniel Maclean sent down 32 overs and took 5/101 with day two to be played on Saturday 20 December. JORDY Graham did it again, bowling an even longer spell and taking one more wicket than last round’s 7/47 from 27.4 overs. The left-arm wicket machine took 8/80 from 37.5 overs against Inverleigh and played a key role in having the Kookaburras all out for 144. David Peel (48) top scored, but Graham’s superb line and length proved difficult to negotiate. The game resumes on Saturday 20 December. ARMSTRONG Creek made a mammoth 3/479 that contained some hefty partnerships against Barrabool in C Grade. Captain Cameron McPherson and Abid Latif (68) put on 121 for the opening stand, but a 291-run stand for the second wicket took complete control of the game. McPherson’s 181 came from as many deliveries and contained 21 boundaries while Nic Johnson made 160 from 114 balls with 24 fours and a six.

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28 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 19 December, 2025